DM JeffO Friday March 31st, 2017 9:09:58 AM
In the morning, the group rises and goes about their usual business. Those who go to breakfast notice quite a spread. There is a buffet set up and plenty for all. It may not be the most flavorful food (is it the mess hall, after all), but it is filling and hot. There is coffee, eggs, meat, and even bread with butter today. This is unusual for the citadel. The mess hall is still celebrating the increased reputation of the Mailed Fist and the efforts of the group. A few pages can be spotted whispering and point at Nikolai when he goes through the line.
One large fellow, dressed in a chain shirt, points at Nikolai and says, “Hey! You’re Nikolai, aren’t you? I saw you last night at the party. That was something, wasn’t it?”
“Hey, you know all this is because of you and your group, right?” He gestures around at the food. “Some neighbors stopped by and dropped off some extra supplies. It seems they are quite grateful for your efforts. And so are we, the rest of the Fist. I’m Tomas, thumb of my own Fist, but we’re not as famous as you guys, at least not yet!”
As some are preparing to head to the commander’s office, a messenger appears to Tinker before he can reach the armory. He says, “A letter has come for you, sir.” He hands a letter to Tinker and bows before taking his leave. The letter:
Highlight to display spoiler: { “Daemar, you crazy dwarf, we need your help! I know you are busy with all your being a powerful fighting man and defending the world and all, but surely you can find time to help your family, right? That place you are working can give you some time off or something for us, can they not? Anyway, if you can come by, we are working at the dark red mines near Trader’s Corner, and we are having some troubles. We have tried to handle it, but it just is not going well for us. We are going to have to shut down soon if we do not get help. Calliembria”}
When Nikolai (and anyone else who goes with him) reports to the commander’s office, he spots a few extra breakfast treats on her desk. She notices him looking at them, and nods. She says, “Oh yes, these are from your own efforts, for which we are eternally grateful. Oh, and this.” She pulls out a large book from under her desk and hands it to Nikolai. “This is from the librarians who are also quite grateful for your efforts. It is a magical exercise book. They said they only had the one, so I’m not sure which of your group can use it. Maybe you should draw straws.”
“Oh, and once again, to thank you for your efforts, we have decided that you should be rewarded with some holiday vacation time. As of today, you are all free to do as you please for the next 3 weeks.” She pauses for effect, then continues, “And as it happens, we have a benefactor who has provided us with a villa… on the beach! It is in South Cliffs and as it happens, no one is using it now. It is free and available for your exclusive use. What say you to that?”
OOC: The book is a manual of gainful exercise, +1
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday March 31st, 2017 9:36:33 AM
Michael awakens before revelry as is his habit. He makes his bed, attends to his toilet and puts on his exercise clothes. After a 2 mile run, he drops by the training yard and talks to the weapons master about defense, taking the advice he practices extending his dodging to doing so as he is moving. it's clumsy at first but with correction and repetition, he has a pretty good handle on it. Maybe it will help him to get in and out without getting hit later on. After his workout, he goes to find breakfast, if Q is there he invites her to sit at their table and talks with her while they eat.
For breakfast, he has a three egg omelet stuffed with farm cheese, ham, mushrooms, peppers sausage, tomatoes, barley, and onions. Rye bread toast, Fried potatoes, and some collared greens. with a glass of apple cider to wash it all down. He gets Q whatever she wants as well. while they eat(if they eat) he makes small talk with Q, laughing and joking about life and work.
when they get to the commander's office Michael is stunned! 3 weeks! What's he going to do with 3 weeks of vacation time!? a villa on the beach is nice and all, but....well....he's never had a vacation...what do you do on vacation? Maybe his teammates can line him out on what all is involved.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday March 31st, 2017 5:11:12 PM
Tinker accepts the letter from home, his craggy dwarves face smiling in anticipation. And as he reads, he grins at the salutation, but then his smile fades to his usual stoic frown.
The talk from Commander Palence, the book, the vacation on the beach... it all flows past Tinker as just words. But he brightens up at three weeks leave.
"Commander, thank you", and he waits until the Agents are back in their chambers before he pulls his letter out. "Wonder if you want to have a different vacation? I've got a letter from one of my foster-sisters, and they are having some trouble at a nearby mine. I got to go to Trader's Corner. Want to come with me? My foster-mother makes some of the best food in the Culverwood."
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Friday March 31st, 2017 9:16:24 PM
"Thank you Commander, that is quite a gift."
Trayvin agree right away to help Tinker's family. "It sounds great Tinker, I wouldn't miss it. We take care of our own and that includes family. And maybe after we help them, there will still be a few days left for relaxing at the beach."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday March 31st, 2017 10:31:03 PM Oh! thank the Gods! Tinker you are a life saver, I was worried about what I'd do for three weeks! Helping out your family sounds like a great thing to do!
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Saturday April 1st, 2017 2:50:49 AM
"I'm game to go to Trader's crossing, Do you think I'll be able to talk to the Culverwood while I'm there?" Anna asks
"Also I don't know about you guys but what about those griffons if we help Tinker's family and still have time do you think we could try to recruit those griffons we found back during the conflict with Neutronis instead of going to the beach?" Anna also asks.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Saturday April 1st, 2017 11:52:37 AM OHHH! yeah! that sounds like a good idea to me! I think about those guys a lot! lets do that too!
Prudence Gundle Saturday April 1st, 2017 12:18:23 PM
"My sister's getting married," Pru says faintly. Then she seems to regain her resolve. "But if Tinker's family is in trouble, that's more important. Of course I'll come with you."
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday April 1st, 2017 12:33:16 PM
Tinker looks at Anna as if not quite understanding what she is saying. He thinks a second before responding. "My foster-father is a forester and Trader's Corner is in the Culverwood. For those who can, it is not hard to talk to the Culverwood. It is even easy to listen to Culverwood talk back. Da Jasper says that you just may not like what Culverwood has to say".
"Married?", Tinker confirms with Prudence. "We can go to the wedding either before or after going to my family. Trader's Corner is almost the other side of the Elennian Penninsula, almost 400 miles away. This is going to take a lot longer than three weeks leave. If we go, we're going to need to ask for a leave of absence. "
(OOC: 400 miles estimate based on Woldipedia: Geography using maps of Faragunia, Culverwood, and Elennian Penninsula. )
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Sunday April 2nd, 2017 3:38:05 PM
SIgvar sits stunned when the book is presented. Everyone that swung a sword had heard of books like this, but no one he had ever known had seen one. If they exsisted and it appeared they certainly did, he woud want one more powerful than this one though. When the topic of Tinker's family is brought up Sigvar begins to understand why he gets along so well with the Dwarf, they both grew up without their birth parents. Tinker more so than Sigvar, who knew his mother before she died, but still. He assures Tinker that he would love to go and help out as well.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 3rd, 2017 12:00:44 AM
Nikolai accepts the book with the appropriate thanks. The tittle tells him all he needs to know about it, unfortunately, it behooves him to decide what to do with it. They all had a hand in all of their successes so how do you reward one with it and be fair to the others?
Time to think about that tonight, right now the commander has given them some time off to enjoy a beach house.
"That is very kind of him, Commander. Time off would give a chance for the other Fists to get the choice assignments and get famous," he grins.
Upon returning to their quarters Tinker speaks up. His friend speaks very little and Nikolai catches himself staring at him.
"Trader's Corner? Oh, Trader's Corner. Hmm... vacation at a sunny beach or vacation spelunking deep in a dark mine. Frolicking in the ocean waves and hunting sea shells or sweating in a damp cave and hunting varmints? Tough choices there."
Then Pru mentions her sister's wedding. "As they say, when it rains, it pours. Beach, cave, wedding party. Which will it be?" He looks at Pru. "When's the wedding scheduled to be? Do we have time to take care of Tinker's family first? A day at the beach would be fun but more than a day may get boring. Not saying watching the women in their swim attire is boring but... er, you know what I mean."
DM JeffO Monday April 3rd, 2017 10:51:28 AM
The group meets back in their quarters and discuss the plans and the book. As they are meeting there is a light tap on the door. When opened, another messenger appears. He stares, open-mouthed for a moment when the door is opened. Finally he gathers his wits and says, “I have a letter here for Prudence Grundle.” He will leave the letter and bow, then quickly run away.
The letter to Pru: Highlight to display spoiler: { “Dearest Pru, I am so excited and I do hope that this letter will reach you in time. I know how busy you are, but it will soon be the day that I shall be wed! The ceremony will be in the evening of the Day of the Ant in the Month of the Lady. It shall be held at the lovely estate of Zorlan in the town of Twin Lakes. I know this is short notice, but I do hope that you can find time to attend. I am quite sure that our parents will be there as well, so please come!
Dearly yours, Verity” }
OOC: Some interesting in-game geography notes.
Note #1: I just found Trader’s Corner! On this map.
Note #2: When developing this module, I was using this map (Note Sandrill Crossing. I had assumed the Citadel was west of Sandrill Crossing, somewhere around that road out of Sandrill Crossing, maybe under the “A” in Fargunia. I may be way off.
