Regular Joes

Game Master John Napier 698

I know. The party's about to get an assignment. Unless you want to do some shopping in town. Perhaps purchase some supplies.

...

Everyone roll a Perception check.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Aeden wipes down her rapier and then replaces it in its scabbard. "I'm not sure, honestly," she says in reply to the query. "But goblins attacking in the middle of town is unsettling. I think things have died down a little bit... we should make sure that there aren't any more causing mischief elsewhere in town."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Aeden:

percep: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Flouncy's never had to wipe blood off his blade before. He cleans it carefully, having heard that moisture is bad for it. He knows he didn't do much damage, but he fought, rather than back down. Courage felt good.

I know nothing!

Dex gives up cleaning off the sledge.

"I understand their sentiments. I didn't come here to fight, especially Goblins. But I damn sure won't back down from them either..."

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 - Character Updated!

The man wearing the chainmail finishes talking to the Village Guards and walks towards the party. He stops a few feet away and removes his helmet, revealing chiseled features. "I am Lord Feather. I hear that the five of you have done well. I have work for you, if you're interested.."

I'm listening, Lord.

Flouncy effects a bow, in deference to the Lord. He has no idea what to do, however.

diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Lord Feather nods approvingly. "I'd like for all of you to follow the Goblin's tracks back to where they came from. Normally, I'd use the Guards, but my authority extends only so far. No-one would, however, bother a band of seasoned adventurers. In the morning, I'll provide a Writ of Authority, making you, in effect, my personal agents.."

He pauses before continuing. " Goblin raiding parties, like this one, are typically part of larger tribes. If the Goblins are stirring, and coming out of the Blighted Lands beyond the Mountains to the North, we need to know. Any questions?"

Goldus rubbed his hands together gleefully as the group was approached by Lord feather, clearly a man of substance. He liked that, whatever it meant.

Goldus nodded approvingly as flouncy bowed and did the same in short order, nobels loved nothing better than a low bow.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Aeden seems a bit surprised to be approached by a nobleman, but she keeps her composure and says, "Of course, Lord Feather. Ah, how far is this expedition to travel? We need to know how many days of supplies to put in for such a journey."

"No more than thirty days. Fifteen out, fifteen back. If you've found nothing, this is probably an isolated incident. If you do find something, however, count the number of tents, then come back. This is a scouting mission. Don't start a fight unless you need to."

Lord Feather looks up at the darkening sky. "Go get some rest. You leave on the morrow."

Dex grunts, "I ah was expecting ta' get some different sorta work but a hungry man takes the work offered to him. I am in".

Dex turns to his new companions, "I've only just arrived, any of you've a place to stay or can recommend one?"

The Bull and Plow has rooms for 1 Cp a day. Meals aren't provided.

"The Bull and Plow is inexpensive," says Aeden. "The other problem, though, is that it will cost quite a bit to get thirty days' worth of food. Probably about... fifteen gold pieces in the market. I have a little money, but I don't know about the rest of you folks."

"I've not a copper to my name, I'll sleep upon the ground and hunt along the way".

"You're a skilled survivalist and outdoorsman?"

Lord Feather holds a hand up. "Adequate supplies will be provided. You're doing this for the Crown, after all."

Aeden inclines her head graciously. "Thank you, Lord Feather."

She turns back to Dexter. "If you can stand the thought, I can pay for a pallet for you at the Bull and Plow, and we can all get a good night's sleep. We should have dinner and introduce ourselves. You already know that my name is Aeden; I am a priestess in the service of Aurora Starshine, as you can see from the holy symbol that I wear. Honestly I wasn't expecting to get caught up in fighting goblins, but helping the community is an important role for the priesthood."

All sounds very agreeable to me, thanks are due for granting us the opportunity my lord

Goldus then crossed to Aeden and offered her his hand Always a pleasure the dine with the clergy, now let me see what I remember from my studies about the mistress starshine

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

DC Knowledge( Religion )
5 Aurora Starshine is the chief deity of the Valkari Pantheon.

10 Her spheres of influence are Creation, Life, Magic, and Time. Her domains are Fire, Good, Healing, Magic, and Sun.

15 She is the chief opponent of the Demon Lords of the Abyss that once ruled the world.

20 She had a direct hand in raising the Ancient Hero, Valkar the Mighty, the Barbarian warlord that drove the Demons from the world, at the cost of his life.

"I wouldn't say I'm skilled but a desperate man does what he must Priestess.

I could stand it well enough. I'll repay ye' when we've the coin ta do so. I appreciate your charity. Let's ta' dinner then".

indeed, lets go to dinner, now, lady Aeden, you don't mind me using your name do you? I hope it's not to familiar.
If I'm not mistaken Starshine is not too quietly opposed to the denizens of the abyss, had some fascinating dealings with a barbarian by the name of Valkar? You'll have to forgive me if I'm muddling things up, it's been all to long since I was able to discuss the intricacies of your particular faith.

