DM Ezra Monday February 10th, 2014 11:09:11 AM Greetings and Salutations, i shall now continue in Ian's quest to turn all of you into the Fist's first undead battalion! Bwahahahaha!
Carver comments on one of the undead displaying unexpected signs of intelligence. Carver notices something glinting from one of the heads that was flying about.
Cameron is able to stop the bleeding, though the civilian is still critically wounded.
Bliss agrees with the need to save as many as they can and conducts triage among the not quite dead yet.
Prudence finds the unmistakable aura of magic coming from a necklace worn by the not so dumb undead.
Linden helps look for wounded with the others. As he staggers about he inadvertently kicks one of the once flying heads and spots something glinting as the head rolls across the ground.
William does a cursory search of the bodies. You forgot your perception roll.
Nikolai suggests letting an undead remain animated in the hopes of finding the lair.
Tinker checks his equipment and wonders where their keepers, err sergeants, are.
The Fist is in one piece, mostly, and this last batch of undead has been vanquished. The silence of a battle just ended settles across the area, solemn, and broken by the cries of pain and terror of the wounded. A couple of shutters slowly creak open as some of the townsfolk find their curiosity overcoming their abject terror.
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+7=13 ; d20+8=10 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 11:50:46 AM
Perception 13 Diplomacy 10
Cameron notices some of the looky loos and a flash of anger overcomes him. He uses his sharpest weapon, his tongue and tries to get help for the wounded. " You lot of onlookers. The undead are gone for the moment and your own friends and neighbors need your aid. Gather them up and get both them and yourselves to the Inn. Haggard and his daughter can provide sanctuary and some healing there. The way is clear. Do it now." He stops short of berating them as cowards or mentioning that this isn't the Fist's fight but theirs. That wouldn't help matters any. Once the civilians start helping he examines the large, muscly undead. It had been stitched together, so it didn't go into the ground that way. More evidence that these things are being created, not just appearing randomly. Cameron is more convinced than ever that the stolen book is behind this. If only they knew what the book supposedly could do. Damn the tight lipped contractors.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] Monday February 10th, 2014 2:07:46 PM
Pru takes a moment to grab the necklace. "It's magic," she says by way of explanation. "We can figure out what it does later."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 d20+4=21 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 2:54:54 PM
William continues searching and helps identify the items they find. He will also try to see if the bodies have any id or clues to where they came from. Perc = 21
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) Monday February 10th, 2014 3:48:33 PM
Bliss helps Cam and the townsfolk get the wounded under cover. "Good idea, Cam!" he declares.
The sharpshooter notes that he has fired 14 bolts so far this adventure -- that means he has only one bolt left!
Soon he'll have to get out his slingshot.
Maybe in town somewhere he can find some small-size bolts. Or make some.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Monday February 10th, 2014 5:35:27 PM
Nikolai comments, "It is one thing to animate a body and make it walk and attack. These flying heads... that's another thing altogether. This is far more sinister than we had immagined at first. I don't know how you create such abominations!"
Nikolai asks the brother, "Did you see which way they came? How far to the graveyard?
He helps get the wounded with the villagers, either into their homes for better care or to urge them on to the inn.
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+5=6 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 6:43:42 PM
Carver notices the sparkly thing and goes over to it, plucking it from the head. " Anyone know what these flying heads are, or were? I don't remember them at all from from my earlier training before the Mailed Fist." (Know Religion 6 (nat 1))
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) d8+1=8 ; Monday February 10th, 2014 7:48:04 PM
The cleric bends to pick up the glinting object. He is worried that the object is dangerous at first, then he shakes off the paranoia and picks it up.
He then casts Cure Light Wounds using one of the scrolls. (heals 8)
(down a scroll, I'll check the count later)
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday February 10th, 2014 8:09:20 PM "Let's keep moving to the rendevous point", suggests Tinker. Pointedly. .............
ooc: welcome aboard, Ezra!
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) Monday February 10th, 2014 9:42:39 PM
Bliss thinks that's a good idea too. "Tinker!" he says, "We have a rendez-vous point? Lead on, pal!"
He calls to Mookie, who was hiding under an eave somewhere.
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 1:24:13 PM
Checking in
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] d20+2=12 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 4:20:59 PM
As Pru tucks the necklace away, she tries to recall if she's ever heard anything about this kind of undead.
[That's a mighty 12 on my Religion check.]
Zombie -B- Gone (DM Ezra) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 4:46:56 PM
Cameron attempts to roust some of the townsfolk to flee their locked homes for the inn. Several stare at him with wide eyes before ducking back into their homes.
A young man opens his door and peeks out, looking about for danger. Seeing only the bloody Fist in the street poking at bodies and parts of bodies, he slips out the door, holding the arm of a young woman, his wife. She has a small bundle held tightly in her arms as the two scurry down the street towards Haggard's.
Prudence helps herself to a necklace glowing by her magicked eyes.