Note #3: If you want to see how those two maps above relate to one another, see this map. Hint: Trader’s Corner and Fargunia are a billion or so miles apart.
South Cliffs is on the coast directly south of the "A" in Farguina. This module had assumed Trader’s Crossing was on the map in Note #2, somewhere around the “G” in Fargunia. Clearly it is not. Twin Lakes is assumed to be in the triangle area between Ham City, Fun City, and Rhaedell. So clearly I messed up when planning the locations on this one…
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 25 CMD 23/18, HP 77/77 Position M2 (Yves) Monday April 3rd, 2017 6:38:09 PM
Pompous, adorn in his everyday armor, follows the others around. Still being new to group, he nods and says" aaah" a lot as the others speak.
Prudence Gundle Monday April 3rd, 2017 7:46:47 PM
"Well, I don't know when the wedding is," Pru says. "I'm not even sure I'm invited, to tell the truth. I was just kind of hoping that with three weeks I could--" She is interrupted by the arrival of the messenger. She snatches the letter and reads it eagerly.
"She does seem to want me there," Pru says hesitantly. "But there's nothing from Ma or Pa, so I'm not sure how welcome I'd be." She frowns. "Twin Lakes? Why in Flower's name are they going all the way to Twin Lakes to be married?" She folds the letter up with a little sigh.
"Anyway, it doesn't matter. If people are in trouble, we need to help them. That's more important." Her voice is firm and resolute, but her eyes are sad.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday April 3rd, 2017 8:05:31 PM
Tinker isn't used to speaking a lot and he provided his two coppers. He waits to see what the others think and decide.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Monday April 3rd, 2017 8:55:17 PM
"Trayvin offers a suggestion which is not a common tactic, especially for a small elite unit such as the Agents. "Maybe we should consider splitting up? We can't be everywhere at once, and it would seem we would need to be to meet all expectations. We could all meet at the beach once other obligations are met."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Monday April 3rd, 2017 9:03:07 PM
Sigvar listens to the discussion. He would go help Tinker, for a certainty. But he can not imagine having the time off and not attending a family gathering. It has never happened to him, in fact he only knows the rest of his family by his mother's descriptions of them. But that is Prudence's decision. If there is bad blood in her family she may ruin the wedding if she attends. "It is your sister's day right? If she invited you, shouldn't that be enough?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 3rd, 2017 10:12:19 PM
Nikolai busies himself with pulling out a large map he 'acquired' at the library during his first year as a cadet. Looking at it he points to the locations.
"If Pru can write her sister and ask her to postpone the wedding until we are finished with the Tinker's family emergency, I don't see why we can't do both. Women always need more time to plan their wedding anyway, ah, er, well, I, uhm... think I should rephrase that. There's always some minor detail that needs more attention or some minor detail overlooked. Besides, if we promise to bring a wedding present well worth the wait, will she agree?" Nikolai looks sheepishly around the room.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Monday April 3rd, 2017 11:01:27 PM
Micheal thinks for a bit, then speaks up. I think we should talk to the commander about this, she may have ways of getting us to where we need to be and back again. maybe the blood cypress or something. maybe we could delay the vacation and help out Tinker folks as part of Fist business. then if we can get back in time, I'd really like to meet Pru's family. I'd like to tell them what a strong, proud heroine she has become.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Monday April 3rd, 2017 11:52:01 PM
Anna says, "Maybe I could convince some scrolls of teleport to work for us?" If they were arcane scrolls and I wasn't wearing armor I think I'd have a better than 50/50 shot of cajoling the spell into working. I know the odds aren't that great unless maybe a scroll of teleport would work better for Pru? However I think I could only take 3 of us at a time or 2 if one of my takes is Sigvar since he is large. Maybe the commander would have a better suggestion? The scrolls would probably be pricey but I do have a lot of gold that I am saving for my armor upgrade. I think I'm probably one more mission from having enough and if I became a stronger morphling than I think I could actually use the enchanted armor so everything should come into fruition around the same time, I think."
DM JeffO Tuesday April 4th, 2017 9:45:25 AM
As the group discusses their next moves and the date of the wedding, Pru notices again the letter that says the wedding is on the, "evening of the Day of the Ant in the Month of the Lady." That day is eight days away. Knowledge, local, DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {That is the date of winter solstice}.
As the map is consulted, Nikolai notices one Trader's Corner in the Culverwood, far from the citadel, and a second, much smaller Trader's Corner to the west of the citadel, about two days away. Then he spots another one far off to the north. It seems to be a rather common name for a town.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:09:51 PM
"Well, maybe we can do both, but not by sitting around and talking about it. Let's pack up and get moving."
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:59:56 PM
Tinker reads his own letter again and laughs. "I forgot! Callie has been married and moved with her mining relatives but a couple days away. We can go there first and have plenty of time to get to Prudence's wedding... of her sister."
The dwarf is pleased with the solution and looks around to ensure the others feel the same.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 9:59:09 PM Well I'm glad that's solved! Michael says. With the issue settled he goes to his room and gets his kit packed up. OOC: ya'll want me to go to the catacombs or is somebody else on that? I haven't got id on the items from the last battle yet.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:12:44 PM
(OOC: I forgot to mention that prior to turning in Anna pulled a piece of jade worth 90 gold from the bag of tricks and then put in another 300 gold in the bag in the morning)
Anna says, "Do you think I should go down to the catacombs and get my armor magicked before we head out? I don't have enough to make my armor wild but I can at least get an enchantment put on it to protect me a little more in battle."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:12:45 PM It is your sister's day right? If she invited you, shouldn't that be enough? At Sigvar's question, Pru realizes that many of her companions haven't yet heard the whole story.
"Well, it might not be," she explains. "See, Ma and Pa put me out of the house when the fires started. I couldn't control it, and they were afraid it was demons and that I'd turned bad." Pru looks unhappy and deeply hurt by the memory. "So they took me to Akli post and turned me over to the Mailed Fist, 'cause they didn't know what else to do with me. All they knew was I couldn't stay with the family anymore." Her voice catches, her lip wobbles a bit, but she moves on. "I wrote them a few times, but the letters all came back. Until this last one, but Verity's the only one who wrote. I don't even know if Ma and Pa know she's been writing me. So if I just show up at the wedding....well, there might be a scene."
To Nikolai, she says, "No, I couldn't do that. They'll have been preparing for months, and then everybody would have had to travel all the way to Twin Lakes. I can't ask them to postpone. Especially since I don't even know if I'm really invited. No, we should go help Tinker's folks, and then see where we're at."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday April 5th, 2017 12:15:17 AM
OOC: Go for it Shane. Do your catacombing thing. We need the cash for more goodies before we head out.
IC: "Well, that settles it then. Let's just hope we can take care of this mine thing in time." Actually, Nikolai is thinking of the next opportunity to dance with Pru and a wedding is a pretty good pretext.
"Michael, you seem to have a knack with getting the best value for our loot. Take the day and make a trip to the catacombs and see what you can get for the stuff we aren't keeping. Have we identified the three items we got from the battle with the witch and her followers? They may be something we want to keep. I'll go to the stables and requisition horses and another wagon. Someone go to the kitchens and requisition provisions for the trip."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Wednesday April 5th, 2017 4:29:26 AM
Sigvar picks up and examines one of the weapons that the guards used against them yesterday, wondering what the sword with red script on it does. He looks at Pru when she describes her situation and shrugs. ' I am not sure why this has you so broken up. You have commanded a Fist, you have defeated the leader of the most powerful mercenary unit in the Wold. You have defeated a golemn no one knew existed and chased off a dragon. Yet you worry about causing a scene? You are who you are. Magic is in your blood and you have mastered it. Own that. Use it. Wear it like a vestment of your accomplishments and be proud of what you have made yourself into. You don't back down in a fight, try it on in real life and see what happens." " Now, we need to figure out what these weapons do and decide if we want then or if we want to turn them into the Fist Armory or the catacombs. That may get you the cash you need Anna."
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 25 CMD 23/18, HP 77/77 Position M2 (Yves) Wednesday April 5th, 2017 6:20:39 AM
I'll tag along as well if you'll have me.
DM JeffO Wednesday April 5th, 2017 8:56:18 AM
More discussions are had regarding possible trips and destinations. Pru reveals a bit more of herself and her past to the group. Sigvar encourages her and Pompous tries to fit in with his new group. Trips to the catacombs are arranged and supplies are gathered...
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday April 5th, 2017 6:59:36 PM
Tinker nods at Prudence's thoughts and glances up at Sigvar. "I'd rather face the dragon than my foster-mother angry." It's all he says, but he knows Prudence knows that Tinker understands the problem.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Wednesday April 5th, 2017 7:23:32 PM
Sigvar sets the sword down and examines the axe that did such a number on his armor. He waits for the others to decide what they will do.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Wednesday April 5th, 2017 9:16:59 PM
"Well Pru, I think you would regret it if you didn't at least make the attempt. It sounds like they were scared. People don't think clearly when they're scared. Hopefully the time has come to make amends."
