To be A Hero

Game Master rorek55

You all gather in Bannock's home to discuss this important event. Even Charles and Derrick the Captain of the guard are there. Both having claim to heard a voice in their dreams this past night.

As you enter Bannock's there, hanging on the wall is a giant tapestry which bannock is positive was not there this morning. Upon it is a name, and a map. The name reads, Mist Iron Peaks .

The map shows a trail leading from your village all the way up to the northern mountains, at least a weeks worth of riding, double that if walking.

Charles peers in from a window.

Well then, tally-ho I say good sirs!

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Rory does detect magic.

"Charles, are you responsible for this...this tapestry? I have never seen the like..." the Mayor comments, leaning in closer to examine the detail of the fabric. "Frost giants...the Bandit King..." he mutters to himself, under his breath, pointing to the mountains and then the spot where the keep would be.

Know. Local (DC 15): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Untrained Survival (DC 15): 1d20 ⇒ 18

She looked at the tapestry and its notation by the map, Mist Iron Peaks. She heard the mayor mention something about frost giants and a bandit king.

"Those peaks would be freezing...If we mean to travel there, we should pack warm clothing and appropriate gear."

Charles nods proudly at Rory's question, then stops and looks a little confused. Then speaks.

um well, sort of good sir. It was indeed I who created it, but the spell for it is no spell I knew.

He scratches his head for a moment.

Or know for that matter, quite strange I say. Something tells me It has to do with this mess you jolly folks have found yourselves in. Though I wonder what happens with you folks gone from the town?

He takes note of Kenna's words.

Indeed, quite cold, it would perhaps even force me to wear furs!

in the upcoming weeks I would ask that posting increase from everyone or I fear for the game. I try to give 24 hours for everyone to post from my last post but I understand things happen. However I have witnessed several games die due to posting becoming slower and slower which is why I am being rather blunt with my request.

know.local DC15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

know.religion DC20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

survival DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Bannock peers intently at the tapestry, but his mind is still abuzz with the day's events, and no knowledge of worth comes to his mind. Indeed, he has a hard time focusing on it, and his eyes keep darting about the room, as if he's looking for someone.
At one point he takes a long enough pause in his flitting about to speak at the Ogre.

"Charles, you speak of some knowledge of these peaks? Would you be amenable to travelling with us as we sojourn? In truth I had no true idea of where to go and what point to take, but 'twould be folly to discard this tapestry an anything but a Sign of the path our future is to take. As collectivly we have but little experience outside this town's walls, to say nothing of anything approaching your far-wandering knowledge, we must needs ask for your guidance.

That said, Kenna, you have a piont about walking about in the cold and colder. Rory, do you know if any in town have supplies of such nature?"

Suddenly he sprints across the room, as Rodar stands drinking out of a dusty bottle. "Oh confound man, that ale's over a hundred years old! Bah, well, will ye' not at least use a glass?"

Kenna looked out the window where Charles stood. It was mighty strange to be speaking with an Ogre.

She heard Bannock add to her point about the cold mountains. "I have apporpraite clothing, but, aye, we will need gear to climb with."

Know. Local re winter gear and equipment supplier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Would that be a knowledge local to find the appropriate clothier to help us, or do I just know? :)

Rodar looks at the bottle in his hand and replies "I thought it tasted a little bitter." he then shrugs and downs the rest of the bottle. He then stumbles to the tapestry that everyone else seems so interested in, but after drinking the bad beer he has a hard time focusing and eventually just gives up and finds a seat to listen to the rest of the preparations.

You know that their is a merchant in town, however cold weather gear is usually hard to come by in your area, winters are rarely cold enough to freeze the water in the area.

Kenna- You know your best bet would be the closet city nearby. A city built around a river and known for its "freedom". It would take you a few days extra travel as it is a slight detour but you know for a fact you would be able to get about anything you could pay for from the town.

