The First Trial (DMs Steve and Cayzle) Thursday July 13th, 2023 10:46:05 PM
Nadia approaches the Native Sons, and they are eager to join in partnership with you.
“We’d be glad to be friends with Nadia’s Group,” says Tob Blackaxe. “Yeah, you guys are great,” adds Clob. “Let’s blow up some deer!” adds Brom Thymol Blue, the gnome. He seems to fancy himself an alchemist or something.
Kaida approaches Kethril with a similar offer. “Well, miss, maybe you and I can play in the shadows some time together, but here under the sun, I think our group will go it alone.”
Kaida reaches out to the observer assigned to them, a stern and serious fellow. "Hi there! Kaida Shadowplay reporting for duty! And you are?" “An observer only,” he says.
Ian seems a bit gruff, but says he likes the Native Sons. They beam at that and offer to shake hands.
Ian decides against bringing his pack animal. He volunteers to go a little ahead of the group, quietly sneaking. (The observer is silent and offers no advice.)
Aydi approaches Grimgar. “Oh, looking to ride our coat-tails, eh? We have a ranger and we’re not sharing. If they have limited spaces, then my group is going to be in the lead!” Aydi senses that Grimgar holds pretty much everybody else in low regard.
Aysi volunteers to scout ahead with Ian.
Hamlin seems a bit put off an not in favor of teaming up with others. Clob Blackaxe hears Hamlin say, “They are the competition you know!” The dwarf steps up, a bit humbly, and says, “Now don’t be worrying about us, Mister Hamlin. We know how to pull together. No glory hounds here.”
Aymar approaches Eryndor, but the leader of the Patient Five shakes his head sadly. “I think your words have merit, but you see they have brought four observers, one per group. Clearly our hosts intend for us to attempt these trials each group on its own. It would not be meet to defy their expectations. But do not see this decision as ill will on our part.”
Aymar also seeks to mend bridges with Althea, and she is gracious, not hostile at all, but not overly friendly.
Nora volunteers to stay in the rear with Hamlin and listens for orders from those who know the wilds better.
Just to be clear, do you accept the Native Sons as allies working with you? And lacking any guidance from the observer, what is your plan for setting out. Note: I’ll let those who have already rolled stealth and perception to retain those rolls, or you can make new ones if you prefer. Are you using any other skills, spells, powers, etc. to help you along?
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Friday July 14th, 2023 1:17:22 AM
They'll need some help to get a good initial direction to head. Tracks close by Drakesmeade would likely be hard to find as she's pretty sure animals wouldn't wander close. Kaida ducks back into the tavern to grab another sandwich to take for the road.
When they get outside she'll keep her eyes to the sky. She's looking for a bird - any bird. Should she see one Kaida will use her Speak with Animals ability to call out to it. "Hello there! Can you help us? We're looking for some animals. Boars or something like that? If you could point us in the right direction I'd be ever so grateful. Why, I even have some bread here. Would you like that? I know food can be hard to come by here. You give me some information, I give you some food, and we each go on our way. How's that sound?" She'll wave the sandwich towards the bird so it can see what she has. She wants to keep the meat though. That might be some good bait later.
If she's lucky enough to get the information she'll share it with the group. That should hopefully give a good initial heading. The actual tracking and honing in can happen after that, and she'll leave that to the experts in the group.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+2=9 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 9:19:40 AM
Prior to leaving with Ian seeing one group is willing to team up for the trial and it at least is someone who knows the area helps. Shakes his head when he hears about blowing up the deer. If we do decide to team up. Aydi will go to Brom "You might want to hold off on bombing the deer we do not watch to scare off the other deer as well as we might want to have the meat in one piece. If we find a good fishing hole we could use the bombs to catch a lot quicker then that of a hook, but that needs to be after we get a bit of hunting done. He will look at lob and ask which way is the beat way to the hunting grounds that is rarely used?" He will then go over to Kaida seeing that she was trying to do something with a bird and see if there is any added info.
OOC: I will use the previous rolls, and if there are some game trails I will use crafting traps untrained. (Got a 9)
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 d20-1=4 ; d20+2=21 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 4:10:09 PM
Nora smiles and waves at the Native Sons, but lets others do the talking.
She looks in astonishment as Kaida tries to speak with a bird. "I thought you were the animal expert here, do you know how she does that?" Nora says to Nadia, nodding toward Kaida.
Nora moves in the wilderness with all the grace of an armored dwarf.
OOC Stealth 4, Perception 21. No useful skills or spells for hunting. Nora will gladly accept teaming with anyone.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 Friday July 14th, 2023 5:44:09 PM
Aymar appreciates Eryndor's honesty. He shakes his hand and wishes them luck on their hunt.
He returns to the group happy to see that the native sons have agreed to join them. He speaks up, "We must not forget that the trial is to return with as much food as possible. Foraging for berries, mushrooms and other edible plants is just as important as bringing back a bear. We should also found a place to fish as well. I believe the trial is more about being resourceful then it is about killing animals."
Aymar will turn to the observer, "I don't believe Thaeden gave us a time frame, when are we expected to return to the stronghold?"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Friday July 14th, 2023 6:14:33 PM
Aydi votes yes for the team up.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Friday July 14th, 2023 7:11:28 PM "Well, she has the magic ready were as I do not. Makes it much harder to speak to them, but I think our magics work different. I can change my spells for the different days. Which means tomorrow I will commune to gain the ability."
She answers back to Nora, knowing that many times magic answered differently to different people. Makes the world balanced as Fhorge likes it.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Friday July 14th, 2023 9:42:13 PM
Kaida beams proudly. "Yep, Nadia's right. I only know a couple of spells. I mean, I'm pretty good at them, but they're the only ones I know. You guys know soooo many more than I do. Between all of us - " she gestures to the others in the party as well "- we've probably got a whole lot of situations covered. That's part of being a good team, right? "
The First Trial (DMs Steve and Cayzle) Friday July 14th, 2023 10:47:44 PM
Aydi welcomes the Native Sons but urges Brom to use restraint with the explosions.
Nora smiles and waves at the Native Sons, but is quiet.
The observer deigns to answer Aymar when he asks about time frame. “I’m not staying out here after dark, and I don’t know anyone else foolish enough to do so.” If you want to return before dark, you have about seven hours.
Aymar suggests foraging too. [OOC: you would need to make Survival checks or cast Detect Plants or similar to do this.]
Kaida cleverly speaks with a local bird, who suggests a general direction. Doing so amazes Nora!
Nadia explains the finer details of magic.
Hamlin, Ian, and Ruadan tag along quietly.
The group (with the Native Sons) heads in the direction suggested by the birdie. You come to a game trail, and Aydi fumbles with the idea of setting trap, but really has no idea what he is doing.
If the bird was right, you are getting to the general area in which you have a good chance of a hunt. What will you do to get in attack range of your prey?
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=19 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 11:18:50 PM
Aydi will continue to try to scout and sneak up to the animals. He will work with one of the teammates to flank any of the animals that we will not be able to capture.
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 d20+7=19 ; Friday July 14th, 2023 11:19:35 PM
Hamlin not wanting to be considered useless will go into stealth mode. (Stealth 19). Before he does he says the following "im pretty good at sneaking lets get a quiet team together and the loud ones can flush out game animals. I'll try to stun them with magic and everyone else can shoot bows and so forth. Those in heavier armor are way too loud to sneak up on anyone." Hamlin will go with the stealthy group to find some larger game.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Friday July 14th, 2023 11:50:40 PM
OOC for rolls Stealth 19 Perception 14
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Friday July 14th, 2023 11:50:50 PM
Perception 13
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Saturday July 15th, 2023 3:22:31 PM
Nora looks around and wonders uncertainly: "So, maybe we need a trap-kind of terrain where the animals get stuck... canyon or river blocking way? Or soft ground?" She turns to the more wilderness-oriented members of the group: "Would it work? Part of us waiting while the stealthier ones find and drive the animals here? Do you see a good place?"
When the group decides the place, Nora tries to find a spot with good visibility around.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Saturday July 15th, 2023 11:11:34 PM
Kaida tries to wander along in the middle of the pack. She can be reasonably stealthy at times and her spells can often work on different creatures too.
It occurs to her that for some reason she'd imagined they were hunting 'normal' animals, like boar or deer. Now though, she's not sure. The party had already seen owlbears. There's bound to be other 'weird' creatures out here.
"Does anyone have a message spell or something so we can stay in contact without talking too loudly?". It's one of many spells that Kaida doesn't know.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 d20+5=10 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+2=21 ; Sunday July 16th, 2023 12:33:39 AM
Rúadán finds the idea of this test to be ludicrous, a good leader knows you send the hunters to go hunting and set the crafters to crafting, and the merchants to making quality deals. It would be insane to send the merchants hunting, assign the hunters to do crafting, and the crafters to make quality deals. It is a simple aspect of putting the best tools to their prospective jobs. Sure, there are times when you have to step outside one’s area of expertise but if a leader truly wants to succeed, they will do their best to apply their best resources to the jobs that will have the greatest returns.
