Seraphimpunk's [core] Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Seraphimpunk

greetings.

*Curt nod.*
Greetings.

An half-orc with a big sword strapped to his back nods back in greeting. A smile upon his face and a twinkle in his eyes.

"..this looks like the start of a grant adventure.."

"Greetings, I am Cyrixs. Maybe you have heard of me?"

The man doesn't seem to pay much attention to the Half-Orc that just introduced himself, until he sees the sword on the fellow's back. He grins, saying "So, you fancy yourself a warrior, eh? How 'bout we test that big sword of yours?"
He stands up and offers his hand, revealing that he's pretty short for a human. "Name's Vanovar. Should I have heard of you?"

From a distance, a woman in hide armor observes the interaction. Curios how these two strangers will interact, she chooses to observe first, before introducing herself.

..how can he not have heard of me? I _am_ famous...ain't I?.."

Cyrixs has a quizzical expression on his face as Vanovar mentions not having heard of him before.

"I do not fancy myself a warrior, I do dabble a bit in prowess on the battlefield where needed and have been known to swing this sword..which is almost as famous as I am - maybe you have heard of Skullcleaver? No? ..how odd - around when needed..but I'm more know for my ..other capabilities. But it seems word of my magnificence hasn't reached all the way here yet. I wouldn't worry about that though..I'm sure it will catch up sooner or later and you too can enjoy the epic stories told about my exploits with Skullcleaver"

"..even if I have to tell them myself..."

"Ah, Skullcleaver, of course! One of the mightiest blades around. Those tales I have heard of."
Vanovar squeezes Cyrixs's hand with just a little too much force. He seems honestly interested in tales of battle.
Now that he's standing up, you can see how Vanovar has a quite compact physique: short but squat, almost Dwarf-like in appearance, but still standing at five feet exactly. And he's completely bald. The term "built like a brick shithouse" comes to mind.

For a better mental image, think a combination of Danny DeVito and Salvador from Borderlands.

Seeing that the introductions have concluded and that they were friendly, Lady Rowanne stands up and walks over to the men. With her 5 foot nine, she is certainly larger then Vanovar. But at only 150 lbs without armor, she is a good deal more slender.

"Good day gentlemen. May I introduce myself? I am Lady Rowanne of Bridgeford. Happy to make your acquaintance."

She holds out her hand, giving a firm handshake when the gesture is accepted.

Your mother explained it to you one time, many years ago, when you were younger, eager to partake in the villages tradition, a sort of coming of age, a rite of passage into adulthood.

200 years ago, when the land that was to become Nirmathas was still a vassal of the Empire of Cheliax. The northern reaches of the Fangwood were a wild and untamed place. The crusades that laid low the Whispering Tyrant to the north were a distant memeroy, and those who remained were intent upon keeping the orks of Belkzen and the remaining undead from Ustalav in check, away from the Shadowcallers of the Dusk Hall.

As a result, the Great Forest was full of danger, she cautioned. from maurading orcs to deadly predators, it was unsafe for merchants to come

hoping to trade with the growing community of Skelt in the foothills of the Mindspin Mountains to the west though, some had come.

But now it was your year. Your mentor and ally, Osprey, had asked you to handle this. Summoning you for a quest. Expecting to travel light, only what you absolutely need, weapons, armor, spellbooks, etc. -- as rations and emergency supplies would be provided.

The town square is empty, except for each of you, as you make your introductions, as Osprey may have known you all as your mentor or ally, a Venture Captain and trusted ally, you each may not have encountered eachother before.

Bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground. Their eyes downcast and mournful, as the fog rolled across the trodden weeds that did sproud on occasion.

After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony dragged a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.

Once he reached the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stopped, and called out to the assembled townsfolk. Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are the Heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen's tomb and retrieve the Flame to keep this community safe for another winter?

He looked up, addressing the assembled, and you knew it was your turn to step forward.

He solemnly nods, asking ritually, And who is it who is to have the honor to carry the Lantern, literally offering up a lantern, tarnished folds of silver , fine crystal panes, the lantern looked diminished but finely wrought, dull and empty, devoid of its flame and light.

Lady Rowanne, the Bearer, illuminating the path. Use it to bring the fire back to Kassen , then he'd handed you backpacks, each satchel prepared with five full days worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin, Together you'd pieced together a small map of the region, as each of you'd been given it with your supplies.

Rowanne's pack contained an extra 50 ft. of hempen rope, and a box containing tinder and three tindertwigs.

Cirix's pack had a lavender vial of blown glass, equisite and sturdy, Beneath the stoppered wax seal, a label proclaimed it a Potion of the light , healing of wounds.

