Conversations (DM Mark) Friday January 29th, 2016 1:39:48 PM
Murphy discusses some possible routes and information.
Cameron is ready to go. He favors a more direct route over the roads.
Shel and Alleah express interest in visiting the Second Dinner Club’s Tower.
Bliss says as heros, you do not seek a reward. In fact, they have plenty of money. But supplies and community support would be nice.
Trill tells this group of older community leaders that if they’re not willing to pay, they should just go themselves. She reminds them that the party is doing them an enormous favor. She derides these leaders for asking for their help, suggesting they are not willing to make any sacrifices themselves.
Kezzem asks if there’s any better info on where to find these mages. They have no more at this time than what has been revealed, and are acutally puzzled that they cannot divine more information at this time. ___________________________________________________________ These folks listen and are rather offended by Trill’s lecture. The Mayor of Angel Springs starts, “Why you impudent little twit! Who do you think you are…”
He is cut off by the Baron. “PEACE PLEASE!” his voice booms. He continues to Trill and the rest, “My dear woman, we know that we ask a great deal of you. We are about to ask a great deal of this community as we prepare for the resumption of giant raids, and hard decisions lie ahead for us. I saw that some of you wear the pins of the WLA. I was once a member of the WLA, so I made some assumptions. I had also assumed that the vast amount of wealth you recently came into provisioned you well - certainly far beyond the citizens here in the Crescent Valley, but we will provide whatever supplies you need without charge. But my dear Trill, if you cannot keep a civil and respectful tongue, then I invite you to please leave. And if you all choose to leave, then we will do this on our own. I will put all my wealth at your disposal if that is what you require. My adventuring days are long past, but I can tell you they were much more care-free than what I do now. Know that I will do whatever is needed to protect this valley and it’s people. With or without your help.”
“So, the question remains - will you help us?”
In response to Pressi, “Mistress, we would welcome you council in our preparations. Our lives are filled with concessions and compromises,” he casts a stern glare at the Mayors. “Rest assured, we do what we think is best for our communities. You are all young, and I imagine none of you have worn the burden of public office, so I do not expect you to fully understand. However, we cannot ceed power or responsibility to you, nor will we fire anyone that offends you. My world is no longer the simple life of an adventurer. Will you work with us in this?”
How do you answer these questions? ___________________________________________________________ (Depending on your response, you later go check out the Second Dinner Club’s Tower. Any or all are welcome to go - even though only two expressed interest, they assume you would all like to be there.)
Constable Hornblower will have the guard at their tower let you in. While he will step in with you, he does not particularly watch what you do or monitor where you go. The tower has a basement, a ground floor and two more levels above.
There are common areas, a kitchen, a large basement where magical practice and experimentations is done. There are many books here in a large reading area. All in all, the place is pretty cozy with comfortable furniture. An unseen servant appears (you can actuallly see its ghostly figure,) and it sets a cup of water on a table for each person as they enter. There is wine nearby as well. The common areas are neat and clean.
You are able to determine whose room is whose. Mostly because they have their names carved into their doors - which is weird.
Veseley Vortence’s room is tidy and neat, and a bit spartan. The usual personal effects are here. Things seem well cared for and organized here. You feel a slight tugging on your coat as an unseen servant attempts to remove it. Any resistance will cause it to cease.
Tiana Taithen’s room is a complete mess. There are clothes strewn everywhere, personal effects are scattered about. There are writings and papers everywhere, mostly bad poetry. The room smells of roses and lavender.
Bazeck Breezelee’s room is - interesting. There is a strong, musty smell here. And a lot of dust. Heads of various creatures and even a few humanoids are mounted on the walls. There are many animal bones, feathers and skins here as well. His clothes seem mostly dark and somber in color. There are also some rather bawdy pictures of halflings in a pile here.
Trill listens to what is said and expounded upon and once the General has finished speaking she nods to him and turning to the Mayor of Angel Springs, she stares him down for a moment and then mildly says.
"As for this impudent little tart, sir, Let me introduce myself. My name is Trillium Dragonstone Lightfingers, daughter of Dahlia Lightfingers of the Platinum Dragons and goddaughter of Valdor Dragonstone, and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?
Without waiting for an answer she turns back to the general and continues.
"I certainly did not mean to come across as uncivil nor disrespectful, but then no one including my mother and godfather has ever accused me of being politically correct or of being a politician. So my apologies if anything I said was somehow offensive but, I see it and say it how I see it. It is nice to see a politician whom is willing to back what they say with actions and materials of their own, as all to often, i think you will agree is not often the case. And if you will notice, I did not ask for anything that would bankrupt and village or town, but merely asked for things that any group would need in order to do the task that you have put forward. Those that saw us arrive the other day saw us arrive two to a pony or on a wagon, most of which we had just paid for a day before and weren't meant for hard riding." So if you are wiling to provide us transport, sustenance and some small healing for the trip, then I for one available to leave as soon as we can manage it."
******* At the towers*************
While at the towers, Trill carefully goes through each room to see if there is anything that seems out of place or doesn't belong that might provide some sort of clue. Perception rolls DC 32, 27 29
To the rest of the group and those that accompanied them. Do any of you have the ability to scry or find people through your magics? And if so would it be easier to do with some personal belonging or thing of that person? If so perhaps we should bring such a thing or things out from here to aid in our search?
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d20+7=24 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 4:54:21 PM
Cameron looks on, almost in horror as Trill dresses down the important people here. The diplomat inside him slits his wrists. The mercenary in him quickly triages the diplomat and shove him forward. When the Baron asks the two questions Cameron smiles and answers quickly and completely. " As a former member of the Mailed Fist you might think I would be the most mercenary of all here. Not the case. So far you folks have asked nothing I am not willing and able to do. You asked rather than ordered and actually seem to value our council on the subject. That's a welcome change from what I am used to. I will do my very best to find and rescue your mages. If vengeance is required to e dealt for their capture or abuse, or worse, I will deliver that which is due. If you choose to reward me for that, that is fine. If you choose to at least continue to regard me and my fellows here as you now do, that's fine too." " I like you guys. You have organization but aren't ramming it down my throat. You have plans, but are willing to ask for help making them work. You have opinions about the goddess I follow, everyone does, but you have given me the benefit of the doubt and that is welcome. I will need a mount. I prefer a riding dog if one can be had. Is there somewhere I can buy one with all of the provisions I will need for this trip on such short notice? Would you fine priests be able to write down what has been seen in your visons in case we need to clearly recall it later, maybe to figure out where to go to find the mages? That would be most helpful." "When we return, Bliss, Pressi, myself and a few others will want to try and help you organize your militia to face the giants. If I can, I will get my Grandfather to send a few dwarven veterans to help train this militia. I rather think that halflings will fight far differently than his dwarves will council, but they can probably still help give the militia direction and the information necessary to fight effectively." "If there is nothing more, I need to finish my preparations for this excursion. I hope we are not too late to save the mages." Diplomacy 24 Cameron will then wait for any response, then turn and head out. He needs a mount, plenty of food for said mount, and more dry rations for himself. He will speak with the other clerics if they wish, but he needs to get these preparations completed so that he is not the one slowing this mission down.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 d20+15=34 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=30 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 7:37:54 PM
Before entering the tower, Alleah does a quick check around its perimeter. She's looking for any signs of a struggle, or footprints that don't belong (such as orc). She casts Toros Taur Try (to get a +1 bonus on her Perception checks) and looks about (Perception outside the tower: 34)
Inside the tower she is very careful not to touch anything. Not yet anyways. She casts Detect Magic and Deathwatch. Detect Magic might reveal objects of importance, whilst Deathwatch is cast in case the corpse of Bazeck is somewhere nearby. She will renew these spells as often as required.
She spends most of her time in the common area. If the trio were working on an experiment together, the details would likely be in a common place. Perhaps there is a clue as to what they were doing, if they were involved in the collapse of the tower (this time around), and if there was anything that might make them targets for abduction. (Perception: 24. Or, if we have lots of time, Take20 for a check of 35)
On seeing the state of Tiana's room, Alleah will kindly suggest that the men wait outside. It wouldn't be proper for them to see Tiana's undergarments and such. Alleah will try and find a hairbrush amongst the mess of possessions. (Perception: 30)
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Friday January 29th, 2016 9:46:40 PM
Shel made a beeline for Uncle Bazeck's room. She looked around closely, turning bright red at seeing his pile of nudie pictures in the floor. She had never been fond of his hunting either, and seeing the various skins and heads around the room unnerved her. She followed Alleah into Tiana's room and felt much more comfortable there. "Alleah, do you think there might be a library in this building? Maybe we can find some information on the tower, or how to repair one? Or someone's spellbook. There could be all sorts of useful tomes there. Maybe even one of the lost volumes of Journye to the Moone!"
Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) d20+17=22 ; d20+17=32 ; d20+17=22 ; Saturday January 30th, 2016 10:29:07 AM
Bliss is getting bored with the speechifying. "I'll do what Cam says," he declares. "And Trill is nice, so she won't fire anybody."
He says as an aside to Cam, referring to an evoker they both once knew, "Now that Miss Pru, she was good at firing people, wasn't she, Cam!"
"So can we get on with it now?"
===== ===== ====
At the tower, Bliss enlarges Mookie and flies to the top. From there, he looks out over the area. He looks for clues on the rooftop. And he looks for obvious or secret ways in.
Perception checks: 22, 32, 22
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+13=17 ; d3=3 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+13=24 ; Saturday January 30th, 2016 12:40:18 PM
Kezzem assists with searching the towers.
Perception Checks: 17 (Vesley's), 27 (Tiana), 24 (Bazeck); +3 to all rolls vs. traps Iignore the d3 roll--clicked the wrong button.
Kezzem then scratches "Kezzem was here" on each of their doors.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Saturday January 30th, 2016 3:01:12 PM
Pressi, having let the matter drop, stays outside of those towers, standing quietly.
Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk d20+17=33 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+17=31 ; Sunday January 31st, 2016 4:07:19 AM
Anyone else for horseshoes of speed? "Say, if we can get four ponies shod with horseshoes of speed, that would allow us to pull carts through the Red Hills very quickly. So, two pull each cart. I can finance two sets of horseshoes. Who among my friends can help shod the other two? I own three ponies, and Alleah one. That should suffice, as a minimum, with the carts to carry us and our gear. Or we could do it with one cart, and half the ponies on duty at a time. A cart may be easier through the hills. What do you say? I have six thousand, if among the rest of you we can come up with another six, and have good Primula shoe the ponies this afternoon or evening, we buy one more cart, make certain a competent cartwright check them both out, maybe toss in an extra axle and another pair of wheels for repairs along the way. Lickety-split. That may take us through just as fast as if we were on the Teucri roads!"
[That would grant the ponies move 70, and they could pull carts at 60.]
He does not ask anything special of the leaders and dignitaries.
Wizards' Tower [Perception checks - Basement 33; ground floor 30; 2nd story 33; 3rd story 31] Murphy begins below and works his way up, examining each area to find salient information which may be of use in effecting a rescue. He activates detect magic as he looks around each area. He encourages his friends to look for a spell book or a scroll of teleportation, so that Veseley, whom he knows can cast that spell, may have access to it at an opportune time.
On the 2nd story, he comes across Kezzem carving something into the door. "WHAT are you doing, Kezzem??" he asks in astonishment. "We are not barbarians, are we? These are people who deserve respect and honor, not some rude chicken scratchings etched on the doors of their rooms in their own home! You trying to get us kicked out?" Murphy's hand covers his eyes, and he shakes his head. "Look, Kezzem, we're here to try to find something to rescue the wizards, who may be able to help save the valley. Focus on that, please. No more knife carving in this place, all right? Carving up nasty girallons, that's fine. Carving wooden doors of wizards who are friends, not so fine."
That momentary distraction aside, he continues his search, and collects at least one or two items which may be of service in effecting the rescue. He shows Roscoe Hornblower whatever it is he has collected, explains his rationale, then tucks his finding(s) into his haversack.
