Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Wednesday August 24th, 2016 5:55:57 PM
Alizar fell in with the rest of the group as they rejoined the caravan. The possibility of The Goblin's Rest arose. His stomach did a bit of a flip. Though he was able to keep the food down last time, he was unsure if he should try his luck again. Despite Asteria's protest, he was in no hurry for a repeat visit. "Perhaps it would be more charitable to spread the wealth around a little, provided there is another Inn we could stay out."
DM Kathy Wednesday August 24th, 2016 6:38:00 PM
[Everybody take 1200 XP for the adventure in Blackbird Forest.]
With Blackbird Forest behind you, you begin crossing the plains of Izen. Many of you, like the merchants, are reluctant to return to Goblin's Rest. But Toston has things to deliver to them, and Asteria reminds you all that you promised.
So, however reluctantly, late the following day you find yourselves winding up the hill toward Goblins Rest. Nmogaz steps out to issue her familiar challenge, but stops halfway through. "Hey! It's you guys!" she shouts. "You are you guys, right? Not some other guys?"
You assure her that you are, in fact, you, and she opens the gate for you. The inn looks much the same as before, and you can smell supper cooking. Ew.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 20) Wednesday August 24th, 2016 7:51:56 PM
Hmerrin extravagantly motions for Toston to precede them through the gates.
Lornak HP:34/34 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday August 24th, 2016 8:13:47 PM
Lornak takes everything in during the time on the plains. He doesn't know when he will again see natural beauty but uses the opportunity to let it fill his spirit and heal. He takes watch when it is his shift.
The talk about the Goblin's Rest brings dread to his stomach but he agrees with Toston and Asteria, they had made a promise to help if able. He gets behind Toston's initiative and cautiously turns onto the lane leading up to it.
Upon greeting Nmogaz Lornak asks; "Hail, Nmogaz. It is us and what other guys would we be, pray tell?"
Lornak smells supper cooking and where his stomach ached before, now it twists into a knot.
Wilford Grimly (HP:27/27; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 14) Wednesday August 24th, 2016 8:24:14 PM
"Ugh, the goblins," Wil says sadly. He then paused. "I seem to remember I had a grudge for these creatures but I've forgotten." Wil laughed. "We got some new recipes. Maybe we can have a good meal. I will really enjoy some sleep."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday August 24th, 2016 9:31:01 PM
Dušan enters the in with caution and trepidation. Smelling dinner he almost turns around again, but hopes under Toston instructin they might avoid any culinary massacres.
When out of earshot of Nmogaz, Dušan reminds the party, "Sleep would be nice, but I'm not sleeping a wink unless we set up a proper watch."
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/FF:14 CMD:21 Wednesday August 24th, 2016 10:14:46 PM
(OoC: Updated character sheet for level 5)
Var waves to Nmogaz and steels himself for whatever culinary horrors await within.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Wednesday August 24th, 2016 10:26:15 PM
Asteria gives a friendly wave to Nmogaz. "Yup, we are back! Did you guys miss us?" But despite all friendly pleasantries, her stomach turns at the smells of supper. She silently wonders if coming back here was a good idea.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:23/23; AC:22 Touch 18; FF 18] - CMD 18 d20+3=10 ; Wednesday August 24th, 2016 10:50:01 PM
Toston seeks out Derx and presents the goblin chef with the gifts of the 2 pictogram food preparation books and the beans, smoked fish and fruit preserves.
He tries to work with the Goblin cook to reconstitute and cook some beans, slice up the smoked fish onto plates and cook some simple flatbread using flour, oil and water assuming the goblins have those ingredients available to go with the preserves.
"I'm sorry about what happened last time we were here but I have brought a peace offering that will hopefully help you with other guests and will even help you in prepping the first of many meals tailored for the tastes of your standard merchants and guards."
"If things go well I'll try to get you a common tutor and some real cook books Derx. We can increase your repertoire and the culinary delights you'll serve will draw people far and wide to this inn."
