Oykiv |
All of you had received setter from and old asociate, Ulisha, a curious and capable half-orc explorer. In the letters she told about her last discovering, Silverhex, an enchanted sickle used by druids millennia before which she recover from a collapsing stone circle. She also tolds you about her recent problems with the local nobility, and the bounty they had putted on her head. Unable to deal with her pursuers on her own. So she offeres to sell you Silverhex at a steep discount and then pay off her bounty.
But when you arrive to the room of the Giant´s thumb inn, she asked as a meeting place, she is nowhere to be found. However, she left behind her journal full of profitable leads as a sign of good faith. Reading the journal you find quickly a clue about a treasure:
Excepts from Ulisha’s Journal
The only thing worse than working for a Galtan nobleman is working for two Galtan noblemen—in my case, Lords Tullivor and Sarvio, both of whom are happy only when the other is not. I made a tidy sum recovering their heirlooms, but when Laban Tullivor tasked me to steal a platinum chalice belonging to the Sarvios, I took my leave (and the cup), and they’ve been hounding me since. Now Laban’s deceased, and it’s rumored his mausoleum in Gralton’s cemetery harbors a treasure. I hope you’ll not balk at tomb-robbing. Remember, these are aristocrats. I say, a plague on both their houses.
Oloch, of Gorum |
Oloch looks up from squinting down at the journal entry, taking the opportunity to enjoy a long pull of his grog as he looks around the crowded tavern table. He’s a thick half-orc, scarred heavily and encased in layers of metal. A massive greatsword leans on the table beside him.
”I hate bait-and-switches,” he rumbles. He shifts his considerable weight, eliciting creaks from his armor and groans from the over-burdened chair beneath him. ”Still,” he taps a sadly-empty coin purse at his hip, ”Bills gotta be paid, and I’m not above robbing some tombs.”
He takes another long pull, emptying his stein. ”I’m Oloch.”
Rixian Dorworian |
In other news, it refuses to show my stats. EDIT: Fixed, thanks to stelaing profusely from Hakon. My thanks!
Rix motions to the bartender and exchanges a few of his last coppers for another earthenware mug of wine. "Amusing how we were contacted to buy an artifact when we can barely scrape a meal together."
He smiles and takes another drink. "Rix, exquisite to meet you Oloch. Where do you hail from?"
Kyra, Flame of the Dawnflower |
A quadiran woman resplendent in the garb of one of the faithful of Sarenrae, frowns slightly as the note is passed around.
"The robbing of graves, simply for profit and because the residents are of noble birth seems less than auspicious." She says.
"That this Ulisha is pressing us to do the task for her, even more so." She adds after a moment.
"Still," There is the slightest of shrugs. "If it helps us get our hands on Silverhex... a little grave dirt seems a small price."
Oloch, of Gorum |
. "... exquisite to meet you Oloch. Where do you hail from?"
"Belkzen," Oloch replies stonily, refusing to elaborate. "And I just assumed one of you had the coin for the Silverhex." He shrugs in a 'not that it matters' way.
He looks sideways at Kyra with an ugly grin, "I don't often agree with a Sarenite."
"Silverhex" Kess |
Overhearing the conversation before her, a tall muscular woman drags a chair over to the table and sits down.
"Well, 'Rix', if any of us had the scrap to spare for the dast sickle I can't imagine we'd be needing to jump through hoops to get it at a discount, would we?"
She tries to flag down a bartender, but fills to catch any of the servers' eyes.
"Bloody Abbadon," She mutters as she turns back to the table. "What I wouldn't give for a proper Caydenite joint out here."
"Oh," she says almost as an afterthought, "Name's Kess by the way. But you can just call me 'The Bull' if you'd like."
Rixian Dorworian |
"A Bull, a Cleric and a half-Orc walk into a bar.... could have sworn I've heard that one before. Rixx chuckles to himself
He reaches over and retrieves Dragon from the now-empty bowl, dusting the remains of snacks from his glittering scales.
"If I'm not mistaken, we were supposed to number five, and as much as I love Dragon here, I'm not comfortable in his fighting stock."