William realizes that nudging a body with the toe of a boot probably doesn't qualify as 'searching.' Before anyone notices, he engages in a somewhat more personal search of one of the zombies. Just under the hairline on the back of the neck he locates a small ruby embedded into the zombie's flesh.
William looks at the necklace Prudence found and correctly identifies it as a necklace. Your character sheet indicates more spells memorized than possible. It does not appear that you have detect magic memorized as it takes 2 of your cantrip slots.
Bliss helps with the wounded and realizes he is nearly out of small bolts.
Nikolai helps with the wounded and considers if the undead came from the cemetary. A typical location to find dead bodies ready for reanimation.
Carver digs a small emerald from the back of a flying head and asks about their origin, having never encountered them before.
Linden also finds a small gem embedded in the base of a skull, a sapphire. He manages to pry it free of the corpse.
Tinker suggests they withdraw to the rendezvous point.
I apologize for the late posting, foster court this morning.
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+1=5 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=8 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 5:22:39 PM " Gems in their heads? These are certainly being animated by some force beyond the normal bounds of necromancy, or at least from what I have ever known. Search them all and then we meet up with the Sergeants. That book is here someplace and I would lay a bet on it being used to animate all thes things/" Cameron will search any unsearched undead. He then prepares to move on, bow ready. Knowledge religion 5 Perception 11 Ready shot attack roll 8 damage 6 in the unlikely event that hits
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 8:07:56 PM
Tinker thinks back to the last words the Double Fist heard from their Sergeants as everyone boiled out of the "Cheerful Stay" at the sound of the screaming less than a half hour ago...
Helmbane pushes his way out the front door, pointing down the road to the right. "Fist, you scout out that way. Trimmack and I will take this direction. Loop around the outside road and meet on the other side, that's an order!" The dwarf runs off, his human counterpart quickly catching up after crying out, "You heard him, get going!"
The dwarf shakes off his reminiscence. "Course there is a rendevous point, Bliss! We loop around the outside road and meet on the other side. If Sergeant's Trimmack and Helmsbane aren't on the far side of this village, we continue around until we find them!"
Hoisting his crossbow, Tinker points the group in the right direction, and impatiently waits for the others to stop looting the bodies and get ready to finish the mission. His fingers itch, wanting to play with a lock instead of the wooden stock of his crossbow.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 9:19:19 PM
The centaur, not having a clue about stones and gems takes the sapphire to Tinker. "Buuuddy, how much do you think this trinkity doodad might be worth?"
Things (down 3 Channels, 1 SacBond and two first level spells, plus a Sapphire... by my count)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 9:20:43 PM
OOC: Bad link on previous post.... I'll update it later
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Tuesday February 11th, 2014 11:25:29 PM
Active Spells: Mage Armor Shuriken: 10/10
Nikolai exercises patience while the undead foes are being 'inspected'. Considering they were not getting paid to fight these undead, what kind of mercenaries would they be if they didn't?
He has to exercises greater patience with the people of this town! They seem so appathetic to their own neighbors! And he still hadn't gotten a straight answer as to where the cemetary is, to boot!
"Wish we had time to cremate these but we don't," he grumbles.
So he keeps watch until ready to move out, at which time he stays near Pru and William.
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+5=12 ; Tuesday February 11th, 2014 11:41:36 PM
After gathering up the gem, carver takes the time to stomp on it, squishing it flat. Having seen that the gems had something to with animating the undead, Carver wracks his brain for thoughts on it. "Everyone pulled the gems from the undead, if so, lets get moving, we got some sargents to locate." He resumes the lead position and leads the group off again...
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) d20+11=20 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+11=23 ; Wednesday February 12th, 2014 6:01:53 AM
Cam says to search them all, and that's good enough for Bliss. He does his best. Perception checks 20, 20, 23.
Tinker reminds Bliss of the last orders they got, and he answers, "Oh yeah, right!" He is ready to head off. Carver seems to know the way, so he follows his friend.
"Let's go, everybody!" he says brightly.
Mookie flies overhead, keeping an eye out.
Zombie -B- Gone (DM Ezra) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 8:58:01 AM Did Carver stomp on the gem?
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 11:44:42 AM
no, plucked gem, stomped head
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] Wednesday February 12th, 2014 1:07:31 PM
"The gems didn't show up as magic," Pru says, a little puzzled. But she waits for her companions, and moves out when they do.
Zombie -B- Gone (DM Ezra) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 2:17:20 PM
Cameron and Carver find a gem in each of the zombies.
Tinker recalls that the party was to circle around town and meet the sergeants on the opposite side.
The party circles around the outskirts of town (which isn't that big to begin with). Not locating the sergeants they follow the advice they gave to the townsfolk and headed for Haggard's.
The sergeants, covered in blood and gore, are sitting at a table discussing their own battle, it appears to be an argument over which of them was more effective. Several villagers warmly welcome the Fist for having saved those they could.
Hope approaches What will ye have? 'Tis on the house for y'all!
Trimmack barks to the Fist Report!