Catacombs He visits the General Store, and makes some Catacombs purchases - including, if the others agree to his plan, two sets of horseshoes of speed for two of his ponies. He will also pick up a fair number of blankets to help smooth the ride through the hills, plus some other gear.
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Sunday January 31st, 2016 7:10:54 AM
Alleah rubs her chin in contemplation
"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure taking a cart is a good idea. It makes us far less mobile, it's an easy target for destruction by a fireball, and it can easily be seen from a distance. And I'm guessing the Red Hills are known for being 'hilly'. Just taking ponies to ride should give us the mobility and speed required for any sort of rescue"
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Sunday January 31st, 2016 1:32:09 PM
"What gives, [bold]Murph?[/bold]" says Kezzem. "I was just having a little fun, no harm done. And since when is it better to carve up creatures then things? That's some twisted thinking there, if you ask me."
Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue talk Sunday January 31st, 2016 1:38:29 PM
"Well, a cart can go on hills. We already took a cart out to Parley House in the Red Hills. Just has one axle - rolls with the bumps, as it were. I'd not likely try to take one into the mountains - unless there were a sure mountain road. But hills? Sure! Also, for those not adept at riding, it takes no particular skill set to ride in a cart. Also, a body can sleep on a cart - making sure first they're well secured, so they don't go rolling off in the middle of a dream.
"As for speed, with the horseshoes of speed on ponies, they move right quick. With normal shoes, they move fair enough.
"So far, I don't think we've been hit with any fireballs. Not saying there won't be a first time. Wonder if we can treat it to make it harder to burn? Seen from a distance? Halflings on ponies would be nearly as easy to spot. Unless Bliss were riding the pony. I daresay he could make himself and the pony unseeable, even though they're six feet in front of you."
Taking a breath, though, Murphy concludes, "That said, though, Alleah, I'll go along with you on this. That way, when it becomes clear we need a cart, I can say, 'I told you so!'" he teases her.
Murphy CMD 21 AC 19 HP 43/43 - (Kim). Rescue prep Monday February 1st, 2016 5:42:53 AM
"All right, Kezzem, yes, you have a point about things versus creatures," Murphy allows. "But, please, don't mark up the Wizard's Tower any more, all right?"
Alleah -- RobC -- AC 19/13/17 -- CMD 13 -- HP 45/45 Monday February 1st, 2016 6:41:23 AM OOC: Per email, is someone able to cover Alleah for me for a few weeks? You would have full permission on her abilities and spells!
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Monday February 1st, 2016 10:25:48 AM
"Oh, fine," says Kezzem to Murphy. He later sticks his tongue out at him when his back is turned.
Conversations (DM Mark) Monday February 1st, 2016 1:58:21 PM
After some discussion with these local figures (the Baron, the Mayors of the three towns in the Crescent Valley, and a few clerics representing various deities,) the Members of Humble’s Sword are offered whatever provisioning they need. Trill offers a backhanded apology, and makes it a point to tell the Mayors who she is. She asks who they are and ignores their response. She sort-of compliments the Baron, and clarifies that her request for goods is modest. Trill is horrified by her treatment of this group, and attempts to smooth things over. The Baron will agree to any requests for supplies and such, but says that they do not have time to find these things for the group. He instructs the party to obtain a receipt for any such goods they purchase and get these to him for reimbursement. ___________________________________________________________ They then investigate the Tower of the Second Dinner Club with the Constable in the late afternoon. Nothing there seems particularly out of place to Trill.
They are able to find some personal effects from each of the three individual’s rooms. There is no hair to be found in Veseley’s room - he seems to have been rather fastidious, but there are personal items there (hairbrush, comb, undergarments, etc.). There are many things here that radiate magic. Please tell me what you take (assume the normal personal effects someone might have.) Presi does not find a library per se, but there are many books in many shelves throughout the tower, a few with magical auras. There are some that relate to the Second Dinner Club’s study of the Giant Towers and their perspectives on it’s construction, but none that are actually by or about the individuals or processes used in the actual construction.
Kezzem begins carving "Kezzem was here" on the doors of the occupants. He’s done so to Veseley’s door, and has carved “Kez” when Murph ask his to stop. The Constable overhears this, and Kezzem is asked to leave the tower immedately. The Costable then asks everyone to stop where they are, and brings in a few guards to watch you all closely. You are only allowed to take out one or two personal items for each of the 3 mages. The Constable notes a description of each item, and one of you must sign for them.
Mookie and Bliss fly around outside, but do not find a secret way in.
This will consume the remainder of the afternoon - it is evening when you finish there. ___________________________________________________________ That evening, you are contacted by a couple men from the stables. Even though the Baron said that they did not have time to gather things for the group, they are presented with four riding ponies, all their feed, gear and tack, as well as two riding dogs dogs with their requisite equipment. You are asked “Will these do to help you on your journey?” (Be sure to detail out anything else you purchase/pursue.) The following morning, a cleric of Domi provides the group with a Wand of Cure Light Wounds - it has 37 charges in it.
As you leave Humble’s Ford the next morning, there is a large crown is there to see you off. Most wish you well. Clearly the town is uneasy and fearful, and not sure whom to blame.
The journey is to Hovel is rather uneventful. However, on their way then encounter a familiar figure. Headed toward you is a fat halfling merchant that you recognize to be Hevin Longroot! He’s on a larger wagon than he had before, being drawn by two ponies. His wagon looks pretty full!
“Well hello there! It’s a pleasure to see you all! I see you’re still getting some use out of that wagon! I got your message to Miss Marigold, just like I promised. Didn’t get there until nightfall, but I pressed on, I did! A deal’s a deal, and the Longroots can be depended on! You’re all famous you know - there’s a lot of talk in Hovel about you. There are some naysayers there, say you caused all this, but I set them to rights! You’re good, upright folk I says. Miss Marigold has had some words with some of her friends about you.”
“Say, can I interest you in any goods? I bought about all I could find in Hovel - food, leather goods, buckets, rope, chain. You name it, and I’ve probably got it. I’m taking the lot to Humble’s Sword to do my part!”
(respond as you wish - I can back up if needed. But assuming you press on…) ___________________________________________________________
You arrive in Hovel in the afternoon. You are soon greeted by Marigold and some of the others you met before.
There are a few scowls of disapproval, but none confront you directly. Adventurers are not popular in Hovel.
There are also a few that just stare at you in awe, with whispers of: “It’s them.” “They’re the ones that speak to the Gods.” “The favor of the Gods is upon them.” “They know what will happen.” “They came from the future.” “No, they came from the past.”
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d20+8=24 ; Monday February 1st, 2016 7:47:58 PM
OOC Kim, did Murphy mention that there was a housekeeper for the burrow? Would she be able to drop some food ( worms, crickets, or whatever the DMs will allow me to arrange for) into my vermin's terrariums while we are gone? DM Mark, I had a week, what am I able to secure as food for my spiders and scorpion? Crickets? Worms like Murphy suggested? Meal-worms from a local vendor or farmer maybe? I will totally pay for them, and compensate the housekeeper for the feeding. If the housekeeper is unwilling to do so I try to set up one of the kids in town who think I am less weird, maybe one of the ones that I helped escape the purple fog, to do the feeding. I set up a way that the feeder has no chance of coming in contact with the vermin ( I am immune to their poison, but a child or housekeeper will not be and I am not out to hurt anyone) Something like a one way door to drop the food into the terrarium. If none of this has worked out yet ...
IC Upon the animals being presented to the group Cameron is very appreciative. After selecting one of the riding dogs Cameron says, " Thank you very much, this saves me quite a bit of time. What is this mount's name?"
Cameron is also overwhelmed by the generosity of the Cleric of Domi. He bows respectfully and thanks the cleric, by name if he was told the name at the meeting earlier in the day. He feels certain that this is this specific clerics doing and tries to make that obvious when thanking the cleric.
Cameron sees Hevin on the horizon and after listening to the trader's talk decides that what he had heard about the Longroot family may not exactly apply to Hevin. Sense Motive 24 is Hevin making up any of the story he is spinning or is he sincere in the things he says he has done on our behalf? If Cameron thinks Hevin is being truthful he offers the merchant an apology and makes the merchant an offer. [b]" Hevin, I judged you harshly the first time we met and made threats I should not have. I am sorry about that. If you can forgive me and are interested, I have a job offer for you. You seem to have heard alot about us, no doubt you have heard that I am a bit of an oddball and a collector. I have gathered several venomous spiders and a peculiar scorpion to provide me with the venom I need for my goddess's worship. In order to care for them, I need to keep them fed while I am out helping folks in need. I need a steady source of insect 'prey' for them to hunt and a willing person to feed them when I am gone. The enclosure that they live in has a one way opening so that food can be put into the enclosure with no danger . Do you think you could handle this for me on such short notice? I am willing to pay you for the supplies you need and the time you spend should you do it yourself or for someone reliable that you hire. Their enclosure is outside the window of my room at the Sword's burrow. The housekeeper can direct you, or the person you find. If you are interested, what would be your price and are you up to the task?"
Cameron is not used to being held is such whispered awe. Even as an elite agent while in the Fist, and even after distinguishing himself famously, or infamously, depending on who you asked, he was not used to this kind of treatment. He tries not to let it make him prideful, and he pretends not to hear them, unless it is obvious they WANT to be heard. He keeps the serene outer composure one would expect of an Avenger, but secretly inside he is very pleased that the Sword is so well regarded. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
Spells and effects on Cameron None
Spells remaining Create Water, Detect Victim, Detect Poison, Light Longstrider (domain), Shield of Faith, Magic Stone, Bless, Magic Stone True Strike* (domain), Hold Person, Sound Burst, Resist Energy Invisibility (domain), Bestow Curse
Spells cast None
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+13=25 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 12:14:49 AM
"That's right, we speak with the gods, and they say you're going to offer us free drinks!" says Kezzem.
Bluff: 25
Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) d20+2=3 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 12:39:00 AM
Bliss remembers his manners and thanks the mayor and others for the gear they are given.
In Hovel he grins and shows off with his magic yo-yo. He tries to put people at ease.
Diplomacy 3. Well, maybe not!
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 6:22:14 AM
Shel was ready to head back out of town. It would have been nice to stay home a bit longer, but important duty called. She took her usual spot, riding in the cart as the group got on the road. She kept her mouth shut in Hovel, remembing all too well the misunderstanding she had had with them just a day or two earlier. She let the others do the meeting and greeting there. .
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:17:16 AM
Pressi shook her head at Kezzem as he once again tried to score free drinks. She had been outside of the tower when Kezzem had been thrown out on his ass for desecrating what was left of the tower. Sure it could be repaired by spells or even some good crafting, but that wasn't even the point.
And now.... "It occurs to me that I've never known you to not bluff. But I have to ask something. Are you bluffing that you do care about anything or bluffing that you don't? And who are you trying to fool?"
Pressi's question was a shot in the dark. Sometimes she asks things like that just to tweak people.
As for Hovel, she mostly ignored the people around her. It was a little disconcerting to be back in the limelight, though she had to admit that she did miss it.
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:24:11 AM
Alleah rode quietly atop Thistle. She had at the time they left brushed off Murphy's arguing - and hoped Pressi wasn't rubbing off on him - but being out in a sunny day had brightened her mood considerably. Even running into that Hevin fellow hadn't darkened her mood.
Hovel was a little tougher. While most of Humble's Ford had seemed to accept that they never had a chance to save the tower, the people of Hovel seemed to remind them of their failure. And that... Alleah wondered if that pain and doubt would ever go away.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+13=23 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 11:44:36 AM
"Press, what's all that?" says Kezzem. "I'm bluffing to get free ale?"
