Brunhard Schölhamer |
Brunhard walked through the busy streets, mindful as always of keeping the precious few coins he did own safe and secure.
As they approach the gates the big knight's gaze fixes on the bludgeon wielding guard, before he stops at Skeggi's shoulder and leans nonchalantly against his Pike as they engaged with the man.
"We have business with the old scholar. Probably best not keep us, or him waiting."
Little Aurelie |
Sorry for instantly failing the post a day--my Internet's been in and out all week, which kept me from posting.
Folklore 49: 1d100 ⇒ 21 Success!
Aurelie rises with the others, having completed her devotions and preparation in the early hours of the morning. She eats a small breakfast--by now the group has learned that most things with Aurelie are done in small proportions--and she joins them in walking to their destination, agreeing that stretching their legs would be better than stretching their purses.
As the group passes the Circle of Gargoyles, Aurelie notes the strange structure, recalling its mysteries. The Hounds have business elsewhere, though, so she merely squirrels the thought away in her mind and walks on. She keeps one hand near her knife through the Thieves' Quarter--she isn't foolish enough to give away the location of her purse, few coins as she may have, but nor is she naive to the possibility of a would-be cutpurse. The presence of a pair of burly dwarves, not to mention a mountain of a hedge knight, dissuade most common criminals, though. Aurelie smiles. I knew there was a reason I joined with them.
Finally, at the college, Aurelie nods as her companions respond to the guard. "We've a letter of introduction, if you need proof of our words."
Kurdran Graybeard |
The evening had ended entirely too early for Kurdran. He found little that settled his mind better than battle, but revelry was a suitable second. Still, his companions were wiser than he, and so Kurdran chose to retire to his room in their small hut when the others did. He spent the hours before rest took him preparing his possessions - despite his somewhat chaotic style of fighting, he was still a dwarf and took great pride in the quality of his weapons and armor. He carefully oiled the leather breastplate, then took a honing stone to the edges of his dagger and spear. Finally, he worked its earthen face up and down each of the spikes of his morgenstern, preparing it to deliver vicious wounds. Satisfied that the tools of his trade were ready, Kurdran finishes off a stale mug of simple ale he had beside his bed before succumbing to sleep.
==================
Kurdran eats a simple yet hearty meal the next morning. It's time for the dirty, got to have my wits about me, he reminds himself before deciding to forego ale with breakfast.
He follows the rest of the company as they make their way toward the college. When the guard confronts them, Kurdran chuckles, "Lad, if we were lookin' for trouble, de ye think we'd be comin' to the college? There are plenty of other places for a tussle."
Supreme Being |
As the young guard approaches the group, he seems a bit overwhelmed and intimidated by the barrage of conversation.
1d100 ⇒ 38 Resolve SUCCESS
Looks like we're not going to have trouble with somebody speaking up with this group :-). This is good practice for beginning to understand everybody's roles in the group. If you are using a particular ability (Fellowship: Charm, Bargain, Investigate, Interrogate) let me know as you speak, otherwise I'll react to your words as stated.
@ Skeggi - With a look of confusion... "I don't know any Professor Reingolde. What department is he in, and why didn't he just send Captain Flumm himself".
@ Murgrim - You do indeed see a teen boy who seems to have been tailing you, but when you look straight at him he knows he's been made, and hightails it into the crowd.
@ Brunhard - Another look of confusion. "Well Captain Flumm's a bit older than me, but I've never heard her referred to as a scholar. Are you sure you're in the right place"?
@ Aurelie - He looks thankful to finally have somebody speak to him that seems to be here on official business. He takes her letter, and begins to read it, as a couple of other College Guards begin to congregate. He nods as he reads the letter.
@Kurdran - He drops the letter to his side for moment and looks first at the Dwarf, then at the rest of the group. "Indeed"?
As you look around the area and the people passing here, you notice that you are the only armed and armored group anywhere in sight except for the guard who have only a leather sleeveless vest, and leather helmet, along with a whistle around their neck, and a mundane cudgel hung around their wrist. It's no wonder that this amature is a bit flummoxed.
He then turns and address another of the gathering gate guard, and hands the letter of introduction to her. "Right then. We'll just send for the Captain, and let her make this decision. In the mean time I'm going to have to request that you stay outside the gates until she arrives. Got to keep things safe around here you know".
1d100 + 20 ⇒ (51) + 20 = 71 (Intimidate / Hard) FAILURE
The young guard tries to come across as official and threatening, but the scared look in his eyes says that he's torn between wondering why he ever took this job, and being embarrassed in front of his growing crowd of contemporaries.
After about 20-minutes the sun begins to climb in the sky revealing that it's going to be a humid scorcher of a day, when you see a tall fit looking woman approaching in the uniform of the Lyreguard, accompanied by the messenger sent to retrieve her. The look of relief on the young guards face is almost comical.
"Well,well! What have we here? Seems my old friend Reingolde has decided to send me a group of misfits to interrupt my breakfast and do his bidding.
