Character Creation

Oop, I did point buy. I'll swap it to array Current lower ranking paladin, sent to assist the town more as a political showing, than meant to be actual help. Perhaps Fenhari is a hired guide?

Sure, the city will cover 6 days of guided travel at 5gp per day. This means they will pay Fenhari 30gp up front. They'll also provide a horse for the paladin.

Digging the dynamics so far- so our Paladin is kind of a face, without much interest in local law? Our ranger has been hired on as a local guide. I guess my character would be into the justice aspect of it all... you know wanting to do good after months of paperwork (although he's not a hero type at all). And the halfling rogue? I love the idea. Do we know her nature or is that something we'll find out during play (lol- if ever). Can't wait to start playing.

Here is her background and her personality/ideals/bonds/flaws.

Basically, she ruined someone, feels guilty about it, and is trying to do good acts to make amends. Despite all of that, she is still herself. She lies, cheats, and steals, but has a deep core of goodness somewhere down in there.

So, she would probably lie about herself for a bit. But, you will get slivers of truth laced with strands of lies and untruths.

I did point buy. I hope that's OK. I'm done except for some shopping.

Things the PCs would learn about him or notice after traveling a few days (copied from his character sheet):

Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 185 lbs

Languages:
* Common
* Trenash, the language of the home country of a community of traders and fur trappers who live inside Bent Fork.
* Xchiqua, the indigenous language of a nomad tribe who follow big game seasonally.

Trait: Reputations are earned by actions not words.
Trait: Uncomfortable in cities and large towns.
Ideal: The natural beauty and simplicity of the desert is unsurpassed.
Bond: The safety of the group (people and animals) is my responsibility.
Flaw: Doesn't trust easily. Trust lost is never regained. Harm done is repaid in equal measure.

Physical Description: Human male. Long black hair, full beard, brown eyes, large ears. Tattoo of desert lion on left bicep.

Background: Fenhari is from a small village outside of Bent Fork. His parents passed away a few years ago. He is the second of three children, and his older brother and younger sister are living out of the area. He trades regularly with the merchants and other hunters in the city, although he spends as little time there as possible. Fenhari is not a loner but prefers small groups.

He does not have strong ties to anyone in Bent Fork, but the kidnapped child's aunt and uncle saved Fenhari's life in the past. He is helping out of gratitude for their kind action.

Rook Alderghast: 5'10 human 180 lbs. Brown hair, brown beard with the beginnings of grey sneaking in there, green eyes. Rook tries to do the right thing but has no lofty ideals about honor. He's more of a practical person. He is brave but not dumb, and has zero problem cutting and running in the face of superior odds- but he would never leave a companion behind unless the situation were hopeless. He can come off as a bit gruff or stern at first but he quickly softens once you get to know him a bit. He has a soft spot for children/orphans- as he and his sister were orphaned at a young age. His experience of being a City Watchman as well as his experience growing up would make him want to help save the kidnapped kid.

Xur'Tual comes from a dormant line of sorcerers lost to history. They were seen as trouble makers and ill omens, so he does his best to hide this fact. When he started to develop powers, he chose to join the paladin order to hide them as gifts from a benevolent god. He keeps his head down and tries not to draw attention to himself. Taking the kidnapping case to get away from the city was perfect for him, even if there's no real faith that anything will come of the investigation.

So, we have two paladins, a rogue, and a ranger in the party so far. Cool.

@TrustyJustin, what clue(s) led to the small town of Brothers? Also, before the party left Bent Fork, Fenhari would have questions for the parents of the kidnapped child. Should I ask them here or wait until the game thread starts?

One paladin, one fighter, a ranger and a rogue.

A rider returning from Brothers spotted a hooded figure on a black horse travelling the road with a small child. That horse had a white diamond in the middle of her forehead.

The child and figure both wore scarves that covered most of their heads and faces, they did not exchange words but the man seemed friendly enough and gave a wave as they passed.. The rider didn't think much of the face wraps at the time as this is normal protection against wind and sand. Upon return to the city, news of the kidnapping seemed far too coincidental not to report.

You may ask any questions you have for the family here.

I also have a question for the group, how did the halfling end up in this adventure party? Why has the party agreed to travel with what they think is a child?

That is a good question... Maybe in Bent Fork Rook has thrown a copper or two Sophia's way? Helped her out of a scrape? Or had her run an errand for the Watch? I wouldn't say he'd be comfortable with her tagging along if he thought she was a mere child so either he has sussed out something is up with her (all is not as it seems) OR she follows the group at a distance and reveals herself when it is too late to turn back...? These are just suggestions though, I'm sure we can think of something.

Perhaps someone in the party thinks that Sophia might also be a target for kidnappers and doesn't want to leave her in Bent Fork?

Fenhari's questions for the parents:
1. Do you have any enemies?
2. Do you belong to a group that has enemies?
3. Do you know anyone in Brothers?
4. Is there something unusual about your child?
5. Is your child a boy or girl?
6. What is your child's name?

TrustyJustin, can one or more party members make a skill check regarding the white diamond symbol on the horse's forehead?

Sounds good to me!

Lol. That’d have to be some spectacular bs for an adult to bring a kid out on a dangerous mission.

Well, she has expertise in deception, so she should be the BS queen *lol*.

Gonna need some insight rolls for this level of shenanigans. The best way I think would be maybe following the group and getting found out when it was too late to turn them away.

Oooh! A stowaway! I liked that thought!

Answers to your interview with the family. The mother is essentially inconsolable and her emotions are a blend of anger and sadness. She seems to be taking a lot of her anger out on her husband and is quick to temper. The father just seems sad and beaten at this point. He had taken the child to the weekly town market, turned around to buy some fruit from a produce vendor and when he turned back around, the child was gone from his stroller. The boy, Osmund, is very young, he has curly hair, understands language, but is just beginning to speak. The father claims to have no enemies, but the mother interupts claiming that he fights with everyone including the neighbors, his employer and his family. He works for the city and other than the city union of government employees, he belongs to no groups that would attract enemies. As far as he knows, very few people actually live in Brothers and the only people who travel through are hunters, merchants or people planning to take a long journey across the dessert to whatever country lies beyond.

And when you ask the rider about the diamond on the horse's forehead, it is merely a marking of white fur in the shape of a diamond on an all black horse.

Can we ask the parents for one of Osmond's toys, or a treasured belonging he would recognize to get him to trust us?