"Pompous, as long as those arrows of yours are pointed in the right direction, you are more than welcome in my book."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday April 5th, 2017 9:55:51 PM
ooc: I'll need the weapons identified before I go to the catacombs.
Michael thinks for a bit, the says to Pru a bit later. Pru, you were invited by your sister, not you mom and dad, you are going for her, not them. As a good daughter you must respect their reasons for turning you over to the Fist. Now you have grown into a beautiful, compotent, powerful and, most importantly of all, good woman. when we get there, show them respect, they respect they gave to you, do not acknowledge them first, act as if they are not there. If you chase them or give hint that you are hurting and are desperate for their love, it will embarass them, and even if they do accept you, you will never be certain that they did it out of love of obligation. If you make them come to you, all the while showing everyone that you are grown, respected and loved, they will feel it, and be drawn to you, much the way a cat is drawn to a piece of string you dangle in front of it. Just be yourself pru, we will have your back.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday April 5th, 2017 10:10:05 PM
Pru looks a little alarmed at Sigvar's speech, but smiles at Michael's. "Thank you, everybody," she says. "I feel a bit better about it now. But, the fact remains that we should help Tinker's folks first. I'll go see about provisions." Suiting actions to words, she heads for the kitchens.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday April 6th, 2017 12:47:43 AM
Nikolai is not one to advise on family affairs. His own father left his family because he had dropped out of the Fist and his father, Nikolai's grandfather, had felt dishonored and would not speak to him. Things were straightened out in the end, but...
"Your sister is the only one who's kept you in the family. It is time to show her how much that meant to you," is all Nikolai says and when Pru leaves, he leaves for the stables. He pulls out another wagon same as the one they had before, and inspects it, then picks out horses for each of them. An extra large one for their minotaur friend.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+20=23 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=9 ; Thursday April 6th, 2017 3:38:29 AM
Anna says to Pru, "If I was in your shoes I'd go course I don't know who my family even is having grown up as a foundling."
Anna tries to use the scroll of detect magic she had pulled from her bag in the past but kept having to wait 24 hours to try to activate since she had critically failed. (23 UMD = success)
She then tries to identify the items. (Spellcraft: 16, 20, 9)
She says, "If I got the wild enchantment placed on the armor I couldn't use it right now, but if I at least got the base enchantment I'd get a little more protection. It isn't important that I get it made wild right now."
DM JeffO Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:31:21 AM
Preparations are made and discussions continues. Pru works with the magical items and can identify that the sword is a long sword, flametounge and the axe is a +1 hand axe. She struggles with the staff, but after a number of attempts, she realizes that it is a staff of fire (with 8 charges).
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:46:38 PM
Trayvin assists Nikolai with the preparations. His own gear was already packed, he keeps it that way in case a mission is given with little time to prepare.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday April 6th, 2017 10:04:21 PM
Tinker doesn't want any of the equipment, and is quickly ready to go the easy route to the mines. "I wonder what Callie looks like now that she's married." He looks forward to seeing one of his foster-sins.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday April 6th, 2017 11:00:23 PM
Once the wagon and horses are set aside, Nikolai heads to the town to shop around. There's a wedding gift to purchase.
OOC: awaiting results from the catacombs so I can open my Mailed Fist Christmas Catalog. :)
Prudence Gundle Thursday April 6th, 2017 11:45:01 PM
[OOC: I think Anna identified the items, not Pru.]
With the help of experience, and the assistance of the provisioners, Pru assembles supplies for the trip. She, of course, sweet-talks other people into actually carrying them to where her Fist is assembling.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Friday April 7th, 2017 1:54:17 AM
Sigvar is ready to go. None of the new gear interests him and will not bring enough cash to change his gear ( he doesn't think).
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Friday April 7th, 2017 6:36:06 AM
Anna says, "I am proficient in the use of either weapon, but neither really fit my style so I'm not really interested in them. The staff I could probably just use most of the time considering I am really proficient in the use of magic items even if I was wearing armor but the problem would be how would the staff get charged? Once the charges were gone I could not replenish them. I think it might be more useful in Pru's hands if she is interested in it."
DM JeffO Friday April 7th, 2017 8:50:54 AM
Horses and a wagon are gathered. Shopping is completed, or continues. Discussion over items to keep or sell happens. More preparations are made for the trip to the mines... Is the group ready to go?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday April 7th, 2017 2:59:21 PM
Michael is ready, still, need the weapons identified so I can take them to the catacombs.
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 25 CMD 23/18, HP 77/77 Position M2 (Yves) Friday April 7th, 2017 4:09:54 PM
{ Let's rock and roll } Pompous finishes his preparations and joins the others for the trip.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday April 7th, 2017 6:15:44 PM
Tinker is ready. He waves at Pompous as he joins up, and the dwarf pops up on the wagon and take athe reins in hand.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Friday April 7th, 2017 8:49:02 PM
Sigavr also takes to the wagon. He didn't plan to walk everywhere, and was not unkind enough to tax a horse with his weight.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Friday April 7th, 2017 10:21:21 PM
Trayvin is in a good mood. This was much better than any awards banquet. On the road again, and this time to help family and friends, it should be a good time. Trayvin salutes any officers present and then with horse ready points towards the road.
Prudence Gundle Friday April 7th, 2017 10:50:51 PM
Pru frowns at the staff. "I can already cast most of those spells," she says. "Several times a day. I'm not sure what the staff could add, to be honest. Perhaps we're better off selling it?"
Whatever the group decides about the staff, Pru is ready to go. She is reasonably comfortable on horseback, so she chooses not to ride in the wagon.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Saturday April 8th, 2017 7:05:24 PM
(OOC: Shane / Michael - the items are identified)
Anna says, "I really don't think the staff is for me."
"I am going to go to the catacombs to get my armor enchanted." and she then uses the citadel entrance.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 10th, 2017 12:13:21 AM "We still have some business to take care of here. We leave tomorrow. I'm sure selling our stuff will give each one a moderate amount of cash that we'd like to spend on improvements before we head out. So, the quicker with this stuff to the catacombs, the quicker we can shop and then be on our way to help Tinker's family," Nikolai says in a casual way but with the tone that whatever was going to be claimed has been done already.
DM JeffO Monday April 10th, 2017 7:55:49 AM
The group works to ensure everything is ready, checking the wagon and picking out seats for the ride. As Nikolai is heading out to speak with the group, a young squire runs around a corner and slams into him, knocking only the squire to the ground. He gets up with a snarl on his face, then looks up to see Nikolai and his jaw drops. He mumbles, "Y...y...You're... the N... Nikolai?" He bows and backs away saying, "Begging your pardon sir. Please forgive me."
The others continue preparations and catacombs trips, enjoying the feeling of not being under pressure or attack, at least for a moment.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 10th, 2017 3:43:27 PM "Being in a hurry is forgiven, but please work on being attentive at the same time, OK?" Nikolai says calmly as he straightens his uniform. "Who are you in a hurry to see? Best not keep them waiting, right?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Monday April 10th, 2017 3:51:59 PM
SIgvar watched the scribe collide and stutter. This was starting to become a pattern. Nickolai had become "The Nickolai" almost overnight. Fitting really. They were the ones gaining the kind of reputation the Fist needed to rebound from it's past. Sigvar trains hard all day and is ready to go in the morning.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Monday April 10th, 2017 8:40:00 PM
Anna emerges from the catacombs her scrolls restocked and her armor now magical. With just a little more gold and a little more experience she'll be able to use the armor even when she turns into a plant or animal.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=18 ; Monday April 10th, 2017 8:44:46 PM
Tinker smiles into his beard at the young recruit, then takes a quick look. There's been a whole bunch of 'accidental bumps' recently, and Tinker looks carefully to see if these bumps are actually sleight of hand attempts.
"Slow and steady gets ya further than running around", he comments. The next time the dwarf open his mouth, its to say "giddy up!"
... Perception 18
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Monday April 10th, 2017 8:57:08 PM
Trayvin is ready to go.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+15=31 ; Monday April 10th, 2017 9:57:51 PM Might want to check your pockets Nikolai, I used to do that to filch stuff off folk when I was a kid
perception 31.
Prudence Gundle Monday April 10th, 2017 10:09:50 PM
Pru doesn't visit the Catacombs just yet; she is still considering what she might want to get there. She continues preparing for the journey, glad to have an extra day to make sure all her things are in good repair.
DM JeffO Tuesday April 11th, 2017 10:58:15 AM
The group continues to prepare, in no real hurry to get moving. At one point, Nikolai sees Commander Palence and she asks if the group is going to be headed to the vacation beach area soon.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday April 11th, 2017 7:38:44 PM
"Giddy up", tells Tinker to the horses, and begins the plodding road to the mines and his foster-sister.