She then looks at the group a moment, nodding and reading the letter again. "From the looks of you I wasn't sure whether you were here to attack the gates, or to save us from some unrevealed menace. It's unusual to see such an armed and obviously dangerous group at or gates of learning... still I owe old Reingold a favor or two".
"Good job Wicks. I'll take things from here. Come, I believe old Frye usually spends his days lately at The Written Note searching the archives for stuff about his beloved bugs and bees and such".
She leads you away from the walls of the college, and past the fountain in the courtyard, to a White marble building set back from the college gates.
Folklore: Routine, Easy if you have Local Folklore
The Written Word
Originally, this was the location of a small bardic school. As years went by, more and more bardic tales and songs were transcribed in books, and the Written Note slowly evolved into a library. Today, it is one of the best resources for bards and historians, containing thousands of volumes of written music, operatic librettos, lyrics, histories, dramas, and many other similar items.
The library is built of great white marble blocks, with multicolored
stained glass windows rising between graceful pillars. Inside, the structure still contains an auditorium and stage, now used for speeches and debates, or is rented to various guilds for regular meetings. Elsewhere, the building is full of tall shelves and warrens where the books seem to go on endlessly.
She leads you up onto the wide porch at the front of the building, and gestures to some stone benches along the wall. There is a small drinking fountain there with a ladle, and an identical fountain on the other side of the entrance, with a similar fountain seemingly used for granting wishes, as it's full of various types of coins.
"Wait here. I'll fetch him".
She is gone for only a few minutes when you hear sounds from beyond the door.
Eavesdrop: Routine
"But I don't have time for any meetings. I'm looking for a lost manuscript about the Virdistian Wasp-moth, and am having difficulty locating it. It's very important you know".
"I'm sure they'll only take a moment of your time. Remember the man you met with earlier this week? He sent them, so there must be some reason".
"OK, but I've only got a minute, and they better not waste anymore of my time.
Then the door opens and you see a tall gangly man stooped with age, with long drooping mustaches. He has a monocle about his neck on a braided cord, and has a pouch filled with scraps of paper and scrolls over his shoulder. As you look closer you can clearly make out the ink stains on his fingers.
"Well what are you here for! I don't have all day"!
Murgrim |
Seeing the boy run into the crowd Murgrim grunts and snorts with some derision. Both at the lad for tipping his hand and at himself for knowing he isn't about to try his foot speed. His bulk and height would not suit in the crowd.
"We be followed." he says when the other conversation lapses but peering around with suspicious eyes.
Murgrim follows the group looking and listening but otherwise remaining a watcher.
Folklore (36+10): 1d100 ⇒ 61
Eavesdrop (43+10): 1d100 ⇒ 29
Little Aurelie |
Easy Folklore, 79: 1d100 ⇒ 85
Routine Eavesdrop, 56: 1d100 ⇒ 39
Aurelie nods courteously and bows when Captain Flumm arrives, and she falls into step behind the taller woman, following her to Frye. The phrase 'the Written Word' nags at Aurelie's mind, but she can't place its meaning. She looks at Murgrim when he mentions their tail, but looking around, she doesn't see anyone herself. "Keep an eye out," she murmurs. Her own ears are keen, and she catches the conversation from the other side of the door. Quickly straightening her clothing and putting on a smile, she greets the scholar with a bow--and a quick wrack of her brain for anything related to Virdistian Wasp-moths.
Intelligence, Base 49: 1d100 ⇒ 100 Are they even real? That's a Critical Failure, hope it doesn't ruin this...
"Master Frye? My companions and I were sent by Master Reingolde, with the belief that you might be in need of services we can offer. I hate to interrupt your work, as I'm sure Virdistian Wasp-moths are quite interesting, but we'd like to speak with you about visiting the Maisontaal Monastery."
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Folklore (47+10): 1d100 ⇒ 65
At Murgrim's gruff warning, the knight nods. Experience had taught them all not to ignore the veteran dwarf's instinct for such, and at least they were aware.
Brunhard purposefully moves along with the group, heavy pike cradled - as he too trys to place the relevance of the Written Note, but his furrowed brow belays his inability to recollect anything of note.
As the Captain leaves them to fetch the scholar, he acknowledges her assistance;
"Our thanks Captain."
The heavy set warrior spies the water fountain and wanders over, taking a ladle for himself, then pouring another over his cropped scalp.
When the old man makes his curmudgeony entrance Brunhard looks up, then eyes the exchange between the scholar and Aurelie.
Nuriah |
Sry, got busy there...
Lore(64): 1d100 ⇒ 35
Eavesdrop(46): 1d100 ⇒ 65
Nuriah's eyes had narrowed at Murgrim's revelation that he'd seen someone following them. Not a complete surprise, but something to think about.
Standing , looking bored, she'd endured the wait for the Captain to show up and take them to find Frye.
As they approach the Written Note, she murmurs, "Why is he looking in a musical archive for notes on bees ? "
She contemplates the wishing fountain, and after a moment tosses a penny in, sharing a look with her companions as if to say It can't hurt...
When the esteemed Frye makes his grumpy appearance, Nuriah turns and waits for his response to Aurelie...