Rúadán contemplated taking his cauldron for while it was more than just an ordinary cauldron, he had doubts it would be of any great use on this extremely inappropriate test. He was glad to see that the others reached out to the other groups, and even happier but not surprised when the Rough and Tumblers turned them down. He did not trust that group’s motivations nor their character. He was a bit sad to see that the Patient Five had turned them down as well, seemingly misunderstanding the purpose of the observers. Rúadán felt the observers were there not to make each group be individual but to follow and observe how and what each group did, in case they chose badly to not to team up as even the densest of individuals would see the benefits of this. Again, speaking volumes and reinforcing his belief that Rough and Tumblers lacked quality character.
To Nora's comment Rúadán replies, "The typical method of hunting is to have the nosy ones drive the animals in the direction of the stealthier ones or into a herding corral, boxed in canyon, or the like. It is a good idea but usually takes a bit more time than we have to implement. Sadly, I find this test to be highly flawed, as hunting and gathering should be assigned to those that are more inclined to those tasks. Assigning this task to those who are obviously not meant to hunt or gather is a waste of resources. Further, when hunting and gathering food while important is not the only prime resource that should be looked for. As was put forth, repeatable resources are far more effective than one shot resources. Finding a source of plant food and not over gathering so that it will proliferate itself and then nurturing it could go a lot farther to feeding the masses than raping the environment today only to starve tomorrow. However, from what I understood with my conversations with the learned Dwarves they are more of a rape and pillage mindset and long-term cultivation is not something they think much about." Rúadán makes sure that their observers hear every critical word he has to say, as he feels the Dwarves, if they want to be sustainable, need to drastically mend their current ways.
To Kaida's question Rúadán replies, "Yes I do, however it is rather short ranged and requires line of sight. Perhaps I can teach it to you, later on."
As the group moved out, and other than sharing the information that he had acquired from the learned Dwarves, Rúadán kept his eye out for herbs and such that could be used in alchemical and herbal mixtures. Finding a steady supply of ingredients would greatly help the community, even if it was not directly editable. If he discovered any, he would carefully harvest what he could, without damaging the source, and also record everything about the source that would be relevant for later harvesting.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Sunday July 16th, 2023 12:37:57 AM OCC: I would ask if my previous research gave me any bonuses to my Knowledge[Nature], Knowledge[Arcana] and Survival checks but other than the first one the others were pretty abysmal and I doubt I would get enough bonuses to make those effective.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Sunday July 16th, 2023 12:40:23 PM "That sounds good, Rúadán. Keep an eye on berries and herbs we could plant near the entrance. We can collect them when returning so that they are as fresh as possible", Nora agrees with Rúadán. "A garden would be so nice!"
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d20+10=12 ; Sunday July 16th, 2023 7:16:59 PM " You know, if we have berries, I know a spell that makes it able to be eaten and be as filling as any meal. But that would only work for a few berries, and we need a bit more than that. Why do we not try to figure out what we are hunting first, we may not wish to capture it."
Nadia would then try to use her survival skills to attempt to discern the animal path they are following, if nothing else it would give a general idea of the fauna around. [ooc] Got a 12 for survival. I imagine that doesnt get much. [/ooc]
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=13 ; Sunday July 16th, 2023 7:26:33 PM
Aymar will lead the non-stealthy group. He has his sword at the ready and his longbow all strung up. "We should make haste if we are to get back with an appropriate offering before nightfall." He takes a quick note of which way the other 2 groups have headed. (Perception 13) He lets the stealthy people head out and rallies the group to follow in the general direction a few minutes later. "Eyes up, we are venturing into the unknown and should be ready or anything."
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Sunday July 16th, 2023 10:13:49 PM
Kaida tries to have a quiet word with Ruadan. She speaks calmy, only trying to explain the situation as she sees it. "You realise that we're trying to be accepted into their clan? We have nowhere else to go. If you keep insulting them - such as likening them to raping and pillaging - then you may find yourself out on your ear. Our hosts will only be so patient. Look, they've been here for hundreds of years. Let's trust that they know what they're doing"
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Monday July 17th, 2023 2:34:27 AM
Rúadán looks at Kaida, "No Kaida I do not realize your point of view. They requested folks to come help them rebuild their fallen community. I will also point out that it fell, under their initial watch. Further it was not recovered by their own efforts but by the efforts of a mixed group of heroes that chose to help them. If they have not learned from their mistakes and successes, which I am not convinced yet that they have, then they are doomed to repeat what happened the first time. Thus, staying here would be a mistake for everyone involved and I would rather know that up front rather than after investing years of my life to a doomed endeavor. Thus, in my opinion, this is not just a test if we are worthy of them but if they are also worthy of us. To think otherwise, is to walk into the netherworld bound and blindfolded and expect to go unscathed. Still please do not get me wrong, I might be critical but I will only be critical of things that I see to be inefficient and ill planned. As success, is not gained by foolish actions regardless what label you wish to place upon those actions, and my father did not raise a fool."
"I will state, that I will do my best to help make this as successful of an endeavor as possible but I will not hold my tongue when I see waste and poor judgement. For if we are to build a successful community, we will need quality leadership and quality thinking. As of yet, I have seen neither, just a bunch of pomp and pageantry and a ridiculous ill planned test. I mean most of us are not even hunters nor gatherers, and there was no planning nor figuring out what and where to hunt for the best success using the individuals that would use the least resources to procure the extra resources being sought. I think your idea of capturing animals to create a reoccurring supply, is a great idea but I fear that when we return," he looks directly at the two observers, "they would simply be slaughtered to feed the masses." He then looks back to Kaida, "Which means that soon, this small enclave will exhaust the surrounding supply of food, perhaps forever damage the balance of nature, and we will all simply starve out before we are killed by their previous enemies that were driven from this place. Enemies, who are most likely rebuilding themselves to strike back once more, using their reoccurring resources which I am sure they have or their first attack would have failed."
Rúadán stops, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, "Okay I apologize, you are not the problem and perhaps I have said too much, but I am greatly concerned that this long journey is not going to turn out for the best, from what little that I have seen thus far. Still, I hold the greatest hope, that I am mistaken and that there truly is quality method to what seems to be pure madness to me at this time. Hopefully, we will be able to find food and help the community last another day. Again I apologize but I can be rather passionate about living a quality life and not just for myself as I hate to see suffering, especially unnecessary suffering."
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Monday July 17th, 2023 4:29:01 AM
Kaida listens to Ruadan's response and then tries to rephrase her point more succinctly. "Let me put it this way, do you think accusing the clan of raping and pillaging behaviour, to one of them directly" she glances to the observer and then back to Ruadan "was a respectful thing to do? It's good to offer suggestions for ways things could be improved, but we may need to be tactful in how we do it"
Kaida wants everyone to be friends and it's becoming clear she doesn't really like conflict. Wardd knows how she'll react when she meets her first orc!
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+10=20 ; d20+6=10 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 10:35:33 AM
Ian keeps moving stealthy (20) ahead of the group looking (10) for any animals. He thinks to himself These talking fools will scare away all the game and attract the more dangerous ones. He readies his bow trying to be wary of the danger around him.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Monday July 17th, 2023 3:12:27 PM
Nora nods to Kaida. "Let's be nice. They are not bad people. Traditional and stubborn, yes, but in time they may soften." Nora looks at the wilderness and points around. "Still, this task feels... off. As was the strong demand for Loyalty, Duty, Honor, all the same labels used by my clan to force people to molds they are not fit for. It's so different from the invitation, many kinds of folk were called, but this feels like only one kind is accepted."
"In any case, this will be my most successful hunt ever!" Nora says to Kaida and chuckles. She continues looking for a good spot for a crossbow user.
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 d20+7=24 ; d20+2=15 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 6:37:33 PM
Hamlin continues to move with Ian and the stealthy group trying to find some game to hunt Stealth (19), perception 24, survival 15. If see something I will use Daze DC 15 will save and have my allies shoot it.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=14 ; Monday July 17th, 2023 9:33:54 PM
Aydi realizes the the advance group has gotten a little bit larger then was originally thought it would be decides to focus a little bit on finding a source of water. Knowing of he needs water so will animals also ot would be a good way to find out if there are an enemy force near by. He is wondering a bit more if this is a scouting expedition as the main reason with gathering food being a side mission where if we see nothing at least we can help replenish the food coffers.
OOC Perception for water (Perception of 14)
The First Trial (DMs Steve and Cayzle) Monday July 17th, 2023 9:38:06 PM
The party splits into a forward party of stealthy scouts and then everyone else behind. In the scouting party are Hamlin, Ian, and Aydi are the scouts. Nadia, Nora, Kaida, Rúadán, and Aymar stay to the rear. The dwarf observer follows behind.
