Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master DireMerc

Images

Houserules:

Houserules:

Casting: When casting a spell defensivly if you fail you do not automaticly lose the spell, rather you provoke an attack as you normally would for not casting defensive. If you are hit you must make a concentration check dc 10+damage taken if you fail this check you lose the spell.

Fumble: If you roll a natural 1 on your attack roll, make a dexterity check. If you get less than 10 you fumble. If you get more than 10 your attack simply misses very badly. If you roll a natural 20 you get your attack back, roll another attack roll!

Super crits: If you roll a natural 20 on a critical and when you roll another 20 to confirm this is a super crit, increase your weapons modifier by 1. (ex: X2 becomes X3)

Rolls:
Many rolls will be handled by the GM in secret.(don't worry, I don't fudge.)
Any result that can influence the character behavior will not be rolled open.
Rolls that will be handled by the GM:
Perception
Sense Motive.

if you make the check I will send you a pm or make a post and put it in a spoiler depending on the situation.

Sometimes I will roll Initiative others I will ask you to roll depending on the situation. In some situation (rarely) I will bypass init entirely and have you all go first and enemies second or have enemies go first and you all go after.

Combat rules:
I'm a fair GM, I dont roll combat in secret, I don't change results, I don't ignore bad calls from the characters.
Sometimes, character dies, but I'm not a player killer, if I think that an encounter will be easy handled, when it should be more challenging, I will make it a more challenging, if the party it's not prepared to face something, I will drop hints, if they insist... well killing one or two players never made me lack sleep...

Actions:
I'm a GM that do not punish the character for trying something new or cool, or even strange. Visual appealing actions are encouraged, the dc will of course depend on what are you trying, but you can try! If what you want to do is wicked cool, I can even bend the game mechanics to allow it! The most importat part is: You are villains. Villains are smart, resourceful and have style! Have you ever seen a memorable villain that could just swing his sword and do nothing more?

Posting Rate
If it could be done, I expect 1/day posting, if you can post more, it will really good.
During weekend, this rule does not apply. If you are able to post, great! But dont stress over this, everyone need some time to rest (In my case, I need time to play and DM :D on my tabletop games).

Level up
Aside from character creation, when you level up, if you want something not from core rulebook, you'll need to search it inside the game. basicly what you need to do is just show in game your character is searching for that knowledge. This rule is not meant to prohibit anything, I just don't like something like this: "Character always as a full caster, never picked up a sword in his entire life, and then he gain a new level and says: Master, I'll level up as a fighter now..."


1 to 50 of 532 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>

It's a chilly morning in Magnimar. Winter is fast approaching and many suspect the first snow could come any day now. Trade has decreased with the change of seasons and the market isn't as busy as it was. However on this particular morning you are more preoccupied by a letter you have just received.

It has been brought to my attention that you are a capable individual. I have need of the services of someone who can venture into dangerous territory and return with haste. The task pays a fair wage and I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter. Please be prepared for travel and come to my office at noon today if you are interested.

Lord-Mayor Grobaras

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

Serra strolls through town unimpeded by the cold. Beneath his cloak one would find he is dressed no warmer than somebody dressed for fall. His cloak and scarf are intricately patterned in Varisian style.

First things first, he will make sure to find the location of the mayor's office. Once satisfied he can be there on time, he'll spend the rest of my morning until we see him inquiring around town about him and anything going on. Once time comes, Serra will make his way to the meeting.

Actions:
Generally the gather information use of diplomacy is covered by the GM. If you'd prefer I rolled it:
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
1d4 ⇒ 4 For the number of hours


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

"At noon? Calistria's tits, Withers! Why didn't you wake me earlier?" The salt-and-pepper-maned elf chews on a roast pepper and gazes at his manservant chastisingly, his polished dining manners in stark contrast to his slip of vulgarity a moment before.

"Your alchemical endeavors kept you up very late, sir. It seemed ill-advised to interrupt your much-needed sleep. There is still time to prepare and get there, I assure you." While he speaks, Withers clears away the breakfast dishes, knowing their temptation would only cause his master to linger all the longer.

"Easy for you to say! You aren't covered with bruises from trying to get this damn fly spell to work properly. No, I can't possibly interrupt my studies for these mundane matters. Still, he IS the lord mayor of this illustrious human city," Lord Zohan recalls, dabbing his lips with his linen.

"That he is, my lord," Withers prompts, while pulling out his master's chair and leaving him no choice but to get up or fall to the floor.

