The Elder Games

Game Master wesF

"Honey biscuits? Could you bring some back for me Hemlock?"

Al rolls back over with playful indignation. "The warmest rugs are the ones made from animal skins. They are cheaper, look cleaner, and are much more fun to throw at intruders." With that he smiled and sat up.

"If you are worried that these books may give rise to some planar horror, I suppose I could stay awake. Just be careful. I would rather we did not have to fight anything before we go spring a trap elsewhere. Although the answers will be nice to have, I like to be able to look an opponent in the eye, not have to look under rocks for them."

Without looking up from his journal, Hemlock answers,"Well I'd be happy to bring back honey biscuits for everyone but I was kind of hoping to be here when you open that book. If it's going to take a while maybe I better just go do so."

When the brush whacks him Dash cries out in surprise, "Ow! Next time you do that Circe I'm gonna hit you with a ray of frost and see how much cold you can handle." The threat is clearly an empty one, as the brush did not really hurt, but his friends should know by now that Dash can do considerable damage with his ray of frost. "I'll try to open those locks, though like I said it might take some time. Does anyone have any magic that might be able to help? Aky, you're good with boosting someone's luck aren't you?" As he is talking Dash walks back over to take one of the books from Circe so he can start in on the first lock.

I figured that I should be able to do this by taking 20. If not, we will have to resort to using one of Circe's dispel magics before I try again.

Edit* Taking 20 would net me a 33.

Circe hands one of the books over to Dash after sticking her tongue out at him for that threat of shooting her with a ray of frost. "You wouldn't dare."

targeted dispel magic check if Dash fails his try and asks Circe to help 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"Ok then. I'm off for food. I'll be back in a few. Don't get eaten alive without me."

Hemlock throws his satchel over his shoulder and heads out the door to the kitchen.

Let me know if he is going to have a problem bring ham and biscuits for 5 people from the commisary. If needs be he can make up an excuse that they are studying.

Dash fiddles with the lock for a moment and is unable to open it mundanely. It occurs to him exactly how well made this thing is. Upon casual inspection you realized it was good work, but the mundane lock alone was made by a master craftsman at the peak of his career. You're not going to be able to pick it without a boost of some kind and that's even if Circe can unravel the magic enhancements on the lock. (FYI both locks are identical)

Dash asks Circe to give it a try. Circe concentrates a moment to summon the magical forces and bend them to her will. The magical flow moves down to her outstretched hand and concentrates as a pinprick sphere floating at the tip of her finger. She gently reaches to touch the lock. The bones that make up the lock visibly twitch and almost seem to shift apart from one another. The spell seems to be working. Only a sliver of the locking energy remains. Just as it's almost dispelled the locking spell returns in force even as the bones slam back together. Circe's magics are visibly forced from the lock and dissipate in a small shower of broken crystal that quickly dissipates. You can tell that you were VERY close, but not quite enough. The magics on these books are clearly impressive. You can only imagine what secrets may be within.

Hemmick: getting food for a study group is common enough that no one will hassle you about it. Plus you're a little creepy and the kitchen staff would just as soon send you on your way. ;-)

Regarding the lack of rugs and the best kind "Sorry Circe, it would seem our clawed friend lacks much of a cultured taste. I for one would love a nice, woven rug. I'll see if I can pick one up later"

Before Dash attempts to open the lock, Aky mummers a prayer to his goddess, placing a hand on the rogue's shoulder. A warm, pleasant glow surrounds him and he feels a bit more confident Casting Guidance

Sorry I'm late. Meant to post earlier, but I kinda forgot.

Dash stands behind Circe as she attempts to dispel the arcane lock, already visibly tense after failing to open yet another lock. When Circe's spell fizzles Dash lets out a deep growl of frustration, whips out one of his shuriken and hurls it at the bedpost behind him. After a couple of deep breaths he stalks over to the embedded missile and pries it from the wood, inspecting it for damage. "I'm sorry guys. This is all just starting to frustrate me. Normally I'd be intrigued by a lock this well-made, but considering our lives are in danger the stakes seem somewhat higher than usual," he says with no small measure of sarcasm.

Btw, TCG, don't take this as me being frustrated with the game; I'm actually enjoying the challenge. This is entirely Dash's response to the situation.

It's a challenge on purpose, but I assure you it can be opened. You'll just need to get creative. ;-)

Yet again Dash causes Circe to jump in surprise, this time and as he growls right behind her and tosses one of his shuriken in frustration. So naturally she throws the only thing in her hands right at his head, missing him as he suddenly strides forward to retrieve his embedded weapon.

book attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Dammit Dash! How many times in one day do you need to make me jump?

Circe then turns her glare upon the offending book on the floor. "I know I was close to get it dispelled. Stupid arcane locks."

With a loud sigh, Circe turns to face the guys. "Well, Dash and I gave it our best attempts, shall we rethink strategy on opening the books while we head out to where the blank showed us?"