Oykiv |
Laban Tullivor was a corrupt and cruel man. Before dying, he boasted about the treasure to be entombed with him as well as about a magical trap that could be bypassed by “one who earns Tullivors’ thanks.”
Lord Sarvios is as corrupt and cruel as Lord Tullivor, and both families and even before their flight from Galt, the noble families Tullivor and Sarvio were bitter rivals
For when you decide to go to the cemetery, with the day fading off
For a small city, Gralton boasts an ostentatious cemetery, with the tombs of wealthy Galtan refugees evoking their lost glories.
As you approach is visible that the gates ajar and no guards on duty
This is rather unusual, the gates should be closed and two guard should be there to take care of vandals or worse.
From the gates, you can see a body in the ground.
Oloch, of Gorum |
Two knowledge (local) checks, in order:
Know (Local) #1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Know (Local) #2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Oloch scans the room, frowning at the elf's observation. "More for us," he rumbles, "assuming we run into something to fight."
Then the half-orc turns to regard the journal again, scowling in thought. "I heard people complain that Tullivor was cruel. Corrupt." He shrugs, uncaring. "Same rumor says he told everyone that the treasure he'd bury with himself would be guarded by a magical trap, bypassable by 'one who earns Tullivor's thanks' ... whatever that means."
Do we want to give the others a bit of time to introduce their characters before moving on?
"Silverhex" Kess |
Know Local: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
"Well Oloch, if he's anything like most aristocrats I've known, maybe we should build a statue in his honor or write a ballad of his bravery. Nobles tend to like being reminded how superior their genteel ways are." Kess spits out as she rolls her eyes.
Skimming the journal entry again, Kess' eyes light slightly in recognition. "Sarvio. I remember that name now. Down at the Pits he and Tulliver would always posture and snipe at each other, using sponsered fighters as proxies. It was clear the two of them hated each other, even beyond your typical noble-to-noble petty manuevering." She smirks and clasps her hands behind her head. "Little wonder Ulisha was able to play the two off each other for jobs. I'd imagine she made a pretty penny before she stepped too far."
And for later Know Local 2: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
I'm fine giving them a bit longer. If nothing by this afternoon/evening, then maybe we can just move along
Oloch, of Gorum |
Oloch slams his fist down on the table a few times, thundering his appreciation for Kess's spirit. ”How ‘bout we just march through and leave whatever he’s left for us in broken ruin?” His deep voice carries passion for the first time since sitting down at this table, ”Challenges are meant to be met, after all, and then we can just take the spoils of our warring.”
Poog the Pregen |
"I agree." A sudden voice joins in the discussion as a rather large and battered Greatsword strapped to a strapping young woman steps in.
She stands tall with her feet wide in a combat ready stance. Her sword nearly as tall and wide as she in, she smirks
"I'm Amiri. Sorry about this."
"Silverhex" Kess |
Kess's eyes scan the new arrival quickly, then gives her a small nod, with a smirk. "It's a fancy enough sword all right, if you can wield it. Of course," she says as she starts clenching and unclenching her fists, "Not every weapon needs to be so...blunt. There's value in subtlety from time to time."
"Speaking of," Kess turns towards the half-orc and places her hand on his shoulder. "That's the type of enthusiasm I love big guy, but maybe we should check out this mausoleum first before smashing our way into it. I'd rather not having some undead after us if we can avoid it. Or worse: annoyed Pharasmans."
Still looking at Olooch, Kess calls back towards Kyra. "So priest, we'll try not to disturb any bodies if we can help it. Does that help ease your mind?"
Hakon, the Skald |
"It's a fancy enough sword all right, if you can wield it. Of course... Not every weapon needs to be so...blunt."
Kess's odd pun draws a boisterous laugh from the next table. "Blunt! Ha!" Wheeling about, a man in viking garb eyes the woman's greatsword with a gleam in his eye. "Looks sharp and pointy enough for the job, to me..." Moving over to join the others, he announces himself with a mollifying gesture.
"Hakon, of Broken Bay. Didn't want to jump in until I found out what - and who - Ulisha got me mixed up with, you understand." Dragging his chair over, he plops down heavily, and learns the faces of the motley crew. "Robbin' graves is certainly easier than lopping a few noble heads from their noble necks, if not as fun."