The Fist has a magical necklace and a handful of gems. The module says that the last 3 encounters since arriving at the village are worth 5k exp, less the 420 already provided on 1/10, leaving 4580 experience.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 Wednesday February 12th, 2014 2:29:22 PM
William will also gather up what he found on the corpses, and join the rest in heading back to town. He lets one of the others give their report, but supplements it whenever needed about any arcane details. His main concern is finding out where these creatures originated at and who might be controlling them.
OOC - he is able to memorize four spells her day, and also has a ring bonded item that allows him to recast one and he also has an orb that allows him to recast 1. So I'm not sure DM what discrepancy you were referring to?
(Edited PC to clarify this)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 5:09:30 PM
OOC: Would that be 4580 div by 8?
DM Ezra Yes
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday February 12th, 2014 5:17:16 PM
Diplomacy 13 Discipline ingrained after 3 years of training, Cameron does not even acknowledge that it is not his sergeant asking for the report. He snaps to attention and explains the fights as they happened, in order and what he feels they mean. This last part consists mainly of the fact that some or all of the undead seem to be manufactured from several corpses. This leads him to believe someone or someones are making the undead. With the knowledge that the item they are after has passed through here with the shady group about a week ago and knowing the item is a book but not what it does, he can only assume it is being used, possibly tested, by either the thieves or whomever they stole it for. When he is excused from his report he orders a mead if they have it. Killing undead is thirsty work. He mentions the gems and necklace to the sergeants only as some loot on the bodies, using whatever slang the Fist would use to speak in front of a client without letting the client know what they were saying. ( I am sure there would be a thing like that, like thieves cant . We should know it after 3 years of training) The last thing he wants to do is encourage the townsfolk to fight these things because they have treasure. Far too many would die that way.
DM Ezra Clarification request: From the notes I received, Sgt Trimmack is senior as Sgt Helmbane is recently promoted. Since one is subordinate to the other, and the chain of command goes up, how would Trimmack not be a superior?
1. Received 500 xp at 1st squad trial 2. Received 600 xp more at 2nd trial, 9 Oct 2013 3. Received 900 xp at graduation, Nov 2013. 4. Received 420 xp @ 10 Jan 2014. (new total = 1420) 5. Received 573 xp @ 12 Feb 2014 (new total is 1993)
So we're 7 whole XP short of making 3rd level...
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 9:44:50 PM "Sargent, I think these are not normal undead. Or at least in the meaning of undead that I learned before I joined the Fist. Someone is using an item as a focus to create them somehow. And they seem to have enough intelligence to try and run when they realize they are about to lose. Or at least those that are bigger do. That last muscular creation, tried to run away at the end of the fight, I struck because of reflex, If I'd had the time to think it through, I'd have let it run and followed it, hoping it lead us to where we wanted to go."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] d20+6=11 ; Wednesday February 12th, 2014 10:39:34 PM
Pru stays silent and lets Cameron deliver the report; he's doing a fine job. She thinks about the undead, but she is as puzzled as everyone else and has nothing to add.
[OOC: the player has a theory, but the charcter did not roll a high enough Knowledge check! Darn it!]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 10:47:36 PM
Nikolai adds to the report that the most obvious place to get 'parts' for the creation of these undead is the cemetary and asks permission to investigate it.
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday February 12th, 2014 11:11:05 PM
Tinker also snaps to attention, keeping silent as Cameron reports and Carver gives some color commentary. The dwarf's fingers itch to appraise the gems Linden offered, but waits until released by Sergeant Trimmack.
He thinks: What a lousy mercenary I make! First saving the boy who hasn't paid and then not even thinking about looting the bodies! Tinker barely controls himself from shaking his head in his own poor performance.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Thursday February 13th, 2014 2:04:01 AM
OOC: busy this week. Might miss post or two. I'll try very hard not to however.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) Thursday February 13th, 2014 7:02:33 AM
Bliss listens hard and stands at attention, but given that he is standing next to Lindy on the one side and half under a table on the other, he may be overlooked.
He does not have anything to add to the report from Nik, Cam and Carver. "Good job," he thinks, and makes a mental note to tell them so later.
When the officers tell the double fist to stand down and take their ease, Bliss thinks about having a drink, but frankly he just can't. The smells and the blood and gore everywhere just bothers him too much -- both his nose and his witch sensibilities. So he casts Prestidigitation to put the mess onto his weapons and hands and then Cleans Blood (a witch-only spell) to make the mess go away forever. Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat, until everyone and everything is clean.
Bliss hums happily as he sets about his tidying up.
Rejoice! For tomorrow... (DM Ezra) Thursday February 13th, 2014 6:15:41 PM Everyone that has a post for every day gets an extra 7 XP.
Sgt Trimmack commends the group for their actions, while Sgt Helmbane berates them for taking their time.
Sifting through the coins, Trimmack tosses one to Haggard for their stay.