From the rear, Nora looks around for a place into which it might be possible to drive prey. The terrain is lightly wooded, hilly, and there are natural ravines present in the area. You can find an arroyo if you like.
Kaida calls for better communication ... and worries about monsters.
Rúadán expresses his doubts. Doubt that this concept of trials makes any sense. Doubt that the Blackaxe Clan is even worthy of the party’s protection. Doubts about the ethics of ... well, just about everybody, especially the Rough and Tumblers. He seeks out helpful or nutritious herbs or other plants, but he does not know enough about what to look for. And the lore of the dwarves he spoke with last night is silent on the topics of life under the sun. [OOC: Survival is really the skill you want to try for efforts of this kind.]
Nadia, a trained druid, finds plenty of berries -- enough to use for goodberry spells and to feed a couple people.
Aymar leads the rearguard and keeps an eye out for the other groups, but they are not to be seen.
Aydi is ready to stun any prey he comes across. He has no problem finding water.
Ian, about 60 to 100 feet ahead of the rear group. Nonetheless is distracted by the chatter and fears they are too loud.
Among the scouting group, Hamlin spots signs of large hoofed creatures, and identifies signs of a number of wild boar. The front group is seperated from the rear group by about two rounds travel because the terrain is rough in parts. Hamlin guesstimates that the signs are fresh, say not more than an hour old.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 1:40:25 AM
If there's a 'middle' group then that's where Kaida will be. She doesn't want to be out of reach of any of her new friends. If they get attacked from the front or rear, she wants to be there to support them.
She's reasonably stealthy and does have the smell of chicken sandwich on her hands. It might attract something carnivorous - which could be both good and bad. Good that it might make the search easier. Bad that it might make her a big ol' target.
Kaida keeps her mouth shut from here on in, which is a pretty tough order for a gnome that likes to talk.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 d20+10=15 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 7:35:42 AM
Nadia marks down the location of the berries, and helps point out which are ready for picking and which to leave to others, with the whispered words of " Leave enough for replanting and others to eat on. But we at least have something."
She then tries her best to look around and perception anything useful or harmful.
[ooc= perception 15]
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+10=24 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 1:58:57 PM
Ian notices the tracks Hamlin points out and begins to follow them stealthily (24) and looks for the boar (11).
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=14 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 3:02:22 PM
Nora takes a couple of the berries Nadia found and eats them. "Quite good, maybe the mountain climate gives them more taste."
She keeps her crossbow on the ready, standing on a good spot and watching what the scout team finds.
OOC: Perception 14
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 3:31:45 PM { OOC: First I would like to point out that the brief conversation that took place would mostly likely have concluded within the first 100 feet of the gate or at least close enough to the gate as not to cause any issues with the hunt. Heck we could have conversed for at least 5 minutes before interrupting the hunt at all as we would be far to close to the civilized area to find any significant flora or fauna. Otherwise, we would have seen evidence of cultivation of plants, which from my understanding is not present.
Also I would ask, what are the Native Sons doing as there was no mention of them? Further do we have one or two observers? I mean sure we agreed to work together, but what if we split up later on would not the Native Sons need their observer to follow them? }
Rúadán explains to Kaida, "My choice of words are not meant as an insult but to reflect the severity of what seems to be taking place. To create a sustainable community, one has to work with nature not simply exploit it. Just ask Nadia, I am sure she can explain the ramifications of pillaging nature rather than cultivating and working with it in a more sembiotic way."
As the group gets further from the gate, Rúadán drops into silence so as not to cause issues with the hunt. However, his frustration shows on his face as he is unable to find any significant plants within the local flora and realizes he will probably need to do more extended research to help him identify the plants in this region that could be of use. Still he does do his best to catalog what he does identify as well as plants that he is not familiar with, taking small samples to analyze latter for their herbal or alchemical uses, if any.
{ OCC: Do I make subsequent Survival checks, or a series of checks, to see how well he does? Or does that first check cover the entire hunt? If a series of checks, can you let me know how many and I will roll them all at once --or-- at least let know know when to make the next check, thanks in advance.
Also while yes Survival is used to find and harvest, but from my understanding one needs Knowledge[Nature] to know what to find and harvest. So one skill helps the other and vice-versa. Yes/No? }
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=22 ; d20+7=8 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 4:59:54 PM
Aydi points to the source of water and sees that Hamlin has found signs of animals and will continue keep doing his best to track. He will also ready is hand Crossbow to see if he can get a quick shot off if anything comes within range. OOC Stealth 22 Perception Nat 1 = 8
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Tuesday July 18th, 2023 5:04:36 PM
Hamlin continues to track the animals with team stealthy. Ooc do I need to update my stealth, perception, and survival each round?
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=3 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 8:02:39 PM
Aymar will do his best to make sure the back group does its best to keep up with the stealthy group. He grows slightly frustrated that the group is disjointed but he reminds himself that we have little practical experience together. He does his best to observe the members, seeing how they interact and what skills they lean on, while simultaneously keeping an eye out for danger. (Perception 3 [Nat 1]) His divided attention causes him not to really notice anything.
The First Trial (DMs Steve and Cayzle) d20+6=13 ; Tuesday July 18th, 2023 10:20:10 PM
[OOC: regarding when to make skill checks. Basically, whenever you want to, whenever you do something new, and whenever the DM calls for a roll. It’s a bit loosey-goosey, sure, and interpreted by the DM as best suits your needs.]
Nadia, Nora, Kaida, Rúadán, and Aymar keep to the rear, but are alert and as quiet as possible. Behind them, the Native Sons and, yes, the two observers try to be quiet too.
Aymar leads this group forward, and narrows the gap to a round of hustling, for a human.
Rúadán keeps an eye on the Native Sons, who are looking around wide-eyed and a bit fearfully. “We’ve never really been outside in the actual wilderness before,” Clob whispers, “it’s dangerous!”
The forward group has stealth checks of 24 (Ian), 19 (Hamlin), and 22 (Aydi). The three come upon a boar, spotted rooting under some bushes, about 30 ft away. It is a big monster, with prominent tusks. Its perception check is a 13, so you three have a surprise round to act freely. After that is the first round of combat.
Hamlin, Ian, and Aydi, please post your surprise round actions as well as your first round of actions.
Everybody else, please post one round of actions. Remember you are 60 ft from our scouts, and the boar is 30 feet beyond them. You will have to move at least 30 ft forward to get line of sight to the boar.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 8:12:15 AM
Nadia, upon hearing the combat, will cast Magic Fang on Stone, and call for him to help flank with the front line fighters.
[ooc: I forgot to ask if companions needed to make separate rolls say if they have better ability checks. How do I handle that in the future? ]
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+5=10 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2023 12:24:58 PM
Ian moves a foot or two closer (so he is under 30') readies his bow and thinks Dinner and shoots at the boar (10) and grabs a another arrow. If he the boar charges in his direction he will try to put something between him and it.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 12:25:59 PM a tree or rock. Something to break up it charge.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+3=20 ; d8=3 ; d6=6 ; d20+1=9 ; d6+1=3 ; d6=3 ; d20+7=23 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2023 12:53:40 PM
Suprise round Aydi will take a shot with his light Crossbow (20 to attack) (Damage 3 + 6 sneak attack 9 points total) Normal Round Aydi free action drops the Crossbow will move 30 feet while drawing his his short sword. (Attack of 9)if connects (3 points regular 3 points sneak. 6pts total) he will then be ready for someone to flank so he can keep on attacking. He will also do a Perception check to see if there is any other animals near by (23 Perception)
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 2:11:49 PM
OOC Suprise Round Attack Roll 20 Damage Roll 3 Sneak Attack 6
Round 1 Attack 9 Damage 3 Sneak Attack 3
Perception23
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 3:02:57 PM
With the signal from the scouters that a target had been found, Rúadán quickly moves forward to see the target. Seeing that is a boar, he points a finger at it saying "Doom on you."
{ Move 30 ft, Cast Doom, Will DC 14, Fails target Shaken (–2 on Attack and Damage rolls, Saves, and Checks) }
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 d20+2=17 ; d8=7 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2023 3:35:51 PM
Hamlin Surprise round Pox pustules DC 16 Fort save -4 Dex and sickened
Normal round: light crossbow attack att 17, 7 damage.
Hamlin on seeing the boar lets loose with his spell trying to affect the boar with an itchy rash (won't ruin the meat). and follows up with a shot from his light crossbow and a reload as a move action.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 4:13:25 PM OOC: Hey Hamlin don't forget to move 5ft forward as Pox Postules at 1st level only has a 25ft range. And if it becomes Sickened that means my spell becomes harder to Save against, so he's hoping you succeed.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 5:50:10 PM
Nora looks at Nadia and tries to act similarly. She calls: "Taian lumous!" she calls for the help of Flower and her crossbow gains a slight glow. She then advances toward the fight.
