I, uh, we, have a favor to ask... [DM Jerry] Sunday March 5th, 2023 10:54:00 PM
Torryn finds a good way to distract folks from their worries: Dancing! She tries to find someone to play the piano, but to no avail. Then Grog moves to her side of the room and whispers something into the ear of one of his barkeeps. The guy nods and heads over the piano. "Hi, Torryn. Yes I know about you. What do you want me to play. I'm Beatrice Barton. Just moved from Bree."
As soon as Torryn gives her the song, she is over to the piano and playing in a ragtime style. Soon they are pushing tables back and several dozen are up and dancing with her.
A young man with premature white hair comes up to Gnubert. "My name is Chance. I'm travelling from Angelford Springs to Plateau city to attend mage school. Let me know if I can help. I'm just here for the night."
Loryn has moderate success with his reminder of his group's past successes. He is asked to join a table and his drink is paid for. Drack joins the table too adding to Loryn's success. The folk at their table are all farmers from north of town. They do express that they worry that the Windguard tend to only walk the roads and not area beyond their farms. After a time, the group decides the "emergency" is over and they pay out and head out inviting the adventurers to drop by anytime. Everyone is very polite and shakes Drack and Loryn's hand and thank them for making Windhorn Hamlet their home.
Mortimer sits by himself in the darker corner of the room. Strange that--that there is always a darker corner of a tavern and those who needs such things seem to always find them.
Sometime after midnight, the crowd begins to disperse. Grog nods to the adventurers scratching his left ear. "I'm getting that itch. Keep your ears and eyes open." Grog and his staff begin to close up for the night.
"LAST CALL!"
Mole heads to his cave.
The night passes peacefully. What will the morrow bring?
=====
The morning is cloudy with a cool breeze. It looks as if there might be rain later in the day. As they are preparing for the day, there is a knock on the door. It is Phaedra Swiftshine, muscular, shore of herself, with sandy hair, attractive in an "outdoorsy" sort of way. Her contra-alto voice sounds very assured and confident. Her husband, Theobald Swiftshine, a tall human is with her as are 6 of the Windguard--3 females, three males.
"Morning Sleepyheads. I, uh we, have a favor to ask. We're a small town and as such, many things fall under my perview that wouldn't in a larger town. I'd like you to go with me to the Bradforde Estate north of town. I want you to be present and witness the adoption of two kids by their uncle who is taking over the homestead today after the death of his brother--the children's father. It's a bit of an....unusual situation and it would be both good to have you along and for the farmers of the area to see you in the area. "I know it is not giant slaying, but..." She looks at you hopefully.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+3=11 ; Sunday March 5th, 2023 11:10:56 PM
Gnubert walks the refreshments to the fussy table, and sets a smile on his face, ”Here you go folks, nothing like some refreshments to help make the evening a little brighter!”. The gnome smiles broadly (Diplomacy DC11). Gnubert makes the rounds telling jokes and serving refreshments
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Monday March 6th, 2023 3:23:49 AM
"Oh, for sure." Torryn answered with a smile. She wasn't a drinker and all the dancing had aided a sound night's sleep despite the strange horrors that she'd witnessed. That came as no surprise to her; dancing cured everything. Well, a lot of things, anyway.
"Spot would love the fresh air." She added excitedly, almost bouncing in her eagerness to run and tell her steed the news. Torryn then darted away leaving the Starshines to explain matters, perhaps in more detail, to the others.
Torryn was going to take Spot on an early riddance give Mole the news. She was looking forward to that. The difference were always beautiful at that time of day. As well as seeing the sea birds, she get a wonderful view of the sea and possibly gain some clues as to what the weather held in store for them.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday March 6th, 2023 8:22:50 AM
Ash nods his agreement to Phaedra, but he has some concerns about this.
"Correct, its not Giant slaying, but that is what strikes me as odd., Giant slaying is very straight forward.. Find Giant, slay... repeat if necessary. But this is an adoption? and an Unusual situation? How unusual... unusual like a trio of undead riders dragging an acquaintance through a gate to some undead realm... or unusual like i put the wrong spices in my eggs this morning and they taste unusual?"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday March 6th, 2023 10:32:26 AM
Drack looks to the others following Phaedra’s request as he is unsure about this one. He does nod at Ash’s questions.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+10=22 ; d20+12=25 ; Monday March 6th, 2023 4:31:48 PM
Loryn will happily sit with any of his fellow Windhorians, but does not do much other than sip at any drink. It was well after dinner, even after dessert cordials and so, for the gnome, no occasion to be drinking. But he would sit and talk without complaint. Eventually the night at Grog's is concluded and Loryn heads home to Minerva's. Breakfast was not going to make itself and he needed some sleep at lease
As the sun comes up, Loryn heads into the kitchen, as he does nearly every morning now going on 20 years and starts rummaging up what the first meal of the day for himself and his friends was going to be. "Something simpler I think, after last night's indulgences." Flour, some water and a bit of cream later and some flaky scones are baking in a cast iron lidded pot wrapped in coals. Then to some fruits and to warm up the honey. A quick side of eggs, topped off with some sweetened milk and warm tea. Cook 22
Loryn's eye get a bit big at the sight of such a large retinue of Windguard at the door, but it quickly subsides. The gnome invites all of them in and if they'll be just a bit patient, he'll have some additional scones ready in about 15 minutes.
"We were planning to head out to the varying outskirt estates when all that went down last night, so of course. Need to make a detour to collect Mole, but otherwise, i think we are right as rain to head out."
The gnome crinkles his nose and sets his hand in balled fists upon his hips, Wrong spices on your eggs Ash? You cut me sir, and most grievous is my wound. Tread lightly with your next words"
Bluff 22
As the room goes quiet, Loryn holds Ash's eyes for but a second longer Loryn slumps heavy into a table, "I think this is the big one"
The joke over, he smiles, and with breakfast finishing up he is ready to head out.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+10=28 ; d20+8=23 ; Monday March 6th, 2023 6:17:02 PM
Manolo accepts Grog's idea to make people less worried. He tries to serve the drinks and food in a funny manner. He fakes almost dropping mead and meat and just fools around... sometimes jumping on a chair or two or sliding with a chair or whatever it was. 'am I preforming', Manolo thinks to himself more than once after trying a rather funny manoeuvre or two.
In the morning he will accept Phaedra's suggestion/offer.
Acrobatics 28 for the bar tricks and all the funny movements Bluff 23 for preforming and faking almost dropping plates and ales and meads and other stuff.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:22/17/19. temp/hp:48/34. shield, false life Monday March 6th, 2023 9:02:23 PM
After breakfast, Mortimer was sipping on some a hot beverage. He notices Mole's note and he gives it a read. "Looks like Mole has returned to his sedimentary lifestyle," he announces.
When the door is answered, he almost falls out of his chair at the sight of all the town's guard standing in formation. He turns to Loryn and whispers, "i was here all night!" However he quickly relaxes when he learns of their true intent.
Mortimer is confused by Drack's and Ash's reluctance. As Loryn correctly stated, they were already planning on visiting the farming homesteads north of town today. Don't they recall the sky lighting up with a greenish glow over the northern farm areas last night. The sounds heard from that direction were also a bit unsettling (DM post from Thursday, March 2nd).
"Might as well roast two birds on one skewer, yeah."
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+3=11 ; Monday March 6th, 2023 10:57:29 PM
Gnubert walks the refreshments to the fussy table, and sets a smile on his face, ”Here you go folks, nothing like some refreshments to help make the evening a little brighter!”. The gnome smiles broadly (Diplomacy DC11). Gnubert makes the rounds telling jokes and serving refreshments
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Monday March 6th, 2023 11:04:13 PM
Gnubert gladly accepts Chance’s assistance and spends a large portion of the night talking family with his new friend. As the night winds down the gnome spends time cleaning up mugs and tables. No need for Grog to get up to this mess. Gnubert falls into his bed thoughts of skeletal horses, and soldiers running around his head until he finally falls asleep from exhaustion.
Gnubert wakes early as is his want. The cleric prays for his spells. As he is finishing he smells breakfast and hears the knock on the door. Gnubert throws his remaining items in his bag and dashes downstairs in time to hear the request, and acceptance made on the groups behalf.
This Looks Official [DM Jerry] Monday March 6th, 2023 11:11:45 PM
Phaedra laughs at the response she has received and says, "It is not an emergency. Adventurer types in this town have always been "Wardd's Luck" for us. So it is not surprising that EVERYONE wants to see you, meet you, hear what you're up to. You're like our local celebrities and are expected to do no wrong and to bring us tons of luck again and again. Get used to it.
"I get to avoid most of that with my status as Captain of the Windguard. Instead, folks avoid me if they are guilty or think that I think that they might be. Much more pleasant.
"This is not an emergency situation, but it is Windguard worthy. A stranger coming into town to inherit his brother's homestead AND adopt his two children in one day. If there is something untowards and I have you guys with me, I have no worries. Best of both worlds: responsible law enforcement, good aligned adventurers.
"Plus the farmers all get to see you. And we get to hopefully put the legal stuff behind us and help out a bit earning some good-will."
Her husband, Theobald Swiftshine, adds, "And yes this is what she is really like. I'm the "legal" rep from the council today handling all the paperwork. Besides it's a good day for a walk.
Theobald turns to Manolo. "You were genuinely funny last night. I think you've been holding out on us! Have you ever had clown training in Plateau City or something?
As Mortimer says, "...roast two birds on one skewer," one of the guards mutters, "Is that a thing?"
Another says, "No, he's trying to be clever...and he kinda is. You'll catch on. It's called banter."
Torryn preps her steed for a day's travel.
The day is bright if a bit gusty and all enjoy the trip. They head north and stop at the 4th Homestead on the left (location 10 on the Woldipedia map).
The barn has been burned down, and two children are playing in the dirt with a tall lanky human with a large handlebar moustache is by the barn looking at the damage. He sees you and begins walking your way.
Without smiling, he says, "I'm Edric Bradforde, Fulton Bradforde's brother. I arrived from points west during the night. This looks official." His eyes dance back and forth between the adventurers and the Windguard.
The kids stop their playing and come to give Phaedra a big hug and immediately the tears start flowing.
[Feel free to roll perception, spot, etc checks as you wish to go with anything you wish to do.]
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 12:36:25 AM
Mole arrives at his cave. He takes some time looking around deciding what he wants to do next and where he wants to put things.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 d20=14 ; d20=11 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 3:44:56 AM
Torryn was small by human and elven standards. She didn't mind that. It presented certain advantages. Seeing past a crowd of people was not one of them. However, Spot was a big horse. Sitting in the saddle gave her a very different perspective of the world around her. From that high vantage point Torryn took in the scene.
(Perception:23)
She decided that Edric likely wasn't a bad sort, but she didn't really know him and sometimes appearances could be deceptive, not that she was particularly adept at seeing past such things.
(sense Motive: 12)
No, she very much had to rely upon her Sacred Dancer talents and gifts. So she quietly and calmly opened up her Fey Sight (Detect Magic) and then called upon Flower to help her see any stain of evil that lurked within the area. (Detect Evil) She was very proud of herself. Normally it was Drack who did all the sensible stuff, but this time she'd remembered.
She gave Spot a reassuring, thankful pat on her thick neck. Not that she'd had to carry Mole much this time. Dwarves seemed to like the ground. A lot. Whilst he definitely wasn't the fastest, there was no denying his sure footedness.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 d20+3=23 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:54:09 AM
Ash puts both hands on his chest, and feigns hurt to Loryn. "In no world would I refer to your eggs as anything other than seasoned to perfection. I referred more to my eggs, as growing up with people doing everything for you.. leads to eggs with sugar or mustard seasoning. "
At the homestead, Ash nods to Edric but doesn't say anything. He moreso looks around, making sure the unusual part of this trade off was nothing more than seasoned eggs.
Perception 23( Nat 20)
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+7=10 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:42:16 AM
Drack will try and get a feel for everyone’s character and intentions(perception 10), and will detect evil just to make sure nothing is horribly wrong with anyone or the area.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+2=10 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 10:08:20 AM
"Remember to tell Mole we are in a bit of a hurry Torrynashkabbeth." , as she speeds off on Spot to the dwarf cave by the cliffs. Knowing it is a bit of a round trip, Loryn invites the Windguard inside and fussess and fiddles with breakfast and the clean up to give Spot time to return with the pair.
The walk to the homestead is pleasant enough, but the sight of the burned barn causes him some minor distress. Ah the children are out, at least there is that. Resilliant things really, children are
Being just over 3 feet tall and not on a horse, Loryn's visuals are lost in the crowd. He stands for a moment and then sighs, No one going to say hello to the man? Always up to the gnomes, a wonder the wold would fall apart without us
Loryn takes a few steps forward and extends a small hand, "Welcome to Windhorn goodly Eric. I am Loryn Glitterfall, resident and Journeyman of the Woldian League." He shortly goes on to introduce Phaedra and Theobald in their respective positions and with a general wave, his associates in the Woldian League. He leaves out specifics.
Loryn concludes "We are hear to help and have heard of your wish to adopt your niece and nephew." A custom the gnome thought odd, but is was one he knew that humans practiced to create a sense of family bonding.
Perception 10 Diplomacy take 10 = 16
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=29 ; d20+8=9 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:05:49 PM
Manolo turns to Theobald and says, "Not a clown training but a running and jumping training...perhaps I will tell you about this in another day...when both of us are not busy ".
Manolo looks around, looking for any strange things that might show an arson attempt or something...that just doesn't feel or smell right. (or look or sound), He is disinterested in Eric...unable to sense for his motive and not seeing any further benefit with him..' the others are talking with him', he thinks as he keeps moving around the area.
Perception 29 (natural 20) Sense motive 9
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:22/17/19. temp/hp:48/34. shield, false life d20+2=20 ; d20=7 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:16:20 PM
The sun is too bright today, which is annoys him. He wears his hood is up protect his eyes and skin from the searing glare.
Mortimer assesses the scene as they arrive at the Bradforde farmstead. He wasn't aware that there had been a barn fire. He also wonders why everyone is ignoring it. He gives it a look over, from where he stands (Perception: 20). Are the embers still smoldering, are their water buckets strewn about? Does the charred remains appear old? Is their a pile of blackened tools and equipment salvaged from the barn?