"As such, he must have access to some remarkable resources, private libraries, city researchers..." Lord Zohan ponders while Withers removes his morning coat and replaces it with something more elegant and worthy of his master's status, a floor-length taupe-colored robe with gold trim and multiple ties that cinch at the waist and the mid-riff.

"Indeed, sir. And there is the matter of that enormous bridge left over from the days of Thassilon," Withers adds while fetching the master's staff, spell component pouch, belt pouch, and other accoutrements of office.

"Yes, I believe I have the right of it. An audience with the lord mayor is just what I need to move my studies along. What about my spellbooks?"

"I have them here in your backpack, sir. Perhaps it would make sense to wait until after you have found out what the lord mayor wants before preparing your spells for the day?"

"Yes, yes. My sentiments exactly. Well thought, my good elf, well thought. I'm off now to see the Lord Mayor, if you'll recall."

"Yes, sir. I'm right behind you. Once I lock up. No, sir... we must go in this direction."

By the grace of Cayden, they arrive at the lord mayor's office with a few minutes to spare.


Zadderk wasn't easy to find, for certain, although he'd been in one of the local taverns with his eagle roaming about outdoors. He'd told it to be back in just a moment, although he ended up overstaying by just a few minutes which likely made the bird somewhat upset, but that was besides the point.

He'd been gallavanting, with ale in his hands, telling stories of the giants and ogre's he'd killed, although he tried to stay away from the more grim details, but that was unfortunately most of the story which left the real thing brash and kind of tolerable to certain listeners. He wasn't a good story teller, mind you, but he made his wages all the same.

When the letter arrived he opened it, having only an hour to get up town as he'd been close to the bridge prior. The only reason Zadderk was in Magnimar is because he'd heard word of ettins in the outer regions, and he'd never had the pleasure of killing one of them and had been doing his rounds lately, going out to "hunt" whenever Dasher came back with news. The bird could spot a giant from remarkable safety, and was rather well versed in killing them all the same, typically going for the eyes, but Zadderk didn't like having him stay very long in combat.

Given all this, Zadderk took and pocketed the note. He'd been a member of the black arrows, sure, and he'd made a name for himself, going so far as to actually be better than half of them now, but he wasn't about to flaunt it. Zadderk had prepared his usual nature magic, as he liked to call it, as if he were going out back into the woods to do some giant hunting, but all the same he didn't mind. It wasn't as if he couldn't take any random thug in the middle of town, anyway.

Arriving much faster than he expected, Zadderk realized he'd been too quick, and happened to be out of breathe from running for so long, and the sight of a dwarf-looking fellow running through the streets with a crossbow almost as big as he was running through the city was likely to stir up rumours. He wasn't as popular in magnimar as he was in turtleback, but no one was about to ask him where he was headed.

That said, while he waited he was surprised to see a lordly man of rather decent stature walk in. Zadderk wasn't used to nobles, and he wasn't about to become one and had frankly never cleaned up in his life, so when he arrives he can't help but lose any amount of formality he could ever muster. "Oye! Gold trim! Ye' look important, yeah? You 'ere on business? I'm waitin on the mayor m'self." he asks through his goggles with an eagle on his shoulder, oblivious to his own eccentricy.


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

The ancient first turns to see who has disturbed the quiet sanctity of the mayor's waiting room with a shout more suitable for catching the attention of a barkeep and realized the dwarf was addressing him.

Was the creature sweating and panting for air? "I hope he's merely run here to arrive on time and doesn't actually sweat and gasp all the time. Punctuality is an admirable quality. Mouth-breathing is not." he ponders.

"Indeed I am master dwarf. I am the incomparable Lord Zohan and this gathering with the Lord Mayor, in which I, too, shall attend, is simply one more step in the fulfillment of my grand destiny. I dare say, I never had time to learn falconry properly, but that bird is majestic. Do you hunt?" He turns to the elf servant behind him half his own age. "Withers, see if you can't rustle up something to quench our thirst, won't you? I'll just hold onto that backpack while you're about."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Magus/7 (Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +5 ; Init +1 ; Perception +0)

Lucan was back in Magnimar. He's moved back to Sandpoint after his family tragedy. However, after the few years he spent in Magnimar, he has some contacts he wants to finish business with, so he's made this trip back to the larger city.

"City. Smelly!" a voice says at his feet.

Looking down, Lucan doesn't see anything. He's still getting used to this; his new Pooka familiar spends most of her time invisible. Given that she's a rabbit with some of the facial features of a human, that's probably just as well; people might react strangely. Still, it's always a little surprise to have a creature talking to him whom he can't see.

"I know, Lily," Lucan says. "You get used to it."