OOC: Standard: Magic weapon on crossbow Move: 20' toward fight.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+3=18 ; d8=1 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2023 7:25:15 PM
Aymar moves up 30 feet and lets loose an arrow. (18 to hit, 1 damage) He will prepare to change weapons and charge the boar with his sword on the next turn.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Wednesday July 19th, 2023 8:17:22 PM
Kaida moves closer to the action, falling in behind the scouts. Should the boar get within range she'll cast a Color Spray spell on it.
"If it falls, can someone stabilise it please?"
---------------- Highlight to display spoiler: {Hi DMs. In the previous post I had Kaida half-way between each of the groups - front and back. With your permission, can I assume she was then 30ft from the scouts rather than 60ft?}
Move: 20ft forwards Standard: READY action to cast Color Spray if the boar gets in range. Will Save vs DC16
[OOC: Companions can make skill checks and actions per usual. Note that I need a link to your companion's sheet if it is not included on your own.]
Ian moves closer and readies his bow. His shot misses. He is within 30’ of the creature, and scans the terrain for something to get behind if it charges.
Aydi shoots the boar with his light crossbow while it is surprised. He then moves up with his sword and misses. [OOC to Aydi: You sees another boar in the brush.]
Hamlin casts a spell on the boar, which the boar shakes off. He follows up with a shot from his crossbow, hitting the beast.
Between the two of them, Aydi and Hamlin have severely wounded the creature, which is now as mad as you might expect.
Nadia casts Magic Fang on Stone, who moves to the front line this round.
Rúadán moves forward to cast a spell. The boar hesitates.
Nora casts a blessing on her weapon and moves forward.
Aymar moves forward and shoots, hitting the creature but not killing it.
Kaida moves closer, prepared to cast a color spray. She asks the others to stabilize the boar if it falls.
The three Native Sons spend the entire round moving up 40 ft on the hustle.
The boar is very injured, and angered but shaken. It attacks Aydi, and despite the spell it is struggling with slashes him with its tusks, and Aydi takes 5 hp damage.
The other boar looks up, sees the threat to her mate, and charges. Doing so triggers Kaida’s readied spell, and the boar rolls a 10 and fails. She falls over, unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 5 rounds.
The male squeals in anger and fear.
Next round?
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Thursday July 20th, 2023 2:36:42 AM
This is quite good luck. A male and a female! Perfect for breeding. Worst case, they take them back to Drakesmeade and wild boar is on the menu for dinner.
"The sow will be down for a while" Kaida alerts the others.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+5=9 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 9:13:31 AM
Ian moves to make sure he is flanking the boar and tries to shoot the boar. (9)
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 8/13 d20+1=8 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 9:19:12 AM
With the boar flanked Aydi will attempted an attack (Rolled an 8) with his shortsword. Seeing that was a miss will withdraw 15 feet away looking to find some cover. That last hit was not so fun.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 8/13 d6=4 ; d6+1=6 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 9:25:13 AM
OOC Doubt it hit but just in case Here would of been the damage 4 attack 6 sneak attack
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+3=8 ; d20+3=13 ; d8=3 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 10:43:36 AM
Aymar seeing the boar still standing but not in great shape decides to fire off another shot. (8 to hit, 3 damage) Aymar was distracted by the appearance of the other boar and missed his shot. He stows his bow and pulls out his sword, preparing to charge if the boar is still standing.
{OOC: Ignore the 13, I pressed the button twice by accident.}
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 d20+3=12 ; d8=8 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 4:59:41 PM
Hamlin empowered by his shot decides to take another at the other boar. Att 12 if it hit 8 damage is done. "Yes! This should be enough food for a little while right??" Hamlin uses his move action to reload his light crossbow.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 d20+5=13 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 6:32:52 PM
Rúadán calls out, "Remember we want it alive, if possible." He moves forward and readies to stablize the boar when it goes down as he thinks about the nature of boars.
{ OCC: Move 15 ft forward, Ready Action: Cast Stablize when Boar drops, Knowledge[Nature] 13 knowledge about boars }
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 d20+4=5 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 6:52:47 PM
Nora moves closer again., Then, she takes aim at the boar but still not used to moving targets isn't even close, hitting the ground where the boar was a moment ago.
"I have to learn this thing, aim where they're going not where they are." she mutters to herself.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Thursday July 20th, 2023 8:58:14 PM
Seeing Aydi injured and pull back, Kaida will steps up to position herself between him and the boar. If it advances on them she prepares to defend. "How bad is it?" she asks him of his wounds.
-------- Move: Up to 20ft to position herself in front of Aydi Standard: READY action to cast Color Spray if the boar gets in range. Will Save vs DC16
Boar Fight Round Two - DM SteveM & Cayzle d8=5 ; d20+4=9 ; Thursday July 20th, 2023 10:05:36 PM
Kaida tells the others the sow will be out for a while.
Ian tries to shoot the boar but misses. Note: you cannot use ranged attacks to flank, and if you shoot within the threatened area of an area, you provoke AoOs. Your kindly DM assumes you are not adjacent to the boar when you shoot.
Aydi attacks the boar and also misses. He wants to withdraw, not wanting to risk those tusks again. However, the withdraw action is a full-round action, and Aydi has attacked, so that’s not possible. Aydi can just move, but that will provoke an attack of opportunity unless you use acrobatics to avoid AoOs.. A five ft step back would not provoke an AoO. HOWEVER, you could use a hero point to attack as an extra action, and then use the withdraw as your full-round action. Please post your choice, and we’ll retcon the rest of the round. Also not to Aydi, Ian is not flanking because you cannot flank with a ranged weapon, and Aydi does not get sneak attack damage since he is not flanking.
Aymar fires another shot, and also misses. He exchanges weapons.
Hamlin shoots again, and misses this time. He reloads.
Rúadán reminds the others to take it alive if possible. He is ready to stabilize the creature. He ponders his knowledge of wild boars, and concludes that it will be extremely difficult to tame one, especially a full grown adult -- it would take someone with a great degree of experience in husbandry. The task is probably beyond the party.
Nora moves and shoots. It isn't even close.
Nadia and Stone do not act in time.
At the end of the party actions, the female boar is down, and the male boar is engaged in melee with Aydi, unless he moves away somehow. Ten feet from the boar is Ian. 25 feet from the boar is Kaida and Stone. Aymar, Hamlin, and Nora are back about 30 ft from the boar shooting. Nora is 60 feet back.
The boar attacks Ian or Aydi. Even if Aydi moved, the boar can reach him with a move or charge. 50-50 chance ... odd = Ian is attacked!
The boar attacks Ian and hits AC9 and misses!
Next round?
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 8/13 Thursday July 20th, 2023 10:16:01 PM
OOC Aydi would just do a five foot step back.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Friday July 21st, 2023 1:30:25 AM
Kaida only knows a few spells, and right now, none would be useful. She can't get an angle on the male boar with her color spray without hitting others in the party. She moves close and takes up a defensive position
She calls out to the Native Sons. "Can you guys take care of the sow? Tie it up or something? It will be unconscious for 20 seconds or so, so you don't have a lot of time". She figures the trio need clear directions.
----------- Move: 10ft towards the boar, putting her at 15ft away Standard: READY action to cast Color Spray if the boar moves clear of the rest of the party. Will Save vs DC16
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Friday July 21st, 2023 2:48:47 PM
Hamlin doesn't like how Aydi is looking he moves up to within 25 feet of the boar and casts his second pox pustules at the boar. DC 16 fort save.
" Man these things can be pretty tough lets end this quickly"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 8/13 d20+1=9 ; d6+1=6 ; Friday July 21st, 2023 4:10:59 PM
Aydi states "I guess you have some fight. If you just go down maybe you can live back at the stronghold. He yells to Kaida and says it could of been worse if it had charged, but I will live."
Aydi will go ahead move up the five feet and attack. Hoping this will be enough to put it down. He knows he is being a bit reckless, but he knows if he moves it will end up focusing on someone else and he has lost too many in the past focusing on himself.
OOC Attack 9 (Probably a miss) Damage 6
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 d20+1=9 ; Friday July 21st, 2023 4:28:11 PM
Nora quickly loads another bolt and takes a careful aim. "Now, I don't want to hit Aydi, so a bit to the left... No that's too far!" she cries in frustration of another miss.
OOC: Took -4 for the boar being in melee. 13 wouldn't probably hit either.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+5=11 ; d10+3=8 ; Friday July 21st, 2023 5:38:00 PM
Aymar charges the boar and swings hoping to end this fight before anyone else gets hurt. (11 to hit, 8 damage). If the beast still stands he will do his best to attract the creatures attention and allow Ian to get out of danger. (Free action to scream at the boar.)
[OOC: His AC will drop to 15 because of the charge.}
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Friday July 21st, 2023 6:08:16 PM
{ OCC: Fellow players keep in mind it currently has a -2 To Hit, Damage, Saves, and Checks which lasts for 10 rounds starting in the 1st round. }
Rúadán continues to stand ready to stablize the boar in hopes of preserving the mated pair for getting some piglets that they can use to establish a small more domesticated herd of them. The plan is solid, even though he has his doubts that in the end it will come to be.
