GM Jen's A Time of Turmoil: There Be Witches in the Highlands (Inactive)

Game Master Retech

The death of both kings in the British isles by the hand of their own families have left the island fractious. With the nobility rended, adventurers may become nobility themselves, if they survive...


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Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Wilting slightly under the kings attention, Kirsteen still manages to keep her voice steady as she replies. "Their home is about half a days walk north from Ipswich. Lord Ardley Cresswell and his son Edwin claim a swath of land between it and Norwich."

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

No, it is understand able, in fact in latin I used the phrase, When choosing between two evils you must choose the later, but then I followed it with When God and nature work together it is not in vain.

I understand your position pict, though do not think I am not familar with your kind. Gaul and Celts once occupied much of my country as well. Together I think we can end this menace, which if you are truly against, would benefit us all. Carpe diem ad maiorem gloriam dei! Razo adds to his new companions with an open handed guestures, and enthusiaticly adds his latin phrase to sieze the day for the glory of god.


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Looking taken aback by Drest's offense at Razo's words, he tries to put a hand on the Druid's shoulder placatingly. He nods at Razo's explanation of his meaning. "See, we are all friends here. Or at least working towards the same goal - combating the influence of these... people, whoever or whatever they may be otherwise, who wish harm upon the people of Scotland and her Liege Lord. This is a cause we can all agree is worth unity and cooperation, yes?"


Male French (Elf) Fighter (Free Hand) 1

"Aye, Alain has the right of it. Let our swords be together against the enemies that already surround us, instead of pointing them at each other." Removing a glove and putting forth his sword hand, Guy asks "Who shall place their faith in their companions with me? Let God guide us to strike at the evil which infests this land."


Hmmm...Edwin. I've never liked him. He never observes the niceties of the royal court, even though he should know them, as a nobleman. Do you have any particular attachment to your home or are you bound there as a serf and peasant? I could grant you a new plot of land in another fief, but I will have to think on that. Petitions for redress are complicated affairs.

Until then, it is best not to remain in this castle. The lords will be meeting here tomorrow and Edwin will be here as well. As you are a peasant, you may have survival skills that the druid does not have, since you work for your living. Join the group that is leaving for Glamis, and if you return successful, I will grant you twice your current allotment of land in another fief. If not, I will consider your transfer, but no guarentees. Dismissed

The King begins talking to his courtiers and advisors once more. The minister enters the assembled group. Here is your royal writ to investigate these lands. It should be sturdy enough, written on vellum, but here's a scroll case just incase. If you are in need of it, you can pick up some weapons at the armory if you show them this writ. Good day to you.

You can choose one simple or martial weapon that isn't masterwork. If you choose a ranged weapon, you can also get 20 of their most basic kind of ammunition. And firearms are not common, so those cannot be chosen.


M Human Druid 1
Guy de Lancre wrote:
"Aye, Alain has the right of it. Let our swords be together against the enemies that already surround us, instead of pointing them at each other." Removing a glove and putting forth his sword hand, Guy asks "Who shall place their faith in their companions with me? Let God guide us to strike at the evil which infests this land."

The words of the two Frenchmen and the German seem to strike true and Drest relaxes at last. "You are right and we can use the help of all. But I will not tolerate being insulted in my own land. I will refrain from doing so as well."


M Human Druid 1
Jen the GM wrote:

The King begins talking to his courtiers and advisors once more. The minister enters the assembled group. Here is your royal writ to investigate these lands. It should be sturdy enough, written on vellum, but here's a scroll case just incase. If you are in need of it, you can pick up some weapons at the armory if you show them this writ. Good day to you.

You can choose one simple or martial weapon that isn't masterwork. If you choose a ranged weapon, you can also get 20 of their most basic kind of ammunition. And firearms are not common, so those cannot be chosen.

Thank you, but I've got everything I need, except maybe for a few sling bullets. There's one last thing we need. If we want to go there quickly, we'll need to cross the Firth of Forth by boat. I came by the road which is longer. Do you know if it is safe and if so could you tell us where is the best ferryman to use?

Turning to his companions, he adds:

If anyone needs a second weapon, I will gladly take one for him. then we better be gone, we have a long road ahead of us.


Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Kirsteen replies no when asked if she has any attachment to her home and replies yes when asked if she is bound there as a serf and peasant.

She curtseys to the King at his dismissal and joins the others, choosing to stand near Drest as he does not seem as intimidating to her as those of noble birth.

Kirsteen will take a light crossbow and some bolts from the armory.


Human Fighter 2

Mal observes in silence the quarrel between Drest and Razo. After Drest's words he simply says: Glad that this thing has smoothed out. I'm ready to leave first thing in the morning. He refuses the weapons from the armory, since he believes to be well equipped enough.


The minister seems to have already left to do other things.

So after everyone comes to a consensus on which way to take and gets their weapons if they need it, then I will continue


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Alain puts a hand on Guy's, producing a flask with his other hand, offering it to him. "A drink of the bone-warming Scottish whiskey, my friend?" he says. "If we are to be traveling in this land, it will serve to fortify you!" he adds with a laugh.

"Very well, we will arm ourselves! I also suggest a visit to the chapel to arm ourselves spiritually." he says. "As Razo can surely attest, faith can only help our chances!"

Alain will get a Longbow and a quiver of arrows.


Male French (Elf) Fighter (Free Hand) 1

"Aye, a drink to pave our road. Let us be off henceforth."

Guy will acquire a light crossbow and 20 bolts.

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

Thank you for your assistance your majesty Razo says with a deep bow. I would like an english longbow and some arrows.


So what's your plan? Take the road or walk around the river to try to find a ford or ferry?


Human Fighter 2

I'd rather walk the road.


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Alain wants the shorter route.


Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Kirsteen will follow Drest's lead for now and vote to go by ferry.

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

Drest it is ultimatly your choice, I would encourge going by the road. If these witches truly influence the weather, then I'd rather not be out in a boat during a hurrican. My ability to track them will be less hindered on the road also.


M Human Druid 1

"I'm afraid some of you misunderstood me. I was just stating that the quickest road was by boat. However, I do not know the surroundings of Edinburgh as well as my country. And with that weather, I was not sure this was a good option. As the minister does not know much about that, I agree with Razo and Malhasturian that taking the road is safer, if slower. So let's be about it."


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

"Ah, well, if we must take the slow road, then we must. I don't suppose His Majesty will give us horses or a carriage to make the road less wearisome?" Alain says with some disappointment.


Human Fighter 2

Aye, some horses would be fine. Mal will ask an attendant if he can provide a horse each.


The attendant supplies six of the most well groomed, sturdy, and finest looking donkeys that monkey can buy for your journey. The limited horses in Scotland are being commandeered by the King for the possible war with England, so the civilian population has been getting by with other animals.

After several days of travel, the mountainous terrain of the highlands gives way to rolling hills suitable for limited farming and raising sheep. The land seems to be relatively prosperous (at least compared to the rest of Scotland) and surprisingly, very little unusual occurs.

Soon, the party reaches Glamis castle. It is closer to a hovel than the King's castle in size, but nevertheless, it is a castle. Aside from the servants bustling around, there doesn't seem to be a military presence.

For reference, this is what your characters would know as common knowledge. Arbroath is the largest town in the county, located on the coast. It's famous for its fishing and trade. Next is Brechin, located north of Arbroath but still on the coast, holds a large cathedral. Finally, Forfar, the town nearest to the castle, southwards.


Male French (Elf) Fighter (Free Hand) 1

Guy stretches hugely in the saddle. "It has been quite a long time since I had rode this much in one sitting! These bones need some exercise on their own feet. Who shall depart our quadrupedal transport with me for more bipedal actions?"


Ahahaha, I was just rereading this and wondering why Guy didn't make a perception check and I realized that I forgot to copy-paste a part from my word document. Here it is:

Mist begins to roll in from the direction of Edinburgh and just in front of, a cloaked rider on a speeding horse is barreling towards the party.

I will need three perception checks please.


Human Fighter 2

1d20 ⇒ 4
1d20 ⇒ 15
1d20 ⇒ 17

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Perception
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

By order of the Crown halt and reveal thyself! Razo exclaims with sword raised.

Ready an action to dismount and ready my long bow should he make no attempt to stop

Edit* first time I only made one check misread.


Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Kirsteen looks over at Guy and answers; "I will walk for a bit too, I'm rather unused to riding anything."