Haggard tries to refuse the payment but relents when Trimmack responds that the Fist always pays its way, just as the Fist expects prompt payment when hired. That said Trimmack looks at the necklace, it's a necklace, and magical? SO what does it do?still waiting on a spellcraft check here
With limited ideas on where to proceed, Trimmack and Helmbane argue on what to do next. Hope mentions a group of men that came through a month before. Haggard and several of the villagers jump in talking about the men. They stayed for one night and left. A few days later the first undead started to attack.
Diplomacy DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { One guy recalls that they were heatedly discussing a book they had with them.}
Diplomacy DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Hope recalls hearing chanting late in the evening after they retired to their rooms.}
It may be this other group has complicated our own mission. I doubt this is the last wave of undead. Sgt Helmbane and I will remain here and secure the village of Cheerful Stay. The lot of you will proceed east and determine if this group is responsible for the undead.
Haggard suggests they check an old decrepit church that is near a cemetary.
Sgt Trimmack and I will work on some basic defenses and militia training for the village. Get some rest and you head out at first light.
William, your sheet says yellow highlight are memorized spells. For 1st level spells you have 9 spells highlighted. Hence the inquiry on how many spells are actually memorized (you don't need to track the bonded item spell, just if it has been used this 'day'.
Be patient, it will take me a short bit to get into the roles of the npc's and pc's.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Thursday February 13th, 2014 6:39:34 PM
Linden, very sober and clearer of mind than usual, stands at attention. However, he is grumbling a bit for no apparently obvious reason.
(Sanity info DM: Down 1 Sac Bond, down two channels, down 1 Rebuke Death, down 1st level Domain spell)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Thursday February 13th, 2014 7:33:37 PM
OOC: I have 2993xp logged. Which experince track are we using again? fast? medium? etc?
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+3=10 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 8:57:03 PM
OOC: 3rd level is at 5k xp, right?
IC: Carver, grabs a goblet of wine and pays for some food as well, time to rest up a bit, before heading back out for a recon patrol. As he eats, he tries to decipher what the locals are saying, but he has too many other thoughts running around that he is trying to corral. (Diplomacy 10) In his spare time, he tries to keep an eye on the little one, not because he's worried about him, but to see how he does his magic among other things.....
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+8=22 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 9:14:51 PM
OOC So we are splitting the xp? To answer your clarification request above, we were initially arranged into 2 fists, each with its own sergeant. Mine was Helmbane making him my commanding officer. If it is now truly a joint command then technically Trimmack would be my commanding officer too. But Helmbane talks to me while we stand watch and I like him better so he is still my choice for commanding officer. Question, can I perform my surgery now and move my stats around? I was waiting until we were not in a fight. Since we are about to rest for the night, this is a good a time as any. Besides I am off for a couple of days due to snow so I have the time to do it now.
IC Diplomacy 22 Cameron manages to get some more information from the crowd. He learns that the men that passed through a month ago were talking about a book. And Hope recalls hearing chanting late in the evening after they retired to their rooms. All that coupled with the church and the undead attacks adds up to a good place to start to the halfling ranger.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] d20+6=10 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 10:15:13 PM So what does it do?
Pru gulps. This is final exams all over again. No, it's worse than final exams because both sergeants are looking at her expectantly. Hastily, she casts another Detect Magic and tries to ascertain what the necklace does.
"Um..." she says. "Um. I don't know what it does, Sergeants. I'm sorry." [Spellcraft 10, and this task is better suited to somebody with an INT score. :) ]
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+4=6 ; d20+4=5 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 10:22:47 PM
Tinker may be a dwarf and a rogue, but neither his passion nor his expertise is with gems. He gives a cursory look to one and then another before shrugging and giving the gems back to Linden. "Not the foggiest idea", he says.
Now that the Double Fist has permission to seek out this group, Tinker has a suggestion. "I'm thinking that the Church may have more likely answers than the Cemetery. At least it should be easier to search."
Whichever way the group decides, Tinker will go along. .................
Appraise: 6, 5 (not much help there)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+1=2 ; d20+1=7 ; Thursday February 13th, 2014 11:26:27 PM
Nikolai takes a look at the gems. Appr +1 = 2, 7
He laughs at his own ignorance of their value.
"We've been suggesting the cemetary, but the church first is fine," he agrees and after gulping down a mug of ale, he's ready to go.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) d100=15 ; d20+16=25 ; Friday February 14th, 2014 12:06:05 AM
Bliss says, "Oh, me! Me! Let me look at the magic item!" The tiny fellow pops up from under a table.
He tries to cast an Identify (first level witch spell). Ley check 15 = OK! Then he casts a Guidance cantrip, asking Gargul for a hint.
Spellcraft is usually a +5 check for Bliss (one rank, 12 Int, class skill). But with these two spells he is boosted to a +16. His check is a 25. Woot!
He tells everybody what he figures out.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Friday February 14th, 2014 12:51:20 PM
"Are their crypts under the church?" Asked the cleric casually. "There might be an exterior passage to them."
William helps examine the jewelry (Spellcraft check 27) and tries to learn some more about it.