Boar Fight Round Three and Over - DM SteveM & Cayzle d20+4=12 ; Saturday July 22nd, 2023 12:45:00 AM
At Kaida's urging, the Native Sons move up and bind the sow.
Hamlin's pox reduces the monster's AC to 12.
Nora misses, but at the last moment, Aymar charges.
Alone, his hit vs AC11 would not suffice, but considering he is flanking with Aydi that gives an extra +2, and his blow lands hard. The boar goes down!
And Rúadán stabilizes it.
You have captured two boars! Combat is over.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 12:43:23 PM
{ OCC: How much time is left in the day, can we maybe get some small game (e.g. few rabbits, etc...) and/or other flora items before heading back or is the day about over and trekking back with these two boars about all we have time left for? }
"Well we are going to need some sturdy poles to carry these beasts and a sling or sorts if we do not want to damage their feet." He thinks for a moment then concludes, "Which I suppose we could fashion using rope, if necessary."
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=10 ; d8+1=8 ; Saturday July 22nd, 2023 6:24:54 PM
Once the Boar is down. Aydi collapses and looks at his injuries. "Well looks like I am going to have to get these patched." He will then take the time to hog tie the boar they just defeated so if it regains conciseness it will not run off. He will then check the area for any other animals that they could catch or hunt. (Perception 10) He will then look around to the group. Do not need to bother anyone, but does anyone have some healing? This one decided to see if I would be a good pin cushion. If not I can use my last potion."
Aydi will then grab his bolt from the boar and pick up his crossbow and reload it. He will then get ready to start scouting ahead after he is healed up.
OOC Highlight to display spoiler: { If no one uses healing on him Aydi will drink his potion }
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 6:26:38 PM
OOC Highlight to display spoiler: { 8 points of healing }
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 6:28:11 PM "Why can't I hit anything" Nora mumbles as she goes to pick up her bolts from the ground near the boar.
She tries to push the stabilized, less conscious boar, but cannot move it an inch. "That is so heavy! How are we ever going to get them anywhere. With or without poles?"
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=15 ; Saturday July 22nd, 2023 9:32:59 PM
Aymar relieved that the fight had ended. He will take a moment and send a quick prayer to Domi. He will take a look around to make sure the group has a moment to compose themselves. (Perception 15)
Assuming the area is clear of danger, he will help look for items to help with the carrying of the boars.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 10:13:37 PM
Kaida wipes the sweat from her brow. It may not have been physically taxing for her, but her adrenaline is certainly flowing. She's not overly concerned about the weight of the boars. Between the 12 of them they shouldn't have too much trouble transporting the animals, and there are some really strong people in the group too! The Native Sons look quite capable. Kaida does not.
"Do you think they have any young? Any chance of tracking back to their den?"
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 10:51:42 PM { OCC: I assume Aydi by your post of 8 points of healing you chose to drink your potion rather than ask for magical healing which could have easily been provided. If not, please advise. }
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 10:53:03 PM { OCC: Remember we are not at a table top some responses are not going to be immediate }
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 d8=8 ; Saturday July 22nd, 2023 11:04:29 PM {OCC: Forgot the +1 to that Cure Light Wounds and thus it cures 9 Hit Points, but this is assuming that Aydi did not already drink his Healing Potion as he seemingly indicated. GMs call or Aydi clarification or both. }
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Saturday July 22nd, 2023 11:13:08 PM
To Nora's question Rúadán says, "Well we have plenty of able bodies, and while for the shorter folk a slightly different sling would be required, I do not see us not being able to transport these two boars back to Drakesmeade. However, perhaps,” he glances up to the sky, "we might have enough time to also collect some smaller game to take back, rabbits, squirrels and the like. Do you think, your bird might help us with that Naida?"
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Sunday July 23rd, 2023 12:11:09 AM
OOC I prerolled in case healing was not done. That way if no healing was done he would be at full HP. So he did not take his Potion. Just was covering all grounds.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Sunday July 23rd, 2023 3:02:28 PM
{ OCC: Okay Aydi but I will let the DM decide what did and did not happen. }
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+10=23 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 1:11:02 PM
Ian stalks around looking for his arrows. "I cannot be hitting anything today" he mumbles to himself. Once he collects his arrows he will fade into the background to watch for any incoming creatures. (Stealth 23)
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+6=20 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 1:37:32 PM
Ian will scan the surrounding to see if there is any other game or danger. (Perception 20)
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Monday July 24th, 2023 5:15:30 PM
Hamlin mills about trying not to have to carry one or both of these boars which look to weigh alot.. he perks up at the suggestion of more hunting. " I think we should seek out more game just to really hedge our bets I figure we may have won this competition but more food is going to be helpful. Does team sneaky want to go for one more outing"?
First Trial - Two Boars Gained! - DM SteveM & Cayzle Monday July 24th, 2023 6:13:13 PM
7/23
Aydi considers his injuries. "Well looks like I am going to have to get these patched." (When no one offers healing in response to his question, he drinks his potion and is good as ever.) He ties up the boar so that it cannot run if it regains consciousness.
Nora gathers her bolts and then tries to move the boar. It is heavy. She worries that they can’t be moved.
Aymar says a quick prayer and looks around for danger before helping prepare to carry the boars. Aymar, Aydi, and Nora, If you can roll a DC12 Perception check then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that the sow is nursing.}
Nadia and the Native Sons also help carry the boars. Seven people and two boars is hard work but just about doable.
Rúadán wants to look for small game or other foods before heading back, if there is time. He points out that they will need to prepare some way to get the boars back without hurting them.
Kaida doesn’t worry about the weight of the boars. Not with as many people as they have to help carry them. She asks about tracking them back to their den, to look for young.
Hamlin suggests the sneaky team go out for more game, but may just be trying not to be one of the ones to carry the boars.
[OOC: Anyone wanting to track or forage/hunt should make a survival or other appropriate skill checks.]
Ian gathers arrows, then looks around for more game or any danger. He sees none.
[OOC: Generally speaking, ammunition that hits its target is destroyed or rendered useless, while ammunition that misses has a 50% chance of being destroyed or lost. You can roll that 50% yourself per missile, or you can find half of what they used, roll for odd numbers ... ]
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Monday July 24th, 2023 6:24:48 PM
Nadia helps carry the boar back, having done little during the fight, or afterwards. She has been confused on why her party was trying to catch a wild boar, but they felt it best. She would puzzle that out later
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=16 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 7:08:06 PM
Aymar looks around (Perception 16), he will point out his observation, "It appears the sow was nursing, there should be piglets nearby."
He will work with Nadia to carry the boar back. Aymar would recommend that anyone wishes to continue hunting smaller game or foraging should pair up, no one should be traveling alone.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+6=7 ; d20+1=13 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 7:40:51 PM
Upon hearing about the piglets Ian will look for them. (Perception 7 survival 13)
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 d20+2=15 ; d20+2=14 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 8:22:26 PM
Rúadán joins Ian in the search for the piglets, as that would be a true find indeed as that would give them a solid starter herd to work from and a leg up on domesticating the creatures. { Perception: 15 Survival 14 }
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20=17 ; d20+7=16 ; Monday July 24th, 2023 11:59:36 PM
Aydi looks around and notices that the sow (Perception 16) was nursing and immediately looks for its young. Knowing this would help in the long run for the clan.
OOC: Hit the roll before adding g the Modifier so ignore the 1st roll.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Tuesday July 25th, 2023 3:06:28 AM
Kaida feels torn now. She doesn't want to take little baby piglets back to Drakesmeade just to be slaughtered for dinner. If they are going to be on the chopping block then perhaps she could adopt them instead? Or maybe even set them free somewhere? She's probably worried about nothing. Surely they're going to be tended to and domesticated. Right?
She helps as best she can to try and find tracks or some other indicator as to where they may be. Failing that she closes her eyes and tries to listen for anything out of the ordinary.
-------------- Perception: 22 (Take20)
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 d20+2=19 ; d100=48 ; d100=97 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 3:22:00 PM
Nora gets excited over the possibility of piglets. "Oh that would be great! Just what we were thinking about. And they say that pigs are cute when they are young." She goes looking around the area, trying to find the little ones.
Nora notices one of her missed bolts hit a rock and lost its hear. "Aw, this never happens with targets."
OOC: Perception to find piglets. Percentile for broken bolts.
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 d20+3=7 ; d20+7=8 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 5:21:25 PM
Hamlin decides to search for the aforementioned piglets. (Survival 7) perception (8). Hamlin shrugs and says to the group " well I suppose we probably have enough food then".
First Trial - Two Boars plus Five Piglets Gained! - DM SteveM & Cayzle d4=3 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2023 10:36:55 PM Nadia helps carry the boar.
