DM Jesse's Kingmaker PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Jesse Heinig

Current map: The Stolen Lands

Swag Bag

Realm management

Provisions: 11 person-days

Current Party XP Total: 15,117


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Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

"You're right. It is a monster. But if you stop the monster, you stop the person. If you kill the monster, you kill the person," Cassandra says gesticulating just as wildly as Vallen. "You saw how up in arms these people were over me being a Skinwalker. Which, thank you for making things worse by the way," she says with no small amount of sarcasm. "Do you know what panicking people do in these situations? They lynch people. Burn them. Drive them away making them feel hated and alone. Sometimes they don't even get the right person."

And if Cassandra was angry before she becomes downright enraged at Janya's comment about responsibility. "Don't. You. Dare try and blame this on them," she says, approaching her menacingly. "You have no idea what its like. Even after you feed them, even after the hunger is sated, they still just sit there starring at you. No recognition, no sign of humanity, just pure animal curiosity or fear. You talk to them and they don't even respond." The rage drains out of her as quickly as it built up.

"There is no control. They never is," she states sadly. "But you can prevent any damage. You can live normally. But it takes understanding. It takes knowledge." she points in the general direction of the gathering they just came from. "They aren't going to listen. Not after this."


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

Jenya's hands go to her holster until Cassandra's rage seems to dissapate then she raises her hands in a placating gesture before responding Look, let's leave judgment to the gods yeah? We've got a dead woman and a scared town to deal with. We tell 'em we found Saki, we tell 'em a monster did it and to walk in groups at night. We don't tell 'em it's a shifter. That all fair?


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

The dwarf's blonde moustache begins to quiver with indignation as Cass accuses him of making matters worse. "I was defending you!" He cuts her off, exaspterated. "This is the thanks I get for putting my beard on the block for you?"

Vallen calms down a bit as Jenya supports his plan. "Right.... Right, we don't have to use the... "W" word. Now that you've revealed yourself as a skinwalker maybe they'll come to you for help if you appeal to them. We have to be truthful."

The priest proceeds to quote passsage 423 of Hammer and Tongs: The Forging of Metal and Other Good Works "After banishing his treacherous student Droskar from the Heavenly Great Forge, Torag told his other students- "Truth burns pure and hot; leaving no impurities in your work and allowing for others to have confidence in your craft and word. Lies burn sooty and acrid; the smoke not only weakens your work, but the caustic vapors choke you and your loved ones."

He sighs, spreading his hands wide. "Look, if we're going to believe you that this person can be helped without putting putting a silver bullet in their head, you're going to have to believe us that this is the correct path to take to help them. I want to help the person, but I will not have blood on my hands by hiding this."


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

Surprised no one is questioning her extensive knowledge of lycan and how to deal with the curse. Skinwalkers are not lycan, just descended from them. She's never mentioned her village or how close she actually was to them either. As for Akiros, I'unno? Maybe? Would be interested to hear his take considering he is a fallen paladin.

"You just confused them further," she grumbles at Vallen. But that was the last bit of resistance she offered. They were right. Lying would make it worse. It always did. But telling the truth terrified her. And she had good reason to be afraid. But they needed to find this person before nightfall. It would be a full moon and it was likely there would be another attack.

"Okay. I am going to stay here for a bit though and see if I can follow these tracks."

Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 +4 if I find a scent to follow.


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Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

Akiros blanches briefly at the sight of Saki's remains, but quickly regains his composure. He watches the sparring between Vallen and Cass, then finally he says in a firm voice, "We shouldn't allow fear among the people to overtake them and cause them to hurt each other. They will start to suspect everyone. Strife will take over the settlement before it begins. This is an extraordinary danger and it will require extraordinary people to settle it."

He folds his hands into his broad belt and says, "I know my opinion may not carry much weight, but it is up to us to find and help this afflicted soul, and also to protect the people. Part of protecting them will mean that they must feel confident that we - that you - are well underway into solving this problem. So... if we announce to the people that there is a problem, we should also tell them not to try to confront it themselves so that they don't cause even more problems. We don't necessarily need to tell them all of the grisly details - rather, the message should be one that lets them know that you will solve this matter quickly and that the best way that they can help is by not getting in the way or doing anything foolish that might hurt their neighbors or impede the investigation."

For just a moment you see in Akiros a reminder of what he once was - a paladin. Then he looks at the ground and looks unsure of himself once more.