After a pause, he adds, "Well, I got used to it. I don't know if you will but hopefully we won't be here long, and we'll head back to Sandpoint soon."

When the courier delivers the letter and Lucan opens it, his heart sinks. He was going to respond to it, of course. He had, after all, promised himself that he was going to start using his adventuring skills to help people, rather than just to play the young man's game of exploring the world for the sake of exploring. But, still, he had hoped to base himself out of Sandpoint and help the community that had been his family's home. Perhaps this stay in Magnimar was going to be longer than he had planned....


The knock on the door woke Karla. Slowly, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She laid there for a few seconds, immobile.

The last month had seen the greatest struggle the Lord in Iron had chosen to send Karla's way: her "work" in the watch had left her miserable and questioning her faith. She had wasted impossible hours in fruitless "promenades" around town, knocking sense in the heads of rufians and petty rabble rousers.

She felt she had lost her way, and was struggling to find a renewed sense of purpose.

Perhaps it was His will that made the courier knock again, but Karla growled and got to her feet, answering in a loincloth, greatsword in hand. She took the letter without a word and slammed the door back.

Half an hour later, she was seen running through the streets in full kit.

Gorum had answered her prayers!


He gives a guffaw of a laugh that echos throughout the manor. "Do I hunt, hey!?" he asks aloud. "Why of course I do. 'is mah main trade! Aside from huntin' ogres along th'roads, ya hear?" he asks. The Eagle flutters about as he responds with a lot of energy.

Allowing the creature to perch on his shoulder to free his arms he throws them open wide and asks the man. "'is's dasher, my eagle companion. Eyes in th'sky, you know? Gotten me outta quite a few jams, really, haven't ya?" he asks, receiving a rather loud screech in return. "Atta boy."


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

The dwarf's easy laugh startles and then amuses the old codger. "Eyes in the sky... yes, I can see how that would be very useful. And to fly with such strength and grace as Dasher must be glorious indeed." As he speaks, Lord Zohan's hands move in seemingly unconscious gestures that end with him raising his arms out to his side a bit before lowering them and repeating. He seems a little lost in reverie for a moment.


Male Human Vigilante (Faceless Enforcer) 7

As Andras walked at his usual measured pace towards the opulent edifice that was the Lord-Mayor's office, he was habitually counting the steps in his mind while musing about the unusual task he received.
"Thirteen hundred... Why would the Proctor choose me for this mysterious task?
Fourteen hundred... Why didn't the Lord-Mayor plainly disclose the nature of the task in his letter?
Fifteen hundred... Am I the only one chosen or will there be others?
Sixteen hundred... Too many questions to ponder. Whatever comes, by Abadar's will, the scales will be balanced."

At thirty-six hundred, Andras found himself at the Lord-Mayor's doorstep. When he was ushered in to the vestibule occupied by the other supplicants, he smiled to himself. "Answers start coming. Soon, this uncertainty will end."

He glanced over a ragtag group assembled in the vestibule and made a curt formal bow. "Good day to you, citizens. I have come by the Lord Mayor's invitation - have you been summoned by him as well?"


When Andras enters the secretary ushers him into the waiting room were everyone is gathered.

"Now that you are all here please follow me to the meeting room. The Lord mayor will see you shortly." she says.

She bring you into a large room were there is a table with 8 chairs. The table is laden with fruits and pastries and pitchers of water and wine along with glasses have been prepared.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Magus/7 (Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +5 ; Init +1 ; Perception +0)

Lucan moves in and sits down. He's a wiry, medium-short human male, dressed in chainmail and a dark-colored cloak. His face his serious, and his black hair is straight and worn hanging down past his shoulders. At his side is a longsword.

"I am Lucan Arcaranarian," he says to the others who have arrived. "Warrior with sword and spell. I presume we were all summoned here with a similar mysterious summons?"

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

"Is it really so mysterious? I've been doing this long enough to know a team when I see one." Serra isn't in the least bit shy about helping himself to some wine, even at this early hour, some grapes, an apple, and a tart before seating. He eats at a respectable pace, unconcerned with waiting for others to help themselves before eating. "Alright, it's somewhat 'mysterious,' I suppose. I wonder what is the job. To answer your question: Yes. At least I was requested here on vague pretext. I can't speak to the similarity."


Lord Mayor Grogaras arrives and takes a seat at the head of the table and wastes no time explaining his problem in a rather long-winded speech.