Aymar says that the sow appears to be nursing and suggests there may be piglets. He also helps carry the boars.
Ian looks for piglets.
Rúadán also looks for piglets.
Aydi realizes the sow was nursing, and joins the search.
Kaida doesn't want to take piglets back just to become dinner. She studies the area slowly and carefully so as to find any sign of them.
Nora gets excited over the possibility of piglets.
Hamlin joins the search, but finds no sign of piglets. “Well I suppose we probably have enough food then".
Rúadán is first to find signs of the piglets, but it’s Nora who actually spots them first. Altogether the group finds ... five little porkers! It is obvious that training the little guys to be domesticated will be way easier than taming the adults.
It takes some doing, especially once the sow recovers from the color spray, but the group gets the pigs and piglets back to Drakesmeade. On the way they are joined by their observer, Marnish Gladhand. She is impressed with the youths' tactics and coordination, and praises them for their bravery and skill in the hunt.
The Patient Five return with a buck deer and an injured colleague. The elf was clearly gored in their encounter.
The Rough and Tumblers make a couple of contributions – the Tumblers bring in small game and berries, while Grimgar presents a brace of conies himself. The rest of the Roughs seem a bit annoyed with Garog, who adds some watercress.
You and the Native Sons bring back the boars and piglets. The Roughs mostly seem to find this funny, and have a laugh at your expense.
The four observers confer while Thaeden hosts a meal for the hunters.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 4:21:34 AM " It seems we may have done okay compared to the rest. But now my friends... Who and where shall we care for these? Who among you know how to care for pigs, or rather boar?" Nadia poses to her group, still concerned on the care of the animals part
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 5:15:35 AM
Kaida will try and chat with Marnish on the way back. The observer had been very quiet and abrupt when they first met.
"Maybe Marnish can help us on that one, Nadia?" Kaida will seek her out and ask her what the clan typically does with livestock.
She gives a smile and wave to the R&Ts as she passes them by. She's sure they're laughing at the party rather than with them, but she isn't going to get drawn into a game of insults.
"Looks like they're pretty annoyed with Garog" she whispers to Nora "Another sign that they aren't really a team like us!"
Kaida is more than happy to enjoy another meal provided by Thadean. The sight of the poor piglets has put her off meat for dinner, so she looks for fruit and breads and anything sweet for dessert.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=20 ; d20+7=26 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 8:53:07 AM
Aydi will go to Aymar and whisper "I think we were the only ones whole thought more about the end game. I look at everyone else's group and it looks like they thought of ways to fill their guts now not how they are going to fill it when there is no game to hunt. I think when we get the chance I will go talk to Garog and see what happened with them. He is a good guy for the most part"
Aydi will do a sense motive thinking more that the R&T group are hiding their real thoughts when they were laughing at us. He will also do an additional Sense motive on the other observers to get an idea of what they are thinking about all of the groups hauls. He will also do a perception check on all the groups to see if there are any signs of injuries that they are trying to hide.
OOC Sense Motive 20 Perception 26
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 9:25:17 AM
Aydi will have a simple meal of fruits at the meal and will listen to what each group is saying.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 d20+10=28 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+4=17 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 2:41:17 PM
Ian will ignore the tumblers. He will get cleaned up and eat dinner. At dinner he will try to fade into the background and try listen to the other groups to get information on how they did. Stealth 28 Perception 21 Sense Motive 17
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=15 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 4:28:37 PM
Forgot to roll Stealth
Stealth 15
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 6:18:43 PM
Hamlin looks pretty proud during the festivities and good naturedly gives positive feedback to the rest of the teams about their efforts. When the subject of the pigs comes up he shrugs and says the following. " The pigs are theirs to domesticate, kill, or even ride. I don't think its our job to act as pig farmers when its obvious that we are far more talented than all that. I'm sure they will figure out something. The important thing is we put on a good show with this rather mundane task, so in theory we should have better quests in the near future" Hamlin hands all of his team members some ale and raises his glass. " to us and to greater quests ahead".
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Wednesday July 26th, 2023 6:38:14 PM
Nora familiarizes herself with the piglets on their way back to the stronghold. There, she starts guessing what to do with the animals. "So these will need some kind of place for them? There was a stable or something in the stronghold, but is it good? Should we build something outside?"
When Kaida mentions the problems Garog is having with his group, she ponders the situation. "There clearly is problems between them. But I can't see what is the real thing under it. We are still in the first days and such problems already seem like they didn't understand what the invitation's talk about different kinds of people really means. But surely a settlement of this size has room for many ways of living. I do like it that our team hasn't got such problems, but everything in Drakesmeade will affect us." Nora sighs deeply. "I hoped so much this would be easy."
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 d20+7=12 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2023 7:08:35 PM
Aymar will nod in agreement with Aydi. Upon hearing Nadia and Nora's concerns, he agrees with Kaida that asking Marnish might be helpful. He will approach Marnish and ask for help with getting the sow and piglets situated. (Diplomacy 12)
He will go over to the Patient Five at the beginning of the meal to congratulate them on a successful hunt and to check in on their injured comrade. (Diplomacy 24) {OOC: They have 2 elves in the party, I am unsure which one you referred to as injured, Eryndor or Elmarin.}
Aymar will return in time for Hamlin's toast and responds with hearty shout of approval.
Pig Farming and the Second Trial - DM SteveM & Cayzle Wednesday July 26th, 2023 9:46:22 PM
Nadia worries about how to care for the piggies.
Nora, too, thinks about what the piggies will need to grow and be healthy.
About one thing, the druid is sure -- they will not thrive living in the tunnels and underground rooms of the Clanhold. They need to be outdoors at least some of the time, eating and rooting about in nature. Well, you might be able to breed pigs in tiny spaces, in the dark, but it would be unnatural. And the waste issue would need a solution. Outdoors, those are not problems. Monsters eating them might be!
Kaida asks the observer for advice on Nadia’s question.
Aymar talks with Marnish the observer too, lending some diplomatic assistance to the discussion.
Marnish explains that the dwarves here are not big on pets or farmbeasts. There is a pony that lives in the stables, along with any visiting animals. But there are only a few cats and dogs, and they are not let out, considering that they would be eaten alone outside. In fact, aside from a couple skilled hunters, the dwarves seldom go outside. You learn that there is an underground farm tended in the ancient dwarven mode.
“A few dwarves keep purring maggots as pets, and you can milk them and even make the milk into cheese. These are usually kept in homes, though, because some other dwarves just hate them.”
Hamlin does not want to be a pig farmer! The DM assumes that goes double for tending purring maggots.
Basically, the dwarves currently lack the skill, inclination, or bravery to domesticate and keep pigs. It will be up to you all to tame them, raise them, find a way to keep them above ground safely, and set up a pig farm. If you do that, you will likely find a few NPC dwarves to take over operations, once the hard part is over. Note that you can rear and domesticate the piglets per the Handle Animal skill, with a generous bonus seeing as pigs are closer to domestication than, say, owlbears or gryphons. The adults cannot be tamed without magic of some kind. Wild empathy plus charm animal plus speak with animals could do it, given enough time, Nadia thinks.
If you prefer not to set up a pig farm, well, they make fine meals, and when preserved, will do so for a while. The DMs did not expect you to try domestication, but if you go down that path, then mad props for creativity!
Aydi checks out the competition. In fact, under their bravado, the Rough and Tumblers are quite jealous of the party’s success, and the Patient Five openly admire your success.
Ian listens carefully and overhears Kethril wondering if their group will be denied. He seems to grouse about this not being a fair test.
Aymar congratulates the Patient Five. He sees that Eryndor has already been healed most of the way up, and their cleric says she will finish the job in the morning. Your concern and congratulations are very welcome.
At the end of the meal (which is much less fancy than yesterday’s feast), Thaeden stands and presents you eight with a reward. “Please accept this token as a thank you for your excellent contribution.” Each of you gains a masterwork dagger, made here.
("Darn it," says Brom. The Native Sons do not get nice daggers, seeing as their observer basically reported that they did nothing to help you.)
Chief Stern appears at the end of the meal to tell you about what comes best.
“Tomorrow will see the second and final test.”
“This is the combat test,” he says. “You are each sent alone into a kobold’s lair.”
“You must find and defeat a kobold without using light, magic, or weapons, just bare hands. If you need to use light, magic, or weapons to survive, you may, but that may mean you failed the test. Still, better alive and failed than dead.”
“Sleep well, for tomorrow you you will see battle.”
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 d8=5 ; d8=8 ; Thursday July 27th, 2023 12:38:13 AM
Rúadán does not hesitate but immediately walks over to and gauges the Patient Five's injured Elf's wounds and then applies healing unto them. { Cure Light Wounds 1d8+1 > 5+1 = 6 }
He then tries to convey, to whomever is in charge of the animals they brought back, that the ultimate purpose of the Boars and their offspring, is to create a perpetual food source. As such, suggests, if there does not exist any, that a pen be created to house the Boars and their offspring and once the piglets are weaned, they should be moved to a separate pen so that they can be better domesticated and so that they Boar pair will be encouraged to another spawn another litter.