Vanovar's pack held three torches, and a grappling hook.

Woran's pack held a small bottle of Old Admiral, Brandy honoring Kessen that they still made to this day. Probably a fresh bottle of the brandy this season, meant to represent the fruits of your harvest and your bounty.

Raising his face, and his voice again, the mayor once again addresses the townsfolk in ritual ceremony I present to you the brave heroes who will follow in Kassen's footsteps to retrieve the Everflame! Some of them may not return, but I say to you that their sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Go Brave Heroes Kassen, and do not return until you have the eternal fire.

With that, the mayor pointed to the south, the direction of Kassen's tomb. The townsfolk began waving goodbye with cold, solemn looks on most of their faces.

pausing a little, just checking you're all good, and if you want to do any further introductions to eachother.

"Good day, Rowanne, nice to meet you," leaving out the honorific, either out of deliberation or indifference.
Vanovar shakes the offered hand, again using slightly more force than necessary.

Time-jump to the introduction of the story.

Vanovar takes the lantern off the mayor.
"A lantern? Mind if I use it to bash danger in the face? I can mend it if it breaks, no worry."

If I'm coming off as too much of an a@##@~#, just say so. My character is a bit of a jerk, but it's difficult to judge reactions online. I'll tone it down once we;re underway, but it's a nice way to set the tone for my character.

Cyrixs takes the hand that Lady Rowanne offers himand shakes it gently while look her into the eyes and winks

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance"

----

Cyrixs looks through his pack

By our pieces of paper combined we are captain Map!

"Ah, this all should come in handy."

Cyrixs prepares to head out.

An Ulfen man stands in the back with a slight grin on his face, looking somewhat incapable. He is thin even for this region, and would be downright scrawny in Ulfen lands.

That man has such big bulging eyes. That's what I like about the people around here, these big eyes. It makes them see so much better.

Good'day to you all. The name's Sir Ben of Winterthrone, chosen champion of Bravery and Freedom, Paladin of Cayden Cailean. He pauses for a moment, as if waiting for the effect. I always enjoy seeing a lantern burning late at night, inviting visitors.

the mask of propriety slips off the mayor's face at Vanovar's question, but he quickly composes himself, not saying anything just kind of nodding blankly as he moves on to the next pack.

oops, my goof. Woran is lady rowanne. That pack with the Brandy is the one he hends to Venja.

Handing a pack to Venja, he finds the usual rations , tent, etc, as well as the brandy. the quirky label, featuring a head on view of a statue, of a man holding two shields aloft left and right, holding back swords on both sides.

Good, good. What do we have, Venja says, rummaging through the pack Brandy. It is a bit late for Brandy today, wine or beer would have been excellent, or some of the hard stuff. I shall have to save it, and measure it out as time goes. It is also good to have some food as well, so as not to puke.

Be careful Venja, the road is fraught with danger. You need this to be brave. Don't drink it all at once, Venja. You know what happened last time.

I will be keeping this safe, until the time has come to drink a glass.

----
And so, dear reader, I present the second edition of the chronicles of our passage. The first edition was sold out quickly, thank to it being an edition of one copy.
--- VBP, Journey Chronicles, preface

"Let's switch loads, shall we? I see you lookin' at that bottle, I see you're up to no good. This lantern seems too delicate for my tastes, seems much better in your hands. Despite being honoured by allowing me to use this as a weapon, I don't think it's a good idea to use the town heirloom to bash some wolf's head in."

There you have it, Venja. Already they're trying to take it away from you! Didn't we warn you? We're here to keep you safe, Venja, don't do anything stupid.

We each have to carry the burden that was chosen for us, just as those Andorans complain about about their rulers, a burden they've chosen themselves. Let me tell you, I will hand in my bottle, if you give me the answers to a riddle.

Careful Venja! You remember what happened in Cassomir when you started making jokes about Andoran.

"I don't really fancy myself a riddle-solver, but sure."

As you well know, Fat Senator Augustyn of Andoran like his drink like the next man, and goes to the Pig's Paunch for a glass. He slips on somebody's vomit and lands on the next table. Venja starts explaining with a straight face.

On the table there were two beef sandwiches, five copper each, two pastries of six each, a pitcher of wine and a bottle of sherry, each one measure exactly. None of the plates were broken, all the food was ruined, he goes on, his story becoming less coherent, the pitcher was in one piece, but the wine spilled out to the last drop.

The bottle was shattered, but not a drop spilled out of it. If you allow that a bottle of sherry costs six times the price of a portion of beef, and the price of wine is known by every child, tell me what bill was presented to the Grand Lodge in Absalom?