He's a little nervous about poking around in the church, but agrees that it is the best place to continue their search.
He'll also rest for the night, say his prayers and rememorize some of his spells and change them a bit.
(Ooc - DM please look closely at his sheet and you'll see that I noted his underlined spells were memorized and the highlighted ones were the ones he had in his book)
Rejoice! For tomorrow... (DM Ezra) Friday February 14th, 2014 5:31:42 PM The church hasn't been used for sometime, I'm not even sure which god the church was following. It's been laying in ruins for centuries. We don't even use that cemetery anymore. Haggard sets down a pitcher of ale for the Fist. 'Twas to some god Melinoe, tha's wha' I hear two of 'em talkin' 'bout. Said the man sitting to the side, looking at the dregs of his ale. Who's Melinoe? No, it be Ga'al,spit, they was worshiping! Damn 'eartseeders! His brother counters from across the table.
Another townsfolk jumps in, I guess it could be them heart-killers, they travel in sixes.
Haggard waves them off go back to yer drink. It was obvious they served the vindiccator. They was obviously religious types, but they was hiding their true allegiance. Everyone knows that Jancassians don' advertise.
After some discussion, Bliss figures out that the necklace provides the wearer with skin as tough as leather, making it harder to be hurt. Highlight to display spoiler: {+1 natural armor amulet} The gems are worth 2k.
If you are that close to leveling, then the 7 exp will get you there, if not, then don't worry about it. We follow the medium track for leveling.
My understanding of military structure is that when two groups are assigned to a task, one of the leaders will become an overall leader, the other his exec. If the DFist broke into two task groups, each sgt would likely take their original group, but when operating combined, one must report to the other, and that is generally based on seniority in position. I don't know how it was operating before, but this is how I will be playing them going forward.
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday February 14th, 2014 6:44:24 PM
Tinker knows just as much about any of the gods as the casual person on the streets. That is, he knows their common names and the like, even using them to swear or color his speech at times, but not knowing much more than that. "Matters less to me about who they worshiped than what they were doing. Maybe this will give us some more clue to where the magical item we are supposed to recover is. Right?'
With Nickolai saying the Church is fine, Tinker also counts Linden as interested in the Church, and assumes Prudence and Bliss will go with the majority. The Sergeants are staying in the Village allowing the Double Fist to investigate on their own, which makes Tinker look to the Halfling Cameron or the Centaur Carver who have been the two who have historically been stepping into the leadership roles when the sergeants are out...
.........................................
ooc: I am tracking we are at 2,993xp (not including any Hero Points awarded to individuals) With the Medium Track (Wold Standard), we need 2,007xp more to get to 3rd level. With Wold suggested progression, the Agents will be on track to reach 3rd level before July 2014.
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+5=15 ; Friday February 14th, 2014 9:30:52 PM "Church is as good a place to start as any, and if I remember correctly, some religions believed in interning corpses in catacombs, usually entered from inside their own chapels. Any of you magic types, got any sound based damage spells? It might be an idea to try and see if that would shatter the gems." Hearing a name of a religion, Melinoe, Carver tried to see if he remembers anything about it. (Know Religion 15)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Saturday February 15th, 2014 12:28:51 AM "I wonder, if the chuch is that old, any buried bodies would be mostly bone fragments or skeletons at the best. We've been fighting zombies today. These are bodies recently dead. There must be some other place they are from and the villagers don't seem to recognize any of them. This is a difficult puzzle indeed." Nikolai comments as they ready to go investigate the church and graveyard.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] Saturday February 15th, 2014 10:07:23 AM
"The churchyard may well be where the undead are coming from, so it's worth investigating," Pru agrees. "And if whoever is doing this is using that book, or whatever it is, it's likely the book is near the churchyard, too. Which is handy, because that's our mission."
Pru peers at the gems. "Sorry; I pretty much just do fire damage. But if we're going to try to break them, let's do it away from these nice people, all right?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+9=24 ; Saturday February 15th, 2014 11:44:43 AM
OOC: I forgot my Perc roll for 2/13: Perc +9 = 24
Oops sorry, that was Dipl: Dipl +0 = 15
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d8=8 ; d20+1=5 ; Saturday February 15th, 2014 12:41:43 PM " There will be no gem smashing, first of all. Secondly, I don't really care where the zombies are coming from, who's making them or who they hold dear. Our job is the tome they stole, correct Sergeants? We find them and get the book back. If they want to summon the hordes of hell, we kill them first or fight our way through them. Is the contract for recovery only sergeants? Will destruction count as a close second? Because if they want to play like this then burning the abandoned church around them would be far easier. The book might survive. if it is magic enough." " Bliss, lets see if we can get you more ammo for your bah. I would rather you were shooting that than anything else. Otherwise lets get our rest so that we have full spells for tomorrow, the church sounds like it might be a tough nut to crack so we want to be in top shape." Before sleeping Cameron can heal anyone that is hurt.(Cure light wounds for 9 healing) He heals his fist mates and sergeants first, villagers second. He will then try to rig 5-10 of his arrows as flaming arrows using cloth and oil or pitch, whichever the town has available. He will also try to rig a few jars of lamp oil to be thrown so they can be lit later, either by himself or Prudence. He also tries to remember anything he can about the god the villagers say the men worshiped. Knowledge Religion 5
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] Saturday February 15th, 2014 3:47:51 PM
[OOC: I thought it was morning? Are we really going to wait a whole 24 hours?]
