mdt |
Gozran, 27th, Year 2
As Anastacia, Dante, Daeran, and Felix all ride out of the city toward the south east, they hear a familiar voice calling to them. As they look behind them, they see Roan riding up on a horse. "Ah, I was in time to catch you. My apologies, I had a scout report back late last night. There's been sightings of Centaurs southeast of the Sootscales' caverns. Also, the scout says the Sootscales are gearing up for war, at least he thinks they are. He saw them drilling from a distance, and practicing with crossbows, wherever they got those from. You need to be wary approaching."
Anastacia Stormwing |
Anastacia curses silently, even 'tame' kobolds are a never ending plague it seems.
The young cleric sighs. "We'd best intercept the centaurs. Find out what they want."
Anastacia snorts in what might be a sarcastic laugh. 'Maybe the kobolds are arming themselves against the trolls." Anastacia does not believe this for even a minute.
Dante Skyborn |
Dante nods at Roan, riding alongside Anastacia. "Far more likely they've thrown in with the trolls." he says.
"With any luck the Centaurs will be reasoned with, I'd rather not fight a war on multiple fronts, however small those fronts maybe."
Anastacia Stormwing |
'They're probably thinking about it, if they haven't yet." Thrown in with the trolls.
Anastacie nods her head in agreement. "War with the centaurs is best avoided, if we can. Even if it were a single front."
mdt |
Roan shrugs. "I can't confirm that, it's hard to spy on kobolds. They could just be training to fight the trolls with us for all I can tell from the woodline. I agree, war with the Centaurs would be best avoided, given their archery skills. My scouts say they use oddly shaped bows, taller than a man. One end is long, over 4 feet, the other a normal 2 foot bow." He reaches into his quiver, and pulls out a 3.5 foot long shaft, as thick as a man's finger. The arrow head is a third of his palm. "I've seen giants fire arrows like these. Ruin your day for certain."
Dante Skyborn |
Riding through the country side with his companions, Dante breathes in the fresh air. It was nice to now and again get away from the demands of running an army. The constant pull on his time, and gods the paperwork.
He patted his horse on the shoulder, whispering a kind word to the massive beast that bore his armored form with ease. "How goes things on the religious front in our little land lady Stormwing?" he asks the fair haired cleric that rode beside him. Anastacia was usually tight lipped and could come off as dour.
She just doesn't spout drivel, or go on with flowery speech. Dante thought to himself.
Anastacia Stormwing |
Anastacia is going over the angles. If the centaurs could be won over as allies, they would be fabulous as mobile archers, that much is certain. She looks at Dante with a quizzical expression on her face.
"People are pretty busy, they are working hard to build new lives here in the Greenbelt. Healing is the primary need it seems."
Anastacia almost smiles. "We've had a good number of healthy births, Pharasma be praised."
Felix Sebastian Orlovsky |
"I do not believe my people will have thrown in with the troll king, more likely they are keeping their options open and preparing for any eventuality. The centaurs will hopefully be open to reason and diplomacy. My only worry is that yet more forces will start trying to stake claims in the area and disrupt any chance at peace between the native peoples and our kingdom."
mdt |
I've not heard from Dareon, if I don't by Saturday night, I'll assume he's dropped. In which case we need to decide if we're doing two groups of 3, one group of 6, or recruiting again.
Wilhelm Orlovsky |
Dot! Also I sent another PM to leinathan. He's around on his aliases and I asked him to clarify if he's still interested in the game or not. If he isn't, then I'm inclined towards having us go in one big group for a bit while running recruitment. After we get a few, we can return to Zatoksta and pick them up and go back out. We'll have to make up some excuse to return. :)
Anastacia Stormwing |
Anastacia listens to the messenger's report on Darion, then turns to Felix and Dante. "We probably should inform Wilhelm of the movements of the centaurs. Also without Darion, we are a bit under strength. I'm thinking we should report to him directly, he may want to reorganize the groups."
They've decided to run just one group, everyone should report to 'Group A'.
mdt |
NOTE - Now begins the new Group B, Gorruum, Ikit, Katlin, and Natalie. Katlin and Natalie are together. Gorruum and Ubagub are together. Ikit is alone. Timeline : Gorruum and Ubagub arrive at 9:30AM. Ikit arrives at 10AM, Katlin and Natalie arrive at 10:05 AM. Ikit arrives from the north west. Gorruum and Ubagub arrive from the northeast. Katlin and Natalie arrive from the Southeast. The village is about 800 ft in diameter, carved out of the woods. Ubagub is laying against the wall, waiting on Gorruum, rubbing his back on the iron scrap to get at itches. Gorruum is inside, everyone else is outside.