Sense Motive 23: Highlight to display spoiler: {Kezzem is very uncomfortable by Pressi's questions.}
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d20+8=17 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 1:58:13 PM
Sense motive 17 " I think what she is driving at is that since you are always trying to get free drinks, or draw attention to yourself, or boast about your fighting skill, that it hides some other aspect of your personality Kezzem. Kinda like how I don't show much emotion towards any of you, no matter what I might feel. I'll explain when we are in a less public place." Cameron's words are clinical and sterile, as if he is just stating the facts. Later, when the group has a chance to rest for the night and are alone, or only with Murphy's trusted kin, Cameron continues. " I feel like I owe you all a bit of an explanation. I follow the goddess of vengeance and many are pretty uncomfortable around the mere thought of her because she is often considered totally evil. She isn't, at least not to my eyes, so let me see if I can explain how I see her." Cameron takes a deep breath, gathers his will and plunges on. It is easily the most emotion he has ever shown. The mask of the stoic Avenger slips for a few moments. " When I was little, I lived here in the valley. I vaguely remember being here and how soft, friendly and peaceful the people here are. My parents were adventurers, and every few years gathered to relive their old days and swap stories. One year they were all slain at this gathering, all but Morgan, my dwarven foster father. He was late to the party and it saved his life. He killed or drove off the assassins that stayed behind and found a list on their bodies." Cameron places a blood spattered document on the table. Then he continues. " My name was on the list, so being a paladin and a friend to my parents he raced to my side. He found another crew of assassins there ready to attack me and managed to kill or drive them off, taking a debilitating wound while doing so. No amount of magic or skill ever seemed to make that wound go away completely. He found another list on them." " He adopted me and took me back to the Steelshaper clan home in the Scab where I grew up. To the other dwarves I was a runt. Too small to fight properly, too flighty to work a forge, and I guess, a risk to them taking over the clan since Morgan and his father accepted me as dwarfkin, a dwarf for all legal reasons within the clan." " All this time I was the underdog. Beaten up, chased, ridiculed, and it made me learn to hide, strike only when I had advantage and mostly, just not be there to take their abuse. I went into the Fist, where I had to work twice as hard because I was smaller and weaker than all of the other recruits. I never once let myself come in last, and after awhile, they didn't see me as a weak link. I was good at gambling and could win stuff that the rest of my crew couldn't get through normal legit channels, so they took me in. The Agents wanted me because I wouldn't quit. I would fight, run, hide, work and not quit until I passed out, and that was what they needed. I wouldn't back down from a challenge and I would even come to defy orders for what I knew was the right thing.The Fist was a home like no other I ever had." " Unknown to me, Morgan went out looking for the killers as soon as I enlisted in the Fist. He had done his duty to my parents in raising me and now wanted to do his duty to Pantheon, his god, and bring in their killers.He found something out, of that I am sure, and whatever it was it killed him and animated him and sent him back to the clan home as an undead zombie. The clerics would not inter him as an undead, or former undead, and I was called home to administer cleansing rites that kin were required to perform to restore his soul so that he could be intered in the clan crypt. While I was there, performing these rites, I kept hearing thoughts in the back of my mind about how his god had abandoned him when he was just doing his god's work. A recruiter, surely an Avenger, came to me and offered me a way to cleanse Morgan's spirit and gain the abilities I needed to finally bring down those responsible for all of the death in my life. A small vial of poison, that when I drank it, it would restore his spirit with a part of my own and set me on the path to vengeance. I took the drink and have not looked back." " The Jancassis I see, the one whom I worship, is a protector. She does not necessarily step up to stop oppression, but offers the weak the guidance and power to take back what was taken from them. Pride, life, material things. She teaches them how and when to make their moves for maximum effect. Much as she molds, no forges me. See, Morgan taught me enough about forging that this is how I see it. I was a raw billet of material when I took that drink and became her follower. He guidance and teaching has heated me and shaped me into a tool meant for taking revenge against those that oppress the weak and small, like I was always oppressed. When I took the test to become an Avenger, that was when she finished the forming and quenched me, like a blade in an oil bath. Now, she hones me and puts the finishing touches on me so that I can exact the revenge due for all of the slights and stings in my life. The dwarves are small vengeances, ones I am completely willing to put aside. The best revenge on those that beat me, chased me and belittled me is growing strong and succeeding. Asking them for help to fight the giants here does not enhance that, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make because it is right. The Vengeance I seek, the one that drives me, is my parents and Morgan's killer. I will find the answer to that or die trying." He pauses and takes a drink. The room is dark, but there might be a tear rolling down one cheek, maybe. " I spoke before about emotions, and how I show very few. The Avengers mask of dispassion fits me like a glove, and in truth I welcome it. Everyone I have ever shown affection for has ended up dead. Now, I wear the face of controlled emotions of the Avenger and it spares me the pain that this will ever happen to me again. I tell you now it is a mask. I do care what happens to all of you, and to the valley now that the tower is down. We will solve this, or make those giants incredibly sorry that they chose to raid us. If we solve it peacefully, so much the better. If we have to kill some stuff, giants, orcs, dragons, whatever, I'm all in for that too. AT times I sound like a zealot. I don't do it to tax you or even convert you, but what I am saying is what I believe and is how I see the Wold. I just wanted to make you able to see that, so that I wasn't stepping on any toes." "Now, it is late and I should go make my devotions. Goodnight." The mask slips back down and Cameron the stoic is back . He rises and heads outside under the moons to make his devotions to Jancassis.
OOC I thought it would be a good idea for you all to know how and why Cameron has come to follow what is considered an evil woldian goddess. If I stray from what I just outlined, call me on it, but he sees himself much like Iron Man called it in the Avengers movie. "We may not be able to save the earth, but we will darn sure Avenge it," kinda deal. He is in for the long game, and has been playing it for awhile now.
DM Mark and Shawn, back while we were taking a week to train and whatnot, Cameron penned a few letters to his Grandfather, the head of the Steelshaper Clan in the Scab. He gave an update on the search for the killers in one, but in all he asked his Grandfather for aid in fighting the giants. Dwarves have no love of halflings, they are too much like gnomes. He hopes that their hate of giants will win out. He asked for some clan warriors to help train the halflings and some dwarven arms smiths to help equip them. He sends these letters by as many different routes into the Scab as he can come up with.
Conversations (DM Mark) Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 4:56:05 PM Not sure how the previous DMs had been handling Hero Points. Everyone should add 1 Hero Point to their character for completing the last module, and 1 more Hero Point for the truly heroic efforts at the collapse of the Giant Tower.
For Cameron - Highlight to display spoiler: {No one wants to deal with your poisonous critters, and no one is growing food for them. I am not aware of what arrangements for housekeeping have been made, but if there is one, the housekeeper will reluctantly try to feed your cirtters for a high price. It turns out that you will find a local gardener named Cosmo Fencer that will feed and water your critters for 2 sp per day. Also, if you had asked Hevin Longtroot to care for the critters he would decline, saying that doing so would certinaly limit his trade.}
Cameron sees to the care of his critters. On meeting Hevin, he does not suspect anything unusual beyond the man’s egerness to get these goods to Humble’s Ford. As they enter Hovel, he is pleased that there are a few here that seem to worship the group. Cameron also shares his background and view or Jancasis.
Kezzem tries to parlay this hero worship into some free drinks. Most run away, but one comes back tentatively with two bottles of wine!
Pressi asks Kezzem who he’s trying to fool.
Bliss shows off his mad yo-yo skills. Until during one daring trick to impress the locals, he cracks himself in the head.
Alleah rides Thistle. Good ol’ Thistle.
Shel rides in a cart. She keeps quiet as they get to Hovel.
Trill remains quiet, almost as if he’s not there. Murphy too.
(I thought the party was not bringing any carts or wagons, so I am confused. Please let me know what animals or transport each of you has with you. This should be marked on your character sheet as well.) ___________________________________________________________ There may be some confusion about the towers. There are two. There is a small one at the north end of town that was the residence of a trio of wizards called the Second Dinner Club, and that is what you just searched through for some personal items of each.
Then there is a second tower far to the north of town, and larger than the one that belongs to the Secodn Dinner Club. It is not longer standing. This was part of a magical defensive network to protect against giant invasions into the Crescent Valley.
Just to be clear, as you reach Hovel, most seem to regard you with the same distrust they give to all “adventurers,” and some seem to associate you with the community’s fear and sorrow over the loss of the protective tower. There are some friends and family here that greet you warmly and with welcome. And there are just a few that hold you in awed reverence.
Asking for directions to Peremin Kalliwick is met with responses like, “Oh, why would you want to visit him?” “He’s southwest of Hovel, on the outskirts of town. Take this road - his house is the last one, built into the hillside with a tree growing out of the roof!” He’s a strange one, he is.”
You travel on to Peremin Kalliwick’s home. You almost think you’ve gone too far and must’ve missed it, but then you see a home built into a small hillside, and there is a great tree that seems to grow out of the roof, which has clearly been built around the trunk of the tree. There are no animals that seem to be kept nearby, but there is a small, well-tended garden. Going up to the front door, you knock. You knock again. After a bit of a wait, a rather old, white haired halfling opens the door. With a yawn that seems to be missing a few teeth, he looks you over and says, “Well. What is it you want? Now speak up, I’m not gettin’ any younger while we wait.”
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d20+9=28 ; d20+12=25 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 7:04:28 PM
OOC Thanks, the towers I understood, and as far as the Hovelites gobeing dirty adventurers to most and outright saviors to a few is a win. I'll take any win I can get. That arrangement is fine for the farmer, thank you. Cameron still apologizes to Hevin.
IC Cameron hangs back, not knowing this Peremin fellow at all, but immediately liking him because the townsfolk seem to think he is a kook. Us kooks need to stick together.Cameron will stay back a little, but still close enough to hear what is going on. He takes the reins of his riding dog, generously provided by the town and any other animals the group chooses to leave back with him. He speaks quietly and calmly to them, keeping them quiet. Handle Animal 28 He tries to look around and check out his surroundings, in case it is important later. He also listens intently to the conversation at the door. Perception 25 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 d20+9=27 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:24:01 PM "We are looking for Pereman. Nice garden out here, by the way. Vegetables are looking really nice. But, I'm Shel, from Humble's Ford and we are looking for Pereman. We've heard he knows more about the Red Hills than anyone. We need to ask him to help give us advice on the best way to travel through those hardy lands. We are on an important mission," she whispers the last sentence.
Diplomacy 27.
Trill (AC: 22/17/22, HP: 53/54, CMD: 20, hasted, bull's strength) (Kent) Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:29:20 PM
Trill graciously accepts the proffered, wand, ponies and riding dogs, and makes sure she co-opts one of the ponies for herself as she is not overly fond of dogs, no matter how well behaved they are.
As they make their way to Hovel she is a bit quiet as she ponders how she could have handled things differently with the general and his cronies, and comes to the conclusion that what is done is done and nothing can change the past as they so loudly found out so recently.
She is still put off a bit by how these rural halflings are so distrustful of adventurer types, but manages to just grin and bear it. It makes her feel a bit better about the halfling they are going to see when the response of the locals seem to be similar in nature to those they are getting themselves. It probably means that they will likely get along pretty well.
As they get to Peremin's house she hobbles her horse and joins those moving to the door to chat with him. When the door is opened and Peremin pokes his head out she grins at how they are greeted by the old rascal, knowing that she was right.
"Good Day Master Kalliwick. I am correct in assuming that is to whom we have the pleasure of meeting."
Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) d20+17=25 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 12:20:11 AM
Bliss sees that Shel has it well in hand. He takes a peek in the garden.
Perception 25.
Mookie looks for worms and stretches out in the sun. "These rays are good for an old crow's bones," he says.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 1:10:34 AM
"Huzzah, free wine!" says Kezzem. "Come and sit with the heroes of Humble's Ford and drink with us!"
"Wow, that's a great trick, Bliss! "I particularly like when you caught the bob with your face."
----
"It would be mighty impressive if you *were* getting younger while you waited."
Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:52:59 AM
[Will post later Wednesday. Just fixing header now.]