Skeggi Konallson |
perception 37: 1d100 ⇒ 89
Skeggi gives Nuriah a droll grin. "Why, where better to find notes than at a musical archive?"
The sellsword walks along with the others, eyes habitually roving as they take in their surroundings. Standing behind Aurelie and Brunhard, he lets Aurelie handle the man, only raising an eyebrow as the gangly studious man demands to know their business.
Supreme Being |
@Nuriah: As you throw your coin in the fountain, the water bubbles once, and you hear a voice in your head... but it is in some language that you don't understand. However with your prodigious memory you remember the words.
Igmak Monnger kisstrinn Poullisi Kapariggon.
@Brunhard: The water is surprisingly cold and refreshing. Obviously fed from some spring deep beneath the land.
@Murgrim: You notice that your group is getting plenty of strange stares, but all look away and hurry their steps when you glance your way. There seems to be no trouble imminent.
@Skeggi: You incite a moan at your pun from Captain Flumm, and a quick smile. She seems to like your sense of humor.
Aurlie can't help but make a small laugh when she mentions the words "Virdistian Wasp-moths" and the man frowns at her imprudence.
"Mock me if you'd like, but they're real, and before I die I'll learn of their honey producing capabilities".
"Which reminds me... Until this rude young lady reminded me, I'd forgotten completely who this Reingold was. Mind's not as sharp as it used to be. He's the jolly fellow who promised to help find someone to escort me to the monks of Maisontaal, right"?
He then looks at Captain Flumm. "Your interruption is forgiven... just don't make a habit of it".
"Now why were you here again... oh! that's right you're going to take me to Maisontaal. Let's go then".
The man starts down the path past the statue of Oghma in the middle of the commons in front of the building before turning back to the group. He is dressed in a stained robe, house slippers, and carries no supplies.
"Well what are we waiting on"?
This is part of the fail forward technique I like to use. The critical failure will result in the groups social interactions with the grumpy, absent minded professor's to be a stage worse, but it at least focused him on what needed to be accomplished.
DM Dice
1d100 ⇒ 46
Little Aurelie |
"Ehm..." Aurelie is caught off guard by the old man's sudden temper, as well as his apparently heavy absent-minded nature. She looks to the others, figuring it might be better for someone else to make the scholar aware of practical needs.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Brunhard eyes the scholar warily; particularly his lack of supplies and improper footwear.
"Master Frye. Perhaps sandals or a shoe would befit the journey to Maisonstaal? We have a long walk ahead of us..."
The knight taps his own booted feet with his pike to accentuate his point.
Nuriah |
Nuriah watches her penny sink into the water of the fountain, then looks about suspiciously, the words she just heard spoken...no one said them. Her eyes a bit wide, she turns away from the fountain, running the words over in her mind, commiting them to memory...you never know.
She watches the performance of the old man, with wry smile on her lips, trots to catch up with him and waits for his answer to Brunhard's sensible observation
Murgrim |
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From the back of the group Murgrim rolls his eyes at the old man's antics and lack of sensibilities. He then pauses a moment and coughs out a word that sounds almost like "Charter." before clearing his throat and looking around innocently.
Skeggi Konallson |
Seeing the captain's smile, Skeggi returns it with one of his one, but otherwise merely walks along with the group.
The sellsword rolls his eyes along with Murgrim and gives a shake of his head. "It seems both parties have a few ends to tidy up before we're all ready head out of town. You might want some food in addition to those sandals, master scholar."
Supreme Being |
A harried looking young student proudly displaying the symbol of Diancecht on her blue robes comes running out of the building, holding her skirts as she goes.
"Master Frye! Master Frye! You're being naughty again. I found your elixir beneath the cushion of your chair. You know you've got to take it".
The young woman brushes past your group, and takes the frail man by the arm. "I don't know why you refuse to take your elixir. You know it helps you remember".
"But it tastes so bad... and smells even worse". he grumbles as he takes the small silver vial from the woman and holding his nose quaffs it gagging and coughing as it goes down. "Bah! I'd rather drink middin water".
She then leads the man to a bench, and approaches the group with a frown of disapproval on her face. "Now what have you done to upset the scholar. He was very agitated"?
When the group explains their actions, she nods and sighs. "He did tell me he had a journey ahead. I've been hired to help him while on the college grounds. If you'd like I'll gather his things, along with some travel goods...oh and a couple of weeks of elixir. I'll also put the formula in with them, so if more needs to be made it can be. Do take care of him. He's cranky, and a bit absentminded, but he's really sweet and generous when you get to know him".
With that plans are made for him to arrive at Reingolde's at dawn tomorrow to leave for the Monastery.
After Elmar calms down a bit, and arrangements are being discussed, he offers each of you a gold, and jet bumblebee trinket as payment for escorting him.
Standard: Evaluate or tradecraft
Value is probably around 10-15 GP depending upon where and to whom you can sell it. The bees are all different, and finely crafted, and may be worth more to someone who appreciates their craftsmanship.
Unless you wish to bargain for more money, or have more questions, then the arrangements have been made to escort Frye to Maisontaal.