"There's that fancy city I bought my cold gear from last winter. The freedom city by the river? It's a few days trek from town and off the route to the peaks, but they're willing to sell to any folk with coin and there's more stock there than in here in Valen. What say you? It's best we're prepared for whatever comes our way up on them peaks."

Kenna already has cold weather gear listed on her sheet. She may want to purchase other things (or the group would in general) like snowshoes and climbing equipment, picks, pitons etc ...

Mayor Bronson nods. "That's a wise first step to provision ourselves. This trek is of obvious importance to the safety of our town. Prepare yourselves to depart, those of you who are accompanying Bannock. I will settle arrangements here, with the deputy mayor."

Upon the Mayor's words, Kenna nodded her head assuredly, with an easy retort, "As you instruct, Mayor Rory. We meetin' back here at Bannock's or by the tavern?"

She looked about the room, at the other faces, hoping someone would speak up so she could get on her way.

Once she got her answer, Kenna made her way back to the tavern and her room above the establishment to prepare for their trek. She did not have much coin in her pocket, so she would have to be clever when it came to haggling with them city merchants. Luckily for her, she already had thick winter clothes in her possession and she could save her coin for other gear and equipment.

Okay, once the others chime in, we can move onto the trek to this freedom city, correct? Has this city a name, rorek55?

I am going to go ahead and move this forward a bit. progression needs to be felt. Cities name is Officially Spero, but many call it the city of sails.

After gathering your Items and gear, and scrounging what gold could be had, you all set off, Rory leaves the captain of the guard in charge of the city with instructions to make defensive precautions in case unsavory subjects return. Charles stays behind to help watch over the town while you are away, claiming he would rather like to have some time to sit and garner his bearings.

After a couple days of travel, you on on the road, about half way between your town and the city when you are waylaid by bandits. 2 pop up on each side of the rode, while one whom you presume is the leader, walks out and stands ahead on the road infront of you, scimitar in hand

Oy! Ye bloody gits this ere' be our road, ye wanna travel on it, ye pay the toll!

From one of the archers on the side of the road. you hear.

Oy, Ain't that the "Mr. Mayor from one O' them new frontier towns? Ah' Bet he gots loads of gold in is' pockets.

The man in front of you leans closer, squinting, then rears back. Awh right then, I think you be right Mr' Obvious, Now then you lot, Ye pay two ways, ye blood and ye gold, or ye gold.

He says matter of factually, seemingly eager for either payment. Then looks over at kenna,

Or you there can be paying with flesh. hehehe

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

neither side will get a surprise round for this combat, the road is 20ft wide, with the archers being an addition 10ft off the road to have been hidden in the brush and foliage. The bandit speaking to you is about 30ft in front of your leading party member

Bandit initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

party Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"You won't see a coin from me or any of us!" Rory says, masking his fear with bravado.

"Hi-yah!" Telekenetic fist!

Rory makes a punching motion at the air in front of him, and the air around the lead bandit's face, 30 feet away, obeys the wizard's spell.

Ranged attack vs touch AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

You miserable scum!" shouts Bannock, feeling power and energy flow through him as he had not in some time. "I have fought ghouls and skeletons and undead knight and orges! I have not been slain by them and I shall not fall to the likes of you!"

He weaves arcing sigils of Might and Spirit in front of him. When their glow hits their summit, the golden light flows into his body, filling with valor as from a volcano of power. As the light hits his birthmark, the glare doubles in brightness and he unleashes the potency with the words of power. "Mach Krieg!" he shouts, completing the spell.
Now infused with with the penultimate divine spirit, he charges toward the archers on the right.

If we were in the middle of the road, I assume that puts us 20 ft from an archer. Casting Divine Favor, increased to +2 from Fate's Favored, and move action adjacent to the archers on the right.

Kenna doesn't say a word at the bandit leader's ridiculous effort to scare them into handing over their coin.

Perception (DC 18): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Keenly noting the hidden bandit in the brush between the two archers, she loads a bolt into her light crossbow with no preamble and swiftly fires at the hidden man.