Cass is able to follow the scent a short distance; it seems to head in the direction of a copse of stubby trees and underbrush. The copse, though, is a muddy mess due to the rain and she can't find where the trail goes from there.


Inactive

Korinne slowly exhales the breath she'd been holding while Cass, Vallen, and Jenya had been at loggerheads on how to proceed. "Okay, okay...then we tell the truth or at least enough of it that things hopefully won't come back to bite us in the rear later on," she reiterates. "Good, that's a good place to start."

She glances from Cass to Vallen and Jenya and Akiros and then back again. "We're all on the same side, okay? We'll get this sorted out and hopefully no one else will have to suffer or die."


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Vallen shhakes his head at Cassandra, deciding to be the bigger person and not get the last word in.

Akiros' advice suddenly draws his attention, and he is briefly enraptured by the man's presence and words. There was something about the way he stood, the words he chose. The dwarf's mind flashes back to the Forge of Torag, where the Paladins of Torag would visit to bless and maintain their gleaming, hand-crafted full plate and weapons.

Drawing in a breath after Akiros finishes, vallen nod several times. "Aye, aye, I agree. We have our course of action. We will take care of this- no one else should have to endanger themselves."


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

Cassandra comes back some time later after following the tracks. Her sullen mood and hunched shoulders is answer enough but she speaks anyway. "Followed the tracks to a copse nearby. Lost it. Guess we should...inform people of the situation." A responsibility she was dreading at this point. Who new Warden would be so rough?


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

Well I'm not going to do it. Alexei maybe? Tell the people to walk in pairs, stay close, but not tell them what it was, only that a some beast killed Saki.


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

You return somewhat demoralized to the encampment. Alexei agrees to hold a town meeting and discuss what happened, and to ensure that the people don't start panicking.

The day is tense. People come to Akiros with all manner of wild suspicions and stories. Akiros deftly and confidently assures them that the problem will be dealt with and their concerns heard, and sends them on their way, then collates the feedback. Most of it is useless - people who thought they saw something while stumbling home drunk at night, or who have petty grudges and are airing them by throwing suspicion at neighbors.

"I don't know much about lycanthropy," Akiros admits. "Will this person remember what they did? Or are we looking for someone confused and disoriented? Will they try to hide it?"


Inactive

"I...don't know, I guess it'd depend on how long they've been one, for starters," Korinne responds, looking troubled. "If they've not been one long then they might not even know what they are, by the way Cass talked earlier. In that case they'd probably be really confused and scared and probably would try to hide it."

"But if they've been one for awhile...then they probably know or suspect. Maybe they've been trying to be careful and let things get away from them out here in a new place, or, or...they either don't care or they like killing..." she mumbles. "That's all just me guessing though. Cass seems to know more about it than anyone - what do you think?"


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

GM, can Vallen use the Diagonse Disease spell to positively determine if someone is afflicted with lycantropy? I know it's a weird disease/curse combination, but it seems like it would work. Vallen can make a knowledge roll for this information if necessary. If he can use the spell in this way, does it only work on afflicted lycantropes or would it work on natural ones (like cass) as well? I guess he could just test it out on Cass?

Vallen sighs hitching his thumbs into the waist straps of his ceremonial apron. "That's what I fear the most, Korrine. Someone came to this new settlement to escape, knowing full well the extent of their affliction. would rather find a confused person that doesn't even know they need help rather than a nomadic killer."


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

If you can cast detect disease that will work. Like Detect evil but for...disease. Cassandra is a skinwalker, not a natural lycan. A natural lycan is essentially the direct child after one has been cursed. They are born with it and can essentially change at will with problems during full moons. Skinwalkers are descended from that, usually random and far removed. More heavily diluted. A few minor benefits and no drawbacks. I don't think detect disease will even work on her.

"It's...a little different per person,"[/b] she says in a tired tone. "But most have no idea what happens. A cursed few know everything but have no control. That's the worst. But most just wake up somewhere new, naked and confused, dirt and blood in their fingernails. If they are lucky, they only killed a deer or something and its nearby. They figure it out quick. Most figure it out eventually what's going on. None of them know how to handle it." Her eyes go dark for as she continues. "However, a natural lycan can shift without strain and has almost full control. If that's what we're dealing with, then they will be much tougher to find. They know what they did. Know that they killed an innocent woman. And they will be looking to hide."

DM. Hope you don't mind me not rolling on this stuff considering the background. Figure this is all common knowledge to her.


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

We can deal with whatever this person may be but we've got to find them first. Seems like the only thing we know fer certain is that they're going to change tonight, right?


