Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:19 HP:17/17] Friday December 26th, 2008 8:44:17 AM
Garret watches Kiel ride off and thinks, "Does he so desire to stay in an Inn tonight?"
He shrugs and goes back to watching to ensure no one else and nothing else appears out of the darkness.
Zeph AC19 HP33 HeroesLoot3 d20+9=18 ; d20+3=12 ; Sunday December 28th, 2008 12:42:31 PM
Zeph awakes with a start and looks around in the confusion that follows sleep.
He sees Kiel ride off into the night, and Zeph stands up and begins to run after him. "Kiel, what are you doing? If there is a problem, we can talk it out! You're being brash, my friend!" Zeph shouts before he realizes that chasing after the man on foot is futile.
Then Zeph returns to see Axara's sobbing face, wearing an emotionless face himself. "Kiel knows a lot about what we are doing and about the book. If he gets caught and... tortured... for information, then he could give away where we are going. His will is strong... but so is what evil is willing to do for information." Zeph says to Axara, not knowing what action the group should take now.
(DIplomacy=12)
DM Kathy Sunday January 4th, 2009 9:26:55 PM
Your foes did not appear to possess much in the way of gear. Their armor and weapons were masterwork, but none were magic. The wizard had no magic apart from her spellbook.
The actions of the past couple of weeks become more than Kiel can bear. He abruptly departs the camp, leaving his startled companions in his wake.
You still have three live foes (who are presumably tied up). What will you do with them? And will you go after Kiel, or continue on your present mission?
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:19 HP:17/17] Monday January 5th, 2009 11:00:37 AM
"I think that we should continue on our way in the morning. It would seem that people are after this item we have and not Kiel. I also think that our foes here know they have been beaten. When we depart, perhaps we should just let them go. Their employer will know they have failed whether they return to him or not."
Axara[AC: 17 HP 24/24] Monday January 5th, 2009 11:02:16 AM
Axara looks completely panicked, looking for the others wisdom to help her. Kiel's departing words are still resonating in her head. "Please, let's go after Kiel. He cannot leave us like that. Did he betray me ... I mean us, like Sebastian? Would he betray us under torture? What to I do? This is too much ...."
She looks distressed and ready to mentally break under the stress of another potential betrayal.
Edited per player request. --Al
Rollo[AC:21 HP:37/37] Monday January 5th, 2009 11:57:58 AM
Rollo stretches the sleep from his muscles.
"The life of a hero is a difficult one, and some do not have the constitution for it." The gnome lets out a long yawn, "I do not think he goes to betray us, and if he has he knows the fate that awaits him."
Rollo begins packing his gear into his saddle bags, and affixes them to his mighty steed."As for these three, if anyone wishes to bring them to town for imprisonment I will not stand in their way, but we must continue on. Our journey does not grow any shorter."
Zeph AC19 HP33 HeroesLoot3 d20+6=25 ; Monday January 5th, 2009 6:29:15 PM
Zeph rubs the bridge of his nose with his fingers out of annoyance. "I'm feeling like I'm the only one with any moral backbone here. I'm taking them to town, tied up and bound, and I'm dropping them off at a guardsman's watch, or a sheriff's office or something. I'll be quick, but if you guys don't wish to come with, then that is your decision, I'll catch up later by riding fast on the way back." Zeph says, as he gathers up the ones who are alive, ties them up, and throws them over his horse.
"You would want the same treatment if it were you. After all, we are in their same shoes: just getting paid to do a job right? No need to lose lives over it." Zeph would say if anyone tries to argue with him.
"Mind if I borrow another horse? Three bodies may be much for one to carry." Zeph says.
(Take 20 on Use Rope? = 26. If not then 25)
Selemar Monday January 5th, 2009 6:51:43 PM
Selemar watches Kiel leave. May the gods watch over him.
"Zeph,I'd be happy to accompany you. This may not be the wisest course, but it seems best."
Feyjarl Talvalin [AC:18 .. HP:29/29] Monday January 5th, 2009 7:48:33 PM
Feyjarl, leaning on tree, wonders how to say what he is thinking without offending Zeph. Realising that there really isn't any way, he takes a breath and calmly talks to the group.
"Moral backbone? Surely our morals should be closer tied to our duty which is the mission that we are on, as oppose to taking the survivors to the local guards,"
Feyjarl, while trying not to be argumentative, clearly doesn't understand the point of Zeph's actions. "What are you giong to tell the guards? 'We thought they might attack us so we tried to ambush them first. Oh, and here are the ones we didn't kill'?!"
"Would I want the same treatment? You mean, to be handed over to the guards and possibly hung for 'banditry' - assuming of course that you can even convince the guards that we were in the right in the first place; which I doubt anyone would be able to...
"No, I don't think I would want to be served up on a platter for the local law; I'd rather have been killed in battle."
