Devil's Tomb

Game Master Matt Adams 259


1 to 50 of 153 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next > last >>

ou enter the tent of Commander Arthur Goldsword. The commander is dressed in fine half plate and a gold-trimmed greatsword leans against his makeshift desk. His quarters is a large pavillion. The canvas structure serves as his mobile office of operations on the battle lines.

For a little less than a year, your homeland of Andoran has been under a full force invasion by the forces of Cheliax, seeking to reclaim fragments of their lost empire. You joined up with the Andoran military, or what little military Andoran seems to have in response to the attack, and quickly caught the attention of your superiors. After a while, you were sent to the front under Goldsword's command. Now, you stand before your CO alongside several other soldiers who all arrived at about the same time you did. Enough chairs for all six of you are arranged before him.

"Sit down," he says, and you do so, wondering why he asked for your presence personally. "Augustana has fallen. I just got word that the city's mayor was executed after the walls were breached and the devil-worshipping scum ran through the streets." Shock runs through everyone present. Obviously, this hasn't reached the main troops, yet.

"That's not the most troubling aspect of the city's fall, though. Augustana was a major port even at the height of the Cheliax's power and according to this information, the country has sent priests to scour the city for some kind of hidden vault. I don't know what's in it. So, I'm sending a small, infiltration team," he nods to the six of you. "I need you to figure out what they're after. I want a pidgeon as soon as you find out. Supply wagons will get you equipped. You leave at dusk. Dismissed."

The supply wagons are covered carriages that house the spare equipment of the Andoran military. While it does carry mostly warfare gear, some basic travel equipment is stored for rangers and scouts. The head armorer is a grizzly older man who is kept from heavy fighting by his lack of a left eye. "What do you need?" He grumbles after being informed of your permission to your choice of gear.


Male Oread Magus (Bladebound) 4

One of the men to join in the command tent isa large man, sandy colored skin with crevices interspersed across his face. He carries an impressive sword and sometimes seems to be talking to it. His face contracts at the news of Augustana, making the minor crevices open a bit wider, but he remains silent. Once dismissed, Othaniel stands rigidly and turns to leave.

He looks around at the others around him, You lot must be useful somehow to be put on this assignment with me. I hope you all live up to that. His gruff voice sounds strained, as if he's trying real hard at something, I'm Othaniel. Fighting is what I do best. He looks around waiting for each of the others.

I sure hope these aren't more greenies I'm stuck with, he thinks in the direction of his sword. Do you think they'll be any good?


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

A skinny mage walks in. He is surrounded by a field of small glowing stones as well as several full blown ioun stones.

It seems it is time to earn my research money again. and time to put my theories to the test. I am Alexander by the way. Sometimes known as the curious.


Jack enters third behind the walking stone and the man with floating ones. He doesn't bother saying hello to anyone, just sits in the nearest chair and folds his arms. He wears a mithril breastplate and a number of overlapping belts across his midsection. Within the belts are various blades. 4 are kukri and 4 are daggers. It is obvious he dual-wields. His crossed arms are completely exposed and covered in numerous scars that he wears proudly. He has a wild mane of dark blond hair and an equally wild look in his eye. Indeed the aura he gives off is that of a barely contained animal. It is no wonder the others call him Feral.

He actually smiles when he hears of the fall of Augustana and the prospect of going in with only a small force. At Othaniel's boast he gives one of his own. "You mean second best Sandy," he says with an annoying smile. He then wanders over to Alexander and looks him over, reaching out to touch one of the floating stones. "Oi. And what are these supposed to do?"


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

While their full potential has yet to be determined, their base purpose is to guard me against the magic of others.


"Neat. But what about blades," he says pulling a dagger with great speed, aiming to stop right at the man's throat.


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

That is where my other magic comes in.


Tristan rises at the dismissal and glances at the others. Watching the byplay, he scowls slightly.
"Save that for the Chelaxians. We will need to cooperate if we wish to succeed. Andoran's needs come first."
With that he strides from the tent to visit the supply wagons to prepare for the journey.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

This rag tag group is joined by a cheerful looking young man.
His face falls as the news of Augustana is stated.
He is wearing an archer's chain shirt under his coat, and has a crossbow uncocked at his side - maybe a scout?

"Hey now! Don't make me waste healing in here!"

Nodding at the group he continues

"Benedict Bishop - call me Ben if you like. They called me out of the mountains for this. Nice to meet you all!"

He sighs

"Guess that means the prisoners I was interrogating are going to starve to death before I get back to them. Ah well. Can't win them all, I guess."

"So - you're all scouts? Infiltrators? Know how to sneak around?"


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

Mainly I hurt things with magic, but I am quite knowledgeable. I also have a knack for languages. As for stealth, I did acquisition this cloak of elvenkind. And do not worry about my flashy appearance, I can reabsorb my stones if need be.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

"Really? That's pretty amazing. So this cloak lets you, what, turn into an elf?"


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

Actually, it enhances one's ability at stealth, just as elves are famed to do.

