GM Chyro |
Though you just jumped from the merchant to Margaret, going by your post, :)
He also mentioned Margaret knowing the details.
This is a guy who's just known of the place, but never actually went there to be know for sure.
Thorn sees the place is about three quarters occupied, and people arriving. The sort of guests are different too, unlike the laborers or cityfolk that came to Mary's, these people are more well dressed. Or if not, they might very well be wealthy.
The woman behind the counter greets you.
"Good morning, how can i help the couple?"
"Tessa" |
We're not a couple, but we'd like to speak to Margaret if she has a moment. One of the merchants in the market mentioned she might have news from the north. About the pumpkins?
Tessa smiles at the barkeep Margaret? encouragingly.
Diplomacy if relevant: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Grint Mavric |
Grint nods slowly as he had heard the request as well.
"Back in town and not a moment's rest or respite it seems. Do we need to relate more of our story to them as well? Whatever the case, I'll try to see if I've got anything in my pack for a night there."
Thorn Dulani |
Ah, a note I forgot to mention BEFORE we go somewhere.. assume that Thorn tapped Tessa on the shoulder or something before we are likely to go into a social event. He Touch gives a +4 to cha based checks like diplomacy
GM Chyro |
Tessa smiles at the barkeep Margaret? encouragingly.
Who else fits the description? :)
"That would be me dear.
About the pumpkins, yes. Without doubt the merchants down at the market have told you the pumpkin farmers have not delivered at all. A childhood friend lives in that town and we exchange letters by postal pigeon, on very few occasions we meet either here or there. It's not exactly nearby, you see."....she looks slightly worried. "But the last letter i received, mentioned something was strange, rumors of folk wandering nearby or out in the fields."
GM Chyro |
For the trio at the residence;
Having settled in as far as could be, you take an evening stroll to the Landorras' house. Trixie lets you in and shows you to the second floor's meeting room. Markus is already seated.
"Greetings, have a seat and we'll tell you what we've heard."
When seated, Alphonse closes the door and sits down.
Markus: "I had the locksmith have a look at the book.
-The bad news is that it's not your average day lock, it seems to have special adjustments, that the locksmith hasn't been able to bypass.
-The good news is that he, after consulting the library, found out it must have its origins of adjustments in dwarven craft. But him being a human, he lacks the expertise." He pauses for you to take it in, before Alphonse does his say.
Alphonse: "Aside from the lock, we've contacted the Broker. Agent had delivered a report at relative short notice. We asked for any signs of 'cult types' to be looked into, as well as other noteworthy changes of late.
In your absence, nobody was noticed as such a type. However, this is confirmed by docksmaster Hammilton, there is a small iceberg the size of a small ship floating off-shore. Rumors also say there's been a few bearded men in fur adorned leather asking questions around the city. 'Missing persons', was the topic."
Jadwiga Elsa Harcatha |
Well. We have a Dwarf who is quite skilled.
GM Chyro |
Alphonse:"Indeed you do."
Father Burdock, an appriase roll please.
GM Chyro |
and you have not gotten a letter f-from them seinse?
"No, i am worried.
Unfortunately the city and the town are 2 different places, so it's not like i can just send in the guards. I've got a business to run, i've not had time to hire help to look into the matter.""Tessa" |
I'm not adverse to being paid, and in truth I have need of a sponsor for an overland journey to northwest varisia in the future, but the rumors from the north are troubling the market and perhaps there is an opportunity for us both in this.
She speaks more quietly, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
I, and my companion, and such others as you might recommend, will head north. We will verify your friend's well being, or help her as we can, and secure the first of the crop for your Inn. Thus you benefit twice. You friend prospers, and your Inn might be the only source of pumpkins in Kharum, for a time. In turn, you might share some of the additional profit, and offer us an introduction later?
Tessa smiles easily at the end.
I apologize, my upbringing occasionally shows. My mother was a trader and caravanner, and some of the love of bargains is in my blood I'm afraid. Still, Tanagaar approves of well kept houses, and their guardians. I would be happy to be of service, and I have no oath yet to the city.
GM Chyro |
Markus shows you the pointed out details that indicate dwarven craftsmanship.
You can determine it has the signature of older smithing traditions.
The archive in Janderhoff could likely give more insight.
-----------------------------------------------
Margaret looks slightly surprised at Tessa's bold proposal.
"You misunderstand, both the market stalls holders and myself are without the pumpkins. While getting a supply of pumpkins is nice, it'd cause a stir if i'm the only one to have them, which is bad for business.
I'm not sending you out, but if you'd 'happen to be there' and investigate or solve the matter, i could see to some sort of compensation."