mdt |
Not Svetlanya's nephew, her cousin, sorry. Sventlanya's request
"Hello dearies, sorry to ask this of you, but I'm afraid I have a small favor to ask." She sighs, and looks strained. "My cousin's oldest child, Vebstyr Klain, hasn't returned from the wood. He went out about 4 weeks ago, looking for his brother in law, who had gone out seeking his fortune. His brother in law was Tainer Mest, and went missing several months ago. I warned him he shouldn't go alone, there are rumors of things worse than monsters that wear human guise in the Narlmarches, always have been. If you two could search for him, I'd appreciate it. If you do find him, send him home. If he can't come home... if you could at least retrieve his family amulet, so my family knows what happened..." She pulls a small silver amulet up with her family sigil on it, a thorned whip with a rose budding on the tip of the lash. "Our mutual friend would probably appreciate some information about the narlmarches anyway. So it kills two birds with one stone."
Katlin Cart |
Katlin felt... Fearful. The smell of carrion was not one she particularly liked, and brought memories that she'd rather not keep that firm in her mind.
"I don't like this." she mutters to herself. She looks at the towering building before her, the pressing feeling of worry bearing down on her like it always does in places like this.
The little girl wasn't that tough. She knew that- She was rediculously weak, to be rather frank, but that was beside the point- The point was, her defensive measures for herself was... somewhat limited.
She turned her eyes to the metal-infused wall. She wasn't quite sure about what to do about it. She made a quick glance to determine it's structual stability, and points at which a flame will serve to effectively caused significant damage.
She sighed, sitting down, pulling out her journal, pulling out a vial of invisible ink, and a quill. She sat down, and looked at the wall.
I never liked forests. They always struck me as hiding something- The truth, lies, failures and successes, I do not know, but they are showing immense threat- My mind feels like it's slowly being bent like copper wire.
She looks at the wall, taking notes. "Natilie, current status of the wall appears to be primarily wood, however, causing significant structural damage will be a unlikely course of action, and, as such, I'd prefer if you would go ahead and scout the building for me." the little girl said, standing up, a mere four foot three in height- But in her gaze is an... Oddly robotic look. Like a golem walking through, she checks for anything upon which to take advantage of.
Knowledge (Engineering) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 (To locate a point at which we might burn the walls down without destroying the village.
Knowledge (The planes) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 (Locate Wards)
Profession (Soldier): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 (Determine if it's been altered to be some sort of fort)
Inteligence check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
"Current plan- Destroy wall, enter compound, locate source of carrion, flee. Is that reasonable?" she asks.
Fluffy is at her foot, idly chewing on some grass.
mdt |
Just to clarify, the wall is around a village, about 800 ft across. Inside the wall are buildings (you can just see the roofs, and one building is a two story, near the center).
Perception - The wood of the wall and gate have been pre-charred, to make them more resistant to fire. Whatever is holding the wall together is on the inside, away from attackers.
Kn(Engineering) - The wood and gate have been treated to be resistant to fire, and aging. after being charred, the wood was soaked in alchemical compounds that make it very hard for it to burn. It also renders the wood highly resistant to dry rot, wet rot, and insects. This looks very professionally done.
Spellcraft - Nothing noticed... but something about all the iron tickles something in the back of your mind, but you're not quite sure what it was.
Prof(Soldier) - The village isn't a fort, but it's the next best thing, and the wall was made by someone who knew how to build forts. But it's not all that secure against a decided force.
Kn(Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 - And then the iron clicks. Someone is warding off fey, this much cold iron scattered about would keep all but the most powerful fey from coming near.
Natalie Saratov |
Natalie gagged as the smell of carion became a bit to overpowering.. Never have I have come to a town where i rather go back then entry it said Natalie trying to stech herself high enough to look over the wall or to find a place to throw a grappling hook.
She turns to Katlin: I agree on most parts of your plan, yet I think destroying the wall, will serve us no good in this foreign region. We might upset whatever is inside. I purpose we find a way over the wall, keeping our pressence hidden as long as possible
Besides I left my battering ram back in Brevoy Natalie said grinning
perception (take 13): 13 + 11 = 24
knowledge local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
If I see a place to throw a grappling hook unnoticed to help climb the wall.
throwing grappling hook: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Katlin Cart |
"I was going to recomend the destruction of the wall via methods of fire, but that's not probable- The wall has been designed to handle large quanity of heat and to prevent it's destruction, along with reinforcement with iron to ward against Fae."
The little girl sighs, "I don't get why you bought the battering ram. You can't carry it." she said, idly scanning over the door. "We could get Fluffy to try."
"No."
"Or you could just throw me over the wall."