"Ah yes thank you for all coming under such short notice but I would like this matter taken care of as soon as possible. The matter is I speak of is that there been no contact with Magnimar’s most distant holding, the remote Fort Rannick near the Hook Mountain, for quite some time. For nearly a month now The Black Arrows, the soldiers stationed at Fort Rannick, have not been heard of or seen. They have traditionally been
isolationists, but such a long silence is uncharacteristic even for them. Magnimar's Council of Ushers has been pressing me to send a patrol to Hook Mountain to investigate for weeks, but until the you were brought to my attention I had no one to spare for this pointless and silly trip to talk to those foul-tempered Black Arrows. The trip is dangerous even in the summer and with winter just around the corner it will be even worst. The job is simple make the trip up the hook mountain to fort Rannick and find out why we haven't heard from them in so long. I am willing to offer a payment of three hundred gold to each of you. If something has actually happened and they are in trouble then your task will be to help them or if the task is beyond your means to report the situation to me so I can send troops to take care of it, should this be the case I will arrange for additional payment depending on what was required of you. Can I count on you to carry out this task?

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

"My lord," Serra takes a moment, runs his tongue along his gum, sips some wine, and clears his throat "I apologize for any abruptness but I've worked for many employers and I would be glad to help you but surely you can tell us more. I appreciate that this is as much an information-gathering mission you ask of us as it is a solution-creating one, but we must ask of you a few thing."

Serra leans back, looking up to think for a moment. He puts out a finger and touches it with his other hand as he looks back down to the mayor.
"One, what is so special about these Black Arrows that they are granted such a title?" He puts out another finger.
"Two, what dangers of which we're aware lurk in that area. They are fortified against something, are they not? Unless we are being send by magic this may be important knowledge" Another.
"Three, as a bit of a trap expert I know the best way to avoid being caught in a trap is by knowing it's there. Do you have anyone who might be able to describe the fort and perhaps some of its secrets with us, in case we end up inside?" Another.
"Four, how do you expect us to travel? Will you be financing our meals and transport or are we expected to cover this ourselves?" Another.
"Five, while I recognize this fort may belong to the wonder city of Magnimar, surely there must be some stipulation for us to keep anything we find that may not belong to the municipality." He stops tapping the fingers as he utilizes the thumb of his other hand.
"Six, you mention payment. When are we to be paid and who is to handle that payment?"

Saris is now sitting with both feet on the ground, his knees shoulder length apart. He slaps both hands to his knees, rubs them briefly, and stands. "Excuse me." He heads over to the food again, grabs another pastry and an orange, and finds his way back to his chair where he sits unceremoniously.
"I know I just asked much of you. I'm used to venture captains wanting to be gone as soon as they've had their say. I thought I'd get it all out while I still could."


The Lord Mayor becomes a bit flustered.

"They are a group of rangers, perhaps they use black arrows? I know not! That is simply what they call themselves and it is irrelevant! They are up there to keep the ogres on the hookback mountains away from Turtleback Ferry the closest settlement. There have been many short but bloody skirmishes between the Kreeg's clan ogres and the Black Arrows over the last couple decades, but since their first decisive defeat at the entrance to the Valley 45 years ago, the Kreegs have never built up enough bravery to mount a second attack on Fort Rannick. The danger going up the mountain is those very same ogres! The black arrows do an admirable job keeping them under control but a few manage to slip past from time to time. You will receive half your payment up front and half when you return, this will more than cover your travel expenses. How you get there really doesn't matter just see that you do. My assistant will see to it that you are paid what you are due."


Male Human Vigilante (Faceless Enforcer) 7

As the mayor goes on about the threat of ogres on a distant frontier, Andras' s face takes on a somewhat bemused expression. He seems lost in thought for a moment, but then regains composure and clears his throat.
"If I may so inquire, what is the Council of Ushers' stake in the Black Arrows? If we suppose for a moment that the Black Arrows have been defeated or forced into retreat, how pressing the threat of ogre clans to Magnimar would become?"

-Posted with Wayfinder


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

Lord Zohan appears a little crestfallen at the task. Check on a bevy of rangers in the middle of nowhere. He scans his memory for any mention of Thassilonian ruins in that area.
Knowledge(history): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"I see that this task will take us far beyond the city limits for a long period of time. I shall have to interrupt my research. Put it on hold, so to say. But I understand that this will help you clear the matter of your desk, regardless of it's insignificance. Perhaps you might be persuade to part with a little more to compensate me... or rather, us, for the inconvenience?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14


Zadderk looks surrisingly bemused at the information given, and even more flustered at the fact that most of it's wrong! "I use ta' be a Black arrow! This's absolute nonsense at best." he says, looking over towards Serah. Walking over in a bit of a hurry at more of a quick hobble, really, with his eagle fluttering about as he does, he gets up to the man.