He makes sure his badge is in full view as he approaches with Loryn to greet Edric. "The names Mortimer Margrave, pleased ta met ya." He patiently waits for all the normal introductions and pleasantries to conclude. Mortimer then asks, "Pardon for me askin' and all, but how did the barn catch fire?" He tries to read his reaction to the question and interpret his expression and mannerisms (Sense Motive: 7)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+12=32 ; d20+12=32 ; Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:17:19 PM
Gnubert prepares to introduce himself to Eric just as Loryn introduces himself. Gnubert smiles, "and I am Gnubert Glitterdust, Cleric of the Gods of the Wold, Journeyman Woldian League of Adventurers, and newly arrived to Windhorn Hamlet. Welcome to our little slice of the Wold." The cleric sizes Eric up (Sense Motive 32 nat 20!), and looks over the children trying to determine if the are healthy, or need any help (Perception 32, nat 20 again!)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Tuesday March 7th, 2023 10:22:57 PM
Mole finds the group. He waits silently.
We'd Like to See How We Can Help [DM Jerry] Tuesday March 7th, 2023 11:07:05 PM
Loryn takes the lead and introduces himself and the group. The man steps forward purposefully shaking Loryn's hand and says, "Edric. Uh, thanks for coming. Yes, I intend to stay, adopt Raddy and Maisie here and see about setting things right."
Gnubert adds his introduction to Loryn's and lets Edric know what his role is here. He gets a weak smile from Uncle Edric as Gnubert welcomes him to town. Maisie looks up at him fondly and grins at him. "Told ya! Everyone is friendly here!" The children are healthy, though the boy still has some signs of soot on his clothing, which he obviously hasn't changed since the incident.
Phaedra smiles at the girl's comment and says, "I'm Phaedra Bearclaw, head of the Windguard here and I'm here to help you sign the official adoption papers which I've brought with me. Then I want to look at the barn and if you are up to it sir and look at the scene representing the town."
Her husband, Theobald, says, "Then we'd like to see how we can help."
Maisie, the younger sister, takes his moment to add, "I'm Maisie. I'm 10. " Then she blurts out, "Raddy discovered dad was dead. It was horrible!" She begins crying again. "He found him ALLLL burned up and made me stay in the house while he buried him all alone over there by the barn. It wasn't fair!"
Torry sits on his horse looking around. The children are outside, so at least they are here and safe. But they look in a state of shock still. The older boy looks a bit "closed in upon himself," as if he just wants to be left alone.
All of this creates a few seconds of silence and the vibe is instantly much more emotional as well as tense.
Ash sees that the barn used to be a nice one with a double loft with actual stairs going up to one of them with a ladder going up to the other. A winch/life still hangs from a beam that didn't collapse. The older boy, Raddy, is at that age when his voice cracks because he is nervous. He volunteers looking at his uncle that he "knows all about the farm as he had been trained by his dad.
There is nothing "off" about the homestead, but the house is in pretty bad shape from a lack of repair, and of course the barn is pretty much destroyed. It is hard to read Edric through the nervousness he shows with the turnout that has come calling.
Drack does not detect evil. He sees a nervousness in Edric, but that can be explained by the situation. While Drack looks around, the boy talks to Phaedra.
The older brother tells Phaedra, "I'm Radcliff Bradforde, but I'm called Raddy." When asked, he says he is 13. You can tell that he feels the weight of caring for his sister. He stands close to her and sees that she is behaving properly by putting his hand calmly on her shoulder at times.
Manolo doesn't see any arson from this distance, but perhaps can see more if he takes a close look at the burned barn. He does spot the loose dirt and a board with the word dad on it.
Mortimer, hood up asks how the barn burnt down. That seems to be the question of the day. Uncle Edric says, "I arrived about an hour ago. I haven't even been over to the barn yet." There is no evidence of anything still smoldering. However, he sees Raddy's face turn beet red and he shivers a bit as Mortimer asks this question. His response is pretty obvious.
Phaedra gives Mortimer a quick glance as if to remind him that there are children present and to be careful.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 d20=11 ; d20=18 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 3:55:08 AM
No, it was no good; Torryn just didn't understand the nuances of the situation at all. The boy was embarrassed, but why? There could be any number of reasons, especially at his age. She gracefully dismounted.
"Hello, Maisie, I'm Torryn and this is Spot. Would you look after her for me? Just while I take a look around. She likes stroking." Torryn smiled encouragingly. It was a simple distraction. She hoped it worked. She glanced at Gnubert and then Raddy. She expected that Gnubert would get more from him than could she.
She then spun and pranced away in her own mercurial fashion. It was deliberate. Let them speak of her rather than what had just happened. As to that, she was rather hoping that smarter heads than hers would intercede to fill in the gaps. Until they did she'd take look around and try to unearth some clues.
Diplomacy: 18. Perception: 27 ish
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:20:55 AM
The gnome responds to Edric's handshake and takes a couple steps back. he was thorouhgly confused at Pheadra's comment. Mortimer had only asked if anyone knew how the barn caught fire. He chalks it up to another case, in a mighty large cabinet, of humans being odd. If no one has messed around the area too much, he turns to Mole. "Long shot, but why not see if you can discern anything of tracks. Especially where they might be heading away from the barn and homestead." For himself, alothough he knew Mole could as well, he was looking for former occupants of the barn. "Say, Roddy. Did the animals make it out, or are they kept nearby?" If so, Loryn excuses himself and heads over, looking to find a horse or ox. Cast Speak with Animals "Scarey night my friends. Did anyone see how the fire got out in the barn? Anyone see people besides Roddy and Dad?"
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+7=12 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:21:07 AM
Drack will try and get a feel for Raddy after seeing his face turn red. “Perhaps he had accidentally caused the fire” is the first that crosses Dracks mind after noticing. (Perception check 12)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 d20+3=8 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 4:18:08 PM
Ash wasn't good with most adults, so kids was a no go for him. When an opportunity arrises, Ash strolls over to the ashes and checks out the surrounding area.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 7:10:13 PM
Manolo looks around the keepers, he tries to have a feel for what each one is doing. He takes a look at the board and goes back near the group.
'Just a a little bit longer', he thinks to himself as he is waiting for the others, 'probably better to wait for the others', he thinks logically as he didn't want to appear too suspicious in front of the Eric and the kids.
Perception 14
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+12=18 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:02:15 PM
Gnubert catches the look from Torry and clears his throat, "Raddy, would you like me to say a few words over your father. It looks like you did a fine job laying him to rest." Gnubert watches the boys reaction carefully (Sense Motive 18)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:22/17/19. temp/hp:48/34. shield, false life Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:23:57 PM
Mortimer is confused by Phaedra's glance. It was an innocent enough question. A very good question. He wonders if it's a secret. Okay, he thinks, he'll play the secret game. Snitches get stitches and all that.
He heard the stories from the children. What a pity it was, he sympathetically imagines, to lose a father. Other than that, he is incapable of any empathy. Though he wishes the children would stop their crying. It was making him uncomfortable. Mortimer didn't know he was walking into a funeral.
Mortimer simply maintains his stoic but friendly expression. Apparently this conversation is littered with caltrops. He'll sit back and allow the others to misstep the terrain.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:18/13/15. temp/hp:34/34. Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:26:49 PM
(ooc: Correcting the stats in the post name line.)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 d20+12=31 ; d20+12=23 ; Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:43:08 PM
Mole goes to look around the farm. He checks on the animals and eventually makes his way to the barn. He investigates around it looking for any signs of how the fire started and any tracks that might clue him into who or what started the fire.
Survival DC31, Perception DC23
...and Threw the Boy Out [DM Jerry] Wednesday March 8th, 2023 11:03:15 PM
Maisie, still blubbering a bit nods yes to Torryn and sits on the porch with Spot petting and hugging him. Torryn looks around and realizes that the most likely place for clues would be at and around the barn where the dad died and the fire was.
Loryn asks Roddy if the animals made it out of the barn. "Uh, uh. Nope, cept for Old Betsy. I hadn't brou... SHE hadn't come in yet. He turns away looking around and settles on sitting and petting Spot with his sister.
Loryn finds Old Betsy way out in the field behind the barn and talks to her. The cow says, "The barn burned and burned. The fire didn't get out it stayed there then stopped."
When Loryn asks if she saw people besides Roddy and Dad she says, "Nope, the boy took the other animals into the barn, the fire started, then the farmer ran in to the fire. The farmer came to the hay door on fire and threw the boy out."
Gnubert stands around realizing that he is no longer in town, but with the group at the Bradforde Setting. Happens to mages sometimes when they are concentrating on things.
Drack watches Raddy and definitely sees fear in his eyes as he turns away to pet the dog.
Ash walks over the remains of the barn and looks around. He sees Loryn talking to a cow, but can't make out what is being said. [make a perception check to notice anything in that area if you wish.]
Manolo looks around and sees a couple of his teammates head over towards the barn to check it out.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+7=11 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 6:45:50 AM
Drack ponders to himself. What is the boy afraid of? What’s going to happen next? That he had started the fire? Something else?
Drack will keep a loose eye on the boy, hoping to spot a clue when the boy thinks no one is watching. (Perception check 11). He will hold his tongue until the group has had a chance later to talk amongst themselves. Everyone notices and does different things with different abilities. Best to compare notes with everyone before saying or doing anything further.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:08:55 AM
Loryn thanks Old Betsy and simply has a seat on the ground. Another thought comes to him, "Betsy? Did the boy try yo get you to the barn as wel? Does he normally? or being a much older and wiaser being, do you keep yourself?"
Loryn hopes that Betsy normally makes her way to the barn on her own on her own good time, but...He leaves the thought, not wanting to follow it.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
OOC Not sure what is happening on Wade's end, but his post keeps repeating from Monday
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:18/13/15. temp/hp:34/34. d20+7=21 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 12:53:31 PM
Mortimer decides to keep Uncle Edric occupied as the others go poking around.
"Soo.... what plans do ya have for the place? What crops are ya growin'? I useta do odd jobs for the local farmers. Anything that involved diggin; a water well or a ditch. However, I've changed professions since then," he says with a curious smile. (Diplomacy: 21.)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 d20+4=14 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 3:52:30 PM
Ash digs around and checks out the rements of the fore. (Perception 14)
If anyone from the Family comes around, he'll smile but keep looking.
Torryn wandered over to the barn. Spot was a big Clydesdale with a very tolerant temperament. The children would be safe with her. She wasn't actually looking for anything. Her mind was busily trying to make sense of the situation. From what she'd seen and heard so far it seemed possible that Raddy had caused the fire. That would have been an accident or misadventure, not intent. It would still be scant consolation to the boy if so. This as not something that Sacred Dancers were meant to deal with. At least that was her opinion.
She mulled it over as she drew ever closer to the ruins of the barn. The smell still hung in the air. She decided that if such was indeed the case, there was nothing to be gained from recriminations and regret. They wouldn't change anything. The best way to make amends was to live life as the father would have wished. Likely that would involve dancing at least at some point.
Having drawn comfort from such thought, she refocused on her surroundings. Did anything seem odd? It was a stupid notion. What wasn't odd about a burnt barn?
(Perception: 27. I think. I cannot access the sheet from this tablet, but it's a good check)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20=11 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 8:27:54 PM
Manolo follows Torryn and tries imitate her moves.,"Look over here...perhaps just there", he says softly. 'Perhaps she has a clue', he thinks as he tries to look where she looks and perhaps they will find something. Aid another 11 (helping Torryn)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:59:10 PM
OOC: I am having weird issues between my iPhone and tablet double posting. I posted yesterday about talking with the boy and now it has reposted the last tavern post. I am going to try my tablet and see if that changes things
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:06:06 PM
After finding nothing at the barn or in the yard, Mole returns to the animals.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+12=14 ; Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:11:38 PM
Gnubert takes a few moments to pray over the ground and then looks over at Raddy, something isn't sitting right here but he can't lay his finger on it (Sense Motive 14)
It's just too much. [DM Jerry] Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:58:31 PM
Drack keeps an eye on Roddy hoping to spot a clue. He notices nothing new about him.
Loryn thanks Old Betsy and asks her a couple of other questions. Betsy says, "He always takes us in to keep us safe at night. Wolves and bears come sometimes. I play difficult cause I like him. He always comes back for me after the others are in. He didn't come for me after the fire."
Mortimer keeps Uncle Edric occupied with questions about his plans. Uncle Edric says, "I'm not sure yet. I may grow some feed grass and perhaps a garden so we have vegetables. I guess we can sell the excess in town? It's good that you know stuff. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions."
Torry wanders over to the barn. He looks around to see what can be seen and spotted. What is odd is that Loryn is sitting on the ground near an old milk cow behind the barn looking at her. He sees the makeshift grave of Farmer Fulton Bradforde and the wooden headstone on the far side of the barn too near the only wall still partially standing.
Manolo follows Torryn imitating her moves, seemingly wanting to learn Torryn's investigative methods? He supports Torryn helping her find an open window on the partial wall still standing.
Mole, not finding anything returns to the animals.
Gnubert prays over the ground and looks over at Raddy. Raddy quickly looks away. Then it hits him. Raddy is feeling guilty. Every child looks like that when they are in trouble! Gnubert even remembers that look in himself from when he was younger.
Raddy who has been secretly watching Loryn near the cow, several looking around the barn and near to his dad's grave, looks up at Gnubert looking at him and instantly is in tears. He screams, "I'm sorry!!!" and runs into the house, hiding his head in the pillow of his bed, muttering the words over and over.
...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...
Edric spins and says, "What?" Just as quickly, everyone near the house sees these "figurative dominoes" fall one after the other.
Folks looking at Raddy. Raddy watching all the interest in the barn near his dad's grave. Raddy sees Gnubers looking at him. All these Windguard nearby with their Captain there! All this ARMY of adventurers!
It's just too much.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Friday March 10th, 2023 4:11:56 AM
"Thanks, Manny. You check this window perhaps. I'd best go talk to Raddy." She shrugged, feeling somewhat sorry that her hunch was correct. Then she set off slowly to find Raddy. She gestured to her friends and the guard to stay back. Raddy didn't need a crowd. That would only make matters worse.
Entering the house she followed his sobbing apologies. She quietly sat beside him and gently pulled him into her lap. She said nothing for a while, just permitting him to let all the emotions out.
