Bear trap

DM Devon's page

1,537 posts. Alias of PirateDevon.


RSS

1 to 50 of 1,537 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>

Well folks I am glad that Hunger made it here to start that transition. I'll still poking around on the site and if anyone has questions for me feel free to PM me. Thanks for the last few years, good luck for whats to come ;p


Did folks see Hunger's post in the recruit thread? Folks should chat with him DM or on the post to make sure it sounds like a good fit.

Yeah Sayniek you've been around longer than you think ;p


Yeah I mostly thought it made sense to do that after you secure a DM, that way if they have anything specific they hope to accomplish we can articulate that or they can post the recruit. I would hate to recruit folks and then not have a DM come through or some such thing.


Who are they? They are a stalwart group of players who have been working through Rise of the Runelords since 2010.

Who am I? The poor fool who scooped them up and did my best to get them to this moment... but family issues and other logistics force me to admit when my time is done...

Please won't you think of the orphans?

The group is in the first part of Part 3 The Hook Mountain Massacre. At this point I have transitioned to the Anniversary edition and despite my own plot hooks the AP should run relatively smooth from the book as is. Its a kick ass group of players that I honestly am sad to leave but life happens some time.

Our game is HERE

I am committed to handing off the torch properly and will still be around (all be it not very often) if there are questions but I am hopeful that some folks might be willing to take this on. Post here is interested!


Well with three of you being interested in continuing that seems to be enough for a game even if Kithian chooses to step back so it seems like its worth seeing if the community will respond. I will post a recruitment and link it back to here so folks can participate in the thread and what not. I'll update with a link.

Update: LINK!


So as another game I am playing on here reaches its own five year+ milestones I am forced to review where we are and what I can give and I have to say I think I need to stop running. I had a certain quality I wanted to bring, to a game where there was a solid investment and you folks have stayed committed but as I look forward into the future I see more complications with my son (while hale and healthy he has some emotional learning delays that really complicate his day to day) and my work and I just don't see myself staying on top of things the way I want to.

So. That said, I wonder what folks want to do. I can help in the search for a new GM, I can shutter the thread or...well it seems like those are the options?

I really want to thank everyone for sticking it through this long, we lost a fair number of folks and some of you have really stuck it through a long time so I am grateful. I imagined for long time I would see it through to the end but we have a long way to go and me only posting a handful of times every few weeks makes that an even longer road.

Let me know what you would like to do.


Sorry folks things have gone pretty sideways this summer, family illness and some issues with my son have really taken center stage. I am hoping to get back on track soon so I am shooting to be back to posting next Monday. If I can't do that sustainably I will come back and figure out what's next. Apologies.


Shalelu and the cat continue to exchange information and then the Ranger's eyes move on to the surrounding ground, He lives near here. there are others. They have his master... the elf seems puzzled for a moment and then brightens in satisfaction as she kneels on the ground then points to the northwest, This way.

The ogrekin is bereft of much of anything save for a simple knife, a spiked club, the leases for his now dead or missing dogs and a few dried chunks of meat. A particularly close exam of the creature reveals a silver pieces that bypassed a seam at some point and was floating around in the folds of the creature's clothing...

Anything else or moving on?


I lost a post. Kithian roll the charge...


Pinnochio and Shalelu are boosted in magical power by haste while Vidar grits his teeth that the party has split.

Cam's decision to sleep the dogs becomes easier when Kithian fells his remaining animal. Cam then targets the two that snap at Sayniek's armored body and the animals suddenly quiet and slump to the ground.

Unhinderd by the terrain unlike her prey, and boosted by magic, the Ranger closes to but a few feet and is still able to let loose and arrow that buries deep into the ogerkin's leg. He howls in pain and looks over his shoulder with a look of considered violence but the rapidly moving Wyrwood boy seems to unnerve the monster and he decided to keep his pace.