Looking him up and down, he smiles, throwing up a finger. "'Was a drinkin' contest fer th'name." he says, putting up another finger. "As'e said, ogres, everywhere." he says before he loses interest in the charade. "Rannick aint got many a' secret, really. Might've changed but I aint been 'ere in a long, long time." he says, somewhat muddled.

When Andras suggests that the arrows have been defeated by a bunch of sniveling ogres, Zadderk pounds his fist on the table. "S'mighty fine presumption ye got 'ere! Ogres're stupid, fat, incestuous curs with a violent streak a'mile wide. They ain't got the brains ta' take the fort, and dam if they 'aven't tried!" he says with a boom. Turning to look at the mayor, his face is a little bit surly, but he seems curious all the same. "Silence's... curious, 'owever... S'bout a week to get there, if I recall. Ain't been to turtleback ferry in months since've been on Ettin duty..." he says, looking down for a moment.

Looking over to the mayor he raises a hand. "Oye, tink you'd be able ta' provide horses for transport? Safest bet, yeah? Coach'd be a death trap in'ose parts."


Male Human Vigilante (Faceless Enforcer) 7

Andras calmly nodded, following the fist of the tall dwarf (or a short man? he couldn't make up his mind) as it went down and up again.
"With all due respect, I'd like to point out that I never said anything about the rangers falling prey to the ogres. But whatever reason has caused them to fall silent might have also opened the passage for the ogres."
He looked at the Lord-Mayor again, unbuckling his cloak so that the gleaming golden keys of Abadar are plainly on display.
"What I was trying to get at was - it has not gone past my ears that you have called the mission you are trying to send us on, and I quote, a pointless and silly trip. Now, you should be aware full well at whose orders I have been commissioned to your aid. Should I relay to the Proctor that the Lord-Mayor requests his agents for the tasks considered silly and pointless, not important enough to Magnimar's safety to warrant even 50 platinum pieces reward?"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8


"Ack...Very well I can do three hundred up front and another three hundred when you return. I only meant it was pointless because it's most likely them blackarrows are fine and just haven't bothered to come down."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Magus/7 (Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +5 ; Init +1 ; Perception +0)

Lucan temples his fingers, and smiles slightly when the blustering of his new companions are able to raise the offering price for the investigation.

"Ogres are smell, stupid, and disorganized, and by themselves may well not be able to take the fortress from the Black Arrows. But they also might have been suborned by a greater force, using them as grunt labor and shock troops. In any event, we should be cautious going in. This silence does warrant investigation."

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

"I believe what the warrior with spell and sword meant to say is that 600 gold pieces warrants this investigation. Will we also be lent horses or are you still not bending when it comes to our personal transport on behalf of the grand city of Magnimar?."(Diplomacy 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32) Serra peels his orange as he speaks, finishing with that sentence. He pops a slice in his mouth. "Why am I the only one here who's hungry?"


"The money I am giving you up front is to cover your travel expenses. If you feel you need horses then rent some from the local stable. You can also take a ship to Turtleback Ferry, this will be faster but a bit more costly."


Having arrived late at the meeting, Karla stays silent for the moment, her cold steel eyes scrutinizing her new companions from under her red hair-entanglement that the kindest souls would call a mane.

Interested at first by the promise of battling ogres, she sighs loudly as the conversation turns to payment and specifics of how they'll get there or who'll pay for it.

I should be training... Or sleeping... Or eating... she thinks as her wiry arm extends to grab a cluster of fruit on the table.

"Ferry sounds good. I'm ready to leave right away. You'll need to inform the Watch I'll no longer be... working for them. ... Oh! And my share should be sent to the church of Gorum, should I not make it back."

She slouches back and waits for the meeting to take forever before it ends, though she feels everything has been said.

Rest before battle... I hope we can afford to be teleported there. I'll grow numb on the ferry.

She slouches back in her chair, eating grapes.

Anything but the dam'Watch!!!


"Ha! You drive a hard bargain, sir mayor. I suppose I ought to accept your terms before you negotiate the shirt off my back! It's a deal. Serra stands, looks around for a trashcan, sees none, places his orange peels on his plate, places the plate on his seat, and, when all is said and done, approaches the mayor with a hand extended for a hand shake. "In case our dwarf friend here has forgotten the way, a look at a map would be useful. Once I've got that I can be ready to leave within the hour. All I need do is procure a horse.