Feyjarl holds his hands up, "I'm not trying to start a conflict here but taking the survivors back to the guards, while possibly helpling to ease your conscience, will surely create more trouble and likely get them killed anyway."
"I suggest that we knock them out and leave them here, and get back to completing the task we have been given. We need to focus on what we should be doing, and not being led astray by distractions."
Feyjarl pauses... "However, if you insist on taking these few to the guards then I'll accompany you. I think you may benefit from having another sword at your side."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:37/37] Monday January 5th, 2009 7:54:40 PM "Then I guess while you do that we'll start on our way towards our objective."
Rollo mounts up.
Hmark(13/24hp) Monday January 5th, 2009 9:15:47 PM
Hmark has been slowly working an arrow out of his leg. He turns a bit green when Axara finishes off one man, and watches without comment as Kiel walks off.
The archer is non-plussed, as various other members of the group make ready to go in different directions. "Um, before we all split up." he asks, "I don't suppose anyone here is able and willing to cast a healing spell on a poor fella like me?"
The brown haired man looks over at Zeph. "I'm kinda with Feyjarl. I ain't for killing them outright. But walking them back to town is gonna lead to questions we ain't got good answers for."
"Anyway, if we split up..." Hmark's eyes slide over to Rollo. "...I think I'm sticking with the banana."
Rollo[AC:21 HP:37/37] d8+4=5 ; d8+4=12 ; Monday January 5th, 2009 10:18:38 PM
Rollo turns to the young archer. "I'm sorry I did not notice your injury sooner"
The gnome pats Hmark on the head."May the children of Eberyon tend to your wounds." seeing the wound to be stubborn he does it once more,"I mean it this time guys"
"There you go all better. Now if you're coming with mount up daylight will be upon us shortly." Rollo signals Cornelius to start his way down the trail.[b]"We'll keep a slow pace so you can catch up if you ride swift, but don't take to long."
~Sacrificing Monster Summoning I for a Cure light wound, and using the Pearl of Power to cast it again. Heals Hmark for 17 points of damage.~
DM Kathy Monday January 5th, 2009 10:42:54 PM
Upon consideration, you decide to press on with your journey, trusting that Kiel knows what he is about.
At Hmark's request, Rollo heals his wounds.
Zeph announces his determination to bring the three still-living bandits (or whatever) to the authorities. Selemar, though doubting the wisdom of this action, volunteers to accompany him.
Accordingly, the two of you set out before first light, dividing the three unconscious forms between your two horses. You head back toward the little village in whose inn you first encountered Ruglio and his companions, as it is the closest civilization you know of.
When you arrive there, the village is just beginning to awaken for the day. You see farmers beginning to head to their fields, and hear the lowing of cattle waiting to be milked. Faintly, you catch a whiff of baking bread.
Aside from the inn, the village square boasts a pump, a smithy, a pear tree, several houses, and a general store. What would you like to do with your prisoners?
Back at camp, the rest of the party takes their time awakening, breakfasting, and packing. You know that Zeph and Selemar will need to catch up with you, so there is no harm in taking your time today.
You set out shortly before mid-morning, joining travelers already on the road. The morning is already warm; the day may be a hot one before it is over.
Zeph AC19 HP33 HeroesLoot3 d20+8=27 ; Tuesday January 6th, 2009 5:39:32 AM "Well. I understand your argument Feyjarl... but we left bandits tied and unconscious on the road before. They ended up eaten by wild animals when we found them on the road a few days later. Besides, if we leave them alive and in the woods there is a 100% chance they will tell their masters about us when they wake up and get free. If we kill them when they are unconscious, then I wont be able to sleep at night. If we bring them to the authorities then there is about a 50/50 shot that the blood is not on our hands and their masters will be none the wiser to any information Ruglio may have." Zeph says.
"Besides... we don't have to tell anyone the absolute truth." Zeph says with a wink.
Zeph will knock at the door of the intelligent woman who he spoke to earlier about which direction Ruglio and his band went. If the woman answers, he will say. "Hello again. Sorry to bother you. But, you remember these people?" Zeph says, pointing to the unconscious forms. "Well. They are evil, evil individuals. Tried to steal all our valuables. I must be off soon in a rush and I don't know where any local police or guardsmen are. Could I trust you to bring them to justice?" Zeph says with his best charming smile. (bluff =27)
IF the woman contacts the authorities, then Zeph will tell much the same tale to them. If not, then Zeph will leave the bandits (or whatever) with her and give her 8gold for payment (the same 8gold I stole a while back, i might add... irony).
Either way, Zeph will thank her and the guards if they show up, and be off back to the camp as soon as he can.
