DM Kathy Thursday September 17th, 2009 12:32:51 AM
[OOC: The swords are longswords and the armor is breastplates. Please understand that I had to make the bad guys in a tearing hurry in order to re-start the game. That included equipping them.]
As you discuss your options, most of you are leaning toward a return to Cinnamon Valley. You bundle up your loot and are soon ready to depart...which means you need to make a final decision about where you're going. :)
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:13/25] Thursday September 17th, 2009 11:21:58 AM
"Well, let's go see what the woman will do with this stinger and poison, shall we?"
Donovan {9 ~ 52hp} Thursday September 17th, 2009 11:42:08 AM
I second that motion.
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Thursday September 17th, 2009 4:30:48 PM
As the group walks back to the Cinnamon Valley, Cambar takes the chance to tell Zeph about the WLA.
"See, anyone can pick up a sword and some armor and go off looking for loot. Some don't even care too much how they get it. But those are just thugs. The WLA gives you a higher purpose. It is for adventurers who want to make a difference in the Wold -- a difference in the right direction."
She is happy to share all she knows (see link).
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Thursday September 17th, 2009 7:05:53 PM
'biggest difference i want to make would be a chance to know thee valley is safe' selemar thinks to himself
Zeph AC22 (Shield) HP 15/37 HeroesLoot4 Thursday September 17th, 2009 10:39:44 PM "Yep. To Dulcet..." Zeph says again as the group sets off.
"I would definitely like to join this group. If I had known about it earlier, I would have joined before now. It seems they have some resources I could make good use of." Zeph says.
(OOC: I added up the loot from the last few encounters... all the way back to the ettins and orcs. After we get to Jarlwolf and sell our gear, just add the correct amount of money as listed on the sheet to your character page.)
DM Kathy Friday September 18th, 2009 12:24:14 AM
Your decision made, you bundle up the gear and leave the wyvern's lair. Tired from your battle, weighed down with loot and the sting of a wyvern, still wounded, you do not make good progress on your journey.
Still, you are able to put a mile or two between yourselves and the lair before you call a halt. Setting up camp has never seemed to take so long, and most seem content with cold rations, rather than going to the trouble of cooking something hot.
Fortunately, nothing disturbs your camp during the night, and you awaken to a clear morning with a slightly better outlook on things.
[OOC: Everyone regains their level in hit points overnight.]
Zeph AC22 (Shield) HP 20/37 HeroesLoot4 Friday September 18th, 2009 2:41:52 AM
Zeph yawns when he wakes up and stretches. Then flinches as his ribs hurt under the strain. The bite marks are still rather fresh in his skin as well.
Need a cleric... Zeph thinks constantly, wondering if he can perhaps retrain his own skills to better suit the needs of the party.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:18/25] Friday September 18th, 2009 8:40:24 AM
Garret also groans a bit as he rises in the morning. He bends and stretches, trying to get past the pain. He notices a few new bruises on his arm and chest.
As they eat, he joins Zeph and Cambar, saying, "That sounds like quite an interesting group. How, exactly, does one go about joining such an honorable organization?"
Donovan {9 ~ 52hp} Friday September 18th, 2009 12:37:28 PM
So cuz, you saying I am a thug? Cuz I choose Not to join a group an organization but rather be on my own and those others I trust? Why must I belong to some fancy shmancy group to want to change the world. Why can't I and those of like minds do it without having to pay someone dues. Isn't my own money, and my blood and sweat and tears enough payment in helping to make the world a better place without having to hand some money hungry group of hooligans more of my money just to have my name on a list marking me as a do gooder? Shouldn't my actions be enough to prove my meat rather than some trinket I wear on my cloak??
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Friday September 18th, 2009 1:49:19 PM
Cambar laughs and gives Donovan a hug. "Silly boy! You're no thug -- 'cause you got me to make sure you stick on the straight and narrow!"
"He does have a good point, though," Cambar says to Garret and Zeph. "It is WAY expensive. Two grand gold just to start, and lots more than that to get promoted. Course you can be a good guy and not join. You could be a better person than any of us in the WLA if you did not join, and donated the amount of the dues to charity!"
Zeph AC22 (Shield) HP 20/37 HeroesLoot4 Friday September 18th, 2009 1:53:03 PM
Zeph thinks and then smiles. "Well. You see, I like the idea of the group not because it 'proves' anything. I like it because they have services I can make use of. You see, I understand the price is high... but the returns are worth it. I would call it an... investment."
(OOC: Free skill points and a feat to name a few)
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Sunday September 20th, 2009 8:08:42 PM
'not quite my thing. does anyone require more healing?'
DM Kathy Sunday September 20th, 2009 11:03:51 PM
[OOC: Selemar is our healer until Rollo sorts out his computer problems. So I think the answer to Selemar's question is "heck, yeah!"]
Dawn comes early in high summer, perhaps a little earlier than some of you would like. On the other hand, it's going to be a lovely day.
You take your time getting breakfast and packing up, knowing you'll have plenty of daylight. When you set off, it is to take a pleasant trek across the grassy hills. A light breeze keeps the day from being too warm. Puffy white clouds chase one another across the sky, birds soar on the breeze, and small creatures scurry out of your way as you approach. The rustling of the grasses and the buzzing hum of a thousand happy insects are your constant companions.
The Windborne hills are indeed lonely; you walk pretty much the entire day without coming across another living soul. When you make your camp, it is near the boundary of a lonely farmstead, the first sign of civilization you have seen for days. The farmer's wife, though startled to find travelers so far out, is happy to sell you fresh eggs and milk. You camp in a copse of trees, near a spring. The sunset that evening is spectacular.
Tomorrow, you should reach the road.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:18/25] Monday September 21st, 2009 8:24:08 AM
Garret smiles and hums to himself as they travel through the abandoned hills. He looks around in wonder at the Wold, happy to be traveling again. If more talk is started about the WLA, he expresses his interest once again. "I have traveled through a lot of these lands, usually just carrying messages. I would indeed like to help others more as I go, and it would be nice to have an organization around that would help me do that."
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Monday September 21st, 2009 9:04:08 AM
Cambar is happy to be under the sky, riding again. As she rides, she imagines that her faithful mount is a wyvern that she has trained from a pup, and that she is swooping down on enemies.
She directs the conversation to the object of every adventurer's interest: "How you guys divide treasure? Who splits the shares? How do you know who gets what?"
Donovan {13~ 52hp} Monday September 21st, 2009 9:44:45 AM
Greedy cousin, Donovan thinks to himself. And gives Cambar a mischievous smile.
Donovan is also happy to be under the sky again, even if he still has to apply ointments to some of his booboo's. Cringing every so often as a piece of his armor rubs one of his wounds wrong. But no sound parts through his lips of any discomfort.
Hmark(ac18, 35/35hp) Monday September 21st, 2009 10:47:49 AM
Hmark spends the day riding trail, as is his custom. That evening's opportunity for an omlette is too good to pass up, and the archer happily buys the eggs and milk from the isolated farmhouse
While he keeps an ear on the conversation around the WLA, Hmark offers no opinions. He's heard of the organization before, but has to decide if 2000 gp is worth whatever they offer.
Zeph AC22 (Shield) HP 20/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+4=8 ; d20+5=10 ; Monday September 21st, 2009 12:42:32 PM
At the question about the division of loot, Zeph perks up and pulls out a piece of parchment. On the parchment are several charts displaying the division of loot throughout the travels of the group from the very beginning. Most recently, entitled HeroesLoot4 , Zeph shows how the loot is divided.
"Basically, we add up how much we can sell every item for and divide it by everyone who took part in obtaining the loot. Since the first battle you participated in was the one with the Wyvern and those soldiers, that is the battle you get loot from. If you wish to claim an item from the loot pile that is intended to be sold, then the price of that item is simply deducted from your share. If you wish to replace one of your items with a looted item, then you can simply put your old item into the group pile and it will offset the deduction in your gold from your obtained item. Therefore, it benefits you to claim a looted item because it results in being 10% cheaper than if you had purchased it directly. Lastly, you can actually go into the negative number in the gold you are owed if you chose to claim too many items, but that is fine since it saves money over all and the amount will simply be deducted from the next time you are allotted gold." Zeph explains, hoping that his explanation was understood.
(knowledge: math =8? Bleh... lets try Arcana, since math is really magic after all... 10, bleh x 2)
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Monday September 21st, 2009 1:27:18 PM
OOC: Could I get permission for cayzle@gmail.com to read the treasure doc? Thanks!
Zeph AC22 (Shield) HP 20/37 HeroesLoot4 Monday September 21st, 2009 1:39:45 PM
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tGXhVq6r4ty_crtbpbSnKbQ&output=html
Does that work? Sorry. Im still new to google docs.
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Monday September 21st, 2009 2:54:06 PM
Perfect. thanks!
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Monday September 21st, 2009 8:10:13 PM
Is it possible to say that Selemar would have done some healing the first day of travelling? He'd burn through a bunch of spells trying to get everyone back to full.
DM Kathy Monday September 21st, 2009 11:20:09 PM
During your first day of travel, Selemar casts a series of cure spells. Between that and another good night's sleep, everyone is at full hit points.
Another beautiful day dawns. You once more strike camp, pack up, and head out over the hills. Today is much the same as yesterday, though perhaps a bit warmer.
You reach the road in the afternoon, and begin traveling south. You pass a drover with a herd of sheep, and realize it's been days since you've seen another traveler. If the drover even counts as a traveler. He stares at you in open astonishment.
You camp that night in a site that has clearly been used for camping before. There is a flat, hard-packed area for tents, a blackened fire ring, and several posts for tying up pack animals. A nearby stream provides water.
Your rest is again undisturbed, and the next day you set out again toward the valley. As the road drops out of the hills, you begin noticing how warm it is. The cooling breeze you had up on the hills is all but gone. In its place is dry heat and trail dust. Those of you in medium and heavy armor are becoming a bit uncomfortable.
As you enter the valley, you pass a couple of tiny hamlets, and you begin to see more travelers. There is some chance you could find an inn for tonight. Or, you can camp agin.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:25/25] Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 7:06:12 AM
Garret spends part of the night at the campsite in the stream. He enjoys his time there, even while keeping one eye out for others near them. He gets the feeling that they are being followed for some reason.
The next day, as they start to reach civilization, Garret says, "I'm not so sure we should stay in an inn tonight. I just get a feeling that someone is still trying to follow us. We might be better off in the woods somewhere."
Donovan {52hp} Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 11:49:33 AM
Im game for the Inn. A hot bath, a warm meal and a mug or 5 of ale sounds very inviting right about now.
Cambar (HP19 of 27, AC23) Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 9:12:47 PM
Cambar would be glad of a bath. Or even just of a sleep in a hay loft.
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 10:27:20 PM
Though Zeph also feels an Inn would be a nice change of pace, he has come to trust Garret's instincts. "It's up to you guys, but if Garret feels someone is following us, then that's what I'm with him." Zeph says.
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) d20+12=23 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 11:32:27 PM
"Hey wait! Someone is following us? Maybe it's Canlan, my brother!"
Cambar rides back, waving her lance and shouting, "Who's there! Come out! Let's talk. Come on, we can have a chat!" She tries to be persuasive: Dip 23.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 12:03:37 AM
You face the dilemma that has plagued this group almost from its inception. Do you sleep comfortable tonight, and risk being seen by your enemies? Or do you stay away from civilization--which means at least one more day in the same clothes?
Opinion is divided. Garrett feels sure there is somebody following the group. Cambar and Donovan long for the comforts of civilization.
[There is no reply to Cambar's challenge]
As you are still discussing your options, you come to the inn itself. It is a simple country place, one story, made of wood. The painted wooden sign hanging outside shows some kind of four-footed animal, which seems to have an abnormally large head, jumping up on a rock. Or possibly a tree stump. Whoever painted the thing was no artist.
However, whoever is cooking supper is an artist of the highest caliber--or so it seems when you catch a whiff of thyme and summer savory and something delightfully meaty. Still, staying in a public place could be a security risk. Do you stop, or find a place to camp?
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 12:05:37 AM
"I'd suggest we stay near the woods. It is porbably safer, and we seem not to be favored with an overabundance of luck."
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 12:26:50 AM
"I don't get it. Who are we hiding from? Why are we so a-scairt? You all got enemies? Who?"
She sighs. "I say hit the inn, and hit it hard. But if you all have some reason not to, that's fine too."
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:25/25] Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 9:10:27 AM
"Okay, how's this? You guys go ahead into the inn and get set up. I'll hang behind a little bit, take a look around, and then arrive a little later, like I don't know you. I'll keep an eye out to see if anyone looks like they're interested in you. Maybe I won't be noticed."
To Cambar, he says, "Well, you saw that group that attacked us at the wyvern's lair, didn't you? That isn't the first group that's been after us. I'm guessing that someone, somewhere, has put a price on our heads. Sorry to tell you, but since you've been seen with us, that price might extend to you as well."
Donovan {52hp} Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 11:42:10 AM
That sounds like a plan Garret.
And with that said Donovan walks into the inn and inquires about a room and a hot bath. After paying he goes to his room whereupon he drops out of his armor, strips out of his hot, sweaty clothes and dons a cleaner pair. Then saundering back downstairs he asks the innkeeper about laundry services as well, paying for that too if available. Then goes to the tavern and orders a few ales and a hearty meal while waiting for his bath call. Eating hungrily, and drinking thirstily, Donovan stays in the tavern til the bath call is made then he leaves for it, anticipating the hot water to clean off the blood and help with his aching muscles, and the soap to clean the dirt and stink from his carcass. After said bath he goes back to his room where he redresses then hops to the tavern for a couple more rounds of ale. Then retiring to his room he strips down to nothing, climbs under the covers and falls fast asleep.
