GM Shifty |
No silver weapons about, sadly, nor wolvesbane
Lander puffs himself up a bit more, "Yes, I suppose you are right. Reasonable enough that the Pathfinders might take an interest in an up and coming Lord as he continues his journey to his great destiny - no time like the start to begin chronicling."
Kyra examines the young Lordling for wounds, and as she stands behind him out of his sight she just shrugs her shoulders displaying a level of unconcern - "Gallantly earned wounds no doubt, but nothing that wont heal quickly"
He prods the cut on his lip "Suppose this might scar a little, but then all warriors need one or two to show they are serious and build some menace about them"
Kyra finishes up and determines he is of little threat and no great concerm.
"Yes! Those filthy pig bandits have hoodwinked my friend, my mentor, and taken advantage of his good nature - he may well be in trouble then, and we must go and see to his rescue. They will be angered and will seek their petty knavery and revenge. You will all come with me, you look capable and we can go in with me at the vanguard to show them what's what!"
"Get me my equipment, and that big fellow - he looks like a bit of a dishonest type - he's know some dirty tricks like the filthy bandits all used so he can show them to me that I may master some counter strikes!"
"We shall clear out any bandits on the way back, so that word of our march will spread before us" he states with absolute certainty.
As said, Silverhall is two to three days out (70-80 miles overland) - any business you want to finish in this camp, or do you want to start the trek back?
Kishara |
Kishara scribbles a few notes as the lordling finishes his speech and calls an enthusiastic, "Here, here." She still felt that experience was the best teacher... simply nothing like the taste of blood in your mouth to realign your priorities. She would stay close and watch over Lander, making sure to preserve his life though.
She gathered up what salvageable food she could find and they were soon on their way. "Let's check and see if our talkative bandit is still around on our way."
On their journey, she kept up her chronicling. Even making some inquiries to stir young Lander to thought. "What qualities do you find are most important for a nobleman to possess, m'lord?"
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
As Kishara takes to handling the young lord, Magnuson falls in with Grim and gives him a run down of what happened in the tent. "He is young and hot-headed, but seems on the up and up as far we can tell. Still, it will be wise to keep in mind the idiocy of youth can lead to unintended trouble. I will take up a point position with Tackle. I want a 10 yard spacing between each of us and staggered on each side of the road on the way back."
Standard marching order for us, Shifty. Should make it easier for you to place us during surprise encounters. Tackle will be running 10 yards ahead of Magnuson.
GM Shifty |
"What is important is a skill at arms and the art of war of course, how else do we keep the lower orders in line if we are not strong? They rely on us for defence against outsiders who would come and steal the sweat from their backs, and at the same time that strength must be used to keep them in check or else if they are mightier then surely they would simply take charge themselves and throw out the aristocracy. Surely it comes down to might. As the bandits of the wilds will soon find out!"
***
Just giving any last chances to respond etc before we roll on - next post in 12 hours otherwise :)
Grimaldus |
Upon hearing the young lord's response, Grim stops in the road, turns, and walks up to the lad. Towering over him, he leans down slightly and says with a strong gleam in his eyes, "The only quality that a nobleman should possess is the unfailing concern for his, or her, people. He should put the needs of his people above his own, and use the power and wealth given him to make their lives better. Ruling through fear leads to destruction. Caring for others leads to a people who will sacrifice much for their beloved ruler. Respect is not forced. It is only earned." Grim then spins on his heel and stalks away, shaking his head slightly and mumbling under his breath something about misguided...tyrant-to-be...hope he learns the truth...
GM Shifty |
"Very well, we shall return to Silverhall and put an end to this whole dirty conspiracy. In the meantime, that big man will teach me all he knows about the sort of scrappy bar fighting he is no doubt familiar with" Lander simply proclaims, and to indulge him and get him moving you all agree (reluctantly) it is probably for the best.
The first day of travel is uneventful.
True to his word though, Lander puts in the time and effort with Grim and seems to have a good degree of raw talent, though completely hot headed and impetuous. Every small achievement is met with self aggrandisement and an overblown demand for recognition.
On the second, the party backtracks the road they arrived over. The road narrows here, leading over a well-worn stone bridge that crosses a stream. Trees dot the landscape to both sides of the bridge, and the rushing of water and the croaking of frogs give the scene an air of tranquility.
Grim 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Kishara 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Magnuson 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
KYRA 1d20 ⇒ 5
Flappy Birds 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Lander 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
A tranquility that is disturbed as the party closes on the bridge. Quaw! Quaw! two shrieking, huge walking birds rush out from the undergrowth. They are clearly poised to attack!
Luckily being spread out and with a dog up front, the birds were easily detected and denied their surprise ambush!