Bliss (AC20, HP43) & Mookie (AC19, HP21) (Cayzle) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 7:39:28 AM
"I meant to do that!" Bliss says indignantly to Kezzem. And in that moment, he believes it! :-)
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 9:21:22 AM
Alleah remained quiet, seeing as how Shel had the matter in hand as well. She instead waited to see how Pressi would disagree with this or otherwise screw this up.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 9:23:37 AM
"So let me get this straight," Pressi began. "Nobody on the government of THREE towns thought to let you know we were coming? That's... actually believable, unfortunately."
Watch what I can do with this yo-yo! (DM Mark) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 5:24:31 PM
(With the mounts, the dog's names are Cudgel and Skipper, and the ponies are Carrot, Rumpus, Dread, and Bitey (yeah, he’s a bit of a problem.) The two ponies you got from Hevin are named Apple and Frosty. You already have Thistle. None are trained for war - they are just riding animals at this point.)
Cameron works with his new dog, and checks out his surroundings.
Shel and Trill say hello. Trill instantly likes this guy.
Kezzem and Bliss discuss yo-yo use. Including the bruise on Bliss' forehead.
Pressi is disappointed the government didn’t send a messenger ahead of the group. ___________________________________________________________
This fellow in the doorway is rather old. He’s white hair is thinning, but is more than made up for by his eyebrows and the hair growing out of his ears. “Bah - I don’t know you. You people seem a little confused about who you’re lookin’ for. An’ don’t think that complementin’ my garden will win you any brownie points - oh, sorry I see you have a brownie with you there.
“I don’t need to be bothered by folks I don’t know. Go away.”
But as he begins to close the door, he stops and stares as a very strange thing happens...
A ghostly apparition appears before Shel which all can see. It looks like Veseley Vortence. His clothes are torn and he’s kind of a mess. He speaks and his voice seems distorted and halting, as is the image. “Hellllllp us. Weee’re ttttrapped tttrapped tttrapped tttrapped. Tttttiana iiiis wiiiith me e e e e e here.” He does not seem to hear or see the party, but he reaches out and touches Shel’s head. The vision vanishes, and Shel has a general sense of direction southward.
Peremon stares at you all for a moment. “Well, that was weird. But I kinda like weird, so you’d better come in.”
You enter a burrow built into a small hill. It appears neat and well kept. “Well, I’m Peremin. Who are you, and why does a group of halflings such as yourselves want to go into the Red Hills? And what the heck was that ghost?” You can also see that he has a bandage on his arm, and there is dried blood on it.
You will learn that he is an old trader, and would occasionally travel into the Red Hills to trade. They used to mine strange metals and gems, but much of that has stopped. He supposes they either ran out or the folks there lost interest in mining. Orcs and such have increased over the years, and it’s not safe. Only the hardiest of souls survive there now. Or the most pathetic that just aren’t worth raiding.
Assuming you tell him that you plan to go south into the Red Hills anyway, he advise that you follow an old foot path south out of Hovel. He will provide you with a rough map with the general location of an old trader’s path leading to Dour Lake, and beyond into Izen. He’ll tell you to avoid the village of Ogre. It is named for the inhabitants. Other villages and towns can be hazardous, but some are alright if you watch your step. ‘Course, he thinks they’ve probably changed since he was there.
The sun is low in the sky, and Peremin offers for you to stay there if you wish. There is no place to put the animals though. The weather has been fairly warm, but it cools quickly as the sun goes down.
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d8+5=7 ; d20+7=17 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:00:26 PM
Had what was most likely a dead man not just appeared in front of Shel with dire news, Cameron would have most likely fallen to the ground laughing at Peremin's statement about 'liking weird'. From the back he does say, " Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us." At this point he will step forward and offer his hand in friendship to the old trader. When he sees the bandage, he asks if the halfling is alright, and offers his goddess's blessings to heal the wound. By way of explanation for their visit, Cameron takes the lead this time and fills the old man in. " We came from Humble's Ford, where the Giant Warding Tower that keeps the raiding giants out, has fallen. The mage's that were it's caretakers, one of which you saw in that apparition, have been taken by orcs into the Red Hills and we have chosen to go and rescue them. We might be a bit late, judging from that vision. I'm sorry Shel, the one in the vision was your kin, wasn't he? If we are too late, the mages will at the least be Avenged. Whatever aid in the way of maps and directions you can provide to speed us on our way would be most helpful." Diplomacy 17 On the matter of the animals having nowhere to sleep, Cameron will volunteer to stay outside with them and make sure they come to no harm.
If healing is required, Cameron convert's bless into a cure light wounds spell and cures 7 damage. He chose Cudgel as his mount. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
OOC Thanks for the update on the mounts. The players guide says riding dogs are war trained so I would have made a mistake trying to ride an untrained one into a fight. He's just transport and that's cool with me, I am no knight. Besides, this extends his life expectancy by alot. 8)
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 8:51:38 PM
Shel shakes her head. "No, Cameron. I'm not related to either Veseley or Tiana. Uncle Bazeck is my kin. Still no word from him. Hope he'll be okay. But nothing from him since we returned, so I'm fearing the worst."
She remains somber for a few minutes but then her sense of excitement and wonder returned. "But did you see that real live ghost? And it touched my head! It was all cold but it wasn't too bad, I guess. After he touched me, something has been telling me that we need to head south. Sleeping tonight is probably a good idea, but we need to start early. What if the direction sense will wear off? We can't let that happen. Still, a ghost!"
Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 10:48:25 PM
Trill watches the apparition and listens to its message with the others and is relieved at Peremin's change of heart.
She will take Dread and the other ponies to an area approved by Peremin and using a bunch of rope, sets up a picket line for them so they can eat drink and sleep but not wander off during the night
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 11:49:59 PM
"Here, Trill, I'll help you with the ponies instead of hanging," says Kezzem. "I'm not sure what freaks me out more, the ghost-thing or the fact that our host likes it."
Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+15=26 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+17=34 ; Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:32:35 AM
Murphy's catch-up post [apologies for missing days - not typical of me]
Cameron's Entomological Quest Quotiln is the housekeeper / caretaker for Humble's Sword Burrow. He has a roguish background, but seems to be doing well under Alleah's guidance and Alouryn's oversight. Cameron may have been able to persuade him to feed his spiders and scorpion - but that is up to DM Mark.
Preparing to leave Humble's Ford The night before leaving, Murphy invites any members of the group who wish to do so to join him at his family home for a bit, before heading back to the group's burrow (or lodging elsewhere) for the evening. He introduces everybody all around who come. There are his father, Samell Fingers Pastna Pipewood, owner of Winwood Music and Toys in Crescent Valley, his shop here in Humble's Ford, and a few of his things sold in a store in Hovel. Murphy's mother is Bekka Lilly Burrows Leafwin Pipewood - and she is a druid, and noted for how good she is with animals, and small halflings. Only some of his siblings are at home: Juditha, Samki, Feather, and Billy. His oldest brother, Kember (wife Sarta) live a few burrows over. He tells his family a little story about each of his friends who comes to visit.
He tells his siblings that he's going with his friends on an adventure into the Red Hills, and asks for their prayers. Privately he lets his papa and mama know who it is they are going for.
Changing mind, taking cart Learning that Shel would prefer riding in a cart to riding on a pony, the druid goes ahead and loads up his best cart with provisions. He apologizes to Alleah. "I know what I said earlier, that on your recommendation we would leave the cart behind. But Shel would like to ride on it, and it will help us carry things. If we need to abandon it at some point in the journey, early or late, then you can tell me, 'I told you so.' Hope you don't mind too much, 'Leah."
He loads the cart with provisions, blankets, casks, barrels, rope, and the like, and leaves it in the barn overnight.
Then there's the pony and cart they bought from Hevin Longroot - but Murphy leaves that with his parents, and asks them to sell it back to the merchant when he shows up again at the price he had mentioned to Longroot last week. He takes some of the rope and a few barrels from the cart, though, and perhaps a few other items, and transfers them to his cart.
Early in the morning Murphy rises a few hours before sunrise. He offers prayers and a song of devotion to Eberyon, then sends prayers as well to Maab, Alemi, Domi, Wardd, and closes with Flower. He then focuses on spells for the day.
He thinks to grab some grease and a few rags from his father's shop should the cart need it along the way, and drops a note to let him know it was him, and not some other grease-thief, who took it. He also has an extra axle and cart wheels from an earlier adventure he places in the cart as well.
He makes sure that Shel has a comfortable spot to sit, and there should be room for others as well. Pressi? Kezzem? Whoever chooses.
However, there also are a string of ponies. His own combat trained pony, Pippa, who at the moment has a pack saddle and saddle bags. Also two others trained to combat - Sugar and Nutmeg - though the latter is more enthusiastic in battle than is Sugar.
The two excellent riding ponies Apple and Frosty from Ellis.
And the four ponies the stable boys turned over, plus the two dogs. Alleah has Thistle. They can form a cavalry with all these mounts.
On the way, merchant encounter Meeting Hevin Longroot along the way is pleasant, at least for Murphy. He does glance sideways at Alleah, who he knows does not favor the merchant, and is pleased to see she kept a cheerful mien. He will engage with him briefly, though. "Thank you so much, Mister Hevin Longroot, for keeping your word - and for putting in a good word for us! My, that looks like a fine wagon. Was that from Ellis' Livery? Did you have him make you a secret compartment as I suggested?" He asks him.
Then, down to business, "Yes, maybe a few things. Chains - what sizes? what lengths? A few animal skins, perhaps, if you have them, tanned, if possible. Any other kinds of leather goods? I could use a new belt. Three buckets. Do you have any pulleys? I think we have enough rope." He lifts the canvas in the back of the cart and points out some of the rope Hevin had sold them before, and a few of the barrels. He also has some silk rope there.
In Hovel Murphy greets warmly his Aunt Marigold. He takes her aside for a moment, and quietly says, "I'm sorry, Auntie, that I was not fully forthcoming last week. I got the feeling that either you were warning me not to continue in that vein, or really did think it was a clever jest. Would that it had been. I thought, in truth, we had another day or two to spare, but time proved fickle. At least many lives were saved."
He greets her friends as well. "Looks like we are living in interesting times, eh? Well, let us all endeavor to make the best of the time we have."
He manages to pick up on several of the hushed comments of folk of Hovel [Perception (hearing comments): 34] - talk of the group's talking with the Gods, and foreknowledge, and place in time.
When Kezzem decides to take advantage of the situation by affirmed we are in touch with the gods who have instructed the members of the hamlet to provide us drinks, Murphy's estimation of his companion's upbringing, sadly, continues to erode.
"No, people - don't be afraid - look - Kezzem tells a lot of jokes. Don't mind him."
"And, we know with news of the tower, that there is cause for anxiety. But, we are halflings, are we not? Our strength is in our community, in our traditions. And among our traditions is this: We don't buckle under to biguns. Instead, we figure ways to deal with them. Sometimes we trade with them, and make a profit. Sometimes we outsmart them. And sometimes they find out just what a lot of slingstaffs can do to their foreheads and their shins.
"See Marigold Pipewood over there? She works with our militia here in Hovel to help keep us alert, to help keep us strong." Then he thinks to add, "Oh, and you all know about that fellow in town who helps pull stumps for you, and can pull a bigger plow than your ponies, and who plays the drum beautifully, right?" Someone calls out, "That's Lomar!" "Yes - Lomar - a rare one, a giant who has a kind heart. Sometimes, we can even make friends with a giant or two."
[Diplomacy with Hovelites: d20+9=26]
"My request to you is this," he shifts his stance. "Listen to Marigold, work with her and with the other leaders in our community. Not just here in Hovel, but throughout the valley, we need to pull together.
"Quick question - how many of you have farms here where you raise crops? Part of our working together with you folks is chipping in where we can. Well, I'll chip in today. My Aunt Nilli - she's Marigold's sister, you know - she taught me something that can help crops to grow in greater abundance. Would you like me to do that for you? It should add about a quarter again more than you usually get. Say the word, and every planted patch here within half a mile of where we stand can benefit over this next year. Would you like that?"
He awaits an answer... [and here I assume that at least one person says, "Yes."]