Hmark(ac18, 35/35hp) d20+5=8 ; d20+5=15 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 8:50:02 PM
"I'm thinking I'll go with them", Hmark says, waving a hand toward Donovan and Cambar.
The archer joins Donovan for a meal, and hangs out in the tavern room awaiting Garret. Otherwise he keeps to himself and watches the goings-on. [Listen 8, Spot 15]
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+9=15 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+12=13 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 11:20:26 PM
Zeph looks at Garret, then looks at the inn, then looks at Garret again, then at the inn with Donovan, Hmark, and Cambar walking towards it, then looks at Garret and Selemar staying behind. He is clearly torn between two options. "ARG." Zeph exclaims, knowing that the Inn surely would be nice, but would also be higher on the radar.
"Garret, Selemar- thanks for taking one for the team. Hope to see you in there after not too long. Keep a keen eye out." and with that Zeph decides to go to the inn.
Well, I suppose there is need for a wary pair of eyes at the Inn as well. Zeph rationalizes to himself.
Zeph will also go to the Inn, get a room, order a rather large dinner (with red wine) and bath. He will clean his clothes with Prestidigitation and fall asleep after making a small barricade on his door and rigging his window ledge to collapse if the weight of a person was to try to climb up it.
The whole while he will keep an eye out for anything suspicious, as well as an ear out for others' conversations.
DM Kathy Thursday September 24th, 2009 1:01:22 AM
You decide to (temporarily) split up, and Cambar, Donovan, Hmark, and Zeph enter the inn. The delicious smell of cooking is even stronger in here, mingled with the scent of ale and well-scrubbed wood. The furnishings are simple; benches and trestle tables, with a bar at one end.
Several farmers and laborers turn to look at you curiously, then go back to their meals and drink. The human man behind the bar, gives you a friendly nod, wiping his hands on his apron. "Welcome to the Leaping Ram," he says, "what can we do for you?"
You tell him, and he summons his wife to begin heating water for baths. A stable-lad asks you if you've any mounts to be taken care of, and at length another lad arrives to show you to your rooms. The innkeeper informs Donovan with some regret that the washerwoman only comes twice a week, and today isn't one of her days.
Supper proves to be mutton stew, simmered to a thick, savory brown. With it is fresh-baked bread and fresh peach preserves. Drink is ale, though when Zeph requests, they manage to hunt up a bottle of locally-made elderberry wine.
Although you are on the alert, you see nobody paying special attention to your party. The other patrons look very much like farmers; you couldn't really imagine any of them as mercenary fighters in disguise.
Outside the Leaping Ram, Garrett and Selemar find things similarly quiet. Nobody is skulking about the inn, and everyone who enters after the group is obviously local.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:25/25] d20+13=26 ; d3=2 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+17=21 ; Thursday September 24th, 2009 7:29:02 AM
Garret stays outside for a good while, trying to stay out of sight. He waits until late in the night, until the patrons who are coming and going seem to have mostly gone before he moves out. Then he heads into the stables and sets himself up with the mounts for the rest of the night, hoping that he is wrong and that no one is following them.
-----
A few random rollings: Listens: 26, 30, 22 Spots: 9, 19, 25 Hide: 23, 37, 21
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) d20+5=21 ; Thursday September 24th, 2009 12:20:40 PM
Cambar smells the good food and is eager for it. She enjoys both the bath and the meal very much.
She talks with the innkeeper and the staff. A few locals too. She listens for rumors, news, or other info. Gather Info check 21!
Donovan {52hp} Thursday September 24th, 2009 1:11:23 PM
Will wash my own clothes in the bathtub before I dirty the water with my stinky self. Hanging the well rung out clothes up throughout the room to dry while he socializes in the inn before going to bed, then still so while he resumes his dream from last night about girls and a game called hopscotch....clothing optional.
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:18:52 PM
Selemar will rest beneath the stars. having a bear makes you feel conspicuous, but also somewhat safer than most
DM Kathy Friday September 25th, 2009 1:25:13 AM Donovan solves the washerwoman problem by washing his own clothes in his bathwater. The innkeeper's wife is a trifle tight-lipped upon seeing the state of the bath-house afterward, but Donovan's things are considerably cleaner than they were.
Garrett watches until closing time, then goes to the barn to sleep. With the heat of the day, and the warmth of so many large animals, it is quite warm in the barn. But there are plenty of places to sleep.
Selemar and Shun simply sleep under the stars. It is a clear night, so there are lots of stars for company.
Cambar spends some time chatting with the patrons of the inn. She hears a great deal about a group of black-clad soldiers that came through town just a few days ago. A tough bunch, they seemed, and not entirely reputable, though they paid for their meals without a fuss. They did not stay at the Leaping Ram; only supped her before continuing on their way. Clad all in black they were, led by a tall fellow with a scar on his face.
The night is uneventful, and the sun rises the next morning on another clear day. By breakfast-time, it is warm enough outside that the inn's windows and doors are all opened up. It's going to be a scorcher.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:25/25] Friday September 25th, 2009 7:35:46 AM
Garret rises early and quickly prepares to depart he slips in the inn for the early breakfast and is ready to go as soon as the other awake. "Let's be on our way, then, shall we?"
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) d20+6=21 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+5=21 ; Friday September 25th, 2009 10:37:46 AM
Cambar's eyes get wide when the patrons mention the tall man in black. She tries to draw them out a bit, spending 10 gp on drinks for folks. "I think I heard tell of that guy," she bluffs. "They say he killed a man in Jarlwolf, just to watch him die. Anybody heard what he's calling himself these days? Those men of his wear armor much? weapons?"
Cambar tells her friends what she learns, and asks if this sounds like someone hunting the group -- tall guy, dressed in black, scar on his face. Has a bunch of thugs with him.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Friday September 25th, 2009 11:07:09 AM
After splashing water on his face in the morning, and dressing, he grabs his gear and lugs it down to the inn for a morning meal and some good mead. Turning to the innkeeper he inquires if by chance he has a horse for sale. Eyeing his armor, and then looking outside, Donovan is not looking forward to walking another day in it.
If the innkeeper has a horse for sale, he buys it. Without tack as Donovan plans on using the horse to carry his armor and he will walk with it.
If the innkeeper does not have a horse for sale. He will grudglingly put on his armor and prepare himself for a long, hot, chaffing day.
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+11=21 ; Friday September 25th, 2009 1:41:37 PM
Zeph chooses not to don his cloak and his darkest clothes, and will ask if he can purchase a straw hat to fend off the heat.
When he hears Cambar, he backs her up (assist bluff ect =21) "Yeah, that rowdy bunch" he says with a smile on his face.
DM Kathy Sunday September 27th, 2009 10:56:17 PM Donovan inquires about buying a horse, but none of the farmers hereabouts are keen to sell theirs. "You might want to ask again in a few months, young fellow, after the harvest is in. Mayhap someone'll have a beast they don't care to feed all winter."
Cambar and Zeph attempt to gather more information about the black-clad men who came through town. You get a little more; descriptions of how much they ate and what their horses looked like.
Really, though, your best source of information is your own brains. You remember the fight with the wyvern, and how the four men who tried to stop you were all dressed in black. You remember that they used military ranks (you know of a Sergeant and a Corporal), and that one carried a letter with orders from somebody else, which at least hinted that they were part of a larger organization. Also, the letter said that "other defenses" would be deployed against these pesky adventurers. And now, lo and behold, you hear of a larger group of men, all dressed in black, with a definite leader, heading toward your base of operations.
At this point, it can honestly be said that you know more about the situation than the locals here at the inn.
You gather your things and set out. Zeph is able to acquire a hat to help keep the sun off. Nonetheless, it is very warm as you set out, and the day grows hotter as you travel.
Garret Goodbarrel [ AC:22 HP:25/25] Monday September 28th, 2009 7:39:09 AM
Garret travels without his shirt, as usual, and enjoys the warm sun on his back. He smiles as they travel, occasionally mentioning how enjoyable the weather is.
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) d20+6=25 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 11:06:51 AM
"We're still going to deliver the wyvern tail, right?" Cambar asks.
She takes a drink and makes sure her horse is doing okay in the heat. Handle Animal 25.
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 Monday September 28th, 2009 11:52:50 AM "That's the plan, stan." Zeph replies to Cambar
(OOC: DMKathy. For my prestige class, I have to visit the Jancassis guys. Would now be a prompt time to take a walk away from the group to do that? I level up in 800exp, so soon would be good.)
Hmark Monday September 28th, 2009 6:50:43 PM
Hmark nods with Zeph. They need to get back to Dulcet.
The archer makes sure his waterskins are topped off, and Stardancer has had a good long drink, and sets off with the group.
Selemar [ac 18 hp 23/23] Monday September 28th, 2009 7:56:27 PM
"I think we need to head home for a bit, to make sure things are ok. I'm not sure I like the idea of a small army searching for us"
DM Kathy d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d4=1 ; d4=2 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 11:39:03 PM
The prospect of black-clad soldiers in Cinnamon Valley is alarming, but you believe your best course of action is to get the wyvern sting to Dulcet as quickly as possible.
[Zeph, don't leave just yet. :) ]
The temperature continues to climb throughout the morning. By noon, the heat can truly be called "stifling."
[Everyone make a Fortitude save, DC 15. Those wearing medium or heavy armor take a -4 penalty to the save. If you fail, take 4 points of non-lethal damage.]
Looking around, you see that many of the normally hard-working folk of Cinnamon Valley seem to be taking a midday rest. In one field, you see a farmer stop and unhitch a team of oxen, leading them into the shade of a barn. Another group lounge near a village well, shaded by an ash tree, hauling up buckets of water to drink.
[If you continue on your journey, make three more saves, DC 16 or take 3 damage, DC 17 or take 1 damage, and DC 18 or take 2 damage. All damage is non-lethal. Those wearing medium or heavy armor take a -4 penalty to the save.]
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+5=16 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=16 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 12:39:46 AM
(Success against the first save. Failure to the second, fourth, and fifth)
Zeph feels his brow gather a bit of sweat and realizes quickly that he hasn't shaved in some time. His black beard is a bit bushy and scraggly.
He can hold himself together through the first leg of the journey (first save), but after the group continues to march, Zeph declares "I do declare, it is quite hot out here. Perhaps a breather is in order?"
Zeph will also approach the men at the village well. "Mind if I take a swig?" Zeph says.
Reminder to self: Memorize Endure Elements Zeph thinks
At the next sleep chance, Zeph will memorize the spell in place of Grease
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25 NLD: 4] d20+5=12 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 8:27:25 AM
As they group walks, Garret stumbles a bit and almost falls, catching himself at the last minute. "Whew, it really is getting hot today, isn't it? I know we need to be on our way, but I need to sit down and rest, just for a minute or two. If you guys want to take the banana and continue, I'll catch up."
He heads over to a tree at the side of the road and slumps down, stopping to drink a little. "I'm not so thirsty, as I'm just drained in this heat." His eyes close a little as he sits to rest in the shade of the tree.
-----
1st Fort Save: 12 :(
Cambar (HP23 of 27, AC23) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=19 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=15 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 10:22:42 AM
At first Cambar shrugs off the heat (saved with an 18), but eventually the sun pounding down overwhelms her (missed two saves, down 4). Finally, despite the fierce heat, she rallies (saved with a 19), and presses on.
"Come on," she urges her friends, "by moving even in this heat, we can be sure we'll get back to Dulcet before those guys in black."
Her horse fares less well, making the first save, then failing the rest [HP24 of 30, now].
Cambar pats the beast, then adds, "But we can't kill our mounts, on the other hand." She looks up at the sky and tries to figure out how many more saves the group will have to make if they press on even more.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} d20+6=19 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 10:34:04 AM
Around noon, Donovan wipes his brow, and feeling his clothes under his armor getting drench and sticky, he walks over to a bunch of shade trees and begins undressing. Armor plopping onto the ground unceremoniously. Then, feeling the entrenched heat leaving, having nothing to hold it in, Donovan pulls out his waterskin and takes a long deep take. Swallowing as if he hadn't drank any of the cooling liquid in ages, then takes another, draining half the bag.
Let's have lunch, and wait til it gets cooler then continue on. It only makes sense. Anyways, with no steed of my own, and the heat becoming unnatural, I suggest we wait. At least I am going to. I can't continue. Besides, {pointing to the farmers}, they know better than we do, so let's emulate their wisdom.
Hmark d20+5=18 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 11:28:40 AM
[Fort 18] Hmark rides sweating in the noon day sun, and watches as Garret starts feeling the heat.
"Time for a rest break," he agrees. The archer dismounts and joins his companions in the nearest shade. "Gets like this, best to take a quick nap, start out in late afternoon, and push on till dark."
DM Kathy Tuesday September 29th, 2009 11:51:24 PM
As you start to feel the effects of the heat, you realize that walking in the heat of the afternoon is perhaps not a good idea--especially since the summer day still has plenty of daylight left in it.
So, after the first couple of hours, you take an extended lunch break, relaxing in the shade, tending to your mounts, drinking plenty of water.