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

An afflicted lycanthrope is cursed. A natural lycanthrope is neither cursed nor diseased. It happens to be a curse whose cure includes remove disease from a high-level caster. The relevant text from the rules about werewolves:

SRD wrote:
Type curse, injury; Save Fortitude DC 15 negates, Will DC 15 to avoid effects

Cass, you are free to treat this as common knowledge.


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

"I got a good smell from them. I might be able to follow that. Otherwise, we'll have to watch and wait. Tonight will be a full moon too so something will happen. We might be able to bait them. Roast some meat in a secluded spot. Close enough they could smell it but far enough to prevent any thing bad." Cassandra had never been a part of the groups that went to capture known afflicted. Never imagined that would be relevant. She assumed she would still be maintaining her cover at this point and would handle it like a regular human. But she wasn't and she knew couldn't do that. Not knowing what she knew. Now she wished she'd at least studied their methods.


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Vallen scratches his head at the mention of roast meat. "While I approve of the baiting, seemed like they wanted something... fresh. Something to stalk or ambush, you know? Er... prey is the word I'm looking for, I think."

Vallen will prepare Touch of Truthtelling in his open 1st-level slot. Between that and Calm Emotions we might be able to figure out their state of mind if we catch them. I just hope none of us get bit...


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

"Then," Cassandra starts hesitantly, "then you guys pair off and try the taverns and secluded spots. If they are a recently afflicted and know, then they might want try and forget or just be alone. I'll go alone. Cause if anyone gets attacked, well, I'm probably best suited to handle it. And I'm going to see if there is any wolfsbane nearby. We'll need it." She starts towards the edge of town but stops after a few paces. "Oh. And...get something silver...just in case."

Her head droops slightly, hating having to say those words but it was best to be prepared. She then turns and jogs away. There was one other thing too. She hadn't noticed it until that time with the wolves when they first came out here, but there was something about them she could just feel. It was like a scent or an aura. It was the same feeling she felt when she was at home. She could feel all those in her village that were cursed whether it was recent or a decedent. Maybe she could use that to find them. Maybe not. She had to try.

Going to get some silver arrows. Then hunt for some wolfsbane. If she can buy it, even better. Then just wander around the tent city until she gets a scent or a feeling.

Survival to find Wolfsbane: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27


Inactive

"R-right," Korinne swallows. "Maybe Oleg's got a few silver weapons in stock, now that traffic is picking up around here. And I've already got some spells ready that'll help in trying to subdue or knock someone out."

But what are we going to do when and if we find this person?

"Oh! And I've also got a nifty little cantrip, a messaging spell. The range isn't huge but it'll still help us keep in touch with each other while we're looking around later," she adds. "Each application should last about forty minutes at a time."
______

Once we get ready to start really poking around, Korinne can use Message to help each little 'group' stay in touch while they're within 140 feet of each other. It's not a lot but every little bit can help, right?]


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

I got silver blanched bullets on hand. Ma made sure that I'd be well prepared for whatever. Vallen, you want a few? Maybe we can tie up a goat somewhere downwind and bleed it a bit? If it's actin' like a beast then it should go for easy prey and it don't get easier than that. Other'n that and warnin' folks I don't think there's anything else we can do before we go out on patrol.


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

"Blanched?" Vallen says the word as if it was venemous snake springing towards his neck, casting a suspicious glance at Jenya. "I've never trusted the stuff. The way it binds to the lead makes the silver too brittle if you ask me."

He pats one of his belt pouches, which contains the familar buldges of pistol-sized paper cartridges. "I have real silver bullets; cast them myself with some ingots from my family's own mines. I'm ready." Though I hope I'm not the one to find this werewolf...

Cass' suggestion she operate alone casts worry over the Dwarf's face. "Look, Cass, I know you're under a lot of stress right now and have a lot to prove, but don't let that cloud your judgement. You should pair up with Korrinne so she can watch your back and provide support."

Vallen jerks a thumb to Jenya. "Jenya and I will patrol together tonight. Maybe buy a goat from someone to try out her plan."


Inactive

"I've also got Babs," Korinne adds quickly, giving the little bat an affectionate head scratch. "Vallen's right that going alone might not be the best idea and I'd be happy to go with you, but if you really want to go alone I can ask Babs to circle around and keep an eye on you."

"Don't worry, she won't be able to tell me every little thing you get up to when we're not around," she tries to joke. "But if you get into trouble then I'll be able to sense that she's upset."