She pulls out some rope from her haversack, handing it to Natalie.
Ikit the White |
The small white rat sniffs the air, it was a... familiar smell. One he was quite use to. But this much could mean two things, he hope it was the good one. White fur, beady little blue eyes. Small and scruffy. Yes, that was him
His tattered clothing, his bag of object and thing-a-ma-bobs was jingling softly in his ears. A vial of icky green liquid ready to be gulped down if the need arose
Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
K.Arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 Magical stuff ?
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Any way for him to get in?
Natalie Saratov |
Looking at Katlin: The battering ram had a pretty color and I got it cheap. That aside I can throw the rope over for you but do you seriously believe i can also throw you?
Natalie takes the rope and tie her grappling hook to it, and throwing it over the wall.
mdt |
Ikit begins sneaking around the village, as the back gate appears to be barred from the inside. He sees a large pinkish lizard frog rubbing against the wall, it's mouth appears big enough to swallow Ikit whole, so we'll assume he avoids the lizardfrog.
Past the lizard frog, he comes across two humanish looking creatures near the front gate, one appears to be tossing a hook and rope over the gate.
Natalie sees that the wall is well made, and that the easiest point to climb over would be the main gate, as it's the place with the least metal on it. Natalie has heard rumors of a village down this way, but it's also talked about as being a dangerous area, lots of people have gone missing this way, according to old trappers who have lived here for 5 or more years.
She tosses the hook up, misses the top, and it lands against the inside with a 'thunk'. Then she pulls it back and the hook catches on the top of the gate.
DC 12 climb check, due to the scrap iron on the gate making it difficult
Gorruum |
Arriving at the wall, Gorruum laid a tacky hand on Ubagub.
"STAY UBAGUB! Wall big. Gorruum be back with hoom things."
The boggard took a few steps back from the wall and sprinting forward, he jumped, expecting to easily fly over the wall. Unfortunately, just before he took off, his left foot sank into a soft spot in the ground and shin struck the top of the wall. Falling out of control, Gorruum crashed with a dull thud in the ground.
Nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Inside the smell was worse. Dead hooms stink. Worse than new village. He rubbed his nose with the memory of the frying pan. Next time PAR-LAY. He shakes his head and starts looking. He started picking through the broken remains of the town. Within minutes he had found a few promising items. A sharp looking halberd, a suit of leather armor, a leather belt, a dagger, and a very handsome looking cap that looked like something one of the chief's shamans had once given one of the clan's warriors before a raid. As he walked through the town, the crows flew up then circled and landed once more when he had passed.
mdt |
As you are finishing up with your pile of loot, you hear a 'thunk'. Looking over, you see a grappling hook being pulled tight on the main gate into the village.
Katlin grunts and struggles, but can't seem to pull herself up the rope and over the gate.
Ikit the White |
i hope i still keep my stealth roll for now
The small white rat gets as close to the humans as possible. He tries to hear what they are saying. But it does seem that they too want to get into the town of death.
Maybe Ikit can help, but listen first. Best way. Ikit not want to die because he got careless
-Posted with Wayfinder
mdt |
Sorry, the first one got you past Ubagub
Stealth, Ikit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Perception, Natalie: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Ikit sneaks closer to the two humans, close enough to realize they are half-elves, thanks to pointy ears. And also to overhear them discussing climbing over the wall and colorful battering rams.
Natalie is distracted by Katlin's efforts to climb over the wall, and completely misses Ikit.
Ikit the White |
Humans seem friendly... maybe... yes... yes... Ikit run if not friendly...
The ratfolk decides to make himself known to the two female pointy ears
"Hi hi! Need help help? Ikit try try maybe?" he asks in a soft squeek
-Posted with Wayfinder
Natalie Saratov |
Natalie jumps startled, seeing the size of the rat which suddenly showed itself talking to her.
I've heard tales of ratfolk before, yet I've never seen one. Natalie said clearly uncertain of what to make of this newest companion.
I welcome any help that is prepared to get into this town
Turning to Katlin Do you need a hand? The rest of us also wants to get up and have a closer look
@ mdt
Once Katlin is either over the wall or back on the ground, Natalie starts to climb the rope and look around the town.
Climb take 10: 10 + 4 = 14
Perception take 13: 13 + 11 = 24
mdt |
If Katlin takes a 10 on climb, and two people help her, she can get over the wall. However, it might be easier to get one person over and have them unbar the gate? That would be the safest thing.
Natalie climbs up to the top of the gate after Katlin fails to make any headway. Inside, she sees dozens of dead bodies scattered around the town, dried blood splattered all over.
There's also a boggard about 30 ft from the gate, inside the wall, with a pile of what looks like loot, staring at Natalie.