[Because you decided to stop, you only needed to make the first two Fortitude saves.]
By the time you set out again, the worst of the afternoon heat has passed. It is still plenty warm, but no longer as wearisome. You make good time after your rest, so that as the sun begins to truly descend, you find that you are almost to Jarlwolf.
You crest a hill, where the road passes close by two adjoining farms. Some of you know the folk that live here--honest, hard-working families both. So it is quite alarming to see the members of both families, lined up along the lane leading from the road, being bullied and threatened by a group of black-clad soldiers. You are too far away, at the moment, to hear what is being said, but it is clear that threats are being made.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25 NLD: 4] Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:19:19 AM
Garret gives a knowing look to the others, then continues to walk down the road towards the farmhouses, as if he is just out for a stroll and going to walk on by.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Wednesday September 30th, 2009 1:52:08 PM
Upon seeing the black clad bullies, Donovan cinches up his armor, puts on his helm, visor up, and the removes his greatsword from its sheath. Hanging his pack and sheath on the pommel of Cambar's horse, Donovan purposefully begins walking forward, in the middle of the road, menacingly, greatsword resting on his shoulder, ready to be used in his deadly dance of flesh and blood. Every 10 or so feet he purposefully clangs the blade of his sword on the metal shoulder covering, so the bullies can hear it.
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+10=21 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=16 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 3:30:29 PM
Zeph takes a slightly different approach to the issue. As soon as he notices the black-clad bullies, Zeph whispers to Cambar and Donovan "You guys walk slowly, I'm going to sneak around and figure out what they are talking about. I'll whistle if and when we need to interfere with force." Zeph says, trying to avoid the combat if necessary... but if it IS necessary, then its good to get the drop on them.
Zeph also says to Garret, "Coming?" remembering the Halfing's excellent stealth skills.
With that, Zeph will duck away from the path and take a roundabout way to the scene. He will sneak around the house, remaining in the shadows and peek, trying to get within listening distance (which should be good with that listen roll) BEFORE the rest of the group get noticed by the dark-clad men. His bow is drawn with an arrow notched all the while.
(Hide = 21 Move silent =18 Listen = 26 Spot =16)
Hmark d20+6=13 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 5:16:24 PM OOC - How many is a "group"? :)
Stardancer clip clops slowly behind Donovan, as Hmark keeps a good 30' back of the fighter, Red in his left hand, and the reins in his right.
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC23) Wednesday September 30th, 2009 5:21:34 PM
Cambar grins. "These guys look a lot like the ones who are trying to pick a fight with us!"
She maneuvers her mount so that she has a clear line of charge at the bullies in black, advancing with the group. Although she wants to shout a challenge, she lets Zeph do his sneakery first.
[OOC: Fixed damage since only failed second save. Same for Horse.]
Selemar [ac 18 hp 20/23 3 nonlethal] d20+5=14 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=9 ; d8+3=7 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:11:29 PM
Selemar is feeling the heat and heals himself a bit.
"these people are a menace. I think a message needs to be sent."
He walks down the road with the others, with a hostile look
DM Kathy Thursday October 1st, 2009 12:18:10 AM Garrett starts moving nonchalantly down the road, but the rest of the group has different ideas.
As Zeph sneaks around to get behind them, Cambar, Donovan, and Selemar come down the middle of the road, their carriage and attitude an obvious challenge. Hmark is less obvious, but is ready for a fight nonetheless.
As you approach, the black-clad men see you and stop what they are doing. One of them, who had caught hold of a half-grown boy, negligently lets him drop. He falls to the dust of the lane, then scrambles back to his family.
"Ah. Here they are now," one says. He seems to be the leader. "Excellent. It will save us the bother of looking for them." He draws his sword, and the men with him do the same.
The families scramble for cover.
[OOC: There are 6 bad guys. They did not see or hear Zeph approach, so he gets a sneak attack this round. I will do a map, but I won't promise to have it done tonight.]
Zeph AC19 HP 37/37 HeroesLoot4 d20+7=17 ; d8+2=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 1:14:33 AM I can't believe they have come all the way to Jarlwolf to find us! That means they know more about us than I thought. Not good Zeph thinks from his hiding spot.
When he hears the man say "It will save us the bother of looking for them." Zeph quickly lets an arrow fly at one of the henchmen, (Standard Action, Hit AC 17 vs FLAT-footed AC. Damage total =16)
Then Zeph uses his move action to draw his Rapier and Whistles really really loudly.
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) d20+7=19 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=9 ; 2d6=8 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 7:21:47 AM
Cambar immediately charges on her horse! She holds her lance two-handed, standing up in her stirrups and shouting wordlessly as she bears down on the enemy. She aims for one that gives her room to use her Ride By Attack feat, if possible.
Her charge, at +7, hits AC19. That's AC20 if she can gain the "On higher ground" attack mod.
If she hits, she inflicts 22, plus 8 sneak attack damage if the enemy is flat-footed.
If possible, she continues to ride on by, hopefully setting up for another charge next round.
Horse double move on a charge: up to 100.
Cambar's AC while charging (no shield): 17. If she can use her Ride By Attack, then her target gains no AoO as she approaches and then rides by; but if she passes by some other foe, she might provoke an AoO from the bystander if she moves through its threatened squares.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} d20+10=11 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 1:23:05 PM
He is well out of range of engaging in to melee. Donovan moves 20 feet. {max allowed per his armor} Then readies an attack. The first unlucky soul to enter his reach with his greatsword gets a good thwack from the business end of his sword.
And will miss that attack, by rolling a natural 1.
Donovan will attempt to feign that miss as a purposeful attack, trying to give the impression that the soldier is a mere insect on the spectrum of life, and that Donovan was just merely attempting to swat his annoiance {sp} away.
Hmark(AC 18, 35/35 hp) d20+11=25 ; d20+11=27 ; d8+2=5 ; d8+2=3 ; d20+6=25 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 3:28:00 PM
Hmark doesn't say anything as the men draw swords, he just shakes his head in disappointment at their folly. He lets go of the reins, bringing Stardancer to a halt with a touch of his knees [Ride 25].
Meanwhile, Red is again in action. And two more arrow shafts sprout from Zeph's target.
[Atk same target as Zeph. Atk 1 hits ac25 for 5 hp damage Atk 2 hits ac27 for 3 hp damage]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25 NLD: 4] d20+9=24 ; d4=3 ; d20+9=25 ; d4=3 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 8:57:03 PM
Garret slips along with Zeph and when the men draw their swords, he joins Zeph in attacking. He quickly slings a stone at the apparent leader's head.
As the others rush down the road, Garret quickly fires another stone at the leader -----
Hit AC 24, Dam: 3 (sneak attack, if allowed) Hit AC 25, Dam: 3
DM Kathy d20+7=21 ; d20+6=20 ; d8+5=10 ; d20+9=21 ; d8+2=5 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 12:25:23 AM
From his hiding place, Zeph lets fly an arrow at one of the black-clad men. Although the man has no idea the attack is coming, his plate mail saves him from a nasty wound.
Garrett likewise attacks from cover, and is more successful. His sling stone finds a vulnerable spot and draws a curse from bad guy #1. [Please add Sneak Attack damage. However, you got only one attack.]
Cambar charges! The enemy isn't flat-footed to her; they saw the main group coming and have already acted (by drawing their swords). Thanks to her higher ground, however, her lance just slips past her opponent's shield, striking a solid blow to bad guy #5.
Hmark fires two shots at bad guy #3 (Zeph's target), and is more successful. Both shots hit.
The leader of the group, apparantly accepting Garret's challenge, charges him. His sword just misses the gnome. Sometimes it's good to be small! [Hit AC 21]
Zeph's target moves over next to him. It is a double move, so all he can do is glare menacingly at this point.
One of the uninjured opponents charges Hmark, finding an easy target in the lightly armored archer. [Hit AC 20 for 10 damage.]
Another opponent charges Donovan, triggering his ready, which misses. His opponent has better luck, and draws a little blood. [Hit AC 21 for 5 damage.]
The other two are too far away to charge Donovan, so they double move. The very injured #5 keeps his pal #6 close to hand, trying to avoid another charge from Cambar.
[OOC: If you are wondering about attack bonuses, the bad guys all have Power Attack. The ones attacking Zeph and Hmark chose to use their Power Attack option; the one attacking the more heavily-armored Donovan chose not to. And the leader has a higher BAB than his henchmen. That's why all the attack bonuses are different. Math is fun!]
[That thing Zeph and Garrett are hiding behind is a water trough. Cambar is some distance off the edge of the map.]
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) d20+8=24 ; d8+3=10 ; d8+3=11 ; d8+3=8 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 7:02:24 AM
Cambar turns, and sees that the leader is exposed! "Ha!" she shouts, as she charges him.
Her charge hits AC24 for 29 hp damage!
She keeps on riding by, likely ending up around O-P-1-2 or so?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25 NLD: 4] d20+9=29 ; d6+1=2 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 7:47:44 AM
As the man approaches, Garret drops his sling and takes up a posture with no weapon. When the man's sword swings wide, Garret steps up close to him Garret and makes a solid punch to the man's gut, reaching around to attempt to get in a kidney shot.
-----
Sadly, no sneak attack damage, no Rogue levels. :( Stunning Fist hit AC 29, Damage: 2 Stun:Fort Save, DC 15, or stunned for 1 round
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) Friday October 2nd, 2009 10:37:13 AM
Neither Hmark nor Stardancer are willing to face a heavily armored guy with a big sword up close. The archer grabs the reins and the filly quickly retreats from all the noise, blood, and yelling.
[Withdraw 90' from #2]
Zeph AC22 HP 37/37 (Shield) HeroesLoot4 d20+7=15 ; d20+11=12 ; d100=78 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 3:48:07 PM
Zeph sees the charges that Cambar are planting on the group of enemies and winces. Yikes, that's gotta hurt. Zeph thinks.
Move-Equivalent: First Zeph bluffs the enemy with a quick swipe of his rapier (DC 12... rolled nat 1) Free Action: 5-foot Hop to square Z-1. Standard Action: Casts Shield on self.
(OOC: The 15 was due to me thinking I would have to take concentration check to cast on defensive, but then I just though, "Hey. 5-foot hop out of his range. You can do that as long as you don't move. But move-equivalent feint does not count as a 'move'.")
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:47/52} d20+6=10 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=16 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 6:57:46 PM
Not appreciating the love he is getting from the men in black, Donovan decides to return the gesture.. Smiling through his visor, he lets out a roar and then, bringing his greatsword up over his head, he, with all the might he can muster, his brings it down upon the bad guy {#4}.
Used power attack and missed with a 10....{disregard the other rolls please, mouse button was stuck}
Selemar [ac 18 hp 20/23 3 nonlethal] 3d6=10 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=15 ; d8+6=13 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=7 ; d8+6=7 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 9:34:00 PM
'fools' thinks selemar as he prepares to send them to hell
lightning blasts the leader for 10 (ref 16 for half)
shun charges the nearest guy and tears a chunk out of him. the critter critted and got a 19 to confirm. if that works, then he does 23. ouch
the two extra rolls are computer errors
DM Kathy d20+8=25 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+7=25 ; d8+10=11 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+7=9 ; d8+4=8 ; Sunday October 4th, 2009 11:12:39 PM Cambar charges the leader, hitting him hard enough to rock him back on his heels. Garret follows up with a blow to his midsection. It comes nowhere near stunning him, however. [Fort save 25]
Hmark withdraws. Zeph shifts back and casts a spell.
Donovan takes a big swing, but misses.
Selemar brings lightning down on the leader. He manages to dodge some of it [Reflex save 22], but is clearly badly wounded. Shun does his part with a nasty bite on #2.
The leader shifts to get a better shot at Garret, hitting a glancing blow for 11 damage.
Bad guy #3 shifts up to attack Zeph again, but misses.
Bad guy #2 attacks Shun, but misses badly.
Bad guys 4, 5, and 6 all go after Donovan, two of them maneuvering to get flank. Fortunately, he is only hit once, for 8 damage.
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) d20+11=22 ; d20+11=14 ; d8+2=4 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 9:15:55 AM
Noticing no one has pursued him, Hmark gives himself a self-satisfied grin, stops Stardancer, and pulls back onRed's bowstring once again. From 90' away, arrows rain down on one of Donovan's opponents.
[Atk #5. Precise Shot feat so no penalty for firing into melee. first arrow hits ac22 for 4 hp damage second arrow misses (ac14)]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+8=16 ; d20+8=14 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 9:34:27 AM
Garret continues to press his attack, trying to get inside the large sword of the leader. However, the strong shot in his arm weakens his blows, and his fists do no damage. At the same time, Garret notices the others falling and he calls out to the leader, "Your men are down! Withdraw now and you shall live!"
----- Flurry of Blows Atk1: 16 Atk2: 14 Gah!
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+11=18 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=14 ; d6+2=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 12:04:52 PM
Zeph watches with a bit of relief as bad guy #3's sword bounces off the Shield spell. Whew
Then, Zeph does his own attack in a slightly defensive posture. (-2 hit from Combat Expertise) Move-Equivalent: Feint Bad Guy#3 (DC 18) Standard Action: Attack Hit AC 25 (crit not confirmed... only got a 14. Subtracted 2 for Combat Expertise) Damage = 13 if his sense motive failed against my Feinting. Free Action: Zeph 5-foot hops into Garret's square (a small and a medium guy can share a square right?, just making sure. I'm really just trying to get us into a better flanking position for next turn)
"Back to back?" Zeph suggests to the halfling, seeing the benefit of protecting each other's flanks.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:47/52} d20+6=17 ; 2d6+17=22 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 1:56:27 PM
Takes a 5' step to E5.