(Wisdom check : 10)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday August 25th, 2016 3:40:53 PM
Dušan checks on Toston's progress with Derx. "Here, use a little of this if you want." Dušan offers use of his Magical Pepper shaker of +2 Cooking (Yule gift), "It might spice up whatever you're making."
Dušan is really hoping they'll have something edible this time. He hangs near the kitchen, careful not to be in the way, but also careful to make sure he get's his shaker back.
DM Kathy Thursday August 25th, 2016 7:18:48 PM
Nmogaz squints suspiciously at Lornak. "I dunno. Other guys," she says. "You sure you're you?"
Dušan reminds his companions of the need for a proper watch in these surroundings.
Asterias asks Nmogaz if she missed you. "Yes!" she replies. "I mean, no, not really. But yes. Yes and no both."
Toston brings his supplies and cookbooks to Derx, and Dušan contributes some magic spice. Derx is beside himself with excitement, and exclaims over the cookbook and ingredients. "I don't know why they cut out the gizzard," he says, shaking his head over one of the illustrations. "The gizzard is the best bit! Oh, well, more for me, I suppose!"
When you sit down to dinner--not without grave misgivings--you encounter a stew that is kind of "meh." But, considering where Derx started, "meh" is a giant leap forward. There really wasn't enough time to soak and cook the beans properly, but the smoked fish and bread-and-jam are pretty good.
So, you actually get a decent meal, and Derx promises you tasty bean porridge for breakfast in the morning.
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Thursday August 25th, 2016 9:33:47 PM
"My compliments to the chef", Alizar remarked to their hosts with a nod. His stomach full, he savored the last few drops of his drink, thinking about the events of the last few days. There was nothing more that Alizar had wanted than to find a comfortable chair and read one of his books for a while. If there was no more business for the night, that was exactly what he intended to do.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:23/23; AC:22 Touch 18; FF 18] - CMD 18 Friday August 26th, 2016 12:32:28 PM
Toston is happy that he was able to help Derx prepare an edible meal. He will accompany the others to bed and when out of earshot from the goblins ask about preparations for a watch considering someone suggested it. He personally didn't think the goblins meant any harm but if the rest of his companions felt safer because of it he didn't see the harm.
"Do we want to set a watch this time? I don't necessarily think it is necessary but if it would set anyone's mind at ease I'll do it." The gnome says once the party is in a more private setting.
Lornak HP:34/34 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+8=23 ; Friday August 26th, 2016 1:26:44 PM
Lornak lets Vin fly before he enters the inn. He is confident that the animal will find a more suitable meal this evening that he will. He sits at the table in silence trying to keep his nausea from getting the better of him. "Its all in my mind." Lornak is quite surprised when Drex's spread is actually palatable. He attributes it to Toston's and Dusan's involvement, a fact that he makes known when watch is discussed.
"Thank you for your spice suggestion my friend, he says to Dusan. "I don't know what was in it but it will forever change my memories of the food in this place."
Because he is so grateful to Dusan he volunteers for the first watch to waylay any fears his friend may have of being burgled in the night. He finds a comfortable space in the hallway, sets out his needle and ink and finds a spot on his flesh to start a new tattoo. It will probably chronicle the finding of his new animal companion. Either that or near death experiences...
Though his mind is occupied he keeps his other senses alert for any strangeness. (Perception d20=23)
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday August 26th, 2016 1:30:46 PM
(OOC - Updating HP, Tom found some missing point in my build coming from Toughness and Favored Class)
Wilford Grimly (HP:27/27; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 14) Friday August 26th, 2016 1:46:31 PM
"Ah, wonderful meal," Wil compliments. He eats, shoots a look to the left then right and finally leaves. "I swear there is some black and white looking bear around her. I think he is stalking me." Wil says as he leaves the room. "I think your psychosis is getting worse," Cicero comments from within his head. "I swear.." Wil disappears from the room and heads to the bedroom. "...Cicero, there is a bear watching me. Oh and my pendent. The one my mother gave me has been getting a little warm. I'm not sure what's going on there." "Maybe there is more to it then just allowing you to hear the dead." "I don't know." Wil then removed his cloak and armor and prepared for bed.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/FF:14 CMD:21 Friday August 26th, 2016 3:13:36 PM
Var takes a dainty taste of the stew, determines that it's edible, and swiftly finishes the entire bowl.