It seems everyone missed this, but there was a total of 260 Gp in coins of several types that were recovered from the Goblins. Everyone has 32 Gp. The leather armor that the Goblins wore, as well as the shields, are in good repair, and can be sold for half cost.

Dex grins once he realizes the gold is his to take, "Wow, that's as much gold as I've seen in one place even at the height o' my smithin'. How the hell'd these Goblins get so damn much?

I suppose we'd need to wash this other stuff ou a'fore we sell it eh?"

Flouncy takes a whiff of the goblin armor. Whew! Yes, we'll need to clean this stuff up a bit, I think.

"Quite all right," Aeden says to Goldus, a bit surprised that folks have taken her in so quickly. "Let's away to our repast - I've coin enough for a simple meal for the both of us, Dexter, and with these coins from the goblins it seems that you are no longer quite flat in the purse."

]Yes, Dexter, by all means. You fought, and you get a fair share of the loot. 32 gold is more than enough for a very fine meal. We can eat, then we'll spiff up this armor and see if we can sell it.

Flouncy grins, rather proud of everyone.

First of all, I'd like to apologize for the lack of my presence today. There was electrical work being done in the area of my Garage. Which meant no power for the laptop, and no Internet.

The Bull and Plow has good meals for 3 Sp each. Beef, Vegetables, Noodles, and a Pint of Ale are the fare today.

Jared speaks up. "Well, Dexter, I think the Goblins got that much gold by raiding the less fortunate residents of the general area."

Goldus wrinkled his nose at the odorous Goblin armour I wonder if one could weaponise that smell he said more to himself than anyone else.

More than enough indeed Flouncy, although I can help but wonder about the availability of said very fine meals in a place like this

As he spoke Goldus was reminded of why he'd decided to avoid the streets if he could help it, he had a job kicking this mud of his boots now. Anywho, let's not dawdle, the food at the bull and plot is at least wholesome

Goldus: This is a farming village.

Let's eat!

Flouncy's always up for a meal.

Aeden accompanies the group to the Bull and Plow. "The fare here is always filling and often delightful," she says as she works her way into the busy tavern. She flags down one of the hostlers. "Sir! Stars shine favorably upon you. Your supper fare for myself and my companions," she says, holding forth a pair of gleaming gold coins. "Afterward, we should like to discuss accommodations."

She slides into a seat and clasps her hands together and says, "So... how do all of you feel about this abrupt task? Lord Feather is a no-nonsense man given to making quick decisions. Personally I think that protecting the village from more such raids is valuable. Do you all have thoughts on this matter?"

Jared speaks up. "Goblin raids are usually vicious, like this one. However, this might be just a part of a greater threat."

I agree with you. If there's a real threat, these people deserve to be forewarned, at a minimum.

I think it sounds like a noble task and potentially something to get the blood pumping. Goldus hopped onto the seat next to Aeden and craned his neck to scan the room for any interesting looking figures.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Goldus: No you don't see anyone else interesting. Just a bunch of battered and bloodied townsfolk.

Goldus reeled his neck in, momentarily disappointed not to see anyone of note before turning his attention back to his new found comrades.

So, Aeden, is my understanding that your are not a visitor to but rather a resident of these lands correct? Goldus asked hoping to strike up some interesting conversation.

Flouncy grabs a mug of ale, downing it quickly, then gets another.

Flouncy: Your limit is five pints before intoxication. Here are the relevant rules.

He apparently holds his booze better than I can! LOL

"Yes... goblins are something of a constant nuisance. Even with guards and palisades, they often figure out surprising ways to cause problems. They are especially dangerous to travelers in small groups. Dealing with a goblin village in the mountains is a good way to dampen their enthusiasm for a few years," Aeden says in reply to Goldus' question. She smiles, revealing prominent lower canines, and says, "Also a good way to win the favor of Lord Feather and the acclaim of all the people here."

The meals have arrived.

Flouncy digs right in without ceremony.

Mmmm! Fighting makes me hungry!

The evening passes swiftly. The combination of hot food and cool ale has made everyone tired. As each of you retire to your rooms, you fall asleep as soon as you lie down.

This is where things truly start.

Goldus yawned and rubbed his eyes as he sat up Well that looked terribly exciting, I wonder if they’d call it Goldus’ Orb, does rather beg the question to what end I pd create such a spell though. Dream me certainly is a funny fellow

Goldus began portioning out his mental focus as he got himself ready for the day.

I had the strangest dream. It was scary. Flouncy can't imagine himself being so brave and clever.

Feel free to read his dream.