"Raddy, it was an accident. You didn't intend this to happen. You'll still feel bad. That's normal. That's how it will be. But. You WILL accept this and grow, and become strong, and become the man that your father would want. You have to. Your sister and your uncle still need you.". She stayed with him. There was no rush. He needed time to allow her words to register, to accept this fundamental shift in his world, but he didn't have to do it alone.
It probably helped that Torryn was not a great deal bigger than Raddy. She was also softly spoken and able to perform a variety of roles by dint of her study of dance. Some people thought dancing was simply capering around, but there was far more to it than that. To be good, to be great, you had to infuse all your actions with heartfelt, credible emotion.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Friday March 10th, 2023 5:04:42 AM
Drack just stands by for now, letting Torry and the law handle it from here. He does ponder seeing what he can do about a proper headstone for the deceased father
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Friday March 10th, 2023 10:35:44 AM
Loryn gives Old Betsy a few good pats and thanks her. He heads back over the others and gives Edric a small smile, "Good cow you have there. Take care of her." Loryn had seen Raddy head tot he house and Torrynashkabbeth follow, they had pieced everything together as well. Catching Drack's look towards the hastily dug grave of Fulton Bradforde he talks aloud, "We are going to have to do that more proper. Either here or moved back to the Windhorne cemetery. I suppose Edric would be the decision there. It's his brother."
To Pheadra, "Let's get this official stuff done and most of us out of the good family Bradforde's business."
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=29 ; Friday March 10th, 2023 12:30:19 PM
"Will do", Manolo reply. He checks the window and area near it. Perception 29 (natural 20)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Friday March 10th, 2023 8:03:56 PM
Ash watches Raddy run, and his scrunches his eyes in disdain.... Children ! he mutters under his breath.
OOC: Did Ash find anything last round?
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:18/13/15. temp/hp:34/34. Friday March 10th, 2023 11:27:25 PM
‘And there it is,’ he tells himself, ‘three can keep a secret if the other two are dead.’
(More to come later.)
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. d20+2=16 ; Friday March 10th, 2023 11:36:42 PM
"Huh, what matter of query is this," he quietly mutters to himself upon noticing something of interest. (Perception 16.)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Saturday March 11th, 2023 8:02:48 AM
Mole watches the scene take place and the child run off crying. He lowers his head and says a small prayer to the Earth Mother.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Sunday March 12th, 2023 8:57:29 PM
Gnubert shakes his head as Raddy yells, and runs away. The cleric clearly remembers getting caught as a child and the overwhelming want to just get away.
A very strange wake? [DM Jerry] d6=1 ; 2d20=18 ; d20+10=16 ; Sunday March 12th, 2023 11:15:58 PM
Ash says, "Children" as a reaction Raddy. Phaedra hears him and gives him a threatening glance to remain silent nodding at the sister." [Perception/Listen check d20+10=16]
Mole says a silent prayer to the Earth Mother.
Torry has a calming effect on Raddy with a bit of time. He turns his sobs wracking his body and hugs her for all he is worth.
"Dad threw me out the window. Then it collapsed. It's all my fault. I'm the one that deserves to die.
Raddy turns his head to the heavens. "Take me! Bring dad back! Gargul pleeeeaseee!"
Raddy sobs for a long time until he is physically incapable of crying more at this time. He then collapses in Torry's arms, spent.
Drack stands by and begins thinking about a proper gravestone for the father.
Manolo sees that the window was broken from the inside out. A "wagon wheel jack" is holding a beam inside the barn about a foot. Looks dangerous. Evidently the boy had to jack up the beam to remove the body. Amazing.
Mortimer self reflects as he realizes what has happened.
Loryn comments that the grave will need to be done more properly and asks where that should be. Here or in the town cemetery?
Phaedra says, "We'll see. I'm leaning towards the cemetery so that the children don't have to see....yaknow."
Phaedra thinks for a minute and says, "I agree with you that most of us need to leave. But I have an idea." She motions towards the barn. "What if we have a very strange "wake" for Fulton Bradforde?" She looks at Edric to see if he is catching his drift. He doesn't.
"A proper burial and funeral, then....a barn raising. And I like the gravestone that Raddy used. I think his dad would like it to be kept. It shouldn't be dismissed. Perhaps we can do some work to embed it in a proper gravestone?"
She motions to the other Windguard. "Head to town and let the council know what has happened here and that all is well."
The Windguard nod to her and head back to town.
Phaedra turns to the adventurers. "I was afraid that this...might be tied to, yaknow, what happened yesterday? I am thankful to Wardd that it is not. This, I think is a very unlucky and at the same time, a very lucky day."
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Monday March 13th, 2023 4:40:35 AM
Torryn knew nothing of the discussion outside. It was more important to stay with Raddy. She said nothing for a long time, realising that time was what Raddy needed. Finally she spoke again.
"Your father would not wish to trade places. Not ever. He wants what's best for you and your sister. You must be strong; for her and for him. Know that you will never forget him and that is to the good. Time will help. It is a great healer, but you must use it well. Turn away from Gargul. Embrace life. That is what your father would want. That is what you must do - for your sister, your father, your uncle and, just as importantly, yourself. It's a lot. It will feel like too much at times, but you must not squander what was given. Life. You must live and live well, for you and for your Dad."
It was a lot and really she had no idea where all the words came from. They seemed right though. Perhaps her patrons were helping. Flower, Kevintar, Eberyon, that was a lot of help! She was very glad of it and hoped that she'd done justice to her calling as a Sacred Dancer.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday March 13th, 2023 8:42:23 AM
Drack stands by, holding in his desire to advise the boy to follow Domi, and make the wold a better place as atonement. Instead he decides to let Torry handle the matter. She would probably be better to advise a child than himself.
Drack appreciated that Loryn picked up on his thoughts, and brought it forward to the group. He will wait to see. What everyone decides, and likely abide by the decision. The Paladin had been hoping to run into some evil to vanquish, but so far, none had presented itself.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Monday March 13th, 2023 12:25:37 PM "All of that seems and sounds quite human Pheadra and I'm sure the neighbors would jump in to assist with the barn clearing as well as the raising when the time comes. Perhaps even use Raddy's effort as a piece in the new barn, like a cornerstone." The gnome shrugs and then pointedly asks Edric, "So are we moving him to Windhorn cemetery at the Warrd temple or are we moving him to place here on your farm?"
Loryn had no talents or interest in barn clearing or barn raising and frankly he was not quite sure what a barn raising was, but the neighboring farmers would surely know and jump in on that.
Going back to relocations, "Probably should assume he is not, how to put it, contained. Pheadra, as you know the kids the best, shy don't you remain here and we'll fetch a cart and the necessary moving supplies. Drack could you snag Torrynashkabbeth and we'll get going"
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 Monday March 13th, 2023 6:36:01 PM
Manolo groups again with the others....he looks around and understands the atmosphere.... 'So...no murder or anything evil ', he thinks.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday March 13th, 2023 8:47:10 PM
Ash didn't like that Phaedra was paying attention to his nonsensical mutterings, but he still moved closer as she laid out her plan for a funeral of sorts.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Monday March 13th, 2023 10:07:44 PM
Mole listens to the discussion, but doesn't have much to add to the conversation.
"You must be strong; for her and for him." [DM Jerry] Monday March 13th, 2023 10:23:52 PM
Loryn asks Edric where the body is to be buried. He says, "At the town cemetery, I think. He smiles wanly at Loryn and Phaedra. Thanks. He walks for a bit away from the kids where those interested can talk without the kids hearing. "I'd like Maisie to stay mostly out of this. Raddy may need to help so he can help be part of the fixing of things here. We'll see."
Manolo and others are putting the pieces of what happened together. 1) Raddy is putting the animals in the barn. 2) Somehow, the barn is set on fire. 3) Dad comes into the barn and tosses Raddy out the window at the last second as he is crushed by a beam, burned and killed. 4) After the fire, Raddy raises the beam, pulls his dad's body out and buries him.
Torry continues privately in the house to comfort Raddy and it has some effect, at least for the moment. He looks up when she says, "You must be strong; for her and for him."
Raddy kinda repeats what she says, "I must be strong." Raddy, straightens up after a bit and says, "I need to check on Maisie." That decided he heads back outside and straight to his sister. "You ok."
Maisie says, "I'm not sure."
Raddy says, "Why don't you go in and play with your doll for a bit."
He heads to Edric and says, "Uncle, I'm sorry."
Then to the Windguard Captain, "I'm willing to face whatever I have coming to me, maam. I deserve all I gots coming maam."
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Monday March 13th, 2023 10:26:10 PM 'That's rich coming from her', he thinks about Phaedra barking orders at his people. For the past year or two, the city guard have been nonexistent during multiple crises. 'So many so, let me count the ways'[/i]: ogre attack, gremlin infestation, a public lynching, a fire breaking out and much more. 'Where were they,' he broods. People were having to defend themselves with broomsticks and logs. 'Rich indeed!'
Mortimer takes a moment to calm himself and chooses his next words more carefully. The old Mortimer would've flown off the handle, gotten beaten to a pulp and dragged off in chains.
After he had cooled off, he calmly offers a suggestion, "Why don't I go back ta the Hamlet, get a proper casket and the funeral carriage. When I return, may need help with the body, I will; not knowin' its condition and all. A couple of the hardier fellas, don't want 'em all gettin' sick up on me."
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Monday March 13th, 2023 11:15:25 PM
OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday's post. I have been painting parts of the house all day.
Gnubert listens but says little. The cleric knows guilt will crush the soul if some sort of repentance is not allowed.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 4:12:56 AM
Torryn followed on, but without haste. Hearing Raddy's words, she nodded. The "punishment" could prove very helpful to Raddy. Perhaps helping others, particularly if that was guided/supervised by a priest: a good, patient one.
Mortimer's words though made her heart sink a little. More digging! Was Mortimer part Dwarf?
For the moment matters seemed resolved. She thanked Spot for her help and patience and hen climbed into the saddle. She sighed. Each thing has its season, she thought. Not all dances were joyful. Yet beauty could still be found. She looked to the sky to lift her spirits. Clouds were always inspirational.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:43:32 AM
Drack waits, and watches, interpersonal relationships seem to be more of Tory’s thing. Drack was not really comfortable dealing with children and families emotions. If they were being attacked, he’d know what to do, but currently isn’t sure, and will follow the lead of others.
When Mortimer decides to head to town for a casket, Drack offers up his help. “I’ll go to town with you Mortimer, and help with un-burying, and re-burying the man.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Tuesday March 14th, 2023 11:03:35 AM
Loryn heads back to town to grab the supplies for the task ahead. Well for Mortimer's task ahead. he had no intention of digging up the poor soul. He had a different thought.
"Mortimer, when you return with the goodly departed farmer, we are going to need a day to properly prepare him and the site for his final rest. And to be clear here, make sure with whatever you can think of that we have a day to spend with him alone. Gnubert I'm going to ask that you prepare a spell so we can talk to him. Betsy said the farmer was on fire when he threw Raddy out. Raddy is saying a collapse is what did it? I want another statement on it and hopefully it is just a perception thing "
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 d20+4=23 ; Tuesday March 14th, 2023 1:05:35 PM
Ash likes the plan, but also doesn't see himself helping too much in the physical department. He spends his time still venturing around the barn and looking for any indication that the story is truthful, or worse a lie.
Perception 23
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 7:00:21 PM
Manolo stays put for now and watchs how things are going to unfold.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Tuesday March 14th, 2023 9:41:38 PM
On the way to Windhorn with Drack, he wonders if Noma had purchased a new funeral carriage over the past year. He explains to Drack that the old one was a modest little cart. "It has four wheels and only wide enough for a solitary casket of medium or small size. Well cared for, it is, and in good condition; with simple ornamentation. However there wasn't a bench for a driver. It was meant to be lead by a single horse or mule, but I guess you could ride the horse."
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:18:44 PM
Mole listens to the discussion. He has nothing to add.
Making Plans [DM Jerry] Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:58:23 PM
Uncle Edric gives Raddy a hug and says, "You did the best you could, Raddy. I think you'd agree with me that it could have gone better, but it was not for a lack of trying. And it takes a real man to go back in, move your dad's body, and bury him alone, nephew."
This seems to both help Raddy as well as make him seem ashamed again.
Phaedra agrees with Mortimer. "Yes, that would be great if you can get the casket and funeral wagon. Talk to her about having the funeral there at the Temple of Wardd. Have Noma handle things in this area and tell her to let me know of anything I can do to help. And if you would, tell the Windguard to return. We're not too good to help out our neighbors! And spread the word. We need lots of help!"
Phaedra looks at Manolo, Gnubert, Mole and Ash. She ponders for a sec and makes a decision. "Mole, Ash, Manolo, Gnubert... right? I'm usually pretty good with names, but I have to practice them a bit. Would you three be willing to go over to the barn and see what needs to be done to take it the rest of the way down? It's dangerous as it is now with the jack holding up one of the beams. Can we dispose of it somehow? Burn it the rest of the way? I'm not sure.
"Then again, if you're willing, we need to let the other farmers around here know what has happened and that Edric is here to stay. Just take the lead and do everything that needs doing to set this up?" Perhaps make contact with some of the farmers near by and see who has knowledge of such things? Then perhaps we can get a barn raising going for the day after the funeral?
Ash looks around the barn, but doesn't find anything new. He sees the beam held up by the jack. The broken window. A broken lantern that likely started the fire. It all seems to line up as presented.
Maisie lifts her head and as is her wont, she changed emotions on a dime. She grabs Ash's hand and says, I can show you Trixie's house. We can go there!"
Edric quickly stops Maisie and says, "Maisie, you need to stay here with me. Do we have some food we can fix up for everyone? Or we can go to town and get some? I think you are the perfect person to help me with this, milady!"
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Wednesday March 15th, 2023 6:13:18 AM
Had Phaedra asked them to help make arrows, Torryn could have been useful. All this other stuff? Not so much. Still, she was happy enough to head out to the surrounding farms and pass on the news. People wouldn't need much, if any, encouragement to pull together. That's what they did around here. they knew that their neighbours would do the same for them were the positions reversed.