"Excellent! I hope and am sending you on an uneventful full trip up into the mountains but if that is not the case I have confidence you will be able to handle it. The watch will be informed that you have been sent on a special assignment miss Teg"


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

"Days on horseback? However will this aging body deal with that?" Lord Zohan think until the mayor mentions an alternative, which he jumps on. "Ah yes, by water! Surely the wisest way to travel there. Better visibility of dangers ahead. The opportunity to use the travel time productively. The chance to arrive ready to act immediately." he enumerates what he believes to be the benefits of taking a river boat.

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

"I would hate for the soon-to-be Biscuit XVIII to be left behind. We should consider horses. We could arrive all the more immediatelier if we bring them with us on any boat ride. Perhaps, as one, we could hire a stable hand and a guard or two. They could care for the horses and, should we need to leave them somewhere. "


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

"Now here's a man with a quick mind: sailing and horseback. And my own manservant, Withers, is qualified to watch them in our absence. My fellow adventurers, I would be honored if you would accompany me on this... mission. With you at my side, success is nearly certain." He looks the others in the eyes with what he imagines is a demeanor full of purpose and passion, before turning to their host. "Yes, Lord Mayor Grobaras..." (followed by the appropriate titles and family history going back eight generations)
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
"... we'll do it!"


"Very good, best of luck to you all. I look forward to hearing your report. You can stay here to discuss your plan my secretary will give you your coins on your way out." with that the lord mayor rises and leaves the room.


We?! Is he to be our leader? He looks like he can't lift a sword... thinks Karla after the shock of being called Miss by the mayor.

I'll need to know their names... And we'll need to find how we can work as a team...


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

Full of excitement at the upcoming adventure, Lord Zohan turns to view his new comrades and future vassals. Though he's not the most perceptive creature they'll ever meet, he is impressed by how self-possessed they all seem, even the relatively young humans among them. He clears his throat, as his eyes glisten with plans and calculations. "Yes, well, perhaps I was a bit over-hasty in volunteering all of you for this task, but now that we're in it, and the pay's not insubstantial, perhaps we should find out what sort of skills we bring to the table and where we might need to employ backup. I, myself, am a budding master of the arcane arts and dabbler in alchemy. Do not be fooled by this frail body; my mind is as alert and active as ever! For many years, I was the chronicler and diplomat for House Eliophantus..." he pauses to see if that name from an elven house far away registers with the others, "...so I've no small grasp of his region's history and rulers, as well as a smattering of knowledge about other matters. When one gets as old as I am, one picks up bits and pieces along the way."
"But enough of my past. You'll want to know what I can do for the group. Arcane protection to be brief. There are many evils in this world and I can improve your resistance to their power and influence. Obviously, I won't be wading into the fray, but I have a few savage friends under my control I can turn to when needed. Yes, I'm speaking of summonings!"
He says the last with an imagined clap of thunder in the background for effect.


Did he read my mind?!? thinks Karla, alarmed that the older man touched the exact topic she had been thinking.

Nevertheless, she exhales sharply as she gets up, pushing away her sorries. With both hands on her sword, as though it were a cane, and her back straight as steel, she speaks with a rasping staccato that seems to rip through the room like a rusty edge: " I am Karla Teg, and you can count on me to stamd and fight face to face with the ugliest of ogres!"

With the clanking noise of her armor, she sits back and loks to the others expectantly.


Zadderk sits back, grabbing a large chicken wing and presenting it to the eagle which tears at it mercilessly from his shoulder as he addresses them. "Mah' name's Zadderk Crowe. 'Is's Dasher, m'companion. Eyes in the sky. 'at said, I'm a crack shot with 'is" he says, pulling out his 4 foot long crossbow and planting it, bolt-side up on the ground. "I'm the best shot'n Magnimar, 'n I can hit 'n ogre from pretty far. If'n ye' can see it, I can shoot it, hey?" he says, kicking it and holding it in his arms. The gun's almost as big as he is...

Sheathing the weapon just as soon as he'd pulled it out, he points out towards the door. "We can make pleasantries on the boat! Les' get a move on. We ain't got time ta waste." he says, tossing a hand up behind him and hailing them to come on while Dasher held onto the chicken leg and ate it happily.


"Agreed. But perhaps there is a faster way to get to Turtleback? I've heard you can commission powerful wizards to send you instantly to a location of your choice. For a price, of course. Perhaps our arcanist has heard of this and knows someone?" adds Karla and turns to look at Zohan.

"I'm not sure I caught your name by the way..."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Magus/7 (Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +5 ; Init +1 ; Perception +0)

Lucan is a slim but wiry and powerful, just-below-average height human who often wears a brooding look to complement his shoulder-length straight black hair.