After the meal Var lingers downstairs with the Belchmuck's, discussing how the trade caravan to Acid City fared.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Friday August 26th, 2016 4:39:41 PM
Dušan is pleased enough with the meal and happy to have a full belly and a bed, if a bit small.
Later when gathered with the others he confirms his original statement, "I definitely would feel better with a watch, but if all is quiet, I may forgive this establishment's previous offenses." He nods his thanks to Lornak, "I'll take last watch."
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Friday August 26th, 2016 5:22:13 PM
Asteria praises the cook on his meal, and is quite satisfied by how the day went. She stays for a small amount of conversation, before heading off for bed. At the mention of setting watch, she offers to take the second watch. "Not that I think we need it, but just because it is better safe than sorry."
DM Kathy Friday August 26th, 2016 7:40:31 PM
Derx is absolutely beside himself with happiness when you praise his cooking. "Yes, yes!" he shouts. "Yes, I am the best goblin chef in the world!" Which may be true; he can't have much competition.
You set a watch and keep an eye out for further shenanigans, but the night is quiet. In the morning, you are served the promised bean porridge. It's a bit bland, but perfectly acceptable.
The merchants, too, are pleasantly surprised by the improvements, and they leave promising to recommend the place to other merchants. The goblins are delighted.
But, pleasant though the interlude was, you are well aware that you still have most of the plains of Izen to cross, and the journey isn't exactly what you would call safe.
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Friday August 26th, 2016 8:37:11 PM
Lornak wakes in the morning and his body screams a little as he starts out of the bedding. The watch was routine but he is grateful for sleep and recovery time from the forest skirmish and march. As he readies for the day his thoughts wander to the remaining journey the group will undertake on the plains of Izen.
He meanders to the table, slightly weary of the bean porridge being served this morning. "Fool me once." He thinks to himself, but tests the food with the tip of his spoon. He smiles proudly as he takes a spoonful.
Lornak then swallows and voices his concerns about the upcoming journey to the table; "We may yet encounter bandits or ruffians on our remaining trek to Dirt City." He wipes his mouth. "I think we should spread out our items of value among the carts and persons. That way if any portion is lost we do not lose the whole."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+13=19 ; Sunday August 28th, 2016 4:04:22 PM
Toston has realized that both his martial and magical skills have increased. "I can detect magic now. My shield spell will last a bit longer and I also can punch or kick someone and prevent them from moving more than 5 feet." he tells the group.
"Shall we go on our way?" he asks, keeping his eyes peeled for trouble (Perception:19)
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Sunday August 28th, 2016 6:13:49 PM
Alizar felt surprisingly rested when he awoke the next morning. After preparing his spells, he joined the rest of the group in preparation for their departure. He thanked their hosts once again, almost forgetting for a moment that they were goblins.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Sunday August 28th, 2016 8:17:51 PM
Asteria wakes up in a surprisingly good mood, perhaps due to the decent food. She takes a deep whiff of breakfast, and finding it to her liking, takes a bite. She finishes it quickly, then prepares to leave. She thanks the goblins before they leave, then chills out on the journey home with an axe in hand.
"What do you think happens when we get back? I'm honestly a little worried. I liked being out in the wild a bit more than the city." She admits to her team in confidence. They were in a sticky situation in Dirt City, what could have changed while they were gone?
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 20) Sunday August 28th, 2016 8:46:44 PM
Hmerrin has been silently watchful thoughout dinner, and nightfall, and breakfast.
The lad can on shrug at Asteria's questions.