"Spot and I will go tell the neighbours" She offered.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:36:25 AM
with news of the lantern, Loryn is nearly satisfied. The humans all seemed to be good and as the 'accident' had befallen a human, he would not push the matter. Loryn turns to Mole, "Sorry about rousing you out I suppose Mole. Anything you could use a tinkering hand with? Always available my good distant cousin." Knowing with near certainty the dwarf would decline, the gnome smiles and with a pat to his shoulder, heads to Minervas. Pheadra seemed good and bent on escalating things and he was quite certain that he would be tapped to cook up something. Might as well get a jump on that and see what the larder had. Not enough surely for this barn raising thing as that sounded like dozens of hungry people after a days hard work.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+8=9 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 2:51:37 PM
While heading back to town with Mortimer, Drack responds.
"I should be able to drive the wagon either way Mortimer. I wonder if there is anything else we can do to help the villagers while we are in town? Perhaps find some more volunteers for a likely barn raising? I bet Grog would put the word out."
Once back in town, Drack will speak with Grog, and see if he will put the word out an a future barn raising, and volunteers are happily welcome. He will then try and spread the word throughout the people he knows in town, and explain the tragedy that befell the family.(diplomacy 9. I really hate the die roller. never got so many 1's in my life.)
Manolo d20=16 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 7:11:11 PM
Manolo goes to the Barn and tries to figure out a way to make things less dangerous.
D20=16
OOC: on vacation but ironically super tired, managed to reset my headers ): And lost my post ):
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+2=10 ; Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:45:13 PM
Gnubert walks over to the others and listens to the conversation. When Loryn mentions his name he snaps back to the moment and nods his head, "I can do that in the morning, and in the morning I can cast a spell that will slow the, ummmm, more natural affects."
Gnubert smiles as he is given a laborious task. Working the body relaxes the brain. The gnome walks over and begins looking over the barn trying to discern the safest most effective way to demolish the rest of it. (Intelligence 10)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:45:50 PM
Not wanting to cause a scene, Ash chooses not to mention how Phaedra called out 4 names.
"Burn it?" He asks, already readying the Fireball spell.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Wednesday March 15th, 2023 9:21:03 PM
When Drack starts talking about finding volunteers about a barn raising, Mortimer begins to ponder the difficulty of raising a barn, especially over the ashes of the old barn. "I'm no carpenter, not in the least, but isn't more prep necessary before ya invite a crew out ta start a build ... the very next day, no less!"
He imagines the remains of the old barn would been to be cleared away first; including the old foundation being dug out and disposing of all the ash and debris. The new barn would need to be planned out and marked off. Then acquiring lumber would be the upmost importance and knowing what kinds and how much to get. He figured the first preparations would take weeks to months before any building would take place. But what does Mortimer know about such things.
Mortimer continues on with what he does know ... acquiring a casket and getting the funeral carriage from Noma.
A Bigger Job Than Expected [DM Jerry] Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:21:50 PM
Mortimer wonders if it is wise to rush into the barn raising, thinking that the old barn needs to be taken care of first.
Torry heads out with Spot to go tell the neighbors. The word seems to spread like wildfire. Everyone one of them says right after the funeral? Too soon! WE need to tear down the old one, sort the usable wood from the unusable. Trees need to be selected and cut. Bolts made. A floorplan made. They are willing though. Very. It seems everyone was being polite and minding their own business--a thing that the farmers kinda admit that usually doesn't happen. It's weird.
All the ablebodied will show up the day after the funeral and start looking at things. Others will cook food etc. Relatives will come.
Drack talks to Grog and Grog will bring the "festival" picnic tables out of storage and see that they are set up. He'll help with the food and set up an outdoor kitchen. Soon folk sare coming up to Drack and Mortimer offering help, asking what they can do, etc."
Manolo easily spots the first thing that needs doing. Someone needs to lower the jack holding the beam where Uncle Fulton's body was. Then the glass needs to be picked up.
Gnubert sees that some of the timbers would be impossible to lift without lots of help. The main beams are 8-10 inches on a side and 50' long. This may require some beasts of burden to pull on things and some rope? Burning it further? She confesses that she doesn't know much about this kind of thing?
Phaedra looks to Ash and says, "I leave it to you to decide the best method. Yell at me and I'll help."
Everyone seems to agree this is not as easy as Phaedra seemed to think. Various ideas are presented.
Mortimer and Drack arrive at the Temple of Wardd. Noma smiles and says, "How can I help you guys?"
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:44:37 PM
"I think what we need is engineering knowledge." He says to Loryn. "That's if we don't want to use fire to remove the barn. I do not have the necessary knowledge of structures like this."
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Thursday March 16th, 2023 3:59:57 AM
Torryn had no clue and not a lot of interest in the endeavour. Still, Spot would be a lot more useful than herself. Spot could haul heavy timber better than anyone!
Until such time as things were decided and she and Spot were called upon she happily took herself off to a field and practiced her 'dance steps'.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:21:11 AM
Loryn agrees with Mole, "And I know as much about that as I do on the mating practices of slime toads Mole" Loryn also knows he worth in clearing away anything, Raddy and perhaps even Maise could best him in any physical contest.
Loryn personally thinks it best for he and the others to get out of the way and let the farmers and craftsmen of Windhorn handle it and so he does precisely that by retiring to Minerva's Boarding House and into the kitchen. There was time to tinker and a fresh catch of fish provided a good opportunity.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:52:17 AM
Drack will continue talking with both Grog, and every villager that approaches him, as Mortimer sees to the casket. His response is mostly the same to everyone.
"The poor man gave his life to save his only son, who after it was all over, Jacked up a beam and pulled him out to bury him. There was heroism shown that day."
"I don't think we are quite ready for the barn raising yet, but I'm very thankful that i can count on your support when it is time to do the actual raising. What I think we need first is someone versed on engineering or structures. We have a barn mostly burned down, and it needs replacing. My friends and I don't know much about that kind of thing.'
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Thursday March 16th, 2023 7:54:30 PM
"Give me a go and I'll burn it to the ground right now. " Ash says. " I can drop a fireball on it right now.. and follow it up with a second one."
Manolo d20=8 ; Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:42:03 PM
Manolo laughes for a few moment in a dismay that no one is good at engineering, thinking to himself, ' no one is trying....we need to find someone, it can't be that no one can do this ', he goes on his way to find someone or an organisation that will help them with the daunting project they have on hand. Local knowledge 16 ( to find someone to help the keepers)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Thursday March 16th, 2023 9:01:59 PM
Gnubert looks at the others and shrugs his shoulders, "Let's make sure it won't spread and then we can handle it however you think!" The cleric gives a knowing smile, and winks.
The Barn is Down [DM Jerry] Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:46:16 PM
Mole suggests that some engineering knowledge is needed.
Gnubert seems to like the idea of fire-balling the barn, winking.
Manolo laugh in dismay that no one is good at engineering. He looks around and spots the guy with the confident look on his face walking up to the barn. Tall and lanky. Corn cob pipe. Overalls falling off of him. The perfect guy.
Nick loses interest and decides to practice dancing in a nearby field. Maisie decides to go with her and watch. "Wow that's cool. Where did you learn to do that?"
Loryn agrees with Mole and retires to the boarding house in town.
Drack talks with Grog and every villager he sees. Many agree to help and begin making plans to head out to the homestead to visit the uncle and the kids.
Ash volunteers to burn it to the ground with a fireball. But this lanky tall farmer in overalls says, "Now that would work son, but it would be slower than if we take it apart fella."
It isn't long before most every nearby farmer and some folks from town are around and ideas are being floated by most everyone. But the tall lean fellow, Amos Bo, seems to know the most and folks seem to listen to him. He sends them off for tools and for the day and says to be back at sunlight and "we will see what we will see."
-----
The next morning, the homestead is bustling with dozens of people, ladders, wagons, hammers, saws, and standing on a large crate is Amos Bo directing things better than a conductor of an orchestra.
Food tables are set up. By evening of that day, the barn is down.
Then someone asks, "When is the funeral?"
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Friday March 17th, 2023 4:30:56 AM
Torryn was of no use whatsoever in actively assisting with the barn. She was however, a marvelous children's entertainer. She had them dancing, marvelling at the beauty around them and playing games.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 d20+6=18 ; Friday March 17th, 2023 10:57:48 AM
Mole has no skills in building other than his knowledge of stonework. He checks the stone foundation to ensure it is correct to the best of his knowledge.
Craft (Stonework) DC18
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+12=19 ; Friday March 17th, 2023 12:47:58 PM
Loryn tinkers with what he knows best, food. Knowing there will be hungry folks at teh farm and then after that there will be hungry folks at a wake, he has two different directions of tinkering to do. The first is more pressing and he sets to it with vigor. Ample amounts of filling, thirst quenching morsels that will still be fresh by the end of the day and after being transported to the farm. Oh and let's add in they need to taste good at room temperature. He has an dies, raw fish sliced thinly and wrapped in a protective edible. An assortment of sauces for dipping, paired with a loose assortment of beans and fruits. Cider and white wine to top it off. Once that is complete, a cart of pies and a barrel of ale should finish of the evening. Cook 19
Just after midday, the gnome sends the first cart to the farm and gets working on the pies. The wake would still be a day or two off, and he'll need to pop out and get an exact time on that before starting. By sunset the pies are loaded with a barrel of ale and is heading out. Loryn hands the cart driver a note, "Give this to Torrynashkabbeth will you Eldis? Thank you."
'Torrynashkabbeth. No likes to eat pie without dancing' - Loryn Glitterfall
Time to start cleaning up.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo d20=9 ; Friday March 17th, 2023 8:12:34 PM
Manolo helps where he can. *,Thanks for the help Amos", Manolo says once in a while as time passed by and the fruition of their work starts to show . Aid another 9
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Friday March 17th, 2023 9:28:36 PM
Ash is a bit dismayed when he can't burn down the barn, but he helps where he can anyway.
"Did the farmer follow any religion? If we were to know, it might be easier to nail down a time frame.
JonS aka "Dwarf" aka Co_Dm at some point Friday March 17th, 2023 11:47:59 PM
Hey y'all, just checking in to say Hi, and I'm looking forward to helping out here in a few weeks ... this is my update for today so y'all know what happening in my RL
today is the last day of class/school ... I have until April 9th to get all of my hours in, then I'll be finished ... probably won't walk till September - they only do it twice a year ... I'll also be going to 4 overnight shifts Thursday to Sunday, so my posting will get better =)
I'll be completing a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Saturday March 18th, 2023 8:15:50 AM
Drack will lend what muscles he can to the project, following Amos’s direction like everyone else. He makes sure to thank every one for coming to help out. Drack will respond to questions about the funeral by simply stating “it is up to the family, but I will help in any way I can, and I’m sure my friends will too.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Saturday March 18th, 2023 8:17:57 AM
(Welcome to Bearclaw Jon. Happy to have you when you are ready. RL comes first. Good luck.)
Torryn looked at the note quizzically for a moment. It didn't make sense. She really didn't eat pies. Well, not often. The fish rolls and dips and fruit and drinks all sounded very tempting though. Still there was the matter Loryn's note. Then it hit her. One! No ONE likes to eat pies without dancing! In his haste, the thoughtful gnome had omitted the word 'one'. Now many people didn't associate dancing with funerals. She supposed they were right. However, what would be a wake without dancing? She'd have to corral the usual musicians. They were a good bunch. Not the most talented in the Wold, but they knew their audience well. When they provided the music she'd provide the dance. She'd quickly drag others up into the dance. A barn dance! That was fitting. Torryn set off to enthusiastically make the arrangements.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Sunday March 19th, 2023 1:50:17 PM
Mortimer responds to Noma's question. For some reason he needed a little extra time to form his words.
(ooc: Sorry for the delay. I passed out much too early past couple of nights and didn't around to posting.)
"Noma, we are needin' ta prepare a funeral for one of the local farmers, Fulton Bradforde. He burned ta death in a barn fire. Died saving his oldest child, Radcliff, from the fire. The lad buried the remains of his dad in a shallow grave. We're needin' a casket and the funeral carriage."
He then spends the rest of the day, making preparations and gathering all the necessary items before returning to the farm.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Sunday March 19th, 2023 6:49:53 PM
Gnubert works diligently with the others, and patches up the minor injuries that inevitably occur. The cleric works up a sweat, and his muscles ache before the day is finished.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Sunday March 19th, 2023 6:49:53 PM
Gnubert works diligently with the others, and patches up the minor injuries that inevitably occur. The cleric works up a sweat, and his muscles ache before the day is finished.
Manolo Sunday March 19th, 2023 8:24:09 PM
Good luck JonS/ CO DM.
I'm Wearing My Dress [DM Jerry] Sunday March 19th, 2023 10:34:52 PM
It takes a couple of days to clear all the lumber and separate what can and can't be used for anything.
The next day is the funeral. All of you are invited of course. Torry is asked to be a pallbearer after helping Raddy so much.
Raddy asks, "What do I wear? Maisie says, "I'm wearing my dress!"
Uncle Edric takes both of the shopping, but has to ask to pay later as he doesn't have the gold to pay for all of it. Raddy brings his uncle a pickle jar filled with coins, mostly silver pieces. "Dad always hid this, but he showed me where once."
The day of the funeral is bright and fair.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday March 20th, 2023 9:13:29 AM
Drack assists with all he can do, labor wise, and assumes a barn raising will take place following the funeral.
Seeing Raddy pull out the jar of silver coins, He pulls out 20 gold pieces and hands them to Edric. "This isn't charity, so don't take it as such. These were taken from evil creatures raiding this area, and I figure that they at least cost your brother this much in hardship. We took it from them after ridding the Wold of their presence, so in reality, it's your money. Take care of your family."
Drack will then turn, and quickly walk away, not wanting to give Edric a chance to try and give the gold back out of pride. Drack will be happy to take part in whatever is requested at the funeral, and will gladly lend his muscle and efforts to the barn raising.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday March 20th, 2023 10:50:31 AM
Ash partakes in any ceremony of the funeral, and helps out wherever needed.
Torry had to go borrow a dress from her mother. It needed a little work to fit, but at least she'd be presentable. Pallbearing wasn't something she'd expected or expected to be any good at. Surely they could have asked Dracky. He was far stronger than her. Still, she wouldn't be alone and typically there were 6 pallbearers, so if she was in the middle it wouldn't be that much weight - she hoped. At least it wasn't digging. Whatever the appeal was in making holes in the ground, she had no idea. It certainly didn't appeal to her.