NG Bat Familiar HP: 5/5 | AC: 11 | F: +0, R: +0, W: +0 | Perc: +1 | Stealth: +2 | Speed: 25 ft., Fly 25 ft. | Active Conditions:

From Korinne's shoulder, Babs offers what might be a determined squeak before taking flight to circle around the five of them as they plan and whisper.

She's right! I can do it, I can help!


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

"Sure. Tonight then. Like I said, I need to get some wolfsbane."

Not sure how long that will take if I can't straight buy it. Cassandra will still try and get a an hour or two in wandering around alone but not at night, just in case she can find them first. At some point in the evening, before night, she'll meet back up.


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

Cass heads out into the woods to look for wolfsbane. Aconite usually grows in moist, marshy mountain areas, and there aren't any mountains in these parts, which makes it an unlikely proposition... until she finds a small cluster of the violet-flowered plants in bloom near a spring in the rugged hills. This does, however, take her the better part of four hours of traveling and searching.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group splits up and starts looking into rumors.

"I dunno, there have been lots of people I have never met before here. It's a small community, but diverse."

"Can halflings become werewolves? Because there's that halfling who eats more than two grown men. Loves his meat bloody. Hairy and bellicose! Sounds like a werewolf to me."

"There's that Shoanti tribal, he mostly just drinks and keeps to himself. He's not mean, I guess, just antisocial, but a werewolf would keep to himself, right?"

"I hear that Jhod Kavken killed a werewolf. Maybe just get him to come out from that temple of Erastil and put this matter to rest once and for all."

"Big Pallo's got hair all over the backs of his hands, and he's huge! All muscled and with a fierce temper. I bet if anyone's a werewolf, it's him."

"I bet this werewolf is a woman, not a man. Easier to hide that way, 'cuz everyone expects a big, hairy guy. Maybe a witch, too. But who could it be? Just look for someone with lots of charms and herbs and a shrine to Gozreh..."

"That guy Matran... Metran... Metar? I can't remember. Yeah, he don't look it, that's why nobody suspects! He's all suave but he has a real mean streak. But long hair... check. Knives that he uses like claws... check. Never spotted when the moon is full... check. Oh, he hasn't been here a whole month? Yeah but I hear he came with a group of Varisians who all made the sign against the evil eye when he left their band."


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

Everybody's got were folk in their heads. Jenya complains to Vallen as she leads a goat she bought to one side of the city. And no one's got any idea who it could be. Just likin' meat and bein' hairy and rumours. She finds a spot upwind of the settlement to try and make sure the sound and smell of a bleeding goat would carry through to as much of the settlement as possible. Before moonrise she carries out the unfortunate business of tying the goat firmly to a tree and cutting a long and shallow cut on the poor creature to keep it alive but bleeding for a while. Song Of the Spheres forgive me for the cruelty but we got to try and keep it away from the innocent people of the city.

With a flash of inspiration Jenya also grasps her left palm on her dagger and pulls with a wince to draw some blood from herself If it's got a taste for human then let's give it a sniff of that too, huh?

How much for a goat?


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Vallen doesn't seem too happy about the situation either, agreeing with Jenya about the rampart finger pointing and rumor mongering. "None of this even begins to suggest who it might be. We'll have to catch them in werewolf form."

The dwarf doesn't seem to want anything to do with the goat Jenya purchased, and in truth he's only humoring her because he has no real ideas of his own. I hope this gets figured out soon so I can get back to work. I know Torag will be pleased we're protecting these innocent folk, but I never wanted to be a hero.

As the night approaches he loads a silver bullet in his pistol, keeping it in hand at all times. A bit of nervousness sets into the mason as they wait, and he continually rubs the rings on his fingers.


Inactive

"They wouldn't be talking about were-anything in the first place if someone hadn't used the 'w-word' earlier," Korinne sighs when she meets back up with Vallen and Jenya, having heard the same sorts of rumors that they had. "Probably would've thought it was a lone wolf or maybe a puma or something - I mean, that's probably what I would've thought at first if I didn't know any better."

"But I think Jenya's got the best idea so far...try to set some bait and hope something bites. Because we can't just start pestering people just because someone else thought they looked strange or whatnot."

She glances up at the sky. "I've not heard anything from Babs in awhile but I'm guessing that no news is good news. Cass must've headed out pretty far for me to not be able to sense Bab's mind though..."