R1
Kishara
Lander
Grim
Mags
BIRDS
Kyra
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
Magnuson shouts to the group, "Contact front! Move on line and concentrate fire on the leading beast. Eyes on flanks. Hold them to the bridge."
Camping in Cassowary country, eh Shifty? Lol.
Kishara |
Kishara moves into the road as she pulls her shortbow when she sees the great birds posturing up ahead. She casts an eye to their young lordling, "I know nothing about the local wildlife, m'lord. Should we bring the birds down? Are they good eating, mayhap?"
She readies to loose the arrow, provided no one objects.
Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Sneak Damage, if applicable: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
Mags, I don't speak millitary maneuvers... XD Nor does Kish for that matter, so if my movement isn't what you asked for, let me know.
Grimaldus |
Grim mutters an expletive. "Guess I'd better babysit him..." he says to Kish as he draws his greatsword and moves up next to the brash lad.
"If we stay next to each other on the bridge we will be able to prevent the birds from getting by. But if you move ahead of me you may be flanked by them and expose yourself. Today you learn a lesson on coordinated maneuvers..." Grim explains to Lander. He would prefer to be on the boy's unprotected left side, but had to settle with his positioning. THen he calls back to Magnuson, "On point - keep up the supporting fire and we'll be the wall."
Grim sets his feet, readies his weapon, and grins as he waits for the creatures to come...
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
Sorry, Dove/Kish, lol. You did fine.
Magnuson shakes his head as the youth rushes out in front of the field of fire. "Damn that boy!", he roars. Moving quickly to get an angle on the bridge he moves into position near Lander.
Double move to Lander's side.
Grimaldus |
As the giant bird runs into range, Grim executes a powerful overhand chop.
Power Attack + Overhand Chop: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 3) + 11 = 19
"Watch your angles, your highness. Show me what you've learned of sword play!" Grim calls out to Lander, hoping to encourage him and keep him focused.
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
Seeing an opening, Magnuson steps to the side letting of a blast from his blunderbuss between the two swordsmen.
Five foot step and fire. There should be enough space given the way we are set up. 15' cone should catch both birds with a touch atk.
B.buss. V, Touch AC Bird 1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 DMG 1d8 ⇒ 6
B.buss. V, Touch AC Bird 2 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 DMG 1d8 ⇒ 3
Thank goodness that second one didn't come up a two also, phew. Misfire would have killed all of us, lol.
Kishara |
Kishara drops her bow and moves up, drawing her shortswords. She slashes at one of the birds, her arc going too wide.
Shortsword attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Sorry, Turkey-day delay!
GM Shifty |
The irony of unkillable turkeys at Thanksgiving...
Lander takes a swing!
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 1
Crit? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Extra Damage 1d8 ⇒ 6
And drops the wounded beast!
It's companion returns a strike on Lander...
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Drawing significant blood, but he battles on!
Moments later the melee is cleared as the last creature is relatively easy to ward off, now that it is alone...
Lander seems thrilled to have been in the fight "id you see that masterful strike!? I defeated the creature!" then he notes his own wounds and looks non-plussed.
A search of the area reveals several very valuable axe beak eggs rest in
a nest atop the rise to the north.
"I should be given one of those - I can see myself riding such a beast into future battles, it would be very remarkable"
"We should go find more battles!"
Diplomacy time to prod him forwards :) You suspect he should be a bit easier to sway as well.
Grimaldus |
"Well done, everyone! Great teamwork. Lander, that wound looks pretty deep...you want me to stitch it up for you?" Grim asks. He was better at swinging swords than slinging words, so he let's his friend try and talk some sense into the lordling.
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
Maguson reloads his firearm and takes an assessment of the situation. "Everyone okay? Wounds, ammo, water?" Taking a a couple of more attractive feathers from the dead birds he fastens them to the sling on his blunderbuss and cuts a hunk of meat off for Tackle. "You did good, Lander. Next time wait till the shooting stops to charge out front of a firing line. Do something like with orcs and it won't end so well."
GM Shifty |
3d20 ⇒ (2, 8, 8) = 18
He grudgingly listens the counsel being given to him as he gets patched up - "What you say makes sense..."
There is a bit of a moment of introspection as he actually seems to take something on board. In the end, the party sways Lander not to go on a further hunt. The remainder of the trek back to Silverhall is uneventful, and at Silverhall, Dame Sarrona Lebeda awaits.
"My son! You people have brought him back alive!"
She seems quite thrilled...
OK over to you guys again... and how you want to play this :) Are you going to throw Marek to the wolves? How are you going to tell Landers story?
Magnuson "Block" Ironsleaves |
Mags will be all for turning the smithover for lawful prosecution. Dwarves don't suffer traitors very well.
Pulling a small bundle containing a dagger and the note from the werewolf to Marek."This is something you may want your men to handle. It will likely cause you trouble no matter how it is left, but certain diseases must be dealt with no matter the outcome.