The mood of the funeral didn't affect her at all. The sad part was over: the suffering. Now he was at peace and likely with the gods. So this was really more of a celebration of his life, than a mourning of his passing. That was how she chose to see it anyway and she was determined that both Masie and Raddy saw it that way too.
She gave Drack a smile when she espied him parting with a few coins. She'd have done the same, but with a lot less success. Somehow men seemed to find it a bit easier to take coin from a man than a woman. Well, the decent men did anyway. She resolved to give Raddy 2 gold coins: one for him and one for Masie. The responsibility of looking after that coin and his sister would be a useful distraction or so she hoped.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Monday March 20th, 2023 5:52:15 PM
Feeling the barn raising to be a resounding success, the next order of business was much more solemn. The gnome could only hope that his traditional dress of tan and brown with Leafy green accents and his black leather boots would be sufficient. A Prestidigitation spell would assure that his garments were perfectly clean and pressed so as to present himself in a respectable manner. Outside of that, he was not overly sure on how things were to go. Warrd, surely had traditional rites of this sort, but he wondered how much or if at all, was there any variation among the races. He supposed he would find out shortly enough.
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo Monday March 20th, 2023 8:04:18 PM
Manolo stays away from others until the time of funeral finely comes. He then dons a more respectable cloths and watchs the funeral.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Monday March 20th, 2023 8:38:51 PM
Mole stays at the tavern until the funeral. During the funeral, he stays at the outside near a tree. He silently ask the tree to watch over the dead.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Monday March 20th, 2023 10:00:52 PM
Mortimer, as usual, stays way in the back, near Mole's tree, during the funeral. Nobody wants the gravedigger around during the ceremony. He's seen their nervous stares, watched as they take little half steps away from him when he comes near. It's almost as if he were death himself walking amongst them. They don't understand he's not the enemy; only the deliverer.
He quietly watches from his vantage point, trying to understand them. Most people are secretly thankful that isn't them in that box ... on the other hand, he's thankful he's not one of them. They desperately cling to something they haven't even got.
He only hopes that no one put some kind of momento inside the casket with him. To do so is highly ill advised even though the sentiment comes from the right place. The dead don't want reminders of their life. Divorced from the needs of the flesh: hunger, thirst, desires, ambitions, etc; they find themselves alone with their regret and guilt. These wrongs become so loud and pronounced, the spirit doesn't need a devil to drag them to hell with hooks and chains. They willingly throw themselves into the flame.
Substitute DM Cayzle - The Funeral Monday March 20th, 2023 11:16:07 PM
The barn site is ready for the raising. Wood and materials that can be salvaged have been set aside. Mole makes sure that the foundation is secure.
The day of the funeral dawns. Before the ceremony, Drack makes sure that the mourners will have enough wherewithall to meet their immediate needs.
Just before the ceremony, Uncle Edric asks if one or some or all of you would speak at the funeral to tell the story of what happened. [OOC: Your substitute DM would like to hear such as story as well!]
During the service, Ash volunteers to help and finds himself serving as a pall bearer. Torry assists too, as best she can. Together, the pall bearers do not find the task difficult.
Loryn is worried about his clothes, but really, it is fine. the gnome sorcerer does not really know enough about religious services to suss out the nuances of regional variations -- in fact, what stands out the most are the how the mourners are comforted, and how the deceased is lauded for his brave sacrifice.
Unlike some, Manolo is content to observe the ceremony from the back. Which is fine -- no one questions him as he mourns in his own way.
Mole is even more reserved, not even entering the chapel for the service. He draws a couple looks, but no one questions him ... no one except the new Substitute DM ... if you don't mind, why does Mole stay away from the funeral?
Mortimer stays outside with Mole, but his reason is clear -- the gravedigger feels out of place attending. He does not want to disturb the mourners within ... whom he assumes would be bothered by him.
Does anybody step forward to speak about the deceased?
After the ceremony, there is a commemorative dinner. Will anybody attend?
The barn site has been prepared, so tomorrow is the barn raising. Does anybody from the party stop by to help? If not, what's your plan for the day?
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 12:53:06 AM
OOC: Sorry 2 weeks in a row i missed the monday post. My youngest daughter stopped by for a visit
Gnubert works hard each day helping where a 3 foot gnome can. The day of the funeral Gnubert takes his time getting dressed. The cleric makes sure his armor, shield, an surcoat are meticulously clean. Gnubert stands in the back content in letting the more experienced members of the party take the lead.
After the service Gnubert stops by at the supper. He visits with the family and prays with them if allowed. Gnubert doesn't stay long, and doe not have any adult beverages. The gnome wants to be at his best for the barn raising.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 6:07:14 AM
When invited to speak Torryn quickly bounced up, full of her typical youthful exuberance. She smiled out at all the solemn faces.
"I'm here to put the 'fun' into funeral" She began unapologetically. There were some gasps and more than a few frowns, but neither fazed her in the slightest.
"Think about it. We live our lives as best we can. Then we die. THEN, we go on and join the gods and 'live' on as spirits. So, whilst it's only natural that we MISS the departed, it really is no excuse to mope about with long faces. That's being selfish. You're just thinking of YOU and how sad YOU are. Instead think of HIM." She pointed at the coffin. "What we HE want you to do? I'm pretty sure he'd want you to LIVE - to live this life to the full and that's the best tribute you can offer this brave man. Honour him by doing all the things he loved to do. Find joy in the simple things and most of all....well, I would say 'dance', but let's just say - 'have fun', because you only get to do this once. So, for a brave man we too must be brave: bravely going forward and cherishing all the important things in life. Honour his memory and make new ones in his honour. See? I'm right. Fun." Torryn then stood aside for the next speaker, albeit 'stood' was hardly an accurate description of her lively hop.
Her world view might not be to everyone's taste, but it didn't mean she was wrong. She continued to smile as she looked forward to the dancing.
She ate lightly. It really wasn't a good idea to dance on a full stomach. As to the drink, she had some. It was only right that he was toasted. Besides she'd soon dance out the effects of the alcohol.
Manolo Tuesday March 21st, 2023 11:45:24 AM
Manolo will attend the dinner but keeps silent. He will also help with the barn raising.
OOC:will fix the header tomorrow.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 12:24:01 PM
Drack will step forward to speak of the deceased, and speak of the man's heroism in saving his son as the building burned down on top of him. This was an act that Drack could greatly respect and appreciate.
Drack plans to attend the commemorative dinner, and lend his muscles and sweat to the barn raising.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 3:32:16 PM
Ash closes his eyes tight, but can hide his smile at Torryn's joke. He was glad the other two spoke as it meant he didn't have to. After the funeral he heads over to the dinner.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Tuesday March 21st, 2023 4:51:48 PM
Loryn steps up as well to speak, having known the man and his children to lesser extent all of their lives. The gnome had moved to Windhorn about 30 years ago, stepping away from his family as he ascended into adulthood like all of the gnomes of Glitterfall before him. Loryn will tell of some by gone memories of visiting the farm to get this or that for Hearthfire Inn when he assisted there and how proud the man was of his farm and what he hands created and nurtured from the soil. He tells of the time Raddy scampered to the very top of the rafters of that barn to rescue Mittens, the now very old barn cat. Raddy couldn't have been more than 5 at the time. Loryn thought his dad a goner right then and there when he spied the boy some 35' up with a handful of cat. the gnome finishes his tail with a few favorite sayings had heard over the years, though he did not understand them all and leaves them with his favorite.
'Ive got to be an optimist, else I couldn't be a farmer.'
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:18:04 PM
Mortimer listens to all the fine words spoken about the deceased. "Short an' sweet, not a lotta blatherin'," he mutters to himself. "Now that's nice an' proper."
He hopes there will be plenty of food left by the time he can make the dinner. His job is still not finished. However he doesn't mind. There is something very satisfying about filling a hole. He imagines it's something akin to a warm embrace.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:04:35 PM
Normally during a dwarven wake, there was lots of drinking and stories of the dead. Mole didn't have any of that; he knew nothing of the family. So instead he drank by himself while his mind drifts back to the mountain and his brethren.
"Well it is a festival of remembrance." He says staring into his mug.
Substitute DM Cayzle - The Funeral Dinner Tuesday March 21st, 2023 11:56:34 PM
At the funeral service, Loryn offers some very heartfelt words, and they are quite well received. Some people smile, others cry. But the gnome’s words are clearly comforting.
Torry also stands to speak, but offers an unusual take on the best way to mourn. No one says anything, but the atmosphere is mostly not very receptive. A notable exception is Maisie. After the service, she runs up to Torry. “Wow, that was a great speech!” she exclaims. What kind of fun do you think we should have? Maybe dancing at the dinner?”
Gnubert was quiet during the service, but he offers his services at the dinner afterwards, and Edric asks him to say grace. Afterwards, the uncle asks Gnubert for advice. “I’m really not one for raising kids, the formerly childless bachelor explains, “So any advice you could give me would be great. Should I put them to work? Should they get some book-learning? What do you suggest?”
Edric includes Loryn and Drack in the conversation. “You spoke well at the chapel, my friend. If you have any suggestions on what to DO with these kids, please let me know. They’re good kids, but I’m a little out of my depth, here.” he keeps his voice low, so the kids do not hear.
Ash was glad he did not have to speak at the ceremony. At the dinner, Fulton’s son, Raddy, sits next to him. The boy, tall for his age, seems to shy to start a conversation with the wizard.
Manolo is quiet at the ceremony, and at the dinner. In the morning, he is ready to help with the barn raising.
Mortimer plays his part after the ceremony, and is a bit delayed getting to the dinner. But all goes well, and there is plenty of food left when he joins in.
Mole is reflective and solitary. By all appearances, the death has hit him hard.
Please go ahead and post your actions at the reception. Tomorrow’s DM post will get us to the barn raising.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 5:28:11 AM
Let them think what they would, Torryn knew she was right. The way of the Sacred Dancer was not for everyone.
Once at the reception, Torryn ate only sparingly and briefly. She had more important matters to address. So it was that in very short order she had rounded up Masie and the other small children. There then followed a series of games; games that to all observers seemed unfathomable chaos. Whatever it was it involved red ribbons and tickling. It didn't matter to the children. They squealed, ran and chased with unfettered delight. Red ribbons changed hands and the whole thing began again. Torryn matched the children's seemingly boundless energy and still had plenty left for dancing.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:37:50 AM
"Well Edric. I don't have any kids of my own, but in my experience, some kids are more suited to book learning, and some are more suited to labor. Book learning didn't take so well for me, so eventually I just learned the art of combat from experience and many hours of practice. I helped my mother with the farm and it was just the two of us, so i got lots of manual labor in my early years, which helped build the muscle to train. You gotta figure out which path is right for which kid. Maybe ask them? Kids can surprise you with knowing themselves. Sometimes they will need straightening out with a talk, or a boot to the rear, Domi knows that I certainly did. That's what you gotta learn and figure out. You can handle it it with plenty of patience and structure. Just help them figure out what's best for them."
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:39:53 AM
"If there is anything I can do to help you Edric, let me know. If it's something i can do, I will."
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 1:47:19 PM
the gnome wrinkles a brow at the question on the children,
"Teach 'em and work with them on farming. You live on a farm after all there Edric, and both of them live and have worked the farm since they were old enough to get out the door to be sure. Probably not a job out there that Raddy has not done or helped his father with. Maise is more of a chicken eggs and milking Betsy age right now, but she should get to know the whole operation too. Gonna be their farm some day." Loryn back hands the paladin across a armored leg, "Combat indeed.
He grabs Drack by a piece of armor to tow him away, "Let's go get Mole drunk"
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 4:42:15 PM
“You know how much it’s coat to get a Dwarf drunk? You are buying, but I’m in. Done enough talking for today.”
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 4:49:56 PM
Ash tries to talk the boy, but hes awkward around kids. One thing he knows kids like are animals.. plus what is always good at a dinner is a rat. With that he pulls out Oslo, and hands him to the boy.
"His name is Oslo... hes super smart. He'll do some tricks and show off."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 6:40:49 PM
Manolo watches the others but doesn't do much apart from occasionally moving from one place to another...feeling a little restless
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 d20+6=8 ; Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:18:18 PM
"That sounds fine with me." He says to Loryn. "I could use a few drinks."
"Don't worry boy, I'll pay for the drinks." He says to Drack.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:22:48 PM
Gnubert keeps the blessing short, and simple knowing the bulk of the preaching was done at the funeral. The cleric eats sparingly and does his best to engage in conversation. Gnubert turns to Edric, "To be honest I have no kids of my own, however, I am the youngest of 8. I can tell you that education is the single most important gift that can be bestowed on a person. My parents insisted my siblings, and I recieve an education. There hope for all of us was wizardry. I chose a different path. My parent didn't understand, but came around and supported me. That I think is key, love, and support."
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 10:33:00 PM
Upon hearing talk about getting tippled, "A drink," answers Mortimer, "I could use one or three."
After the first couple of rounds, Mortimer asks, "Is it true ...'bout beer in a dwarf's belly? Does it help keep ya from tippin' over; buoyant an' balanced?"
Substitute DM Cayzle - The Funeral Dinner, Conclusion Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 11:52:56 PM
Torry has a grand time at the dinner distracting the kids and keeping them giggling. A few seem more interested in the food (of which there is plenty), but Maisie follows Torry’s lead with abandon. At the least, Torry has made these kids happy at what might otherwise be a sad time.
Drack offers Edric some well-considered advice -- the paladin thinks that the kids should be free to choose their own path.
The less lawful Loryn suggests that the kids have a place in society, and that they should be trained for that place.
Gnubert has a third perspective. He thinks that education is the greatest gift you can give a kid.
The new adoptive dad listens carefully. “I think you speak some wise words, friends, and I thank you. I’ll have to think hard on what you all say.”
Following the serious discussion, Drack and Loryn head off to get Mole drunk! The dwarf offers no resistance to this plan.
Mortimer joins in on the drinking, and ribs his dwarf friend a bit. Or is he being serious? It may be hard to tell.
Sitting next to Raddy, Ash hopes to connect with the boy through his familiar, a rat. The farm boy politely pets the creature with one finger. “Back home, we try to kill these things. They eat the harvest.”
Manolo mingles a bit, but does not engage with anybody. He is restless.