Liberty's Edge

A rugged-looking man approaches the tent shortly after the others, flanked by a pair of wolves which move more like trained hounds than feral beasts. With a simple hand signal, they sit calmly beside the entrance to the tent, watching the nearby soldiers intently, and their master enters the tent. He sits silently throughout the briefing, a silver holy symbol of Erastil clinking against a lightweight breastplate, resting against the curve of a longbow slung over his shoulder.

He stares at the brazen display of aggression demonstrated by the feral-looking man. Is he such a brute, to threaten his allies? he thinks.

"Tal Levie," he says by way of introduction. "I bring the wrath of Erastil down upon the Chelaxian devils. I travel with my wolves, Geri and Freki - they're smarter than any hound you'll have met, and they'll sniff out danger before any of us see it coming."

At the supply wagon, he glances at the supplies and says simply, "Silvered arrows for putting down the literal devils."


Jack laughs at Alexander and puts the dagger away. "Dinnae even bat an eye. Well done. The names Jack but most just call me...Feral. For obvious reasons."

When Tristan speaks up he smiles at him, though it is not a jovial one, and circles the man. "So your Tristan? Heard you been showin me up on the battlefield recently. Can't say I'm impressed now that I see ya. Then again, I know not to judge a man on first impression."

Then after Benedict. "First things first I think. Time ta pick a leader yay? We need someone strong. Someone smart. Someone with a good head on their shoulders yay?" He pauses for a moment, knowing someone is about to something they think is witty to refute him as a possible candidate. Surprisingly he claps Alexander on the shoulder and says, "This ones got my vote."

Liberty's Edge

"I think that would be a decision left to our commanding officer," Tal says dryly.

I assume we are all the same rank, GM?


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

I would be fine with accepting such a position, but not with out the group's consent.


"You heard him as well as I. He said dismissed. Obviously he's leaving the rest to us."

Liberty's Edge

"I'll be following my own discretion in absence of the Commander's orders to the contrary. We know the mission. I trust we will be able to carry it out on our own initiative."


"I know not about showing anyone up. All I do is kill the enemies of Andoran. If they happen to be Chelaxian, so much the better."


"You know I pegged you as the altruistic type Tristan. Seems we have more in common than I thought. This should be fun." He goes over to the trade carriage and buys a cloak, something that could hide his features at least. He wasn't that great at subterfuge so he would just have to hope that no recognized him while in Augustana. Good thing he killed most of his enemies.

Explorer's outfit already has one but I did it for the RP. Ready to head out then.


Male Oread Magus (Bladebound) 4

Othaniel shakes his head slowly, A lot of boasting and talk from these ones. We were assigned to work together. And that's what we'll do. Near as I know, none of you outrank the others. So be responsible, he says looking over each person, and figure that out. Now, what do we need from the supplies. I need more rations. Othaniel points here and there getting what he needs.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

Benedict raises his eyebrows at Alexander's description of his cloak

"Yeah... Look I'm from the irregulars. We've been fighting up in the mountains. I had a hard enough time finding this place, I have no idea how far Augustana is, or how we'll get there from here. Any advice gratefully appreciated."
"I'm not really set up for camping, but I've got some supplies."

this is the gear we start with, right?

"Hey - got any holy water?" he asks the head armourer "Can't get it for love nor money these days, and I swear the silver piece is getting to be worth as much as gold these days."

Liberty's Edge

If Augustana is far, we should requisition horses. If it's close, probably best to move on foot to avoid detection. Tal would know - he's lived in Andoran all his life.


"Yeah. I got your holy water. You'll have to see the cook for food though, and here. You may need these." He hands Benedict four vials of holy water and a couple of maps to the party. "If that's all, I wish you luck."

You can see the maps in the campaign info tab.


Augustana is about 5 days from your current position on the eastern border of Arthfell Forest. On horseback, the journey will take only 2 and a half.


"5 days eh? If we're lookin for a hidden vault with some goodies inside we can splurge a little now I reckon. What say we get a pony to carry our stuff? Be less conspicuous than us all ridin in on horses."

Pony costs 30/6 people = 5gp a piece and it can carry 75 as a medium load. We can also get one large tent for the same per person. It only holds 4 people but if we have two people on watch at a time it should work. Cheaper and lighter than one small per person. Or we could get a whole Pavilion which holds 10 people and a fire. 16.7gp per person for that.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

Was going to suggest Web Shelter, but it is not in one of my books. Can do Ant Haul though. Ben has 6.6gp he can contribute.


Isn't that for just a few hours at a time? How do you plan on keeping it on for a whole day?

Is everyone ready to move out of the camp? I know one person wanted to pick up some rations. Other than that, is there anything else you guys want?


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

I am good


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

8 hours a pop for a first level spell

Liberty's Edge

Tal will get enough rations for ten days, for both himself and his wolves (they get animal feed - dried meat in case they're unable to find game).

I hardly feel that dragging a giant pavilion around will help us avoid notice.

I wonder if these others realize how dangerous this mission is going to be, wonders the woodsman as he packs for the journey. Inside an enemy-held city... and this lot isn't the most subtle I've ever met. He surveys the rather boisterous companions he's been saddled with. Deadeye give us stealth, he prays.


Ready, got rations. Are we taking horses?


