Jarlwolf Minor (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:45:32 AM
Cadmar recalls that goblins are quite rare so close to society and civilization. Those who you hear about are passing through, often raiding as they go (if they are brave enough).
You all walk south along the road to the hamlet. You pass farmlands and wooded tracts. The traffic is mostly farmers and everyday folks.
The hamlet of Jarlwolf Minor consists of a blacksmith shop, a cooper, and a mercantile. There are a few houses of more prosperous farmers. Most farmers live more humbly on thier land.
You are standing in the center of town. A few villagers, men and women, look at you curiously. A bunch of girls playing stop when they see you and giggle.
What do yo do next?
Thram Thursday January 30th, 2003 9:27:01 AM
Thram walks into the mercantile store and asks the proprietor, "Excuse me, we heard that a woman here named Hmary has lost her husband, so we came to help find him. Would you please tell us where she lives? Unless of course, her husband has been found, then you could just give the happy couple our greetings, and we'll be on our way." Thram awaits an answer sincerely hoping that the man has already returned.
Lorth Thursday January 30th, 2003 10:19:40 AM
Lorth politely refuses the wand Garrard offers, "You keep it friend. As for the ring, my chain mail armor suits me fine, give it to one of the unarmored."
After walking to the hamlet, Lorth follows Thram into the store, and waits for the proprieters answer.
Garrard Thursday January 30th, 2003 1:27:19 PM
Garrard thanks Andrath and wraps the gold within a tattered swath of chainmail before placing it in one of his belt pouches. He then adds the sheathed wand to his belt, and shoulders his backpack in preparation for the journey.
"Anyone else want to make use of the eyes, as Andrath suggests?"
Even as he finishes his preparation, he begins to smile along with the friendly banter amongst the group.
"My father had a piece of advice for me when I first went out into the world. He said that the action done quietly has an advantage, but to always remember to bribe the town bard before leaving for the journey," he says with a chuckle. "I'd agree with the waiting for a name to be offered up, but I can't help but pray the storytellers are gentle."
Kedarn Thursday January 30th, 2003 2:39:17 PM
Kedarn thanks Garrard for the wand as he fises it on to his belt. "As for the ring, Elerinn I think you would be best to use it for now."
"Let us see what the people start to call us before we take a name" comments Kedarn.
Elerinn Thursday January 30th, 2003 2:43:18 PM
Elerinn whispers something to the raven on his shoulder, and the bird responds. Elerinn immediatly seems to remember something, and says: "Oh, I'm sorry, I still carry all of the potions and the ring. If everyone agrees with me wearing the ring, I would be glad to. I could also use one of the potions, for I don't have any means of healing myself. Andrath, I think you mentioned that you would like to have one of them."
He pauses to look at the others and continues: "Or the other one as well, but I guess there are others who could use a healing potion. Perhaps you, Wynn?"
Then Elerinn smiles and says: "I don't know how to call ourselves, my friends, I guess we'll have to earn a name. Let's make it an honorfull one. Some of you might recall the story of the adventurers who were snorring in the local inn while the town was being plundered by a giant. When I tell you there were six of them, I think you all know how the bards immortalized them in their songs."
After arriving in the hamlet, Elerinn follows Thram inside the store.
Andrath Thursday January 30th, 2003 6:38:56 PM
Andrath takes one of the healing potions from Elerinn [OOC: I presume it is one of the 1d8+5 cure light wounds?]
When they get to the village, he waits outside the shop, while Thram and Elerinn make their inquiries inside. He makes fierce faces at the giggling girls, and then smiles at them.
Wynn Brightsong Thursday January 30th, 2003 8:36:37 PM
Wynn catches up to Brontinas along the road to Jarlwolf Minor and speaks to him in elven "Thank you noble cousin for your warm welcome and kind sentiments, I am sure my friend has indeed found peace, how else would I find myself so free to enjoy this fine company".
Wynn stays near the center of the company as it makes it's way to the hamlet. He fishes a harmonica out from under his cloak and plays a lighthearted tune as they walk.
On arriving in the hamlet Wynn accepts Elerinn's offer of a potion "Thank you friend...I had little time to properly prepare myself for the excursion".
Wynn leans up against the doorjamb just outside the mercantile store and observes the antics of Andrath with wry amusement. He looks for Cadmar, hoping to recount what he has remembered about the green coven along the journey.
If the girls in the street look at him, he will meet their gaze with a smile and a wink.
Cadmar d20+2=20 Friday January 31st, 2003 7:51:27 AM
Cadmar explains: "We run into some henchmen of the Green Coven just yesterday. Fortunately we didn't have to resort to violence, but the whole thing made me bring up the topic of the Green Coven on our first meeting."
Cadmar walks up to the girls, introduces himself as Cadmar, a huntsman from Jarlswolf, and politely inquires about the forests surrounding the hamlet, trying to gently steer the conversation to the topic of Hmary and goblins [Gather Info 20].
Talking with Townsfolk (DM Cayzle) Friday January 31st, 2003 1:03:07 PM
Thram, Lorth, and Elerinn enter the mercantile. The clerk there says, in a distinctive Hmanish accent, "Oh, poor Hmary. I'd like to help her out. Just walk a half a hmile down on the south track. It's the hrun-down place. You can't hmiss it. Tell Hmary to come by for a bit of tea."
Outside, Garrard, Kedarn, and Brontinas await the others. They watch as Andrath, Wynn, and Cadmar talk with the girls. Well, Cadmar does, anyway. The girls giggle uncontrollably, but manage some "Hi"s. At the mention of Hmary, they get more serious. "It was goblins that took Pehter," one says. Then they all run off, making excuses about work to be done.
Brontinas Friday January 31st, 2003 2:19:21 PM
Brontinas smiles at the antics of girls. Humans were so odd at times. He stands there awaiting word for where they are to go.
"Let us help this women first, there will be time to play with the townfolk later."
Garrard Friday January 31st, 2003 4:55:59 PM
Garrard hangs towards the back of the group during the conversation with the townspeople, although it seems the source of his discomfort might be the young girls instead. He stands quiet and awkward, stroking one of his hawk's wings until the group gets underway again.
Kedarn Friday January 31st, 2003 5:37:29 PM
Kedarn looks at Garrard while walking over to him and asks "is something troubling you my friend?" Kedarn watches for the return of the others while standing with Garrard.
Wynn Brightsong Friday January 31st, 2003 7:24:37 PM
Wynn watches the girls leave and turns to Cadmar..."I must have been in another place earlier, for I do have memory of the green coven of Witchspawn. In fact I have even been told that they were in league with the giant during the hard years and I would be wary of them my friend".
Wynn looks to Andrath..."Lle desiel mellonamin?" and then speaks to the group..." Let us hurry, this Pehter may be in more danger than we know".
Wynn begins to walk towards the path leading south of the town. (OOC I presume Wynn could hear the converstaion with the shopkeeper as he stood against the door).
Andrath Friday January 31st, 2003 11:05:33 PM
Andrath leads the way south along the track, keeping his eyes open. When the get to the run-down place, he waits on the road, letting one of the other, more charismatic, party members approach the lady.
Cadmar Saturday February 1st, 2003 1:29:54 PM
Cadmar follows the rest of the party to the house of Hmary. "Let us watch our words when we speak to her. It would be cruel to build too much hope in her, just to have it dashed when we return without Pehter. It has been some time since he disappeared."
"Anyway, I wonder why the people here think it was goblins who took him? I hope Hmary will explain."
Elerinn Sunday February 2nd, 2003 4:19:17 PM
Elerinn thanks the man for his answers, and leaves the store. Quietly, he follows the others, thinking about what could have happened to the man. He decides that there is no time to lose.
Lorth Monday February 3rd, 2003 7:20:06 AM
Lorth follows along eager to get to Hmary's home.
At Hmary's Farm (DM Cayzle) Monday February 3rd, 2003 8:15:21 AM
Following the merchant's directions, the group walks south and finds what must be the farm in question. This farm has seen better days -- at least, it can't have seen worse! The crops are almost dead and poorly tended. A couple scrawny chickens and pigs run loose. The house looks disheveled and in need of a whitewash.
Three dirty children, all under age ten, are playing in the weeds outside the house. As you walk up, the two older ones run toward the house, screaming in a hmana accent, "Hmamma, Hmamma! Strangers!"
A farmer steps out of the house onto the porch and watches you approach. All three children run up to her. (The youngest has not quite mastered the art of running and falls down once.)
She wipes her hands on her stained apron and looks at you blankly, her mouth slightly ajar.
[OOC: I'm moving from my old apartment to my new house this week, and the cable modem moves today. Supposedly the cable guy is coming this afternoon, so I'll be online again likety split -- but if I fall silent, that's why. At the worst, I'll post again on Thursday from work. Cayzle]
Cadmar Monday February 3rd, 2003 9:47:51 AM
Cadmar rises his hand in greeting. "Good day! We come from Jarlswolf. We have heard about your plight, and would like to help if we are able."
Thram Monday February 3rd, 2003 11:43:53 AM
Thram smiles warmly at Hmary and the children, but lets Cadmar do the talking.
Lorth Monday February 3rd, 2003 11:52:52 AM
Lorth grins at the children as he waits for Hmary to speak to Cadmar.
Garrard Monday February 3rd, 2003 1:29:56 PM
On the way out of town, and up the path to the farm, Garrard walks besides Kedarn, speaking as he goes.
"The little ones remind me of my own daughter, who I have not seen in some months. I know she is safe, but still makes me eager to find out what is going on in the region. You see, I was sent out from the groves up in the hills after several divinations returned unfortunate omens, without specifics."
Garrard walks silent for a moment, and then finishes, saying, "This is part of my reason for accepting the companionship of this group, and for being willing to undertake tasks."
As the group comes to the farm, Garrard looks appraisingly over the groups and animals, taking care to keep his hawk calm and quiet.
Elerinn Monday February 3rd, 2003 2:24:43 PM
As Garrard speaks to Kedarn, Elerinn listens curiously and immediatly after Garrard finishes speaking, he says: "A daughter? I guess this kind of life must be hard for you..."
He can't help but think of the wolves, but continues: "What's her name, my friend?"
Brontinas Monday February 3rd, 2003 6:45:53 PM
Brontinas frowns. Though the site of the children pleases him, he realizes the state in which they are living in must be horrid. Looking around the farm, he realizes how much more they need his money than he does.
Quietly, he reaches for his purse, and removes 10 gold. He slips these into his tunic and puts the rest of the bag on the porch, not overtly, but not secretly either.
He steps back and waits for Hmary to tell her story.
(OOC: Tht should be only 25 gold, leaving Bronti with 10.)
Kedarn Monday February 3rd, 2003 6:53:20 PM
Kedarn silently walks along listening to Garrard speek. When Garrard finishes Kedarn says "How old was she when you last saw her? I will say she will have grown some by the next time you see her. If we help each other I think that as a group we can overcome most anything and get you safely back to see you little girl." After a short pause Kedarn extends his hand in friendship to Garrard and adds "What say you my friend?"
Once the group arrives at the farm Kedarn listens closely to what Cadmar and Hmary say.
Wynn Brightsong d20+5=18 Monday February 3rd, 2003 7:56:00 PM
Wynn allows the group to catch up to him as he leaves the town, and watches as Andrath moves confidently ahead of the group to scout the way. Wynn walks several paces behind Garrard and Kedarn and wonders just what kind of men they are? "Garrard in particular has scarcely uttered a word since we met" he thinks to himself, "yet Garrard seems in intimate conversation with the priest Kedarn...just what tragic past has cast shadow over this man's life"? he mutters to himself. He notices Kedarn offer his hand to Garrard and wonders what has passed between them.
As he nears the farmhouse, Wynn observes Cadmar approach the woman on the porch, her children hiding behind her tattered skirts. "What an imposing sight we must be to this poor woman, nine armoured adventurers, bristling with weapons" he thinks to himself.
He passes Brontinas on his way up the steps and whispers in elvish " Lle ume quel, mellonamin...[you did well my friend]".
He smiles disarmingly at Hmary (d20+5 = 18 diplomacy) and adds to Cadmar's introduction ..." My name is Wynn, and my friends and I are here to help find your husband. What can you tell us of Pehter's disappearance?"
Andrath d20+8=13 d20+9=25 Monday February 3rd, 2003 10:15:21 PM
Andrath walks ahead of the group on the road, and doesn't hear the discussion between the party members.
When they get to the lady's house, Andrath wanders around the front yard a bit, looking for anything out of the ordinary. [Spot 13, Search 25]
"It was Goblins!" (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 5th, 2003 10:05:53 AM
As you approach, especially Garrard and Andrath, you note that the animals in the yard are not starving so much as running wild. The fence around the yard is in disrepair. There are weeds in the garden. There is a sense of neglect. Except the smaller barn. Through its open door Andrath sees an anvil -- it must be a small smithy. It seems very well maintained.
The woman listens to Cadmar and smiles widely. "Thank you! Thank you! I hope you are good goblin fighters! It was goblins hwat did it! They've been prowling around! I can't even let the children out after sunset!"
She tells you that she thinks goblins took her Pehter. She says they are still around, in the woods south of her farm.