Captain Flumm escorts you back to Fates bridge, and shakes all their hands, holding onto Skeggi's a bit longer. She takes a minute to whisper something into his ear.
@Skeggi:
You're move. You've got the afternoon to make any arrangements you'd like before leaving on the morrow.
Murgrim |
Seeing the drama and the care taken of the old man reminds Murgrim of the warning from Reingold of the senility of the scholar. His expression softens and seeing the yellow metal distributed gives him a smile of his face.
Evaluate (a focus of Fellowship(Bargain) 36: 1d100 ⇒ 41
When walking back Murgrim mentions to the group. "Remember we were told a four or five day journey. Each way, an' it might be slower on the way back with cargo. If we want to be prepared we should be taking twelve days of rations. Hunger is a great foe and the four shillings each to slay it is probably wise." He then raises a grey bushy eyebrow. "Of course a silver tongue might get us this food a lot cheaper too as a whole."
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Brunhard stands dutifully as the young student administers the old man's elixir.
When they are charged with administering the medication, the knights scarred brow furrows and he shoots a look to his companions.
"Sure you won't join us my Lady? You have a way with the old man, more so than most of us - who are more used to wounding over healing..."
At Murgrim's march wisdom Brunhard nods slowly in agreement;
"Makes sense. Least we take is the amount to get there... Hopefully we'd equip and ration for the return at Maisonstaal?"
Nuriah |
For some reason the old scholar reminds Nuriah of her great uncle Samni, now dead with the rest of her family in the desert.
Approaching the old man and the girl chiding him, she says "I'll make sure he get's his tincture." holding her hand out for the recipe and vial.
Then, looking down at the man's unshodden feet and scrawny legs, "Is he capable of walking all the way to the Monestary and back? Or do we need to get a donkey?"
Supreme Being |
@Brunhard: "OH! That sounds so exciting". but then a crestfallen look. "But ma and pa would have my hide if I didn't finish my classes here. I'm going to be a physician".
@Nuriah: "Thank you. He's really a sweet old man, but has trouble concentrating on more than one thing at a time. The medicine helps him stay calm. Must be frustrating to not be able to process thoughts like you did when younger".
"I'll escort him to meet you tomorrow if you give me a place. He has his own old mule... Gretta, and I'll pack up his stuff, and a box of his medicine... Do take care of him, and don't let him wander off".
"My name's Meg by the way".
Supreme Being |
I'll give the rest of the day today to announce any other preparations. If none, then I'll advance the timeline till tomorrow morning and leaving for the trip. If you wish to RP the signing of the agreement, or anything else you wish to do... (Shopping, research, etc.)
Murgrim |
Murgrim grumps a bit and heads off to go shopping for rations. Biting on the golden coin to test it he hopes on getting some smelly smoked sausages and biting cheese he likes so much for the trip. "I be there for the charter signing." he mentions while heading off.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Brunhard gives a resigned nod as Meg rationales not accompanying them and the old scholar;
"Your folks are wise Mistress. Stick to your letters and make something of yourself. Alternative is a hard life, rubbing shoulders with the likes of us."
As the dwarf veteran heads off, the big knight turns to hail him;
"Murgrim! You getting food for the trail? If so get me some cured fish... none of that damned pungent cheese you favour eh."
He'll catch up with the dwarf and had him 2 silver shillings.
"Enough for 5 days."
Murgrim |
Nodding back to Brunhard. "Aye, I'll make sure your smelly fish and my cheese not mix. I'll even check they salt it right." he chuckles as he moves off, gaze returning to the street to watch no urchins have been attracted by the flash of metal.
Supreme Being |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After a bit of a chaotic departure from the college Murgrim is given a list and some funds from the others to purchase some travel rations for the trip. The rest of the group makes their way to the nearest Lyreguard outpost, and presents the signed document registering "The Hounds of Charon" as a certified Adventuring Group, able to legally take on missions within and based in the City of Bards Gate. The document is then sealed with a wax seal with the number 1047. This is the group's official Adventurer's Guild membership number.
Folklore: Routine (+10%)
This number was in double digits until three years ago. The number of Adventuring groups has swollen to over a thousand since then as memories of the war fade, and fortune beckons.
The group is strangely silent overnight double checking and re-packing their belongings for the trip, discarding all which in considered non-essential, and re-arranging their gear to make for more comfortable positioning in their packs. Upon returning to Reingolde's their patron thanks them for getting an official AG number so that he can compensate them legally, and provides them with a roughed out map of the route to the Monastery at St. Maisontaal.
The Route to the Monastery
* 15 Miles per day on the road
* 8 Miles per day on paths
* 4 Miles per day trackless
- 2.5 days travel to the hommlet of Keegans Bluff (38 miles)
- 1.5 days travel to the burned out Village of Taverlan (14 miles )
- 2.0 days to lumber town of Frugaal (17 miles)
- 2.0 days to Gimbrin's Mine (15 miles)
- 0.5 days to Monastery of Maisontaal 94 miles)
Navigation: Easy (+20%) as long as you have the map. Drops to Hard (-20%) without the map.