"I am a warrior with sword and spell," he says, "trying to fuse the two approaches into a seamless whole. While I do some study of the arcane, I am not as well-versed in it as somebody who focuses entirely on that, as I have directed more of my attention towards using my arcane knowledge to supplement my swordfighting."

A small, high-pitched voice coming from the side of Lucan's chair, where evidently there isn't anything, says, "And I'm Lily!"

Lucan smiles, and adds, "Ah, yes, and that's Lily, my familiar. She spends a lot of time invisible."


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

Lord Zohan's eyes go wide at the Zadderk fellow's hurried manner. "A moment, young Crowe. I'm afraid my talents are such that I don't always travel with everything I would need for a long journey or a potential encounter with ogres. I shall certainly require some time to return to my lodgings, neutralize a few alchemical reagents, pack my traveling laboratory, gather the appropriate scrolls, prepare my spells and feed my cat. I didn't realize our lord mayor's 'favor' would be outside the city. Perhaps we might leave on the 'morrow after a good night's rest? If not, then perhaps at sundown, so we could sail through the night?"

He addresses the armored woman, "My apologies, Miss Teg. I am Lord Zohan. And you are correct that more powerful wizards are capable of doing as you say, particularly those in my special discipline. The cost, however, is prohibitive; off the top of my head, over 200 platinum just to get us there with companions, familiars, and whatnot."


"It's a week trip eitha' way ya' slice it, Zohan. Fine. We'll leave tomorrah!" he says, pulling the stripped chicken leg away from Dasher, who's attempting to be a bit greedy. Looking over at the absent area near Lucan, Zadderk squints through his goggles.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 I just realized how silly my perception score is.

"I seen me share'a familiars. I ain't seen 'is one, and I don' like what ye' wizards call illusions. Best have it reveal itself so I dun shoot it in the middle of the night, right? Les' have a look." he says, looking closer at the space. He definitely heard the voice, but his goggles were fuzzy with perspiration, and he couldn't make out a good image, even if there was one.


Male Human Vigilante (Faceless Enforcer) 7

Andras waited with his lips pressed tightly for his companions-to-be to introduce themselves. He was trying to keep a polite smile on his face, but he couldn't help raising an eyebrow at Zadderk's crossbow demonstration. Once everyone had their say, he chimed in softly.

"My name's Andras. I have been in the service of the church of Abadar here in Magnimar for many years. I have seen my share of combat, however to be completely frank, I have not embarked on a long trip such as this one for quite a while. So I support Lord Zohan's proposal to allow the time for preparation. If anyone can think of a potion or a scroll from the temple's vaults that we might need, let me know and I may place a request with the quartermaster - at a fair price, of course.

Oh and Zadderk - that's a nice instrument you've got there, even though at our church we value the balance of the lighter versions slightly above the sheer might.", he added with sincere appreciation, but also a hint of a challenge.


"A pleasure to meet you all. I should have mentioned that I walk the Iron Path, and am blessed with some of Gorum's... Graces?"

With a curious smile running across her narrow face, she turns over to Andras: "I hope this won't be a problem? Though it has proved tedious and mind-numbing, I have served in the Watch. I guess it counts for something..." She shrugs as she finishes her sentence, as though the experience has almost corrupted her soul.

During the rest of the day, Karla goes for a long run on the Watch's training green, a wide grin on her face as she passes drilling soldiers.

Suckers! Praise your Iron Blood for the Grace to get out of this Madhouse!

After, she does her daily regimen of body movement training, then sword, then javelin, followed by an hour of deep meditation.

She then takes an hour long nap before cleaning her sword, then her armour. finally, she packs her kit meticulously before heading for the mess hall.

Halfway there, she changes her mind, and laughing with the stars, happily makes it to a tavern instead where she drinks herself silly before crashing into her bed.

The following dawn, she grabs her small bag and leaves the Watch's headquarter, not once looking back.


Before he leaves, he raises a brow and turns with a wide smile towards Andras. He knew nitpicking when he heard it, and this was the best kind. "Oh ho, ye' taken a liking to the ol' crossbow, aint'cha?" he asks, unsheathing it again as he walks over to the man. Presenting the weapon to him with a rather wide, surprisingly well-taken-care-of smile. "I named'er Rosalin! She's got a wee bit'o magic in the woodwork, if'n yer interested, haha!" he says, tracing the wooden inlay of the weapon. "She's a real beaut, yeah, but she ain't gonna miss, hey? Not that oft'n anyway. I ain't missed an Ogre in months, haha!" he says rather boisterously.

The weapon is trimmed with tiny hints of gold, and has a tasteful inlay of darkwood that doesn't offer anything in the way of defense for it, but just looks good.