"Hmommy! Hmommy!" one girl shouts. The kids are clustered behind their mom. "That hman put a bag on our porch! Right there!" She points at Brontinas.
"Hush," says Hmary.
[OOC: sorry for the delay -- still moving house!]
Thram Wednesday February 5th, 2003 12:00:14 PM
"I know it must be hard, but any other details that you can think of could help us. For example, how long has he been gone? What time of day did he disappear? Where was he? Did they snatch him from right here at the farm?"
Garrard Wednesday February 5th, 2003 2:22:31 PM
Standing in the back with Elerinn and Kedarn, Garrard replies softly, "Her name is Taleitha, and I am comforted, not sadenned to know that she is well cared for while I make the world a better place for her,... and children like these. I do look forward when next I can see her and be a father, but it wasn't until I had a family that I began to understand what Duty truly is."
Garrard pauses respectfully to hear Hmary's response, and the interactions with the more diplomatic in the group, before continuing, "May I ask if either of you have family?"
Elerinn Wednesday February 5th, 2003 2:33:48 PM
Elerinn smiles as Garrard tells about his daughter Taleitha, but after curiously listening to Hmary's reply, his eyes turn dark when Garrard asks him about his family.
He looks up at Garrard and says in a soft, almost shy voice: "I...I...I don't like to talk about them, Garrard. Perhaps...perhaps, later."
Elerinn tries hard to supress the burning feeling behind his eyes and in his throat and indeed, no tears appear on his round face, which seems to have lost all enthousiasm and spirit.
Kedarn Wednesday February 5th, 2003 7:44:27 PM
Kedarn smiles as he softly repeats Garrard's daughters name and says to Garrad "a very beautiful name. No I have no family other than my parents whom I have not seen in a few years."
Kedarn smiles at the children and listens attentively to Hmary and the others.
Wynn Brightsong d20+2=6 Wednesday February 5th, 2003 10:42:01 PM
Wynn listens to Hmary's story. He nods his head in agreement with Thram's line of questioning, as he rolls a silver coin back and forth over his knuckles...a slight of hand for the childrens' amusement. He looks through the doorway over Hmary's shoulder for anything out of the ordinary (Spot, 1d20+2=6) but is distracted by the little girl's shouts over having discovered Brontinas' bag on the porch.
Andrath Wednesday February 5th, 2003 11:06:44 PM
Andrath listens to what the lady has to say, then quietly turns to Cadmar. "While the others are talking to the fine lady, what say you and I have a little look around? See if we can pick up any sign of these goblins. What do you think?"
If Cadmar agrees, Andrath moves off to the south, looking for goblin sign.
Brontinas d20+3=16 Thursday February 6th, 2003 12:41:40 AM
Brontinas sees that others are covering asking questions of Hmary. Instead, Brontinas will go down on one knee and see if he can catch one of the children's attention. He will hopefully be looking for the one who looks the most mischevous.
"Little one, you go out to the woods often don't you. Don't worry, I won't tell your mother. But please, little one, tell me, what have you seen out in the woods. You look like such a small adventurer, I would guess you even know where the goblin's lair is. Do you?"
(Diplomacy roll of 16, if needed.)
Lorth Thursday February 6th, 2003 7:49:01 AM
Lorth listens as best he can to everyone's conversations. He stands silent and looks sure of himself.
A Visit With Hmary (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 6th, 2003 9:02:42 AM
"Oh, hmy! Hwat a lot of questions," Hmary says. "But hwere are hmy hmanners! Please come in and sit down!"
She leads Thram, Garrard, Elerinn, Kedarn, and Lorth into her house -- it seems to ba one common room and one bedroom. If anything, it is even more disheveled than the outside yard. Clothing is strewn all over. There are pots (many well-made pots) on the chairs. A chicken is pecking in one corner. The remnants of several meals are on the table. A small cabinet has fallen over.
Hmary moves pots from chairs to the floor, And asks you to sit down -- but two of you have to stand or sit on the floor, since there are not enough chairs. Hmary sits and looks at you, and her silence grows a little uncomfortable, until you remind her of the questions. Then she answers, "Oh, yes! Those questions! Wow!"
"Well, hmy Pehter went hmissing about a month ago. They came and took him when I was sleeping! I woke up and he was gone! Gone!" She starts sniffling but keeps talking.
"What time? Oh, I was sleeping, so it hmust have been hnight-time, right? Or early hmorning. Sometimes I take a nap in the daytime! I get tired. Then Pehter comes in and yells at me because dinner isn't ready! That hmakes hme laugh and laugh. Like that time that hminstrel passed through -- remember that? I laughed and laughed at that hman!"
It seems odd to hear this story and watch tears run down her cheeks.
Then she falls silent and stops talking. Thram prompts her, asking about where he was.
"He was right here in bed when we went to sleep! I know he was because he said,'Good Night, Duhm-Duhm!' That was his pet name for hme. I don't know why, because I'm not a pet! I'm a person! Then in the morning he was gone! They came and took him away!"
While Thram, Garrard, Elerinn, Kedarn, and Lorth are visiting with Hmary, Wynn and Brontinas are playing with the children. There is a girl, judging by her hair and dress, and two smaller ones, clothed in rags, whose gender is not as clear. They all watch Wynn, entranced, and the youngest, really a toddler, tries to grab the coin.
"Wow! Is that hmagic?" the girl asks. I'm Hmary and I'm eight years old." She has lively eyes that look all over. "Stop that, Sharles!" she says to the toddler.
The middle child says "I'm Tod and I'm six years old!" He holds up four fingers as he says this.
Brontinas talks with them, and Hmary volunteers -- I saw the goblins! They were in the woods over there." She points south. "They ran away when they saw hme. They were eating raw hmeat! Bleck! We cook hmeat in daddy's pots! Why would they eat bloody hmeat like that, hmister?"
Meanwhile, Andrath waits for Cadmar's reply before heading out scouting.
Thram Thursday February 6th, 2003 11:25:25 AM
As they go in to speak with Hmary, Thram sits on the floor as if it were the most natural place in the world to sit. He quietly listens to her answers, but all the while is mind is thinking. The lack of order and general uncleanliness displeases Thram greatly, but he attempts to show no sign of discomfort. As he looks around, he thinks about the conditions. He understands poverty, tough times, and lack of material things, but he fails to comprehend the lack of discipline associated with such squalor. Eyeing the three small children and thinking about all the work that has to be done on a farm, he thinks that maybe he has an idea of how it could happen, but surely the woman has some friends who would help with such things. Listening to the tale about Pheter, he has some doubts about the man too. He surely never treated Hmary the right way. Perhaps he's learned a good lesson.
Cadmar d20+5=10 Thursday February 6th, 2003 2:28:51 PM
Turning to Andrath, Cadmar nods. "Good. Let's go. You seem to be better at tracking, so you look, and I'll help. Its been a month; we need to make a very thorough search if we hope to find anything."
Cadmar lets Andrath decide the range and pattern of the search. Following his tracks, he holds the branches up for him and looks for any tracks he might have missed.
[OOC help other action - Cadmar takes ten on Wild. Lore checks: 15 beating DC10. Andrath gets +2 to his checks. Maybe we should take twenty on that check, Andrath?]
At what time do you usually post, Cayzle?
==========
[OOC: I believe you cannot take ten on aid other actions. I rolled above for you, and you got a ten, though, so you are fine. Usually, my goal is to post in the morning, either when I get up or soon after I get to work -- anywhere from 6 am to 11 am eastern time (New York City). But with my crazy life recently, I have been more erratic. Sorry! -- Cayzle]
Elerinn Thursday February 6th, 2003 5:57:06 PM
Elerinn observes the house somewhat while the woman tells her story, and notices the absolute poverty this family is living in. He tries to avoid thinking of his father, and now succeeds, letting his mind drift to other thoughts. Really, fate can be so cruel sometimes. And to think some people actually think it's your own fault, being poor...
Elerinn hopes that the others finish their questions soon, for this place gives him a strange feeling.
Andrath d20+8=21 d20+9=24 Thursday February 6th, 2003 6:15:18 PM
"Cadmar, I am just going to be looking around, you should check for tracks." [OOC: While Andrath has a good spot skill check, he does not have any wilderness lore, or the tracking feat. That is why he asked Cadmar to come along for the look-see.]
He overhears what the lady is saying, and whispers to Cadmar, "Does something seem out of place to you here? The lady acts very silly; her husband calls her Dum-Dum; the place is very messy; the goblins snatched the husband at night, and no-one woke up. She is acting like she is under the influence of a feeblemind spell, or maybe she just naturally isn't very smart. Let's have a good look back here, and if nothing shows up, then lets take a closer look at what she and the children are saying." [OOC: Spot 21, Search 24]
Kedarn Thursday February 6th, 2003 7:12:14 PM
Kedarn kneels on the floor over by Hmary and tries to give her some comforting thoughts so that she can relate to us everything she knows and not breakdown in tears wiith grief.
Kedarn asks Hmary "has there been an increase of goblin sightings lately? If so, when did they start and where were they spotted?"
Brontinas Thursday February 6th, 2003 8:16:27 PM
Brontinas stays down talking with the children. He thinks of why goblins do the things they do, but cannot come up with a good answer.
"I don't know why they eat raw meat, or why they took your father. But I'll try my hardest to get them back Hmary."
Wynn Brightsong Thursday February 6th, 2003 10:50:06 PM
Wynn closes and opens his hand. The silver coin disappears from view. He then reaches behind Sharles' ear, and draws out a silver coin! He presses the coin in Sharles' grubby hand.
Wynn offers his hand to little Hmary, and asks if she will lead Brontinas and he to the spot where she saw the goblins. He looks at Tod, and offers his other hand..."and what about you little man?"
Garrard Friday February 7th, 2003 4:30:14 AM
Garrard gazes at Elerinn sympathetically before following the others inside, and then stands quietly listening at the back of the group. He's clearly not comfortable, but his facial expression also suggests concern.
Lorth Friday February 7th, 2003 7:12:22 AM
Lorth has some doubts about this man they are looking to rescue, perhaps he just left her, he wonders. She certainly can't keep a house. Lorth straightens himself and wonders aloud, "Who made you all these fine pots?"
Hmom and Kids (DM Cayzle) Friday February 7th, 2003 12:52:59 PM
Brontinas, Wynn, Cadmar, and Andrath speak with (or just listen to) the kids. Brontinas reassures them. Wunn entertains them. They are glad to lead you to where they saw the goblins. It's at the edge of their fields, about a ten minute walk away. Right nearby the house, they never saw any goblins (and Andrath and Cadmar see no signs of any). "Shhhh!" Hmary (the younger) says, "They are very shy!" Do you go with the children to the southern fields?
Kedarn, Lorth, Thram, Elerinn, and Garrard listen to Hmary (the elder) and her rambling tale.
Kedarn asks Hmary about goblin sightings. "Well," she answers, after a moment's thought, "the children saw them in the south fields. Hmaybe starting a hmonth ago. But only at sunset, so hnow I don't let them out. They haven't seen any goblins since I hmade them stay at home at dusk."
Lorth asks who made pots. "Why, it was hmy darling Pehter!" Hmary says proudly. "He is very talented! And he loves to smith hmore than anything. He loves his smithy so hmuch, sometimes he sleeps there!"
[OOC: Sorry, still not on schedule! I had to shovel out my new driveway this morning, and then the backlog at work was killer!]
Thram Friday February 7th, 2003 3:06:55 PM
Thram looks around at his fellows, "Any more questions? Perhaps we should start looking before it gets dark."
Kedarn Friday February 7th, 2003 3:43:39 PM
Kedarn looks at the others, "I don't have anymore. Lets go tell the others what we have found out and start looking around by the south fields."
After a few moments Kedarn looks to Hmary, "thank you for the information. We will start looking for Pehter."
Garrard Friday February 7th, 2003 4:00:49 PM
Garrard asks Hmary, "Until Pehter is found, do you have any family nearby you and the children might be able to stay with? Also, might I ask where Pehter's smithy is?"
Wynn Brightsong Friday February 7th, 2003 9:40:41 PM
Wynn turns to Andrath and Cadmar and fills them in on the childrens' story. "Amin dele ten Pehter...(I am worried about Pehter)" he says softly to his companions in elvish to avoid worrying the children.
Wynn looks to the sky to judge the remaining daylight and wonders how much time is left before dusk. He is concerned about the safety of the children but is anxious to find signs of the goblins, Pehter or both.
Wynn unconciously checks his belt to make sure his sling is still looped around it. The weight of his longsword against his leg comforts him.
Andrath Saturday February 8th, 2003 12:02:43 AM
Andrath follows the children to the edge of the south field, asking Cadmar along to check for tracks. As they are leaving, he turns back to the four members of the party that are talking to the lady of the house, and says, "Why don't you four have a close look around here, and make sure you check in all the buildings, while us four follow the children to see where they spotted the goblins? We can call for each other if we need any help." Then he turns to follow the kids.
Brontinas Saturday February 8th, 2003 1:37:35 AM
Brontinas follows the children to the part where they say the goblins were. He chats pleasantly with the children, but is keeping a keen eye for any signs of goblins, tracks, smell, refuse. Brontinas additionally tries to get an idea of Pehter, what he looks like, things of that nature so that they might recognize him, or his body, amongst other things.