The dinner concludes and Edric thanks everybody who came. Many of those there will be attending the barn raising the next day. The heroes will be there as well (at least, the DM thinks so, based on recent PC posts. If you do NOT want to attend, post what you do instead, please.)
At the barn raising the next day, the site and foundation are all ready to go. Today it is mostly a matter of brute strength. Please post how you will contribute, and make a check that is relevant ... a craft or profession check, maybe, or a raw Strength check, or some other idea you may have.
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 3:26:31 AM
Torryn made her apologies. There were others, far better equipped and qualified than her, for barn raising. Life went on regardless. She reported to Stratus, her tutor, explained what little progress she'd made and then spent the rest of the day practicing and meditating. It was gratifying to be so still and peaceful for once.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+3=19 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 8:30:22 AM
Drack will lend his muscle to the barn raising. (Strength check 19)
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+13=14 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 3:29:34 PM
Loryn shoos away the thought of Mole buying the drinks. "Oh that trick might work on humans my dwarven friend, but you'll not be catching me owing a dwarf on a bar tap. Like you, I was not born last half." Loryn of course, being a goodly gnome is only going to actually have 1 maybe 2 drinks. This was not to get him drunk after all.
Satisfied on a mission well executed, Loryn retires late and rises early to head into the kitchen to put everything together for later in the day. It takes a few hours and with a few coin and a message sent, he is confident the afternoon food and drink will arrive. Loryn himself, heads out to the barn area in the mid morning, the Bag of Holding partially filled with fried cakes, flatbread, fruit and cider. His masterpiece would arrive later. Hopefully right as the final touches are finished on raising the barn.
morning food prep 14
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 4:40:35 PM
Ash stares at the kid and scoops up Oslo. He leans in and whispers "Socializing... look it up."
He then smiles and excuses himself.
The next day, he can't help much other than an encouraging word.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 7:06:07 PM
Gnubert wakes early and prays for his spells. The cleric asks for strength, and wisdom to help, and know when to help and when to keep his small butt out of the way. Gnubert will help by ensuring there is water, avaialble, healing the inevitable injuries that occur, and acting as a go-fer for those doing the actuall barn raising.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Thursday March 23rd, 2023 7:06:09 PM
Gnubert wakes early and prays for his spells. The cleric asks for strength, and wisdom to help, and know when to help and when to keep his small butt out of the way. Gnubert will help by ensuring there is water, avaialble, healing the inevitable injuries that occur, and acting as a go-fer for those doing the actuall barn raising.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20=9 ; d100=59 ; d20=10 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 9:03:19 PM
Manolo tries his best with the barn raising. Anything that requires quick hands or fast reflexes were his specialty He might help with manual work.
D20=9 D20=10 OOC: rolled d20 for reflex based stuff Second roll for strength.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:34/34. d20=10 ; d20=3 ; d20=1 ; Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:01:45 PM
Mortimer decides he will partake of the barn raising. The food has been good and plentiful and that's all the motivation he needs. He processes no carpentry skills. However he is fine with performing the more mundane tasks required. He may be of average strength, but his endurance is uncanny; one could say supernatural. His only compliant is that it's too sunny. "My kingdom for a cloud or two!"
(Strength Check: 10)
Substitute DM Cayzle - The Barn Raising Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:05:00 PM
The next day, Torry bows out of barn raising. She spends the rest of the day practicing and meditating.
Ash encourages the bard-raisers, but manual labor is not in his wheelhouse.
Loryn puts his food prep skill to good use, making sure everyone is fed at the raising..
Gnubert contributes water and first aid to the day of labor, hoping his healing talents will not be put to good use.
Drack offers a near-superhuman level of effort in lifting the frame into place! Maisy says, “Wowsy! You are so strong!”
Manolo, like Drack, helps the inhabitants rebuilt the barn. He does his best.
Like him, Mortimer puts his back into it, but similarly produces an average contribution.
Esdic is effusive in thanking Drack, and everybody. He begins to make a speech, but he is interrupted.
Two Windguard on horseback come riding up out of breath. [Torry, if desired, can hear them as she meditates, and follow closely to see what is the what.]
“We ... need help ... right away ... Come right ... now ....” In a moment, they catch their breath enough to say that a boat has washed up on shore at Sentinel Beach with everyone dead, but one gnome.
“Blood ... everywhere!”
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Friday March 24th, 2023 4:01:46 AM
Was Mole there, or like Torryn, busy with his own tasks? She had no way of knowing. Agratha had deemed the young half elf in need of much tuition. This took precedence over barn building. Teaching Torryn patience and focus was no easy task, for either teacher or student. The last thing Agratha wanted was a distraction. It seemed to her that for once Torryn was listening and actually following instructions.
NB: Torryn is in town and will need to be collected en route should anyone feel that her presence would be desirable.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Friday March 24th, 2023 8:26:11 AM
"Thanks Maisy" he says after being complimented on his strength.
Once the Winguard arrives and requests help quickly, Drack thinks of nothing else besides getting there. Drack quickly looks to Loryn for any further direction as he starts to head to his horse.
"Looks like more trouble has found us. Let's go earn our keep."
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+13=31 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 9:37:46 AM
At the barn raising, Loryn spends his time keeping the table neat and clean and refills dishes as needed from his bag of holding. When not in the middle of that, he leans against the picnic bench and watches the art of raising a barn. It certainly required a great deal of necessary coordination and skill.
Loryn notices the Winguard 's approach readily enough, he wasn't overly preoccupied and moves towards them even as they continue along. Loryn understands things are serious, even before they start talking and as his brain catches up, Drack is already moving "Just Go!" he yells to Drack as the paladin rides offWe'll be along"
Knowing the paladin would be thundering away in an instant he looks to the others, At the guard, he throws a thumb over his shoulder, "Get down and give us the horses [b]"Monolo, Ash, Mortimer, whoever knows how to ride get going after Drack! GO!"
Loryn spins about to take in the crowd with a smile a chuckle and a lie. Hoping they did not hear to much, as he had moved to intercept the guard.
"Ship washed ashore. Cant be too careful with what's on board. You know holy warriors of Domi are excitable, Am I right? No worries. Help yourself to the food. Be back shortly.
Bluff 31
A wave of assurance again and the gnome starts off towards the beach on foot
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Friday March 24th, 2023 4:30:01 PM
Gnubert enjoys helping where he can. The cleric endulges in a little cheering as each portion of the barn is complete, if nothing else he hopes to raise morale. When the two riders rush up the gnome slides over to hear what they have to say. As the others start moving after Drack Gnubert looks over at Loryn, "You head that way, I will head towards town, and grab Torry. She needs to be with us just in case." The gnome takes off in a tear, stopping only to grab his haversack, and sundries.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20=19 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 8:45:37 PM
Manolo will go with everyone. He tries to ride if there are horses nearby.
Ride 23 (not class skill), (d20=19)
OOC: So I am assuming we get there by horses ?
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Friday March 24th, 2023 9:32:44 PM
Ash remembered when he thought this little hamlet was just gonna be a quick ale, bed and brekfast.. and he hadn't left yet.
Ash heads there with Loryn as he didn't ride.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Friday March 24th, 2023 10:39:02 PM
Mole is at the barn raising. He doesn't know much but follows the lead of the others.
When the others head towards the beach, Mole moves out with Loryn and Ash.
Substitute DM Cayzle - Race to Horror d100=42 Friday March 24th, 2023 11:17:10 PM
As the messengers arrive, Loryn intercepts them, gets the lowdown, and sends Drack off fast. He reassures the people before leading the group to the shore.
Despite not knowing how to ride a horse, Manolo looks for one to borrow. The DM rolls ... 01-50, no horse is free; 51-90, a workhorse is available; 91-00, a riding horse is available. The roll is a 42, sorry, no horse is there.
Ah, wait! Mortimer is smarter than the DM! (post edited to reflect this) The two members of the Windguard were of course mounted! Mortimer urges someone else to take a mount! Manolo mounts up and rides!
The first character at the site to post and claim a horse also gets to ride.
Mortimer uses magic to run faster!
Mole, Loryn, and Ash follow Drack on foot (unless one takes a mount).
Gnubert heads off to fetch Torry, and the two arrive a little bit after everyone else.
Dreck races off on horseback. He arrives to see a boat dragged up onto shore, filled with bodies. People have started to bring the bodies out of the boat, marked with grievious wounds, and lay them on the strand. Several folk are openly weeping. One man is herding children off back into town. Two women, knee deep in the wash, are steadying the boat while other people are carrying the bodies.
Manolo (and maybe one other on horse) arrives a round later, and then Mortimer, and then the rest of the party follows. The scene is horrific. What do you do?
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. d10+5=7 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 11:18:21 PM 'Get down and give us the horses,' he hears Loryn command the guard. Mortimer doesn't need a horse, he already has a dark steed. The only problem, he hasn't figured out how to summon it from the Realm of Shadow. He knows he's there. On occasion, he can see his steed pacing along side him in the darkness of night. His eyes reflecting in the moonlight.
He allows one of the horses to go to the others. He doesn't need one since he has no trouble out running them. He chooses to speak a few words of power. What few shadows there are around him seem to be drawn up into him. The influence of unlife within him becomes emboldened.
(Mortimer casts False Life and Expeditious Advance (aka Expeditious Retreat). Durations: 5 hours and 5 minutes respectively.)
In a cloud of dust, Mortimer races down the road at the speed of night. (Speed: 60 x4, able to cover almost 2.5 miles in 5 minutes.)
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 d20=5 ; Saturday March 25th, 2023 3:46:29 AM
Gnubert finds Torryn in Agratha's garden. Torryn is balancing on a small pile of stones in an arabesque pose. She's a little bit wobbly, but is determinedly doing her best.
(Dance: 17)
Substitute DM Cayzle - Race to Horror Saturday March 25th, 2023 8:31:57 AM
[See DM Post above]
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 d20=11 ; Saturday March 25th, 2023 10:30:53 AM
Torryn will take Gnubert with her. Spot can easily carry them both.
(Ride: 19)
"That looks bad." She told Gnubert unnecessarily, as the grisly scene couldn't be missed. "We can make things easier though; Spot can easily pull that boat out of the surf. can't you, Spot?" Spot was big. She was a seriously heavy, draft horse, built for carrying and pulling heavy loads - not for speed. That didn't bother Torryn. She liked the gentle horse and had no desire to race past Nature's beauty. That being said, it was a most definite canter-gallop that they'd just made the journey to the beach.
She let Gnubert dismount first and then followed to lead Spot towards the disturbing scene.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20+9=20 ; Saturday March 25th, 2023 9:19:59 PM
Manolo is shocked from what he sees but still manages to have a quick look at the scene . "What happened here? Spare me no details!", He asks confidently
Perception 20
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 d20+11=31 ; Sunday March 26th, 2023 3:34:17 AM
Gnubert shakes his head at the destruction of life and sets a out looking for survivors. As the dead are removed from the boat the cleric says a prayer over each, and attempts to identify the injuries (Heal DC 31)
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 d20+11=23 ; Monday March 27th, 2023 9:33:31 AM
Mole is surprised at what he see. He begins to look at the gruesome scene trying to discern what happened to the bodies.
Heal DC23
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+7=19 ; Monday March 27th, 2023 10:28:05 AM
Drack arrives at the gruesome scene, immediately ties up his horse, and moves to get on the boat and help with the body removal. While on scene, Drack tries to take everything in, from inside and outside the boat, for clues of what happened besides a gruesome slaughter.(perception 19)
If any of the guard are on scene, Drack says "Where is the survivor? is someone with them? we will need answers from the only witness. They should be under the watch of the guard."
Torryn and Spot will help pull the boat out of the water, so that the ease of access to the deceased is much improved.
(Obviously Spot did all the work, Torryn just provided encouragement)
(Will save: 29 to be able to look at the grisly scene. Success permits her to study the scene for additional clues as to what transpired. Perception: 29! - Natural 20, no less)
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday March 27th, 2023 1:18:21 PM
If someone has a spot for him and Lorryn to ride, he'll take it. Otherwise he walks with her to the site.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday March 27th, 2023 1:18:23 PM
If someone has a spot for him and Lorryn to ride, he'll take it. Otherwise he walks with her to the site.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Monday March 27th, 2023 2:09:59 PM
Loryn walks back to town, suggesting to Ash to take one of the Windguard's horses to get back a bit faster.
Loryn lets the others handle the boat and the bodies. He couldn't do much to assist with either, but he was interested in getting the lone survivor, the gnome elsewhere. No need to hang around the site of such trauma.
Minerva's boarding house and in particular the couch by the fire is where Loryn takes the gnome to talk. Anyone not actively engaged with the boat or examination thereof is welcome to join him. "Let's get somewhere a bit more comfortable and out of everyone elses way eh?" Walking over he introduces himself and, as a general whole, the others.
Once inside, Loryn fetches a drink, some bread and fruit and sits down to hear what the gnome can tell him of how he came to be on the boat on the beach
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday March 27th, 2023 5:24:20 PM
(Drack has a horse, and would have taken it with him to the barn raising.)
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20+9=16 ; Monday March 27th, 2023 8:40:21 PM
Manolo keeps an eye on the survivor as well....trying to her any conversations as well.
Perception 16
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. d20+12=25 ; Monday March 27th, 2023 9:47:01 PM
When Mortimer arrives at the bloody strand, his eyes go wide as he skids to a stop. Red has always been his most vibrant of colors and the sight of dazzles him. It almost seems to pulsate as it saturates all that are slathered in it. Time almost seems to stop as he languidly licks his bottom lip. His eyes roll back into his head and the young sorcerer finds himself in the dark and alone, or so he thought. A whisper in his ear breaks the silence.
"Do not succumb to appetites that are not your own. Find strength and solace in frustrating those desires they force upon you. Leave them wanting as they writhe and languid torment."
Mortimer knows this voice. He turns around to face his matron, Lady Agrippina Margrave.
The sudden rush of crashing waves against the shore and urgent cries for help wakes Mortimer back to the horrors of the bloody scene. He looks left and right to assess the situation. Citizens and guardsmen seem to have the situation currently under some semblance of control. Before he can act, he hears Loryn leading the lone survivor away from the scene of the crime.
Loryn, maybe ya should 'ave Drack or Toryn give the guy a look over, yeah! May be wounded, he is!"