Shalelu is within 30', Pinnochio 60. The rest of the group are about 140' or so away but unthreatened. The remaining dog continues to chase the phantom cat elsewhere...group up


Dogs surge into the clearing. One seems absoultely convinced the cat is on the move and breaks from the group while two head to Kithian and the others head towards Sayniek.

Kithian cuts one down while the other gnarsl and ganshes but cannot seem to find flesh. The other two simply careen off Sayniek to the point where it seems the jostling will do more to hurt her than anything else. Vidar lands a blow on the remaining dog on Kithian.

Cam's arrow flies true and a breath later so too does one from Shalelu. The ranger moves to follow the ogrekin as Cam moves to the melee. The ogrekin continues to move off...

Group. Actions in order of post...


I am treating this as though you are all prepared so Cam and Sayniek can post actions then I will resolve...


The dogs pulse and pull at the ogrekin and his eyes widen at the arrival of the newcomer. Whether it was the surprise of the arrival or a sudden instinct to flee, regardless the creature drops the chains on his dogs and turns to run back the way he came...

Group up. 5 large dogs, one running ogrekin. Dogs are coming 3 at Kithian, 2 at Sayniek...


The ogrekin blanches at the half-orc but summong a modicum of spine, This is my family's territory and we kill who we want. That cat's master is me and mine's. I don't want trouble but I ain't gunna be threatened.

Its clear he is on the precipice of dropping the leashes on his dogs or turning to go...


Right I mis-typed but I was accounting for your effect Pinnochio. He sees barbarian standing over his "full" trap which is why there is an assumption of theft...

The ogrekin rocks on his heels slightly suddenly unsure of himself, Look here that cat is uh...trouble...but...if you gunna get rid of it thats fine yeah? I just don't uh...want it around no more.


Shalelu gestures to the bard and utters some words and the cat moves forward to accept the healing, content to move off under its own power once healed. The cat is the size of a cougar it wouldn't WANT to be carried but with the healing it is good to go

For her own part the ranger actually pats the barbarian on the shoulder as she steps into the brush as she moves about the site with a branch and some various plant materials apparently obscuring the sent of the dogs, It is true. Vidar. They will certainly see you before me. The elf winks at the wizard as she seems to almost magically blend in to the brush, obscured from all but the most focused of gazes.

With the party obscured it just a matter of minutes. The barking gets louder and louder until a large "man" leadinga pack of chained dogs breaks into the clearing. The dogs seems very disoriented and pull in a myriad of directions. The large human man, dressed in soiled common clothes, armor and furs has almost orange skin and strong non human shapes to his face and black hair.

Sixing up Kithian the man looks around and sees the empty trap, You stealing my catch?

Group is up. Actions resolved in the order they are posted...


Kithian, Cam and Shalelu manage to pry the trap open while Shalelu talks t ot the cat, He says they are large then men not like giants but ogres? I think he means ogre-kin. He has been running for some time. He seems to weak to move quickly if we want to run unless he is carried...

There are, luckily, a fair number of older growth trees and thick shrubbery. The clearing is circular and the dogs seem to be headings from the the north west.

Climb checks for those who want to go up. Stealth checks from everyone who wants to hide. Let me know if there is any other prep you want to do OR if you decide to run Survival checks might be able to obscure the area against tracking...


Shalelu nods and starts walking, Its about three miles to the bridge that will take us to the river. From there we can cross the bridge and head up towards the dam, which I am told is of old Thassalonia and quite impressive. An trail to the Fort should be in that direction, supposedly well marked.

I'm going to move us along and rolls some things for folks.

Eh?:

Pinno: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Vidar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Sayniek: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Cam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Kithian: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The group approaches the bridge in short order and it certainly shows its wear appearing dingy, chipped and weather worn. Despite the age, however, the double wide wooden planked bridge appears intact and clearly supports regular supply run both to the Fort but also along northern trade.