The day starts out dreary and overcast, as the small group gathers outside the Inn to begin the day. Reingolde himself meets you out front, his eyes reddened from maybe a little too much drink the night before... still he's cheerful enough, and presents the group with a basket of fresh buttered scones and cold Boysenberry Juice to wash it down. "Give you a little of taste of home to hasten your journey". One of the stable hands leads two mules out of the stables, and helps the group to tie their supplies to the pack saddles, without a word... as it turns out he's mute.
Just as the group is getting ready to leave without the old scholar he shows up riding a donkey, and pulling another one behind him. Leading the donkey is his young caretaker Meg. He surprisingly spryly dismounts and heads towards the basket of fresh scones pulling from his robes a small jar of something to spread on the scones, and stuffing them one after another into his nearly toothless mouth. Crumbs litter his beard as he finishes up the last scone licking his finger. "Well let's go. No journey can end before it begins".
Meg approaches Nuriah and hands her a small box, which reveals up opening (6) silver stoppered vials of the old man's tincture. "He doesn't like the taste of this stuff, so sometimes he pretends to have taken it. Make sure he doesn't try to pull the wool over your eyes".
With that the troops say their final goodbyes and head off north out of the city.
This is as good of a time as any to give standard marching orders, and any special precautions taken as you travel. Who is leading the mules, who is keeping the map and navigating the course. Also, for camping what type of site you would normally seek, and how you would arrange your camp site and watch order. I'll assume this is how you're proceeding unless you state otherwise in the game thread. You can discuss in the discussion thread before deciding for sure.
Sorry it's taken awhile to get things rolling, but the pace and excitement should pick up now.
Murgrim |
Folklore 36+10: 1d100 ⇒ 31
Seeing Reingolde with the present nourishments Murgrim grins broadly, teeth just visible through the beard. "Ah, a fine send off. Just the thing to raise the spirits and to speed our desire to return. Hah, many thanks my good man." He samples the offer fare, making sure it is spread around before seeing the last parts disappear to the old sage.
At mention of jobs he says. "Never learned to read a map. A dwarf knows where he walks and returns on that path. I'll keep an eye on things and organize watches. Make sure nothing sneaks up, keep rear watch as we go." Murgrim nods to himself as much as the rest of the party his hand reaching up to feel the presence of the sword hilt on his back.
Putting his new cloak on, then hefting his backpack up with a grunt Murgrim nods again to the party to show he is ready to move out.
Murgrim purchased sturdy travelling clothes for the trip along with his 12 days rations
Little Aurelie |
Aurelie keeps to the middle of the group when they embark, knowing that her small size makes her less well-fitted to be a front or rear guard. She adjusts her gear one last time as the group prepares to set out, and pats the long, wicked dagger strapped to one thigh, half-hidden beneath her outer clothing. She's no great shakes with a map, untrained in their use, but she's a quick study, so she offers to take a look at the thing...
Navigation (Easy, Untrained) 49+20: 1d100 ⇒ 28 Failure, 82
...but she quickly gets lost trying to figure out what the different lines and markings mean. "I thought we were at Bard's Gate..." she mutters, scouring the map for the city.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Folklore (Apprentice, Easy): 47+10+20: 1d100 ⇒ 88
Brunhard eats his fill with a nod of thanks to their patron.
As the group prepare to leave, the knight listens as the group begin to fall into familiar patterns with Murgrim takes the rearguard, whilst Aurelie slots into the midst.
As the young woman sourly looks at the map, Brunhard leans over her shoulder casting his own keen eye o'er its content;
Navigation (Apprentice, Easy): 47+10+20: 1d100 ⇒ 27
"Might be o'er land but this shipwright's son can still read a map. First stop is the hommlet of Keegan's Bluff. By this map that's 2.5 days travel..."
The knight beckons to the envoy with one thick hand that he'll take the map.
"Best give me the map Aurelie. Least in my hands it won't end up used for firelighting or wiping a dvergs hairy arse..."
You're all more than aware that the towering warrior easily wields his pike in one hand, so map reading up front makes both tactical and directional sense.
Nuriah |
Folklore ( Apprentice, Routine ) :54+10+10: 1d100 ⇒ 100
Nuriah glances at the number on the signed and offical looking document, but merely shrugs it off as inconsequential.
Later, she gathers her meager possessions, making ready for the journey, grabbing a handful of scones, jamming a few into her threadbard pouch.
She takes the box from Meg, nodding a smile at the solicitous girl, "Don't worry, I'll hogtie him if I need to." she says, with a warning glance at the surprisingly spry old man.
However, she does wait patiently for the scholar to re-mount his donkey, holding the reins as she chats with her friends.
Later, she walks the donkey over to where Aurelie and Brunhard discuss the map, leaning in to take a quick look...
Navigation (Untrained, Easy): 54+20: 1d100 ⇒ 81
... but shrugs, Reingolde's squiggles and childish drawing looking like no proper map she's seen before.
Leaving them to it, she looks back at Frye, "Master Frye, tell me what you know of Arawn."