When he gets back, Zeph will say to Feyjarl and everyone who stayed behind. "Look, I apologize if it seems like a waste of time... It will be the last time I do that, I promise... Mind if I take a look at that spellbook?" Zeph will say, apologetically.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 24/24] Tuesday January 6th, 2009 8:57:01 AM
Axara watches Kiel silouette disappears in the sunlight " but ..... but ..... you said you loved me ..... "
She does not react when Zeph takes the 3 inconscious brigands and it is only when he is nearly out of ear shot, she says " Well Zeph, I hope you will sleep better if Ruglio comes back and kills one of us. I hope you will be proud of saving him..... arrgh ... men ... "
Still in disarray, she goes see Feygarl "Feygarl, I think it will make our life easier if we focused on our mission and decides on a no prisonner policy. I will not let any magic user live as I know how powerful then can come back. Are you okay helping me finishing who ever needs to be finished? "
She rides next to Rollo and tells the gnome "I would have never expected that the only one making sense in this group would be the one wearing pots and pants as an armor. "
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:19 HP:17/17] Tuesday January 6th, 2009 8:59:32 AM
Garret heads down the trail with the others, the slow pace giving him time to wander. He clearly enjoys walking up to others on the trail and talking with them about whatever it is that they're willing to talk about. He asks them about the weather, harvests, rumors of war, and all sorts of topics. Once in a while he spots some plant or rock on the ground and rushes over to take a look at it. He often smiles when he examines those items, but then quickly catches back up with the group. Occasionally he tries to show Rollo the plants he has found.
Rollo[AC:21 HP:37/37] Tuesday January 6th, 2009 11:27:05 AM "Do not judge me foolish because I wear armor child, if our recent run in has not taught you the necessity for such protection then who truly is the fool?" Rollo smiles not meaning the words with any malice,"As for the bandits I wish to make my views plain. When you miscast a pot, you do not put it in the cupboard and hope that it will mend itself, you put it back in the fire and recast it. Some pots are so far gone they need to be sent back to the fire to be reforged, A pot does not wish to be misshapen and will be grateful when it returns from the fire anew. Do not fret your duty, you are doing right by the gods.'
As for Ruglio, with luck we hit them hard enough to reshape his imperfection, but if he returns it is merely out of his desire to be recast, and I will send him to the forges with a smile."
Rollo examines the plants as Garret brings them to him, occasionally explaining the significance of each plant in relationship to the balance of fey agro-economics.
As they eat their morning vittles Rollo makes sure to scatter a handful along the path for any wandering fey thanking his lord's servants for their aid.
Spells memorized
0 Level[b] Guidence Light Mending Resistance
[b]1st Level Elven Vision (Domain) Sanctuary Summon Monster I Shield of Faith Bane
2nd Level Faerie Fire (Domain) Summon Monster II Spiritual Weapon Hold Person
Hmark Tuesday January 6th, 2009 4:45:02 PM
"Thanks," Hmark says with relief as Rollo heals him. "That's a whole lot better."
The archer looks dubious at Axara's words, but chooses not to challenge them. On the road, he easily falls into converstation with Garrett. The young man is more than happye to speak of growing up on the farm near Magpie Crossing, his time in the local militia there, and on the creation of his bow, Red.
"Anybody see a creek?" he asks, as the sun climbs higher in sky. "Feels like a scorcher."
Feyjarl Talvalin [AC:18 .. HP:29/29] Tuesday January 6th, 2009 9:29:42 PM
Feyjarl tags along with Zeph and Selemar, keeping a wary eye on those spoken to and ready to run.
Selemar Tuesday January 6th, 2009 9:43:58 PM
Looks fairly casual,hoping they don't get arrested. Zeph seems to know what he's doing, so he and the wolf just try to look forgettable.
Zeph AC19 HP33 HeroesLoot3 Tuesday January 6th, 2009 11:10:19 PM
(OOC: Hey, in my fervor to try to be moral I completely forgot to question Ruglio about his employers... Would there be any way we could backtrack a little and do that before we go to the town along the road? If so, then I will ask Who their employer is and why they are looking for the book. Sorry if I'm screwing this up guys, I'm taking final exams for the Wintersession this week, so I'm running on little to no sleep.)
DM Kathy Tuesday January 6th, 2009 11:56:32 PM
[OOC: Ruglio has already said his patron's name is Karsz. For the sake of brevity, let's say that's the only thing you get out of him.]
Zeph's intelligent maidservant looks highly dubious at his glib story. But she pockets the 8 gold pieces with a slow nod, studying the unconscious bandits with a thoughtful air. "I'll take care of it," she says.
That business out of the way, you rush to catch up with the others.
The main party, meantime, is continuing southward as the sun climbs higher in the sky. As they travel, they debate the relative merits of taking prisoners and leaving no witnesses or threats behind.
On the road, throats parch and tempers fray in the heat. Muleskinners curse their beasts with extra vigor, and miserable-looking merchants snap at their servants and at any travelers who dare to get too close or delay them, even for an instant.