Pinnochio and Kithian:
As the group walks the bridge and prepares to follow the path further towards the Fort, the distinct howling of a cat like creature can be heard in the forest. It dissipates quickly

P or K Survival DC 15:
The howl was sudden and sharp. Something just got hurt be it in a trap or a sudden accident or attack.

P or K Kno:Nature DC 20:
You know enough of the animals of the region to know this was most likely the sound of some kind of mountain lion. They tend to avoid the woods and would be higher up in the mountains (Such as the Hook Mountains the Fort rests upon) so its odd would be around here?


Shalelu raises an eyebrow, Shall we move on to the Fort or...?


Okay back on track...

The villager jumps in surprise at the sudden questioning, seemingly paranoid about the interest in the mark. Pullin his sleeve down to cover it properly the man looks around and begrudgingly admits, It was a special mark for Paradise right? Seeing that the people he is talking to from out of town he elaborates, I twas a barge here in the Ferry. Drinkin. Gamblin. Me and a few lads got this mark "special" see because we was good patrons. Gave us extra chips, special tables...

The man hitches a thumb towards the docks, But look I gotta get to work and the mark is on the down low, right? So as to keep the jealous minded unawares. Not that it matters, Paradise burnt down a couple weeks back.


Okay folks, sorry for the prolonged absence, I appreciate the patience some things are easier to reboot from than others...

The group makes its way to the established path to the Fort. On the way Vidar, Cam, and Pinnochio note that at least three every day citizens seem to bear tattoos that bear a strong resemblance to the sihedron rune. Shalelu leads on and is eager to go but notes that some of you have made an obsevation, Should we stay or are we okay to press on?


Death in the family should return next week.

-Posted with Wayfinder


Sorry I have been having gnarly connection issues to the site

The group packs up and works it was through the town on its way to Rannick...

Perception checks all around! Survival and Kno:local if you got the...


Despite Vidar's paranoia Shalelu softnes in her gaze as it falls to Vidar. Elves were complex creatures, after all. The fort is still a but past the city but you mentioned some concern in the city itself? I am fine to head that way, I know a shortcut, in fact, but I dojn't want to hasten us leaving if you have other things to do?


Shalelu too seems content at the night's passing and reveals a much more energetic and almost "human" side to her in taking up with Vidar. Though by morning there is a cooling, a professionalism and surety of purpose that builds upon her just as the layers of her clothing and gear do.

The group reconvenes, rested or dutifully lubricated from the evening's events and gather to discuss next steps. Shalelu for her part is purely business, eating in preparation for a long day, So any notion of where you mean to start?


sorry life delays. Will be back soon


Shalelu and Vidar depart. Any other lingering plans for the night?


Shalelu guides the group through the dock area, I arranged rooms as well though there appears to be one extra as I was expecting another but from your description of events I think it safe to let that room go. Forgive me master Pinnochio but I took the liberty of getting you a room despite your lack of sleep. I assume you must rest on some level to replenish your powers or, at a minimum, have some time to yourself.

Shalelu stops to a sturdy but plain looking inn which features a raised exterior stair and outward facing doors while a wooden sign with the words "Turtleback Commons". This seems to be as much precaution as much a amenity as the raucous taproom attached fills the ever emptying street with music, laughing and yelling.

Shalelu reaches into her pocket and produces keys with room numbers and passes them out until two keys are left in her hand. Shalelu looks at Vidar, Ah...as I said...one...extra key. I should...return the extra to the desk and then we...should call it a night?

In the dim light of post dusk as the final light gives way to the night time sky amidst the flickering torches it is clear that Shalelu Andosana is almost beet red but does not waver in keeping her eyes on Vidar to see what he does next.


The boy appears to be a blossoming businessman, adapet at crossing the lake with some skill and ease of tongue but otherwise is as he seems, Ale aplenty sir and harder vintages to be sure...