Once he is at the place where they say the goblins are, he will begin a full search of the area for tracks and other signs of passage. He will be mainly searching for goblins and any tracks of adult size human males, as well as keeping an eye out for anything else out of place.
Cadmar Saturday February 8th, 2003 2:44:14 PM
Cadmar whispers back to Andrath: "Do you have to ask? I bet the thought that Pehter just got up one day and decided to start the life anew has already crossed your mind. Even if he was fond of the smithy, as she claims. But let's not judge him before we learn what happened to him. Maybe he really got into some trouble. But I doubt there are any real goblins involved."
When Wynn voices his concern, Cadmar replies: "Autanie'n i asta. Amin dele Pehter na imbe coi ar gurth." (A month has passed. I'm afraid Pehter is between life and death).
While walking to the spot of goblin sightings, Cadmar asks the kids to describe the goblins, describe Pehter, and asks them if he ever disappeared like this before or said anything about goblins. Or said anything unusual, for that matter.
Once on the spot, Cadmar does a thorough search of the area, but it can be seen on his face that he does not hope to find much.
[Once on the spot, Cadmar will start looking for tracks, taking twenty on the checks: 25. He will move in an unwinding spiral, until he finds something interesting or it's an hour before dusk.]
Elerinn Sunday February 9th, 2003 2:27:59 PM
Elerinn remains silent after Hmary has finished her story and only nods in agreement as the others suggest to start looking for Hmary's man.
Lorth Monday February 10th, 2003 7:11:39 AM
Lorth checks the buildings looking for the smithy. When he finds it, he looks for anything that would give a indication of Pheter's whereabouts. Since Pheter loved his smithing so much, he checks to see if all of Pheter's tools are still at the forge. He wonders if it looks like someone just disappeared, or if someone packed up and left.
A Snare! (DM Cayzle) Monday February 10th, 2003 10:14:14 AM
Garrard asks Hmary where the smithy is, and she tells him that it is the building in the front yard with the anvil right in the front door. Garrard also asks about other friends or family that Hmary and the kids could stay with. Hmary replies indignantly, "I can take care of hmyself and hmy kids! I don't hneed help from hmy hmean family! Let them see that I can do it!"
Lorth leads the group to take a look in the smithy. It seems well-maintained -- much more so than the rest of the farm, and it seems more elaborate than a simple farm would require. Most of the smith is intact, but it looks like a few select tools are missing.
Then the group follows the kids to the South Field. The children's description of the goblins is dead on: orange skin, short like Elerinn, pointed teeth, carrying spears and dressed in rags.
At the South Field, the group begins to search. After a while, there is indeed sign of small-footed folk wandering through recently. Cadmar declares that these prints are not the children's but those of a small humanoid. Maybe more than one. The most telling is a snare, as yet unsprung, set as if for a rabbit or small game. It looks like the snare was set last night.
Lorth Monday February 10th, 2003 1:23:18 PM
As soon as Lorth is sure Hmary cannot overhear, he says quietly his companions who are near the smithy, "Looks like something else is amiss besides goblins, such a well maintained smithy? Looks like one that could produce alot more than farm implements. And lo and behold some of the tools, are missing..." he pauses "Perhaps Pheter used the goblins as a excuse to cover up his leaving, but that still leaves the question of why this elaborate smithy on a farm?"
Garrard Monday February 10th, 2003 1:52:52 PM
Once away from the farm building, and Hmary's family, Garrard agrees with Lorth.
"I think it may be good to investigate if Pehter is arming the goblins."
Thram Monday February 10th, 2003 5:02:12 PM
Once the snare is pointed out to him, Thram suggests quietly to the others, "Perhaps we should leave sight of the house, and return to this spot. We could secret ourselves about, wait for night to fall, and see who comes to check on this snare."
Elerinn Monday February 10th, 2003 5:45:05 PM
Elerinn nods as Lorth and Garrard report their investigation the smithy somewhat suspicious and adds: "Indeed, it's really strange, a man with this kind of house shouldn't have such a smithy..."
He pauses for a moment and says: "Let's go and find out where the kids brought the others."
Kedarn Monday February 10th, 2003 7:25:32 PM
Kedarn nods in agreement with Elerinn about finding out where the others are.
Kedarn looks about to see where the kids went with the others.
Wynn Brightsong d20+2=17 Monday February 10th, 2003 9:29:09 PM
Wynn asks Cadmar if he can tell from which direction the goblin came to set the snare.
Wynn begins to scan his surroundings for a place of concealment(spot=17), preferably one that would be downwind from the snare and it's approach as well as cutting-off any escape route that the goblin(s) (if that is indeed who/what set the snare) might have.
Wynn looks to Brontinas and Andrath..."I suggest we send the children back to the house, I would feel much better knowing they were out of harm's way".
Brontinas Monday February 10th, 2003 10:48:50 PM
Brontinas listens to his compatriots and nods to Wynn.
"Children, we have to tend to our business now, please, run along and see to your mother. Tonight may be a dangerous night, so stay in the house, and protect your mother good."
Sending the children on their way, he turns back to his friends.
"You mean, this man might have a nice smithy because he is outfitting Goblins? That sounds odd my friends... what man outfits Goblins afterall? I realize that Pehter sounds like no saint, but still..."
Andrath d20+9=23 Monday February 10th, 2003 11:30:04 PM
Andrath nods at Thram's suggestion. "I agree; let's set a trap for whatever comes to check this snare tonight. I figure those of us that have some hiding skill can wait close to the snare, and the rest can hide some distance away. Do any of you magical types have a sleep spell? It might come in handy, and save some unnecessary combat. Otherwise, we wait until whatever shows up, jump out and try to capture it. We can try to grapple it, or we can attack with the flat of our blades. Either way, once we have a captive, we can question it. And if nothing shows up tonight, we can always backtrack these tracks, and try to find wherever they come from. But then we might find a whole gang of goblins. Does anyone here speak goblin?"
While the party is deciding what to do, Andrath moves back to the residence, and carefully searches the barn and smithy, looking for any sign of what might have happened to the farmer. Then he asks Hmary's permission, and searches the house, assuming she gives him the OK. [OOC: Search skill roll of 23.]
Cadmar Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:07:02 AM
"Somehow I can't believe that Pehter would arm goblins voluntairly. Maybe he inherited the smithy from his father or something, hence the sophisticated equipment. But the goblins could kidnap him, or maybe simply blackmail him with the lives of his family into serving them. That I can believe all right."
"Do we really want to capture and interrogate a goblin? That will alert them that someone is after them. Does anyone speak goblin, anyway?"
"I think it would be much safer just to follow them to their hideout, have a look around, and THEN strike and take Pehter back, before they make him a hostage and force us to bargain for his life."
Cadmar rubs his nose.
"If we bought a pig in the farm and put it in the snare, we would have much better trail to follow. The goblins might be small and sneaky, but if they had to tug or drag a pig along, the trail would be plainly visible."
"Oh, and before we do anything, let me remove the tracks we left around the snare."
Cadmar carefully scans the area removing and concealing the tracks the party has left.
Laying in Wait (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 11th, 2003 12:26:21 PM
Andrath searches Hmary's house, since she says okay, but she is nervous about it. She says, under her breath, "Where's hmy privacy? This is hmy house. No one can take it away!" Andrath finds nothing of note.
The entire party gathers in the south field to talk over everything. Cadmar removes any signs the group has left. The kids are sent back to the house and told to stay there.
Then some of you hide close to the snare, watching. The others hide as best you can out of sight but close enough to hear a shout or sounds of battle.
Who is hiding near the snare? Who is farther out? Where are familiars and animal friends? Anyone near the snare must make a Hide check, please!
As twilight deepens, three goblins approach. If they are being armed by Pehter (or anyone else), they show no sign of it. They are clad in rags and bits of leather armor. They carry spears with metal tips, but old and used.
In your post, please offer your hide check result and two actions: (1) if you surprise the goblins, and (2) if there is no surprise.
Also please post if you cast any spells or make any other preparations before hand.
[OOC: Here, for example, my friends, you see me as DM taking control to move the plot along. I hope no one minds that I set up the ambush you had merely talked about. But we are on a schedule, and sometimes Web-based games bog down if the DM lets them. Cayzle]
Kedarn d20+5=15 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 12:38:53 PM
Kedarn looks to the others and takes a position farther out not near the snare. Kedarn watches the area to see what direction the goblins came from (spot 15 low-light/darkvision.) Kedarn will keep his bow readied in case of trouble.
Lorth Tuesday February 11th, 2003 2:26:19 PM
Lorth takes a hiding spot well away from the snare, as he is not skilled in sneaking or hiding.
Thram d20+5=21 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 3:07:10 PM
Thram hides up close to the trap ready to spring into action if need be. He hopes everyone will go along with the plan that he put forward before they went into hiding: to fight the goblins only if necessary and to otherwise follow them back to their lair. Of course tracking is an option if it comes to combat.
He imagines that keeping up with that pig will keep 3 goblins from noticing the group.
(hide 21, thram will pay for the pig)
Elerinn d20+5=24 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 5:51:29 PM
Elerinn joins up with Lorth, for despite his lenght, he isn't too good at sneaking, either. He does make some effort though, to make himself unseen. When the goblins approach, he quietly waits, for the Elerinn thinks Thram is right; following the creatures to their lair is the best option.
Elerinn keeps looking nervously around while waiting for the goblins to appear. Clearly, he isn't used to waiting.
If the goblins don't spot him or any of the others, Elerinn will follow them, behind the more stealthy. If one or more of the goblins spots them and attacks, he will cast a Magic Missile at the one nearest to him.
Hide: 24
Garrard Tuesday February 11th, 2003 6:37:54 PM
Garrard and his hawk hang back a bit, taking twenty if possible his hide check.
(hide roll, 10 or 20, up to you)
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=22 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 7:56:11 PM
Wynn conceals himself (Hide = 22)in the location he had previously scouted out and quietly awaits the appearance of the goblin(s). He is sure that his position will cut off any retreat by the goblin(s) if necessary and is close enought to the snare to allow for immediate action. Nevertheless, he is anxious and concerned. "What is the plan?" he wonders. "Are we to capture a goblin or simply observe one?"
Wynn decides that if surprise is gained he will await action from Brontinas whose quiet manner and self assuredness give him comfort. He is prepared to draw his sword and either threaten any goblins or attempt to physically subdue them as the situation arises.
If for some reason surprise is lost, he decides that he will cast Daze at the closest of any goblins that show up in order to give the other party members a chance to capture one.
Wynn keeps an eye on the location of Brontinas and Andrath in particular as they settle in to wait for the goblin(s). He will take his cue from them.
Andrath d20+9=24 Tuesday February 11th, 2003 8:54:51 PM
Andrath hides [OOC: Hide roll of 24] near the snare, so that he can watch how the goblins react when they come across the completely unbelievable scenario of a large dead domestic pig in caught in a tiny rabbit snare in the forest. He only wishes the party had take the time to consider what the rabbit snare actually looked like: a 6" circle of twine or thin wire suspended about 2" above the ground on a 8" wide rabbit trail. He knows that goblins are generally stupid; let's just hope they are stupid enough...
Against his better judgement, Andrath goes along with the idea that the party of 9, many dressed in metal armour and having very little ability to move silently and no night vision, would successfully follow the goblins all the way back to their hideout. That way, instead of talking to three goblins and finding out if they were involved, they could approach an entire encampment of goblins and hopefully find them in an agreeable mood, and willing to answer the party's inquiries. He certainly hoped that the human Cadmar would be able to follow the tracks after dark.
He watches with his longsword at the ready.
Cadmar Wednesday February 12th, 2003 3:39:42 AM
Cadmar waits away from the snare. "Since some of us have birds at their disposal, there is no need for us to actually be within the visual range of the goblins, is it?..."
Seeing the expression on Andrath's face, Cadmar points out that the snare was designed to catch not only rabbits, but also small game. It should hold a pig. Seeing that he is still not convinced, Cadmar invites him to join Lorth and him when they buy a pig. "Yes, they grow large, but we are not going to choose a prize winner, you know." Cadmar will pay half of the price of the pig (he has about 10 gold, should be enough). Ultimately, if it really looks that the snare just wouldn't catch and hold a pig, Cadmar will abandon the idea and try to persuade Lorth to do the same.
If the goblins do not spot the party, he will remain where he is, hoping that the birds can lead them to the goblin camp.
If combat breaks out, Cadmar will spend his first rund running towards the goblins.
Taking the Bait (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 12th, 2003 1:08:40 PM
Deeming that a small pig would be believable enough, the group baits their trap and sets in to wait. It doesn't take long after sunset for the goblins to arrive. The three goblins seem very excited to Andrath, Wynn, and Thram, who are hiding close by. They watch as the goblins tie the pig to a stick -- two of them carry it slung between them. They head back, and their trail is not hard to follow.
Guided by the fresh trail (and perhaps by the Bird Friends overhead), the party follows the goblins, keeping back far enough to not alert them.
The group finds the goblins at their camp. It seems to be a small lean-to, very primitive, with a campfire. There are evidently just the three goblins and that's all.
The goblins are very busy dressing their pig. They seem happy, and from time to time pop a bit of fresh pork into their mouths with gusto.