(Bluff Check: 25, to Convey a Secret Message to Loryn. SUCCESS!)
(Secret message to Loryn: "We don't know him. Drack or Toryn should see if he's evil. He could be a killer!")
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 5:13:24 AM
Drack continues to assist until asked to do something else
Substitute DM Cayzle - Gnome Alone Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:16:42 AM
Drack springs into action, lifting the bodies out of the boat and onto the beach.
Torryn’s Spot carry her and Gnubert. She ans Spot make sure the boat is dragged up past the high water line.
Manolo is shocked at the scene, but has the presence of mind to ask witnesses what happened. A couple townsfolk were present for the whole thing. The boat was PUSHED ashore by swimmers! Humanoids! They pushed the boat to the shallows and then shouted something in their own language. One of them spat on the bodies in the boat, and then they all swam off out into the bay.
Gnubert looks for survivors and discovers that one victim is unconscious and near death, but not yet dead! This is the gnome that the Windguard had mentioned. He looks stable. As he prays, Gnubert sees that the victims were killed by stabbing weapons.
Mole notices that the stab wounds form patterns, of two or three stab wounds close together, always the same distance apart.
Drack calls for the survivor to be protected.
Loryn sees that the gnome is unconscious, but stable. He urges his friends and the townsfolk to being the sole survivor to a place that is sheltered from the elements. Soon you are all under roof with the gnome, still unconscious, laid out on Minerva's couch.
Mortimer worries that the gnome is a treacher, and urges his friends subtly to be cautious, and to find out more.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 d20+4=21 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:40:21 AM
When Ash finally gets to the crash site, he'll move right into action and start helping drag any bodies off the boat. He'll scan around for the water, seeing if anything sticks out.
Perception 21
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:55:24 AM
Once under the same roof as Loryn and the survivor, Torryn remembered to check for the presence of evil. She was getting better at remembering such things and attributed that to Drack's very organised and methodical influence. That done and subject to no concerns being raised, she will offer to administer such healing as she possessed, but in so doing cast her eyes to Drack. He was a better healer than her. Sacred Dancers were - well, just sacred dancers. They weren't full-blown, almighty paladins. Of course, most paladins couldn't dance - not like a sacred dancer; so it was, she felt, a reasonable trade off.
(OOC: Torryn expects Drack to also check for evil. She will defer to him in matters of healing.)
"You think that they upset the fish people?" She asked quietly. "Those wounds did seem kind of 'tridenty', don't you think?"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 2d6=12 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 12:00:19 PM
Drack catches that Torry is detecting evil, and waits for her to advise. He will add to her healing with a lay hands for 12hp.
"Yeah Torry, they look like tridents to me unless he was stabbed multiple times. Someone well versed in healing could probably tell us what weapon caused this. From the sounds of it, the sailors and the fish people had a disagreement. I would guess that the fish people brought the boat back as a warning."
"Depending on what he says, we may be going sailing to either broker a peace accord, or solve the problem. Either way.. We're gonna need a bigger boat."
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K d20+13=29 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 2:36:20 PM
Loryn wrinkles his large nose as Mortimer, "He ain't so bad as not to stand a carry to a place more comfortable. Bluff check 29 Secret Message back- You worry too much.
Gnubert and Mole knew the most about healing and wounds, but what the others were saying made sense to him. Torrynashkabbeth and Drack knew the most about weapons and so their guess was good enough for him.
"Sailing and swimming again huh? You still got that leather Drack. Probably going to want to not dress like an anchor."
Loryn is happy to wait for the gnome to wake and while doing so have a conversation with everyone else. "Assuming he stays under for a bit, lets get a bit more from those who were on shore. swimmers is not the best description. Perhaps we could get more detail."
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 3d6=11 ; d20+12=16 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 4:50:03 PM
Gnubert prays and reaches out with his holy symbol to heal the gnome (11 points of healing to everyone around the cleric). Gnubert checks over the survivor carefully to determine if there is anything else ailing the gnome (Healing DC 16). "All I can determine is he, and his companions, were stabbed. I do not know what the weapon was, nor why."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20+5=15 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 8:11:03 PM
Manolo tries to swim after the humanoids but instantly gives up as he wasn't prepared to swim with his clothes and he was not going to risk it now. He tell the others what heard from the eye witnesses. Swim 15
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:14:13 PM
Mole notices the wounds. He points out the pattern. "The wounds look like they were caused by a pitchfork-like weapon."
The talk of a boat does not sit well with the dwarf. "Why a boat?!"
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. d20+1=17 ; d20=7 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:34:19 PM
Mortimer acquaints himself with the dead, not knowing what else to do. The dead no longer have any troubles, not in this realm anyway. He gives them all a look over, taking in account their age, size, race, manner of dress, etc. He looks over their features. Do they appear they belong in a boat out at sea or are they a fish out of water? He wonders if he recognizes any of them. (Knowledge [Local]: 17)
"Why have the lot of ya come ta be left on my beach," he asks no one in particular. Though any one of them are more than welcome to answer this question. "Why 'ave the fish folk bring ya here? Why not keep ya? I know for a fact, there are those that have a taste for ..." he immediately falls silent not wanting to finish that thought out loud. "Why go through the trouble of draggin' ya here?" That is a good question ... why bring them back? Was this a threat or compassion in returning the dead?
(Sense Motive: 7)
Substitute DM Cayzle - Gnome Story Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:33:43 PM
Torryn and Drack detect evil and offer curing. There is none of the former, thank goodness, and after the latter, the gnome wakes up.
Torryn cleverly concludes that the wounds were caused by tridents! She suspects “fish people.”
Drack agrees and further concludes that the boat was returned as a warning.
Loryn reassures Mortimer -- the lack of evil may do the same.
Gnubert helps restore the gnome to perfect health. Well, perfect physical health. The fellow still seems a little more than somewhat shaken.
Manolo considers swimming, but the humanoids -- maybe fish people -- are long gone. He shares what he heard from the people on the scene.
Mole does not much care for this talk of going out on a boat.
Looking over the dead, Mortimer, sees that some are sailors, but two have the look of wealthy merchants. However, any wealth that remains has been despoiled. He concludes that this is the longboat from a larger vessel.
The gnome survivor is very excitable and also in a bit of shock. His name is Fifebriess Wander, and he was the junior merchant partner of three merchants owning a trading schooner, The Loyal Wolf. He comes from Thistleport. His two trading partners were slain by sahuagin. His ship was headed to Plateau City from Thistleport to meet with a trading company there to finalize a long term trading arrangement. The gnome survived by hiding in the food locker with his invisibility ring, but stray tridents got him.
All the wealth of the merchants is gone, aside from what Fifebriess has in his pockets, and the schooner and all that it had of value has been stolen beneath the waves.
The elders of the town council show up at about this time to hear what is going on.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:25:35 AM
“Yeah Loryn, I still have the leather. But this time, if I go swimming, we all go swimming. These creatures of the deep could be thousands strong. We will not necessarily know what we face so we will need to have magic for underwater combat.”
Drack listens to the Gnomes story, and the first thing that hits him is that this thankfully might have nothing to do with this town.
“Can any of your alls magic find out what the water people said when they pushed the boat ashore? That would probably tell us a lot about their intentions.”
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:33:22 AM
Torryn wasn't going to be doing any explaining to town elders. This was mainly due to the fact that she didn't really have an explanation for them. Some Salty Fish People attacked a ship and did lots of stabbing. Why? She had no idea. That was likely important. From what little she knew -and that really wasn't much - no more than anyone else really; the fish people weren't the nicest and most tolerant of individuals, but they did tend to stick to their own domain. Were raids of merchants vessels common? She had no idea. She was no sailor and her swim was next to non-existent. Swimming took a lot of effort and she simply didn't have the muscles for it - or the technique. Agratha had assured her that she could be competent for practice, but there was so much to practice, she'd never quite got around to the swimming part.
(LoH 1/5 used.)
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Wednesday March 29th, 2023 11:39:58 AM
Loryn listens and sympathizes with Fifebriess Wander. It must have been truly terrifying and he gives the man a pat on the leg. "Take a moment and enjoy the fire cousin." Loryn refills his glass with non fermented grape juice.
A head throw asks the group to withdraw to talk.
Loryn is about to comment on the fighting of thousands of Sahauguin when the knock at the door stops him. "2 guesses" as he walks over and opens the door
Loryn waves them in and points towards the kitchen, "Let's take this in there and give him some space for now at least." Not expecting any resistance, Loryn heads into the kitchen and gives a quick recap. "Which means the swimmers that brought in the longboat were not the perpetrators of the attack."
Also means this is not something we should mess with thinks the gnome
Spells: Acid Ray 8/8 30' range Innate: Speak with Animals 1st lvl: 7/7 2nd lvl: 5/5
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:20:23 PM
Manolo keeps quiet for now....
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. d20+1=13 ; d20+6=18 ; Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:09:18 PM
Mortimer concentrates on the two wealth merchants (ooc: Are they gnomes as well?). The sailors were in their logical place. However these two were obvious passengers. He can tell they've been stripped of valuables. The tan lines where rings were once worn was evidence enough. He carefully checks their pockets for items that would identify them. He looks to see if their boots were still worn. Why would fish folk know about footwear and all their various utilities; such as hiding places? He will remove their boots and check inside. (Perception: 13)
If there are any locals standing around him, he asks, "Please go inform Priestess Noma that we 'ave several guests in need of caskets. She will know what ta do."(Diplomacy: 18)
Mortimer then strolls over to the water's edge. His hands are bloodied. The sweet scent causes his nostrils to flare. The temptation was almost unbearable, but the words of his matron had given him strength. Mortimer takes up the shepherd's staff with this flock of bellwethers. His bloodline was meant to serve him, not to be a steward to their woldly delights. He can feel their torment as he washes the fresh blood from his hands.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 10:24:08 PM
Gnubert sits with Fifebriess hoping the closeness helps restore his addled wits. The cleric says little, trying to not press for information.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:43:01 AM
"Don't think there's much we can do." He says. "I'm not getting into a water battle with fish folk, and we can't be on every ship that travels through these waters."
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Thursday March 30th, 2023 10:15:41 AM
Ash continues doing what hes doing. (Did he notice anything last round?)
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:01:10 PM OOC @ Stephen F...i think the gnome is the sole survivor. his 2 merchant partners were killed
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. Thursday March 30th, 2023 4:08:41 PM
(occ: Dan, yes I know. I was just wondering if the two dead merchants were also gnomes? )
Substitute DM Cayzle - Gnome Story Thursday March 30th, 2023 4:55:39 PM
In light of recent information, Drack worries and starts to plan for an underwater fight. Maybe this is not related to the town? If only there were some way to find out what the fish people had said.
Torryn seems to want nothing to do with this mess. She does not want to talk to the council, does not want to go swimming, and does not know what the nuances of the situation are!
Loryn comforts the gnome survivor and urges him to rest. He wonders if the fish people were even involved. Were they delivering a warning or just helping return the dead and dying to the land? He too wonders if this is a situation into which the party should be intruding.
Manolo keeps his own council.
Mortimer looks over the dead merchants. One is a gnome, another is a human. He searches the bodies and their footwear (which, indeed, were not taken), and finds that the human had secreted a signet ring away on his person. Mortimer also makes arrangements for the dead.
Gnubert also sits and offers company to Fifebriess. He is starting to grow calmer. He speaks softly to Gnubert. “Strangest things I ever saw. Looked like devils! Very scaly. Gross! Greenish-gray humanoid, both arms and feet were webbed claws. Pointed teeth that were very sharp. They carried tridents and barbed nets.” He shudders. The elders hang on his every word.
Mole joins the growing consensus, teling his friends that he wants nothing to do with a water fight.
Ash has been searching the shore and the boat. He sees the blood in the bottom of the boat, and he sees a bloody footprint on the rim of the ship, made as a sahuagin departed. It seems clear to him that the sahuagin not only sank the merchant vessel, but killed most of the people on this lifeboat, and raided the dead.
The town council asks to meet with you all, giving Fifebriess some privacy. Captain Bearclaw is worried and says he has heard of monsters like this attacking the town in the past.
Torryn was still far from sure what they could do about that. Mostly though, it didn't make sense. Why would the "Sour Whey Gin" Fish people want to attack the land people? Surely that was a suicide mission for them. Just as the land people would find to their cost if they sought to attack them in their watery domain. Taking a ship was one thing. It was at sea and thus at their mercy, but to come on land - well, that was quite another matter entirely.
"Is there any precedence for suspecting a land attack is imminent?" She asked tentatively. If there was such a precedent then precautions could be taken such that here'd be an evident deterrent. prevention was, it was said, better than cure.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:05:59 PM
Manolo will attend the council as well...he says to Mole "We might need to fight them in the water unless you have smart idea how to lure them to the shore...and besides if we don't deal with them now...". he says and ponders about something..... "If we don't deal with them, there won't be any goods or merchants coming here...", he says after thinking.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Thursday March 30th, 2023 11:13:20 PM
Gnubert places his hand around Fifebriess shoulders, and gives him a hug. The cleric takes a moment and catches Loryn's eye, and whispers he said, "Looked like devils! Very scaly. Gross! Greenish-gray humanoid, both arms and feet were webbed claws. Pointed teeth that were very sharp. They carried tridents and barbed nets.” Gnubert stretches his legs by walking around the room, and comes back to Loryn, "we need to find a way to help prevent this from happening again. I cannot imagine what he has been through."
When requested to meet the council Gnubert pats Fifebriess on the shoulder, "We will be back shortly. You are safe here." Gnubert then walks with the others to the council chambers.
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Friday March 31st, 2023 7:07:06 AM
Drack will follow along with the others, but doesn’t have much to add besides what the rest of the group already knows.
AC 13 HP 34/34 Loryn Glitterfall; Dan K Friday March 31st, 2023 7:14:04 AM
Loryn nods to Gnubert, that matched some of the stories he has heard and one of the many reasons he was a gnome that was perfectly happy on the good dry dry land.
at the meeting with Pheandra, Loryn gives a non-committal shrug, "And if they show up looking for trouble, we'll give them plenty."