Grimaldus |
"The mark of a great man is more than his swordplay. It is what he does in tough situations like this. You have a strong base to build your rule here - but you must let your actions speak. Do not boast nor tell your own tales - others will do that for you if they respect you. You must earn that respect by doing what is right for the people - not yourself. If you want our assistance to apprehend the smith for his apparent crimes, we will. Otherwise, we wish you good fortunes." Grim shakes the man's hand as he talks.
GM Shifty |
With the words from Grim, Lander eventually admits that perhaps he got in over his head. His experiences with the party have convinced him that excursions into the wilderness are best left to the professionals. Although he still wishes to continue his tutelage in swordplay, he agrees to take a formal tutor in court, study a less contentious style, and resume his duties.
After some deliberation, it becomes clear that Lander was hoodwinked by Marek who he thought of as a friend, and to avoid the stink of scandal Marek finds himself the subject of an arrest over 'unpaid taxes' and confined to the dungeons until he is forgotten about - or at least long enough to finally face trial for treason when times are less volatile...
Dame Sarrona rewards the Society with the Horn of Aroden.
Having such a prize is a great boon to Lady Morilla’s Army of Exploration and attracts to its banner an array of Taldan and Rostlander patriots as well as many faithful followers of Iomedae.
Pathfinder scholars and Morilla’sown agents quickly set to work studying the horn andattempting to restore its magic. If successful, they will have recovered a powerful weapon against the armies of the Worldwound.
There is much trepidation as the moon grows to full, but Kishara is deeply relieved when the occasion passes without incident.
Congrats!
GM Shifty |
"We be Lick toads! We make raid!
Put the longshanks to the blade!
Burn them up from feet to head,
Make them hurt, then make them dead!Cut the parents into ham,
Smush the babies into jam,
All the rest in pot get stewed,
We be Lick toads - you be food!"
If everyone is ready I dont mind kicking off early, I wasn't expecting to fill so fast - will allow time for people to dot in
Chuffy Lickwound, The Rogue |
"Chuffy's face might make you sick,
But Chuffy's Knife is awful qick.
And if you are his Stabby pick-
Then knife goes in you, STICK STICK STICK!!!"
"Chuffy ready to stab!" In the little cage he's carrying, the spider he's named Stankrush skitters, trying to escape.
Ready steady able and willing! Give me the go and I'm there!
GM Shifty |
You are goblins of the Licktoad tribe, who live deep in Brinestump Marsh, south of the hated man-town called Sandpoint. Once, other goblins tried to burn Sandpoint down, and they would have been legends if they had succeeded. But they didn’t bring enough fire, and got themselves killed as a result.
Yesterday, your tribe discovered that one of your own had been using forbidden arts and was engaged in one of the greatest of taboos -writing things down. In fact, rumour holds that what he was writing was a history of your tribe! There’s no swifter way to bring about bad luck than stealing words out of your mind by writing them down, and so your tribe had no choice. You branded the goblin’s face with letters to punish him, which is why everyone calls him Scribbleface now, and then you ran him out of town, took all of his stuff, and burned down his hut.
That’s where things got interesting, because before you all burned down his hut, Chief Gutwad found a weird box within the building. Inside was a map and a lot of fireworks-fireworks that immediately came to use in burning the hut down. Then, this morning, Gutwad announced that tonight there would be a feast in order to drive out any lingering bad luck from Scribbleface’s poor decisions. But perhaps even more exciting, all of you have been secretly invited to meet at Chief Gutwad’s Moot House. Why would the chief want to speak to you? It can only mean that he’s got an important mission for you all... one that the other goblins of the tribe couldn’t pull off. This could be your chance to go down in Licktoad history!
The chief ’s Moot House lies at the centre of the village. It is a veritable museum of Licktoad heroics-crammed with trophies such as stolen weapons, shiny bits of treasure, and the brine-pickled bodies of dozens of brutally slaughtered small furry animals (mostly dogs). His Mighty Girthness Chief Rendwattle Gutwad rules Licktoad Village from atop the great Teeter Chair, which is 6 feet high. By tradition, Chief Gutwad does not speak directly to his subjects. Instead, he employs an advisor through whom he whispers instructions, for Chief Gutwad claims that the words that come out of his mouth are so mighty that they might frighten away all the words in the heads of lesser goblins. Only his duly appointed advisor, an overdressed, pompous goblin named Slorb, can handle the might of the chief’s words without fainting from fear.
Presently you are all milling around aimlessly outside the Moot House waiting to be called inside. Other Goblins are peering at you trying to determine whether you are about to get whacked into paste or whether something else 'interesting' is about to happen.
Poog of Zarongeι |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
What? Poog not late! You early! And Poog had to catch toad!.