Actions?
Thram d20+5=23 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 2:51:56 PM
Thram starts counting goblins while the more strategic minds come up with a plan. He also keeps an eye out for anything that looks like Pehter, or at least a pit, a tent, or some other structure where prisoners could be kept.
(Spot = 23)
Elerinn Wednesday February 12th, 2003 3:12:28 PM
Elerinn carefully observes the goblins. He whispers to the others: "Maybe one of us, a stealthy person, could go somewhat closer to take a better look at the camp? I don't think I see Pehter anywhere..."
Shivering, Elerinn continues his statement in his mind: Unless he's right in their stomaches
Kedarn d20+2=17 d20+2=22 d20+5=23 d20+5=12 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 6:03:47 PM
Kedarn moves as quietly as he can to a position to look over the goblins camp(move silently 17, hide 22.)
Kedarn watches carefully the goblins while listening to what they talk about (listen 23 (language goblin known), spot 12.)
Lorth d20=14 d20=11 d20=18 Wednesday February 12th, 2003 6:24:02 PM
Lorth stays hidden keeping an eye out for Pheter. Lorth also listens intently. (OOC: I can't understand goblin, Hide, Spot, Listen checks)
Garrard Wednesday February 12th, 2003 8:52:00 PM
Garrard hangs back, his shield girded on, and a throwing dart in his hand.
Cadmar Thursday February 13th, 2003 5:41:25 AM
Cadmar whispers: "Before we confront them, I suggest we surround them. Just remember, so far we don't know if they had anything to do with the disappearance of Pehter... there is no need to use deadly force."
"Actually, come to think of it, so far we don't have any grounds to use force at all. Maybe we should start with talking to them. But does anyone speak goblin?" Did Kedarn ever mention that he can speak goblin?
Wynn Brightsong Thursday February 13th, 2003 8:23:26 AM
Wynn whispers to the others "I can't believe 3 goblins alone could abduct Pehter from his home...there must be more going on here"
Andrath d20+9=28 Thursday February 13th, 2003 10:58:45 AM
"I agree with Cadmar. Lets carefully surround the camp, and step in with weapons raised. Kedarn, you can assure them that we mean no harm if they behave, and ask them if they know anything about Pehter's disappearance."
Andrath moves quietly [OOC move silent roll 28] around to the other side of the campsite, and readies his bow and arrow. He waits until the main part of the group show themselves, and then steps out with bow raised. If any of the goblins make a move to attack (more than just raising their own weapons) he will shoot the nearest goblin.
Brontinas Thursday February 13th, 2003 12:13:07 PM
Brontinas hid away from the trap, keeping his bow trained on the goblins, as they followed them, he kept careful track of where they were going, to make sure that if they needed to retreat, he could lead the party away from Hmary's house,thus taking away a revenge killing by the goblins... hopefully.
In the planning huddle. "Aye, I speak goblin... but I can't trick them into thinking I am a goblin, what with my light voice and all.
"However, if we surround them, they do not seem to be too busy setting sentries about. I could drop an arrow shot in their midst, and try and fool them into giving up Pehter, if they still have him.
Goblins with Keen Senses (DM Cayzle) d20+9=19 [Andrath's Hide Check] d20+3=14 d20+3=20 d20+3=11 [Goblin Listen checks] d20+3=23 d20+3=8 d20+3=7 [Goblin Spot Checks] d8=2 [Random determination of party's direction]. d8=2 d8=4 d8=2 [Random determination of Goblins running] Thursday February 13th, 2003 1:14:54 PM
While the rest of the group hangs back about 60 feet or 70, Kedarn and Andrath sneak up on the goblins. The two manage to get within 20 feet, crawling through and under brush and bramble. The area is lightly wooded.
It seems clear that Pehter is not here. Even if he were in the lean-to lying unconscious, his feet would stick out.
There is no sign of any goblins other than the three.
One goblin seems less happy with the captured pig. Kedarn hears his words as he creeps forward. In goblin he says, "This is not good! This is not a wild pig! This comes from a farm -- a human farm! Maybe farmers come to find it! Maybe farmers come to hunt us! We should get out of here!"
Then one of the goblins hears a stick that cracks under Kedarn's foot. The same one hears the rustle of leaves made as Andrath moves forward. "Wait!" the goblin says in goblin, "I hear something!" He points in the general area.
The cautious goblin manages to spot Kedarn. "THERE HE IS!" the goblin shrieks. "Run! Run! Get away!"
All three goblins scatter, leaving the pig behind, fleeing as fast as they can. Two of them, by random chance, actually run right at the main party. You hear and see them coming. One has no weapon drawn; one has the dagger he was using to butcher the pig. They haven't seen the party yet, but are running right at you.
Elerinn Thursday February 13th, 2003 3:03:26 PM
Elerin jumps when he sees the fleeing goblins, and yells, in a high, excited voice: "Here they come! Catch them! Catch them!"
Only then, he realizes that there might be more of them around, and might as well just alarmed them. Regaining some of his calm, Elerinn decides not to hurt the goblins; yet. After all they are not acting hostile right now. But, if one of them attacks him, or any of the others, he will fire a Magic Missile at the creature.
Kedarn d20+2=19 Thursday February 13th, 2003 4:11:58 PM
Upon the goblins scattering Kedarn comes out in a non-threatening way (hands out in plain sight no weapons drawn) and calls out in goblin (diplomacy 19) "Wait, I mean no harm. I just want to talk to you." If the goblins keep running Kedarn will try to catch up to them and continue to talk to the goblins.
Kedarn will also call out to the others in the party in elvish "catch them if at all possible or follow them. Andrath, catch the lone one if possible."
Garrard d20+3=6 Thursday February 13th, 2003 4:23:42 PM
Garrard sheathes his throwing dart, and calms his hawk with soft words in Sylvan. He watches the flurry of actions with wariness, however, scanning the surrounding area for potential threats.
(spot check: 6)
Wynn Brightsong d20+2=22 d20+2=11 d20+2=8 Thursday February 13th, 2003 6:38:22 PM
Wynn steps out from his hiding place into the path of the two fleeing goblins. He draws himself to his full height in an attempt to intimidate the goblins. [Intimidate = 22] His longsword is drawn and he is prepared to parry any attacks.
Should a goblin try to rush by him he will attempt to trip the creature [attack roll = 11, opposed check = 8]. Wynn is also prepared to dodge [+1 to AC] the other goblin should it interfere.
"Brontinas, Lorth, Cadmar" Wynn calls out, "cut them off"
Brontinas d20+6=18 Thursday February 13th, 2003 7:23:16 PM
Brontinas will hear Wynn's call and move to intercept the goblins, drawing his bow back, he will fire a warning shot between the goblins (to hit where I'm aiming roll 18) and shout out in goblin:
"Stop or you will be slaughtered fools!"
If they continue to run , he'll aim for one of their legs.
Lorth d20=6 Thursday February 13th, 2003 7:41:57 PM
Lorth drops his pack and runs after the nearest goblin. When he catches up to it he attempts to tackle it and hold it down. (OOC: Touch attack for grapple check: 6, damm slippery goblins)
Andrath d20+3=18 Thursday February 13th, 2003 10:57:26 PM
Seeing the goblins trying to escape, Andrath charges out of hiding and tries to grapple the nearest one [OOC: Grapple check of 18]. He shouts, "We need to capture at least one of these! Hold him tight, and we'll find out what is going on!"
[OOC: Cayzle, if you check my last post, I had rolled a move silent check for Andrath. Do you want us to make those rolls, or will you do it?]
=======================
[Oops, I had a braino. I DID use your move silent check -- what I rolled for you was a Hide check. But I think I mixed myself up. Sorry. -- Cayzle]
Cadmar Friday February 14th, 2003 4:32:41 AM
Cadmar springs from the bushes. Quickly estimating the situation, he lets the party handle the two fleeing in our direction, and runs after the one escaping the other way. If he comes close enough to him, Cadmar attempts to grab and hold him.
Grovelling Goblins (DM Cayzle) Friday February 14th, 2003 1:26:21 PM
Elerinn and Garrard keep watch.
Kedarn calls after the fleeing goblins, using diplomacy.
Wynn attempts to Intimidate. [Note: he cannot both Intimidate and Trip because there is not enough time to do both. In game terms, both are standard actions.]
Brontinas fires a warning shot and takes aim for next round.
Lorth attempts to grapple.
Andrath charges to grapple, but by the time he reaches the two goblins, amid the entire group, they are grovelling (see below).
Cadmar chases the one going off in the other direction.
The two goblins are startled to find themselves running right at a big group of adventurers. Faced with the scary Wynn and Kedarn's compelling words (not to mention the bowshot), they fall to the ground in the midst of the group, grovelling.
One speaks, in common, "No! Sorry! Mercy! Please!" The other just whimpers.
Cadmar chases the third off to the right. It is hard to see exactly where, running through woods. After one round of fleeing, Cadmar is still a stone's throw behind.
Thram d20+4=24 Friday February 14th, 2003 2:42:56 PM
Seeing that the others have the goblins in hand, Thram casually walks down to their camp and starts snooping around. He's hunting for any sign that Pehter has ever been there or any sign that there are more goblins around than these three.
(search=24)
Garrard d20+3=11 d20+6=16 Friday February 14th, 2003 5:13:31 PM
Garrard continues watching, casting his hawk with a single word in Sylvan, "Seek".
(Spot check: 11, hawks spot check: 16)
Wynn Brightsong d20+2=9 Friday February 14th, 2003 5:46:28 PM
Wynn continues to stand guard over the two grovelling goblins, his longsword clearly at the ready.
He looks over the two goblins to see if they either carry or wear anything that might have belonged to Pehter(Spot = 9). "How can these wrethched creatures possibly have been involved" he wonders to himself.
Wynn remains silent, and continues to maintain the same imposing appearance.
Kedarn d20+1=18 Friday February 14th, 2003 8:09:25 PM
Kedarn tells the others in elvish "follow along with what I do. I am going to try to get them talking to us."
Kedarn walks over to the goblins then chants for a few moments then he looks at the two goblins and says with a very grim look "I have just placed a spell on you so that you must tell us the truth." (bluff 18)in goblin and in common Kedarn takes a moment then asks "Where is the farmer Pehter? Where is the rest of your people?"
Brontinas d20+2=8 Sunday February 16th, 2003 6:21:59 PM
Trusting in Cadmer's skills, Brontinas will try to help Kedarn get the goblins talking. He will stand next to him with his bow half drawn.
In goblin he will look to Kedarn and say: "They are just pawns, friend, let us kill them and be done with it, they do not know anything." (Bluff 8, drat!)
Andrath d20+6=9 Sunday February 16th, 2003 11:18:15 PM
Andrath moves over behind Kedarn, and says in elven, "I really don't think that these two were involved. But even if they deny taking Pehter, or don't know him, ask them if they saw anything that night. They may have been checking their traps, and noticed something. You can even offer to pay them if they aren't involved, but are willing to help with information. [OOC: Sense motive roll of 9.]
Then Andrath moves over in the direction taken by Cadmar, and calls out, "Cadmar, don't go chasing off into the bush by yourself! We have captured two of the goblins; I suggest you let that last one go!"
Cadmar Monday February 17th, 2003 4:07:13 AM
Cadmar hears Andrath shout, but is worried that the third goblin could reach the main group (if there is any) and warn them. Running and breathing heavily, he releases he straps and lets his backpack fall to the ground. Then he doubles his efforts.
If after one minute of chase he is still unable to catch the little fellow, he will abandon the pursuit and rejoin the party, picking up his backpack on the way.
Goblin Hide and Go Talk (DM Cayzle) d20+3=18 [Goblin Hide Check] d20+5=10 [Cadmar Spot Check] Monday February 17th, 2003 8:31:36 AM
The goblin Cadmar is chasing must have ducked behind a tree or rock or something, but he just can't find him. [OOC: and with that roll, even a +2 circumstance bonus from tracking or from the hawk's aid or from both wouldn't help.] So Cadmar picks up his backpack and heads back to the main group.
The rest bluff and intimidate the cowering goblins, and in fact it doesn't take much to get them to spill their guts.
In common, one goblin says, "We know no Pehter. Don't know him. Stay away from humans! Just want to trap rabbits, be peaceful. No attack others, no be bad."
"We ran from the bad tribe. Months past. We are on own. No have tribe. Just three good peaceful goblins. You let us go, we run from here away. Please mercy for friendly goblins!"
Thram finds nothing of value. No forged weapons. Just the signs of a very rude, impoverished hand-to-mouth existence. These goblins make Hmary look rich!
Lorth Monday February 17th, 2003 11:56:22 AM
Lorth watches the goblins as they speak. He then says, "Ask them how far away their old tribe is. Perhaps these are the wrong goblins. I'm begining to think Pheter disappeared somewhere else. Either way, let these poor souls go when your done with them. Be sure to tell them to stay clear of the farm."
Cadmar Monday February 17th, 2003 12:25:49 PM
Cadmar comes back, wiping sweat from his face. "He got away. Must've ducked somewhere. I couldn't keep up with him with my chain on. So, did we learn anything from these two?"