Thorn Dulani |
Thorn looks to Tessa for an opinion, " I understand... w-we wouldnt be working for you. M-More doing a favor that h-happens to benefiit you nd t-the entire city. P-Perhaps we should l-look for other 'jobs' around h-here Lady T-Tessa? See what needs t-to be done and if t-they can be done simultaneously. "
Father Burdock |
"Hmm... I think I may have seen something similar to this. It does match ancient dwarven style. I'd have to check the old libraries in Janderhoff to confirm what technique was applied."
Assuming our travels would take us to the dwarven city, how far is it from Kharum?
GM Chyro |
The distance is about 100 miles to the NE, in the lower Mindspin Mountains. You'd be spending the larger majority over land and crossing slightly the Falcon River. Unless you take the boat and make a direct detour along the coast.
Map reference. Kharum is located opposite Citadel Vrait, between Korvosa and Veldraine.
"Tessa" |
Indeed. I think we should find the heroes we heard about earlier. If it's trouble, heroes tend to enjoy it. I don't suppose you've heard of them?
She looks at Margaret hopefully.
GM Chyro |
Margaret smiles.
"They haven't been in here, but rumors go around quickly in this city, despite its great size.
A small while ago, at our city's annual festival, the money made off sales of lottery tickets was brazenly stolen. Following a lead from a lad meant as a diversion, they investigated and were rumoured to have rounded up a dangerous drug laboratory. Somehow the hottest news always finds its way around. They pulled off 2 feats afterwards. Some cityfolk mentioned seeing large numbers of pirates roam the street late at night, large numbers that didn't come back. As closure, they are said to have boarded and recaptured a privateer ship, long thought vanished.
2 of them were locals even. I don't know where they are, but probably some of the street urchins or the city couriers can tell you if they've seen them."
Thorn Dulani |
Thorn nodded. " T-They sound like a bunch that would b-be interested. but we don't know where they are. I s-suppose the city isnt exactly in a h-hurry to get the p-pumpkins back. B-but I'm not so sure about M-Miss Margaret's friend. Inaction f-for too long can be the difference between a close rescue and... a broken victim, to s-say the least " Thorn made a stern face that seemed to project much what he meant. This was uncharacteristic of his disposition so far.
GM Chyro |
Back at the meeting;
Markus:"Janderhoff, the Sky Citadel?
That'll be a small trek, but they would know more than we do.
That is all the news we can provide you at this time."
Alponse:"You can get some wine before you leave, if you'd like."
If nothing, the beds at your own residence are soft and warm.
Jadwiga Elsa Harcatha |
So we make ready to travel to the Dwarven town of Janderhoff then? Elsa inquires Grint, do you think new clothing is in order?
Father Burdock |
"It has been some time since I have last been in a proper temple to the Forgefather.", Burdock smiling at the proposition.
"I can start my work while preparations are made, we can head out thereafter."
GM Chyro |
Tessa & Thorn
When you leave the tavern, assuming on your way to Mary's for the night, you 'bump' into a mysterious woman. It causes her to drop a small trinket, after you help her find it in the evening's dim lighting, she adds;
"Thank you for your help. Would you like your fortune told?"
"Tessa" |
No, thank you. The future is a many branching river, and I prefer not to make waves. Keep your token, and be well.
Tessa continues on, her thoughts turned inwards.
Pumpkins, bumpkins, and pumpkin fields, where have I heard about a pumpkin-field beast?
GM Chyro |
A smile lies on the woman's face.
"Your fortune lies in finding the city's heroes."
Is the only line she says at the dismissal of her offer.
Grint Mavric |
Grint looks at Elsa and replies. "A new set of clothing? For you or for me? Perhaps I could get some new armour, but I'm not sure what kind of clothing we would need at Janderhoff. Travelling clothes perhaps? Or something of more dwarven make for the long trek east?"
"Tessa" |
Of course it does, but where are they?
Tessa blushes, then continues more politely.
I'm sorry, your gift is your own and I thank you for looking. May your travels be clear, your roads easy, and the pack light.
I swear every time I hear a fortune teller I remember mother going on endlessly about marks always asking stupid questions, and I still ask. Ugh.
GM Chyro |
@ Tessa:
A modest smile shows on the woman's face.
"The road you two will walk is not as clear and easy as you might think. Join the remnants of the heroes, they are in the city."
Tessa, one of the original 'heroes' was a fortune teller.
Thorn Dulani |
Thorn looks to Tessa, " I-If they are in the city... then would could ask the m-mayor or some higher up o-official. Likely they would k-know where they are. "
Thorn gives a deep bow to the other lady, " T-Thank you "
GM Chyro |
The others are already doing so. ^^
I'll get the 'get together' up tonight.
GM Chyro |
Sorry i didn't post yesterday evening, will try getting that up today.
GM Chyro |
One of the following mornings, Tessa & Thorn had gotten proper directions of what district the 'heroes' lived in. They, on their turn, were on their way to visit Mary for a social talk. Unbeknownst at their departure, it wouldn't be a quiet walk.