Ranged Attack on hidden bandit, with Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
Damage, if hits: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Dot

@ Ragnar and Dylan. - You two have each been hunting this group of bandits for over a week now, Dylan has been tailing them for over two because they took his favorite silver mug, as well as his lute when they raided his small town. He has yet to find an opportune time to strike, until he ran across Ragnar that is. Ragnar mostly sees Dylan as useless and potential bait, but Dylan see's the hulking half-orc as a way to finally get his beloved mug back. The two of you now notice however, a trio of adventurers confronting the bandits, and that they seem to be a bit out matched.

@ party-

The Lead bandit laughs at the mayors shout and stance, then scowls as the female he had just been trying to take pulls out her crossbow and pegs one of his "hidden" guys in the ribs.

Oy! B@$%^ yous gonna pay fer that! Get'um lads! but leave the lass alive, I'll have me way with er' before I kill er' dead body ain't no fun!

the archers fire, ignoring the funny man punching air. Their arrows fly fairly true, but the poor craftsman ship of the arrows themselves keep them from doing their full potential harm

banditarcher1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 - Bannock
banditarcher2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 - Bannock
banditarcher3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 - Kenna
banditarcher4: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 - Kenna

damage1(bannock): 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
damage2(bannock): 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
damage4(Kenna): 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

The leader seems content to sit and watch the battle unfold, the man that was shot seems reluctant to get into the fight and hides behind a tree clutching his bleeding wound. While the other one charges in with a spear.

spearbandit1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

however bannock gets his wits about him and easily catches the tip on his shield.

players are up, also, could everyone put their AC/HP/CMD/Saves/Initiative into their alias please? makes it easier on me. thank you

Ragnar rolls his eye's at the bards continuous humming. When he notices the fight taking place.

Come, now's our best chance. Remeber, take the leader alive, but maimed! HAHAHAHAHA! ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!

The half orc charges out of the woods into the fray, a length of chain swinging around him.

attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 - 1 = 18 against archer bandit

damage: 2d4 + 11 ⇒ (2, 1) + 11 = 14

Hahaha! This is too easy! (ac 14)

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Seeing familiar faces from town he mutters to Ragnar, "What are they doiing here?" As the half orc charges into the fray he adds,"And why am I asking you?
Dylan will cast grease on an archers bow (dc14 reflex or bow dropped)

Ow,

Rangar sprints through the trees, his strike with his spike chain nearly rips the bandit in half, tearing half way through his torso.

-Rangar-
Dylan
Rory
Kenna
Bannock

reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The other archer suddenly fumbles with his bow like a large bar of soap and promptly drops it, a look of shock on his face as he stares down at green grease covered hands.

"Not if I kill you first, cur!" There was a smile on her face and a promise in her blue-topaz eyes, even though she had been wounded by one of the truer arrows.

She loaded a new bolt into her crossbow and aimed and fired at the ranged bandit who had shot and hit her moment's before.

Ranged Attack on Bandit 4 with Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6 Grr.
Damage, if hits: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

But her pointed banter with the leader had made her careless.

Rory's first spell missed, but it's still the best option he has against these ruffians. He isn't as strong as he was when he was younger...better to stick to magic than wading in with just his fists. He aims his attack at the archer that Kenna's firing at, hoping that focused fire would bring the brute down.

Telekenetic fist strike!
Ranged attack vs touch AC, vs Bandit 4: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Bannock staggers under the duo of arrows that draw blood, but that bothers him but little. He has faced a trio of bloodthirsty ghouls and lived! These chafflings will not stop his divine quest now!

"For Helreginn!" he shouts, slamming his shield at the errant spearman.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Confirm Crit!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
yet even more damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

As bannock moves forward the spearman tries to keep him at bay, but the dwarves wrath can not be stayed. And he smashes his shield into the bandits face causeing the bandit to crumple to the ground in a heap. As he strikes the bandit, he feels thrum of power from the shield.