{ OCC: Rúadán applies a Cure Light Wounds on the PF's Elf, – Did not realize I rolled at all so will take the 1st roll with +1 healing the PF's Elf for 6 HPs of damage. }
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Thursday July 27th, 2023 1:15:57 AM
Upon receiving the Masterwork Dagger, and hearing Brom's short exclamation, Rúadán hands his to Brom, "Brom your group shared in the danger and effort and thus should share in the rewards. Please take this and put it to good use, and hopefully we will be able to work together again soon."
Rúadán listens to the next test and finds it nearly absurd, sure there could be a case where such a situation might occur but to purposefully walk into danger blindfolded and with one's hands tied behind one's back was ludicrous and he could not stand by to hear any more of this foolery. "Chief Stern, I mean no disrespect but this is a most ridiculous test as it proves nothing more than one is willing to through their life away rather than use all the tools at their disposal to do something productive with the least amount of loss. I feel the previous test was an excessively inadequate use of resources in that you sent out many non-hunters to go hunting but this… this is beyond an inadequate use of resources and is delving into the realm of the suicidal use of resources. Is this supposed to be the example of leadership from you and those who are chosen to be Elders that we can expect going forward? If yes, I have to say I am most displeased with this extremely inefficient and unnecessarily dangerous kind of leadership. Further if you continue to pursue this path, I can almost guarantee that you will simply repeat your history of being driven from this place by your enemies. Surely you can come up with a more suitable test, that is geared to promoting the well-being of the community as a whole without unnecessarily risking the lives of those you invited here to help you rebuild your community."
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Thursday July 27th, 2023 1:29:10 AM "Further this goes back to our statement earlier, that we will not blindly follow leadership, but speak up and speak out if we feel that leadership is making a mistake and, in this case, a potentially major mistake. Lives could be unnecessarily lost, due to this ill-conceived test and that is not good leadership at all. Please rethink your stance, and come up with a much better test, or ask us what we feel would be a good test of potential individuals that would be an asset to your community. I am confident that with enough, information any of us," he gestures to his group, the Native Sons, Patient Five, and barely to the Rough and Tumblers, as he had a feeling they favored such casual use of life to prove their idiocy, "could come up with a quality test that would better assess the qualities of a majority of the folks being tested. Also, keep in mind this test is a two-way street, we are gauging you all as to whether or not you are worthy of leaders to be followed."
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Thursday July 27th, 2023 1:36:29 AM
Kaida lowers her head in a gesture of reverence and gratefully accepts the dagger. That the weapon was crafted by the clan makes it all the more meaningful.
She glances to the Chief's advisors and Thaeden for their response to Ruadan's words, and then takes the slightest of steps away from him. She takes a far more tactful approach in speaking with the Chief of the clan that they are trying to join and who will hopefully place a roof (mountain?) over their heads, and who is speaking in front of the entire clan he leads. "I look forward to the challenge." She gives a bow.
"Bare hands against a kobold. Okaaaay". Kaida is pretty sure she'd be on the receiving end of a butt-kicking going one-on-one with a kobold. Still, Stern did say that using magic "may" mean you failed the test. That implies it's not an automatic fail. Kaida decides she'll work it out at the time as to whether she uses magic or not, but going into an entire lair of kobolds sounds like it might be a necessity.
She's pretty sure that the Chief of a clan such as this wouldn't have given them such a test if he didn't think they could pass it. She also suspects there's more to this test than it seems on the surface. Challenging the Chief's wisdom in front of everyone isn't going to get them anywhere and certainly won't win them any friends. She decides it's best to ask Thaeden about it later and not in a public forum such as this.
DJ – Rúadán – Male Human-Elf – AC 12 / 12 / 10 – CMD 12 – HP 7 / 7 Thursday July 27th, 2023 1:45:17 AM
After having thought about it a bit more Rúadán speaks out even more "Again no disrespect intended but this test is in fact completely wrong and immoral. Why would be launch an attack against some Kobolds that are not currently attacking the community. That is wontan murder or worse genocide of a race that perhaps, given the right approach, could be turned into trading partners or even allies. I will not go, and if this means I am not welcome here, then I view this as your loss not mine. As I want a whole lot more intelligence and wisdom from my leadership than is being presented by this obvious abuse of not only your own people but other races that may not mean you an direct harm, once they find out that you mean them no direct harm."
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Thursday July 27th, 2023 7:46:44 AM
Nora discusses the possibility of a pig farm with the team. "Well, the stronghold doesn't have good space for the pigs, but if we put some kind of fenced area outside? Pigs can't jump that high I guess. I can try to feed and care of them, and maybe the clan will help build the wall? If not for anything else than the novelty of something new we should be able to get help."
Nora accepts the dagger with a curtsy. She admires the weapon's artful craftmanship when the chief states the next quest. She almost misses the details but suddenly realizes what the task would be. "Wait, what did he say?" she asks her nearest companions with low voice. "Go out and seek to defeat a kobold? How is that justified? And with nothing? Don't they usually go in groups, how are we going to be sure to find just one?"
Nora is about to say something but stops when Rúadán starts speaking. She listens to him speak, and thinks about the task she was given. She seems to have an idea, and adds her opinion after Rüadán: "Flower is against needless violence, and I am not sure that killing a kobold would be useful in getting a peaceful society. Still, if it is really your wish, I will go to encounter one, and my goddess will guide my heart in finding a way to defeat it, one way or another."
When the chief's attention is again elsewhere, Nora nudges Kaida and whispers to her: "He said defeat, without weapons. But there are ways which don't involve violence. A defeat is a defeat whatever the contest is. Retreat is a defeat. So, I'm going to research kobolds and wiggle myself out of this in any way possible without killing one." Nora smiles mischievously. "Maybe a lute playing contest."
Later, if the task hasn't been changed, Nora will go and find a large shield, ink and an ink pen, and some sheets of paper and parchment. Buying if that is needed.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=10 ; d20+7=25 ; Thursday July 27th, 2023 1:43:30 PM
Aydi looks at the Dagger and tilts his head in gratitude and notices the balance of the blade which is better then 1 of the blades he came with. Now that is an improvement.
After hearing the next trial he thinks about what little knowledge he has out side of the world of thievery (Kowledge Dungeoneering 10). Aydi comes to realization that he does not know that much right now, but did catch that they just said defeat there is nothing about actually fighting to the death. Aydi speaks to the group "I am wondering if this is more of a fight of wits. They are trying to see if we are more then just a group of thugs. I think if we can use our wits we may not have to fight." He will then look at the other groups and try to gauge their reactions. (Perception 25)
OOC Knowledge Dungeoneering 10 Perception 25
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 Thursday July 27th, 2023 3:48:28 PM
Ian gratefully takes the dagger and shakes his head at the questioning of the second test. "It be to bad I cannot use me new dagger then. He says as he admires the dagger.
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Thursday July 27th, 2023 6:12:08 PM
Hamlin brightens and smiles as he receives the dagger. "Thank you for the gift and I was happy to be of service" At the news of the second trial he basically spits out his drink in surprise. He leans over to Ian and Aydi and says. " maybe it's a test of bravery or something like but he specifically said combat.... I've never even been in a fist fight before. And how do we even do this? Argue with the kobold, negotiation, bribery? I'm so doomed!"
When Ruadan goes on his rant Hamlim keeps gesturing for his foolhardy half brother to stop talking... obviously it doesn't work.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 Thursday July 27th, 2023 6:21:30 PM
Aymar will graciously accept the dagger, bowing as it is bestowed to him.
He will ponder the Chief's 2nd trial, as he half listens to Rúadán speaks his piece. He notes how the trial is to defeat a kobold, not kill despite it being a combat trial. Tactics are an important part of combat. Maybe we can set a trap for a kobold or maybe a simple game of stone, parchment, axe would be enough to meet the requirements.
After Rúadán finishes, Aymar asks, "Chief Blackaxe, I require some clarification on the requirements of this trial. Are we as a group required to defeat one kobold or does each member have to defeat a kobold?"
After being dismissed, he will look to head back to the hot springs, muscles are sore from carrying the boars. He will use the soak to come up with a game plan based around the chief's response.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Thursday July 27th, 2023 7:17:02 PM
After the meal he will go to the hot springs and let his body relax. While there Aydi would ask Aymar "Have you ever had to outsmart a Kobold? I am going with the mindset that we are just going to subdue somehow. The only good thing is at least I can talk to them had a someone in my team in my past life that was a kobold and I spent enough time that I got to learn Draconic from him. About all I learned from him he never really talked about his past like the rest of us. At least we were able to communicate without the other less friendly ones knowing what we wanted to do. After stating that you see Aydi reflexively go to an old scar that looks more like a brand than a battle wound and he will sink farther in the water.