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 Saturday February 15th, 2014 5:19:57 PM
William reviews his spell book and shrugs, saying, "Most of my spells are Summoning or Defense related, and sleep doesn't work well vs. undead. My acid darts work well, but I've only 7 to use each day..."
Re: the necklace, he asks, "Which of you melee types want to wear it, as it'll fit you best...?"
He's in agreement with Cameron, saying, "Yes, let's not break any gems, as they may have a lot of value that we'll need. However, let's not burn the church down until we have a chance to investigate it further... I'm all for torching it when we're done, but there may be some clues within that can help us... "
(So... is our discussion in the AM or are we still waiting to go to bed?)
So we are all agreed that we have 3k xp? Steves math looks sound + 7 for posts.
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) Saturday February 15th, 2014 6:48:40 PM
OOC Hopefully waiting to go to bed. Our cleric is half or more spent, I am half out of spells, Pru is out of darts, Bliss is out of ammo and I want to make some special arrows if I can. Burning the church later doesn't make sense. Burning it with people in it either kills them or makes them break cover so we can shot them. Doing my surgery this weekend since I got no answer yea or nay.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Sunday February 16th, 2014 7:16:30 PM
OOC: we woke up, ate breakfast, heard cries, went to kill undead, now we are back. All told, it should be no later than 9am at least. If we need a day to recover, maybe some of us can try to find an armory with plenty of quarrels.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) d20+9=17 ; Sunday February 16th, 2014 7:18:03 PM
If events and their officers allow it, Bliss is glad to stand down for the rest of the day. He turns his attention to his crafting, and makes as many bolts as he can in a day: Craft check (with guidance cantrip) 17.
He also sees if there are any small size bolts for sale in town. You never know!
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 13,CMB 2), HPS 21/24 Linden (Jay B) Sunday February 16th, 2014 10:53:26 PM
Linden will spend his remaining spells to cure everyone else who are still hurt.
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday February 17th, 2014 11:13:56 AM
Tinker isn't thinking about the logistics of having the spellcasters mostly out of spells, but the tactics of trying to rest in a village constantly attacked by undead. And then there is the intelligent undead that got away...
"If there is someone coordinating these attacks, they are sure to have been told our presence because of the undead that ran away. And if it were intelligent enough to recognize our emblems, they know the Fist is here. And if they know that the book they stole was under safeguard contract to the Fist, they can guess WHY we are here, too!"
"All of which tells me that any delay will make it more difficult to find and retrieve the tome. I think we should investigate now."
Tinker gets another thought. "Cameron, you are Ranger trained. Think you can track the undead that ran away?"
After the battle (DM Ezra) Monday February 17th, 2014 2:17:37 PM Keep in mind that while the battle lasted only minutes, healing and regrouping the villagers would have taken considerably longer. Slapping on a bandage is only a standard wound, actually treating the wound is generally about an hour.
Sgt Helmbane There be no crushing o' gems. Yer green, ye'll learn soon that the quartermaster never assigns as much gear as be needed. He waves a hand in Bliss' general direction, point. Best to be kept and used as needed fer supplies. Give the rest to Q when all's 'aid an' dun'!
Steelshaper has the right of it. The book is our contract. Trusting that the book not be harmed by burning down a building would be an unwise choice. Let's try not to do that. Trimmack considers the conversations bouncing around, Nikolai has the right of it, these were too fresh for an old and unused graveyard. But that group is worth tracking down.
Hope comes and delivers a large platter of food to the table. Trimmack grins and winks at her, it's about time you lot got some more independent operational time. Therefore, Sgt Helmbane and I will stay here and guard the village against any additional undead. You are hereby ordered to locate the old church, check it out. See if there is any information on the group that went before. I know the trail is cold, so you have 3 days before I expect to see you back here.
Any final acquisitions before heading out the next morning?
Haggard and Hope have a small pouch of food for each of you as thanks for your work.
Ac 20,Touch 14,Flat 18(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 14) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) Monday February 17th, 2014 3:25:17 PM
OOC no undead escaped. It turned to run and Carver ren it through IC "With Linden's aid I can probably track it. It was distinct and big enough to tell it's prints apart. 2 to 1 odds it's tracks go back to that church though. Let's eat up and head upstairs for some rack time. The faster we finish this the faster I get to head back to the Citadel. We'll have a tale for those minotaur thugs this time eh? Nobody could have done this better."