Also, I don't mind if your character is abrasive, I think it makes good counter-balance to this guy being a horrible layabout.

Lady Rowanne graciously nods to Sir Ben. "It is a pleasure meeting a fellow palladin. May Iomedae guide your path."

Going trough her pack, she tightly coils the rope. This will come in handy.

Turning towards the mayor she bows deeply. Kind sir, do not worry. Altoug my companions may be brusque, they mean well. We shall bring back the flame, so that winters grasp will be spared these lands."

edited because I made a horrible typo

Vanovar starts counting on his fingers, draws some figures in the sand, then grunts in anger and starts noisily putting the lantern in his backpack. There are several clanks and crashes as the lantern bashes against other objects in the backpack, but Vanovar ignores them.

Lady Rowanne winces at the sounds the lantern makes. Vanovar, if you want, I can carry the lantern?"

"Huh? Sure. Look, only slightly dented. I'll fix it tomorrow."

"Ah, thank you." Lady Rowanne carefully puts the lantern in her backpack, making sure its sitting snugly inside the coils of the hemp rope.
Good. This way it wont bounce around. I hope that Vanovar guy has other qualities. If his fighting is like his tact we are in for a world of hurt.

Cyrixs thinks about the "riddle" "..is the answer; none?"

"Is every one ready to get this show on the road?" asks Cyrixs as he glances at his companions

Lady Rowanne slings her pack on her back. "Ready to go."

"Mayor, do you expect us to encounter any trouble while on our way? You mentioned wolves in the Fangwood, anything else we might need to look out for?"
Vanovar doesn't seem too daunted by the fact he might encounter some wolves. He almost seems eager to prove himself, even.

She call you brusque, Venja. Doesn't she have manners? We would never call you that.

Venja looks at Cyrixs and gives him a wink. He didn't guess it, though.

---
It should be noted that I got a lot of criticism for the chapter "entering the crypt", quite without reason. I even put up a warning in the introduction for the first edition, warning all those easily offended that they should skip the chapter entirely, since after the "And drank it straight down", there followed nothing but pure obscenity. There was not a single decent word in the entire chapter, save for "And drank it straight down". With this advice, I only ensure that all readers, in particular those easily offended, would head right for the chapter. For this reason, I have decided to clean the chapter in this second edition of all indecent words. This way, no one will be offended, and everybody will start from the beginning.
---VBP, Journey Chronicles (2nd edition), preface

Setting out ?, about two hours away from the village, the narrow path winds through the raking claws of the trees, now bereft of their leaves, which crunch loudly underfood. Up ahead, a fallen tree trunk blocks the path. Suddenly a trio of snarling humanoids leaps up from behind the log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, bellowing vulgar challenges.

>> Map Link <<

no surprise round.

[r1] [21: Vanovar], [10: Rowanne], [7: orcs], [5: Cyrixs], [5: Venja]

I asked the mayor if we could expect more trouble, but I'm fine with moving along.

"Ah, finally some action," Vanavar yells as he runs forward, and draws his longspear. "You wish to fight? I've been cooped up in town all day, I welcome your challenge."

I presume we haven't drawn our weapons yet. If we have, I still have a standard action left, which I'll use to ready an attack at anyone who comes within range. Longspear has a +5 to hit, has reach, and does 1d8+6 damage. I also have Combat Reflexes with a DEX of 14.
Also, is grass difficult terrain, or only the bush-like things? Can I hit over the fallen log with my longspear, or is it too high? I presume at least some cover.

Rowanne draws her bow and nocks an arrow, taking a step back from their would be attackers. 5-foot step "Stand down. We wish you no harm, but we will defend ourselves if necessary. Think. Its four against three."

I'm going to do the same. If I do have my standard action left, I ready an action to shoot the first Orc that comes over the log to attack us. The longbow has +4 to hit, and does 1d8 damage.

oops, sorry, skimmed the banter. figured it was all roleplay. He wouldn't have said much, just that it would be a dangerous journey. and that some do not survive.

bush things = difficult, log = difficult / low wall, +2 cover. you're fledgeling adventurers, no idea if you travel with your weapons out or prefer not to carry things in them for hours, up to you what your char's personality is. most do have a +0 bab, so may be safer to carry them out unless you're worried about appearing too hostile to other travellers you may encounter.

you're ok rowanne, move to draw, free to speak and knock the arrow, ready to shoot if they attack.

Yeah, figured as much. Assume I'm out of actions, then. I'm a Cleric of Gorum, but that doesn't mean I have my sword around all the time.