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

"I was just trying to help..." The dwarf mumbles abashedly as he polishes the steel barrel of Torag's Fire wth an oilcoth.


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

Cassandra wasn't confident in being able to find any Aconite nearby since it wasn't the right region. Thankfully she knew some of the more uncommon places it could grow. She returned with a bundle a lot later than she had hoped but it was worth it to have the plant. She wanders around until finally finding the others late in the day. "Got the plant. Any news?"


Inactive

"Er...sorry Vallen, I know you were and I think Cass does too even if she doesn't act like at times," Korinne responds quickly, giving the dwarf an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You did a lot better than I would have, giving that speech. I'm bad to ramble sometimes when I'm trying to say something really important...but you got right to the point! Brevity - that's a gift, not just something everyone can do."

The sound of approaching footsteps causes Korinne to look up suddenly, but then she relaxes and smiles when she sees that it's Cass back from her errand. "Glad you found the plant! Um...as far as news goes, maybe?" She quickly relays the various rumors and bits of fear-mongering they'd all heard during their earlier investigations. "So mostly a whole lot of nothing except crazy ideas and finger-pointing," she finishes with a shake of her head.


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

So, Korinne has floated the plan of setting some bait. Do you want to go with that? Or, you could start investigating people specifically, starting with the ones in the rumors, and see if you find anything actionable. Or something else! I dunno, you guys are smart. What'll it be?


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

I think we're going to go with the bait plan. We already have a goat!


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

No reason not to investigate also and molest the goat only if it doesn't work out!


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

A goat costs 6 gold pieces.

Your group heads to find a goatherd with whom to transact. The settlers of your little would-be town tell you that a few goatherds and shepherds arrived with them and have scattered out in the grassy fields surrounding the fort with their flocks. You make your way up the trail, figuring that a herder in a new area won't stray too far from the road and risk getting lost in strange territory. Since Cass took several hours to find the wolfsbane, you hustle as best you can against the setting of the sun. Fortunately, it's still summer and the days are long.

You find a young goatherder lounging under a tree, watching over goats that seem to enjoy munching on the grass scattered in the rocky terrain. He seems skeptical about the whole story but also unwilling to argue with a group of heavily-armed folks who are offering him cold hard cash.

Now the question is, where to set the trap and the bait?

The goatherd that you met with is about an hour north of camp, but if he follows convention he'll drive his herd back to camp and pen them in for the night to avoid predators. You have about three hours before sunset. Up to you whether to stake the goat out near town or some distance from it.


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Six gold for a goat?! This better be a top-of-the-line werewolf attracting luxury goat.

Where to stake it is a tough call. I'd say near the outskirts of town, but I'll let our resident werewolf expert decide.


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

We want to be downwind so scent of tasty goat blood goes towards town. Also maybe the bat can fly over town to provide sky patrol?


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

I think Jenya covered that. Someplace upwind, bleeding a little. And guessing close since it would have to be to be "heard". I think we should throw on a few extra layers to the plan. Have Vallen use wood shape to make or conceal a trap. Either forma cage around it or maybe lead it into a cave and trap it. Or maybe a snare or bear trap. Try non or slightly lethal first. Or a sleep spell, sleep arrow, or poison. Which of these are feasible in three hours.


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

Any spell that you have prepared is, of course, feasible. Since Korinne is an arcanist she can swap spells with her Quick Study ability. She doesn't have sleep in her spellbook, but she does have color spray. Sleep poison is unlikely to be found in your little town in three hours.

Akiros muses, "What if it runs from us? Can we set up the trap so that it has nowhere to go, but it isn't obvious?"


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Vallen also has Command and Calm emotions, though those can be resisted of course.

Vallen is almost offended by the question. "Of course I could build us a trap. Specifically I'd build a cage to fall on top of it that locks into the ground with a removable base so it can be loaded onto a wagon. But we only have a few hours, and I'd prefer it made completely out of silver. Well, actually mithril, but that's on the expensive side...We could always buy a bear trap from someone and blanch it with Jenya's alchemical silver compound."

He sighs, and starts looking around at the surrounding foliage. "Let's see what I have to work with here... Might need someone to run and grab a few things. Firstly, we'll need to funnel the werewolf to a certain spot and make sure it doesn't approach from a different angle..."

I'm either thinking a concealed, blanched bear trap or a lifting rope trap. We can start building the lifting rope trap while someone goes to see if there is a bear trap for purchase. Vallen has rope, block and tackle (in the form of his traveler's anytool, anything else we might need?