Otherwise the gnome was not convinced the small band should do a thing. When Fifebriess was recovered there may be more, but running out to sea looking for death was not on his weeks list of things to do.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Friday March 31st, 2023 9:05:36 PM
Ash relays anything he found out to the others. When the time comes he heads with the others to the meeting, hoping to find out more about these creatures.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Friday March 31st, 2023 9:19:34 PM
Mole looks at Manolo. "I'm not fighting in the water. It'd be suicide for all of us. Most of you can barely swim and some can't swim at all. Use your head."
With talk of attack on the town, Mole feels something needs to be made clear to these kids. "Before all of you kids get caught up in the excitement of battle with these sea creatures, you need to understand we can support the guard, but there is no way this group can be responsible for the town's defense. Don't volunteer our services for things we have no experience doing." He says in his father-like tone.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. Friday March 31st, 2023 9:54:16 PM
Once the dead are boxed away and the beach secured, Mortimer will stroll back to the residence where he assumes the rest are keeping themselves occupied ... and maybe someone had started dinner.
Along the way, he takes the signet ring from his pocket, the one he found in the dead merchant's boot. He scrutinizes it's design and details. He'll even attempt to check it for magical auras, via Detect Magic. He will try and read any inscriptions or runes (common, draconic and high woldian). Does he recognize any family crests? (Knowledge [Local]: 6)
Once he arrives, he places the ring he found on the table for everyone to see. "Your harbinger of the ring as arrived." He'll then report all he's learned about it.
Mortimer studies the signet ring he found on the dead merchant. It is not magic, and it is just what it seems -- a way for a merchant to put his mark on contracts and letters, impressed in wax, to serve as a sign for his trading house. If it means anything, it confirms Fifebriess’s tale. It is worth maybe 100 gp.
Gnubert comforts the gnome with a hug and whispers to his fellow party member, and the gnome victim overhears. “Yes, you know, I like to draw. Let me show you!” Fifebriess makes a quick sketch, here.
Ash is curious about these monsters, and he studies the sketch intently.
Drack follows everybody to the council meeting, but he has little to add.
At the meeting, Torryn tries to understand why the sea folk would invade the land, or vice versa. The difficulties inherent in traversing alien terrain would seem to make that kind of attack doomed from the start.
Bearclaw explains that the sahuagin have attacked in the past as raiders, not conquerors. They come ashore to pillage and steal. They especially prize wrought metals that are not easy to make or maintain underwater.
“The best deterrent is to remind them that we are not pushovers. They are bullies, and if you give them a bloody nose every generation or so, it warns them off, well enough.”
Manolo listens and whispers to Mole that it may be wise to fight them just to secure the safety of travellers and merchants coming in over the waves.
Loryn firmly agrees that repelling raiders is the right thing to do, but privately, he is far from sure that taking the fight under the waves is a good option.
Mole has even greater reservations than Loryn, and he does not think that an underwater fight is even possible.
Despite the party’s mostly unvoiced hesitance, the council elders quickly come to a consensus, and they ask the party to deliver what Bearclaw has described as “a bloody nose” to the sahuagin.
“Now, I know it seems scary to contemplate going under the waves,” the veteran says, “but we’ve got a ring of water breathing for each of ya, saved in our vault for this purpose, that we can lend to you.”
Torrynashkabbeth (Nick) HP:27/27 AC:17 F9: R:10 W:12 Saturday April 1st, 2023 5:26:46 AM
Well, that wasn't good. What was Spot going to do? They generally didn't make water-breathing rings for horses; at least, she'd never heard of such. Then there was the actual difficulty of moving in the water. She couldn't even swim properly! How was she supposed to move around? Not drowning was all well good. It certainly wasn't on her To Do list, but it struck her that this venture had been given very little, if any, serious thought thus far. However, she very much doubted that she would be alone in coming to these conclusions. Drack was supremely practical and Loryn was perspicacious. Then there was Gnubert - full of common sense. In fact she was quite certain that every other member of their group was smarter than was she.
Yet,"Won't the water ruin my bowstring?" was all she could think to say. The bow was magical however, so perhaps that would protect it. Oh, but then would it still be able to make the arrows ignite? She had no idea, but again, it was magical; so perhaps the magic would still work underwater.
Torryn stood there looking decidedly confused as she glanced from one of her friends to the other.
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Saturday April 1st, 2023 10:40:53 AM
Mole looks at the Elders with suspicion. He felt this plan would only antagonize the fishfolk and not have the intended result. Even with the rings, he feels it's a fools errand.
Mole stands and looks to the others. "I've said my piece. Decide what you want. I'll go by your decision." As he heads towards the door, he says "Look for me in the tavern." Mole leaves the meeting.
Mole leaves. As he heads to the tavern, he looks at the people scurrying through the streets. Adventurers, ha. I can see why they are viewed the way they are. Nothing but a stick poking a hornet's nest.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. Saturday April 1st, 2023 11:16:34 AM
Mortimer just starts chuckling when he hears this absolutely ridiculous, crazy, insane proposal.
"Let me see if I got this straight. Ya want us to strip down to our underpants and jump into the drink, yeah. So you want us to just bob there in the water, unable ta see or move worth a hoot, all nice and helpless-like. Poor Mole there would simply sink like a stone! Then all the fish folk can come and take turns murderin' us at their leisure. Good thing we 'aves those water breathin' rings to prolong our sufferin'. Am I right?"
He looks on in disbelief at this insane proposal by a so-called veteran. Mortimer adds, "I think I speak for all us when I say ... NO, No, no way in bloody 'ells are we gonna be fed to the fish! What's Plan B?"
Torryn was very pleased to hear her own reservations voiced more openly by Mole and Mortimer. She was of half a mind to join Mole at the tavern - except that she didn't really drink and felt too embarrassed to simply walk out. Dwarves could do that. She couldn't. She looked around, hoping that the others would agree with Mortimer and that there was indeed a Plan B.
"I agree with Morty." She said, emboldened by his words and trying to emulate the strength of character that Mole had so impressively displayed.
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; d20=7 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 7:53:02 PM
Manolo is surprised by the proposal. He also feels ashamed that he didn't think about everything like Mole, Loryn and the others. He scratches his head feeling stupified by the proposal and plan.
He simply says "Unless you have a real plan how we can fight this underwater things we will have to think about this", he says in between everyone "Don't you know someone that can help us and give advice how to fight underwater against things we don't know.... especially when they keep coming once in a while!?", He says/asks towards the end. Local knowledge 15 (d20+8)
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Sunday April 2nd, 2023 8:59:15 PM
Gnubert looks over the sketch, ans shudders a bit, [i]"nasty buggers. Well whether we fight them on the land, or in the sea the Gods will be on our side."[/b] The cleric mutters to himself as he listens to the others.
The cleric hears the reluctance in his friends voices, and perhaps a little fear. The cleric stands before the group, and takes a breath, "Perhaps, this will be difficult, perhaps we may get injured, or worse. However, if we are the heroes of this town, this hamlet then it is our responsibility to protect these folks and those who pass through peacefully. Looking for reasons we may fail will provide answers as to what gear, items, or spells we need but it will also soften our resolve and make it easier to look for reasons why we can't possibly succeed. The Gods will help us succeed, all we need to do is believe, after all faith is power!"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday April 3rd, 2023 8:13:09 AM
Drack says nothing as his friends succinctly express his reservations. Once Gnubert speaks, he chimes in. “Breathing underwater is one thing. Swinging a sword or casting a spell is another. On top of that, we would be going to fight a possible underwater war when we don’t even really know why they did what they did. In my opinion, the best course of action is to use our resources to determine why it occurred. That’s all I have to say on the matter presently.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Monday April 3rd, 2023 8:13:26 AM
Drack says nothing as his friends succinctly express his reservations. Once Gnubert speaks, he chimes in. “Breathing underwater is one thing. Swinging a sword or casting a spell is another. On top of that, we would be going to fight a possible underwater war when we don’t even really know why they did what they did. In my opinion, the best course of action is to use our resources to determine why it occurred. That’s all I have to say on the matter presently.”
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 d20+8=17 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 8:14:12 AM
Diplomacy check on his last statement 17
New DM-Ryan: Maybe a drink instead. Monday April 3rd, 2023 11:08:05 AM
Mole has said his pieces and heads to a tavern to await what the other decide.
Mortimer gives a hard pass on the plan.
After much thought Torryn only verbalized concern for her bow before agreeing with Mortimer.
A real plan is demanded by Manolo as well as wanting to speak with the manager, er, someone who has fought underwater.
A more traditional expression of what being a hero to a community is is presented by Gnubert.
While Drack wants to dig into the underlying root of the conflict. {ooc: what were you attempting with that diplomacy roll.}
Bearclaw sees this is not going as expected but some questions when death is on the line make sense.. “As far as fighting underwater you need weapons that stab. A longsword can be driven forward in a stab or a spear. Things you must swing, like a mace, not as useful. Bows are out but specific crossbows work. That is about all I can tell you. A trident works well and we have some of those.” He look at the faces of those left. “Well, I understand. Why not follow your friends to the tavern and I can talk to the others about what to do next.”
Torryn had no problem in following Mole. Her best weapon was her bow and they wanted to take that away - effectively. Gnubert's powerful words about faith were all well and good, but she rather felt it was 'blind' faith: something that would lead to a 'glorious' death. No, for her, there needed to be a LOT more explaining to do before she was venturing off land.
"They do know I can't swim, right?" She asked Spot before turning to her friends. "Anything want a ride to the tavern? Spot doesn't mind - especially if it's Loryn or Gunbert....no offense, guys." She concluded with an impish grin.
Torryn knew she wasn't the cleverest in the group, but even she could clearly see that currently there was no plan at all and even that was badly thought out.
NB: Anything* - should have said Anyone. Apologies.
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Monday April 3rd, 2023 3:42:51 PM
"What about magic? I can't be using some of my components, or my words very well. Also, my hands aren't going to move as smoothly underwater. "
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 d20+9=14 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 6:26:40 PM
Manolo will go to the tavern with the others as well...
Mole; (RichP) AC 18; HP 48/48; CMD 16 Monday April 3rd, 2023 9:07:35 PM
Mole sits at a table with a drink. At the center of the table are a dozen mugs of ale. A nice frothy head covers the barley goodness hidden beneath.
Gnubert Glitterdust (Wade) AC: 18 T: 13 F: 16 R: 5 F: 8 W: 10 HPS: 36/36 CMD: -1 Monday April 3rd, 2023 9:17:30 PM
Gnubert smiles inwardly as the others express their opinions, and reservations. The cleric accepts Torry's invitation to ride Spot to the tavern, "thank you! It seems to take me longer, and longer to make those steps as the day draws close to its end."
Gnubert walks into the the tavern, and greets the townsfolk with smiles, and handshakes. The cleric finally takes a seat with his friends, and waits for additional information.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. d20+4=12 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 9:26:09 PM "One thing I wanta make clear ... I'm not against makin' these chippy bastards pay, but we're NOT in the suicide business. First, we know nuthin' bout the size of this fish gang. The facts are this gang sunk a ship and murdered the whole bloody crew! How well are we gonna fair bein' thrown in the water completely starkers? We need ta be clever 'bout this."
Mortimer throws out some ideas and he hopes some of the brainy, clever types can answer.
"I've 'eard of magic that changes ya into another bloke, even these toadie, fish-faced bastards (they are humanoids). Think it's called Alter Self, can be made inta potions, yeah. Will give ya their swimmin' ability!" (Knowledge [Arcana]: 12)
He then thinks a little longer and his eyes go wide. During the festivals, several years ago, a group of gnomes brought a mechanical crab and had it performed for the crowds. The gnomes could operate it from the inside and take it underwater! "What was it called? Uhhh, Apparatus of the Crab! It's pinchers could snip those chum munchers in two!"
Drack (Chris J) - hp 35/35 - AC 18 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 6:24:42 AM
Drack follows the others to the tavern and sees Mole with a dozen mugs in front of him. He walks over to make sure they aren’t all empty and then grabs a full one. “Thanks Mole. Much appreciated. Everyone seems to be overlooking the basic question of why did they do this? It’s not what they usually do. Did this ship break some sort of long standing peace rule? If we can’t talk to them, is it possible to talk to the boats captain? Not that his corpse will be all that forthcoming.”
DM-Ryan: Friendly Bar Keep Tuesday April 4th, 2023 1:33:39 PM Mole, first to the bar, sets up a dozen nice cold mugs of ale.
Torryn has no problem heading to the tavern and gives Gnubert a ride. She thinks there is more explaining to be done, explaining by who is not so clear.
Ash has concerns about being able to cast spells underwater.
Manolo heads off to the tavern.
Mortimer starts brainstorming ideas of potions and even mentions a magical vehicle he had heard of.
Drack wants to explore the motivation behind the attack.
As you talk the tavern keeper approaches, looking uncomfortable. “Begging your pardon but I have to ask if it was really those fish folk causing trouble. You know this isn’t the first time, I lost my grandad to them when I was a little one. Terrible they come cause issues again. Well you lot know how to handle things I am sure. Next round is on me.”
"that is very kind of you." Torryn thanked him. "If you could tell us how it happened, that might help us a great deal." Drack's point was a good one, but really, it was merely another part of the puzzle that they now faced. They needed information and lots of it. Just to slap on a ring and charge off into the waves, was not sensible.
Mortimer Margrave (Stephen F.): ac:19/14/16. temp/hp:41/34. Tuesday April 4th, 2023 3:07:49 PM
Mortimer looks up from his drink and acknowledges the bar keep, "Yeah, I recall those stories. Those chum munchers raided the fairgrounds to steal the Sentinel Head." He looks to his friends and adds, "I told ya all that back durin' the festival. At the retelling of the old stories; they left that part out though. Remember?"
(ooc: I made a Knowledge [Local] skill check back on Feb 3rd, so Im reusing it again :)
Mortimer turns back to the bar keep and asks kindly, "What of the old stories do ya know? Maybe ya can fill in some missin' gaps."
Manolo (Michael A) -- AC 18/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 31/31 ; d20=10 ; Tuesday April 4th, 2023 9:34:49 PM
Manolo joins Mort at the table and asks afterwards. "Anyone else that was alive at that time that you know?", He asks.
Local knowledge 18
Ash Macfarlane - Shawn R; AC: 11(T 11, FF 10), CMD: 24 HP: 31/31 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 10:39:56 PM
Ash sips his ale while the innkeeper talks. He nods ti the man and thanks him .
"If we do something, it has to be big enough to make them think twice about another attack."
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