Spitz and Elves....

 First of all, I am ecstatic because I can now blog from school. This gives me ample time and opportunity to update stuff.

Last night was our third? fourth session of our new campaign. I've got a good grip on Balin's personality now and I'm starting to get into the role more. He's not necessarily part of the "group" as he hooked up with them during an attack by infected non-dead in the village of Homily. His band of dwarves were all killed, so he joined the adventuring group as a way out. He'll decide later if he wants to stick it out with them. In the meantime he's got to deal with them. Two in particular, Spitz the sleazy mage, and Ceric, the fancy boy elf ranger thief. Neither of which he's too fond of.

As long as he's going to remain with the "Talons" ( a name decided on last night......not sure if I like it) Balin has decided that he is going to make the best of it and turn a profit. He definitely doesn't want to become infected by the nasty virus that seems to be everywhere. So he'll hang back, help if needed, but isn't rushing into danger to save anyone...especially the monk who seems to want to volunteer Balin for every combat encounter. Nuh uh. While the party was clearing the hospital last night, Balin noticed the elf wandering off and checking doors. Shady. So Balin followed. They didn't find much, but afterwards the elf caught Spitz pocketing some baubles that he had found in another room. Balin sat back and watched. Ceric, approached Spitz, made a bungled attempt at pickpocketing, and tried to look innocent. Spitz, all of the sudden aware, quick drew his wand and shouted YELLZAP! Firing off a few magic missiles at Ceric. Balin chuckled, this was good. The wizard was so weak.... The two argued while the rest of the party started to notice. The Paladin goody two-shoes, tried to calm their nerves and stop the in-fighting. The two made amends while everyone talked it over.

While the party was dealing with the elf, and listening to his excuse that he was trying to set things right by stealing the stolen items back, Balin wandered over to Spitz, who was checking his robes to see if anything else was missing. Balin rammed his razor sharp axe blade in between Spitz's legs and said in a very low voice, "Listen you sleazy sewer rat, from now on keep your filching to a minimum......". The rest of what was said remains between Balin and Spitz.

Later, when the town guard came to see what the commotion was about. Balin made sure to point an accusing finger at Ceric, who was obviously stealing from his own party members. Can't trust an elf....

Balin Gemseeker

Meet Gemseeker, Balin Gemseeker, my new character for our next campaign. He is actually my second character. My first, Fjori Ulfsson, died in the very first outing because of a zombie like infection. Balin was rolled up on the fly and given a valid reason for being in the area. Now he's 4th level.......and safe? Safe enough for me to paint a mini for him I guess.

Balin is sort of a loner. Well, maybe more lost in his own cause really. He is a bit obsessive. Proficiencies in 2nd ed are new to me so I spent a lot of time deciding what he was going to "be". I decided to go the fluff route instead of min/maxing him. He is skilled in gem cutting, appraising, mining, mountaineering, and endurance I think. He is a rock hound.....

His weapon skills went the same way. Instead of going for the most damage and quickest initiative, I decided to focus him in a certain area.....the axe. His main weapon is a battle axe, which he specialized in. He is also skilled in the chopping/crushing weapons like hammers and maces. To help him out at range, instead of a crossbow or bow, I gave him another specialization in throwing axes. He carries two. He'll throw them first if he can, then charge in with the battle axe.

Balin's obsession with rocks and gems might lead him to trouble. He is a follower of Dumathoin, Keeper of Secrets Under the Mountain. Dumathoin is a good diety, one who hides treasures for dwarves to find. But, his brother, Abbathor is the dwarven god of greed. These two are connected in Balin's mind, and his sentimentality leads him to believe that the two will one day reunite. Towards this end, Balin secretly keeps a dagger hidden away, which is a symbol of Abbathor. He is constantly looking for precious gems to add to the dagger, in the hopes that one day it will become a valuable offering to the Gods. It will be interesting to see if Abbathor's greed gets the best of Balin...