"Very well. Now, a brief moment of silence, please." With eyes closed, and turning around in a full circle, gesticulating to the four points of the compass, Murphy casts Plant Growth, Enrichment (This effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal). Then he stops, and slowly opens his eyes.
He points to one of the women who seemed to hold them in awe. "What is your name, ma'am?" he asks politely. "Ah, Sarinda? Beautiful name. Would you do me a favor? Can you check in with your neighbors over the next several months, and see how the harvests are going? Now, other things can happen which may affect the outcome, but, my guess is, your storehouses will be just a little bit fuller. Would you and your friends, your neighbors, keep track of how the harvests go? Thank you. May heaven above bless us, and defend us - and empower us to take care of ourselves and each other."
He looks around. "We'd love to stay, but have a job to do. Pray for us. Pray for the valley. Work hard. Follow the wise guidance of your leaders. Farewell!"
Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:47:39 AM
With Peremin Kalliwick
As his friends are doing and admirable job of talking with the old trader, Murphy remains silent for the most part, until after Veseley Vortence casts his image in their direction. He wonders whether the wizard had formed some sort of a bond with Shel during the course of their travels through Koshe Marr which allowed him to reach out to her.
"I can cast a scry spell, and try to get more information about their whereabouts. First I want to make sure the horses are properly cared for." Then he finds that Cameron and Trill and Kezzem all have seen to that. He shows them the grain for the ponies, and the feed bags. He sets out the buckets and fills them with water. As it looks like the night will be cold, he places a wool blanket over the back of each pony, though he knows that some of the blankets are like to fall off for one reason or another during the night.
"I know that sometimes one can get a message through a scry spell, but it's not a spell I happen to know. If one of you have one, perhaps we can see if we can work together on this."
Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday February 4th, 2016 7:55:44 AM
Cameron's story
Murphy attends closely as the avenger lays out his story. Food for thought. "Thank you, Cameron," is all he says at this time.
Second Dinner Club
"Sorry to say, but Bazeck Breezelee was felled by a huge arrow from The Huntsman's bow in Koshe Marr." Murphy mentions. "Veseley says like as not the only way to bring him back is to deal with the Lord of Koshe Marr, who is a twisted, wicked, and powerful being. Marteus. Veseley recommends against the attempt."
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Thursday February 4th, 2016 2:34:33 PM
Pressi, from her riding atop Frosty, barely gets out "Help me, Obi..." before Alleah stops her.
She thinks about Murphy's speech to Hovel, the one where Murphy insists on all the ways hobbits have beaten the Bigguns. "And when we can't beat them," added Pressi the elf for an hour, "we join them."
"Well, if you like weird," Pressi said to Peremin, "then you'll love us. So tell us more about these bandits." She eventually began to flip through his maps.
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 Thursday February 4th, 2016 2:49:17 PM
Alleah, after making sure Thistle is okay, moved to talk to Murphy. She seems hesitant, almost as if learning her abilities for the first time (OOC so be patient with me).
"As a matter of fact," she replies as she peers through her translucent spellbook, "I do have scrying. So if you'll give me a second...."
Alleah casts scrying (boosts for possession, some familiarity). She waits for Murphy to provide the message.
Murphy CMD 22 AC 19 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:05:52 PM
"Oh, oh, Alleah, I, too know the scrying spell. I do not know the message spell - but, here, this is the pillowcase from Veseley's bed, and this is, um, some sort of - slip? is that the word? from Tiana, that may help you in the scrying. If you can cast message, there's a chance you can say something." [35% chance your message spell will work through the scry].
"If that works, tell them something like," he says, then thinks for a moment. "This is Alleah, with Bliss, Shel, Murphy, and some other friends. We are in Hovel, and are coming for a rescue. Do you know where you are in the Red Hills? Who has imprisoned you?" After that, if he answers, then keep talking with him as long as you can. Ask how he and Tiana are doing. See if they know what their captors intend to do with them. Are there other prisoners with them? And, you're smart - make up your own questions, 'Leah."
The scrying spell takes an hour to cast, and lasts 1 minute per level. You can look at the person and environment around him or her out to about 10 feet. The following is up to the DM, but the will save for Veseley (if he tries to resist the scrying) would be adjusted by -4 for having a personal item, and somewhere between 0 (have met the person) to -5 (know the person well), for a total of -4 to -9 on his will save. As we traveled with Veseley and Tiana for about a week, it may be said you know him well.
Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us. (DM Mark) Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:31:41 PM
Cameron ask Peremin about the injury on his arm, and casts a curative spell to heal the wound. He relates a quick version of the story.
Shel corrects Cameron’s assertion that she was related to the one whose image appeared, as it was another of the three. Shel’s general feeling to go south fades after about a half an hour or so.
Trill and Kezzem see to the animals as the others go in. Assuming you intend to stay the night, all of you will be able to take part in the following discussion.
Murphy says good-bye to all his friends and relations in Humble’s Ford, and then meets with all his friends and relations in Hovel. Murphy can buy whatever he wants from Hevin. The cost will be 150% of normal cost. Murphy tries to keep everyone in town calm and focused. He also mentions that Bazeck died in Koshe Marr, so his soul belongs to Marteus.
Alleah attempts a scrying spell, but then laments the fact that she does not have either Focus needed for the spell (silver mirror - it is not on her or Murphy’s character sheet.)
(As for the dogs, ponies, carts, gear, etc. - if it’s not on a character sheet, it’s not on this trip. Be sure to designate what’s with you and what’s at home.)
(CORRECTION - the riding dogs are both war dogs. I didn't’ mean to create a new kind of dog. My bad.)
He’s grateful for the healing from Cameron. “Thank you boy. Ya know, ya get old and your skin gets thin - it don’t take much.” He looks at Cameron, “Jancasis, eh. She’s trouble, but mostly for people that got it coming. But watch yourself boy. You’re young, so before you go seeking revenge, just be sure you get all the facts. Revenge is a bad business. Followers of hers tend to act before they think - you do that and another of her followers will likely be comin’ after you.”
He gets out some cups and fills them from a cask of ale. The ale’s good, but the cups don’t look all that clean. He’ll also start preparing some food.
“Ah, the Giant Tower. So you’re the ones folks been talkin’ about. Say you come from the future or some such nonsense. Some say you shoulda saved the tower. Some say you let it fall on purpose. But there are a few that think you’re sent by the gods. Watch out for those ones - ain't nuthin worse than a religious zealot.”
“Now which one of you’s related to Margold? Murphy? She talks about you all the time. I hear ol’ Welker was talking bad about ya’all, and she cracked him in the head with her shoe. Heh, heh. Welker.” He smiles at the thought.
At Murphy’s mention of Marteus, Peremin spits, “Bah, Marteus, a pox on him and his followers. I trust that none of you follow Marteus’ wicked teachings.” (Yeah, he spit in his own house. Gross.)
You mention the Second Dinner Club.
“Second Dinner Club my arse! I met them idiot wizards - never understood why they were in charge of the towers. I wouldn’t trust them with a bucket of water if my britches were on fire.” But he quickly turns to Shel, “Beggin’ yer pardon fer your kin though.”
“Anyway, ya say ya gotta go an’ rescue ‘em eh? Well it don’t surprise me that they’d need rescuing.” He again turns to Shel, “beggin yer pardon miss.”
You will learn that Peremin is an old trader, and would occasionally travel into the Red Hills to trade. He used to trade in the strange metals and gems they would mine there, but much of that stopped. He supposes they either ran out or the folks there lost interest in mining. Orcs and such have increased over the years, and that might have been part of it. It’s not safe. Only the hardiest of souls survive there now. Or the most pathetic that just aren’t worth raiding.
As you have dinner, you tell him that you plan to go south into the Red Hills toward Dour Lake.
“Ah, Dour Lake. I’ve been there. There’s a few towns around Dour Lake still. First one you’ll come to is called Bright Springs. Ya know, Dour Lake used to be called Bright Lake. But the mining there took a toll and killed the lake. But they kept the town name. Maybe as a joke, or maybe to lure folk to settle there. But there ain't nothing bright about the town or the lake anymore.”
He advises you to avoid the roads, and follow an old foot path south out of Hovel. He says that orcs patrol the roads. He says to take your ponies and dogs if you want. They won’t get you there much quicker, but they’ll make the trip there and back much more pleasant if they survive. He’ll tell you it’s harder to hide with a bunch of animals. You can try that cart you got, but it’ll be rough in spots. He will provide you with a rough map with the general location of an old trader’s path leading to Dour Lake, and beyond into Izen. He’ll tell you to avoid the village of Ogre. It is named for the inhabitants. Other villages and towns can be rough, but are probably alright if you watch your step. ‘Course, he thinks they’ve probably changed since he was there.
You stay the night, and if you’re ready to leave in the morning, please provide a party order.
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:58:39 PM " Peremon, you have been a most gracious host, and your council even on my own Lady's tendencies is not far off. My foster father learned about how hard it might be to find the ones I seek. He learned it the hard way. I have taken her vows so that I might be more prepared when I learn the truth. She has taught me well and hones my skills still. When she decides I am ready she will reveal the truth to me. Your words of caution are very well received, and to my mind, very prudent." In the morning, or whenever they decide to discuss the travel plans, Cameron echoes the trader's words. "I think the animals will make it harder to hide, but I also think they can get us there faster. Based on that sending, speed may be key. Hiding may also not be the way to go. Decimating the first patrol of orcs that we run across and leaving the bodies as a reminder what will happen to more orcs may not be a bad idea. It may buy us some breathing room. If we enter the towns in the Hills, you may want me to precede you. My goddess is , shall we say well received in those parts and I may be able to find the temperature of the populace without getting killed simply because I wear her favor. That I do not see her the same as they do need never be mentioned." "Animals, no animals. That is up to the majority. I can go either way." In the morning Cameron is ready to travel wherever the group needs him. He does suggest he might be of more use up front, in case a conversation needs to be held with orcs, ogres or other giantkin. ( I don't know if anyone else speaks orc or giant...Cameron does) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
OOC I will put Cudgel on my sheet, but as far as Cameron is concerned, the dog belongs to the town militia who have graciously allowed him to use it.
Well if you like weird, you're gonna just love us. (DM Mark) d100=97 ; d100=35 ; Thursday February 4th, 2016 6:59:10 PM
Murphy produces a silver mirror for Alleah to use in her scrying attempt. Unfortunately, an attempt to contact Veseley fails. She tries again, this time with Tiana, and it also fails to produce any results.
(I'm going to assume she cast this twice.)
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Thursday February 4th, 2016 6:59:48 PM
When Peremon spits at Marteus' name, Murphy joins in the gesture, but with a dry spit (the gesture and most of the sound, minus the saliva)*.
"I know you speak orcish, Cameron. I speak giant and goblin, and would like to learn the orcish tongue. Perhaps you can begin to instruct me as we travel along."
As they discuss mounts, and carts, Murphy mentions, "I've got the mending spell, and have used it on carts traveling through the Red Hills a few times before. Also brought an extra axle and wheels, just in case. Not all of us in the group have skills at riding ponies - though, it would not be a bad idea for those who don't have such skills to pick them up.
"On the other hand, we have enough mounts to likely be able to carry everything that is in the wagon, if need be."
[will post list of ponies and dogs later - away from home computer that has the info.]
"Now, for one more item. Peremin Kalliwick, would you like to travel with us?"
* We used to do that in Russia all the time.