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 25 CMD 23/18, HP 77/77 Position M2 (Yves) Tuesday April 11th, 2017 8:14:38 PM
Pompous picks his nose... { yummm. juicy...}
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday April 11th, 2017 8:30:39 PM No Ma'am...well maybe if we have time, Pru's sister is getting married and Tinkers family is having a spot of bother at their mining operation. We are going to see if we can help out.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Tuesday April 11th, 2017 9:02:36 PM
Trayvin decides to stop by the library on the way out and borrow a few books to read during vacation.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday April 11th, 2017 10:09:08 PM
"That is, we want to help with the mining trouble, not the wedding," Pru clarifies. She is ready to depart.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Tuesday April 11th, 2017 11:55:55 PM
Sigvar pockets the gold and is ready to go.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday April 12th, 2017 12:01:02 AM
OOC Went to the catacombs to buy an Ebiron's Tear. I'll role play as if I have it.
IC: Nikolai excuses himself and enters the Catacombs for a quick purchase before they leave. He returns wearing a fancy elven looking jewelry piece that has the appearance of a wolf that is stuck to his hair.
"Head 'em UP! Move 'em OUT!" he calls as they trot out towards the Citadel gates.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 4:40:53 AM
Anna adds the new gold to the gold she keeps on the pack animal and prepares to head out.
DM JeffO Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:51:04 AM
After many preparations, the group heads west. They have a wagon and horses and prepare for a long overland trek. Perhaps a few glances are made to the south where the vacation villa and the beaches lie in wait, but not for this group.
Trader's Corner is a solid two-days of travel. The first day passes relatively uneventfully. The road is sparsely traveled, but on occasion the group passes by farmers and others moving goods and supplies along the road. There are farms in different places and small areas that look like gathering or trading areas, too small to even be towns. As evening approaches, they come upon a small area that might one day end up being a town, but is really just a couple of buildings, one of which appears to be an inn. There is a sign outside with an upside-down pig on it. There is a small stable next to the building with one old horse in it.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday April 12th, 2017 8:40:02 PM
Tinker stretches and itches himself. A long day on a wagon bench makes him look forward to a good meal and dry bed. He clicks the horses towards the stable, doing the unhitching and rubbing down the horses before filling two water buckets, a manger with straw and finds some sweet feed too.
Then the dwarf is ready to take care of his own thirst and hunger.
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 25 CMD 23/18, HP 77/77 Position M2 (Yves) Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:22:30 PM
Pompous strings his bow and jumps out of the wagon. " An upside down pig???? " He shrugs " Meh. I'll recon a bit before coming in to join you. " The stealthy ranger takes a quick look around the buildings, generally looking for anything out of the ordinary. Specifically looking for any signs of danger and exit routs in case of trouble. Once done, he'll join the others inside for a meal and a drink or two. He'll pick a spot with a direct view of the main door and a solid wall to his back.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:39:45 PM " Mmmm....back bacon." Sigvar helps with the horses and then is ready to head inside. He sets his shield on his arm and his pack on his back. He steps to the door and opens it, wanting to be the first one in in case things are not as safe inside as they should be.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 10:04:08 PM
Michael takes care of putting the horses mules and wagon up and then enters the inn. He gets an ale and a plate of whatever the cook has ready.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday April 12th, 2017 10:06:57 PM
Pru is relieved to find a nice inn for the night--vastly preferable to camping, in her opinion. She also helps with the horses, then makes her way to the inn.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+15=16 ; Wednesday April 12th, 2017 11:18:46 PM
Nikolai looks closely at the sign. "Maybe the sign just lost it's upper hinges," he muses. Perception +15 = 16 LOL!
"Pru, Anna, and I will secure rooms then, while you two reconnoiter and you two take care of the horses. See what you can find out about this place from any stable hand. See you back inside"
Nikolai enters and quickly surveys the place as he makes his way in, looking for the innkeeper. Finding him, or her, he asks about accommodation availability.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+7=17 ; d20+7=14 ; Thursday April 13th, 2017 4:09:01 AM
When they reach the settlement Anna asks the old horse in the stables, "What ho good horse?"
"My name is Anna and I am a servant of Queen Ma'ab, pray tell how are things in these parts? Anything interesting happening?"
(Wild Empathy: 17) (OOC: Anna has Queen's Speech Supernatural ability from Morphling which lets her talk to animals, plants, humanoids, fey and magical beasts regardless of her current form)
After gleaning any information from the old horse she follows Nikolai inside the Inn itself and smiles at the Inn Keeper assuming the horse did not bad mouth its owner.
(Diplomacy: 14)
"What fare can you offer 8 road weary travelers?" she asks
DM JeffO Thursday April 13th, 2017 1:22:00 PM
Approaching in the inn, Tinker starts out heading to the stable with Michael, Sigvar, Anna, and Pru. Pru eyes the inn, glad to not be out camping in the wilderness. The stable has no stablehand and is little more than a small, partially dilapidated shelter with some bits of straw and hay in the corners. It looks as if there were once clear stalls, but some of the walls have fallen down and the stable ground is, well, hasn’t been cleaned in some time.
Anna heads over to the old horse and starts talking to it. The horse shakes its head and looks back at Anna, perhaps more amazed than her companions that she is talking to it. Then it turns back to the corner where it has found a little hay and responds while chewing bits of hay, “Just here for the evening while my master has his drinks, the usual.”
Pompous moves around the building and checks it out. The rear side of the building is a bit of a mess. There are bits of trash about and small piles of food with animal tracks leading back away from the building. A short distance from the rear wall is a small pen with a number of pigs lying on the ground in it. There is a back door hanging loosely on its hinges that looks as if a good slam would send it on its way. From what he can see there is only the front entrance and the rear entrance to the 3-story building. There are various windows at the different levels, spaced evenly.
Sigvar quickly heads for the front door of the place, dreaming of bacon. Nikolai looks at the sign and notices that it is indeed a sign. The sign has an upside-down pig on it, he is sure. He and Sigvar head through the door at the same time, bumping shoulders as they enter, followed quickly by Anna.
Inside the inn is what you might expect, but a bit worn down. The floor has some cracks in it and there is even a board missing in a place or two. There is a fireplace on the left side that looks like it may collapse any minute. The chairs and tables are mismatched, but look generally serviceable. There is a short bar along the far side where an old man with a long, grey beard sits, drinking from a mug. He does not turn when the group enters and announces themselves.
Behind the bar is a man with a dark red beard and unkempt hair who can only be the innkeeper. When the group arrives, he gestures to the tables and says, “Welcome to the Sleeping Pig inn! I am glad to serve you, good travelers. We have some fresh stew and good ale for all here.” When asked about the sleeping accommodations, he says that the second floor has a common room and the third floor has individual rooms. They are all available for quite reasonable prices and include the fresh stew!
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Thursday April 13th, 2017 8:05:12 PM
Michael looks at Nickolai. you know if nobody is sleeping in the common area, we could rent it in it's entirety and everybody could keep together. If we get rooms, he looks at the innkeeper How many per room? he asks the man. well we would have to have "barkeeps answer x rooms" It would have to be Anna and Pru to a room, Me, Tinker and Sigvar to a room, Nikolai, Pompous and Trayvin in another. I'm putting Sigvar in with us little guys to give him the most room.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Thursday April 13th, 2017 10:24:47 PM
Trayvin nods while Michael is talking. "Both options sound fine to me." Trayvin turns to the innkeeper. "Can we get the stew and ale started while we discuss the price?" He takes a seat at the bar and asks the innkeeper how the business is around this area.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday April 13th, 2017 10:43:26 PM
Nikolai scans the room and it's inhabitants. Looks like right now only the old man and the barkeep. Whoever built the place had dreams that never came to fruition. Perhaps the area turned out to be just a little too dangerous to attract settlers, or maybe someone else had a better idea on how to attract them, or, more likely, the area just wasn't very suitable for farming or ranching.
"The common room is our best bet. We can keep watch much easier. There's not likely to be much of a crowd anyway," he comments to Michael.
Turning to the barkeep he tells the man, "We'll take the common room for tonight, and the best hot meal you got. We're seven hungry travelers. Oh, make that eight if that old man wants a bowl of soup to," he tells the barkeep.
He figures on chatting with the barkeep later. Asking too many questions right at the start sometimes just gets their suspicions up. He heads on over to a table near the old man and sits. Tinker or Michael are the ones good at pumping information. Of course, the man seems a bit drunk so it should be easy, if he can say anything sensible or believable.
Prudence Gundle Thursday April 13th, 2017 10:51:18 PM
Pru frowns a little at the state of the inn. While it's quite true that not everybody can do carpentry or make repairs, anybody can wield a broom.
It's still better than camping.
"The common area will be fine," she says, joining her Fist-mates at the table.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Thursday April 13th, 2017 11:45:35 PM
Sigvar looks long and hard at that floor before going into the room. Nickolai wants us on the second foor? Good luck with that! If the floor will hold him he steps into the room,*gently* and takes a seat, again if the chair looks sound enough for him. Te more he looked at the place, the more sure he was that he was sleeping in the wagon.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Friday April 14th, 2017 4:42:23 AM
(OOC: Tinker, Michael, Sigvar, Anna, Pru, Nikolai, Trayvin, Pompous = 8)
"Um Nikolai, I think you are forgetting someone. With the addition of Pompous to our merry band we are now 8 but we can still float the old man a bowl of stew if he is interested so make that 8 or 9." Anna smiles at the barkeep and the old man.