Kyra, Flame of the Dawnflower |
Still looking at Oloch, Kess calls back towards Kyra. "So priest, we'll try not to disturb any bodies if we can help it. Does that help ease your mind?"
Kyra rolls her eyes slightly. "The Dawnflower's wish is to help people before they get to that state." She says.
She pauses thoughtfully for a moment, before adding. "Or refuse to stay in it."
"The rest? She shrugs slightly. "One must make allowances from time to time."
Kyra, Flame of the Dawnflower |
oh... we're all accounted for now! Onward to the graveyard!
Kyra will take a 10 on both the knowledge checks. Easy!
As they travel to the cemetery mentioned in Ulisha's journal, Kyra is mostly quiet.
Approaching, she notes the partially open gate, and frowns, concerned.
"The gates should be closed during the evening hours." She offers, glancing skyward to ensure it is as late as she thought.
"And there should be a guard, to deter folks such as ourselves." She adds dryly.
"There!" She exclaims, as the reach the gate, pointing towards the prone form visible on the ground inside.
If no one moves forward to investigate, she will do so, to see if she can help.
Poog the Pregen |
Amiri gins at the remarks at her and her sword. It never gets old.
"Yes. This sword has served me well and sometimes being obvious is the best solution. A few swings and we don't need subtle. Of course I don't such a thing but I have no skill in such. My skill lies in this." finishing with a nod towards her obvious pride.
While still in tavern
Seeing the prone figure though, Amiri whips out her weapon easily and stalks forward.
"You alright there?"
Oloch, of Gorum |
At the tavern…
Oloch shakes his head at the comfortable exchanges, pleased to find himself in such unrigid company. He claps the Ulfen man on the shoulder mightily, ”Well, let’s see if we can find a bit of easy fun, then, eh? Though a bit of violence to warm our blood wouldn’t be too bad. To the battles to come.” He raises his now-refilled mug and completes his toast. "And the spoils of our victories!"
He downs the mug of grog, slamming it on the table-top and following the other pathfinders towards the journal's destination.
At the cemetery…
Oloch is only moments behind Amiri in drawing his own massive, dented blade; he’s a squat, iron-bound mirror to the towering Kellid warrior-woman. He swaggers through the gate and towards the body, giving the surrounding area a look before stooping to inspect the body itself.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
He quickly searches for signs of life and—if failing that—signs as to how the life was ended.
Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Then his gaze wanders beyond the body itself, scanning the ground for any tell-tale scuff-marks or footprints that might help them determine what has happened here.
Survival, tracks: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
"Silverhex" Kess |
Walking towards the cemetary gates, Kess takes stock of her new companions. Not a bad lot all told. Defintiely seem like they can handle themselves in a fight at least. She glances at Amiri and softly chuckles to herself at the Kellid woman lugging her oversized weapon down the path. Even if some of them need to overcompensate to do it.
Kyra's concerns shake the brawler out of her thoughts. As several of the group head quickly towards the body, Kess rushes to the gate and moves to shut it behind them. "Well, this is off to a great start..." she spits out in a harsh whisper. "Rix, can that friend of yours fly? It'd be good to know if anyone else is coming. I'd rather not be caught with a corpse, espeically if that turns out to be our absent guard."
As the gate swings back, she gives it a quick look over, trying to spot any evidence of tampering.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Rixian Dorworian |
"Dragon's not much of a flyer, but he's fast and stealthier than most of us for sure. Give him a minute to scout out will you?"
Rixx tugs Dragon out from his pouch(rather unwillingly, though he's sated with a handful of berries) and whispers a few words before setting him on the Ground and watching the Blue Lizard run off into the undergrowth.
Dragon, Blue Skink |
Shuffling and snuffling throughout the Bushes, Dragon shimmies up a nearby Gravestone and casts his eyes around.
Perception Check and a Stealth check to hide form any unsavory forces
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Hakon, the Skald |
Taking his axes in hand, Hakon does a slow circle, watching their surroundings. "Competition, you think?"
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rixian Dorworian |
Rixx watches the party move up out of the corner of his eye, preferring to stay near Kess and await Dragon's return.