I don't have craft so those arrows are out. Any idiot could probably make them, but it would take skill to make them fly true. Eat, sleep, win. rinse repeat. Let's get er done.
OOC Helmbane is still my favorite Sergeant. Maybe I was raised by dwarves myself. Who knows?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) d20+6=17 ; d20+10=21 ; Monday February 17th, 2014 6:31:32 PM "To the church! The sooner, the better!" Nikolai blurts through gulps of food. "Let's not give the enemy any respite. Give 'em a night, and they'll have more undead ready. Go now, and we are likely to catch them by surprise. Hopefully, they won't be in their lair, but out looking for more bodies.
We have to learn how to work without spells. At any given battle, we might be without our spellcasters for one reason or another.
Either way, we don't really know if anything is there or not, and I don't want to waste a day, or even half of one, wondering about it. I want to find out now." Nikolai finishes rather abruptly and takes several more bites of food. It was simply a statement of his preference for quick action.
After lunch, he takes his leave and goes to the stables to tend to the horses, they might be needing them if the church is more than a short hike. He brushes them down good and makes sure they have enough to eat. After all that, he goes back to the inn and checks in with the others and sets up a watch detail for the stables. He volunteers to take the last watch.
He takes up position in the rafters of the stables like he did before. Climb +6 = 17, climb support beam to the rafters Acrob +10 = 21, find a good spot and stay balanced on the beam.
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) Monday February 17th, 2014 6:42:24 PM
Carver, gives the Sargents a nod, when they give the orders. He then will help Bliss ask around the village if possible about attaining some small quarrels for his bow or what ever it is he calls it. Making sure everyone is heals, he'll turn in and be ready early, before day break, hopefully with food in his stomach. He will then make sure everyone has their gear and weapons all ready for the next stage of the mission. "Everyone got enough gear, food, weapons? Not necessarily in that order. I get the impression that the church and graveyard are not very far outside of town, so leaving the horses here, will keep them safer I's assume."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) [AC 18; HP 21/21] [Mage Armor] Monday February 17th, 2014 6:54:28 PM
Pru is ready to rest and prepare for the rest of the day when Nikolai says they should leave now!
"Well, we could certainly do that," she says. "As you say, there are times when we may have to fight when our casters are out of spells and our archer is out of arrows. It strikes me as counterproductive to do it on purpose, but if that's what we want to do, I'm up for it. Best let me cast another Mage Armor on you, though; the first one's worn off."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 Monday February 17th, 2014 7:05:16 PM
William is not on favor of rushing out and agrees with Pru that deliberately going out with limited magic isn't a good idea. "I think we need to gather our strength, as I don't think this delay will make us worse off than if we go unprepared." He will take last watch with Nic.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Monday February 17th, 2014 8:04:21 PM
Nikolai smiles weakly at Pru, "You are a brave girl, Pru, but I guess we best follow our Sergeant's orders and get some rest. This lot we think we are going to be up against will probably be tougher than some brainless zombies. They will have better tactics. So I guess we wait."
Ac 21,Touch 15,Flat 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 15) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 7:04:21 AM
edited header for surgery.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 12:02:49 PM
If Bliss can find or buy any small or even medium bolts, he will buy them.
In fact, he sees that Prudence was using a crossbow. Does anyone else in the party have medium bolts? Bliss can Enlarge himself, then pick up the medium bolts and use them in a fight.
And he still has a few of his own to use ... and his trusty slingshot.
=====
Anyway, he is all for going to the church. When they get there, but not before, he will ask Prudence to read his scroll of mage armor for him if she would be so kind.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 1:28:42 PM
"William, you are my hero!" says Bliss.
OOC: DM, what roll and how much time for a trained weaponsmith to trim those down to small size, if it is possible. If not, I can still use them as is after I enlarge myself.
After the battle (DM Ezra) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 3:32:32 PM
Nikolai is all for going immediately. He climbs into the rafters of the stable to take watch. Hopefully the horses will alert him to anything happening outside of the stables... Is he poking his head through the thatch roof? It sounds like this is a typical thing for him, is he also taking his rest in the rafters?
After inquiring about bolts, Haggard comes back with a small quiver stuffed with bolts, he blows a pile of dust off them and offers them, these be working for ye? Ye can have the lot for a pair o' gold coins.20 bolts
As the sun just begins to peak over the distant hills the Fist assembles before the Inn and organizes themselves to set out. Hope hands each a small satchel our thanks and may Domi watch over ye this day. Break fast and some trail food for yer trip. Each bag contains a steaming and stuffed roll, freshly backed. Hope must have risen very early to prepare this for you. A mouthwatering smell of herbs and spices, assails you. Biting into the delicacy reveals the roll is stuffed with egg, cheese and ham.
A slice of hard cheese, a roll, and some fruit is also in each satchel. Enough to get you through lunch. Maybe the church is further than you expected.
As the Fist travels through the village, every home they pass has the residents standing quietly in front of their doors watching the procession. Even the children stand quietly and watch. Are they watching saviors leaving on quest, or men heading for their doom?