Yet again Dash causes Circe to jump in surprise, this time and as he growls right behind her and tosses one of his shuriken in frustration. So naturally she throws the only thing in her hands right at his head, missing him as he suddenly strides forward to retrieve his embedded weapon.

book attack 1d20+4

"Dammit Dash! How many times in one day do you need to make me jump?

And the veneer cracks. ;-)

Circe then turns her glare upon the offending book on the floor. "I know I was close to get it dispelled. Stupid arcane locks."

With a loud sigh, Circe turns to face the guys. "Well, Dash and I gave it our best attempts, shall we rethink strategy on opening the books while we head out to where the blank showed us?"

I'm guessing my +1 from Guidance to Dash's Disable Device didn't matter?

I startle easily irl too. :)

I'm guessing my +1 from Guidance to Dash's Disable Device didn't matter?

every bit helps.

So prep for the trip or buff and try to open the lock some more?

I don't think there are any buffs that would help me since it's just a d20 plus my caster level. Maybe we can get some scrolls to temp bump up Dash's dex though to help with his roll. Circe has already given her opinion of what she wants to do.

Dash sighs deeply and his shoulders slump somewhat as he says "I guess you're right Circe. Let's get some food in us and then prepare to head out. Should we bring the books with us or leave them here?"

"I think we should keep them hidden in the bag and take it with us. I'd hate to leave them here and have someone steal them back from us."

"If you'll allow me some time, I can see if I can divine an assist regarding what we just learned. Of course, I can only do that once a day, so if we need it later, we'll have to to wait"

"So should we have you divine if it would help us to go where the blank indicates or should we wait in case we need you to divine something we find out when we get there?"

"If only we could go at night. I feel better at night, with Desna watching me. In any case, I can't see any choice but going to check this out, so I say we save Aky's divination skills for later."

"Well, let us be off. These books might actually be something entirely different from the messages Circe has been getting. Answers seem more appetizing to me right now than the secrets of necromancy."

Al will go over to the door and open it. "Shall we on our way?

You guys are on fire this week. I love all this posting!

"Um, shouldn't we wait for our twisted chemist to come back first? One, he's kinda useful to have around and two, he'd probably really freak out if he came back and we were all gone. Also, I say we bring the books with us. Not something we should leave around"

Is there a school stable where we can borrow mounts (or even a carriage) at? I doubt Circe would have a horse of her own here

Is there a school stable where we can borrow mounts (or even a carriage) at? I doubt Circe would have a horse of her own here

you can buy/rent them in town

Al looked around a bit finally noticing Hemlock was not there. "I believe you are right, Aky. We should not leave without him, I figured we could swing by the kitchen on our way out."

Bluff check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"No you shouldn't leave without me seeing as how I aquired a bakers dozen honey biscuits and a whole shank of pig. Not to mention a half a round of cheese. I'd hate to have to eat it all by myself." Hemlock says coming around the corner to see them just abut to leave.

"Besides, I thought you all were going to try and get that book open? Or get eaten in the process? I can tell ONE of those things didn't happen while I was gone."

Setting the sack of honeyed biscuits down on the common table, Hemlock snags one and a bit of cheese and sits on his bunk, "So...what happened while I was gone?"

"Well, neither of those things ended up happening, which is both good news and bad news. Dash and I both failed to get the book open so we decided it might be interesting to follow the directions my blank decided to give me and see what answers we can find there. After we all eat of course. Thank you for getting food for us all Hemmick."

Circe will sit at the table and have a piece of cheese and a biscuit. "So shall we finish planning this trip? I really don't want to have to walk all the way, so shall we rent some horses at the town stable?"

"Horses is fine with me but I still say we go as if we were expecting trouble."

If this is considered next day I'd like to prepare a few things before we go.

Hemlock finishes off his biscuit and cheese and, still chewing, asks, "Can I see the book? Maybe a fresh pair of eyes can figure something out?

Any chance Use Magic Device will help here? Also, Hemlock will give it a good one over to see if there is anything the other two missed?

Perception +10 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Use Magic Device +10 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 IF he find anything which looks helpful ON the book to make it open.

It's early Saturday Morning. You can prep whatever you want for the day. If you want to leave at nightfall you can, but you'll lose about 15 hours that you could spend riding.

"Horses is fine with me but I still say we go as if we were expecting trouble."

If this is considered next day I'd like to prepare a few things before we go.

Hemlock finishes off his biscuit and cheese and, still chewing, asks, "Can I see the book? Maybe a fresh pair of eyes can figure something out?

Any chance Use Magic Device will help here? Also, Hemlock will give it a good one over to see if there is anything the other two missed?

Perception +10 1d20+10

Use Magic Device +10 1d20+10 IF he find anything which looks helpful ON the book to make it open.

The only thing on the outside is a masterfully made lock that someone used bones (you recognize them as humanoid) to create. The book has several auras and it's hard to separate them, however the lock itself has an abjuration that reinforces the mechanism (lock spell).

Soooo... Packing up and heading out?

I'm guessing so. I was waiting for Hemlock to respond to the results of his inquiry, but I'm ready whenever.

ill give Hem a little time then I'll just move the story forward. Can always flashback.