"Could be the guard, could be other robbers in a group like ours, could be some poor sap visiting Grandma. Whatever it is, we're not alone, and someone got here first."
He turns back to keep an eye out on the path leading to the gate. Turning to Kess, he asks in a low tone "Any idea how they got through?"
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Poog the Pregen |
"Well?" the Kellid Woman asks.
Her blade at the ready as she looks around for potential dangers.
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Survival, to notice tracks if any 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Oykiv |
Kess she a man in a horse trying to hide venid a masoleum in the soth of the cemetery, he don’t´t looks to have seen the group yet. Dragon also spots them But I´m not sure how is he going to tell it to anybody
Oloch and Kyra can see the man was killed with a short sword and also bears scratches
Also, few moments later of going near the pedestal a magic mouth activates, and recites the following riddle; When the last sun falls upon this spot, receive my thanks
Poog notices hoofprints and two pair of bootprints at the gates. She can follow them if she wish.
"Silverhex" Kess |
As Kess finihses closing the gate, she spies out of the corner of her eye a mounted figure skulking behind one of the larger mausoleums to her left. She quickly turns her head away, grimacing. So, trap it is then.
Leaning towards Rixx, she whispers to the shorter main "There's someone on a horse behind the building over there. Let the others know: I'd rather not jump into a fight here, but if one should come we'll be ready for it."
Straightening back out, she calls out to the group near the body as she subtlely shifts her posture and movements. "Who's the lucky man over there? And any idea what happened to him?"
Swift action to move into Snapping Turtle Style
Poog the Pregen |
"Not so Lucky. He's dead." Amiri states the blindly obvious as her attention is caught by the prints.
Hence forth Amiri the pre gen is Called poog to avoid misunderstanding. Also I loled when I read 'in a horse'
"I've found tracks." pointing them out to her interested companions.
Oloch, of Gorum |
Oloch looks up from the body and surrounding areas, unaware of the mounted man. ”Don’t know.” he grunts in response to Kess’s shouted question, ”Some dead guy. Wearing short swords cuts and some other kind of scratches.”
He looks up at Amiri, the pedestal, then the footprints she points out. ”Looks like we may have company. Stupid riddle. What in the nine hells is the last sun?”
Kyra, Flame of the Dawnflower |
Kyra nods at Amiri's Poog's blunt statement of fact.
"Aye, beyond our grasp now." She says.
She starts to say a quiet prayer for the man, but is interrupted by Kess mentioning the unseen stranger.
She glances back towards the brawler, then follows the indicated direction to squint into the dim evening light.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
"Oh!" She mutters quietly, suddenly aware of the man (and his horse)'s presence.
She stands up quickly, putting one hand on the unaware Oloch's shoulder and turning him to face the correct direction. "Off that way, in the darkness, just beyond that mausoleum there."
"He's on a horse." She adds, when it seems the large half-orc still can't quite see him.
Hakon, the Skald |
Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Looking in the direction indicated by Kyra, Hakon shakes his head. "I see nothing. Perhaps we should circle around? Try to pin him in?"
Oloch, of Gorum |
Oloch tries to follow Kyra's direction. Oykiv, you'll have to let me know if this requires a second Perception check or something ... I'd think a man on a horse in a relatively small space like a cemetery would be difficult to miss given the amount of direction Kyra just gave Oloch, but I also hate to assume.
Regardless of whether Oloch sees the man, the half-orc shrugs, even this small motion setting off a small chorus of metal-on-metal pings and scrapes. "I'm not one for subtly. He'll see me coming if he's not blind and deaf. Still, it's not a bad idea if some of our group wants to do it."
Oloch looks ready to confront the man. But I want to give the other players the chance to take other actions. Cause once the heavy-metal half-orc warpriest openly carrying his greatsword makes a beeline at the guy trying to hide no the scene of a murder ... I"m guessing latitude for creative approaches will become limited. :)
"Silverhex" Kess |
Oh Oloch, I'm sure your guy can get VERY creative when it comes to how things can slash and smash together :)
Kess calls back towards Oloch as she slowly saunters southwest towards the crypt. "I think 'last sun' means sunset. Unless the lord was feeling particuarly religious!"