"As for where we will stay well the common area works for me if that is what everyone else wants."
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday April 14th, 2017 5:03:59 PM
Tinker grins with Michael's comment that the dwarf is 'little'. "Just the right size compared to those human Bean Poles", he quips. The shanty state of the Inn is apparent to the dwarf after years of the precision of the Fist. Still, "we've had worse" is Tinker's charitable comment. "Can't be more than a couple silvers for all of us, bed and breakfast included!"
The dwarf is terrible at bluffing, so he doesn't try to haggle. If the price is too outlandish, they can always set up camp across the road anyways.
DM JeffO Friday April 14th, 2017 6:23:02 PM
The group enters the inn and prepares for the night. When asked about the common room, the man counts on his fingers and says, “Yes, sure, we can include you all there for 15 gold and that includes the soup meal. I don’t know that we’ll see any others come by tonight.” Sense motive, DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense that he is checking out your appearance and is hoping to get a bit more than normal for the space}.
When Trayvin asks for an ale, the barkeep is quick to return with a frothy mug. In fact, it looks to be more froth than ale. And the taste, well, you can’t be sure there is water in the ale, but it is pretty weak, even for an ale. “Business? What business? Not much around here but the occasional travelers that come through. I just try to make enough to keep the walls up, you know?” He pours some more ale into the old man’s mug as well.
Sigvar steps cautiously and some of the boards do bend and creak as he passes over them, but none give way. He finds a chair and it groans as he sits down, but it, too, holds his weight. From where he is seated, the stairs look to be in slightly better repair than sections of the floor, perhaps they do not get as much action as the floor near the door.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Friday April 14th, 2017 9:20:34 PM
Trayvin nods at the innkeeper. The area seems to have had a tough run of luck. "Treat us well and we will pay a fair price. The Mailed Fist is expected to be honorable in business transactions. How about another ale?" Trayvin figured he could drink a few more, watered down as they are he won't get drunk, and the man could obviously use the coin.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+8=16 ; d20+11=27 ; Friday April 14th, 2017 9:52:17 PM
Michael is oblivious to the innkeeper's greed, mainly because he's contemplating miserly thoughts on his own. apparently you think that Mailed Fist mercenaries are rich. How about 1 gold 5 silver, for the common room and breakfast. An extra 5 silver if you bring out the good ale.Micheal thinks to himself. 'Let the haggling begin!
sense motive 16 bluff 27
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday April 15th, 2017 9:39:36 AM
Tinker casts a jaundiced eye on the slovenly yard, stable, and inn. For not much custom, the innkeep should have enough time to clean a little even if he didn't have funds or skills for repair or upkeep. He looks at the mug of 'ale' and feels his dwarfness recoil. He also doesn't know anything about reading others, and based all his thoughts on what he is used to.
"15 gold?? If you gave us stew with bread, all the drink we can hold, and bed, and bread with cheese in the morning it would still be charity for us to give you 15 gold. Harrumph! I'd just as soon go on to the next clearing and make Camp!"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet d20=15 ; Saturday April 15th, 2017 4:13:43 PM
sense Motive 15 Sigvar was not the one you generally wanted to talk to people, unless of course you wanted them to hear what you were saying in a hard and loud way. As such he did not read people well, but his mother had raised him to not be a fool either. Room and board at the Citadel, with 3 square meals a day, clean bunks and clothing provided would rate 2 gold a week, maybe. He takes a swallow of the ale and spits it back out. Ale flavored water more like. His mother also raised him to be polite, until it was time to not be. It wasn't that time, yet. Sigvar places the mug back on the bar, tosses a silver on the bar and turns for the door. " I'll start resaddling the mounts. There was a good spot half a mile back. It had a few stones so it was defensible and enough room to tie the mounts and still pitch the tents. This place does not wish the Fist's custom. Frankly I am afraid of what I might catch sleeping here." "Good evening Sir." Sigvar heads for the door, still trying to remain on this side of the floor and treading carefully.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+1=13 ; Sunday April 16th, 2017 9:01:47 AM
Anna doesn't perceive what the inn keeper is playing at (Sense Motive: 13)
She has so much gold and even if the group is on vacation she has a feeling they'll still end up finding more so the price seems perfectly reasonable to her, plus it looks like the inn is in need of some repairs.
Anna says to the inn keeper, "Do you got anything to drink other than ale? A mead perhaps?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+7=17 ; Sunday April 16th, 2017 11:19:44 PM
Sense Motive +7 DC20 = 17
Nikolai's own sensibilities feel the price is a bit high for the condition of the place but sometimes you just have to bite down on the bit and see where it leads.
"15 gold seems a bit high. Maybe right for individual rooms. How about 10 gold? Since business is a bit slow, you don't want to run off what little you get, do you?"
Nikolai eyes the barkeep, trying to put on a face that exudes integrity. "We are the Mailed Fist. We travel a lot and see many things. Signs of trouble are our specialty. This area seems to have seen better times. Perhaps you can tell us your story while we savor your soup?"
Prudence Gundle d20=3 ; Sunday April 16th, 2017 11:29:59 PM
Pru has no idea what the innkeeper is up to, but her frugal farmgirl soul cringes a bit at the price. She sighs. "I really didn't want to camp tonight, but that's far too expensive."
DM JeffO Monday April 17th, 2017 6:13:33 PM
I apologize for no post today. I am traveling and have greatly underestimated my time, breaks, and access to Internet in various airports (Billings, MT; Minneapolis, MN, and Atlanta, GA). They are trying to board me now, but I have hopes I can get access and get a post in today! When I do, I'll just replace this post.
I do realize sometimes people only have on window to post, so if you want to post other role-playing while in the inn before I get my post in, that will be fine!
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday April 17th, 2017 7:12:25 PM
The dwarf harrumphed again and kicks a dust bunny into the sludge quivering in a corner.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Monday April 17th, 2017 7:12:53 PM
(OOC: I hope you aren't flying United...)
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Monday April 17th, 2017 8:13:44 PM
Trayvin leaves the haggling to the others. Considering their recent windfall from the dragon treasure he wasn't too concerned over an innkeeper trying to haggle a few extra coins.
OOC- no prob Jeff, safe travels to you.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Monday April 17th, 2017 8:58:54 PM
OOC: safe travels and god speed Jeff.
Michael gives the innkeeper his best "come on now, really? look.
DM JeffO Monday April 17th, 2017 9:40:22 PM
The bartender is quick to help refill ales to any who need some and manages to keep that of the man at the bar full as well. When Sigvar and Pru make a move to leave, the man moves quickly, limping, towards the door crying out, “No, please, there is no need to hurry off!” He smiles, exposing more than a few missing teeth when other offers are made by Nikolai and Michael. “Yes, please, do stay the night, I’ve heard there has been a dragon spotted flying to the south, it will be much safer here.”
Sigvar isn’t quite sure as boards groan under him as he moves quickly. Nothing cracks or breaks, but there are a few spots that bend underneath his weight. When Anna asks for mead, the man pauses a moment and says, “I do have some that, well, there isn’t much call for it around here, but I’d be glad to bring it out if you desire.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 17th, 2017 9:56:03 PM
Nikolai glances around the wooden structure, "This place is safer against a dragon?" Then he grins, "So is it 10 gold then?" and moves to a table.
Prudence Gundle Monday April 17th, 2017 10:26:12 PM
"I wonder if it's the same dragon," Pru says. "It would almost have to be, don't you think? I wonder what their range is." Turning to the barkeep, she asks, "Has it been at the livestock? Anything missing?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet d20=8 ; d20+10=27 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2017 12:00:24 AM
Sense motive 8 Perception 27 Something isn't right. The place is a dump and the man is trying, really trying to keep them here. " Fine, get rooms. But if I manage to make it to the second floor without falling through, I doubt I will wake up there, judging by this floor." " Either way I need some air." Sigvar glances at Pompous and with a small nod indicated the ranger should follow him out. Once outside Highlight to display spoiler: { "I don't know what his game is, but that place is barely standing. What did you see when you reconed this place? Did you see prints enough to think there is an ambush waiting upstairs, or in the woods? We have been ambushed too many times this week, I'd rather not do it again."} Sigvar eats some rations while outside. The Ale was rubbish and the food would not be good either, besides it might be drugged. When he returns to the interior he will move his stew around, but not consume any of it.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Tuesday April 18th, 2017 6:51:31 AM
Anna smiles at the inn keeper and says, "If it wouldn't be too much trouble I would not mind some mead."
She then takes a seat at the table with Nikolai and Pru and after the barkeep returns with the mead asks her own question about the dragon, "Has the dragon activity been adversely affecting your business? This place seems rather dead."
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 8:01:47 AM
With a dwarf's constitution, Tinker isn't worried about getting ill from a run-down place like this. He's also not worried about the sightings of the dragon. "We came from the south and saw the dragon too. It's not 'we' would be safer, but this place would be safer", concludes the veteran mercenary. "Fine."