So, it takes 3 of you to equal my might eh? Well, let's dance, shall we...Donovan roars.
{if ac 17 is a hit} Bringing his greatsword up, then, with a roar of strength, Donovan slices his sword down in an arc, top left to bottom right....for 22 points of damage.
{if ac 17 is not a hit, his swing misses} {oh, forgot to say, used power attack again}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] Monday October 5th, 2009 4:40:46 PM
Garret notices Zeph moving up behind him and says, "You bet. Now hurry up and finish yours off, I think I'm outnumbered here!"
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Monday October 5th, 2009 5:08:43 PM
(OOC: Actually Garrett, if you did not use your move action, you could tumble to square Z-4 and we can flank him, providing +2hit bonus and free sneaks for me)
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) d20+10=12 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 9:16:03 PM
Cambar shouts, "Hold on, cousin!"
She charges to I-J-5-6, ending her charge by flanking enemy 6.
Her charge is at +2, and she gains a +2 flanking bonus, and a +1 higher ground bonus. Her charge, at +10, hits AC12, a miss!
DM Kathy Tuesday October 6th, 2009 12:00:27 AM Hmark fires two shots at #5, but only one of them hits. The man is badly injured, but somehow he stays on his feet.
Garret aims two blows at the leader, but neither connects.
Zeph throws a head fake at his opponent, which catches him going completely the wrong direction. He follows up with a deft jab that leaves #3 bleeding and cursing. [OOC: You and Garret could share a square, but you would both be Squeezed, and take penalties to attacks and armor class. You can safely share space with a creature two size categories smaller than you, so Garret would have to be Tiny (cat-sized) in order to pull that off. I therefore didn't move you.]
Donovan shifts over next to Shun, and takes another massive swing. Unfortunately this one, too, misses.
Cambar charges, but misses. [OOC: I thought you were using a lance? Do you have reach?]
The leader takes another swing at Garret, but misses.
Bad guy #3 continues pressing Zeph, but just barely misses thanks to the rogue's Expertise.
Bad guy #2 slashes again at Shun, but misses.
Bad guys 4, 5, and 6 continue to attack Donovan, but all three miss [and the die roller hates me].
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) Tuesday October 6th, 2009 6:42:12 AM
OOC: A lance is indeed a reach weapon; Cambar cannot use it against adjacent foes, as with most reach weapons; she must be one square away. Fun fact: it is the only reach weapon in the game that can be used with one hand. Although Cambar is using it two handed for a little extra damage.
Cambar shouts to Garret: "TAKE ONE STEP TO YOUR LEFT!" (to AA2).
Then she uses the Delay action to see what Garret will do. (OOC: Will post again later, thanks!)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+8=24 ; d20+8=27 ; d6+1=2 ; d6+1=4 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:08:38 AM
Garret hears Cambar's call, and moves slightly to his left (to AA2, 5' step). As he does so, he reaches back with his foot, and quickly jabs towards the man's head, leaving a mark of mud and dirt from his bare feet on the man's cheek. He continues to talk to the man, "Look, you and your pals are outmatched! You need to give up now, while you can!"
-----
Hit AC 24; Dam: 2 (non lethal damage) Hit AC 27: Dam: 4 (non lethal damage)
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) d20+10=14 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:17:40 AM
Cambar sees that Garret has taken the crucial step. "Sweet!" she exclaims. She wheels and charges to W-X-5-6, another charging flank!
Her attack, at +10 total, hits AC14, a miss! Cambar's exclamations, following a second attack that goes absolutely nowhere, are not fit for a family-friendly Web site. Her horse blushes.
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) d20+11=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+11=18 ; d8+2=8 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 9:42:21 AM
Hmark continues his rain of arrows in support of Donovan, although his target's armor is proving troubling.
[Attack #5 first arrow - nat 1 second arrow hits ac18 (maybe?) for 8 hp damage]
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:47/52} d20+6=25 ; d20+6=26 ; 4d6+34=43 ; 4d6+34=49 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 2:02:55 PM
Getting real tired of this dance, Donovan changes the tempo. Deciding to not move anymore, Donovan, with all his might, brings his greatsword up over his head and like a farmer chopping wood, brings said weapon down upon the man directly in front of him. {#4}
{power attack used again} Stricking true, and with force, the greatsword's blade bites deep, causing blood to spurt out from the cut.
{rolled ac25 {nat.19, crit threat with the greatsword}, rolled ac26 {nat.20 on follow up}} {4d6+34=43 damage}
Disregard second damage roll, this laptop's keyboard needs a good cleaning
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+10=24 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+11=23 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 3:47:51 PM
Zeph smiles a bit as he sees the opportunity he's been waiting for Garret to give him. Zeph looks at the opponent he is currently facing and says "Bye." as he dives into a tumble, landing in square Y-4 (Tumble check =24, vs dc 15, success, no AOO on me. I moved 15feet, which is half my max move speed) thus using his move action.
Then as he stands up he pokes his rapier feebly at the leader man he is now flanking with Garret (Hit AC 12, bah. still using combat expertise -2. but flank is +2... so yeah.) thus using his standard action.
Free Action: "I think your greaves are unclasped" Zeph says, looking at the man's plated feet in a very convincing manner (Bluff =23)
DM Kathy d20+7=15 d20+7=11 d20+5=21 d8+4=12 d8+7=11 d20+7=16 d20+7=27 d8+4=9 Wednesday October 7th, 2009 1:00:04 AM Garret shifts and attacks the leader again. Just love taps, really, but the man is injured enough to feel them. He sways, but remains standing.
Cambar charges to take advantage of the flank, but misses her target.
Hmark fires two more shots, but both of them miss.
Donovan makes up for his two earlier misses with a devastating blow that lays his opponent out flat.
Zeph tumbles out of reach of #3, but also moves past the leader. [I need another Tumble check. You make one check per opponent you move past. The DC increases by 2 each time. Your Tumble check to move past the leader is DC 17.]
The leader shifts out of flank and next to his man #3. He takes a swipe at Garret, but misses. #3 steps up next to the leader and also swings at Garret, with even less success.
#2 continues attacking Shun, hitting this time for 12 damage.
#4 has a bad case of being dead, but #5 and #6 continue to attack Donovan. One of them hits, for 9 damage.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+10=28 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 1:03:26 AM
(OOC: My bad. Second tumble check =28) Zeph's tumbling is much better than his stabbing.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+8=26 ; d20+8=10 ; d6+1=6 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 7:38:55 AM
Garret, not liking the odds, takes a step back to get the bad guys away from the shelter of the trough (to AA3). He continues his assault on the leader and his barrage of words, "I don't know who paid you, but was it enough to cost you your life? Look around, your men are dying!"
-----
Hit AC:26; Dam: 6 (non-lethal damage) Hit AC:10.
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) d20+11=16 ; d20+11=23 ; d8+2=8 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 9:00:20 AM
Hmark works on improving his aim. The second shot feels very good to the archer. "That ougtta do it," he murmurs to himself, as he reaches for another arrow.
[Atk #5. first arrow misses (ac16) second arrow hits ac23 for 8 hp damage]
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC17) d20+10=15 ; 3d8+9=21 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 12:55:08 PM
Cambar wheels and charges Enemy 6. She ends her move at H-I-5-6. Her attack, at total +10 including flank and higher ground mods, hits AC15. That's surely a miss, but just in case it is not, damage is 21 plus 10 sneak attack damage.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:47/52} d20+10=13 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 2:46:49 PM
{takes a 5' step to d4}
Smiling through his visor after dropping the man in black, then cringing as one of the remaining 2 connect, Donovan takes moves to thwart the 2 men from pummeling him from opposite sides. Then with determination on his brain, and the hopes of another successful attack, Donovan swings again, with less strength than before.
Missing.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+7=13 ; d20+11=17 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 4:03:02 PM
Zeph takes a 5-foot hop to y-3 so that he is still flanking with Garret. Standard Action: Attack... hit ac 13, miss... even with flanking bonus Combat Expertise +2 still on Move-equivilant action: Bluff feint for NEXT round DC = 17.
DM Kathy d20+4=6 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=13 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 12:49:39 AM Garret shifts and taps the leader again. He goes down.
Hmark fires twice more at #5. The second shot hits, and drops him.
Cambar charges again, but misses.
Donovan also misses.
Zeph moves up and bluffs #3. [I know you were going after the leader, but he is down.] The man seems utterly fooled.
#3 strikes at Zeph, but misses.
#2 abandons his battle with Shun to go after Cambar. He swings, but misses. #6 also moves to attack Cambar, and also misses.
[My highest d20 roll was an 8. I'm just saying.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+10=18 ; d20+10=27 ; d6+1=5 ; d6+1=4 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 7:37:46 AM
Garret steps over with Zeph to #3 with a spinning kick aimed for the poor fellow's head. He follows up with elbow to the midsection.
----- Hit AC 18: Dam: 5 Hit AC 27: Dam: 4
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) d20+11=31 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=25 ; d8+2=4 d8+2=7 d8+2=8 d8+2=5 Thursday October 8th, 2009 8:42:20 AM
Hmark elevates Red slightly, and lets fly. He's feeling good and warmed up now, and finds himself in the zone.
[Atk #6 from 105' away. first arrow - nat 20! Crit threat 28! for 19 hp damage second arrow hits ac 25 for 5 hp damage]
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+7=12 ; d20+11=22 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 10:08:08 AM
Zeph tries to stab the bluffed man... and misses... yet again. Even with flanking and feinting, is a miss, full plate mail trumps dex i guess. (don't worry Kathy, I got the same dice rolling problem)
Then he feints again (DC =22)
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:47/52} d20+6=12 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 1:40:44 PM
{moves over to attack #6}
Starting to feel the upper hand finally, for the group, Donovan marches up to #6 and barks: gotta pick on a girl, you coward. Try this on for size, and then Donovan attempts to dislodge the fellows head from the rest of his body, and fails to do so.
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC23) d20+8=17 ; d8+3=8 ; 2d6=4 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 2:40:27 PM
[OOC: I'm presuming that Donovan is moving to F6.]
Cambar takes a five foot step back to I-J-5-6. She thrusts at Enemy 6 with her lance braced two-handed. She is flanking and gets a +1 higher ground bonus ... she hits AC17 for 8 lance damage plus 4 sneak attack damage.
With the move action she has left, she readies her shield, raising her AC to 23. She holds her lance one-handed, now (still has 10-ft reach). Any AoOs she takes will be at -2 due to the attack penalty from a tower shield.
Cambar (HP24 of 27, AC23) Thursday October 8th, 2009 4:57:37 PM
I'm about to embark on a five-day family reunion, AND my laptop is in the shop, so I may miss posts on Fri, Mon, and Tues. If I'm lucky someone else in my family will bring a computer!
DM Kathy d20+4=15 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+7=23 ; d8+2=4 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 3:59:47 AM Garret moves over to pummel #3. His first blow misses, but the second hits.
Hmark unleashes a devastating attack on the previously uninjured #6.
Zeph, Donovan, and Camber all miss their marks.
#2 decides he's had enough. He is not adjacent to anybody, so he hightails it away without provoking an attack of opportunity.
#3 (who has fallen yet again for Zeph's bluff), attacks Zeph again, but misses.
#6 shifts up to attack Cambar, hitting for 4 damage.
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) d20+4=14 ; d8+2=10 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 5:44:46 AM
Cambar backs up 5 feet and attacks enemy 6, at -2, with her lance. Her attack hits AC14 for 10 hp.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+12=31 ; d20+12=27 ; d6+1=4 ; d6+1=2 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 8:06:22 AM
Garret again talks to his opponent, this time trying to talk #3 into giving up, "Look, your leader is down. Your friends are falling. Surrender now, this is not worth your life!" As the fellow looks over to Zeph, Garret punches him twice quickly in the kidneys.
----- Hit AC: 31; Dam: 4 (Non-lethal Damage) Hit AC: 27; Dam: 2 (Non-lethal Damage)
Hmark(AC 18, 25/35 hp) d20+11=13 ; d20+11=30 ; d8+2=6 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 9:34:58 AM
Hmark's got a good rhythm going now. Despite the fact #6 is engaged in swordplay with two opponents, the arrows raining from the sky seek out only him.
[Atk #6 First arrow misses (ac13) Second hits ac30 for 6 hp damage]
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:38/52} d20+6=23 ; 2d6+17=24 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 3:28:26 PM
{forgot to deduct the hit point loss from thursday's post, so did it now}
Focusing his attack on #6 still. Donovan steps up, and like a blacksmith hammering down on the anvil, he hammers the villan with his sword. With all his might. {power attack} Striking solidly, Donovan smiles widely, knowing the battle is soon to be over and yet again his friends have overcome the odds, and in the process helped to protect the innocent. Which makes the victory so much sweeter.
{hit ac23 for 24 damage}
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+7=20 ; d6+2=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d20+11=16 ; Friday October 9th, 2009 8:01:44 PM
This time Zeph's rapier slides through the man's #3 armor and well into his rib cage. (Hit flat-footed AC 20. Damage = 9)
"You know, you should probably pay closer attention to which way your opponent's blade is going" Zeph says to the poor flanked man as he follows up with a buckler-slap to the man's head (creative feint =16).