The green skinned beastmen hop over the log, and approach to attack

vanovar gets an AoO from his longspear on all three.
dark bandanna: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
light bandanna: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
dark hair: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

they come fast though, and he only manages to brush past the
one hits, skewering the orc with quick lethal brutalitiy

rowanne trains a bead on the orc approaching her and fires
bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 151d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

it catches him in the chest, and nearly downs him, but he manages to remain standing, and swing at rowanne, he brings his axe down with a gutteral roar, breaking the shaft of the arrow in him, and swinging full force into rowanne, her life and deity flash before her eyes as she momentarily sees stars, a lot of blood suddenly streaming down her armor.
greataxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d12 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

ooh! glad i got to look at your sheet. you've got pbs. doesn't change the narrative. though he does look a bit haggard after his swing, and is bleeding profusely himself.

[r1] [5: Cyrixs], [5: Venja]
[r2] [21: Vanovar], [10: Rowanne], [7: orcs],

oh, and, mysterious gm roll: 1d20 ⇒ 131d20 ⇒ 14

Are we allowed to talk outside of initiative? If not, disregard what I put in spoiler tags, just in case.

Why are you not doing anything Venja? There's plenty of orcs where you were born. Grab your mace, Venja, and wipe the smiles of their faces.

Venja, quite unsure of himself, is taken by surprise at the arrival of the orcs. Just as Vanovar starts talking, he readies his mace and braces for attack.

Ready an attack. GM, would it be an idea to put the map link in the (short) campaign description, or in your header line?

I second that notion, saves us the trouble of scrolling back up to find the exact post, especially during drawn-out fights.

ooh! glad i got to look at your sheet. you've got pbs. doesn't change the narrative. though he does look a bit haggard after his swing, and is bleeding profusely himself.

I have no idea what you mean with pbs. But if Vanovar calls out the Orc as an illusion, can I try and disbelief the Orc?

yeah, you can talk out of turn, once you've acted. goes for knowledge checks on monsters as well.

@rowanne: pbs - point blank shot. you've got the +5 / 1d8+1 within 30 ft. on things. made the difference between dropping him 5 hp or 6hp .

i put the link in my goat master class/level, i'll add it to the campaign short desc too, but that will always appear at the top of the page, and disappear when previewing your post.

You said you'd allow anyone who's in a chunk before/after enemies to act out of order, but can I act in round 2 if Cyrixs hasn't finished round 1 yet? Also, sorry for asking so many questions, I wanna get this right.

Unsure of what to do, Vanovar looks back between the Orcs and his compatriots. If the Orcs are an illusion, how the hell does Rowanne look so bloody? And what should he do? Defend Rowanne, who looks as if she could keel over at any moment now, or the two in the back?

Delay until after Rowanne's acted. If she manages to drop her Orc, I'll focus on the one still standing (I dropped one, right?), taking a five-foot step as appropriate. Attack roll in spoiler tags, so it won't influence what Rowanne will do.

I dont know if I can disbelief the Orc(s), if I can: will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"I dont know Vanovar, this one seems to be convinced he's real."

Lady Rowanne takes a five foot step away from her attacker and attacks. I'll put it into spoilers too in case Vanovar and I are actiong out of turn

yeah, the mystery roll was rowanne's first save vs. the illusion (she failed), vanovar got it on the first shot. she still thinks they're real. though if she damages / gets damaged again she can get a +4 bonus on the save with vanovar yelling about how they're illusions. until then the illusion can knock her out or possibly shock her to death.

re: init question - yes, you can adjust to act before cryixs and venji, its essentially them delaying until after you to take their first actions. i think it works in clock math.

ok, since Venja is readying, and cyrixs probably hasn't realized to check in ... maybe time to move ahead. Vanovar, you get your wish, you and rowanne are up again.

[r2] [21: Vanovar], [10: Rowanne], [7: orcs], [5: Cyrixs (delay)], [5: Venja (ready)]

As I said, I'll wait and see what happens to the Orc facing Rowanne, hate to leave my teammates behind. Delay until after Rowanne's turn. If that Orc's still standing, I'll five-foot step and smack it, otherwise I'll five-foot step and smack the Orcs right in front of me. I'll re-state that dice-roll:
Attack roll with longspear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

I checked early this morning..but was after the orcs in initiative (as far as I can tell)...so didn't do anything..and then for some reason I missed a lot of posts in a few hours. But I only would have drawn a weapon and readied in case they would have come close to me anyways.

Cyrixs draws his weapon and moves closer to the action

Moved myself on the map

in that case my action stands, I shoot the orc. Even with +4 if I hit it, I am nowhere near enough to make the save. Also, I 5-foot stepped myself on the map. Didnt know I was able to do that /facepalm