Meal, such as it is, is eaten, choked down with some water the local calls 'ale', and it is off to bed in the common room where Tinker takes the mid-Watch to best use his darkvision.
DM JeffO Tuesday April 18th, 2017 9:49:07 AM
Nikolai ensures that he and the innkeep are on the same page. The man says, “Yes, please, 10 gold. That will be good. And I will be sure you have fresh bacon in the morning, yes?” As Nikolai asks about the man’s story, he grabs a mug of ale himself and sits down with Nikolai. He takes a deep drink, almost emptying the mug, then says, “This was a nice place before. But when me wife passed and me son left, well, it’s a lot to keep up with. And there just is not travelers like there used to be. I donna if everyone is camping or just avoiding traveling, but there be few who stop any more. If’n I could hire someone on to help, I could keep the place up, but there be not enough business to pay no one.” He finishes his ale and says, “Ah, but enough about me. You be the great Agents of the Fist? Well, I be glad to have you here. Stay a bit, if you like, no need to hurry on.”
He retrieves a very, very old and dusty bottle for Anna and rips the cork from the bottle. He pours it into a glass that has a chip on one side and Anna can see a few “crunchy bits” floating in the glass. They might be cork, they might be something else. As the discussion turns to dragons, he says, “Oh, yes, I seen it meself. It was far off to the south. I dunno the color, cause I can’t see the colors myself, but there’s no missing that it was a dragon. Headed off to the west when I saw it. Na, there been no attacks here, but there’s not been dragons here, well, ever before me seen that one.” He brings out some bread that is surprisingly good and actually not too old, maybe just a day or so.
Sigvar is suspicious and heads outside with Pompous, boards creaking with each step. When he asks about an ambush, Pompous can recall no signs of any recent tracks around from the rear. Instead, it was really just a mess of pig slop. The rations Sigvar eat taste stale, but they do their job.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 1:10:02 PM
Nikolai nods as the barkeep tells his story. "Thanks for your offer to stick around a while but we are on Fist business and can only stay the night. About the loss of business, Times change, people change. Whatever brought visitors through here may not exist anymore. Is the land good around here? Is it rather safe for farmers? Is the land productive?" he looks quizzically at the barkeep.
"If there are dangers in these woods that keep prospective settlers away, we could look into it once our current business is finished. For a small fee, of course." he casually offers.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Tuesday April 18th, 2017 6:25:58 PM
Sivar returns to hear the man's tale of woe. He buys most of it. The man is lame, so can't do alot of work himself, and poor income would make that work hard to pay for. Later he will suggest to the group that the Fist extend a helping had to the innkeeper. Send a fist down to secure the area and make the repairs. The man gets a second chance and the Fist gets free room and board when they send units this way. Further the Fist makes it look like they care about the common peope. After the display back at the Citadel, that seems to be the number one job these days.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 8:36:58 PM
Tinker keeps silent for the night, he's feeling bad about the man's troubles and tucks an idea to bring to the Citadel about having Fist troops using the inn as a way station...
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday April 18th, 2017 8:52:14 PM
OOC: good idea David, we need to role play that out later!
When they get ready for bed, Michael secures the common room by running wire at ankle height at the entrance and around the windows. set so that it will trip up anyone trying to sneak in.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 62/70(BrianZ) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 9:12:50 PM
"Dragon, hmm. I wonder if it is the witch's friend. Maybe he feels guilty about not showing up to help her." Trayvin finishes the meal and some more ale and then goes to check out the sleeping area.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday April 18th, 2017 10:33:42 PM
After hearing the innkeeper's tale, Pru decides it wouldn't be rude to ask. "Pardon me, sir, but do you have a broom about the place?" she asks.
If there is one, she sweeps. It's not much, but it'll make her feel better about the situation.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 10:34:58 PM "HA! A dragon feeling guilty? I doubt it. He's just going about his own business. He probably laughs at the witch's folly," Nikolai chuckles.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+20=26 ; Wednesday April 19th, 2017 3:00:00 AM
(OOC: Tell me how much this costs for the cheese cloth and a new glass)
Anna pulls cheese cloth, a new glass that matches the one the barkeep placed before her except whole and a scroll of mending from her bag of tricks. She then puts the cheese cloth over the new glass pouring the contents of the old glass through it to filter out the "crunchy bits".
After she does this she fixes the chipped glass with the scroll of mending and drinks the filtered contents of her new glass.
"Please accept the fixed glass and this new glass as a gift and allow me to take care of the dishes after we are done with our drinks and stew." She says taking pity on the poor man.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday April 19th, 2017 5:57:57 AM
Tinker sees what the others are doing and decides this isn't doing something for nothing; this is part off their mission to restore the reputation of the Mailed Fist. Without a word, he goes out to the stable and mucks out the place and the yard, creating a midden the regulation distance away from the Inn.
DM JeffO Wednesday April 19th, 2017 11:38:59 AM
When Nikolai mentions an offer of help, the man’s eyes widen and he looks hopeful. His shoulders shrink back down when Nikolai mentions a fee. He says, “Me really donna know why the travelers have left. Mebbe like me sons, they just wanted to see more of the world. I never farmed a bit, so I donna about the land. I heard rumors about something disturbing the land to the north of here, but no one never tol me for sure why them people stopped comin down here. Mebbe somethin ate everyone up there, or mebbe they jus all up and died, I dunno.”
Michael and Trayvin head on to the sleeping area. The stairs creak a bit as they head upstairs, but they seem solid enough. At the top of the stairs, there is another stairway leading up to the third floor, and those stairs look even dirtier and less-used than the lower stairs. On the second floor there is an open area that takes up the entire space of the building, clearly the common area. There are a number of beds, the ones closer to the stairs in better shape than those away from the stairs. About halfway across the room the beds stop and there are bits of straw and scraps of blankets on the floor. There are a few bits of wood there, as if some of the beds had fallen apart in the past. There are plenty of spider webs on the far side of the room as well. There are a number of windows along the walls, some intact, some completely missing.
Pru spots a broom in the corner of the room, or what looks like it might have been a broom many years ago. The bristles are short and worn and the broomstick is cracked and shortened. When she starts sweeping, the innkeeper rushes over and says, “Ah no, you are the guest today, no work for you, please!”
Anna (spending 1 gold) creates cheesecloth and a glass. As she drinks the contents of the glass, she tastes more vinegar than wine. She suspects this wine is very old and was not great quality to begin with. She mends the other glass and gives both to the man. When she offers to do the dishes, he shakes his head and quickly replies, “Ah, but you are the guest here, please, but no, this is for me to do for you.”
Meanwhile Tinker heads out to the stable and does find his work cut out for him. It has clearly been quite some time since the place has been properly cleaned at all, never mind to military specifications. The shovel itself is in poor shape, but he manages to use it, but has to hold it far down the handle to keep it from breaking worse. Some of the lower layers of contents in the stable have actually started to take on the form of dirt, it has been there so long. Should he desire to really work at it, he can have the place in great shape, but it will take a few hours, despite the small size of the stable. When he is done, he is covered in sweat and certainly isn’t going to smell pleasant to the others inside, especially in the close confines of the common room!
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Wednesday April 19th, 2017 7:58:07 PM
Sigvar follows Tinker's lead and heads outside to help the dwarf clear the stables. He has his own shovel, though it is a shortened camp shovel.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday April 19th, 2017 9:08:34 PM
"Should we set a watch? There have been a few dragon sightings. I can take one of them."
Trayvin mentally reviews a few spells to swap out for the morning. A bit of mending could go a long way in this place.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday April 19th, 2017 9:36:42 PM
Michael helps to clean up the room, He resolves to talk to the rest of the group about maybe checking out the land North. and also maybe see what use the Fist may have of a way house out here.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=16 ; Wednesday April 19th, 2017 9:43:53 PM
Sweaty and dirty, Tinker is none-the-less pleased at his and Sigvar's efforts. The dwarf rewards themselves with a sluicing off at the well and a bar of sweet soap from his rucksack. Then, cleaned he is ready for sleeping in the common room.
"Yes, keep a watch. I'll take midnight. "
Perception 16
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday April 19th, 2017 10:08:37 PM
Nikolai watches as his team tries to help out. "You know, this place is not unlike many other failed enterprises. Have you thought of relocating to a more traveled road? That would be the more logical plan. Either that or find a way to bring them here."
'Spending a lot of time here fixing it up wouldn't do much good if there's no business to keep it up. In a year it will be a shambles again', he ponders as he carefully eats his soup.
Upstairs he picks a spot near one of the broken windows. "We'll set watches as usual. Ya never know. I'll take the middle watch." Then something occurs to him. "Anna, can that thing produce a few Alarm scrolls? We could cast them on these open windows. Don't want bats or worse interrupting our sleep."
Prudence Gundle Wednesday April 19th, 2017 10:16:43 PM
Pru reluctantly sets aside the broom when the innkeeper insists. When she sees the state of the common room, however, she marches back down the stairs to grab it. She tidies a sleeping area for the group as best she can, then sets about taking down cobwebs.