"Shields too." Zeph says with a smile at his little feint tricks.
If the man falls after Garret's attack, then Zeph will charge and flank one of Donovan's opponents with him and make a similar stab.
DM Kathy Monday October 12th, 2009 12:06:03 AM Zeph and Garrett finish off #3. Hmark and Cambar finish off #6.
#2 continues to flee, and disappears into an overgrown gully.
The farm families have fled, and are nowhere to be seen.
The battle is over.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] Monday October 12th, 2009 6:42:31 AM
Garret calls out to the others, "The leader is just knocked out! Someone want to come over here and give me a hand? If we tie him up and wake him, he might be able to answer some questions for us."
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) d20+2=8 ; Monday October 12th, 2009 8:51:34 AM
Cambar has no particular talent for restraint (for every meaning of the word), but hey, anyone can tie a knot. She helps as best she can. Untrained aid another Use Rope: 8. Not really much use after all!
She helps strip the other defeated enemies of loot and gear.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+6=21 ; Monday October 12th, 2009 4:33:33 PM
Zeph ties a good knot. (Use rope =21)
"Any questions in particular? I want to ask who is Mr. C." Zeph says as he pulls out the note that was given to the last group of baddies that were subdued.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:38/52} Monday October 12th, 2009 7:45:41 PM
Goes over and stands guard over the leader.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 13th, 2009 1:18:08 AM
You strip the black-clad men of their gear. Each of the four downed foes has a masterwork longsword and masterwork full plate. The leader has a +1 longsword and masterwork full plate.
The leader has sustained subdual damage and is therefore in no danger of bleeding to death. You tie him up. He will need to be healed a bit before he is conscious.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] Tuesday October 13th, 2009 8:00:01 AM
Garret steps back from the tied up leader and wipes some blood off his neck. He looks up and down the road, watching for any sign of anyone else. He also looks to the sky, half-expecting another wyvern to show up and attack.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] d20+5=9 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2009 8:00:32 AM
------ Spot: 9
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:38/52} Tuesday October 13th, 2009 10:53:11 AM
After realizing the guy is out, Donovan takes off his helm, and gauntlets. Wipes off his greatsword and sheathes it, dropping it next to his helm and gloves. Retrieves his pack and plops it there as well. Then, turning to the bystanders he says: Are any of you hurt? And then he walks over to them to help calm them down should any of them need a reassuring word.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Tuesday October 13th, 2009 11:17:42 PM
Zeph, having no way of giving the man positive hit points, simply slaps his cheeks and says "Wake up you dunce." Zeph will also pour water on his face.
"I've got some questions." Zeph will say once he's up. "Who is Mr. C?"
DM Kathy Wednesday October 14th, 2009 1:16:04 AM Garret looks around, but the afternoon is quiet. No sign of a wyvern.
Donovan looks around for the bystanders, but they have fled. There are no farm folk in sight (see Monday's DM post).
Zeph slaps the leader around a bit. Oddly, more subdual damage doesn't seem to awaken the man, although he stirs and mumbles a little. Water to the face is marginally more successful; your prisoner says: "Mmm. Myaungh. Wazzat?" before subsiding again into unconsciousness.
As a reminder, you are fairly close to Jarlwolf, and Dulcet is a witch. If none of you can heal your prisoner, perhaps she can?
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Wednesday October 14th, 2009 7:52:43 AM
"We STILL have a mission! Let's sling this guy over a horse -- mine will do -- and deliver our wyvern tail! Come on!"
Cambar would lead the way, but she has no idea where we are going.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] Wednesday October 14th, 2009 8:18:14 AM
"Agreed! Let's be off and away from here."
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Wednesday October 14th, 2009 9:03:47 PM
Zeph picks the man up and slumps his limp, bound, body over the horse and likewise returns to his own steed. "This way" Zeph says, knowing the path very well, being as he grew up in these parts.
DM Kathy Thursday October 15th, 2009 1:10:52 AM
Seeing you won't be able to revive him on your own, you bundle the man over Zeph's horse and head for Jarlwolf.
You arrive right at sunset. Little has changed in the town. Although it is late for farming folk to be out and about, many people are still abroad, strolling through the cool evening--and probably giving their hot houses a chance to air out before trying to sleep. Your group gets a few raised eyebrows, but most people recognize Zeph and Garret and Selemar, and give them friendly (albeit cautious) greetings.
The windows of Dulcet's manor house are all opened wide to catch the breeze. Out back, you can just catch a glimpse of the little shrine to the Fey King that Rollo built.
"Bring him inside," says Dulcet briskly when you explain the problem. "Zeph, can you show your friends where the stables are?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:14/25 NLD: 4] Thursday October 15th, 2009 9:34:59 AM
Garret wanders over to the shrine quickly, to check that its been taken care of while the others see to the horses and the stables. After checking it, he slips inside quietly to check to be sure the leader of the gang that attacked them is being watched and guarded carefully.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:38/52} Thursday October 15th, 2009 10:53:28 AM
While everyone departs for the stables and the shrine, Donovan stays at the front and starts stripping off his heavy armor. Standing naked there for a brief minute, catching some of the cooling breeze, he then dons on a pair of clean breeches, opting to not put on stockings, boots or a shirt. Then proceeds to clean, then oil his armor and weapon off to the side of the house. After that, he cleans and bandages his wounds from the last fight.
Hmark(25/35 hp) Thursday October 15th, 2009 10:53:34 AM
On the way into Jarlwolf, Hmark eases Stardancer in beside Selemar. The archer has wrapped a shirt around his leg, and the cloth is seeped with blood.
"You don't happen to have any of them healing spells left?" he asks the druid hopefully.
As the archer knows where the stables are, he volunteers to take the horses there while Zeph and whoever wants to deals with Dulcet. The lad lingers in the stables, using every excuse he can think of to delay entry to Dulcet's halls. Finally, he runs out of reasons, and reluctantly joins his companions - although he spends most of the time hanging out in the back of the group.
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Thursday October 15th, 2009 11:06:01 AM
Cambar parks her horse, and helps carry the unconscious enemy leader to see this town leader.
DM Kathy Friday October 16th, 2009 1:26:35 AM Garret finds the shrine to be well-looked-after and in very good shape, although the caretaker does not seem to be there at the moment.
Hmark takes care of the horses, lingering in the barn as long as he can.
Donovan strips down and cools off, while Cambar carries the unconscious leader into the manor.
"In here, I think," Dulcet says, leading the way to a small storage room, currently unused.
Between them, Dulcet and Selemar manage to heal the group of their wounds. Everyone is back to full hit points.
Dulcet kneels next to the captured leader, casts a spell, and touches him on the shoulder. Some of his wounds close. He groans, and his eyelids flutter before opening. "Wha--? What do you want?" he asks.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 d20+11=15 ; d20+3=5 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 4:08:59 AM
(sorry about the missed post... midterms kicking my arse...)
Zeph also goes with Cambar to Dulcet's storage room. When the man awakens, Zeph says, "I think your tongue better start wagging... if you want to keep it in your mouth." Zeph says as he draws out his dagger and glares menacingly at the man. (Bluff = 15, Intimidate = 5. blah)
Then Zeph pulls out the note and hands it to Dulcet. "A man who's initial is C has been employing these black-clad buffoons to kill our party. We need to find where he resides so we can put an end to this once and for all." Zeph says.
"Which is exactly what we need from you, mister." Zeph says to the bound man.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Friday October 16th, 2009 8:05:22 AM
Garret tries to stifle a laugh as Zeph's intimidate looks more like a muskrat trying to scare a roc.
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Friday October 16th, 2009 3:24:05 PM
Cambar watches this Dulcet lady really closely. It's her place, right? Who is she, exactly.
When there is a logical break, Cambar offers her hand, introducing herself to the lady.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:38/52} d20=6 ; Saturday October 17th, 2009 9:36:33 AM
Walks into the manor after the others, watching outside to make sure there isn't any extra set of eyes. {spot: 6}
Donovan prefers to stay back, out of the way, letting the interrogating professionals to do their work. After his cousin introduces herself to the lady of the manor, he in turn does the same.
DM Kathy Monday October 19th, 2009 1:28:30 AM
"Cambar, Donovan, it is good to meet you," the white-haired woman replies. "I am called Dulcet, and this is my home. This group of adventurers is assisting the Valley with a quest of some importance, and I am doing my part as well. If you have decided to help them, you are welcome here."
Meanwhile, the man blinks muzzily at Zeph. "A man employing us? I dunno who's paying. We grunts almost never know. Sarge might know, but I doubt it."
As you read the letter again (copied below), it does seem as if the "C" man is part of the army, not hiring it.
Our new contract begins immediately. His Majesty is most anxious to stop a group of adventurers from retreiving the sting of a wyvern. The creature is said to live to the east of here, in the hills. His Majesty's advisors have formed an alliance with a group of orcs; however, he is not confident in their ability to stop or slow the adventurers. Let us show him what the Sons of Shadow can do!
If you cannot intercept the adventuers in time to prevent them from getting the wyvern sting, you must by all means stop them from obtaining the Opal Sword. We will, of course, be setting up additional defenses, but your squad is our first line of attack. I know you will not fail in your task.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Monday October 19th, 2009 8:19:34 AM
Garret peeks over and reads the letter again, then steps back. "Well, I guess I'll ask the obvious question -- Hey, Dulcet, what do you know about an Opal sword?"
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Monday October 19th, 2009 10:42:12 AM
Cambar shows Dulcet the letter. "Looks like the King of Somewhere thinks he can send soldiers and mercs into the Cinnamon Valley whenever he wants. And what with 'orcs' and 'Sons of Shadow,' well, I'd say the King of Somewhere is maybe the King of the Dread."
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Tuesday October 20th, 2009 12:46:17 AM "Ok then. What additional defenses could there be waiting for us?" Zeph asks
DM Kathy Tuesday October 20th, 2009 1:30:55 AM
"Opal Sword..."Dulcet murmurs. "Wasn't that Sgreth Tazkar's weapon? Yes, yes, I'm sure it was." She muses for a moment. "Well. Isn't that interesting. Yes." Turning to you, she says, "It is possible that the Opal Sword is the final item we need to destroy the Codex. But...how did you learn of it?"
"Sons of Shadow," the prisoner says. "That's us. That's our army. Finest mercenaries this side of Plateau City." He speaks with more confidence now. "Our other defenses...well, that'll be more troops, won't it? Probably more than you can handle," he adds, with a nod a Zeph.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Tuesday October 20th, 2009 8:30:26 AM
Continuing his conversation with Dulcet, Garret says, "What? Why would we need something else to destroy this darn thing? And a sword? What are we supposed to do, cut the darn thing in half? Seems a bit odd, if you ask me."
"But this Tazkar, who is he? Or who was he? And do I really want to know?"
Hmark Tuesday October 20th, 2009 1:18:34 PM
"Um, maybe we oughtta have the "where's the sword" conversation after Skippy here [nods at the prisoner] is taken to another house", Hmark opines.
If asked, the archer will happily volunteer to escort the fellow to the local jail.
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Tuesday October 20th, 2009 4:49:24 PM
Friends, my parents were in a car crash yesterday afternoon. Fortunately, there are no life-threatening injuries, but both my folks have broken bones. My mom is in the ICU. My dad is home with a broken heel bone, and he needs a LOT of help getting around and doing things. I'm taking care of him today and tomorrow. Posting here will be sporadic at best. Sorry.
That said, Cambar agrees with Hmark and looks forward to a more private chat with Lady Dulcet. Like, what is the codex, where is this sword, and who is she, anyway, no disrespect intended.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Tuesday October 20th, 2009 5:33:50 PM
sits there still. kicks the prisoner in his side when he pipes up.
Ok man, understood. give your folks our love.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 21st, 2009 1:18:21 AM
[OOC: My best thoughts and good wishes for your folks, Cayzle.]
The prisoner gives a weak "hey!" of protest when Donovan kicks him.
Locking the prisoner in the storage room, you move out into Dulcet's parlor for a more detailed discussion.
"Sgreth Tazkar was a hero of the old days," Dulcet explains. "Not well known today...in part because records of his deeds are sparse, and in part because....well, the records that we have are quite graphic and violent. Tazkar was not kind to those who opposed him. The legends to speak of his Opal Sword, which is rumored to be somewhere in the Windbourne Hills."
"By itself, the sword will not destroy the Codex," Dulcet explains to Garret. "But, combined with the herbs I have gathered, and the rituals I have researched, and the other items you have found...did you find the wyvern sting?"
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Wednesday October 21st, 2009 1:25:50 PM
(OOC: yeah. I had my Teach For America interview yesterday... posting here was the last thing on my mind. Though I think I will be accepted; I find out on Nov 10th. Wish me luck. Oh, Cayzle, sorry about your parents, take care of them my friend.)
Zeph smiles when Dulcet asks for the Wyvern Sting. "Yep. I believe Hmark or Garret have it" Zeph says.
then Zeph remembers his job as the party funds distributor. "I'm venturing over to the weapons and armor shops to sell our goods" Zeph says. And with that he takes off with the mounts backs full of armor and weapons that have been collected.