Perception checks:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Kirsteen will move out of the rider's path, making sure to give him plenty of room.


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Perception:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Alain, alarmed, drops out off the back of his steed and, hiding behind his mount, fumbles for his new longbow. Aah! Halt? What Razo said!


M Human Druid 1

Perception
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Drest plants his shepherd's hook in the ground, readying himself to cast an entangle spell on the horse path if he shows any hostile intents.


Human Fighter 2

Mal does nothing, because for all he knows this is just a rider in a hurry.


Guy, I still need three perception checks outta you, but I can still move on.

Razo and Drest clearly see thatthe rider bears a seal of a royal messenger and manage to convey this information to the others. He bolts into the castle, screaming and scared. Do you not see the mist? Get inside!

Soon after everyone gets inside, the drawbridge lifts, leaving the party safe and protected. The messenger speaks to no one in particular in an exasperated tone. Hmph, if I wasn't paid fifty gold pieces for this assignment, I would never have done it. He looks at the group. Say, did you see the people sent by the king to explore this castle on the road while you were travelling?


Male French (Elf) Fighter (Free Hand) 1

Perception x3:1d20 ⇒ 10
1d20 ⇒ 15
1d20 ⇒ 14

"I say, who rides so swiftly here?" Guy barely has time to dodge out of the way, but hurriedly remounts as the rider notes the encroaching mists. Once safe within the castle walls he says, "I thank you for the warning, rider. As for your king's investigators, you see them before you! Our skill at arm is well complemented by our faith in God. I forsee little danger for us within these walls. I worry far more about the dangers lying without." Guy strikes what could be considered a jaunty pose.


M Human Druid 1
Guy de Lancre wrote:

Perception x3:1d20

1d20
1d20

"I say, who rides so swiftly here?" Guy barely has time to dodge out of the way, but hurriedly remounts as the rider notes the encroaching mists. Once safe within the castle walls he says, "I thank you for the warning, rider. As for your king's investigators, you see them before you! Our skill at arm is well complemented by our faith in God. I forsee little danger for us within these walls. I worry far more about the dangers lying without." Guy strikes what could be considered a jaunty pose.

Yes, that would be us. I assume you've got a message for us and you should have had our description with you. A group like us should stand off".

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

Cast detect Magic on the Messenger

Yes, we are aiding the King, why do you ask? Razo asks sternly. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Sense Motive for response.


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Hurrying inside the castle, an unpleasant and unfamiliar chill running up his spine, Alain seems little relieved to be out of the mist, considering his surroundings. "Charmant." he mutters.

He eyes the interior carefully. Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Please forgive our rudeness," he says politely as he steps up next to Razo. "I am Alain Lenoir of Normandy, and these comrades are Razo of Worms, Malhasturian MacBrayne, Drest MacAlpin, Guy de Lancre and the Mademoiselle is Kirsteen. And who are you?"


Apologies for streamlining some sections like asking for multiple checks around the same time. Stuff is happening pretty fast in the world, especially with other PCs screwing with it too. :P

The messenger orders the castle servants to put their rides into the stable and joins the group in the dining hall.

Alain Perception:

Pretty regular dining hall. Fireplace off to the side, some tables, and the smell of food.

I bear a sealed letter, express from the king himself. It is not my place to read it for you, but I assume that you are aware of its contents already.

Assuming that you decide to read the letter

My Friends,

It has only been a short while since we have spoken, and I hope that this letter has reached you safely. If I am correct, you have received this somewhere in Glamis. If not, perhaps you have received it on the road to that destination. You might want to speed up then. My enemies are moving quickly, and with few that I can trust, I turn to you. Rumors are that the Norwegians are close to assembling a fleet to carry their invasion force to land in Scotland.

I ask you to travel to France to discuss with the King about an alliance. They would stand to gain an ally in the British isles and possibly weaken their primary rivals, the English. My suggestion is to travel to a coastal town and commandeer a ship and sail quickly down the coast to France. Make haste and god speed!

At the bottom, there is a stamp with the king's mark.

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

Well I guess we are in luck to have a Frenchmen among us, but what about the witches? Surely the King is aware of the tremendious threat that can be.


Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Kirsteen looks rather confused by the letter. "Why does he suddenly change our mission? Was he so fearful of his own court he couldn't speak of this earlier?"


The messenger bows his head in respect and apology. I am sorry, but I have not been told about your business. I will leave you to your discussion.

With that, he heads out of the room, further into the castle.

So you can talk it out amongst yourselves and come to a decision


Human Fighter 2

Goin' to France? That was never part of the plan! Something is not right. Mal scowls as he expresses his dissatisfaction with the task handed. I was promised a new land for my people. What do Frenchmen have to do with this now?


Male French (Elf) Fighter (Free Hand) 1

"I side with Mal on this matter. Why would the king send us here, only to then route us to France? It seems strange. More importantly, is there not a member of his own court he could send? Surely even the backstabbers surrounding him would be ill-advised to let Vikings conquer Scotland."


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Alain's face becomes slightly red at the reading of the letter. "Back to France? Ha... Aha... Well... Yes... I need a drink..." he sputters, taking out his flask and taking a long pull. When he finishes, his cheeks are still flushed. "Yes, this does seem somewhat odd, but His Majesty did mention something about having a task for me. It makes sense that he would want me out of his palace where English spies might catch wind of his plans for us. But then again, I saw the French ambassador there..." Alain frowns. If only I had made a study of documents as my father had wanted... Ha! Listen to me... He holds up the letter for scrutiny.

I do not have linguistics or Appraise, but I'll try a perception check on the letter to see if I can find anything odd about it.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"I need to refill this flask, and perhaps go see if our messenger is all he seems." he says. He puts the letter down and walks off in the direction the messenger departed.

Going to stealth and see if I can follow the messenger.
Stealth 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

I assume when I detected magic befor there was none?

Well, the King appointed Drest our leader so to speak, so I will defer to his choice,however I do not want to go to france. Buchard II sent me here with a clear purpose, I only agreed to this joining as it was mutually beneficial. However, this may be part of a bigger plot by the witches and I will follow the trail where ever it leads.


M Human Druid 1
Razo of Worms wrote:


I assume when I detected magic befor there was none?

Well, the King appointed Drest our leader so to speak, so I will defer to his choice,however I do not want to go to france. Buchard II sent me here with a clear purpose, I only agreed to this joining as it was mutually beneficial. However, this may be part of a bigger plot by the witches and I will follow the trail where ever it leads.

General question, what time of the year is it?"

"I was appointed leader only because I was from around here. My opinion about this message would be to at least have an idea about what's going on here. Let's take a day or two here to have an idea about the problem here. Then, we can go to France abd I'll gladly let Guy or Alain lead from there."

Sczarni

Male Aasimar Inquisitor {Witch Hunter archetype from UC) 1

That sounds reasonable. Let us set up a watch also, I would hate to have my throat slit while I sleep.


Correct Razo, there was not trace of magic on the messenger. Well, anymore than usual.

And it is early fall, around september or october

Alain:

Alain begins to creep up the stairs. The messenger does not notice that he has arrived, but Alain is not very careful to listen for the messenger and enters his room.

Both are somewhat startled, and the messenger asks My, you startled me! Is there anything that you need?

And to everything seems in order with the letter to you.


There seems to be some deadlock on this matter. You can talk it over in ooc if you'd like.


Female Aasimar Bear Shaman / 1

Kirsteen looks around at the men as they discuss the letter. "Do we have a choice in what we do? Unless you have some cause to think this letter false, it sounds like a clear order from the king. Will we not be in dire trouble if we ignore it?"

Kirsteen appears rather worried the consequences of ignoring an order from the king.


Human Fighter 2

Mal ponders Kirsteen's words, then speaks. I'm afraid you're right, lady. I still think somethin's not right here, but I'd rather travel halway through the Ocean before I get called coward and traitor by anyone. He seems very upset, but determined. We rest here, then it's off to France. Unless some of you doesn't want to.


Male Elf Rogue (Rake) 2

Jen:
"Oh, my, is this your room? I am sorry. I will go find the correct room." he says with a smile. Alain looks around for a few seconds.

Perception on the room or his things to see if anything is unusual. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Though I must ask, did you come straight from the King? Or did one of his ministers give you this message to deliver? Did anything happen just before you left that might make him change our orders so suddenly?"

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