Elerinn Monday February 17th, 2003 2:28:27 PM
Elerinn walks to Thram, while the goblins talk (or at least try to do something close to it) to the others. He asks him, whispering now, if he found anything involving Pheter. But as he looks around, he realizes that nothing can be found here.
Elerinn returns to the two captured gnomes, feeling nothing but pity for them now.
(Sorry I didn't post this Friday/Weekend, but I couldn't, for some reason or another, contact the Woldian-site.)
Kedarn Monday February 17th, 2003 2:32:49 PM
Kedarn looks at the Goblins then asks "Where is the bad tribe located? How many in the bad tribe?" After a few moments Kedarn then tells them to be careful and move further away from the farm." (in Goblin)
Upon hearing Cadmar, Kedarn tells the group "that is fine these two have been telling us that there is a tribe of 'bad' goblins that they left. I think that is possibly why Pheter disappeared. I think these two can go after they tell us the answers to my last questions, unless anyone else has questions for them." (in elven)
Garrard Monday February 17th, 2003 4:25:06 PM
Garrard states quietly in common, "Do you think its likely that Pehter might have simply moved to the village, to leave Hmary?"
Wynn Brightsong Monday February 17th, 2003 6:08:42 PM
"Well my friends" chuckles Wynn, "now that we have fed these two a fine suckling pig, what are we to do with them?"
"I suggest we leave them go. I also think I would like a much better look at Hmary's farm, especially for the remains of any magical aura, for I cannot believe that Hmary has always been as simple minded as she appears. I am also curious as to why the smithy is as clean and well kept as you have reported, yet the remainder of the farm has deteriorated so badly."
Wynn sheaths his longsword and steps back from the goblins. He is ready to take his leave but remains to hear out the rest of the party.
Brontinas Monday February 17th, 2003 7:17:51 PM
Brontinas stays trained on the goblins, never trusting one of their kind. He looks at his comrades and sees the sympathy in their eyes.
In evlish he responds to this: "Have you all forgotten that these pitiful creatures are goblins? Their very nature is deceit and treachery. I agree that they did not capture Pehter, but that doesn't mean that they have no designs on the children. And there is things yet to ask of them."
He turns to the Goblins, still with a cold look in his eye. In goblin he asks: "Goblin, did you see what happened to the adult male of the human house near here. Did the bad goblin tribe take him, or did he walk away one day? What have you seen."
Andrath Monday February 17th, 2003 8:25:01 PM
"Ah, just let the harmless scum go. But make sure that you threaten to cut off their ears if they ever bother this farm or any other farm in the area. As long as they stay in the bush, trapping, they should be OK. We can let the villagers know that these three goblins are here, and the villagers can deal with them as they see fit."
"How about we summarize what we know: Pehter has gone missing, the house is a pig-sty (but only recently), Pehter's pet name for Hmary was Dum-Dum, the smithy was in very good shape and larger than a normal farm smithy, some of the tools in the smithy are missing, Pehter disappeared in the middle of the night without waking the children or Hmary, the trapping goblins don't seem to know anything. What have I missed?"
"I suggest we return to the farm, and some of you more charismatic types ask the children if they have noticed anything funny. Maybe they know why their father went missing, since the goblins don't seem to be involved. I will check and see if I can tell what tools are missing, and anyone with blacksmithing skill can give some advice. Then, if nothing turns up, we go back to the village and you charismatic types can ask around if anyone would know why Pehter has gone missing."
Thram Tuesday February 18th, 2003 9:53:41 AM
Thram finishes up poking through the dirt, and he shakes his head at Elerinn. He walks up to the rest of the group with the goblins and fishes two gold coins out of his purse. He displays the coins to the nasty little things and says in common, "These two coins are yours and the pig too if you answer this man's questions." Thram indicates Brontinas.
Goblins, Smithy, More (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 18th, 2003 10:37:36 AM
The goblins are happy to cooperate as best they can -- the added incentive of gold, pig, and not losing their ears seems to work wonders.
It is clear that they have not seen Pehter. They have seen the kids, but they have tried hard to stay away from all things human. They left their tribe at least ten months ago and far off to the east; it seems very unlikely that their former tribe had anything to do with Pehter.
Feel free to ask any other question, but failing that, let us take the party back to Hmary's Farm. The smithy has a few weeks or so of dust accumulated in it. It seems in better shape than the rest of the farm simply because it was cared for and used with attention to the details. The rest of the farm is carelessly maintained, and frankly, deteriorating. If Hmary does not get some help, it seems hard to see how she can keep the place up on her own.
You see the kids valiantly trying to help, but they are very young and inept. They do not know any details of their father's departure. After he first left, they were just at a loss. A few days later the kids saw the goblins, and since then Hmary has been convinced that the humanoids are to blame.
Do you want to do anything else at the farm, or would you like to go to Jarlwolf Minor?
Cadmar Tuesday February 18th, 2003 12:37:47 PM
"Great."
As Cadmar walks back to the farm, he continues: "Well, I don't know about you, but I am at a loss. It seems that goblins were not involved after all."
"What now, friends? How about we spend the rest of the night camping here, and tomorrow we start asking around? Other than that- waaait a moment." Cadmar pulls out his book, opens it and starts to browse under the light of the moon. After a moment he snaps it shut and puts it back into his backpack.
"It's a long shot, but if we can locate a cleric or a wizard who knows Pehter, he could point us in the right direction using divination magic. The problem is the required first hand knowledge of Pehter."
If Hmary is not yet asleep, Cadmar will ask her if her husband ever had contact with any of the local priests or mages.
Elerinn Tuesday February 18th, 2003 2:41:02 PM
Elerinn agrees with Cadmar's great idea, but is not absolutely sure they are able to find any mage or cleric who new Pheter. After all, it seems that he and Hmary have been living in this remote place for a very long time.
Kedarn Tuesday February 18th, 2003 6:05:43 PM
Kedarn looks to Cadmar then says "that is worth a try. I wonder if he has any family that he could have gone to."
Lorth Tuesday February 18th, 2003 6:12:04 PM
Lorth follows along, trying to think how he can help Hmary fix up the farm.
Garrard Tuesday February 18th, 2003 6:58:24 PM
Garrard says, "I wonder if the town gossips know anything about Pehter."
He walks along quietly for a while, and then continues. "Regardless of whether we find him or not, if there something we should consider doing for Hmary and her farm?"
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday February 18th, 2003 7:45:55 PM
Wynn walks back through the fields towards Hmary's house with the rest of the party. "I suggest we follow Cadmar's advice and camp for the night by the farm. It would be better to enter the town in daylight so as to not frighten any of the townsfolk without cause."
Wynn ponders Garrard's comments for a moment and suggests "Perhaps we can spend part of the morning fixing up a few of the more essential things around the farm for Hmary, this will give us opportunity to take a bit closer look around as well as to question Hmary and the kids about who in town would be best to talk with".
When they arrive at the farm Wynn searches out a good spot for a small campfire and proceeds to boil a pot of water (he will ask Hmary for loan one of the pots that were in her kitchen)He fishes around in his pack for a tin of tea leaves and asks who if any will join him in a mug?
Brontinas Tuesday February 18th, 2003 10:03:08 PM
Brontinas rubs his chin as he ponders the options.
"Whatever the group decides... I am willing to go along with it. But it does strike me as odd that the man would leave such a fine smithy, even if he took some of the essential tools... Should we consider a robbery?"
Andrath Wednesday February 19th, 2003 12:44:16 AM
"I agree, let's go back and spend a little time cleaning up, at least for the childrens' sake. While we are there, we will have one more careful look around the grounds, the smithy and the house. I thought that I had a good look earlier, but more eyes can't hurt. Then, in the morning, lets go to town and ask around to see if anyone would know why Pehter would leave, or who else might have taken him, since the goblins weren't involved."
Assuming the party stays for the night, Andrath spends most of the evening cleaning up and putting things away. He will search for any information that might be useful. [OOC: Considering the time Andrath will spend, I will take 20 for the roll, for a search roll of 29.] While he is at the smithy, he will try to get a feel for which items are missing. Are they random items, or items that would be taken for a specific task?
Night and Morning at the Farm (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 19th, 2003 1:58:44 PM
Back at Hmary's farm, the group spends the night camped in Hmary's barn. The farm has three buildings -- a medium sized barn, the smithy, and the house. The pigs are supposed to be fenced in a sty next to the barn, but the fence is in disrepair and the pigs run wild. They do tend to stay close to the barn, though, since that is where the kids bring the food for them.
That night is peaceful, aside from the squealing of piglets before dawn. And the roosters soon after. And the kids playing and doing their chores. Eh, heck, who needs to sleep in, anyway!
Since it is a new day, feel free to alter your spells prepared. E-mail me if you make a change, please.
Hmary tells Cadmar that a Brother Denbee comes through every couple weeks or so. He's a priest of some kind. But you get the idea that neither she nor Pehter were very religious. And she has never met any mages.
Kedarn asks Hmary about family. She tells you that Pehter has an uncle in Witchspawn. You get the idea that she has family, but she is estranged from them.
Lorth and Garrard think about how they could help Hmary. Well, it does occur to them that fixing that pigsty fence might be a place to start!
Andrath looks over the smithy really well. He deduces that about five or six heavy tools are missing -- probably hammers, tongs, the like. About all a man would want to carry with him and not be too burdened down.
Cadmar d20+2=20 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 2:25:59 PM
"Brother Denbee, eh? Any idea where we can find him?"
On the side, Cadmar explains. "Scrying magic is powerful and most likely beyond the skill of a common cleric. But there are lesser divinations that could serve just as well; there's a good chance he might be able to perform object location. I suspect he has seen Pehter's tools at least once; that should be enough. Now the spell itself does not reveal the exact location of the item, it just points the way one should go. But if we ask him to cast it twice, in two places separated by significant distance, and if a good map is available, one can perform what is known as triangulation to..." - suddenly Cadmar stops his very unrangerlike explanation and almost seems to be sorry that he said what he said. "Anyway, the cleric would know what to do." he adds shyly. "Do you want help with that fence?"
Unless the party has other plans, Cadmar will spend half of the day helping on the farm, and the other half asking around in the hamlet, trying to obtain any other bits of information relevant to the disappearance of Pehter [Gather Info 20].
Garrard Wednesday February 19th, 2003 4:13:39 PM
Garrard will take charge of repairing the fence, scouting around the nearby wooded areas for proper dead wood, and seeing if he can locate some berries, mushrooms, or other gatherable foods to supplement the evening meal. He works briskly, but quietly, and when he goes away from the house, asks if one or two of the others will go with him.
Once it comes time to corral the pigs, Garrard takes care to involve the children, turning it into a game, and at the same time teaching them a bit about the animals, if they don't already know.
For the most part, he seems perfectly happening working the farm.
(Wilderness Lore take ten for the wood foraging and food gathering: 17, Animal Empathy and Handling take ten: 15)
Elerinn Wednesday February 19th, 2003 4:52:07 PM
Elerinn, although not really used to the use of any kind of tool, helps Garrard (and in that way, Hmary) where he can. Although some of the work is boring, Elerinn is glad to help a poor lady such as Hmary and has a constant smile of his face.
The small gnome is glad that there are some people, the kids, present that are of his height, for a change. To entertain them somewhat, he jumps on the back of one of the larger pigs and is able to sit on it while it walks around, confused. Elerinn laughs while he manages to get off the pig again without breaking his neck.
Kedarn d20+3=22 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 7:24:07 PM
Kedarn tells Garrard "I will give you a hand" as Garrard goes out from the house. Kedarn will look for additional foods with Garrard (wilderness lore 22) After around 4hrs Kedarn will go to the house and help with fixing up other items around the house that needs to be fixed as best he can.
Thram Wednesday February 19th, 2003 7:36:17 PM
Thram knows virtually nothing about farmwork, but he tries to help out as best he can. Despite not knowing what he's doing, he seems eager to learn.
Andrath Wednesday February 19th, 2003 8:52:35 PM
Andrath also helps out around the farm, as best that he can. He is becoming more and more suspicious that Pehter left of his own accord. Although why a man would abandon his wife and children, Andrath cannot understand. He asks Wynn to ask Mary about the way that Pehter acted the evening before he disappeared. Maybe the woman could give the party some clue about Pehter's demeanour on that night.
Wynn Brightsong d20=14 Wednesday February 19th, 2003 9:05:15 PM
Wynn wakes up feeling refreshed after a sound night's sleep. He spends the first part of the morning assisting Garrard and others with the fence and then makes his way to the barn.
After making sure that Hmary was busy in the house and that the kids were engaged by Elerinns' antics with the pigs, Wynn begins to sing quietly to himself as he casts Detect Magic .
Wynn scans the barn for the signs of any magical aura and then makes his way to the house to scan the interior and Hmary herself.
Wynn is careful to hide any outward appearances of surprise should he detect anything of Hmary in particular.
"Hmary...how might I be able to help you?" Wynn asks. While helping to clean up some of the interior with Hmary, Wynn asks her to recall her last several days with Pehter. [OOC: Diplomacy roll of 14 + my bonus which I have forgotten, I am away from home and don't have my sheet handy] "Was he perhaps visited by anyone...was he acting oddly...did he say anything to indicate that he might be leaving"
Wynn works side by side with Hmary while she answers.