(OOC: I will update the loot list Thursday. Studying for my Biochem Midterm till then. I will inform everyone how much money to add to their coffers so we can all upgrade some equipment)
Cambar (HP20 of 27, AC23) Wednesday October 21st, 2009 3:32:34 PM
Cambar grins, and those who know her will recognize the expression. "I thought Donovan had it."
She also grins at Lady Dulcet, who has still not answered Cambar's question about who the heck she is. "The Windbourne Hills are pretty darn wide. Can you narrow it down some? Like, which to which one of the hills?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] d20+1=19 ; d20+1=2 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 3:51:38 PM
Garret smiles when Dulcet mentions the hills. "Oh, I've been through those hills a lot. I used to carry messages through those hills to various different places. Never did see a sword lying around, sorry. I'm trying to think if I heard any stories about it, though..."
----- Knowledge, Local: 19 Knowledge, History: 2
Wow, lots going in IRL! Sorry to hear about the parents, but at least they're not more seriously hurt. Good luck, Zeph, with the position!
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Wednesday October 21st, 2009 4:32:35 PM
{yo, cambar. you're hp is full so said the dm. might wanna change that in your header}
Yeah, I had it. And then I gave it to Cambar for safe keeping. Might check her pants tho, it's like a bag of holding in the right spot, says Donovan with a wicked smile.
Donovan, after cracking his smart remark goes to stand guard over the prisoner. In the same room with him. Not trusting that he won't find a way to escape. Donovan has seen too many "safe secures to go awry" and doesn't plan on letting this prisoner escape.
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) Wednesday October 21st, 2009 4:52:57 PM
Thanks! LOL. I fixed my HP.
DM Kathy Thursday October 22nd, 2009 1:17:09 AM
"I shall have to do further research," says Dulcet, "to try to narrow down where the Sword could be."
Garrett gives the matter some thought. He believes the Sword is most likely in the northern Windbourne Hills, somewhere near the kingdom of Fol Branth, or in Fol Branth itself.
Fol Branth, he knows, was once the power in the region, but ten years of civil war have greatly weakened it.
To Cambar and Donovan Dulcet says, "And you are both welcome here, though I'm not sure whether you have joined the quest. My name, as I said, is Dulcet. This valley is guided by the decisions of a group known as the Pitchfork Council, and I am one of the local representatives. I also have some knowledge of magic, which is why I was called upon to assist with this little problem."
"As for the nature of the problem...well, there was some concern about spies and security. I will leave it to the others to decide how much to tell you. I am pleased to say, however, that I believe our goal is in sight."
Donovan finds the prisoner nursing his injuries and looking thoughfully about the room. Perhaps a guard is not a bad idea.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Thursday October 22nd, 2009 9:01:56 AM
"Seems like I have heard a tale or two about that fellow. Far up in the hills somewhere, near Fol Branth. 'Course that was a long time ago. No telling what's happened since then. I think this one is going to be a bit tougher than searching out a wyvern, though. So, who's up for some rest? I say we sleep on it and see what Dulcet can come up with before the morrow. Then in another day, we head out into the hills -- we're going to need our rest, some of those areas have been fighting one another for years, and they're not going to care which side we're on."
Hmark Thursday October 22nd, 2009 9:53:17 AM
Hmark just hangs in the back, reluctant to speak up. Frankly, he's been concentrating so much on each of the group's missions that he's nearly forgotten the "nature of the problem" himself. And, having never heard of Fol Branth, the archer can't add anything.
Mostly he waits for Zeph to get back with some coin. The man's arrow supply is woefully low.
Cambar (HP27 of 27, AC23) Thursday October 22nd, 2009 11:45:51 AM
Cambar nods at the idea of resting for a night and then racing to get the Opal Sword first. But she has a couple questions first.
"Okay, so there's this King of Somewhere who hired the so-called Sons of Shadow to stop us from getting the Opal Sword. Let's call him King Jerk for short. How come King Jerk wants to stop us from getting the sword, when if he had just kept his big mouth shut, we would never even have thought of it. I mean, looks like it wasn't top of mind for Lady Dulcet here. So what's King Jerk's angle? Why does he think we're looking for the Opal Sword? What does he think we would do with it? What would he do with it, anyway?"
"We may not know the answers to that, but we gotta start to get answers, or we're stumbling in the dark. Like to begin with, who the heck IS King Jerk?"
"Our only lead is this mercenary company. Has anyone ever heard of these Sons of Shadow? Where in the Wold is our prisoner from, even? Where are his barracks? Where are the Sons based? How far did they march to get here? What is the name of the leader of the company? How do you hire the Sons of Shadow to do your dirty work, anyway?"
"We should be able to get those answers from the prisoner. And maybe we can get a friendly mage to cast a charm spell or two. That would make him our friend, and we would get better answers than from scaring him."
"Lady Dulcet, what can you do to help us get true answers from the prisoner? Do you have any other way for us to figure out who King Jerk is?"
"If we can figure out some stuff about King Jerk, we can figure out what he wants from the Sword."
She turns to Dulcet. "Lady, you weren't even thinking about the Opal Sword, or were you? How were you going to get rid of this Codex thingie before we mentioned the Opal Sword? Do you really need it? If so, how come you didn't send us to get it before, when we coulda got a jump on these bums? I mean, there's lots of wyverns in the Wold, and lots of stings, but only one Opal Sword, I betcha."
She smiles to show that she is not trying to put Dulcet on the spot, but just brainstorming and speaking her mind as the thoughts occur to her.
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} d20+2=15 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2009 3:33:40 PM
So, what is the requirements to join this little group of yours? asks Donovan to the prisoner. Having beat up children and tortured puppies? Oh, I know, you had to steal from your parents, then kill the family dog in front of your siblings...... Donovan kicks the prisoner out of spite. Then reconnoiters the room, securing all means of entrance/exit, and making sure his binding is set. {use rope: 15} After being satisfied, Donovan takes up a sentry position next to the door.
{he takes his guard detail very serious}
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Thursday October 22nd, 2009 4:43:29 PM
Zeph returns with six bags of coins, each with a name tag written on it. He hands them to his companions, then he says, "Going to the catacombs. Be right back." and is off, but will return shortly to hear the full story.
Hmark, Garret, Selemar, and Zeph get 7011.225gold for the Ettin, Orc, Wyvern, and Farm fights. Cambar gets 4352.85 from the Wyvern and the Farm fights. Donovan gets 1773.75 from the Farm Fight
Update your sheets. Good luck shopping. Did I miss anything? The link is right up there on my signature. Everything was sold at 90% and distributed to everyone who took part in that fight. The gold was just distributed evenly.
DM Kathy Friday October 23rd, 2009 5:39:45 PM
[Sorry about the lack of DM post. My ISP went offline last night, and now I'm at work. Will try to post later today.]
DM Kathy Friday October 23rd, 2009 11:19:34 PM Zeph returns with the party treasure, a welcome sight for Hmark, at least.
Cambar has a number of questions for her companions, Dulcet, the prisoner, and the as-yet-unidentified King Jerk. Dulcet does her best.
"I knew we would need some kind of weapon or cutting implement for the final stage of the Unmaking," she explains. "I did not think of the Opal Sword in particular, though I'm sure I would have in time." She smiles a little at the rest of Cambar's speech. "There is also but one Mercy of the Gods," she says, "so we made sure to secure that before the wyvern sting. That was before you joined with the group."
"As for spells," she continues, "I can cast the Charm spell if you and your companions wish it."
Meanwhile, Donovan is with the prisoner, ensuring that he gets a circumstance bonus to his Will save to resist becoming your friends. ;)
Garret suggests a good night's sleep, followed by a council in the morning. It would appear, however, that trips to the Catacombs may be of more pressing interest to some in the party.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Sunday October 25th, 2009 12:53:07 PM
"Very good, then, let's have someone question that fellow -- I'm not so good at such things."
When Zeph mentions the catacombs, Garret says, "Oh yes, great idea. I think I'll go with you."
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Monday October 26th, 2009 3:49:43 AM
Zeph leans over to Garret on the way to the catacombs.
"I have to run an errand. Shouldn't take more than a day I would suppose. I have to meet some people. Remember that stranger we met... yeah. Business I must handle. Tell the others."
And after Zeph leaves the Catacombs, he ventures off to where the hooded traveller told him to go all those weeks ago, with the spider emblem in his hand.
(Have to pass a test to get my Prestige Class. Rolling for it in the LnB)
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Monday October 26th, 2009 11:25:02 AM
Cambar thanks Dulcet. "Maybe we can come back in a day or two or three, after you have charmed the prisoner and asked our questions. We would be very grateful. In the meantime, we all have some training and shopping to do."
Cambar needs to train at the local WLA post, and visit the CC as well.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 27th, 2009 12:44:20 AM
Your prisoner needs interrogating, but many of you have pressing needs as well. There is gear to be bought, and training to be done, and contacts to be...well...contacted. You leave the prisoner with Dulcet, and go off on your various errands.
At least, you start. But as you are leaving Dulcet's house, you see someone approaching it. A woman is striding purposfully up the front walk.
[Everybody say hello to Tanner, our new player. He can give a better description of his character, I'm sure. Be sure to describe your characters, too, so you can all "see" each other.]
Yelena Shukhov Tuesday October 27th, 2009 7:33:27 AM
You see a young but sturdy-looking woman approach. She is of average height and weight, with black hair and striking yellow eyes that appear almost golden. Her face looks poised but determined. She wears scholars' robes, simple but well-made, embroidered with the symbol of Domi over the heart.
She raises both hands high in the air, fingers outstretched with the middle and ring fingers together. "I salute you in the name of the Domi, in token of the everlasting bond, in which bond I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of Domi in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of Domi blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen." She lowers her hands and a smile crosses her face, "I am here to fulfill the responsibilities left errant by my brother-in-arms, Owain. I have been sent with official missive," to which she removes a bundled scroll from inside her robes and holds them aloft, "to aid in the destruction of an item of significant malevolence." She looks around at the party members, "Are you the group I seek?"
Yelena Shukhov Tuesday October 27th, 2009 7:33:56 AM
DM: What are some bb codes usable on this board?
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Tuesday October 27th, 2009 8:27:32 AM
Garret stands to the side of the entranceway, almost melding into the shadows as this new person approaches. He is a halfling and stands no more than three feet tall. He wears no shirt and his pants look worn and dirty. They are held up by a belt and he has a very small pack on his shoulders. He has brown hair tied up in a top knot and the sides of his head are shaved. Appearing across the sides of his head and now down to his shoulders and partially across his back, he has numerous tattoos, clearly created at different times and by different artists. His hands are empty, but he watches carefully, appearing to be dangerous and light-hearted at the same time.
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Tuesday October 27th, 2009 9:55:50 AM
Zeph looks up at the woman in a bit of astonishment at her prayer/speech/hello. "Well, hello to you to. I suppose we are a group that is looking to destroy a malevolent item... how much do you know about such things?" Zeph asks, with a look behind him, trying to find Dulcet.
Zeph is a young man of 20 years old. He is recently shaven clean and has shoulder-length black hair that is wavy all the way down. He is of average height and has green eyes. He also wears dark clothing over a Mithril Chain Shirt and a t-shirt that says 'Jesus saves. Everyone else takes 5d6 damage'. Several weapons adorn his well-crafted leather belt.
It sometimes surprises me how open some people are about their faith Zeph thinks to himself.
"I would like to exchange pleasantries a bit more, but I have a very important errand to run at the moment... I haven't seen my father in some time." And with that, Zeph will run off to meet some people in secret. (DMKathy, did you want to describe the Jancassis events? I guess it should take a day or so right?)
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Tuesday October 27th, 2009 10:38:21 AM
A dark-haired, fair-skinned maid wearing spiked full plate armor walks up to the newcomer and offers a hand. "Sounds like we might be the group you seek. This 'item of significant malevolence' ... what's it look like?"
"Anyway, I'm Cambar. Pleased to meetcha. What can we call you, Owain's sister and Domi's servant?" She grins. "So, are you a mage or a priest? I'm a lance-girl, myself, when I'm on horseback, which is whenever I can be. Plus I know a little about a lot of things, and I use my sword and shield when I'm grounded."
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Tuesday October 27th, 2009 1:52:00 PM
{look up character description on Woldipedia page, under our game name, and then mine}
Looking towards his cousin, Donovan pipes up: Oh great, one of Those people. Gonna try saving our souls at every turn I bet. You have any of that anti-preaching stuff on you? {ie, cottonballs to stuff into his ears}
Pointing to a pile of armor by the door, and a greatsword on top of it. Guess what I do for a living, says Donovan with a wide mischievous grin.
Donovan lets the others, more experienced with diplomatic ramblings, deal with the newcomer. He walks off, to spend his gotten booty.
Yelena Shukhov Tuesday October 27th, 2009 4:07:18 PM
Yelena smiles, "The item in question is one Vaaphyn Codex, a tome of summoning and binding. We have historical records of its nature but its whereabouts have been unknown for quite some time. The Church was aware of Owain's activities and decided that involvement would be in the best interests of both Domi and the community at large." She nods her head towards the departed Zeph and Donovan, "I am not here to preach. It is not within my assigned duties," she waves with the missive scroll, "and is not one of my talents. I am more.... reactive, than proactive, to combating evil." She nods to Cambar, "I am not related to Owain. He was a brother in the faith, but we were not even acquaintances. As far as my capabilities, my training is as a paladin of Domi. Lately I have focused on mystical arts, but I use these skills within the context of paladinhood. You may call me Sister Shukhov if you would like to be polite. Now, what is your progress in destroying the tome and what are your plans for the next step?"