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

"Okay. So I can pretty much outdistance a horse when I need to, and they're not that subtle. Travel light, travel fast. Is there going to be cabins and houses we could bunk in on the way? Don't want to be in a tent when the Brimstones come by."


Tristan makes a good point. Are you taking horses? I see two votes for horses and one for on foot.


"You lot have fun then."

I am getting a pony (30), a pack saddle (5), 2 more days of trail rations (1), and a small tent (10). That's 46gp. Do I need to buy feed for a horse or can I just let it graze? It's not expensive but it is really fricking heavy. And what of this can I get for free?

Liberty's Edge

I vote for horses. We can sell them or set them loose if we need to switch to on foot, but it's hard to acquire a horse out of thin air if you're on foot.

"If speed's what you're after, horseback is the way to go, Benedict. I'm sure you're proud of your swiftness by foot but not all of us are so quick."


"I don't think you will outdistance a horse in overland travel. You definitely won't be carrying the load they do. Tal is exactly right, better to have one and not need it, than need it and not have it."


The stable boy on duty seems leery of your need for horses in the middle of the night, but a quick show of your order forms gets him to hand over six light horses. They're small, barely considered adult, but the stable assures you that they're fast. "The stable master hasn't had time to harden them for battle though," he warns. "So, you may find them to be a bit skiddish."


Male Oread Magus (Bladebound) 4

After selecting some rations, Othaniel nods, By horse. He approaches the stables confidently, though he steps back as the horses whinny in their stables. He searches through, but lets the stable boy choose a horse for him. One that's nice and gentle, he adds.


Still getting the pony if that's possible. The light horse can barely hold just me as a medium load.

Jack also picks one of the more docile horses. He wasn't proficient at riding by any stretch of the imagination but he knew the basics and hopefully that was all they would need. He saddles up and hops on waiting for the others to do likewise. There was something thrilling about looking down at people from a horse. If there is also a pony available then he ties a guide rope from it to the saddle horn so it will follow.


That's fine. You guys can bring a baggage pony.

Liberty's Edge

Tal approaches his horse and seems to be whispering in its ear. It whinnies and neighs in response. Though the conversation is too quiet to be overheard, Tal introduces himself to her and tells her that he will need her help getting to his destination for the next few days. She asks whether he will be as clumsy as her last rider, and he apologizes that unfortunately, he has not done much riding lately, but he will do his best. With a whinny and a snort, she says that she figures that's better than nothing, and holds still so he can saddle her up. He makes sure to get the stable boy's help to ensure it's done properly.

A few minutes later, he brings Geri and Freki by, and introduces them to his mount, assuring her that the two wolves don't mean any harm. The wolves eye one another and keep a close watch on the others as they go about getting their steeds ready for the trip.

Tal uses his speak with animals spell-like ability to get acquainted with his mount. (I like to do conversations with animals without doing direct quotations - the intelligence of animals, even when spoken to with magic, lends itself better to descriptions of what was said rather than verbatim transcripts).


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

"All right... we don't use them a lot up in the mountains... and they don't seem to like me much anymore..."
Despite his trepidation Benedict will take a horse (and supplies for the horse as recommended).


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

I may lack the aptitude to control this equine in the chaos of combat, I agree that the services of a good mount would be most beneficial.

Alexander retracts his star mantle.


Male Oread Magus (Bladebound) 4

Othaniel slowly mounts his horse and looks at the others, If everyone's done, we should go. He raises his eyebrows, in a question to the others.


Male Human Iounmancer Wizard 4 HP: 30/30 Init +3 AC: 14/18 w/Mage Armor Fort: +3 Ref: +4 Will: +5, +7vs fear Per+1 Init +3

Yes, of course my good man. You are of course correct. Let us be off then. Alexander mounts his horse and waits for the others.

Liberty's Edge

Tal mounts up, ready to leave. This Alexander seems to enjoy fancier words than necessary, he thinks. He seems desperate to show off his 'vast' intelligence... He smirks, amused at the bluster.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

On the third attempt Ben mounts up
"I'm going to need to stop about 3am to do some meditation" he apologises


You leave the camp well before 3, taking a route down to the southern border of Arthfell forest. From there, you'll easily be able to approach Augustana. You meet no resistance and few wild creatures on your journey. Even after you leave the shelter of the woods and begin your walk across the farmlands to the city, there are no enemy patrols that you can see.

Finally, you reach the city. Soldiers in grey, red, and gold keep watch atop Augustana's walls. The flags of Cheliax wave above the patrols. The drawbridge of the city is broken down and lies haphazardly across a bloody moat. Visible just above the water line are pipes for the drainage of waste and rain, though now they drip red. Sections of the stone perimeter were broken during the siege, but they seem more guarded than the intact sections of the wall.


spells:
0:Create Water Guidance 0: Light 0: Detect Magic 1: Bless 1: SMI 1: SMI 1: SMI d: Expeditious Retreat 2: Muffle Sound 2: SMII 2: SII d: SMII

"Okay. So, everyone here is trained in stealth and infiltration, right?"

1 to 50 of 153 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / GM Goldmyr's Nexus of Time Gameplay Thread All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.