He sharpens his axes and gets ready to move out.
DM Kathy Sunday August 28th, 2016 10:08:11 PM
You bid the goblins farewell.
Lornak suggests distributing your valuables among the wagons, but the merchants' gear is already pretty well distributed. You could distribute your own treasure among yourselves, of course, but that would involve figuring out what you have. :)
Hmerrin sharpens his axe while Asteria contemplates what might await your return to Dirt City.
Toston keeps an eye out, and you're none too pleased with what you see. Less than a day's travel from Goblins Rest, you begin to see signs of orc bands passing through the area. Recently.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday August 28th, 2016 10:17:07 PM
Dušan wakes the following day rested and relaxed as he takes his shift for watch. Pleased with the uneventfulness of the stay, Dušan tips each goblin 1 silver.
on the road, Dušan becomes more and more uneasy as he sees more signs of orc raids.
"And here I thought Goblin's Rest was going to be the most difficult aspect of our Journey."
Dušan unslings his heavy crossbow and loads a bolt into it just in case.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/FF:14 CMD:21 d20+15=22 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 10:41:44 AM
Var harrumphs, and begins inspecting the tracks. (Survival: 22 (+10 skill, +2 Favored Terrain: Plains, +2 Favored Enemy: Orcs, +1 Tracking class feature) He tries to tease out the Orc's numbers, and the direction they've been traveling.
"With any luck they mighta just been passin' thru. Off on their way to bang rocks together, or whatever it is they do out here when they ain't killin' folk." Var says, letting his distaste for other Orcs show.
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+8=15 ; d20+6=24 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 1:29:28 PM
As the group makes the final preparations to embark Lornak makes sure to stow his whip and sheathe the rapier acquired in the bandit fight "One can never be too careful." He says to Vin. The owl squawks.
He says his goodbyes to the Goblins' Rest and the pair set out onto the road. Lornak takes up a middle position in guarding the merchant caravan and stays alert, but only just. (Perception d20=15) His mind is occupied by the redcap fight and what he could improve in himself as to not continue being a damage sponge...
The machinations of Dirt City are the last things on his mind as he hears Asteria confess her trepidation. "It has been a fine trip abroad." Lornak says to her. "We discovered new places and made new friends." He glances at Vin."We even managed to make a little coin." He rattles the ropes holding the burden on the horse beside him. "I'm not too keen on ending our trek either, but we have an opportunity to improve more than just our situation. I'm looking forward to making something of our new property."
As the caravan stumbles upon the evidence of Orc migration Lornak assists Var in determining where they have been and where they might be going. (Survival to assist another d20=24)
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 d20+7=20 ; d20+6=26 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 5:05:44 PM
Alizar was a bit concerned about the signs of Orc activity, he tried to think of anything he knew about the local Orc tribes that might help them avoid a fight, or end one quickly, while keeping an eye out for trouble. (Knowledge: Local = 20) (Perception = 26 [Nat 20])
"If I were an Orc Band with murderous intent, where would I spring an ambush?", Alizar mused out loud.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+13=21 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 6:53:21 PM
Toston tries to figure out if he can spot any other indications of the orcs or other potential unfriendlies. (Perception:21)
"I'll try to figure out what sort of items we have when we get to some place safe again. I probably should have tried to identify them at the Inn but I just realized my newfound power." He tells the group.
"Soooo, about how many orcs are we talking about?" Hmerrin asks.
The fighter ponders the route, trying to remember if there were any especially dark and nasty places they passed on the way out.
"And, well, I hesitate to bring it up, but maybe we should turn around and hole up at Goblin's Rest a couple three days, and let the raiders move along?"
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Monday August 29th, 2016 9:13:11 PM
Dušan takes his time, preparing his nerves for the worst.