Skeggi Konallson |
folklore, Routine - 37+10: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Skeggi beams at Reingolde's generosity and adds his heartfelt thanks along with the others. When Frye arrives, he looks on with mild amusement at the old scholar's antics. Let's hope I still find the pushy ol' bugger funny three or four days into the trip. he thinks to himself with a chuckle.
Skeggi whistles a jaunty tune as his band makes their way through the town and out the gates. When they are beyond the walls however, the sellsword goes silent, and serious. He draws a crude, hand carved wooden raven charm out from his shirt and kisses it once before tucking back out of sight once more - an old superstitious habit that he never fails to perform before taking off on a journey... or knowingly going into a fight.
Seeing the knight take his customary place in front, and Murgrim guarding the rear, Skeggi walks near the middle, where he can quickly move to support either should trouble arise.
Supreme Being |
The group begins their journey north along the road, which is fairly well maintained this close to the city. The amount of traffic on this part of the road... farmers and traders as well as soldiers... is pretty hectic, but seems to peter out as the day moves on.
About mid-day the group stops for a quick lunch under in a small grove of apple trees around a travellers well. Several other travelers lounge in the shade here, and a few others drift in and out as the band makes their rest. Two young farm lads who look just alike get in an apple fight, which is quickly stopped by a firm matronly woman. After refreshing themselves they resume their journey north. Frye keeps mainly silent, as he reads some long thin text perched atop his donkey, relying on his escort to lead the way.
@ Brunhard - You see a stream crossing about 4-hours ahead. This obvious source of water might be a good place for setting up camp for the night... you just need to decide which side to camp on. Or if you prefer you can choose another site. You have passed some mostly abandoned hunting shacks, and isolated farmstead along the way, and could rely on finding another of these if you wish.
@ Nuriah - You glance at the documents, and are convinced that you are somehow going to regret signing them... very much... Are you leading the donkey ridden by Frye, and if so do you leave the lead rope attached to the other donkey? Please make a Handle Animal - Easy(+20%) if you are leading one animal, and Handle Animal - Standard(+0%) If you are leading both.
The Scholar looks up with a grim expression, obviously perturbed at someone interrupting his study. "Well I can see that I'll get no rest without answering your pointless questions. Let's see... Arawn... Education 1d100 ⇒ 93 "Yes, I know him well. He is the Saint of rotten things in the bottom of wells I believe. Worshiped widely by the Gnomes of the Dreadmire if I'm not mistaken. What does he have to do with bees or honey"?
Nuriah - Scrutinize roll - Standard (+0%)
It's obvious that while the old man might have once been learned about many subjects his single minded focus on bees, honey, and mead have left him with no patience or memory of other subjects. You're not sure whether he's messing with you or he really believes what he's saying.
The afternoon passes quickly, as the band falls easily back into patterns acquired from their familiarity with each other, and ribald tales of past adventures... but real and exaggerated relieve the boredom of the afternoon march.
Once a lone bee appears along the trail, and if not for Nuriah's firm hand on the donkey, Frye might still be chasing after it at full gallop.
I'll let you guys determine where your camping for the evening, and your watch schedule then we'll move on. Some suggested rolls might be... Navigation, Survival, or once a site is chosen Awareness.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Upfront Brunhard signals the company to stop a raised hand, before unfurling the map and pointing further down the road ahead with his pike;
"Stream crossing coming up. Might be a decent place to make camp? Too open maybe? Or we press on and hope for another of those jaeger's shacks..."
Survival (Untrained, Standard?: 1d100 ⇒ 61
The big knight frowns, then eyes the rest of you trying to gauge responses, enthusiasm and wilderness wisdom before it arrives;
Murgrim |
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Murgrim huffs up besides Brunhard red in the face. Catching his breath somewhat while leaning his bulk against a tree, hand propping him up. "So... Unfit... " he gasps before looking around their location.
Survival (untrained) 43: 1d100 ⇒ 20
"Know you have the stride of an ogre there friend Brunhard. Flowing water would probably make for a good a place as any, we can look for tracks of what is using the stream often at the edge. But it should be safe to drink and we can wash some downstream." he says more normally while looking at the group around them.
"Be thinking four watches, Brunhard, Kurdan, myself and Skeggi. That leaves the more difficult job of warding Master Frye to Nuriah and Aurelie." he suggests while pointing to each person in turn as he names them, maybe as a reminder to Frye.
Little Aurelie |
Aurelie nods at Murgrim's suggestion and turns to Nuriah and Frye. "What do you say, Master Frye? I hope you won't give us ladies too much trouble this evening." She folds her arms and arches one eyebrow.
Nuriah |
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On their journey out of town, Nuriah holds onto Gretta the Donkey's reins only, trusting her ability with animals to only encompass the attention of one animal at a time.
Handle Animal (untrained, easy): 46 + 20: 1d100 ⇒ 78
"Come along, Gretta....Gretta!!
Later, she listens to the old man's rambling , nonsensical answer to her question...
Scrutinize (untrained, standard):46: 1d100 ⇒ 4
... and merely smiles a smile one gives to the most doddering of the old folk, thinking Oh, I'm sure you'll be in Arawn's embrace soon enough, you old fool
Later still, she stands with hands on hips as Brunhard and Murgrim discuss the merits of the place by the stream, taking a good hard look about...