The only craft Vallen DOESN'T have is Craft: Traps, but he's got carpentry, blacksmithing, disable device, survival, and knowledge: engineering. What would you like rolled DM? Oh Wood Warp and animate rope could help out too?


Inactive

"I can run back and forth," Korinne offers. "Not really sure that I could be much help here building the actual trap, anyway..."


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

I'm not made of blanch. Jenya complains. I just had the one batch and I used it all up to make 10 bullets.


Inactive

"Well...it won't help us right now but we can order you some more, right? It surely doesn't cost that much....I hope," Korinne responds, trying to be encouraging.


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

Color spray to at least stun would be a good start.

"If its made of thick wood it should be fine. We don't need to go that far. A whole silver cage might actually kill. I am not sure. But if we use a rope snare, we could knock them out with a spell or something, and lower them into a cage." Cassandra says looking around. "I could build us a hunting blind. Mask our scents a bit."


Inactive

"Oh! Just so happens I've got my color magic and the glitter spell ready," Korinne beams. "One or both of those could make this a whole lot easier if we actually catch him...or her!"

More seriously, she adds, "I'm really glad that you're here Cass. I don't know that any of us would be able to handle this nearly as well without you."
______

Both Color Spray and Glitterdust are already ready to go!


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

Akiros thinks for a moment, then says, "It doesn't really matter if the bear trap is made of silver or anything. It doesn't have to kill the creature, just hold it."


Ranger 4/Stalker 1 | HP 23/38 | AC 17, Touch 13, FF 14 | CMB +6 | CMD 19 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +5 | Init +3 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent | Perception +12 (+13 at night) | Ki Pool 2/2
Beast Form:
HP 24/24 | AC 19, Touch 14, FF 15 | CMB +5 | CMD 18 | Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +2 | Init +4 | Senses: Low-Light Vision, darkvision, Scent | Perception +10 (+11 at night)

"Right. Magic." Cassandra says, temporarily forgetting that was a thing. Cassandra paces back and forth in deep thought. "Right so, put the goat in a hard to reach spot except for one path. Lay a trap there. Bear trap or rope snare connected to a pulley that we pull from hiding. A blind of some kind. Downwind, which is..." Cassandra holds up a finger and looks at the sky, judging flow of wind. "...west. Some kind of scent mask. Oh, and some beast lure leading to the trap from the city. Hm. And some wood near the trap so Vallen can do that thing with wood and make a cage after we trap them. But before that, Korinne hits them with something to knock them out. And Akiros? Can you get with Kesten and Auric? Make sure people stay together and not out late? Make this trap more appealing."


Campaign maps: Jade Regent | Kingmaker | The Temple of Elemental Evil

You carefully set up your bait in a small tree-covered hill culvert that faces east. You set up a blind behind a pair of spruces west of the culvert, tie up the goat in the shadow of the hills, give it a cut, and wait.

About an hour after the sun sets, the goat - which has tired itself out bleating fearfully and now simply lies down to sleep - a lone, large wolf, with a dark brown sleek coat and a tough, thick build, comes sniffing around the hills. It clambers up atop the hill to look down from the trees at the goat, and lets out a mournful howl at the full moon. It realizes that the hillside is too steep to climb down, so it lopes back down the hill and loops around from the south, nearing your blind on its way into the gully. Instead of slinking and hiding, it walks with a confident canter and a gleam in its eye.

When do you want to jump out and shout 'boo'?


LG Male Dwarf Cleric (Iron Priest) 5 | HP: 28/28| AC: 19 (12 Tch, 17 Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 15 | F: +4, R: +3, W: +7| Init: +2 | Perc: +3, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | ACP: -3| Channel: 3/3 |Active conditions: Comprehend Langauges (50 min), Divine Favor (+1atk/dam, 1 min), Protection from Evil (5 min)

Vallen has been sitting in the blind clutching his pistol for over an hour, hoping they can get ths over with soon.

The approach of the wolf makes me grip his pistol tighter and move it into his dominant hand, thumb on the hammer. "Is that it? Looks like a normal wolf to me. This is your operation Cassandra, tell us when." The dwarf whispers quickly and quietly.


Female Human Pistolero Lev 5 HP 28/39 | AC 20 (FF 15 T 16) Init+7, Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) Grit 1/3 | Per +11

I believe we wanted to craft some traps to go along with the bait? Wood Shape cage or something of that nature? Either way, waiting for Cassandra's mark.

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