Rory's air punch reaches the Archer causing him to fumble with his bow,

REFLEX: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

With both of his spear men down, and 2 an Archer slain with another one unable to hold his bow, the leader is much less boisterous and slowly starts to back away from the fight. The remaining two archers fire at the screaming monster with the flying chain.

attack 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

attack 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
But both of their shots fly wide, their hands shaking from shock.

One drops his bow and screams run!

The other readies another arrow, grim determination on his face.

REFLEX: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Dylan will infuse an arrow wth arcane energy using Arcane Strike (swift action) and shoot at the remaining archer with his shortbow
bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 (arcane strike)

As Ragnar see's the man start to run he goes into a rage, seemingly to not notice the arrows flying around him.

COWARD! COME BACK AND FIGHT!

He moves towards the leader if possible and makes a trip attempt (10ft reach)

trip: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29

He manages to wrap his chain around the man's legs as he backs away and with a mighty tug takes them out from under him. (AC 14 from rage)

Wtih the red haze of holy furt upon him, Bannock charges at the bravest archer, though he gives the man a moment's fleeting respect for having the dignity to die with honor.

'Another soul for you, my Lady. They are all for you.'

Charge attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Rory briefly considers yelling at them to wait, to let them go, they'd obviously given up the fight. These bandits might regroup and come at us again later, while we sleep, the ugly thought came unbidden to his mind. He remains silent.

As the shield slams into the man, he stumbles down to his knee coughing, You realize that the man is actually a half-orc, as when he grimaces his fangs protrude from his lips, he is surprisingly human looking though.

he manages to grunt out. finish it. as he kneels before Bannock

with the rest of the bandits dead, dieing, or fleeing the bandit leader tries to back away from the raging half-orc, stuttering.

Y-y-your gonna P-p-p-p-p-pay when the b-b-boss finds out! He'll get you all! he then gets up and tries to flee into the forest yelling.

HELP! Several times over

(Ragnar, free AoO)

AoO: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 4 = 33
oh boy: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19

damage: 4d4 + 22 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 3) + 22 = 31

Ragnar loses a little bit on control and unleashes pure fury upon the bandit leader.

"Ouch, that had to sting a bit" Dylan says, tunning a little green

well then. ouch.

As the man stands to flee, Ragnar throws his chain around the mans neck, the spikes find a hold, and with a great tug the man is suddenly standing there, headless, his head flies back in the direction of Ragnar, landing 10ft away from where Kenna and Rory are standing. The headless body takes two full strides before realizing it is dead and slumps over.

Do we want to kill this last bandit, or do we need to question him about anything?

Rory gapes in open shock at the brutality he just witnessed. "The strength of an ogre..." he mutters to himself, amazed.

He turns to Bannock. "The man's surrendered, can't you see that Bannock? It's one thing to strike as they are attacking us...does your Lady smile on killing in cold blood?"

"He hadn't surrendered, he was running off calling for reinforcements! You should be thanking Bannock."

I think he's talking about the man kneeling in front of me. The guy that was decapitated was the Leader.

Bannock returns Rory's stare, a red haze of holy bloodlust ringing his eyes. "What do you know of the Lady! She honors noble sacrifice! As she had laid down her own life, this man now lays down his! She would be honored to have such a nobile soul sent into her service by this holy shield!

However, We can be merciful. Swear to me the next two men you kill will be dedicated to her, and shall spare this one. SWEAR IT!"

Bannock's chest rises and falls heavily, and his face is ringed with pulsing blood, showing that reason and rationality are far things to him now.

"Peace!" Kenna's eyes looked upon the head near to her and the Mayor. The Half-Orc cleaning took it off ... her style was not one of pure might or brutality, yet she admired a seasoned fighter. The bandits had been given a chance and they had persisted. Their fate was of their own making.

"No disrespect, Mayor Rory. We cannot allow them to reinforce, so granting even but one of them their freedom, or, showing mercy, is not the best option."

Turning her gem-coloured eyes upon the heaving Bannock, she admired the man's burning passion, but he seemed somewhat touched at present.