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet Thursday February 4th, 2016 9:04:28 PM " I think you might be missing the point Murphy. When Peremon says it wil be rough in spots, what he means is sometimes, we will spend the entire day trying to get the cart up one hill, or skirting a ridge, or avoiding tight groves of trees. No road doesn't mean we couldn't take the cart, it just means that by the time we find the mages, we will have eaten every animal we brought and the mages will be long dead." " Time is our biggest enemy here. We delay, they die. If we hurry, burn the candle at both ends, force march, hustle all day, they might still be in an orc's belly by the time we find them. The fact that Alleah can not even SEE them in her scrying, which ought to be easy enough to acomplish since you all have some familiarity with them and have their stuff means they are either shielded, which is bad, or dead, which is bad too. This mission just got alot more urgent in my eyes." " Of course, if we don't care about them dying, and are just going out to make sure lots of critters pay for them dying, then we can take our time. I didn't get the impression that any of us didn't care if the mages lived or not. Them coming back to help us rally the valley and maybe patch together a working defense seemed to be the theme of this expedition." "What I am saying is blunt, I know, and maybe a bit harsh, but I have been on missions with tough choices like this before. Sometimes you have to change the plan and endure a little hardship to keep people alive. If I am sore for a week and dog tired but the mages live, I'll count that as a win. If we take the mounts, they aren't that hard to control, so long as you keep it simple. In the Fist we had half orcs dumber than my shoes in some of the units. They managed to ride OK, and had never seen a horse they didn't eat before. Trust me, none of us are as dumb as they were. We'll be fine." "Oh, and I would love to help you learn Orcish. It would be a good chance for me to practice. From what I hear, my accent is very dwarven. It seemed to upset the orcs that taught me. Come to think of it, maybe that's why they thought eating me was a good idea. Maybe you would be able to help me understand my arachnids better when we get home in return?"
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Thursday February 4th, 2016 9:58:53 PM OOC Sorry for the cart mixup. I missed the part where we weren't going to take a cart earlier.
Shel agreed. "It doesn't sound like taking the cart will be practical. I like riding in it, that's sure, but I can sacrifice some comfort if it will get us there quicker. I think Thistle is starting to like me anyway, assuming Alleah wouldn't mind the company on her ride. We need to get into there and out of there as quickly as possible. I don't fancy running into biguns if I can help it."
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Friday February 5th, 2016 12:58:09 AM Backstep to Merchant Murphy buys three more pack saddles from our friendly wandering merchant, for 50% extra, plus more food for the animals. He purchases a fifty foot long chain. If available, he buys an extra pully, and a block and tackle. Likely no feed bags are there, but he can buy normal bags, or fair sized skins, and fashion them into feed bags. Plus he'll get the other items he mentioned in an earlier post. [I'll add to CS over the weekend, if that's okay]
Mode(s) of transport "Anyone else wish to weigh in on the matter?" Murphy asks.
If the consensus is to leave the cart behind, the druid asks who wishes to ride which mounts, and which they should assign as pack animals. "Food is sometimes hard to come by in the hills, so we get to carry it along. Any pony that isn't used for riding, we will use as a pack animal. Even the riding ponies will have things in the saddlebags."
Ponies - Combat Trained Pippa (female) (Murphy) (can be ridden, but often a pack pony, and can pull carts/wagons) Sugar (f) (Murphy) (ride, pack, or pull carts/wagons) Nutmeg (male) (Murphy) (ride, pack, or pull) ==== Pony - riding Thistle (f) (Alleah) with Shel ==== Party Ponies - ride/pack Apple (m) Frosty (m) Pressi Carrot (f) Rumpus (m) Dread (m) Trill? Bitey (m) Pack (and muzzle?)
Though the first three listed ponies are Murphy's (they've all been on multiple adventures to date), he's willing to let anyone ride any one of them. He brought pack saddles for each of them, but we can swap the riding saddles from the other mounts with the pack saddles.
Choose a mount, because, for the sake of speed, everyone will either need to ride, or fly, or have a high personal movement rate (40 or more)
Apple and Frost Murphy bought from Ellis, but he considers those as belonging to the party. The others the stable boys let us know about, and they are for anyone to use.
If you choose it, you own it. Put it on your character sheet. Exceptions: Pippa, Sugar, Nutmeg, Thistle. They are owned already, but, as mentioned, anyone may ride any of Murphy's, and Shel plans to ride Thistle with Alleah. Say someone chooses Sugar, I'll have her on my sheet, but also with a note --> (lent to Kezzem) Kezzem then should put her on his CS, with a note --> (borrowed from Murphy)
If anything happens to one of the combat-trained mounts, that's part of the game. Let Mark correct me if I'm mistaken on this, but if we're not mounted on the 'war' ponies during combat, they're not going to fight for the group. One of the dogs? They might fight, anyway, dogs being as they are.
Okay, choose!
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Friday February 5th, 2016 1:01:51 AM
One more scry attempt.
Though Murphy will not be able to send a message to the captive wizards, he does go ahead and cast scrying on them, just to gather what he is able. He tells the others what he sees and hears if his spell breaks through.
If that fails, he simply says good night to all, thanks Peremon for his hospitality, and goes to sleep.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 Friday February 5th, 2016 2:37:06 AM
Kezzem will take Rumpus.
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 Friday February 5th, 2016 9:40:06 AM
"Of course you can ride with me," Alleah replied. "Thistle would love to have you, though I'm not sure what we'd do with the extra mounts."
"As for the cart, I believe my feelings are quite known, and I'm glad to see Murphy moving away from this."
Alleah was a bit frustrated after her failures with the scrying spells, though she does offer to cast message herself if Murphy can do the scrying. She also begins to wonder about Animal Messenger.
--------------------
All 3rd level spells used.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Friday February 5th, 2016 10:27:06 AM
Pressi shrugs in regards of whether to use a cart. It's pretty clear that the mission won't use a lot of stealth, but it's less clear what a cart gives them, given that they don't seem to need the storage space and they aren't trying to pretend to be merchants.
She does take a moment in defense of religious zealotry.
In the morning, she takes up her regular position in the rear guard, with Alleah and Shel riding in the middle of the progression line.
Kezzem will take Rumpus (DM Mark) d100=67 ; Friday February 5th, 2016 8:50:15 PM
(I was waiting for all to post)
Cameron indicates he’s ready to go - on foot or on a mount. He says he’s no stranger to hardship.
Murphy purchases some things from Hevin for a high price. Hevin assures him the items are top notch and worth every copper. Murphy works to get the animals and riders squared away, and he offers for Peremin to join the group as they seek the Second Dinner Club. Then he tries to scry Veseley.
Shel’s ready to try her hand at riding - as long as it’s Thistle.
Alleah is glad she won the cart argument with Murphy.
Pressi says she will take rear guard, with Alleah and Shel in the middle. She is a bit defensive at the “religious zealot” comment.
(OOC: Thanks Kim for tracking who’s riding what animal. Everyone please be clear on this, and note it on your character sheet. I have a tendency to limit folks to possessions that are on their character sheets.)
___________________________________________________________ Peremin says, “Go with you? Nah, I’d only slow you down. But seein’ as how you all are willing to do your part, maybe I can do more than just sit here and wait for the giants to come. I’ll touch bases with Marigold and the Baron. You say he’s over in Humble’s Ford? Good - that’s not as far. As for the mayors, they can handle radishes and rutabagas, but they may need some advice about giants. I’ll check to see when that Lomar fella gets back - he may be some help.”
Murphy’s attempt at scrying fails. It’s not clear why.
The following morning, the party departs. There are a few that make it a point to see you off - mostly Murphy’s friends and relations, including his Aunt Marigold. There are also a few you don’t know that speak hushed and reverent tones.
The weather has turned a bit wet. There is a light rain.
Bliss and Mookie are quiet. This old fellow kind of scares Bliss, and Mookie prefers the garden with the worms. In fact, Bliss mostly stays hid in plain sight, so long as there are shadows nearby, or just hides behind a chair or a basket or whatever if there is not.
When it is time to move, Bliss Enlarges Mookie and rides. But they do not stay in the air. Instead, each round, Mookie launches himself into the air, and then he lands (maybe near a shadow) 80 ft onwards. So his progress is really like a series of hops. This keeps them moving (and affords some vantage in mid hop), but puts them safely on the ground, maybe hiding, between hops. Still, in this way, they keep to a move of 40, so I think that keeps up with the group.
Bliss is not much concerned with staying in any order or with the group exactly. It is more important to keep to shadow, and within a range increment (about 100 ft) of the group.
Stealth checks for travel: 48, 46 Perception checks for travel: 30, 29
Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) Saturday February 6th, 2016 2:10:22 AM
In addition to party order, please also specify in general how you camp while moving in the hills. Assume a tree or large rock if you wish, but there are no caves or such. Where will the mounts go? Where is the fire? Do you have tents?
Don't worry if you don't specify - I will assign a simple order and camping layout as it occurs.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Saturday February 6th, 2016 4:30:36 AM
Both Pressi and Alleah have bedrolls. Alleah also has a tent and some flint and steel for fires.
I really have no idea what we are doing about the mounts during camping.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+6=10 ; Saturday February 6th, 2016 10:04:11 AM
"Say, Peremin, next time you see Welker, let him know that Murphy Leafwin Pipewood says hello," he tells the old trader with a wink.
Murphy takes the map of the Red Hills he has added information to over the course of a few trips, and charts Peremon's trail onto his own.
Murphy takes a few of the hairs from his comb. He wraps them in a small patch of leather on the inside surface of which he has written: "Auntie - should you need to get in touch with me, I thought this may help." He binds the whole with a string.
On the way out he greets once more Aunt Marigold. He asks if she has any word or blessing for them as they head out on this rescue. He hands her the small leather wrapping of his hair. He greets her friends, as well as those who seem to stand in admiration of the group, gives his aunt a hug goodbye, and bids them all farewell as the group heads off into the drizzle southwards.
His ability to manage the animals is close to a minimum for him today [handle animal: 10], but enough to do the job. For the start of the trip, the pack animals he has roped together on lead lines, which he has tied to the saddle of his horse, Pippa. He knows that Cameron, Pressi, and Alleah likely will help sort things with the mounts as we get underway.
After walking about 200', he remembers something he had planned for this morning, and again casts the spell Plant Growth, Enrichment to aid the growth of plants within a 1/2 mile radius of his point of casting, increasing yields by 33% over the course of the year. He then continues on the way.
Housekeeping Murphy acquires several poles from 5'6" to 8' in length, whether from the merchant, or from Peremin, or from trees before they get outside of Crescent Valley, or the early part of the Red Hills. He will used them to set up the 10'x18' rectangle of canvas (with eyelets along the edges) he brought with him. With canvas, poles, and rope he contrives a way to set it up to provide a measure of shelter for the ponies from the rain, though it may be tough for all of them to fit within (maybe barely enough, if lucky).
He has two tents. I think each may hold up to four (4) sleeping halflings.
He brought firewood, though he intends to augment their supply of wood along the way. He has food for the animals. He has some food for the group, but each person also would have been wise to bring some rations.
To maintain 40' movement, ponies and dogs may have light encumbrance. This means up to 150 lbs per pony, and 100 lbs per dog (including halflings and whatever they may be carrying). If you look at Murphy's character sheet (click character link above) on the Equipment tab, all of the ponies except for Thistle are listed along with what they are carrying. Still need to flesh this out a bit more.
Assigned Mounts: Thistle (f) Alleah and Shel Frosty (m) Pressi Pippa (f) Murphy (though sometimes he rides dog Skipper) Rumpus (m) Kezzem Dread (m) Trill? Kent - let us know if Trill wants a different pony Riding Dog Cudgel (m) Cameron Skipper (m) Murphy (occassionally Murphy will ride Skipper, to get used to the dog, and the dog used to him and his riding style) ==== Those without named (ground) mounts Bliss / Mookie ==== Pack Ponies Sugar (f) Nutmeg (m) Apple (m) Carrot (f) Bitey (m)
Ponies can carry (151–450 lbs. ("Quadrupeds, such as horses, can carry heavier loads than characters can. See Carrying Capacity for more information."). Light load - up to 150 lbs, Medium up to 300, Heavy up to 450. A pony can drag / pull 1500 lbs. Riding dogs can carry (101–300 lbs.). Light - up to 100 lbs, Medium up to 200, Heavy up to 300.
[OOC: Just found this description of pony from Pathfinder documentation: "Pony: These creatures are typically used for carting goods along narrow mountain trails or as steeds for young or Small riders." - LOL!]