"Well, I'll take a watch if you like," she tells her friends. "But I'm not very good at it."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+20=23 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+9=28 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 6:27:44 AM
"Well we need 8 hours for the alarm spells, correct? I can produce 2 alarm spells that will last 8 hours and another that will last for 6. Don't think I'll be able to get all the broken windows but it has a 20 foot radius that emanates from a point I designate so if we pick 2 broken windows that are central and on opposite sides and a 3rd broken window on one of the other walls for the 6 hour one we will be mostly warded. It's better than nothing."
Anna grabs 2 CL 4 Ranger scrolls of alarm, 1 CL3 Ranger scroll of alarm and a piece of obsidian valued at 11.5 gold draining the rest of the value from her bag. She will refill it with 300 gold pieces in the morning.
She then goes to start casting the scrolls but she fails with the first CR4 scroll she goes to cast so she switches to the CR3 one and fails in such a way that she can't use it for 24 hours (Natural 1). She carries out her plan with the 2 CR4 scrolls at least and then offers the one she failed at to Nikolai and Pompous saying, "This is a ranger scroll and you guys are rangers so one of you is going to have to get a 3rd centralized broken window on a wall we don't have warded. I chose the audible alarm version when I pulled these from the bag. This scroll is kind of angry with me right now so I can't give it another go for 24 hours"
Anna volunteers to take 1st watch as long as it is dark and activates both her darkvision SLA that will last 6 hours and her spider climb SLA that will last for 1 hour and climbs outside through one of the broken windows. She patrols the 4 sides of the building sometimes climbing upwards all the way to the roof, making sure she is safely back inside before her spider climbing abilities wear off.(Perception:28)
DM JeffO Thursday April 20th, 2017 12:56:48 PM
The group starts to prepare watches and alarms, but there are a few spots not covered and a few windows not alarmed as yet...
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 26 CMD 24/19, HP 81/81 (Yves) d20+13=31 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 2:37:56 PM
Pompous listens to Anna quickly bark out some directions to "the rangers".
" Feels a little over the top spending scrolls in an inn..why not just do it the mechanical way and put a line across the window connected to some cans? Just a thought"
" If no one objects, I'll bunk with the horses. Just in case. May be helpful to have someone on the outside."
( and if no one objects, Pompous will find an elevated spot near the horses and take a defensive, concealed position.) Perception role 31 to find a good spot to bunk.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Thursday April 20th, 2017 7:32:50 PM
Sigvar thanks Tinker for the soap, that certainly was helpful. He will take whatever watch is assigned him. OOC Sorry for the short post, sick as a dog, headed to bed.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=29 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 8:46:45 PM
Tinker shrugs. Yah can never Magic everything, which is why is needed sharp eyes and ears.
Perception. 29
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday April 20th, 2017 9:01:29 PM
Trayvin patrols both inside and out during his watch. He uses his darkvision to look for any unexpected movement.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+15=25 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 10:25:09 PM
Pompous offers to watch over the horses, not a bad idea. "Anna, with your ability to change shape, I'd like you to go with Pompous and take turns watching over the horses. When my watch starts, I'll stop by and see how things are going."
When Anna is finished setting up the Alarm spell, he wonders if it would be a good idea for all of them have one of those bags. "Thanks Anna. It's better than nothing, and we can always use that scroll later. I might could try but I'm still a novice at this magic casting thing, so best just keep that scroll for later."
"Pru, take the first watch with Trayvin. Sigvar and I will take the second. Tinker and Michael take the last. I'll visit the stables at the beginning of my shift and when Tinker and Michael take over. Chances are, time will fly by and nothing will happen, but our chances usually fall the other way, so keep your eyes and ears sharp."
Perception during his watch: 25
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+9=29 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 11:30:19 PM
Anna follows Nikolai's orders and instead of crawling around the outside of the inn while on watch she'll crawl outside the stables using spider-climb and darkvision. (Perception: 29)
She makes sure she is safely of of the roof of the stable and back inside by the time she is back inside. She asks the horses in the stable to let her know if they smell anything odd.
Prudence Gundle d20=18 ; Friday April 21st, 2017 12:22:12 AM
Pru takes first watch as instructed, and does her best to stay alert and aware. [Perception 18]
DM JeffO Friday April 21st, 2017 12:38:02 PM
Nikolai takes charge and directs the watches for the night. The group settles down and the innkeeper hustles about, ensuring no one has any needs before they head upstairs for the evening. Pompous and Anna stay outside with the horses. Pompous looks for an elevated space to set up a bedroll, but after looking over the various parts of the stable decides that it actually might be safer outside the stable itself. Fortunately it is a clear night and he can easily setup outside and have a good view of the horses, the stable, and the road. Anna carefully climbs over the stable during her watch and talks to the horses who report nothing out of the ordinary.
Inside the inn, the night passes without any alarms going off. Towards the end of Tinker’s watch, he hears something outside the rear of the building. Looking outside in the creeping dawn, he can see the innkeeper taking care of the pigs. He is quietly talking to the animals and clearly doing his best to care for them more than most people would care for pigs. He touches them and cleans them while feeding them and giving them water.
The sun eventually finds its way into the sky and the day dawns bright and clear. There are no signs of any clouds which is nice because that means no rain, but it also means it could be one of those days when the heat starts to rise and makes riding uncomfortable. From the upstairs, you can already hear pans and pots moving around in the kitchen, clearly the innkeeper is preparing breakfast.
Prudence Gundle Friday April 21st, 2017 9:25:32 PM
Yawning, Pru tidies her hair and puts her boots on. When her Fist-mates are ready, she goes downstairs in search of breakfast.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday April 21st, 2017 10:08:36 PM
Trayvin washes his face in the morning, and then meditates for awhile to prepare his spells.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday April 21st, 2017 10:42:57 PM
Nikolai wakes when the others start stirring. He takes the first hour to meditate on his newly found ranger powers, then yawns, stretches, and wonders what breakfast will bring.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Saturday April 22nd, 2017 9:46:33 AM
Anna waking up from her rest dons her full plate and then pours 300 gold into her bag of tricks before heading to breakfast.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=16 ; Saturday April 22nd, 2017 4:04:02 PM
Tinker hears the slopping of the pigs, and the domestic normalcy gives him heart. This is what he does this for, he decides once again. The morning is normal, the food is normal, and the going away (though hot and humid) is normal.
The dwarf hitches takes care of the horses, hitches the wagon, does a once over with a professional eye, and is ready to go.
.... Profession Engineer 16
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Saturday April 22nd, 2017 10:15:19 PM
since he was one of the last for watch, by the time everyone else gets up he has his stuff packed, and is itching for breakfast. once he has broken his fast he's ready to go though.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Sunday April 23rd, 2017 9:28:39 PM
As he prepares for the day Sivar mentions his thoughts from last night to the others. " You know, this can be made into a waypoint for outgoing Fist units. The Citadel can send a unit of engineers out to make the necessary repairs and then the Fist gets a reduced rate when they pass through. If Knight Commander Palance was looking for us to win hearts and minds, I think this could be a good place to try it." He dons his gear and gently makes his way downstairs for breakfast.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday April 24th, 2017 12:42:41 PM "A day's march from the Citadel... not a bad idea. If the traffic through here picked up, a separate barracks could be made and an expanded stables with fresh horses... We could even invite Fist family members that are farmers to move here. They'd be close to the Citadel, provide food for the Inn when needed... hmmm, a pretty good idea. Good thinking Sigvar." Nikolai grins and pats Sigvar on the shoulder.
The Great DM Switch! Monday April 24th, 2017 6:35:40 PM Giving Mr. O a break while he's traveling everywhere. Convenient that my bout of traveling is winding down! Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things. Thanks in advance!
The Agents come into the dining area with different states of alertness and hunger, but a good hearty breakfast is appreciated by one and all.
Tinker takes a quick assessment of the condition of the stables and doesn't notice anything wrong with the construction, but weather and use have taken their toll. Some of the beams are sagging, the roof probably doesn't keep the rain out, and everything needs a good application of elbow grease.
The innkeeper seems to have thought over the situation and brings a proposal to Nikolai.
"I do appreciate the custom, and apologize for trying to pull one over on you. Things being as they are, it's just hard to keep everything up. If your folks are able to help with some repairs, I'd be willing to let you stay in the common room for free, and take meals at cost. It would be the least I could do."
Nikolai is welcome to negotiate, but there is only so much that he can offer. And of course no deal can be finalized without approval from Palance.
Once everything is packed and ready, the Agents have a full day's ride ahead of them to get to Trader's Corner.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet d20+10=16 ; Monday April 24th, 2017 8:48:58 PM
Sigvar gets his breakfast eaten and is ready to ride the day out in the wagon, He keeps his eyes open as they travel. Perception 16
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday April 24th, 2017 9:04:20 PM
The dwarf hitches takes care of the horses, hitches the wagon, does a once over with a professional eye, and is ready to go to Traders Crossing
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+15=30 ; Monday April 24th, 2017 9:05:13 PM
OOC: the creation of a way station here is entirely up to you DMs. There's no point in us Players spending time on this. If the DMs think it is something they can add to the Mailed Fist map, just do it, create the rules (whatever Palance and the innkeeper agree upon) and make it so. :)
IC: Nikolai assures the innkeeper that he will contact his commander and suggest the idea of a way station. If their commander likes the idea he'll be hearing from her, otherwise, he won't. Nikolai makes sure the man understands that as much as they'd like to help him, there's no guarantee anyone will be available to any time soon, so not to get his hopes up.