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Tuesday October 27th, 2009 4:21:16 PM
Cambar grins when she realizes that the newcomer was talking about a religious brother, not a sibling. She nods at the description of the item. "Yuppers, that's it, Sister Shukhov! The Lady Dulcet, of the Pitchfork Council, is keeping it safe. So far we got a couple ingredients needed to destroy it, like a wyvern's sting and some herbs and stuff like that."
"Now we're looking for a particular magic sword that will be needed to finish the deed."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Tuesday October 27th, 2009 6:45:28 PM
"Ah, sister Shukhov, it is good to meet you." Garret steps forward from the shadows and offers his hand. "I have known some of your brothers and sisters of your church over the years of my travels. I am quite honored to meet you. I am Garret Goodbarrel, from a small monastery in the Windbourne Hills."
"As the others have mentioned, we are soon to set out on a search for one Opal Sword. I don't suppose you've heard of it? We've only just returned, so we're catching up, selling some loot, and recovering from a few nasty battles. I have to warn you, in case you don't know, that there are other who have already been sent after us to stop us. By joining with us, you are sure to become a target of theirs as well."
Yelena Shukhov Tuesday October 27th, 2009 8:32:00 PM
Yelena shakes his hand, "It is good to meet you as well, Brother Goodbarrel. I didn't expect to meet anyone with monastic training on this assignment. I look forward to many productive travels. As for becoming a target, I believe that a trap you know is coming is no trap at all." She laughs and brushes dirt from her robes, "I am ready as ever to do my duty. May I ask you some questions about your party and it's combat capabilities and tactics? I'm afraid I will not be an effective team member without preparation and study. Is this all of your members? I have met Cambar, Garret, Xeph, and Donovan."
DM Kathy Wednesday October 28th, 2009 12:51:29 AM
You meet the newcomer, who apparantly belonged to the same order as Owain. (Not that many of you met Owain).
Yelena, for her part, meets Garret the monk, Cambar and Donovan, warriors both, and Zeph, who seems...well, nimble. And possibly sneaky. :)
You also eventually meet Hmark, the quiet human archer who has been quieter than usual of late (MikeK said he was incredibly busy, so we hope he'll rejoin us shortly). You may also meet Selemar, the wry ranger, and his bear companion Shun (although Bill hasn't posted in a while). Hopefully, at some point, you will encounter Rollo, but we'll save that for if it happens (Adam had a computer meltdown, but I'd hoped he'd be back by now).
Soon, you will depart to find the Opal Sword, but at the moment there are a great many preparations to be made.
[Everybody let me know when you're more or less ready to proceed; keep up the role-playing in the meantime. :) ]
Zeph AC24 HP 37/37 (Shield, Combat Expertise) HeroesLoot4 Wednesday October 28th, 2009 1:57:59 AM
(OOC: OK guys, Zeph has to go pass a rather gruesome test to get his Prestige Class as an Avenger of Jancassis. He's going off to do that at the moment while his Catecombs orders are coming in. I'm going to give a brief description of the happenings so you guys can read it for your own enjoyment. I will also include a bit of Zeph's past for backstory sake. Read if you want, or skip over it, its all about fun.)
Zeph takes his horse, Shadow, and rides to the spot that the hooded mysterious traveller told him to many weeks ago (before we met Donovan and Cambar I believe). He holds the black and red spider symbol of Jancassis firmly in his grasp.
Zeph thinks to himself, This church... cult... whatever it is... offers power. I need power to complete my mission and kill those who took the ones I loved from me. But... I am afraid. I can use people as a means to an end. But a god? Would Jancassis see through me? Can a god see into the soul of a man? Can you even lie to a god? I don't know, but I will devote myself to the cult if it means I can get my revenge. I will sacrifice anything...
Zeph's conflict is deep and his face is a scary sight when he arrives at the cult's location.
He enters the dilapidated wooden structure hidden in the forests outside Cinnamon Valley... and goes down, deep into a stone carved dungeon. He keeps his right hand constantly flicking towards his weapons as he takes each step, constantly looking around for signs of danger or ambush. His tiny viper, Sliver, pokes his head out and licks the air.
Then Zeph reaches a large iron door with no signs of locks or traps (and he searches high and low). After several minutes a small peep slot slides open and the eyes of a person are visable. Nothing is said.
Zeph puts the small spider emblem of Jancassis in his palm and lifts it toward the peep slot. The eyes of the person on the other side squint to a sliver... almost as if to doubt. Then, suddenly, Sliver, Zeph's tiny viper familiar dashes from Zeph's sleeve and onto the outsretched palm next to the spider emblem. The red double helix on the black viper's back is clearly visible to the person on the other side. His eyes widen suddenly and one word is spoken. "Sign".
The peep slot slams shut and several gears turn and dust falls from the door as it slides open just enough for Zeph to slip through.
It seems everything is prepared already. Here is the link from the woldopedia about the ritual: http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Avenger
The room is dimly lit by just a few torches. Three dark hooded figures stand in the room around a large stone sarcophagus. Zeph is instructed to remove his clothes and step inside the tomb. He does so, leaving Sliver with his clothing. Alone he steps into and lays in the stone structure. The hooded figures slide the heavy top over the sarcophagus and it is pitch black. Suddenly, a slot opens up over Zeph's torso and one of the hooded figures pours a box of some creepy crawly insects (Spiders) in with Zeph. At first the wants to scream, but knowing that will get him nowhere, Zeph decides to fight the besties as best he can. He squishes several of the invisible creepy crawlies against the sides of the cramped tomb. He begins to get bit and poisons are injected into his body. He feels his strength leave him and his limbs go numb, but he persist, determined to kill them all before they eat him. Then, suddenly, another box of creatures are emptied into the sarcophagus (scorpions). Immediately, stings that feel like pins and needles pierce his skin and the warmth of impeding death trickles through is veins and to his fingertips. He coughs out blood and finds a hairy insect inside it before he could close it all the way, biting at his tongue. He bites the bug and spits it out. Fire is passing through his veins as he struggles... but he does not scream. Finally, the door slot opens one more time and another box of creatures (snakes) are dropped in. Now, the sarcophagus is completely full, there is little room to move to fight anymore. Then the fangs reach him. Every blood vessel is full of poison and he can feel consciousness losen. He can vaguely feel a snake's mouth stretching over his foot as it attempts to devour him. He can no longer move. All is going black.
Then, the lid of the sarcophagus is lifted and a blast of negative energy knocks every spider, scorpion, and snake off of Zeph and spittering onto the floor. (Zeph passed the fortitude save on the loot and booty inn. DC is 20. He got a natural 20 resulting in 25)
Zeph's eyes pop open to see the holy symbol of Jancassis dangling before him... then he loses consciousness.
More to come... stay tuned!
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Wednesday October 28th, 2009 1:12:29 PM
Garret returns from the Catacombs with a fresh, shiny tattoo on his shoulder. It appears to be of some sort of fancy tree-shaped thing. It doesn't really match with the other tattoos, but it seems to shimmer a bit more than the others.
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Wednesday October 28th, 2009 3:37:06 PM
Cambar spends a few days shopping and training. Evenings, she returns to Dulcet's place to see if the prisoner has yielded any more info under the influence of a charm. She also asks Dulcet for any leads on the whereabouts of the Opal Sword.
So far as combat tactics go, Cambar tells the new Sister that she loves loves loves buffs and cures, and the party has really needed a cleric, so she is grateful. In combat, Cambar loves to flank, almost as much as she loves to charge things with her lance. The best is the charging flank!
Yelena Shukhov Wednesday October 28th, 2009 4:03:04 PM
Yelena is prepared and ready. She spends her time wandering about town, making small-talk with the natives. She periodically checks in to see about progress in pinpointing the Opal Sword.
Hmark Wednesday October 28th, 2009 4:34:43 PM
Hmark remains near the back of the room as Sister Shukov introduces herself. The lad's face scrunches as he works to understand the paladin's words. It sounds like Common, but I ain't followin' he decides.
The archer (the big honkin' red bow gives it away) stops scratching his goatee long enough to give a short wave. "I'm Hmark," he comments.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Wednesday October 28th, 2009 5:23:10 PM
Zeph awakens on a cold stone floor. He is naked, cold and his vision is still blurry. He stands and looks around him. There are at least 50 hooded figures in a large circle around him. In the distance he can see a large altar of Jancassis that he saw when he first found the religion back in New Ellenna. Some how, Zeph knew that this altar was his destination, he feels compelled to get there.
Here's my chance. Power is awaiting me.
Zeph takes his first step across the cold stone floor and suddenly a whip cracks across his back and the crowd of onlookers jeer and scream in ecstacy. Zeph falls to his knees for a moment, but pulls back to his feet and takes another step. The onlookers begin to spit and curse Zeph, shouting things like "You are Unworthy. Useless excuse for a human. We have no use for such a wretch." Zeph takes a few more steps towards the altar and a tall, thin figure steps from the crowd and slaps Zeph hard across the face and spits on him... standing in Zeph's path. The figure cross his arms, waiting for a response.
I have one goal. One. Everything else is just a distraction. Zeph thinks. Zeph does not look at the man, does not touch the man. He just walks around him, ignoring him, keeping his eyes on the altar.
The jeers start up again. "Pathetic, weak, disgusting" are just a few of the words that are shouted. Then, it happens, a large spiked chain is whipped from the crowd and wraps around Zeph's neck. Zeph is pulled to the ground, gasping for air as his own blood begins to trickle down his body. For the first time, Zeph notices that his wounds from the previous test were not healed or treated- he is still a bit numb.
For a moment, Zeph thinks to grab the chain and pull it to get whoever is wielding it closer to him so that he can make a counter attack... but that would be failure.
So Zeph stands back up and begins to walk, with the chain still wrapped around his neck. The needles on the chain dig into his neck at first, but then loosen and falls to the ground.
Finally, Zeph is but a few paces from the altar, his goal is almost within his grasp.
Then, another figure stands before him, between him and the altar. It is a woman's voice, "Your mother and father died because you were weak. You could not save them then and you can not save them now."
For the first time, Zeph was actually affected by something that was said. His fists shake and his eyes tear up a bit. He does not look at the figure, knowing that acknowledging the distraction would be failure.
Maybe so. But I can still kill those who took them from me. Zeph thinks in response to the woman's comment.
Zeph cannot see it, but the woman smiles and gives a little nod as soon as Zeph thinks this. Then she steps aside.
Zeph steps up to the altar, which is decorated with signs of Jancassis such as the double helix, spiders, scorpions, snakes, everything red and black. Then, on the altar, next to his viper Sliver, Zeph sees the Obsidian Black Short Sword that his father gave him on the night him and his mother were murdered.
Zeph grabs the short sword and the jeering and taunting shouts stop. Zeph turns around to face the crowd, bloodied, demoralized, humiliated, poisoned... but holding the sword in his hand.
He is victorious.
(Rolled a 23 for the Will Save on the Loot N Booty Inn... one more little bit of story to come later.)
DM Kathy Thursday October 29th, 2009 12:44:26 AM
As you begin to gather back at Dulcet's after your errands, she has some more information for you.
"I believe the Opal Sword is probably in Tyrrh Valley," she tells you. "There are other possibilities, but Tyrrh Valley is the most likely. It is a small, isolated kingdom, whose defenders must constantly battle goblins, gnolls, and other savage races. The current ruler is Queen Amurla, widow of the late king. She has a reputation as a shrewd diplomat."
Dulcet shows you a map of the region, pointing out Tyrrh Valley and the neighboring kingdoms of Fol Branth and Bellardy.
She also reports on her conversation with the prisoner. "I didn't learn much else," she said. "He is part of a mercenary army calling itself the Sons of Shadow. The leader is General Calleron; he is the one who signed the letter you found. They were originally formed in Plateau City, but haven't been there for years. They move about a great deal, choosing a base of operations near their current assignment."
"They were hired by one of the kings of the Windbourne Hills, but our prisoner does not know which one. He has a vague idea that this king wants something, and that we stand in his way. He doesn't know what this thing is, and of course I didn't tell him."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Thursday October 29th, 2009 8:16:18 AM
"The queen is a diplomat, eh? I wonder what sort of things she might need that she might want to trade for the sword..."
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Thursday October 29th, 2009 11:40:02 AM
Zeph arrives a bit late to the conversation, but gets the jist of it. He walks in to hear Garret ask about trading for the sword.
"Yeah. What could someone like that find valuable enough to trade for the sword? I would hate to have to swipe it from under her nose. It's bad enough having a 'king' trying to kill you much less both a king and queen." he says.
Hmark Thursday October 29th, 2009 2:01:02 PM
Hmark looks incredulously at Zeph and Garret. "You're kidding, right?"
The archer rolls his eyes, "lessee, I'm queen of a kingdom fighting off goblins and gnolls all the time, and here come a bunch of expendable adventurers who want my sword." Hmark turns to an imaginary companion and pitches his voice to a falsetto.
"Oh, To-om, can you bring me my list of suicide missions, please? Yes, the really nasty ones. Thanks so much. You're such a dear. Couldn't run the place without you."
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Thursday October 29th, 2009 2:20:22 PM
"Why don't we bring Dulcet and the book and stuff to the Queen and just ask to borrow her sword for a minute?"