After getting clean he will spin some time doing some research about Kobolds finding out what he can about their homes. He wants to know if they are prone to traps and if they can get them to submit without a fight (If they are cowards).
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 Thursday July 27th, 2023 8:59:24 PM
Aymar is pleased that Aydi has joined him in the hot springs. "From my experience a single kobold is cowardly but a group of kobolds are cunning and dangerous." He peers off into the distance, replaying a scene in his mind. He shakes his head after a moment. "Its weird, I always felt a sort of kinship with Kobolds and swore I could understand their words somewhat. Probably just my mind playing tricks on me." He will do his best to ignore Aydi's motion towards his scar, he wasn't ready to share his story just yet either.
He will head to bed soon after returning. He figures he will need to be in top mental state to achieve the trials desired result.
Preparing for the Second Trial - DMs SteveM & Cayzle Thursday July 27th, 2023 10:01:32 PM
Rúadán helps heal the injured elf. He explains the purpose of capturing the pigs alive. And he gives his dagger to the Native Sons. When the next challenge is described, he protests.
Kaida accepts the dagger respectfully. When Ruadan speaks, she subtly distances herself. She still finds the test confusing, but does not challenge it here.
Nora discusses the possibility of a pig farm outside the stronghold with the team. She wonders if the dwarves would build a wall. Thaeden, listening, says, “Herding pigs is no dwarf specialty, but building walls sure is! We could carve a stair up, then put a high wall all the way around where it emerges, with no door or gate in the wall, maybe with a roof over part for shelter.”
Nora accepts a dagger. After Ruadan speaks, she adds her perspective. She also reflects that defeat does not necessarily mean combat. Others also point out that the terms of the trial are to defeat, not to kill.
Aydi is grateful for the dagger. He surmises the fight might be a contest of wits to avoid an actual fight. The outsider groups seem to take the contest in stride, but the Native Sons seem a bit confused. After the meal, he relaxes at the hot springs with Aymar. He then researches kobolds.
Ian thinks it is too bad he cannot use his new dagger in the next contest.
Hamlin thanks the dwarves for the dagger. Hearing that next is a combat test, he worries about his chances. He gestures for Ruadan to stop, but it doesn’t work.
Aymar bows as he accepts the dagger. When Ruadan speaks, he half listens but also ponders what the chief said. When Ruadan is finished, he has a few questions for the chief.
Nadia listens and ponders.
Rúadán describes the next test as ridiculous, also finding fault with the hunting. He says Stern’s leadership is inefficient and unnecessarily dangerous. The test should promote the well-being of the community. He does not wish to be a party to murder, and will not go. Blindly following a leader is wrong when not following will avoid a mistake. He asks that a different test be offered.
Stern listens impassively while Ruadan speaks, but is quick to answer. ”The contest will not be changed. Please keep in mind the dwarven values we have described: Loyalty, Duty, Honor, Courage, Wisdom, Hard Work, and Respect. If you prefer to not participate in this challenge, that is a choice you can make.”
Grimgar loudly announces that he understands the need for combat in a difficult land, and that his group welcomes this challenge. Garog, on the other hand, is more interested in playing with the piggies. One is climbing on him, and the big half-orc is laughing.
Nora makes clear that Flower is against needless violence, and she will meet the challenge in a way that the goddess will approve. Stern does not respond beyond nodding.
Aymar asks whether they will encounter the kobold as a group or individually. ”Each of you will fend for yourself in this encounter. Each, alone, must defeat a kobold.”
When the meal is over, Stern and the observers leave. Thaeden stays behind at least until the teams have left, helping them with directions if they need them.
In the hot springs, Aydi mentions that he will be able to talk with a kobold. In his research, he learns that kobolds are famous for their trap-building abilities. They are not generally good at combat.
Your time is your own until tomorrow morning, when you will all gather at the gate leaving the hold -- or not, as you prefer.
[OOC: Starting tomorrow, there will be a DM post and, after that, individualized email messages out to each player. You can post your actions in a “Private” post, or you can email back. Each player must engage their trial, should you choose to accept it, alone.]
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 11/11 Friday July 28th, 2023 12:13:11 AM
Taking note that there will be plans needed to help the piglets thrive, but that Garog seems to be well able to help care, she would put aside some time to speak with him, to see if he would be interested in helping her and her group set up something for the piglets. She even points out they seem to be taken with Garog, he might enjoy more time with them.
As for the challenge, after hearing her party's comments she mentions to all who are on the fence " Kobolds are nasty creatures, and they raid and steal. However, defeat is not just a physical match, but rather a mental one. He never did say we had to kill them. Infact I would rather gather this test is one to ensure we do not kill them. No magic or weapon? Nor light? I sense this test is not about death, but about wisdom and courage."
She would however go about figuring out how to best prepare an area to raise the piglets in after her comments to her group, which was partially to give her time to think about how best to subdue a Kobold
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 13/13/11 -- CMD 10 -- HP 9/9 Friday July 28th, 2023 2:35:06 AM
Kaida knew something about the way the test was presented seemed odd but couldn't place it. What Nora and Aydi say then makes perfect sense! She waits until the group is out of earshot of the others - especially the R&Ts - and then excitedly bounds up to the duo. "You're right! Each time he's used the word 'defeat'. That could mean anything, not just actual combat! Nicely done!"
With a grin, Kaida offers Nora a light-hearted idea. "On the off chance that the lute contest doesn't go as planned, you can always take a more creative route and resort to lute-fuelled violence!" She mimics wielding an invisible lute as a club.
Kaida is feeling a lot more positive about this test now. "Assuming the group are right and this isn't a combat test" She keeps her worries to herself.
She'll tag along with Nora to see what she plans to do with her shield.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=13 ; Friday July 28th, 2023 8:23:01 AM
Aydi will take his time before the trial to rest up and make sure his gear is cleaned sharpened and mended. He knows the plan is not to use any of his weapons, but that does not mean he should not bring them. While taking a break he will go visit Garog with the piglets. He is starting to really see his true strength is that of being a kind heart. He wonders what made him join up with the Rough and Tumblers. Aydi will also try to give him a gentle nudge to be himself in the next trial not what his leader wants him to be. Aydi remembers the downside of following your groups leader and not being true to yourself. He has lost to many friends doing that. After seeing Garog, he will just roam Drakesmeade and try to soak up what everyone is thinking of the newcomers. He wants to see if this is going to be a home so far it feels right, but he has never really been by himself. He trust the group he traveled with, but has this place earned his trust.
OOC: Perception Check to listen in to the random conversations he passes by. Perception 13
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 16/14/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 12/12 Friday July 28th, 2023 10:15:29 AM
Ian will check on Penelope to make sure she is okay. He will then check his own gear and prepare for tomorrow.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 18/13/15 -- CMD 12 -- HP 11/11 Friday July 28th, 2023 4:48:54 PM
Nora agrees with Nadia. "It is either completely insane, as anyone should know it makes some peoples' skills totally unusable, or it is a test of something else than combat. There's no Honor, no Wisdom, no Respect in going out searching for conflict that way."
Nora goes looking for a shield, pen, ink and sheets. When trying on the shield, she explains to Kaida: "Well, as I'm trying something that's perhaps unconventional, I see it wise to prepare to things going wrong. If I start getting attacked, I can hide behind this thing. With my armor and this it should be pretty hard to get hit. I still do not prepare to fight, but it gives me time to get out."
About the pen and sheets she explains: "Apart from being useful in other ways, I thought that if they want a proof of the kobold's defeat, I'll ask a signature on a document declaring I won. I really didn't like the concept of combat with someone unvoluntary just for proving yourself. So I'm going to wave it at their face as much as I can."
In the morning, Nora changes her morning prayers. She prays Flower to provide her spells of comprehend languages and sanctuary, and the usual curing spell.
Brent A - Hamlin Vashtel - AC 13/13/10--CMD 13--HP 8/8 Friday July 28th, 2023 6:05:29 PM
Hamlin seems more grim than his usual self and seems to be contemplating what to do. To the group he says. " Perhaps we can just go in and leave while saying that we did it? Perhaps say that we tried our best and bet that we will still pass because of the previous stellar performance? I'm really perplexed on how to beat this trial?"
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 17/12/14 -- CMD 16 -- HP 11/11 Friday July 28th, 2023 6:09:29 PM
Aymar will wake up and make sure all his stuff is packed. He will leave his sword, bow and quiver on his bed. He puts his new dagger on his belt and hides his other daggers, one in each boot. He debates on whether to wear his Chainshirt or not, ultimately deciding to be safe and wear it. He heads to the gate to get his instructions. The earlier he can head out the better.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 16/13/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 13/13 Friday July 28th, 2023 9:15:43 PM
As Aydi was walking he remembered the reaction the Native sons. He will go there and ask them why they were so surprised with the trial.
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