Lorth Wednesday February 19th, 2003 9:56:45 PM
Lorth helps repair the fence. After that is finished he heads to the fields to weed the crops.
Brontinas Wednesday February 19th, 2003 10:39:00 PM
Brontinas will spend the day with the children. He will help them with their chores and will generally have fun with them. Elven children are not something someone sees a lot of and less so when you are on the road with people, hence Brontinas has had little experience with children, but he finds them fascinating. He will also ask them about their father. Was he acting strangely? What sorts of games would he use to play? Did he ever leave home for a long period of time before? And other similar questions.
Farm Work and More Investigations (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 20th, 2003 11:59:41 AM
Everybody helps out at the farm for all or part of the day, and Hmary is very grateful. She brings you all sandwiches and cool water to drink and wash with. The sandwiches are okay, but the bread is a little stale.
In the morning Cadmar helps out with chores and then heads into the village. Garrard, Elerinn, and Wynn fix the fence. Lorth lends a hand too and then works in the fields. Later Wynn works in the garden with Hmary. Elerinn entertains the kids. Garrard and Kedarn gather wild foods; Kedarn also does whatever other small jobs need doing. Thram helps out where he can -- he ends up shoveling manure and chopping firewood with Andrath.
Hmary tells Cadmar that Brother Denbee visits the village every so often, but she doesn't really know when. "Sure, he comes here and there. When he wants to, I guess."
Andrath and Wynn ask about Peter before he went missing. Hmary says, now that you mention it, he smiled a lot, which was not like him because normally he was very serious. "Hmy Pehter works hard all the time in his smithy. He is hnot one to laugh and play. But he was happier just before the goblins got him. I thought he was looking forward to hmy birthday last week." Wynn detects no magic anywhere around-abouts.
Brontinas talks to the kids. Their eyes get big when he asks about their dad. "Goblins got him!" they say. They don't seem to understand the question about was he acting strangely. They do say that he never played games with them. "Daddy is working. Don't bother daddy!" is all they say, and "Daddy is too busy for kids."
Cadmar asks around Jarlwolf Minor for gossip and info from villagers. At the mercantile, which also runs a private postal service, he had a letter a week before he disappeared. At the cooper, Cadmar learns that he was great friends with the local smith, named Hmark. At the smith, Hmark is friendly until Cadmar asks about Pehter. "I don't know nothing about that,"he says abruptly. "Goblins, I guess. Well, I have work to do. Good day." Cadmar gets the idea that the smith knows more than he is saying.
Cadmar returns to the farm and Hmary offers some you all some stew. It is very bland and the meat, tough. She is really grateful for all your help. "Boy, any one of you is a better worker than Pehter was! And all of you together are just wonderful! Thank you thank you!" She pauses to wipe her eyes with her dirty apron. "I just wish I had good helpers like you all the time! What will I do when you go away? Oh! Oh!" She runs out.
You all bed down in the barn again for the night.
Cadmar Thursday February 20th, 2003 12:36:05 PM
Cadmar shares whatever he was able to learn about the letter and the smith.
"We might be finally getting somewhere. From what you have learned, he acted differently ever since he received the letter. Maybe he accepted some confidential job and left in hopes of returning to his family with some coin."
"I think we should carefully consider our options before we do anything about Hmark. The man seems to know what happened to Pehter. As Hmark is Pehter's friend, he should be doing what is in Pehter's best interests. For a moment, it is keeping his mouth shut. That would suggest that we should also be very discrete, lest we unintentionally cause harm."
"I wonder if Pehter can read. If not, somebody had to read the letter for him. Maybe Hmark?"
Cadmar is off to ask Hmary if Pehter can read.
Elerinn Thursday February 20th, 2003 2:13:43 PM
Elerinn listens to Cadmar, and says: "So, Pehter received a letter and left this very house. He took some of his tools with him...and the local smith seems to know more about his dissapearance."
He adds, as Cadmar goes to ask Hmary about Pehter's ability to write: "I really hope she still has still letter, otherwise I think we should pay Hmark a visit..."
Elerinn shrugs, and whispers softly to Qamaro, who seems to be sitting on his shoulder almost always when his master is awake.
Garrard Thursday February 20th, 2003 3:14:35 PM
Once the group is away from Hmary and the children, Garrard will say, "This has gone from a potential rescuing to something very different. While I have no problem helping rectify this situation for the good of the lady and children, are we in danger of overstepping the bounds of manners? The local smith clearly knows what occured, and I'm not entirely sure that Pehter was happy here. Does any of us think he left under duress, after the smiling and happiness reported?"
"Perhaps we, or at least one of us, should be honest and direct with Hmark," Garrard suggests.
Andrath d20+6=13 Thursday February 20th, 2003 5:48:21 PM
"Garrard and Cadmar, I agree with you. We should approach this Hmark carefully. I agree that we should tell him what we are doing, and why we are here. He can make his own decision about how much he is willing to tell us. This may be one of the cases where we don't actually find 'the answer', we may just have to be happy with the fact that someone else knows the answer, and will tell us that everything is OK."
Andrath will go to the village with the group, and while the good-looking members talk to Hmark, Andrath will stay in the background, and try to sense if the smith is telling the truth. [OOC: Sense motive roll of 13].
Wynn Brightsong Thursday February 20th, 2003 5:55:09 PM
Wynn listens to Cadmar's story with interest.
"Why would this man abandon his family?" asks Wynn. "He receives a letter, likely offering the promise of gainful employment or at least some kind of financial gain and then leaves without making any provisions for his family!"
Wynn continues..."I wonder if Pehter expected to be gone for so long? I am also suspicious of this Hmark, why would he not continue discussions with Cadmar, does he know of some evil that has befallen Pehter that he does not want to admit his part in? I suggest that we confront this Hmark with some very direct questions and that we take effort to determine if he tells the truth. It might even take some form of threat to make him talk openly."
Lorth d20+1=2 d20+4=5 d20+3=10 Thursday February 20th, 2003 6:24:40 PM
Lorth agrees with both Andrath and Wynn, "We will approach this blacksmith and tell him what Pheter's leaving is doing to his family and farm. We will be honest and straight foward. If he cannot see that the right thing to do is tell us what happened, well then, he doesn't rank high in my eyes, and perhaps we can use other methods to get to the truth." Lorth looks around at his friends, "I will go to town also tommorow."
(OOC: When Lorth or the others speak to the smith, he will attempt to, Sense motive: 2, then if he needs to speak, use Diplomacy: 5 and failing that he will use Intimidation: 10, boy how about those roles!)
Kedarn Thursday February 20th, 2003 7:21:00 PM
Kedarn listens carefully to the others and then says "I feel that if we put it as Andrath stated, maybe Hmark will let us know what was said in the letter if he knows. I also think that Pheter may have been unhappy with how everything was at home and decided to try to find a way of rectifying it."
Kedarn will go with the others to town and wait to see what Hmark has to say.
Closemouthed Hmark (DM Cayzle) Friday February 21st, 2003 2:36:49 PM
Hmary does not know anything about any letter. She tells you that Pehter could indeed read. "He was clever with letters, hmy Pehter was!"
So the group proceeds to go visit Hmark. The group meets him in his smithy, as he works on some door hinges. Lorth talks with him, asking about Pehter. The smith answers, "Why is it any of your business! Why should I tell you anything?"
He glares at the group.
Brontinas d20+3=22 Friday February 21st, 2003 3:58:06 PM
Brontinas, not very trusting of Hmark tries to slip in quietly behind him, searching for a back into his workspace. If none presents itself, he will walk in the front and join the others.
When Hmark responds to Lorth's question he will respond to him: "Good smith, we simply seek him to ask him some questions. We have heard his smithing is quite impressive and I needed some work on my sword." (Diplomacy: 22)
Garrard Friday February 21st, 2003 5:26:02 PM
On the way to Hmarks shop, Garrard will make a point to walk next to Cadmar, and hand him the Eyes of the Eagle. As he does so, he says, "These are wasted on me. If you do not wish to use them, perhaps pass them to Brontinas or Andrath. Up to you."
For the moment, Garrard hangs back in the conversation in Hmarks shop.
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=8 Friday February 21st, 2003 9:47:56 PM
Wynn enters the smithy with the rest of the group and stands to one side. He keeps an eye on Hmark. If things turn ugly, Wynn will back up his friends with his longsword.
Wynn's thoughts are divided. Surely if this brother Denbee travels the area as widely as they have been led to believe, he would have heard of him (Bardic Knowledge 8).
Andrath Friday February 21st, 2003 10:38:39 PM
Andrath frowns at what Brontinas has to say. He thinks to himself, "I thought we were going to be truthful with this smith, and appeal to his better side, to see if he would help us get Pehter back for Hmary and the kids' sake. Why on earth would Brontinas lie like that?" He hopes Brontinas' lie doesn't end up coming back to haunt them.
Andrath waits at the doorway outside the shop, to see how the smith reacts. He knows this diplomacy stuff just isn't his game.
Thram Saturday February 22nd, 2003 9:38:48 AM
Thram checks to see if anyone else works at the smithy with Hmark. If so, he tries to discretely inquire about Pheter with the other employee. He'll also check the gossip at the shops nearby the smithy. Hmark probably talked to someone at some point.
Kedarn d20+3=22 Saturday February 22nd, 2003 2:10:32 PM
Kedarn decides to stay in the back as the group talks to Hmark and listen to what he has to say. Kedarn will casually look around to see if anything looks unusual or out of place. (search 22)
Cadmar d20+2=5 Sunday February 23rd, 2003 3:51:20 AM
On their way to the smithy, Cadmar will hand the Eyes of the Eagle to Andrath. "Since you usually act as our scout, I think it would be prudent to entrust these to your care. One pair of really sharp eyes is often worth more than two of reasonably good ones."
Cadmar winces when Brontias lies to Hmark and makes a mental note to bring that up later. Still, he will not interrupt the conversation if the smith is willing to talk.
If Brontias is not successful in opening Hmark's mouth, Cadmar will take a direct approach.
"Why should you tell us anything?! Maybe because his wife and kids are scared out of their minds and already talk about him in past tense? Maybe because we mean well and want to help - and we CAN help, too, if Pehter got into trouble? Do you think a group like us will turn up on your doorstep every week? Maybe because, unlike most people, we CAN be discrete, if there is need?"
Quietly, Cadmar adds. "Finally, another month or two, and Pehter might not have anywhere to come back to."
Unfortunately, Cadmar let's his anger slip into his speech and his words sound more like accusations than an attepmt at reason. [Diplomacy 5]
Elerinn Sunday February 23rd, 2003 3:28:29 PM
Elerinn waits quietly as the others question Hmark, and looks around casually, almost disinterested. His mind has clearly drifted somewhere else right now.
Lorth Monday February 24th, 2003 7:29:55 AM
Lorth feels anger rising up in him, he takes a deep breath and tries to control it. "Smithy, we only wish to help, Hmary and the kids are scared and missing Pheter. Thier farm is falling into disrepair as we speak. If you will not answer, I will have to believe that Pheter has abandoned his children, and when we catch up to him, and mark my words we will, the meeting will be less than cordial."
If the smith still does not answer, Lorth glares at him, says, "You sir are no better than Pheter, abandoner or children, may Gargul have mercy on your soul.", and walks out.
Hmark (DM Cayzle) d20=18 (unmodified gather info roll) Monday February 24th, 2003 2:33:41 PM
Hmark rolls his eyes at Brontinas. "Look," he says gruffly, "I hmay be only a common village smith, but I'm hno rube. First off, Pehter is hno sword-maker. Second, everybody hknows about that hnote on that so-called Board in town. And third, why have you been over at Hmary's so hmuch if you just want a smith? You can get that in town."
Then Cadmar and Lorth step up to speak more plainly. Their obvious emotion and care for Hmary seems to sway the heart of the smith, who begins to look guilty rather than defiant.
"Well, the little ones deserve better," Hmark concedes at last, "even if I wouldn't wish that Hmary as a wife to hmy deepest enemy!"
"But the truth was, Pehter couldn't take it any hmore! And he came into an inheritance from his dead oncle in Witchspawn, and hie-tailed it over there to hmake a hnew life. And I can't say as I blame him."
Meanwhile, Thram gathers info. He hears a rumor that Pehter ran off from his family, confirming at least part of Hmark's story.
Wynn never heard of the priest.
Cadmar Monday February 24th, 2003 3:16:01 PM
Cadmar's eyes open wide. "Please forgive me for being rude to you. I thought Pehter got into some real trouble." Assuming the party has some time to discuss things privately later on, he will continue:
"What a son of a bitch! Oh, is he in trouble now! Anyone beside me feeling like a quick stroll to Witchspawn? To abandon his family like that! But he never cared much for his children, did he? Leave daddy alone, he can't play, he must work."
"And the worst thing is, it's been a MONTH! He can be anywhere in the Wold right now! Still, I just can't leave it like that. Not before we check out Witchspawn. Of course, we would be walking right into the territory of the Green Coven. They are bound to hold a grudge against us for the previous business."