Gorruum, a half-elf woman has poked her head over the main gate, and is looking right at you.
Ikit the White |
"Ikit make drink? Drink make climb like eight legs? But only if rope not work work" he offers as he eyes the rope dangling from the wall. Then at the pointy ear at the top.
"Hope pointy ear don't fall. It long way down down. Pointy ear get much hurt hurt." he says mostly to himself. These two female pointy ears are not bad people. They no want to hurt or stab Ikit.
Natalie Saratov |
Ratm... eh.. Ikit was it? Save your drinks till later, I think I can open the door for you and Katlin, but first I need to make sure this frog-like creature is not hostile, just helping himself to the deads belongings
Clearly this creature is not hostile I'll jump down Natalie yells.
Jumps down on the other side of the wall
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
How is the door locked?
Ikit the White |
Ikit scurries away and hides.
"Frog thing no eat eat Ikit. Ikit blow frog thing up up!" he warns from his cowering position. You see him gulp down a very sickly green liquid. By the smell, you think it will probably make you keel over dead if you drank it, yet he seems unphased
plague vial. Lasts 70min
-Posted with Wayfinder
mdt |
The gate is barred on the inside by a beam of wood 10 ft wide and 8 inches square. It would take 2 people a minute to open, or one person 10 minutes (DC 20 str check for 1 person, DC 10 for two).
Natalie Saratov |
Natalie yells to Katlin and Ikit: I'm not sure i can lift this wooden beam that is barring the gate alone
Not waiting for an answer from the other side, Natalie turns to look at the frog creature, pointing on the gate and asking in common: Can you help me lift the beam?
Katlin Cart |
Katlin sighs, and idly grumbles to herself.
"No, I don't need help- I'll just do a bit of prep, haven't prepared my spells yet today, so I'll just... Do that." she said, annoyed. She glares at the ratman. She gestures that she's watching him, as she slides out her Spellbook, begining to prepare spells, having not done so yet today.
Gorruum |
Gorruum watches as first the grappling hook and then the head of the pointed-eared hoom pops over the gate. He limps to the other side of his pile of loot and glares at her. As the hoom jumps down, he catches sight of the huge rat scurrying away. This is all too much. He yells, a half-croaking stream of broken common, "HOOMS STAY AWAY! GOLD LIZARD SAY GORRUUM SCAVENGE FROM DEAD VILLAGE! YOU GO! NO OPEN GATE!"
This would normally be an Intimidate, but usually not with PCs and PCs.
Ikit the White |
He sniffs the air, looks around, then squints at her book. Slowly he moves forward, scurrying and ducking. Keeping an eye on the door every so often
"Magic book? May Ikit read read? " he squeeks his question softly.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Ikit the White |
Gorruum watches as first the grappling hook and then the head of the pointed-eared hoom pops over the gate. He limps to the other side of his pile of loot and glares at her. As the hoom jumps down, he catches sight of the huge rat scurrying away. This is all too much. He yells, a half-croaking stream of broken common, "HOOMS STAY AWAY! GOLD LIZARD SAY GORRUUM SCAVENGE FROM DEAD VILLAGE! YOU GO! NO OPEN GATE!" This would normally be an Intimidate, but usually not with PCs and PCs.
I believe we are on other side of wall. So you can't actually see us. Only the one who went over the wall? Or am I wrong?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Gorruum |
Gotcha, misunderstood and thought that Natalie and Ikit were both on my side, but now understand it is just Natalie.
Natalie Saratov |
As the boggard clearly looks like it doesn't understand her Natalie turns to the gate mumbling Nobody is climbing the ropes, the frog doesn't understand me needing help. Guess I have to try alone, we need all to investigate this town in a reasonable pace, hopefully Svetlana's nephew is not among the bodies.
Gorruum |
"POINTY EARS MUST NOT WORK! NO HEAR? GO! GOLD LIZARD SAY VILLAGE THINGS FOR GORRUUM!" Gorruum begins waving his halberd around menacingly although he doesn't advance further toward Natalie.
Natalie Saratov |
Natalie turns toward the boggard: Gorruum is that your name? Listen we are not here to take things from this village. We are looking for a friend's lost family member who was last seen in this town.
Gorruum |
Gorruum beats a fist on his chest while continuing to wave around his halberd with the other hand and croaks, "GORRUUM!" It looks like he tries to follow the rest of your words, but quickly becomes confused. His narrows his big frog eyes as something you said clicks into place, "Pointy eared hoom say 'WE!' HOW MANY HOOMS OUTSIDE!?!"
Also, is one minute per try just in the bar situation or is that how you run all Take 20 attempts?