With that, he thanks the man for his hospitality and pays him his due, then helps finish getting everything ready to continue their trip.
Nikolai takes the lead after consulting his map again, calculating where they should be by the end of the day. As they head out, orders to keep eyes and ears attentive are passed on to all.
Perception +15 = 30 or 32 if in woods (fav. terrain).
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday April 24th, 2017 9:13:02 PM
Trayvin spends the early morning wandering around the place and applying liberal use of some mending spells. After breakfast he helps the group pack up for departure.
While traveling, he takes a look at the area to see whether it would be worthwhile for the Fist to invest resources and effort here.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Monday April 24th, 2017 10:04:29 PM
Michael is intrigued by Sigvars suggestion, You know it wouldn't take that much capital investment to get this place up to snuff. and since the land is fairly abandoned settlers could be enticed to stay here fairly easily, young couples looking to make a fresh start, It could work. I'd like to get some more information as to the cause of this places decline. Maybe head toward where the traffic used to come from and see whats up.
Prudence Gundle d20=1 ; Monday April 24th, 2017 10:17:12 PM
The plight of the innkeeper is interesting, but it doesn't seem all that dire, and anyway the Fist is working on something else. So Pru makes her polite good-byes, helps saddle the horses, and rides out with the rest of her Fist-mates without giving the matter much more thought.
She falls into her usual position near the middle of the group. She does her best to stay alert, but today that isn't very good. [Perception 1]
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 Tuesday April 25th, 2017 12:11:56 AM
Anna makes it known to the group that she thinks the Way Station idea is a good one and is willing to do what she can to help make it happen as long as Palance is okay with it but for the immediate future they do have Tinker's family to assist so she gets her gear ready to head out.
She asks the horses if their Saddles and harnesses are comfortable before the team heads out.
The Great DM Switch! Tuesday April 25th, 2017 4:26:40 PM Anna's consultation with the horses tells her that Tinker did a fine job in setting the harnesses and traces.
Nikolai recommends that the innkeeper send a message to Constance Palance at the Citadel with his proposal, as the Agents are on an important mission at the moment. Even without creating a waypoint here, Trayvin's spells leave the inn in a much better condition than when they arrived.
Michael assesses the area for reasons why traffic may have died down, and the innkeeper pays close attention, including his musings and recommendations in his request the the Knight Commander.
Nikolai, Sigvar and to a lesser extent Pru keep watchful eyes on the road, but it seems that today there is nothing that cares to jump out and challenge them.
The trip to Trader’s Corner takes an entire day's travel. The Agents arrive at the town as the sun is setting. It is a small town with just a couple off inns, a couple general stores, a market and trading post, and some well maintained but humble houses.
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 26 CMD 24/19, HP 81/81 (Yves) d20+13=33 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2017 4:28:01 PM
Pompous takes his spot on the wagon and, bow in hand, keeps lookout for any sign of trouble.
{ LOL- NATURAL 20!!! Perception checks rock!)
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet d20=7 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2017 8:01:52 PM
Sigvar dismounts the wagon and stretches. He looks to Tinker and says to him, " Go find your kin, we can handle the wagon and horses." He then gets to work finding them a stable to hold up in and grooming them and preparing them to rest from the road.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday April 25th, 2017 8:05:54 PM
Tinker gets more agitated as the town of Traders Corner arrives from the horizon. He keeps looking around for shocks of gnome hair. Not finding any he trots the horses to the closest inn and does a cursory rub down tbefore hopping in lot the tavern to look for someone to ask. "Looking for a gnome, Calliembria, she may have left a message for me? I'm her brother, Daemar."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+15=21 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2017 8:24:51 PM
Nikolai enjoys the tranquil ride and once they've arrived at the outskirts of Trader's Corner, he turns to Tinker. "Tinker, let's announce our arrival to your family first. They can recommend a place to stay. I'd rather not impose on them and stay at an inn, at least for now. But if they insist, we'll not decline. Show us the way."
Nikolai wonders if the problem is confined to the mine or has it spilled out into the town. He looks for signs of trouble as they head towards Tinker's family's place.
Perception +15 = 21
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+15=25 ; Tuesday April 25th, 2017 9:51:46 PM
Michael is a bit confused, He expected burning buildings and people screaming, things seem rather..sedate. He takes Tinker mount and finishes rubbing it down and taking care of it while Tinker looks for his family. he's still looking for screaming people though.
perception 25.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday April 25th, 2017 10:14:57 PM
[OOC: I know it's a typo, but I love the idea that the inns are off.]
Pru dismounts. A full day in the saddle is better than a full day of walking, but she's a bit stiff nonetheless. She looks around her with interest.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday April 25th, 2017 10:49:12 PM
Trayvin looks around with interest. The town seems pretty small, maybe barely having all the necessities. It doesn't look like there is too much trouble, hopefully the Agents will be able to sort it out.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+9=11 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2017 12:10:28 AM
Anna takes a look at the town being sure to pitch in and help with the horses. (Perception: 11)
If she spots any local flora or fauna she will attempt to chat it up about local happenings.
The Great DM Switch! Wednesday April 26th, 2017 3:24:19 PM You won't know which inns are really off without asking around. They could go either way!
The Agents are rather stiff after a full day in the saddle. Calliembra's letter said that they have a camp up in the foothills closer to the mine. It may be tricky to find in the dark, but you can head that way if you choose. From the look of the town, whatever disturbances may be affecting Calliembra didn't make their way down here. If you choose to travel on, please make 2 survival checks vs DC 18
Tinker gets a strange look when he says his sister is a gnome, but the response is friendly enough. I don't have a note for you, but I suspect she would be up at the mining camp. I do seem to recall someone coming down into town every few days for some fresh supplies. Please roll a diplomacy check if you are seeking further information from the barkeep or someone else. There are a couple of men nursing ales at various tables around the tavern.
Anna doesn't find any animals in town beyond a few neighborhood dogs, who seem content with their lot and don't have very much information to impart.
AC 25 T 18 F 18 CMD 25. 29v Bull Rush or Trip; HP 71/ 71 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=19 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2017 6:23:10 PM
The looks go over Tinker's head and he nods businesslike. "We're not familiar with the area, so we need to get a guide or stay here for the night. How far to the mining camp?" Despite his straightforward attitude, Tinker is surprisingly eloquent!
Tinker isn't too worried despite the letter. If there was imminent danger at the mines the village would know about it, especially since there has been people coming every couple of days.
Diplomacy = 19
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 28 HP 67/89 Character Sheet Wednesday April 26th, 2017 9:05:36 PM
Sigvar remains ready to either settle in the animals or head out, whatever is decided.
Trayvin AC 22/13 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday April 26th, 2017 9:06:03 PM
"We stayed at an Inn last night, I vote to press on and rest at the mining camp."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+9=17 ; d20+9=24 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2017 9:14:07 PM
Michael is all for trying to make it to the camp tonight as well.
survival 17 and 24.
Prudence Gundle d20=11 ; d20=19 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2017 10:22:27 PM
"If we press on, we need to be sure we're taking care of the horses," Pru reminds her friends. "They feel the fatigue just as much as we do, and we're responsible for their well-being. That said, I'm willing to press on."
[Survival 11 and 19]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+12=29 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+1=10 ; Wednesday April 26th, 2017 10:24:17 PM
Survival +12 DC18 (+14 if in Forest) = 29 and 18 or 31 and 20 for Favored Terrain (Forest)
Several indicate that they'd like to just keep going. Pointed in the right direction, Nikolai is confident that they can find their way, considering there is frequent traffic to and from the camp and no deluge in the recent days to wash the tracks away.
"Ok, we keep going. We have light enough from torches and such that we should be able to keep on the right path and if we make enough noise, we won't arrive and catch them off guard."
Nikolai's only concern at the moment is the cart, and asks those inside the tavern what they know of the path and if the ones that come into town for supplies use carts or mules.
Diplomacy +1 = 10
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/14/21 - HP 66/66 -- CMD 17 d20+9=14 ; d20+9=23 ; Thursday April 27th, 2017 1:21:42 AM
(Survival: 14, 23)
Anna asks the horses how they are holding up and if they are okay pressing on to the mining camp. If they have any objections she raises them to the rest of the Agents otherwise she says, "We're good to press on per the horses."
She activates her darkvision SLA as soon as it gets dark.
Active Effects: Darkvision 6 hours
Pompous Marcus Maximus AC 26 CMD 24/19, HP 81/81 (Yves) d20+13=16 ; Thursday April 27th, 2017 6:58:52 AM
Pompous stays with the main group and keeps an eye out for trouble. He will on occasion get out of the cart and scout ahead.