Poog march in with toad on head. Toad special lucky toad of Poog, special lucky toad help Poog ride animals better. But not dogs. Poog hates dogs, like good goblin.
Poog really hope Poog not get whacked into paste.
Reta Biggbad |
Reta stomp up to Poog.
Why we summoned here?! Reta was havin fun stabbin' frogs an dogs!
She would look the part of seriousness, if she were wearing any pants.
Chuffy Lickwound, The Rogue |
"You stab stuff too!? Chuffy thought he only one!!" Chuffy enter tent, getting close to Rita as he look at her. "When this over, wanna stab dogs with me?"
Just as he asking her on stabbing date, one pustule on his face breaks, splash of the infected pus getting on Rita's bride's veil.
Mogmurch Lord of Flames |
A small young goblin rushes forward. Just as he reaches the large tent he falls on his face. Vials scatter everyone on the ground. Quickly gathering his equipment he resets the half broken skull back onto his head. Chuffy here too? Mogmurch though he was the only one! What we hear for?
Reta Biggbad |
Reta scampers over to Mogmurch.
Reta here too! An' Poog too! Why we here?! Me was stabbin' an' havin' fun!
GM Shifty |
Slorb sticks his head out of the door of the Moot House and beckons you inside. As you enter, he points to a few pelts and furs on the floor, and his fancy gesture seems to be a sign to sit.
The Moot House has only a single large room. At the far side is the Teeter Chair, and sitting precariously atop it is Chief Gutwald. The Chief is a small, but fat goblin. He barely fits in the chair and it looks like he and the whole fragile chair could collapse at any moment. For now, however, the chair holds. Slorb hurries over to the chair and climbs onto a stand beside.
"His Mighty Girthness Chief Rendwattle Gutwad has invited you here," he begins in his nasally voice, but Chief Gutwad holds up a hand to silence him.
"NO!" the Chief says in a deep, booming voice. "I speak to them."
Slorb looks surprised (almost as surprised as you) and about to say something, but then he lowers his head sheepishly. Your hands reflexively reach for your heads to avoid the thoughts and other words being blasted out by the magic power voice of the Chief!
“You all be heroes," the Chief says, still in his booming voice, loud enough for even Foofelah to hear. "Each of you." He pauses for a moment and looks at Foofelah. "Well, you say you are. I not so sure, but you here anyway. You are all best Licktoads but for me. And maybe but for Slorb. That you aren’t fleeing in terror from mighty sound of my voice is all the proof you should need. Yet soon, all Licktoad goblins will know your might, for I have picked you for a dangerous mission."
Chief Gutwad pauses for a moment and looks at your expressions. Then he continues. “You know about fireworks and map we found in Scribbleface’s hut. Fireworks were fun. But map is more fun. It shows a route to a place near the coast where Scribbleface found fireworks. And it says there are more fireworks there!"
He pauses again to look at your reactions, then continues, “I want them for Licktoads. You all go get them tomorrow. Tonight we have big bonfire to burn bad luck away from you, and we play many games. Much fun. Tomorrow you fetch me fireworks. If you meet men, you make them dead. If you meet dogs, you make them dead. If you meet horses, you make them dead. If you meet Lotslegs Eat Goblin Babies Many, you maybe should run. And if you not find fireworks, you not come back or we feed you to Squealy Nord!”
Squealy Nord is a fearsome boar who lives in a muddy pit in the middle of the village.
Squealy Nord is really just a hyperactive piglet.
Lotslegs Eat Goblin Babies Many: There are plenty of giant bugs in the swamp, but of late, the giant spider known as Lotslegs Eat Goblin Babies Many (known more often simply as “Lotslegs,”) is the most notorious. The giant spider lives somewhere in the marsh between the Licktoad village and the coast.
Mogmurch Lord of Flames |
Mogmurch shakes profusely as the actual chief speaks. When the chief speaks of dead horses he giggles and quickly throws his hands over his mouth so as not to offend.
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Squealy Nord I handle! Mogmurch say as he stands. Looking down he realizes that he grabbed one of his bomb concoctions in his hand. I set Nord on fire! He smiles with razor sharp teeth.
I find Fireworks for Chief Mogmurch yells through the skull cap on his head. His eyes faintly glowing from beneath it's white surface.
Reta Biggbad |
At first, Reta dive behind a pile of junk to avoid the Chief's words. She like her head not blowed all up. Then, when she safe, she poke head up, and as he talk, she smile.
Yes! Yes Reta big hero!!! She go get firework, and killy stab stab many legs!
Poog of Zarongeι |
K(nature, untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
K(local, untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Poog happy for being called hero, but not so happy at dangers. Horse? It big an every scary. Dogs? That much better! Poog has special dogfinder. It find dogs, and it slice dogs.
Poog ride into battle as champion of Zarongel! Poog and fearsome battle toad!