A couple of canny children have taken up a station on what is obviously their family's farm, selling drinks of well-water for a copper per dipperful. They are making a killing.
Shortly past noon, Zeph, Selemar, and Feyjarl catch up with the main group. The bandits disposed of, you turn your attention to the next stop on your journey: Bigtown.
[OOC: Anybody with Knowledge: Geography, Knowledge: Local, or Knowledge: History can make a roll to determine what you know about Bigtown.]
Feyjarl Talvalin [AC:18 .. HP:29/29] Wednesday January 7th, 2009 12:12:49 AM
Feyjarl falls into place beside the rest of them. Thinking back on Axara's thoughts and how they mirror his own.
Axara[AC: 17 HP 24/24] Wednesday January 7th, 2009 8:39:32 AM
Axara rides with the rest of the group, hoping Feygarl is with her regarding dealing with potential attackers. "If I survive the next fight, I will finish any survivors to avoid discussion among us and splitting the group. If this prevent Zeph to get his beauty sleep, so be it. I wish Kiel was back here. Did he really love me or was he playing with me as other men have done?"
As the day get hotter, she loosens her robe and lift it, exposing her legs, arms and her upper chest. She pays no attention if she attract stares as she is lost in her thoughts about Kiel.
OOC: No knowledge is any of the one mentioned
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:19 HP:17/17] d20+1=6 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+1=15 ; Wednesday January 7th, 2009 9:15:56 AM
Garret tries to speak with merchants as they travel, greeting them often with "Gee, Hot enough for ya?" He jumps back when they yell at him, surprised at their anger.
When they see the kids selling water, he offers to buy a couple cups for other travelers who appear hot and don't look like they're going to stop. "No, please, I insist. It's just hot out, isn't it?"
As they travel, Garret looks up and says, "Bigtown... hmmm... now I know that it just around a few more turns, but I don't really remember much about it. I'm sure we're headed the right way, and we should be there directly!"
Rollo[AC:21 HP:37/37] d20+3=12 ; Wednesday January 7th, 2009 11:43:16 AM
Rollo thinks about the history of the area as they ride along, but it has been awhile since his lessons and the information is a little sketchy.
When Rollo sees the children selling water he rides over to their establishment. "You young ones should be out playing, there will be time for mercantile enterprises when you are older." The gnome places two stacks of ten gold in front of each of the two kids. "Now go off, be young, and enjoy this glorious day."
Rollo continues on.
(Knowledge: History - 12)
Hmark Wednesday January 7th, 2009 2:58:38 PM
Hmark rides along, saying very little. He opens his mouth to object to Rollo's admonishment of the kids, but when the gnome drops 20 gp on the table, he clamps it firmly closed.
"Where we you when I was doing that?" he wonders plaintively.
Zeph AC19 HP33 HeroesLoot3 d20+4=20 ; Wednesday January 7th, 2009 3:32:15 PM "Hmm. Mind if I get a cup of water with Rollo's gold he just put down there? Also, would you lads know anything about Bigtown that you could tell us?" Zeph says to the children.
(No ranks, but Knowledge=20)
(OOC: Also, could DMKathy give me a loot list of the bandit's Masterwork Items so I can do the math and divide up the gold?)
BigTroll Wednesday January 7th, 2009 4:49:59 PM **Knowledge skills is trained only, which means if you have no ranks in a skill requiring Trained, you cant use it.**
Feyjarl Talvalin [AC:18 .. HP:29/29] Wednesday January 7th, 2009 6:28:44 PM
Feyjarl just rides wondering if he'll meet the creative genius that came up with the name 'Bigtown'.
He glances at Axara, loosening her clothes, 'So the iceberg starts to melt.'
Axara[AC: 17 HP 24/24] Wednesday January 7th, 2009 7:29:10 PM
Feygarl's comments breaks Axara from her chain of thoughts and she looks at the man. "You should actually see what is really under iceberg." She moves her hair is a nonchalant sexy way and winks at him. Why do you actually care? I thought you were madly in love with some kind of Lady thief or something ...." She lets the sentence lingers as she buried her eyes into his.
Feyjarl Talvalin [AC:18 .. HP:29/29] Wednesday January 7th, 2009 10:47:15 PM
Feyjarl looks at Axara, smiling, "What can I say... I'm a people person."
He looked away deep in thought, 'Zhang... Strange that she was on my mind constantly, and now I'm struggling to remember things about her...'
The bottom of the scar on his back started to pulse with a dull pain, gradually getting stronger. Riding alongside the group, Feyjarl dropped back a little and pulled out the ointment he'd been given by Zhang for the pain. Pulling his armour away from his skin slightly, he forced his hand up behind his back and began to rub the ointment in.
The pain gradually subsided... and he smiled as he recalled brushing the back of his hand across Zhang's face at a dinner they had before he left their camp.
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