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Thursday October 29th, 2009 3:13:38 PM "Well. That's a good idea Cambar. I would hope she would listen to some reason... or perhaps we could solve some major goblin problem for her in exchange for the sword..." Zeph says squinting at Hmark.
"It wouldnt be the first time someone traded goods for services."
Yelena Shukhov Thursday October 29th, 2009 6:46:48 PM
"Then again, they might not even know what they have on their hands. This is assuming that Queen Amurla is even in possession of the Opal Sword. Dulcet just said that it is in Tyrrh Valley. It might be completely unknown to their citizenry."
Yelena turns to Dulcet, "Is there anyone in Tyrrh Valley trusted by the Pitchfork Council? I would hate to contact the Queen and enter parlay only to find out that they do not even have possession of it."
DM Kathy Friday October 30th, 2009 1:02:54 AM
"The sword is probably in Tyrrh Valley," Dulcet clarifies. "But if it is there, I think it's reasonable to assume that the Queen either knows where it is, or knows who would know. It is a fairly remote kingdom," she explains to Yelena, "so we do not have contacts there. I'm afraid you would be on your own."
To Cambar, she says, "I would advise against trying to perform the ceremony in Tyrrh Valley. My magic relies heavily on the presence of ley lines, and I do not know whether the valley is rich in magic, or poor. Better to perform it here, where I know where the ley lines are."
She winces a little at Hmark's performance. "Well. Try to avoid taking on any actual suicide missions," she says.
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Friday October 30th, 2009 6:46:21 AM
Cambar nudges Hmark in the ribs. "Yeah, and keep your impression of the queen on the down-low after we get to her kingdom, okay?" She grins.
"As soon as my order is in from the Catacombs, I'll be ready to go!"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Friday October 30th, 2009 8:42:06 AM
Garret grins at Hmark's performance and says, "Well, I was hoping there might be something a bit easier we could bring her, like a wagon load of grain or something..."
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Friday October 30th, 2009 10:11:56 AM
Donovan returns about this time, with an armload of candies and other sugary treats.
Did you guys know they are handing out this stuff in town? Donovan drops his load onto a table and motioning to the booty he says: help yourselves, if I was to eat all that Cambar would be feeding me castor oil for a month to purge it out of my system, much less me not feeling like doing much of anything for that same time.
Hmmm, Hmark...as Donovan laughs aloud, that is probably the most probable course of action that would happen. But I fear that more than likely it is what we are going to be forced to do to gather this information of said sword. I, on the other hand think we should just kill as many orcs, goblins and such in her kingdowm, load their heads into a wagon and present them as a gift to her highness and hope for the best.
{Kathy, all I am going to buy with my gold is a riding horse and a pack horse. One, of course is to ride and the other to carry my armor and other needed supplies.}
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Friday October 30th, 2009 1:01:49 PM
"Whoa, candy!" Garret attacks the table and starts shoving candy into his mouth.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Friday October 30th, 2009 1:06:39 PM
Zeph looks at the candy... Butterscotch... where is the butterscotch....
"AHA" Zeph exclaims when he sees one. He quickly grabs it and pops it in his mouth.
And snozberries taste like snozberries
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Friday October 30th, 2009 1:08:11 PM
Cambar grins and digs into the candy. "You're mistaking me for my brother again, cuz. He's the one with the castor oil."
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Friday October 30th, 2009 1:46:14 PM "Speaking of Camlan... where did he go?" Zeph asks casually.
Yelena Shukhov Friday October 30th, 2009 2:01:58 PM
Yelena snags a few hard candies and puts them in her belt pouch for later. "Hmm... perhaps we should still look for allies before shooting in the dark with the Queen. While my church did send me simply as as a participating observer on this quest, I'm sure my missive will carry some weight with clergy in Tyrrh Valley. Perhaps we should try to gain an audience from one of the priests in Queen Amurla's court. I'm sure a plea on our behalf from them would carry more weight than the word of strangers. What do you think?"
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Friday October 30th, 2009 2:53:58 PM
Zeph thinks about Yelena's idea to talk to a religious authority in Queen Amurla's city.
"Yeah. That's a good idea. We should definitely appeal to her from every angle we can. But we won't know if we can talk to them until we get there will we? We should take off asap." Zeph suggests, popping a caramel in his mouth.
Then Zeph turns to Yelena in particular: "Did you ask about combat tactics? Well, I have a good reach with my spiked chain, so I am planning to try to keep the enemies away from Hmark and other more vulnerable people while flanking them with Garret, Donovan, or whoever else is around. I also usually cast Grease to trip enemies and shield to protect myself... I've been thinking of using Enlarge Person to increase my reach another 5feet (and improve tripping ability). What spells can you use? Perhaps we can help each other out since I can only cast 3 per day." Zeph says
[link=http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ASpMjFvPkEd9ZGZmandtenhfMjltOWt2MzVk&hl=en]Yelena[/link] Friday October 30th, 2009 3:00:39 PM
To Zeph, "I have developed an assortment of magics to aid allies (buffs), hinder our foes (debuffs), or outright assault (attack). I currently have enlarge, ray of enfeeblement, and magic missile in my repertoire."
"Perhaps you should prepare another spell besides enlarge to increase our versatility."
Yelena Friday October 30th, 2009 3:02:38 PM
Just trying to get the link to my character sheet working. Please ignore :)
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Sunday November 1st, 2009 5:23:43 PM "Yeah, that's what I was thinking too Yelena. Hmmm. I have a large assortment of first level spells to chose from: True Strike, Feather fall, Cause Fear, Charm Person, Grease, Expedious Retreat, Shocking Grasp, Tenser's Floating Disk, Obscuring mist... so hard to chose... "
(OOC: Hey DMKathy. Can you sneak attack with spells such as Shocking Grasp or Scorching Ray???)
DM Kathy Monday November 2nd, 2009 1:06:12 AM
When the wagon of candy is delivered, Dulcet's eyebrows raise. Then, with the air of somebody who can't quite help herself, she picks out a piece of taffy, unwraps it, and chews with evident pleasure.
"A wagonload of grain wouldn't hurt," says Dulcet. "If nothing else, you could sell it when you get there to cover your expenses."
To Yelena, Dulcet says, "That is a very good notion. Perhaps you could persuade someone from your order here to write a letter of introduction."
You discuss tactics, and wait for your Catacombs orders.
[Let me know once you're ready to start. Catacombs messengers will be able to find you on the trail. :) ]
[OOC: My understanding is, you can sneak attack with anything that does damage. Your opponent must be flat-footed, though, and ranged attacks must be within 30 feet.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Monday November 2nd, 2009 7:59:00 AM
"Dulcet, might you be able to obtain for us a wagon full of grain with horse for our journey? Once we have that, I believe I am ready to depart."
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Monday November 2nd, 2009 1:02:21 PM "Dragging a wagon full of grain all the way across the hills may be a little more trouble than its worth in my opinion. Besides, we don't even know what she wants for the sword... maybe they have tons of grain already... no use shooting in the dark until we talk to her." Zeph says in contest to Gerret's idea.
Yelena Monday November 2nd, 2009 1:49:11 PM
"Forgive me, I must have missed that point in the conversation. Brother Goodbarrel, what exactly would we do with a wagon of grain? I believe there may be more portable forms of wealth, let alone the additional time it would require."
She turns to Dulcet, "Thank you, I believe the missive I was sent with will suffice. It identifies me as an agent on official Church business. It is signed and sealed and will sure to be recognized by any clergy of sympathetic faith. And speaking of travel, are there steeds available for this trip? Or shall I need to purchase one?"
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Monday November 2nd, 2009 7:15:47 PM
Cambar agrees with Yelena. "Yeah, a wagon of grain seems kind of out of left field. Why that, rather than, say, some gems or magic items or more portable wealth?"
"Or, given what we know of the dangers they face there, maybe a handful of goblin bane arrows. 20 should cost not more than 3,200 gold."
DM Kathy Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 12:58:25 AM
You debate the idea of the wagonload of grain, but it seems there may be other, more portable gifts you can opt for.
Yelena asks about borrowing a horse. "I'm afraid all the horses I can spare are already lent to some of the group," Dulcet replies. "So you would either have to purchase one, or persuade one of the others to do so."
As you are making your preparations, a messenger from the Catacombs approaches you, the same brash young girl you have seen before. "Package here for Ha-Mark," she says, reading the name on the tag. "And one for Zeph," she adds, pulling out a second bundle. With a friendly nod, she departs.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 7:43:00 AM
"I see your points. I guess we should just head on out and see what the good queen will want for this sword, eh?"
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 8:00:29 AM
So, do we want to bring a gift? I have to tell you, I have no gold to buy anything nice. Can we not just pledge our swords and lances for a service, instead?"
Soon it is time to go. Cambar's knowledge of geography is nil, and her woodcraft is even niller. "Who is at home with a map and a chart among us?" she asks. "Who among us can lead us to this valley?"
"I wish my brother Camlan were here."
She is ready to go, but is a little more than somewhat fearful of getting lost.
[OOC to DM: Cambar is still waiting to be served in the CC. Hopefully that will go forward soon. Thanks!]
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 1:28:14 PM
If this place is at war with the dark forces of Orcs, Goblins and such, food would eveidently been in short supply. Like stuff needed for brewing beer, and making bread so us taking a couple, {in my opinion} wagons loaded down with grain would probably be more welcomed to this queen than lets say, gems.
What she is suggesting here is not something to give to the queen wealth wise, but something that, in the eyes of her people would be far more greater than some gems. Remember, in times of war, you can't eat gems or gold.
{since a riding horse and a pack horse, plus tack, is a normal item, I am just going to spend the gold and add them to my sheet if that's ok. I wouldn't go to the catacombs to purchase those items anyways. A ferrier / horsesmith would be my store of choice.}
Yelena Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 1:31:13 PM
"Let me purchase a horse and tack and I will be ready to depart."
OOC: Purchasing one light horse and one riding saddle.
Yelena Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 1:31:45 PM
"Oh, and Dulcet, could we get a letter of introduction from the Pitchfork Council?"
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 8:56:10 PM
Zeph opens up the package from the Catecombs like a child opening a christmas parcel.
He pulls out a long, thin chain with little razor blades all along the non-handle part of the chain. He gives it a quick spin and smiles. He also puts on a ring that causes a faint blue shimmer to go about him. There are also some fine leather gloves that Zeph puts on his hands, which move a bit more nimbly afterwards. Lastly, there are a pair of what look to be hippie glasses from the 70s. When he puts them on he begins to search about and little pop-ups of information show up about whatever he focuses on.
"Yep. Lets take off as soon as possible." Zeph says with a smirk.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 4th, 2009 12:26:12 AM
[OOC: You do not have to go to the Catacombs to purchase non-magical items.]
With a flurry of last-minute preparations, you are ready to depart. Donovan and Yelena acquire mounts.
[OOC: I prefer if you give your horse a name; that makes it more likely you'll remember you have it. :) ]
Dulcet writes a letter of introduction just from herself, signing it as a member of the Pitchfork Council. "The Council is a wonderful institution," she tells Yelena, "but before we got a letter of introduction from the entire Council, we'd need at least a week's worth of debate and revision. Perhaps it's best to make do with this."
Dulcet makes a copy of a map of the region for Cambar, with probable routes sketched in. "I don't know exactly which roads lead where," she says. "You'll need to ask, once you get closer."
Your last preparations are made, your gear packed, and you are ready to depart. Predictably, after a week of beautiful, hot, sunny weather during your week of preparing, you set out into the teeth of a summer storm. The wind and rain pass by noon, however, and you spend a pleasant afternoon riding up the now-muddy road leading out of Cinnamon Valley.
Cambar (HP38 of 38, AC25) Wednesday November 4th, 2009 7:43:11 AM
"Yay!" shouts Cambar, as the group depart. "On the road again!" She pats her horse and leans forward to whisper in its ear.
Then she sits up and races forward.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Wednesday November 4th, 2009 8:23:00 AM
"Another exciting trip, I am willing to bet!"
Yelena Wednesday November 4th, 2009 12:51:31 PM
Yelena sits comfortably atop her mount, keeping watch up the road for fellow travelers. "Yes, I always feel invigorated to be out traveling. Right, Wildfire?" she asks, patting her mount's neck.
OOC: Is our traveling order important right now? Yelena would like to stay in the middle of the group.
Zeph AC20 HP 42/42 HeroesLoot4 d20+9=20 ; d20+9=17 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2009 1:44:35 PM
Zeph will volunteer to ride at the front of the group on his steed, Shadow. Perhaps Garret and his good perceptions could join? (Spot =20. Listen = 17)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:22 HP:25/25] Wednesday November 4th, 2009 2:55:03 PM
"Oh, yes, I'd be happy traveling in the front. I've done quite a bit of traveling over the years, I must say."
Donovan {AC:20 ~ HP:52/52} Wednesday November 4th, 2009 4:17:22 PM
Putting his armor and weapon, plus extra supplies on the pack horse, Donovan saddles, then mounts his riding horse. Watching everyone getting happy to be on the road again, he leans forward and says to his horse: I know, the road is dirty and everywhere it leads us, violence shows up. I too would rather be laying on a beach, naked, with some funny tasting alcoholic drinks served in coconut shells with funny looking flowers sticking out of them. But alas, these yahoos wouldn't last 5 minutes without us. So, lets cinch our belts and mosey on. Whatcha say, Horse?
Looking up, he spies a few of the others looking at him and he smiles.
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