Keeping it short, since for some reason my post got eaten twice and it's 01:04. Action coming later today.
Thorn Dulani |
Its fine I've had that happen a few times to.. Ctrl C is your friend.
Thorn carried himself stoically surprised that the 'Heroes' had an actual residence in Kharum. As a mercenary, traveling place to place with no permanent stay outside a base of operations.. was fairly normal. It made him realize the differing way some adventurers seemed. Perhaps this was the reason that Greenhorns were made to explore the world before coming back and gaining ranks.
GM Chyro |
Well there's no Ctrl+C on a tablet.
I hadn't found the copy function in the browser.
The walk from their home to Mary's had been tracked the heroes would be in for a surprise.
The market was very busy today. Think of little streets of famous cities packed with tourists. Sight was constantly shifting, with the only stationary being merchants, couriers and the occasional musician looking for a couple of coins.
Each square is 10x10ft. At the start of combat, this place is difficult terrain for 2 rounds, due to people trying to get away from the fight. Tessa & Thorn enter from the east.
Stealth scout: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Perc. Elsa: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Perc. Father Burdock: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Perc. Grint: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Stab vs ff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10Sting, SA: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (6) = 9
Dagger vs ff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20Sting, SA: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (2) = 5
Stab vs ff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21Sting, SA: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (3) = 7
Dagger vs ff, cover: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 4 = 11Sting, SA: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4
----------
Init
Elsa: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Father Burdock: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Grint: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Tessa: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Thorn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Green: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Purple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
All of a sudden, Elsa and Father Burdock feel the sting of a weapon.
It draws blood, each of you two bleeds 1 per turn. 4 individuals now distinguish themselves from the crowd, dressed in avery day clothing, a potion in hand and a weapon in the other.
Market ambush
Green draws his rapier and 5ft steps to jab.
Jab: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10Sting: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Elsa
Purple
Grint & Thorn
Blue
Tessa
Red
Father Burdock
Elsa's turn.
Grint Mavric |
Grint draws his greatsword and attacks the one north of him, then holds his guard as Elsa's just behind him and he aims to protect her.
Attack, Greatsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 182d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7
Just a question, I'm expecting they did a take 20 on Stealth? And probably have alot of bonuses? Also is the one attacking Elsa doing that from a marketstall?
GM Chyro |
Yes, the brown squares are market stalls, and yes that one tossed a dagger from- and is now attacking from the stand. The line between the square of a stall and the street is a simple wooden fence just 4 feet high.
Taking 20 on stealth is, according on the boards, something up for debate.
But having had time before you three arrived, they would have perfected their stance enough to take 20. In this case, they appeared and acted as nothing more than any other citizen, along with high bonus and circumstance factors like preparations.
Jadwiga Elsa Harcatha |
Elsa withdraws backwards...
GM Chyro |
Market ambush
Green draws his rapier and 5ft steps to jab.
Elsa withdraws to take distance.
Purple attempts agile movement to avoid Father Burdock's hammer to get flanking, moving NE and then NW.Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Jab vs FF, flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19Stab: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (6) = 11
The sting of a rapier is felt in the cleric's shoulder.
Grint hacks into blue for a firm wound.
Thorn's up.
Blue (-7)
Tessa
Red
Father Burdock
"Tessa" |
Ah, trouble. Guards! Make way!
Tessa's voice rises above the building commotion, her fist tightening as she moves forward into a graceful run.
Edit:Double Move; can we see the ruffians actually stabbing our heroes yet or are they obscured?.
GM Chyro |
Tessa & Thorn, only difficult terrain in round 1 & 2 from fleeing people. No, the ruffians are not in sight yet, but you definitely know what general direction this commotion is coming from.
Market ambush, round 1.
Green draws his rapier and 5ft steps to jab.
Elsa withdraws to take distance.
Purple attempts agile movement to avoid Father Burdock's hammer to get flanking, moving NE and then NW.
The sting of a rapier is felt in the cleric's shoulder.
Grint hacks into blue for a firm wound.
Thorn double moves forth.
Blue (-7) retaliates on Grint for the strike.
Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
The man's movement is quick, but the Grint moves aside in time to dodge the point of the weapon. Blue gulps down his potion, provoking from Grint.
AoO greatsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Sting: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9
Grint's swing would be firm, but it misses the nimble assailant, who vanishes before his eyes.
Tessa double moves.
Red bumps his shoulder into several people, as he's headed for Grint.
Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24Sting: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24Sting: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Father Burdock's turn.
Father Burdock |
@GM: Is this before or after my crafting? Just want to know as my AC will be 2 higher if this is after crafting time (which I haven't added to my stats yet)
Burdock pulls out his wand and taps himself to stop the bleeding, then steps next to Grint to provide him more cover at the risk of himself getting flanked.
CLW heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7