Rob: The carrying capacity for ponies are noted in their writeup: "A light load for a pony is up to 100 pounds, a medium load is 101–200 pounds, and a heavy load is 201–300 pounds. A pony can drag 1,500 pounds."
Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) Saturday February 6th, 2016 5:04:00 PM
(Sorry all real life right now is a major B#$%**&)
Trill listens in on the conversation but doesn't have a whole lot to add to it. When they start talking about taking the cart she agrees that it would not only hinder them but vastly slow them down. She is the first to the ponies in the morning and very apparently wants to keep/use Dread as her mount and works diligently to get him clean and ready to go. and then removes the picket line.
When the mention of order is brought up, Trill volunteers to head up the ride and do some scouting for the group as they go.
As for the camp set up she suggests that they use and trees or such as the strong end of a picket line for the horses and let them be the early warning system for anything that comes from that end and to let the dogs sleep free around them as yet another warning system. If there are any trees away from where the horses are then perhaps they can be used as a lean to or such, for equipment and tack. Otherwise a spread out arrangement for sleeping might be best in case of any magical attack.
Trill also mentions that she too has a tent.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) 2d4=4 ; 2d4=6 ; Saturday February 6th, 2016 5:21:57 PM
One more thing - just before leaving town, he casts goodberry twice (second time using pearl of power +1) resulting in an even dozen berries, and then hands out one to each of his friends, telling them, "This can be used to help heal you a tiny bit [1 hp damage]. It should last about a week until you use it. I suggest you keep it in a little pouch somewhere you can get to it easily. Also, if you get hungry, it can serve as a substitute for a meal." He also takes a very tiny bit of leather, and wraps a berry inside it, and inserts a short length of thread with his needle. He offers it to [i]Mookie[/b]. "I can tie this around your leg, if you'd like, Mookie, and, if you somehow get wounded, just peck through and eat the berry inside. Do you want me to do that for you?"
[OOC Note: Giving her a good berry is a good way to help a companion become stable if dying
Everybody, add a goodberry to your character sheet!]
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Saturday February 6th, 2016 6:43:58 PM
Today's date should be ~Harvest 15. Not that we won't lose track of that later.
[Sorry to hear about RL tsuris, Kent. Fellow players - Kent was one of our first DMs here in Humble's Ford.]
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Saturday February 6th, 2016 6:52:00 PM
Shel wasn't good with the minutiae of traveling. She always had left that to Murphy and the others. It'd never failed before, so she didn't get stressed with it now. She just knew she wanted to sleep close to the fire, and she was happy to take first watch, as it would allow her to get her full compliment of sleep to have her magicks at their strongest the next morning. She didn't want to have to bother with her own pony. Brushing it out, and keeping focused on guiding it all day just seemed so boring. She was happy to let Alleah do the driving while she could let her mind wander.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Saturday February 6th, 2016 9:56:11 PM
Load-bearing rules housekeeping Rob - there are varying and contradictory loads for ponies, all within the official rules. In my research on the topic, I would argue that footnote #1 to Table: Mounts and Vehicles trumps the earlier listing: "1 Quadrupeds, such as horses, can carry heavier loads than characters can. See Carrying Capacity for more information." [In Real Life, I would think that a lion would be less efficient at bearing burdens on its back than a pony or mule of similar size, all other things being equal, as their build and musculature are different.]
Because of the formation of their bodies, ponies are well-designed to bear fair-sized loads. And, as our party is traveling overland, I think the 'overland movement rates' ought to apply. :-p
BTW, Rob, is it you I have to thank for inserting the pony tables in Murphy's character sheet? If so, thanks for your work on that, as well as the whole framework for the CS. Big time!
One option we have here, too, is that, as combat-trained ponies weigh more, for some reason, than normal riding ponies (900 lbs vs 800 lbs), we could house-rule that the 100/200/300 rule applies to riding ponies, and the 150/300/450 rule applies to combat-trained mounts.
Mister DM Mark - we'll go with whatever you rule. Though, obviously, now that the carts are tossed, I would certainly prefer the higher figure. I did acquire the number of mounts based upon the higher calculation, thinking we would (when all was said and done) need to go without the carts.
Rob: Glad you like the PC sheet, Kim :)
Ponies have already been given a bonus over what they should normally have.
Str 13 = 50lbs for a light load Med Quardruped = 1.5x multiplier Subtotal: Only 75lbs! I'd much rather than 100lbs listed than going off the formula :)
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Sunday February 7th, 2016 2:04:59 AM
I think the pony should have higher capacity than the riding dog. With the movement chart, it does. Many ponies (as well as the equivalent of the light riding horse) were used by the old Pony Express. Ponies are fairly tough, and, properly exercised, have good endurance.
We should probably take this over to the rules board for final adjudication - but would like that fairly soon. And, as there clearly are contradictions within the published rules - why not go with the ones that scale reasonably as they appear to in the specific section on movement?
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet Sunday February 7th, 2016 12:38:02 PM
Cameron has a tent, one in the style of the mountains where he grew up. It s meant to be hung on a vertical surface, a cliff face or tree. The last time they went into the Red Hills no one had a tent and it rained almost nonstop. After that he carried one in his left pocket. If he is unable to hang it, he will sleep in another tent if allowed or out with the dogs. He may smell like a dog when all is said and done, but they should keep him warm and safe. Cameron has an aversion to sleeping on the ground. Even with his goddess's love of vipers, he still mistrusts snakes. He suggests a cold camp, no fire unless it is only used for cooking then doused. and kept in a pit where none of the light can show. A fire in the Hills would be like ringing the dinner bell to intelligent and non intelligent monsters alike. Despite his and Kezzem's bravado, he doubts they want to fight their way through the Red Hills. They might live, but it would slow them down enough that the Mages probably would not. Cameron is carrying rations, also in his pockets, but would prefer to keep his pockets full and help reduce the load on the pack animals as they travel. Some of those pack animals will need t be mounts when they save the mages.He will ride wherever the group needs him. He will have his heavy crossbow out and loaded, ready for trouble. The slingshot Bliss made him will be in his pocket, also ready for divine stones. He picks up a few sling sized stones whenever they stop and puts them in his pockets. " If and when we find orcs, I may be able to determine the mage's position with the help of my goddess. She allows me to use her magic to determine if the creature has enemies within range. The range is about 400 feet so we would have to be close." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
OOC Kim, thank you so much for handling the details of our mounts and camping set up. It makes this a whole lot easier for me since I don' always have the time to track that stuff.
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) Sunday February 7th, 2016 6:35:28 PM
"Really? A four hundred feet warning is much better than a thirty feet warning, Cameron," Murphy remarks when told of Jancassis' help. "Glad to hear of that gift."
[yw!]
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet Monday February 8th, 2016 11:33:20 AM " Maybe I wasn't clear. I need the orc to determine where the mages are. The spell tells me who within 400 feet wants to do the orc harm. I assume after captivity, the mages will wish their captors ill. I know I would. WHen we find them, if time permits, a renewal of my prayers will allow me to fare much better in combat against the captors. It allows me a portion of my goddess's wrath to take vengeance against them. It will only affect me, but it will last several hours. It could allow me to lead them on a erry, and deadly for them, chase. What with Bliss sniping and me leading them around blind corners onto Kezzem's waiting daggers, I think we could take quite a number of them. You know, strike then fade, then strike again. The halfling way." Cameron's eyes glint as he contemplates the first time he will be able to do his goddess's will and retaliate against someone oppressing those he has chosen to protect. The thought makes him tingle with anticipation.
Bliss (AC20, HP47) & Mookie (AC19, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+15=35 ; d20+15=35 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 11:57:08 AM
After a few hops with Bliss mounted on his back, Mookie cocks his head at his master and remarks, "Kid, you're tiny and all, but this is too much for my aching back! Either stay up in the air or get the heck off!"
Bliss looks abashed. "Sorry Mookie. You want a cure?" he digs his wand out of his new pants of plenty.
"Nah, stop waving that around and put it back in your pants," says the raven. "Nobody here needs that. Just stop bouncing up and down on my spine. I'm not a rocking horse, already!"
"Okay Mookie," says Bliss. "I'll walk along while you fly for so long as my spells last." -- OOC: Bliss has a move rate of 40 for 6 hours a day with two longstriders. Assuming the party is traveling for 8 hours a day, the other two hours will be sitting behind Murphy on a pony if that's okay with Murphy.
Mookie flies above the party at a speed of 40, staying 50-100 ft up.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 Monday February 8th, 2016 2:45:28 PM
Pressi rides to the side, listening to the scintillating details of horse carrying capacity. With 12 mounts for eight people, all of whom keep their possession weight down to light encumbrance, it is nice to know that we are prepared to carry an adamantium door back.
And so, they ride off into the rain, on another adventure. Pressi gives a tenative wave before taking her position in the rear guard, riding to the unknown.
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 Monday February 8th, 2016 2:47:16 PM
Alleah took a glance back at the daydreaming Shel with a smile. With a snap of the reins, they took off.
Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) Monday February 8th, 2016 6:07:06 PM
(Sorry - busy weekend and busy Monday.)
Everyone is grateful to Peremon for his help and guidance.
Bliss and Mookie plan to sleep in a big cooking pot. Bliss walks and rides and keeps a sharp eye out.
Murphy leaves some of his hair with his Aunt and says goodbye to his friends and relations. He makes sure to cast Plant Growth. His offer of this spell was warmly recieved, and made Aunt Marigold proud in a that’s-my-boy sort of way. Murphy gets the ponies ready, making sure they are loaded with essential gear. Murphy then climbs up on Pippa, ready to go.
Trill rides Dread. She volunteers to ride ahead and scout. (How far ahead does she ride?)
Shel takes little interest in the preparations and packing for this trip, leaving that to others.
Cameron checks his gear, and hopes there aren’t any snakes. He hates snakes. He hopes for the sweet taste of revenge.
Bliss and Mookie plan to sleep in a big cooking pot. Bliss walks and rides behind Murphy. He keeps a sharp eye out. At one point, he spots a snake near the path. it is venemous, and the party give it a wide berth much to Cameron’s relief.
Alleah is ready to go, with Shel behind her.
Pressi takes the rear guard, and wonders where Murphy has stored the kitchen sink. ___________________________________________________________
On the pony encumbrance and movement, I looked at the references. I’m good with Rob’s last missive describing encumbrance and movement. You will find, (and Peremin will tell you) that in this terrain, a light and medium encumbered pony will move at about the same overland speed. ___________________________________________________________
The band of halflings with their 2 riding dogs and 10 ponies heads south into the Red Hills. It rains off and on during the day.
As you head out of the Crescent Valley, the vegetation decreases. The area feels a bit barren and forlorn, though there are occasional trees and vegetation. It takes a bit to find the trail Peremon described, but you pick it up and it becomes pretty easy to see once you know what you’re looking for.
After a while, you come to a place to camp for the evening - it appears that folks have camped here before, as there are some old campfire areas - Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {(No fires in them for more than a month.)} The night looks to be clear.
That first night, as everyone is about to drift off, a ghostly vision of Vesely appears before Alleah. The vision is stuttering and not clear. He speaks facing her, but not seeming to see her,
”Terribbbbbbbbbbbble things seeeeeeeeeeeem to be happening here. Weeeeee are in sommmmmmme sort of building. We we we we we we are fed, but there are odd odd odd odd odd odd experimeeeeents. The fooooooooooood is not really very good either.”
The vision ends with Veseley reaching out and touching Alleah on the head. She gets a sense of direction southward for about an hour, which then fades.
During the night, you hear wolves howl. While they’re not very close, they’re not as far away as you’d like. Pressi is on watch - the others seem to be sleeping. What does she do?
(You should be able to edit the map below. Let me know where all the people and animals are. I will fill in whatever you do not. For simplicity, this will likely serve as a general camping map in the Red Hills.)