"Merchant told me she's a "Seeking" heavy crossbow. Had it custom made cuz a sorcerer, wizard, wha'ever got away with his illusions an' tricked me. That ain't 'appenin again, ya hear?" he says.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Magus/7 (Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +5 ; Init +1 ; Perception +0)

Lucan looks down to his side and says, "Lily, you'd better show yourself, so that our companions here know what you look like and won't be surprised the first time they see you."

"OK!" the high-pitched voice responds from Lucan's feet.

Suddenly, there pops into existence.... a rabbit. A pretty normal-looking rabbit.

"Um..." Lucan says.

The rabbit visibly sighs, and then changes shape into an animal that combines the features of a black rabbit and a sprightly girl. As with a centaur, the lower body and hindquarters are all rabbit. The upper body and face look human, although two rabbit ears stick up off of the top of the head, and the hair on the top of the head looks more like rabbit fur than hair, and the forearms and forepaws are again rabbit.

"This," Lucan says, "is Lily. Sometimes she is also in the form of a raven or a rabbit, and, as I said, often she's invisible."

Lily makes a little bow for the others.

(If you have Bestiary 4, there's a picture on page 216.)


"Sounds like I've got some time to kill. I suppose I see you all outside here tomorrow morning." Serra exits the room. Off to buy a light warhorse and then to kill some time until morning. Food. Drink. Sleep. Some shopping. Nothing exciting. He's got all of his possessions with him and is prepared to leave. Time enough to get to know each other through the mission.


Male Elf Conjurer 7 (Init -1 | Perc +6 | hp 23/27 | AC 13/9/13 | Saves 3/3/8)

Lord Zohan turns to the others. "Hmm. I suppose we can assume that fellow brings to the group his ability to ride a horse and find a path, and eat, of course. A horseman, tracker and artifact finder of sorts. He did mention working with venture-captains, after all."

So, if it comes to an encounter with ogres, Serra can track them down, Lucan and Karla can take them on head-to-head, and Zadderk can fire at them from a distance. I could provide general support and call in some reinforcements in the fighting department. Perhaps the trickiest part will be getting into the fort if they don't answer the door. Should we hire someone to help us get past any ornery locks and destabilize any traps? I've heard of many a good adventurer coming to an early end for being unwary and unprepared for such eventualities."


You all split up and make your preparations for the next day. When morning comes you take care of your things and then you head out and you rent some horses and hire a ship to bring you to turtleback Ferry.

The captain balks at the idea of having to bring horses along but eventually agrees at a prince of twenty gold for each of you.

The trip will take 4 days by ship to reach the settlement.

While on the ship you encounter an elven ranger named Shalelu Andosana who is also heading out to see the blacks arrows.
(You may have met her before)

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 "Surely you mean 9 gp, good man. People's lives are at stake! You wouldn't want to take advantage, would you? While we're discussing the horses, where is their training yard so they stay in shape while aboard your vessel? Serra enjoys his jokes.

Unsure how the topic came up, he'll address the elf. "What brings you to see the black arrows? We've heard they've gone silent and are off to investigate. I would inquire if you'd hear anything and if you care to join us? There is safety in numbers."


Male Human Vigilante (Faceless Enforcer) 7

Andras spends a few minutes examining and admiring Zadderk's weapon before producing his own. His crossbow is smaller and resembles a ceremonial weapon more than an instrument of war, with gold plating and decorative motifs of keys and scales. The bow and the string are just as sturdy, however, and the winch moves almost effortlessly and with absolute silence.
"This is standard issue Mk.IV, second class, so it doesn't have its own name. Some have dubbed them 'the Equalizers', but you don't hear that often on the temple grounds, when a higher-ranking priest might be nearby." He allowed himself to wink.
"Each of them is blessed by Abadar, though, and we rely on those blessings to help us out in tight spots. Ogres are something I haven't tested it against yet."

When Karla revealed her allegiance, Andras had to summon all his etiquette training to avoid cringing too obviously. "Look, as long as we all remember our common purpose and stick to it, there shouldn't be too many problems. I have witnessed your brethren in battle and I am glad that you're on our side. It's just... There are cases when gold has more power than steel, that's all."

-Posted with Wayfinder


The captain would agree to that price if you weren't bringing horses but with the horses he wont go lower than 15 gold for each of you.

Silver Crusade

M Human Rogue 7
DireMerc wrote:
The captain would agree to that price if you weren't bringing horses but with the horses he wont go lower than 15 gold for each of you.

"Deal."

1 to 50 of 532 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Rise of the Runelords All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.