Verify if you are riding or walking. Does the group have a standard marching order or formation?
ammunition is one of those things I don't bother with size on, the cost is the same for small/medium.
DM EZRA: I advanced to the next morning, whether or not you rested during that time... :)
Ac 21,Touch 15,Flat 17(+1 to all acs vs larger creatures), (CMB 1 CMD 15) HP 22/22 Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper ( David Feest) d20+6=11 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday February 18th, 2014 6:52:30 PM
Seeing the gathered onlookers, Cameron males sure the double fist makes a good showing for the Mailed Fist. He prestidigitaes everyone's gear clean and adds that special clean quality to their gear, shiny buckles, polished boots and crisp uniforms. What this town sees will be the way they remember the Mailed Fist for years to come. " Bright happy faces everyone. Make a good impression as we head out. We want them to remember the Fist fondly when we leave. " He marches in his accustomed place at Carvers side, right up in front. After yesterday's running fight he keeps his bow out, arrow nocked and ready to fire. (ready missile weapon). He tracks if it is needed to find the church and otherwise keeps his eyes peeled. He will fire only if combat seems eminent( They have been spotted, are being charged ect) Tracking (survival) 11 Perception 17 Ready attack hits AC 12 for 8 damage
AC 15, T13, F12, CMD 15(19 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/23 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 7:00:14 PM
Tinker is happy for the luncheon roll, he can save the four days rations in his rucksack for emergencies! The rogue would prefer to stay in the back, but doesn't have the legs to get anywhere quickly. Instead, he would like to be third, just behind Cameron and beside the large Carver. With Nicholai and Linden for a mobile reserve and William, Prudence, and Bliss to be the main missle unit, Tinker thinks that would be a good marching order.
The dwarf isn't particular. If someone insists on a different formation, he has no hard feelings.
Tinker has his crossbow with bolt ready, but resting easy in an underhanded grip. His urgosh slung beside him and his rucksack of everything bulking on his back.
Bliss (Cayzle) (AC17, HP16 of 16) d20+11=14 ; Tuesday February 18th, 2014 7:04:09 PM
Bliss is very grateful for the rest and the quiver of small bolts. "Many many thanks, good sir," he says to Hagrid, who seems very big and a bit scary to him. He wonders if the big man has any giant blood in him.
[OOC: updated PC sheet to add bolts and subtract coins, thanks!]
Heading out to follow orders, Bliss reduces himself (as always) and enlarges Mookie. He rides the bird so long as there is no danger, prepared to hop off at the first sign of a fight.
Keeping alert as the group moves: Perception 14
Carver AC 16, AC 18/ shield, CMB 6, CMD 16, HP 25/25 (10) (John C) d20+1=7 ; Tuesday February 18th, 2014 10:12:29 PM
Carver, even though he hates it, he'll high step for the on lookers. That should keep their attention or at least give them something to talk about later. With his lance and shield at the ready, he can switch in a round if needed to the bow on his back. "Bliss, you're our look out up there, keep a sharp eye out would you please. Lets not get too distracted showing off." As soon as the group leaves the civilians behind, he stops high stepping, no need for it, except to show off.
Perception 7
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 23/23 CMD 18/20(Grapple) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 10:26:53 PM
DM asked: Is he poking his head through the thatch roof? It sounds like this is a typical thing for him, is he also taking his rest in the rafters?
OOC: the night before we took turns watching the stables in case of undead attack on the horses. Nikolai positioned hmself in the rafters so he could see the whole stables and plop down on any undead that make it in from the back. There were others that watched the front door. He slept in the stall, not in the rafters.
IC: Nikolai brushes off stray straw and is joins the group for breakfast. "They must be depleted somewhat. No attacks last night," he yawns as he takes a plate of food.
He smiles at Hope when she gives them their lunch. He remains rather quiet, thinking of what may lay ahead, what strategies they'll need to employ.
"Thanks, Cameron, for the cleaning. I'm glad not to smell like horse while we hike to the church," and winks at Pru, "She appreciates it too, I imagine."
Nikolai takes his place in the back of the formation and marches with precision. These people may not care much about the Mailed Fist, but good impressions, impressive impressions, never hurt either.
OOC: I think it was decided we'd go afoot/ahoof and leave the horses behind.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 11:46:18 PM
Pru helps Cameron make sure everyone's gear is clean and shining. She smooths her braid and takes her position near William and Bliss--keeping the "squishy" people together.
As they walk, she smiles at any townsfolk out watching them, and waves at the children.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 14/18 (w/ Mag Amr), hp 12/12 Wednesday February 19th, 2014 2:30:01 PM
William joins the group and remains close to the center by both ladies. As a dashingly handsome young man, he smiles at all the young maidens who wave goodbye. It's a trait he gets from his uncle Joshua...
He also used his prestidigitation and other magics to help get everyone cleaned up and also to help in the stable.
After they leave, he watches the sides of their path for anything out of the ordinary and has his xbow ready for any threats.
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