Survival (untrained):46: 1d100 ⇒ 2
As for the watch allocations, Nuriah shrugs, "That's the one thing he wouldn't dream of....is it, Master Frye?"
Skeggi Konallson |
Seeing Nuriah doesn't want to test her skills leading two mules, Skeggi takes the other's lead.
Handle Animal, Easy 46+20: 1d100 ⇒ 12
Skeggi gives Murgrim and Brunhard a nod. "Sounds good. May as well take advantage of clean water near at hand when we can... and thanks for taking the middle shifts."
Later, after camp is set up and everyone is settling in for the night, he asks "So Master Frye, what got you so interested in bees?
Awareness Standard? v 37: 1d100 ⇒ 87
Supreme Being |
As the party makes their way North-Northwest along the road, the road becomes more rutted, and overgrown. It's obvious that this road is not as heavily used this far from the city. It's also obvious that there is a reason for that. It now seems that the ruins the party passes are older, further apart, and obviously destroyed by violence. There are almost no other travellers along the road, and the wind picks up blowing leaves across the road, and making the grass alongside the road weave as though in a slow hypnotic dance.
As the sun begins to sink below the treeline, it's obvious from the thickening vegetation, and slanting ground, that the path is headed towards a stream. This must be the stream on the rough map, where the party intends to spend the evening.
Hurrying now that the night's rest is nearby the group is assaulted first by the smell of rotting flesh, and next by the sound on insects... Many many insects.
Frye who had been doing his best to avoid the ladies teasing and imploring by keeping his nose buried in his tome was one of the first to hear them, and looked up from his reading with first joy, then apprehension on his face. "That's no bee I've ever heard".
You can hear the rush of the stream ahead around the bend. How do you wish to approach... or do you???
The other best option is a deserted and burned out Windmill you saw about a mile before you got here. It would probably be dark by the time you made your way back to it.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Brunhard's stance dips a little as he readies pike and shield with a grimace;
"I don't like the sound, nor smell of this. The rancid stench of death is ill omen..."
He holds position at the point of the group awaiting the others to react, grumbling a warning;
"Best we keep the old man and mules back..."
Murgrim |
"Aye. I think we should be avoiding this. I don't like either going ahead or back." Murgrim answers while scratching his beard thoughtfully. "Maybe head upstream a ways, get around it. You think you could find the path on the other side of the stream again Brunhard if we circle it?"
Murgrim eyes the surrounding lands suspiciously.
Awareness 53: 1d100 ⇒ 84
Supreme Being |
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As the group stands around indecisively more drama is added to the scene. From the direction of the stream you hear a dreadful scream of anguish in an obviously female voice.
"No! Not Aimlee! She's only four years old".
Then you hear a weird chanting in no language that's familiar to you rising in volume the crescendo sends chills up your spines.
I'm waiting on your actions. Remember this isn't Golarion, this is a grim, dark scary place and time.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Hopefully wasn't coming across as indecisive SB - was trying to hold pending input from the rest of the group. However with the latest turn of events Brunhard has no option... He's a knight after all :)
At the cries, Brunhard curses;
"By the Kraken's bloody beak!"
He nods to himself, then shoots you all that hard, familiar look as he speaks;
"Keep the scholar safe..."
The knight then moves forward in his fighting stance, muttering a soft prayer to himself as he advances grim-set:
"Axiom XV of The Leviathan: Great ships ask deep waters..."
Nuriah |
Nuriah's nose twitches as the familiar stench of the dead wafts up from the concealed stream.
Her first impluse is to surge forward, curious as she always is to look upon the various faces of death. But, the cord in her hand, attached to the donkey, which conveyed their meal-ticket, forstalled her usual reckless foray.
She's about to reluctantly agree to return to the old mill, when the scream rends the twilight.
"What's that they're saying?" she asks more of herself than the others, then nods to Brunhard's suggestion, holding tighter to the donkey's reins.
Murgrim |
Murgrim's nostrils flare as blood rises and he pulls his shield from his back. Head still scanning the area as he draws out his stout, broad bladed sword holding it before him. The we tended blade flashing in the remaining light.
"I be the slowest and shall stay guard." he growls lowly in a frustrated truthtelling. "Take care Brunhard. Chaos' nature is surprise and deception."
Turning to the those still with the animals Murgrim suggests. "We should follow our charging knight. Protect his rear and reinforce if needed. Flee if its a trap. Meet back at the old mill if scattered." He tightens his wide belt against his girth with a deep breath and shrugs his shoulders loosening them before turning up the path.
Skeggi Konallson |
"Dunno, but it sounds as foul as it smells." Skeggi grunts absently to Nuriah and then spits with disgust off to the side.
He checks his sword in its scabbard, and then seems to change his mind, instead drawing it completely and holding it ready in one hand. Skeggi nods agreement with Murgrim's statement. "Our unflinching friend up there shouldn't go alone. Professor, take the reins of this mule."