Wilford Grimly (HP:27/27; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 14) d20+7=26 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 9:55:11 PM
"Orc's really" Will shouted he tries to get a better picture of them with a bit of good perception. 'We can try to figure out a way around them?" (Perception: 26)
DM Kathy Monday August 29th, 2016 10:01:44 PM Var is your orc expert, and he is quickly able to ascertain that there are several orc bands, moving quickly, in different directions. With Lornak's help, you are able to follow one group of tracks to a spot where the orcs made camp, probably two or three days ago. You note the droppings of a few wolverines, and surmise that these orcs may belong to the Wolverine tribe that the goblins warned you about.
Alizar begins thinking strategically, but the plains of Izen are fairly open. Places for ambush are few and far between.
Hmerrin suggests retreating to Goblins Rest, but there's no way of knowing how long you'd need to stay there. There are several bands of orcs, and without knowing what they're doing, it's difficult to say when they'll be done doing it.
The merchants, eyeing their surroundings uneasily, seem to be torn between a wish to return to the relative safety of Goblins Rest, and a desire to get home quickly and be down with this dangerous travel.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] d20+8=16 ; Monday August 29th, 2016 10:09:52 PM
Asteria sticks close to the cart at the threat of orcs. She dreads the thought of having to encounter a group of dangerous orcs when home seems so close. "On second thought, maybe Dirt City isn't too bad..." She grips her axe tight and keeps her eyes peeled for any trouble.
(Perception: 16)
Wilford Grimly (HP:27/27; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 14) d20+8=14 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2016 11:38:21 AM
"The merchants should head back to the relative safety of the inn," Wil suggests. "I could move forward and scout. I will try to get information on what their intentions are." Wil steps forward toward the orcs, unsure of his ability to be perfectly stealthy. (Stealth: 14; Perception: 12) "What's ya doing?" Cicero pipes up. "You know," Wil says quietly. "For a helpful spirit you are very annoying." Once Wil is close enough to hear he Disguises (Roll: 17) himself with local landscape to avoid being seen.
Var (Tom I.) HP:49/49 AC:17/T:13/FF:14 CMD:21 d20+12=22 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2016 12:23:23 PM
Var considers his actions, and surveys the plains. (Perception: 22) Providing he doesn't immediately spot any groups of Orcs moving about, he addresses the group: "Don't think we wana lead a hostile force straight to the Belchmucks, doubt they'd be much good in a fight. Better we keep moving, get closer to Dirt City in case we need help."
Var adds with a shrug "Not that we'll be needin' help."
Lornak HP:38/38 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+8=25 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2016 1:32:27 PM
Lornak agrees with Var's assessment of the situation. The group cannot backtrack. If anything they should drive their march forward. "Agreed. We should not linger." He says. "We may even consider marching double time."
Lornak resumes his position in the column and keeps his sense alert for danger. (Perception d20=25)
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 20) Tuesday August 30th, 2016 7:56:26 PM
"Hokay," Hmerrin agrees. "Let's get to not lingering, then."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+13=19 ; d20+14=30 ; Tuesday August 30th, 2016 7:59:44 PM
"I'm for pressing on too." Toston says
"The sooner we pass through this area the sooner we can get to Dirt City." The gnome reasons.
He then tries to use his stealth and sharp senses to the group's advantage (Perception: 19, Stealth:30)
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Tuesday August 30th, 2016 8:47:50 PM
Asteria also agrees that they should run and not fight, even if it goes against her nature. "I like splitting heads as much as the next fellow, but maybe we shouldn't fight a bunch of evil orcs. I've already done one crazy thing this journey, I'm not looking forward to another one."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13; Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday August 30th, 2016 9:48:12 PM
"We should all stay together and head for home. What good would it do for us to get home only to have to double back to escort our charges."
Dušan isn't sure what kind of magics an orc would use, but casts Detect Magic all the same.
Alizar HP: 23/23 AC: 16(T:12/FF:14) CMD:14 Tuesday August 30th, 2016 9:53:29 PM
"I can't believe we all agree on something for once. Are we sure we're not under an enchantment or something?" Alizar joked as followed the group. The sooner they were back in Dirt City, the better.
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