What's the plan for moving out? Buy horses and follow the map? Bringing provisions? Etc?

If you want stuff like that it needs to be on your sheet. You're going away from civilization.

Oh no. Now Circe is going camping alone with four guys. It's a good thing she is too pre-occupied to think about what rumors will be going around when she returns.

"Does anyone know where the nearest store is that we could buy some camping is at? Since it's such a long ride we may be stuck out there tonight and I don't really have much for an overnight stay outside."

If no one knows where to find one, Circe will just consult the first map they come across and pick the store nearest the stables since it would make more sense to get the horses first and then get stuff to load on them.

I will go put Circe's shopping list on her sheet. Just remember that she has never been camping before and may overprepare.

Renting horses for a ride is common enough. Some even enjoy camping and what not. So such supplies are easy enough to find in the outer town.

Oops I was waiting on others. *sheepish* if this long pause hapens again feel free to poke me to tell me to respond :D

"Well it's got a nice spine done in bone, IF you can say that anything done up in human skin and bones could be considered 'nice.' Unfortunately this thing has got magic all over it, and i cant see anyways to get it to activate. No pulls, clasps, trick buttons...nothing."

Hemlock sighs and tosses the book in his satchel,"Don't know. Maybe our mysterious benefactor will be able to help. OR they will thank us for bringing it to them. I'll poke at it a bit more later, if you all don't mind."

"Just pack light Circe and assume that none of the comforts of home are available, no heat or light or cooked foods or warm beds so you have to bring something to account for all that, Or do without."

" I suspect we will need bedrolls, blankets, a tent or two, dried food goods, a bit of cookware for cooking, like a pot or two but thats really if we think we are going to need to be out there for more than a few days and will eat trhough our rations. I'll make up a buncha of tindertwigs. Shouldn't take too long.

"Also, how confident are we that we know where we are going? Would hate to get lost on the way there because we wander into a swamp. Just something to think about, in that we may look to hire a guide or buy am map."

"Other than that, I can be ready in a couple of hours, let me whip up some tindertwigs and I'll be ready."

Hemolck will rent or buy what he mentioned above as well as a rentign a horse for the time we expect to be out.

Ok, put some stuff on her sheet plus and she's also buying a new traveling outfit.

I'm not going to double check your sheets. It's an honor system. Just wanted to be sure you remembered.

Circe's list looks good. I paired it down a bit and added a few things for me specifically.

Blanket, winter 5 sp 3 lbs
Bedroll 1 sp 5 lbs
Tent, medium 15 gp 30 lbs
Rope, silk (50 ft.) x2 20 gp 10 lbs
Waterskin x2 2 gp 8 lbs
Pot, iron 8 sp 4 lbs
Rations, trail (per day) x4 2 gp 4 lb
Cheese wheel
Traveler's outfit 1 gp 5 lbs
Small Sack

"This will be quite the adventure. I've never slept outdoors before."

When she sees Hem add some cheese to his pack, Circe also adds some cheese and dried fruit to her own pack.

It may have been noticed that Circe rarely eats meat and dislikes wearing furs.

"I have Circe, quite often in fact. Being from a family of vagabonds, we roam all over the place. Sometimes we try to find a village to stay in, but often we sleep under the stars. I actually prefer sleeping outdoors more than I do inside, but that's not really allowed here." He says, smiling.

"I have Circe, quite often in fact. Being from a family of vagabonds, we roam all over the place. Sometimes we try to find a village to stay in, but often we sleep under the stars. I actually prefer sleeping outdoors more than I do inside, but that's not really allowed here." He says, smiling.

I respond thusly.

Did you just call Circe a tramp? That's a little rude :)

Wait, what?

I will have to pick up some equipment this weekend sometime, because I don't really have time today. Suffice it to say I have enough money for a few loaves of bread and a small of cask of ale.

"It is not so bad at night, but I cannot get very comfortable outside. It is far too warm out there sometimes. I prefer stable, cold and dark caves and castles, and guarding princesses too." Al smiled a bit and winked at Circe.

Looking up just in time to catch his wink at her, Circe can't help but blush a bit. "Well, I hope you're willing to settle for a tent rather than a cave and for me rather than a princess."

So lets move this along.

You head down to rent horses. Paying your money the stablemaster makes polite conversation about where you're going. His name is Matt.

Ever charismatic Aky steps up and explains that it's a camping trip for fun. Aky and Matt laugh lartily at their back and forth.

You head out following the map. Al is the first to see Grandpa's nose. Turning off the main path you are on an increasingly overgrown rabbit trail. As the forest becomes visibly and increasing overgrown the group momentarily thinks they are lost.

Forging ahead the group exits the forest and enters a clearing. It appears to be an overgrown field at the edge of a town.

Wooden and stone buildings stand in ruin.

You're approximately 1000 feet from the nearest building. You see no signs of life.

"What? Our answers are at an abandoned town? Has anyone ever heard of this place before? Please tell me it wasn't abandoned due to plague or anything like that."

Perception to see anything interesting 1d20 ⇒ 18