"Oh, one more thing." Cadmar cools down. "I object to using lies unless its absolutely necessary. On the other hand, I have nothing against keeping part of the truth for oneself. I am not trying to tell any of you what to do, but please keep in mind that now that we are a team, actions of any one of us affect the reputation of the rest. I would hate to hear someone call me sneaky one day."
Thram Monday February 24th, 2003 3:21:27 PM
After leaving Hmark, "Well gentlemen, what should our role in this affair be? Pehter should have an obligation to care for his children, and I feel sorry for Hmary. But chasing down deadbeat dads seems like a job for the local marshall or constable and not one for us. I'm not entirely certain that Hmary would even be better off with this Pehter in her life. A man who would run from his responsibilities is also unfit to be a father. Perhaps it would simply be better for Hmary to think that Pehter was dead. I could leave some money for the family with the local general store, enough to last them some time at least. The proprietor could make certain that Hmary and her kids at least have food."
Thram realizes he's talking more than his usual amount and clamps his mouth shut, "Well, what do you others think?"
Garrard Monday February 24th, 2003 4:40:32 PM
Once outside the smithy, Garrard agrees with Thram, saying, "I'm not we can do anything more than perhaps leave some resources for her and the children, especially as she refused to speak to her family for support. I also agree it is likely not the right time to goto Witchspawn. Without a clear goal that much be achieved, I'd rather avoid situations that tempt the Green Coven and their potential feelings of retribution."
"I do think that we should have the local people, perhaps Hmark or the local constabulary remove the signs from Jarlwolf Minor. Otherwise, someone else might be drawn away from other situations that can be helped."
"I might also suggest that after leaving some coin with either Hmary or the proprietor of the local mercantile, we should begin travel towards the Culverwood, to gather the rooted herb that Cassandra asked for. Does anyone have an objection to that?"
If there is a collection taken up for Hmary and the children, Garrard will give over two hundred gold pieces.
Elerinn Monday February 24th, 2003 6:06:32 PM
Elerinn listens to the answer Hmark gives them carefully, and he after he has finished, he thanks the smith and leaves, looking sadly at the ground.
Outside, he says: "Cadmar, I'm sorry but...I don't think we can help Hmary here. If we go to Witchspawn, if we find him there, what can we do next? Order him to go back? He will not. I'm sorry, but this man has clearly made his decision. A wrong one, sure, but there's nothing we can do about it."
He pauses, looking Cadmar in his eyes, hoping he has not offended him in any way. Then he continues: "But I do think we can collect some money for Hmary..."
Wynn Brightsong Monday February 24th, 2003 6:45:49 PM
Wynn thinks quietly to himself for a moment, and then voices his opinion..."I think Elerinn is correct" sighs Wynn. "We can no more force this man back to his family than we could force any of us to change the life decisions we have each made."
"I would also be careful how much money we provide for Hmary and her family. She can not manage such sums, nor can we be sure that she will receive it all. As much as we may wish to right all of the inequities in the valley, we cannot. We have already repaired the farmstead, and Brontinas has left a tidy sum to help Hmary, by the looks of things, more than she has seen before."
Wynn pauses for breath and continues..."I don't think it is fair for Hmary and her children to be kept in the dark, waiting for the return of this undeserving man, yet she is unlikely to take this news well from us. Perhaps we should involve the local church in this affair. Maybe this brother Denbee will keep watch for Hmary and the kids on his periodic visits. Any collection we take up could go to him to help him look after Hmary and others like her. We should search this man out and see what he has to say."
Lorth Monday February 24th, 2003 6:53:45 PM
Lorth clearly distraught replies, "I say we visit the local church and ask them to look out for the children. If the farm becomes unfit to live perhaps the church can take the children in. I will leave a stipend with the church, for their room and board, in case this happens, and if more money is needed, they can contact my mother in Jarlswolf." Lorth then frowns, "Someone will need to go to Hmary and tell her, that we beleive goblins did not take Pheter. There is no reason for her to be looking to more people to kill the surrounding goblins."
(Lorth heads off to the local church to arrange this, as soon as is possible. He will donate 80 gold to the church for this eventuality.)
(OOC: Whenever possible Lorth will either send a couried letter or go himself to his mother's home in Jarlwolf to let her know of his arrangement. Let me know what a courried letter costs.)
Brontinas Monday February 24th, 2003 8:47:52 PM
Brontinas bows his head in aquiesence. "Sometimes, I am too quick to judge people. I judged Hmark as far to obstinant and far to stupid... my apologies, sometimes I forget I still have much to learn about the world."
Brontinas hangs his head shamedly but continues speaking, "I believe that we should still try and find Pehter, he needs to know what effect his not being there is having... in my opinion anyway."
Kedarn Monday February 24th, 2003 8:55:04 PM
Kedarn listens to Hmark carefully, after he is is finished Kedarn looks at him and states "you should not have let Hmary and the kids think that the goblins had taken him. She should have been told as soon as she posted the note on the board that Pheter went missing." Upon finishing Kedarn leaves the smithy.
Outside, Kedarn will look at each member of the group and says "yes, we can leave a sum of money with the church and ask them to se to it that the kids and Hmary are taken care of. I feel that we need to tell Hmary what we have found out and that she should talk with brother Denbee if she wants to contact Pheter. I agree that we should not go to Witchspawn but, we should start to head out and get the herb that Cassandra has asked for."
Kedarn will hand Lorth 50 gold for the church to use towards Hmary and the kids.
Andrath Monday February 24th, 2003 11:13:25 PM
Andrath moves up to speak to the blacksmith. "Sir, is there any advice that you can give us here, since you know the people involved, and the situation, much better than we do? Hmary may well be a very difficult person to live with, but you should see the state that the farm has fallen to! We really fear for the childrens' safety if they continue to live out there. Is there anyone in town that can help poor Hmary out? Does she have any relatives in the area that could take the children?"
Donations Welcome (DM Cayzle) d20=14 (Lorth's mother's roll for welcome-ness) d20=10 (Brother Denbee's cooperation roll) Tuesday February 25th, 2003 10:52:44 AM
Kedarn chides Hmark, who looks abashed. But then Cadmar and Brontinas apologize for being rude. Hmark apologizes too, though he doesn't say what for.
Andrath asks Smith Hmark if there is anyone in the village who would help out Hmary and her family. He tells the group thattimes were very hard when the giant ruled, and many who were recruited for the army failed to return. Now things are better, but there is a lot of hard work to do, and little time for charity, he's afraid. That said, the neighboring folks hereabout have already been helping here and there, with a pie or a stew, some new pants for the kids, or a friendly word. But no one he knows could give the kind of urgent help that a husband could do. He says that what she really needs is an extra pair of helping hands or two to do the hard work required.
The group takes its leave of Hmark.
Cadmar wants to go to Witchspawn to seek out Pehter. Thram calls for debate and seems undecided, but he does not counsel tracking down Pehter and does suggest a donation for Hmary. Garrard kicks 200 gp into a fund for Hmary. He does not want to go to Witchspawn.He suggests taking the notice down from the Adventurers Board and moving on to the next task -- gathering the witch's herb. Elerinn does not think going after Pehter is a good idea, and he too wants to contribute to Hmary and her family. Wynn cautions against seeking out Pehter and suggests finding and recruiting Brother Denbee in helping administer Hmary's fund. He also suggests that Brother Denbee could tell Hmary the truth about Pehter. Lorth agrees that involving Brother Denbee is a good idea, and contributes 80 gp. He also volunteers his family to take in the kids if need be. Lorth wants to hire a courier to take a message to Jarlwolf -- but the nearest courier would be in Jarlwolf, so you might as well walk there yourself. Brontinas agrees with Cadmar. He wants to try to find Pehter. Kedarn contributes 50 gp to the fund. He wants to help arrange things with Brother Denbee and he wants to tell Hmary the truth. Then he wants to go on the witch's job.
[Enter the plot-moving hand of the DM!]
The group walks a couple hours north to Jarlwolf. There they ask around and find Brother Denbee at the Temple of Alemi (the biggest temple in Jarlwolf). Brother Denbee wasn't very aware of Hmary's plight, but when alerted by the group, seems empathetic. He agrees to administer the fund, but he would like to take a tithe of it for the church. If that is okay, he agrees. He asks how the party would like the money is to be used. He would like to know how much it is in total (anyone else want to chip in?). Is the gift to be anonymous? Does the party want him to tell Hmary what they discovered about Pehter?
Lorth visits his Mom, and she feels bad for Hmary. "Of course I would take in those dear kids if they needed a place to stay," she declares. "Even if they are Hmana, children are children!"
Other issues -- does the group remove the notice from the Adventurers Board? Does the group want to return to Hmary's farm to tell her the news? Do you want to go to Witchspawn? And here is a reminder: The following Notices still remain on the Board (it has only been a few days):
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Caravan Guards wanted. Must be willing to travel. Provide own arms. Must be willing to handle stock and work loads. Pay based on experience. See Artad Bistoc at the Bistoc Warehouse."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Come, Adventurers Old and New! The Famous GREEN DRAGONS will be hosting a week of training and teaching in Jarlwolf. Tips and Tactics for seasoned vats and newbies alike! Jarlwolf Town Commons, Starting five days into the new month."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Herbalists or druids sought for expedition into the Culverwood. Must be able to identify and retrieve rare plants. See Cassandra at the Council House."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Please Help! Hmary of Jarlwolf Minor has lost her husband. She thinks goblins took him. That was a moon ago, and she is very worried. Please go to her farm in Jarlwolf Minor to help her."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Reward offered for recovery of magical implements. See Feorges Farrowhand at the Temple of Alemi."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"The Cinnamon Valley Needs You! Join the Council Guard! See the entire valley! Get trained with weapons and armor! Earn real gold! See Sir Wallston at the Armory."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Treasure! Treasure! Treasure! Help me find my treasure and I'll give you half! Ask for Bobart at the Inn of the Broken Cauldron!"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Weary after battle? Seek solace and healing at Alemi's Temple. Donations appreciated. Ask for Kind Tobald."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Lorth Tuesday February 25th, 2003 12:09:07 PM
(OOC: Just for clarification, I didn't mean for Lorth's mother to take in the kids. I meant her to pay to have them room and boarded with the church and I would recompensate her for the costs. I figured churches are always looking for helping hands, and usually run an orphanage or two.)
Lorth agrees with Brother Denbee, but adds, "Brother, I did not mean for you to give Hmary the money as a gift. I meant for the church to keep it and if the children could no longer live safely at the farm, I was hoping the church would take them in. I would be willing to keep contributions coming to your church if that scenario came to pass."
Lorth then tells his companions, "I believe we should let Hmary know what happened, and after that I will do whatever task the party wishes"
Cadmar Tuesday February 25th, 2003 12:39:34 PM
"Yes, you are right, Elerinn... it would be a wild goose chase if we went after Pehter... I just hope we got his story right and were not lied to..."
Cadmar shakes out the contents of his money pouch. Less than twenty coins fall out on his palm, only three of them gold. "Given that I still haven't paid in full my share in the Eyes of the Eagle, I'm afraid there is nothing I can contribute right now."
"I am sorry I steered the party for Jarswolf Minor. I realize that for some of you this has been a waste of time. Let me just sit quiet for a change while you decide what we do next."
Cadmar grins and starts to whistle a popular folk tune: "Oh beautiful Culverwood, so vast, so proud, so tall, so green, where since forever maples stood, wood full of wonders never seen, into you to his heart delight, young ranger wandered in the night, to gaze at stars, to hear birds sing, to watch nymphs bathing in a spring..."
Garrard Tuesday February 25th, 2003 1:18:04 PM
Garrard states, "Don't worry about the Eyes, Cadmar. I'm not worried about the money. As for the fund, I would be happy with the church administering it, and taking a tithe for doing so."
(I made a mistake. Garrard can chip in a hundred gold.)
Thram Tuesday February 25th, 2003 1:18:07 PM
Thram contributes another 200 gp to Hmary's fund. As he speaks with the priest, "With my money, I would suggest that first you ensure that her family always has food. However, it is my understanding that her primary need is help with chores. If some of my money could be spent ensuring that someone helps her out every so often, I would be obliged. There is no need to attach my name to the fund. Also, if the fund runs out and she still needs help, please contact me."
Thram looks at the board on returning to the commons and shrugs his shoulders.
Elerinn Tuesday February 25th, 2003 2:41:48 PM
Elerinn searches through his backpack, and finds 52 gold pieces to give to Brother Denbee. He says, while he gives him the gold: "Brother Denbee, perhaps this temple could educate on of Hmary's young ones. Maybe it will not help Hmary much now, but it will give the child, at least, more change of a better future."
He coughs, and continues: "I think you should tell Hmary the truth about Pehter's dissapearance. I do not object to give some of my gold to the church, by the way."
Elerinn suddenly remembers the Adventurers Board, and asks Brother Denbee if he knows where he can find Feorges Farrowhand. If he is present, Elerinn will ask him about the message on the Board, but first he will say to the others: "I'll be right back for our little expedition into Culverwood."
Wynn Brightsong Tuesday February 25th, 2003 5:59:21 PM
Wynn looks uncomfortable as the others contribute to the Church fund for Hmary. "Alas my own situation is less than prosperous, I can part with no more than 10 gp. at this point in time."