Trill (AC: 21/16/21, HP: 63/63, CMD: 22,) (Kent) d20+12=24 ; d20+18=32 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=22 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 7:03:17 PM
(OOC, Generally, when scouting, Trill will be just past sight line from the rest of the party.)
Trill takes the lead and moves out ahead of the group, keeping an eye out for the markers and landmarks mentioned by Peremon Perception DC 32 & 24
When they get to the camp she can see that it hasn't been used in a while, or at least the fire pits have not survival DC 24 After she sets up the picket line for the ponies and makes sure they are secure and can reach needed fodder, she takes a wander around the campsite as a whole looking for any sign of recent occupation or anything out of the ordinary. survival 22 & 13(nat 1) perception 28 & 22
Party Order and Camping (DM Mark) Monday February 8th, 2016 8:41:57 PM
I think I fixed the map link above.
Also, here's a cut-and-paste link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jAAL9yjz1RYlCSyPZ0dH4DXNDDhC_jUAg7l4Y8ZKwWw/edit?usp=sharing
Shel Gerald--AC 15/14/12--CMD 14--HP 39/39 Monday February 8th, 2016 9:25:43 PM
Shel decides that X 33 is a nice looking hunk of real estate, so she sits there while the others take precautions. "The ghost picked you that time, Alleah. I wonder if there is a reason they haven touched and spoke to you and I, or are they just looking for any of us in general? Very interesting."
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet d20+8=12 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+2=19 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 10:57:38 PM
Upon reaching the camp site Cameron gives it the once over, much the same as he sees Trill doing.Since she seems to be doing the same things he was planning, he moves counter to her examination.( If she goes clockwise around the camp, he goes counterclockwise, so they see it from opposite perspectives, heightening their chances of noting something odd.) Survival 12 Perception 17 He concurs with her assessment that the fires have not been used in at least a month. Once satisfied that the site is not a trap, Cameron finds a suitable place to hang his tent, settling on the large rock face(y, 29) He calls Cudgel over and feeds the mount, caring for any sores he finds from the saddle and brushing out the dog's coat. He has gotten along with this dog for several days now and finds he prefers it to a pony. He encourages Cudgel to sleep at the base of the rock face where he has hung his tent. Vesley's appearance is again startling, but becoming more expected. He listens closely to the mage's description of where they are held and wishes heartily that the communication were two way. He wracks his brain to try and figure out what spell Vesley is using. It seems like Vesley can not see the person he is speaking to, yet he can physically touch them. Could he be ethereal? Does anyone here have the ability to become ethereal too? Knowledge Arcana 19, untrained, which I think means I cannot get any target above a DC10, so no way I will ever figure this out, but someone has to try. " Does anyone know if maybe Vesley is ethereal when speaking to us? I have almost no knowledge of Arcane practices, so I have no clues what spell he is using to send us these messages, but when he finishes, the touch is real and the direction he gives lasts for an hour. Anyone have any ideas what he could be doing? If we can get a few answers from him we can drastically narrow down this hunt. He says they are in buildings, so I am leaning toward a humanoid town, maybe Ogre, maybe Bright Springs? What other towns or buildings are there on our map? I think we should make a list of things we need or want to know to find them and hold it up in front of whomever he visits. Maybe he CAN see us." Cameron tries to recall from the previous visits, and vows to watch during future visits for any landmarks in the background and any specific items Vesly might be wearing so that he might try to locate them as they draw closer. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Notes:
0/5 uses of Touch of Poison used for the day. 0/5 Stealthy hunter used for the day 0/5 channel energy used for today
Murphy CMD 16 AC 15 HP 60/60 - (Kim) d20+22=29 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+13=24 ; Tuesday February 9th, 2016 6:03:56 AM
Pressi misses finding the sink, but learns that two large cooking pots are being carried by Frosty.
He acknowledges his initial misunderstanding of Cameron's comments, and also his better comprehension once the avenger further explains.
As they travel the way, the druid starts asking Cameron to start him on some basic Orcish terminology - mainly nouns, and a few verbs to begin with. He has heard a very little amount of orcish in the past, and has heard a fair bit more dwarvish. So, as he listens to Cameron, he seeks to discern which aspects of his pronunciation favor the dwarf accent, that he might later hear a more native accent, and reform his tongue to match the orcs. But for now, getting the basics will be his primary focus.
He checks in with Pressi for a bit as they go along, a bit later with Trill; then Kezzem; Alleah and Shel; Bliss and Mookie; seeing how things fare with each, learning if any have insights or concerns, or they just want to chat for a bit. During these moments he also checks on the tack of each of the ponies (and doggies) as he meets with the different party members, tightening here, adjusting there, ensuring no undue rubbing or sore spots are developing.
Once they find a decent campsite, Murphy backtracks a little, makes a false trail several hundred yards back, then obscures the remainder of the evidence of their passage up to the campsite. Using the druidic ability of trackless step to avoid leaving a trail of any sort, he takes a much wider walk than Trill and Cameron about the greater circumference of the site (close to the edges of the map, looking for animal tracks, or those of others, as well as acquainting himself with the local idiosyncrasies of the landscape, the slope, channels for water for the rare times it rains, indentations and ridges in the lay. [Perception: 29; Survival 22]
He places a shovel in the ground next to the old campfire at AA33, and announces, "We need to dig a hole for nightsoil. Dig it downwind," Murphy recommends, and takes a moment to indicate which direction that might be, if there is any breeze whatsoever. "And dig it at least two feet deep. Each time it's used, toss a bit of the loose soil on top. Just before we leave, cover it over completely." He has fulfilled this chore on prior trips through the Red Hills, but has too many tasks at hand as it is.
"I have dry, cured wood which will not give off much smoke at all," he tells Cameron. "I have food to cook, but some that requires no cooking. We have two cooking pots. Building a berm around a fire pit to keep eyes from seeing a low-laying fire can help. Having some hot water around a campsite can be a good thing. I won't insist on a fire, but such can provide much comfort on the trail."
He places silk rope to serve as a tripping line at various places in the brush, as well as along the trail toward the north and toward the south. He ties little clusters of wood and little rocks danging from the line at various points to cause them to make a sound if the ropes are disturbed. He asks Trillium to take a look at his work to see if she has any suggestions for improving his primitive early warning system. [Survival 16] He notifies others of the trip lines.
He lets everyone know where the feed for the ponies and food for the dogs is. A lot of the foot items he hangs in bags up in the tree he is staying in. He fills buckets full of water for the mounts. The saddles and pack saddles are removed, and he spends a little time brushing down the mounts, welcoming the help of others in this task.
He comes to full attention as Veseley again projects his image. What causes the repetition of words? Is he actually speaking that way, or is some sort of echo produced by the sort of spell or circumstances under which is casts it cause that repetition?
To Cameron's questions, Murphy says, "I'll put out my maps on the morrow and we can consider your questions. I'm just really tired, Cam."
Though he usually is on top of it, he forgets tonight to set up a watch schedule.
For his sleeping spot, he takes some of the canvas he has left over (aside from the 18'x10' coverage for the ponies), and fashions a wrap-around hammock for deployment up in the tree at M38. Within the cover of the canvas from precipitation, he is tucked into his sleeping roll.
Hearing the cry of the wolves, he reminds himself to have some of his friends mark the circumference of their territory on subsequent evenings. Such will not always stop a hungry wolf, but will give most pause before they cross a marked area. He falls asleep, with a vague recollection that he forgot about watches... Maybe someone will remember.
In the morning, he arises fairly early, and, though there may not have been a fire last night, he builds a small one for breakfast, and makes wheat porridge with mixed vegetables, and tea. He gets out of the rain, if rain there is, and looks over the two maps, endeavoring to consider Cameron's queries [Knowledge: Geography: 24]. After that, he gives fresh water to the ponies, a small amount of feed, some food to the dogs, and works with others to saddle up the ponies. He checks the brush, and so long as there are no noxious weeds, allows them to graze there. After breakfast, he gives a bit more feed to the ponies, and a vegetable each (carrots or the like).
He spends a few minutes with prayers and spells. He helps his friends as they have need. The trip lines are retrieved and stowed.
The bulk of the above routine he is likely to follow on subsequent nights/early mornings.
Alleah (Melvin, subbing for RobC) - AC 19, HP 45/45, CMD 13 d20+9=12 ; d20+11=16 ; Tuesday February 9th, 2016 8:22:21 AM
Alleah lay, frozen, as Vessey floated before her, barely able to make an analysis of this spectre. (Know Arcana 12, Spellcraft 16.) She had been lulled into a false sense of security by Murphy's preparations, but one cannot easily protect the mind.
She tries to answer Cameron's and Shel's questions about why this figure only shows for arcanes, but she isn't a Wizard. She considers asking Pressi to throw some buzzwords about space and stuff, but she is honestly struggling with this herself, to say nothing of her own emotions.
"We do have to deal with this now, before we forget," she tells Murphy. Quickly, she marks the southward direction and some notes.
Pressi (Melvin) - AC 19, HP 53/53, CMD 22 d20+16=34 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+3=5 ; Tuesday February 9th, 2016 9:55:52 AM
(OOC: Sorry if things are a little short. Among other things, my daughter is having a kind of "coming out" party, so I'm a little busy with stuff.)
Pressi is of course, quite willing to chat with Murphy about the small stuff, but she doesn't really have much to add. The mission is more or less straightforward, and as one of the outsiders she sees it as just another mission. It's not like she ever met any of these people, and she never felt about the giant stopping towers like many of her peers did. And while some flirting does occur, she does remain professional as they ride past a lot of good places for an ambush.
She also doesn't think much about the "lack" of a watch schedule, simply using the schedule that they used before. She parks herself a bit away from the fires (but within the trip lines) to better view the surrounding area.
-------------
While the wolves do put her on edge, she does expect to hear wolves from time to time. Not wanting to wake up everyone every time she hears something, she simply prepares for any attacks (stealth 34, perception 24).
She slowly takes out a few shuriken and readies an attack if a hostile creature bursts into the camp.
(Flurry 11, 17, 5. Damage = 3 per hit. She will let out a battle yell. Note that this triggers only if the target clearly acts hostile - she wont just let it fly at anything showing up.)
Cameron (David F) AC 23 (T 15, FF 19) CMD 18 HP 61 /61 Character Sheet Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:15:03 AM
Cameron does start teaching Murphy Orcish, and his accent does get in the way a little. His voice is not guttural enough and his dwarvish r's are not as sharp as a native speakers would be. Still they make progress. He will dig the latrine and the cooking pit, since others seem to want it for food preparation. He is not totally against it, but hopes they use it early in the evening so that it cannot be seen over a long distance. Plus it cannot hurt to have a fire ready to go in case wolves or similar natural threats come calling. A quick fire might scare them away, where with humanoids it would draw them in. At midnight he climbs out of his tent and perches on top of the rock where he is sleeping. He makes his devotions and at the end says a little prayer for the captive halflings. Jancassis, may your spirit of perseverance and endurance stoke the fire of vengeance in their hearts. Make them defiant enough to endure the hardships they face so that when we find them they are prepared to wreak holy vengeance upon those who have wronged them. In this way help them survive. He then watches for a time to keep the others safe. In the morning he also suggests that the maps be made ready each night waiting for Vesley's visit. In the time after the visit the maps should be marked from their current point to the direction the spirit wishes them to travel. By noting the variances in this pattern, they may be able to figure out which town or buildings the mages are housed in.
Kezzem (BrianW) - AC 22, HP 56/56, CMD 20 d20+14=22 ; d3+2=3 ; 4d6=16 ; Tuesday February 9th, 2016 12:34:18 PM
OOC: Unable to edit map. Kezzem would be scouting up front though when not causing a rumpus on Rumpus.
"Gak!" says Kezzem when the apparition appears. "Look alive, HS, we got's a ghost here!"
He hurls one of his magic daggers at the apparition.
Attack: 22, Damage: 3 + 16 (Sneak Attack, if applicable).
DM Mark - do you have a gmail address I can use to allow you editing rights? If not,just let me know where you go.
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