"Bannock, it would not hurt to keep one alive so we may question him. You can always kill him afterward if he proves unwilling to talk. Your Lady will have her allotment come next battle, to be sure."

The half-orc bandit speaks.
Up.

are you killing me or not? I can tell you where our main base is in this area, though I'd suggest not going there. But only on one condition.you give me the means to get away from those acursded bandits, or a place I can hide from them, and lead a more normal life.

He stands, but makes no hostile action.

Kenna turned her eyes to Bannock once more. "What say you, Ban? Do we have him draw us a map to this base camp and then let him hide and live his life far from here, or, would you kill him now?"

At Kenna's words, the heaving dwarf felt much becalmed, and a great amount of redness leaves his tinged eyes. He lowers his hand from its striking post.
"Aye. A base will mean more of them, and to rid the world of more of their evil means more good to be done. Have it out from him, but tally not. Helreginn's mercy can be a fickle thing."

Bannock doesn't know if this last statement is Truth, or if he's just making it up as he goes along. He suspects a little bit of both.

Looking back at the captured bandit, she added, "You heard the priest. We need a map, quickly. And don't try to fool us. We have ways of seeing through such schemes. You lie, you die." Her topaz-blue eyes stayed on him, unwaveringly.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Sense Motive to determine if he is trying to trick them: 1d20 ⇒ 13

He gladly shows you the spot on your map. Its about 1 days walk out, and an extra day's worth out of the way from the city.

he then looks to you. And? where shall I go and how do I get there?

Rory was shocked into silence by Bannock's demand that he make the next kill in his lady's name. When he sees that mercy is being granted, he sags a little with relief. "I think we're making the right choice, letting this one live," he comments, gazing at the remaining bandit.

"Everyone deserves a second chance. That being said, those bandits at that base camp are preying on travelers just like us probably every day. I say...we take them out." he punches his palm with his fist.

Bannock was struck by Rory's words. Something about...making the right choice. He spoke to the bandit, without thinking.

"Just as my Lady made the choice the would save the world from Orcus, though it cost her life, so you shall be granted Choice.
We have promised to not kill you in exchange for a map. The pact is struck and fulfilled.
You may go now into the uncharted forest without supplies, weapons or friends, and be eaten by a pack of The Grey wolves.
Or you can swear Devotion to my Lady, Helreginn of the White Shield, and I shall take you as Acolyte and give you shelter and training so you may play a roll in the Greater Plan.

The choice is plain to me, so take to knee or take to your heels. But do not tarry, for Helreginn's mercy can be a fickle thing."

Yes, it seemed to sound better the more he said it. Was that true of all things?

Sorry i havn't posted for a bit. For some reason the site wasn't showing any new posts!?

Realizing his mistake Dylan hastens to appologize, "Um, sorry Mr Mayor I though you were talking about..." He trails off gesturing towards the headless body.

Turning to the last bandit, "Hey, before you go, or whatever, where's the stuff you stold from me!"

Hmph, why would I trade one life of servitude for another. IF you wont honor your words, then I will take my leave.

At Dylan's question he stops for a moment.

The boss had your mug. I'm not sure which one of the others had your instrument. You'll have to search for it. Our camp in a 5 minute walk straight that way. He points straight north. Then begins to make his way away from the party.

"Wait. Before you go..." Rory approaches the brusque bandit, narrowing his eyes and pointing at him. "You've lost your weapon privileges, mister. I know you've got a dagger of some kind hidden on you; let's see it. You're leaving these woods unarmed or you aren't leaving them at all."

You'll take from me, the only thing I have left to remember my father, the dagger he gave me when I was a child?

He draws forth an ornate dagger, not menacingly, more just looking at it. I'd rather die. I went through a lot to get this back from those bastards. Besides, I'm not the one that went back on a bargain. Or, If you so wish, I'll accompany you to a town, after which I will leave you. But you'll take this dagger from me when I have not the life left to keep it.

He places the dagger back into a fold of his furs.