Wynn joins Elerinn in his search for Feorges Farrowhand and calls to the group..."before we decide on our next adventure I think we should talk with this Farrowhand character about his missing magical implements. He is supposed to reside here at the temple so it won't take long to hear him out."
Kedarn Tuesday February 25th, 2003 7:38:12 PM
Kedarn tells Brother Denbee "please make this anonymous. Also would you please tell Hmary what has become of Pheter. As for the tithe I would think 10% of the total should go to the church."
Kedarn says to the others "I believe we should be getting on our way to go collect the herb for Cassandra."
Andrath Wednesday February 26th, 2003 12:20:11 AM
Andrath replies to Cadmar, "You shouldn't feel any responsibility for our trip to Hmary's. We all decided to go. It's really too bad that we couldn't help her and the children out to a happier ending. Hopefully, the church will do right by them. I propose we check back on them from time to time, and make sure that the church is keeping up to their end of the bargain." He adds 10 gp to the pot of money.
"Kedarn, I think we still have a few days to go before we need to find Cassandra's herbs. What say we go with Elerinn and Wynn, and see what we can do to help this Feorges Farrowhand." Then he turns and follows the half-elf and the gnome as they head to the temple of Alemi. As he leaves the board, he pulls Hmary's notice off and puts it in his pocket.
Cleric, then Mage (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 26th, 2003 3:24:48 PM
Brother Benbee, a thin short man with a bushy moustache, agrees on the terms and even writes out an agreement. He agrees to take the party's gift, using ten percent as a tithe, and the remainder will be used for (A) feeding the family, (B) paying for a hired hand, (C) educating the kids, and (D) taking care of the kids in case of calamity. The Church of Alemi will hold the funds, disbursing them as needed, and any of the party can stop by with a day's notice to go over the ledger.
The total amount donated is: Garrard: 100 gp Lorth: 80 gp Kedarn: 50 gp Thram: 200 gp Elerinn: 52 gp Wynn: 10 gp Andrath: 10 gp TOTAL: 502 gp
[OOC: PLEASE note on your PC sheet not only your current wealth, but also a list of recent expenses, gains and losses.]
Brother Denbee also says he will tell Hmary about what really has happened to Pehter.
You recall that Cassandra won;t be ready for her errand into Culverwood with you for at least another week. So while the group is at the Temple of Alemi, they decide to visit Feorges Farrowhand, who had posted a notice on the Adventurers Board. He is housed in the Infirmiry Wing of the Temple, which is basically a combination walk-in clinic and hospital.
Feorges Farrowhand, you quickly discover, is a reclusive mage now lying ill abed. He want a group of adventurers to go to a ruined tower, his former home, north of town to retrieve a spellbook and a flask. Feorges was cursed and stricken after an experiment went wrong. His tower is in a perilous state, and he wants his equipment back before either the tower collapses completely or undesirables raid it.
"I was investigating a flask I had found," he tells you in a quavery voice. "When I opened it, it exploded and released a flock of imps. I am afraid they managed to get the best of me, so I escaped with my life and made my way here for help."
Most or all of the imps are gone now, he figures, but he wants his spellbook and the flask. There might be an imp or two around also. His curse leaves him currently unable to cast spells or walk.
"Help me, please, and I will reward you with magical scrolls. I will pen them myself -- whatever ones you want, within reason."
Wynn Brightsong d20+3=17 Wednesday February 26th, 2003 5:46:08 PM
Wynn's eyes light up in anticipation of this proposed venture.
"I've heard that imps can change their shape. I've never actually seen one but the folk tales I remember speak to both this and their poison stingers!" [OOC Bardic Knowledge 17]
"If we go"...Wynn looks expectantly around the group..."I think we should prepare ourselves for these possibilities."
"Does anyone else know anything about imps...what did you experience Feorges? Can you tell us how they overpowered you?"
Elerinn Wednesday February 26th, 2003 6:11:07 PM
Elerinn, like Wynn, is excited about what Feorges just told them. He says, looking at the other: "I believe we can try to retrieve your spellbook and the flask. We have another assignment, but I think we still have enough time."
He pauses, waiting for the reactions of his friends. If they agree with helping Feorges first he asks him: "Do you have any magical traps in your tower? Or anything we should be mindfull off?"
Lorth Wednesday February 26th, 2003 7:26:44 PM
Lorth nods his head, "Sure, I will help out also. Let me ask you, is there anything we can bring from the tower that will remove or help lift the curse on you?"
Garrard Wednesday February 26th, 2003 8:33:51 PM
Garrard goes with the group to speak with the mage, and listens silently through the question and answer session, nodding his assent when it comes time to decide to go or not.
Andrath Wednesday February 26th, 2003 11:07:10 PM
Andrath nods his agreement with the proposal to recover the mage's items. "I too have a couple of questions: can you describe the spell book and the flask you are looking for, and can you tell us their last whereabouts? Also, can you draw a sketch of the tower, or at least give us a description of the layout?"
He turns to the rest of the party. "I suggest that if we are going to do this, you magical types should memorize as many detect magics as possible. They will likely be very useful in a wizard's tower, and detecting magical creatures such as imps."
Kedarn Thursday February 27th, 2003 3:09:27 AM
Kedarn follows along with the party talk with the mage Feorges. After Feorges tells the others what they asked Kedarn asks "Do you know the names of any of the Imps that did this to you? Also, do you have any command words that will let us past your wards if there are any left?"
Cadmar d20+2=10 Thursday February 27th, 2003 6:38:46 AM
Cadmar adds some questions of his own: "Where exactly is your tower, good sir? How long ago did the accident happen?"
"I'm afraid I do not own weapons that could seriously hurt an imp. My dagger and scimitar would be useless against them, and even my bow does not stand much chance of killing one straight away. We would need silver weapons, but these are hideously expensive. Hm. I might have an idea."
Cadmar looks for a cleric of Alemi, explains that the party would like to help the mage remaining in their care, and politely asks if the Temple has some silver weapons in its vaults that they could borrow. A pair of silver daggers is what Cadmar hopes for. He is willing to leave his bow as a collateral. He does his best to sound convincing [Diplomacy 10].
Thram Thursday February 27th, 2003 1:30:09 PM
"Imps?! ... Poison?!" Thram shakes his head. He doesn't like the sound of this.
Feorges's Story (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 27th, 2003 1:49:28 PM
The creatures that Feorges calls "imps" are unknown to all but Wynn, who thinks he has heard of similar creatures called Gremlins. "They are creatures. Of pure chaos," the mage says in a weak voice. "They do not have poison barbed tails. Nor are they particularly vulnerable. To silver."
"These creatures attack with mischief. With curses. The effects of these curses change every time they are used. You see. They have crippled me. They have slowed me down. I am very weak. Curses are their offense."
The mage, who seems very tired, pauses to gather energy.
"They have a defense. Attacks against them go awry. My attack spells were turned against me. Against my home."
"They look like bouncing balls. Like Dancing Lights. But solid. In changing colors."
"Protection from Chaos may keep them at bay. I did not have the spell prepared."
Then he tells you about his tower. It is a day's walk north of Jarlswolf, on the border. You can't miss it -- it is a white marble tower with no doors or windows, visible through trees from the road.
He tells you, in a whisper, that the entry door is hidden by a permanent illusion. You can grope around the exterior to find it. Note that it is ten feet off the ground as well. If the party has the ability to Fly or Levitate, great. If not, bring ladder. The door is magically locked, so you might have to batter it down.
He tells the party that if he can cast a Remove Curse spell on himself while under the affect of a Magic Circle against Chaos, he thinks he will be cured. But he needs his spell book to cast the Remove Curse. (Brother Tobald of Alemi will cast the magic Circle against Chaos).
Inside the Tower, the first floor is living quarters, the second floor is a library, and the third floor is a workroom. But it is all damaged now. There are no magical wards or traps, so long as you don;t read anything.
Cadmar Thursday February 27th, 2003 2:45:18 PM
"Where did you leave the book and the flask, sir? Are only spells deflected, or physical attacks as well? How tough do you think this thing might be to kill? Is there something that might repel them, aside from the Circle against Chaos?"
Elerinn Thursday February 27th, 2003 4:01:19 PM
Elerinn looks dissapointed when Feorges tells them about the imps' protections. He says: "Unfortunately, I am not able to cast Protection from Chaos. Is any of you?"
Garrard Thursday February 27th, 2003 5:21:02 PM
Garrard considers for a moment, and then states, "That is not among the prayers I have been granted to date. Perhaps at the worst we could put a bit of money together and buy a scroll or two from the catacombs. Should be reasonably inexpensive, from the pricing policy they described to me."
After thinking a moment, Garrard continues.
"Do they have a fear of fire we might be able to exploit? Might we be able to bluff with a", he makes quotes in the air with his fingers, "banishing ritual?"
"Something like this might be used to draw them out of the tower into a prepared ambush. Regardless of how, I think we should avoid the possibility of getting attacked while some of our group is on the ladder we will need to get to the door."
"Do you know how many imp-creatures there might be, total? Is there any chance that Brother Tobald has any other spells of sufficient duration that he might be willing to cast on our behalf in preparation?"
With that, Garrard winds down into silence again.
Wynn Brightsong Thursday February 27th, 2003 7:25:35 PM
Wynn looks to Feorges and asks him "do you know how these creatures came to be in the flask? More to the point, is there any way to trick or entice them back into it?
"I suppose we had better find a ladder" Wynn says to no one in partucular. "
Andrath Thursday February 27th, 2003 11:30:41 PM
"While you pester this poor man with questions, I am going out to purchase a ladder. I will meet you on the north side of town."
Andrath heads out to the general merchant, and purchases a 12' ladder, then moves to the north side of the town to wait for the rest of the party.
Lorth Friday February 28th, 2003 7:07:19 AM
Lorth heads out with Andrath, in case he needs someone to help carry the ladder.
Kedarn Friday February 28th, 2003 8:56:29 AM
Kedarn says to the group "I can cast protection from Chaos if I prepare for it first. I can take and pray for it when I prepare my spells for the day next time. If we would want me to I can but I will not be able to cast it but once or twice."
Kedarn will head out to where everyone is going to meet and then he will wait for the others. While waiting Kedarn will prepare as best he can for the encounter with the imps (ooc: preping spells).
Final Preparations (DM Cayzle) Friday February 28th, 2003 1:41:51 PM
Feorges is looking weaker, and Brother Tobald is starting to glare at you.
"The book and flask. Are on the third level. The workshop level. There might be. No imps left. Or one, or four, or twelve. I suppose. The nature of them. Is that they are. Unpredictable."
"If you have. The good luck to hit one. Then three or five. Good blows should dispatch. An imp back. To its home. If you. Have the bad. Luck to miss. That luck. Will be. Turned against. You!"
"They. Hate. Law. Love chaos. Good luck. Thanks!"
Brother Tobold ushers you out and scolds you for tiring his patient. Then he thanks you for helping.
You prep for the encounter with a ladder and spells. Any other preparations?
Garrard d20+8=9 Friday February 28th, 2003 3:45:48 PM
Garrard will ask one of the others to go with him to forage berries, should they be needed at emergency. He will take a few from each bush, as to not overforage, but will try to come back with about thirty.
On the way out of town, (or back, if required), Garrard will try to meet up with the local constable, or militia leader. He will ask for a legal writ commanding any beings inhabiting Feorges' tower to leave, thinking that perhaps a symbolic item could be useful in some capacity against both the gremlins, and if they encounter others along the way.
(wilderness lore: 9/11, plus one for use of guidance spell, possible plus two in case of someone else helping him. Will take ten if the first foraging pass returns less than ten berries.)
Thram Friday February 28th, 2003 4:58:32 PM
Not having any better idea of what to do, Thram heads off to look for Andrath and Lorth. He hopes the imps haven't ripped all the pages out of the spellbook already.
[ack, I can't seem to figure out Cayzle's posting schedule]
[Double Ack! *I* can't seem to figure out my posting schedule! My goal is to post daily before noon eastern time. I think I do that. Mostly. Sorry! -- Cayzle]
Kedarn d20+3=21 Friday February 28th, 2003 8:56:14 PM
Kedarn will go help Garrard gather berries. (wilderness lore 21)
Cadmar Saturday March 1st, 2003 7:42:48 AM
"They hate law? Let's take along a lawyer" Cadmar grins.
"I have no idea how else should we prepare, aside from taking a stout axe to break down the door."
Unless someone already has one, Cadmar will go look for a heavy hatchet. After that, he is ready to help Garrard (and anyone else who might use his help on some errand).
Elerinn d20=4 Sunday March 2nd, 2003 2:13:24 PM
Elerinn will try to help Garrard, but is not really gifted with knowledge of the wilderness. He tries to, but isn't able to find much berries.
Wynn Brightsong Sunday March 2nd, 2003 9:36:25 PM
Wynn makes mental note of the location of Feorge's flask and spellbook in the tower and joins Thram in his search of Andrath and Lorth.
"Thram...I am worried about this ladder business. It will not take much to dislodge one of us from atop a 12 foot ladder. Do you know if any of the others have a potion or scroll of Spider Climb...what climbing skills do you possess?"
Lorth Monday March 3rd, 2003 7:17:18 AM
After helping Andrath procure a ladder, Lorth joins backup with everyone else.
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