Skeggi holds the reins out for Frye...assuming he, or anyone, takes the beast off him, the sellsword will move upwards towards Brunhard, sword and now shield in hand.
Supreme Being |
OK. I'm not sure what is happening here. Are Skeggi and Brunhard just approaching the area down the road? Is anyone scouting? Climbing a tree to see what is coming on? Is everybody else staying back with the animals and the scholar? Are you taking advantage of any skills or situational modifications. Not trying to be a PITA but also not sure how you guys are approaching the encounter area.
Brunhard Schölhamer |
From Brunhard's pov the situation went from foreboding mystery to a potential innocent (child) being in grave danger. Means he's making a direct route round the bend. He's instructed the others to stay and protect the old man and animals (but I'm acutely aware that won't mean jack lol)
In short honour dictates Brunhard acts, so he is... As I'm reading it Skeggi is backing his play and Murgrim and Nuriah are staying with the old fella/bringing up the rear.
Supreme Being |
Brunhard, moving quickly now that he senses the danger rounds a last bend up a small rise, and the first thing he sees is a smashed wagon against the opposite bank of the swollen creek, debris and broken pieces of someone's life spread all along the bank. What he next takes in however horrifies him.
The water here at this ford is much deeper than usual, because it has been dammed up by a horrifying dam. The carcasses of two dead oxen, and a dead horse have been carefully placed to stem the flow of the stream. In addition you see the corpses of an adult man, and three children filling in the gaps of the makeshift dam. Standing at the dam is a creature of some sort, holding the hair of an adult woman, as her cut throat bleeds out into the stream.
The water in the pond formed by this Macabre pond is red from the blood of the sacrificed humans and beasts, and a small whirlpool has began to spin in the center of the pool.
Standing waist deep in the pool are 6 small humanoid creatures with pale greenish skin, sharp teeth and long pointed ears. They grip fire hardened spears and seem to be concentrating on what the figure at the dam is doing.
Standard Resolve Rolls To resist Fear
Awareness: Discern Details NOTE: You can make one awareness roll for per turn. Pick a bolded topic, and roll once, reading the spoilers for what you succeed on.
The Dam
Standard
The creatures have all been cut open so that their blood flows into the pond that has been created. The woman was the last slain, and she is beyond help. Flies and other bloated insects coat the surfaces of the slain creatures, especially around the jagged wounds.
The Pond
Standard
The pool is slowly spinning about the middle of the pond, but seems to be increasing in speed. Flies, and other gross bloated insects are swarming over the water, spinning in time with the gruel.
The (6) humanoids
Standard
You have heard of these goblins. They are known as Kobolds, and while cowardly alone they fight fiercely in groups.
Challenging (-10%)
They are chanting something with such a low tone, that it cannot be heard as a chanting unless you are close by.
Hard (-20%)
You can see that shiny scales have appeared in patches at random on the flesh of the little creatures, and their eyes seem to be a little too far apart.
The Priest
Standard
He is clothed only in a tattered robe, but there is a silver amulet around his neck shaped like a fish.
Education: Theology (Standard)
This is the holy symbol of Pescadore - Saint of fish.
Challenging
This priest is obviously performing some type of summoning ritual. His skin has almost completely scaled over, his mouth has widened,and his eyes are almost on the side of his head. You can also see that it looks like there are gill slits on the side of his neck.
ROUND 1 Actions?
Brunhard Schölhamer |
Resolve (Standard): 1d100 ⇒ 5
Despite being faced with such a macabre scene, Brunhard shrugs off any sense of revulsion or fear, replacing it with righteous anger.
The knight turns his baleful gaze toward the figure central to the gruesome vista - that figure sacrificing the woman.
Awareness [Discern] - The Priest (Standard): 1d100 ⇒ 84
Round 1
Gleaning nothing from his gut instinct, the warrior bellows his challenge at the creatures;
"Murderous scum! By the anointed powers invested in me by The Leviathan and for all civilised folk, you will all die for this abominable act!"
He points his pike toward the "priest";
"You. By The Answerer's edge. You will suffer for this." Issue Challenge on "priest" figure
Then with shield and pike readied, the hulking knight advances upon his foes...
Confronting a Hedge Knight is a dangerous prospect and many foes quickly find themselves pinned down by their valorous onslaught.
[b]Effect[/i]: Select one foe in combat. That foe is left Defenceless to all Melee Attacks and Called Shots made with melee weapons you make against them until they are defeated. You may select another foe once the current one is defeated.
Skeggi Konallson |
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Resolve (Standard) vs 52 (unless Indifference trait applies here
1d100 ⇒ 55
Awareness (6 humanoids) vs.37: 1d100 ⇒ 87
Skeggi blinks once as he rounds the corner and quickly takes in the scene then grimaces as the knight announces their presence. Damn.
Well so much for surprise. Friggin' knight always have to do things the hard way. Left to his own devices, Skeggi would likely have walked in silently and slit the priest's own throat from behind, but he knows that isn't Brunhard's way. Instead, he grimly walks up even with the knight, shield at the ready while preparing to launch himself into an attack.