To Kyra"Hey Saraenite! What do you say: drop your holy symbol down on it, see if we can get some magic appaluse?"
Kess chuckles to herself as she continues downwards, ready to slide down the side of the mausoleum in order to outflank the mystery rider.
Oloch, of Gorum |
Lol. If there's one thing he CAN get creative with ... it'd be that. :D
Also, I'm not gonna lie ... every time I read "Oloch", it translates to Olaf in my head. Don't judge me ... I have kids.
Rixian Dorworian |
Rixx picks Dragon off of his current perch, rewarding the Lizard with a few more pilfered treats.
" Not just a sunset, but the last sun falls.... perhaps the setting sun would trigger something on this tomb."
Rixx wanders towards the mausoleum, making himself look utterly distracted by the riddle. As he walks over, he waves his hands in arcane gestures, and as they pass over his body phantasmal scales shimmer in and out around him.
Rixx casts Mage armor
"Hmm... if its triggered by the sunset, there has to be something blocking it from anyone who might wander over. ...Or it could be triggered by a holy symbol.... or there could be a sun we need to push over.... Blasted Nobles and their Riddles."
I mean I know some ice magic, you guys want to build a snowman? I'm just glad the character dumped int so I can be confused with him. Immersion! ...and not because I'm stumped.
Oloch, of Gorum |
As Kess (and presumably Hakon) make their way into a flanking position on the mounted man, Olaf Oloch begins striding directly towards him.
As he goes, he throws his thoughts about the riddle back over his shoulder to the group, "Maybe it actually said 'sons' ... like children ... and we're supposed to muddy the soil below the pedestal with the blood of all his offspring."
As he nears the hidden man, Oloch slows. "OY! You there! Climb down and let's have a chat! And don't go running off or we'll have to give your description to whatever law is going end up coming to look into that body over there."
There ... Oloch be subtle.
Oykiv |
I have no problem with everybody seeing the man on a horse, once you´re told were to look.
The man ceases to try hiding behind the mausoleum, moves to a place were he can see easily all of you and points at you with a crossbow, specially to the ones trying to surround him.
STOP MOVING NOW!He shouts. I´m not going to let tombrobbers to tell me what to do.
Want to call the guards? Call them, I saw how you murdered him, and the testimony of a Sarvio would outrank your version of events. Or we can look for an agreement between your interests and mine.
Is up to you if you want to follow Oloch sublety, attack him, or be more social
Poog the Pregen |
"That's funny." Poog Drawls, her own blade balanced easily upon her shoulders as she steps just slightly behind her metal clad friend.
"Seeing that you're snucking around and all the while we just happened upon the body with you hiding in this place. Doesn't that make you a suspicious person as well?"
Intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 A raised eyebrow accompanies her speech, rough as it is.
Rixian Dorworian |
I just really love Poog's Avatar
Rixx waves a hand dismissively at the man, Examining the scene around him for anything that looks like a sun.
"So much emphasis on a name that means nothing if you're dead on the ground. Much like this man here I assume!"
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Oloch, of Gorum |
I just really love Poog's Avatar
I have a Mennonite aunt who would totally approve of Poog's dress. Well, she might think the color is a big garish. :P
Oloch doesn't stop his slow approach, and he nods to the man's crossbow. "You should be careful with that," His scarred lips break into an eager, menacing grin. "Someone could get hurt."
Intimidate, Aid Another to Poog's attempt: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Poog's Intimidate is now up to 20.
And I've moved Oloch a bit closer on the map, to reflect the fact that Oloch is continuing his slow advance on the man.
"And you're gods-damned name won't matter none if you force us to remove your uppity head from your high-falutin' body. So why don't we all play nice?" He nods behind himself. "Who's the dead guy? And what do you know of the trap that protects that tomb?"
"Silverhex" Kess |
At the sound of Oloch's calls, Kess darts further towards their guest, hugging the wall and peeking out to observe his reactions.
Well, looks like this is happening then.
Browser issues are stopping me from being able to move my icon right now. Kess'll move down a few squares to the corner of the building she's next to now, trying to keep hidden from the rider's sight.
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Welp, make that keep out of sight poorly. Very very poorly.