As the raft closes on the opposing shore the young man makes his way too and fro on the deck to adjust the trajectory and spin of the raft, skillfully bringing the conveyance home at a small dock. The boy nods at the party and Shalelu, who pays the remaining fee and gestures to the party to come on shore, Where to next? Do you have specific designs? A need for rest? It is getting late...


The boy seems eager to not contemplate Pinocchio further, The "Ferry"? ITs a big merchant crossroads so all sorts come an go. I hear its pretty friendly all considered with the Fort nearby and the wilds and the tribes to the north. Korvosa's wild land after all and we get our fair share of trouble but folks like that we have Magnimar to rely on but not be so close as to be breathing on our ears at a moments notice yeh?


The boy winces at the unnerving little wooden man but Shalelu is nothing if not polite in offering a formal elven greeting to Pinnochio.

After the pleasantries of the moment has passed the ranger guides the group onto the raft and the young Eamon pushes off across the lake.

Shalelu turns to the group, So. The Ferry. I take it you think something of what was happening in Magnimar has made its way here?


The elf purses her lips in contemplation as though to suggest she might not tell you why she is here but thinks better of it as she waves the group to follow her into the small bustling area on the shore,

I stopped in to talk to Ameiko and she mentioned where you were heading. I have meant, in my long-lived elven way, to make it to this area for some time and it occurred to me that if you were already here then I might help you and you might help me. I understand you task brings you to the Ferry while I myself might need to head to the Fort itself. I understand you may have some cachet with the Magnimarans...

Shalelu leads the group to a small but well constructed crossing raft manned by a youth of certainly no older than 14, I secured us crossing and Eamon here has been waiting patiently. Shall we cross to the town proper?


Uh weird. Sorry for the delay. I just realized that I straight up never posted. Apologies.

The group progresses through the forest and makes its way to a clear shore on the southwestern shore of Clay Bottom Lake, one of the main waterways , along with the Skull River, that serves as Turtleback Ferry's mercantile access to the rest of the area.

In a small milling village that serves as waterway access, with a variety of different small boats and larger brges loading and unloading good and people to take the very paths the group avoided, the party can see the town across the water beyond as the day is bright and clear.

More noticeable, however, is the lithe form of Shalelu Andosana who sees the group approaching and waves as she walks towards you.

Passing the people she closes with the group and ignores all other greetings to grab the wizard roughly and harshly push her lips against his. The moment lingers just long enough to be uncomfortable before she separates from Vidar and then cuffs his chest, Can you not even walk in the woods without getting into trouble?


The next few days pass uneventfully, the group seeing little other tha the occasional wild animal. Whatever bandits this area is meant to harbor clearly are nonexistent or wise enough not to test the party as it moves with direction and purpose once more.

On the third night as you make camp you check your bearings and believe that you are not far from your destination perhaps able to make it as soon as by next night fall.

Any last day prept before heading into town?


If they weren't already crazy cultists I would say the staring might drive them mad.

The men seem to take the point and offer no complaints when the party packs up camp the following day leaving minimal supplies and the two Skinsaw cultists tied to a tree.

The day promises to be cooler and somewhat dark in the wood but hopefully relatively clear of further threats. Away we go?


What do you want to do with your prisoners?


GM Fiat - This isn't worth the time it has taken ;p

It is clear soon what is going on. The last few survivors of the Judge's Skinsaw Cult ultimately sought revenge on the party, hopeful that in doing so they would instill some positive fortune for their remaining members.

While the Judge's direct contact with Xanesha was kept hidden from the cult these members had come to understand that the might have a cell out in the wilds in the direction the group was heading. (Not realizing that Xanesha's sister was in fact running her own cell and it wasn't necessarily an ally of the Magnimar cell. ) A few coins later in the hands of unscrupulous mercs and the party is being ambushed in the woods...


Sorry folks, snowpacalypse 2017 merged with my move this last weekend and really bad service resolution from Comcast. I'm actually back to a house, with Internet and not caring boxes in the rain. Posts to resume tomorrow.

-Posted with Wayfinder


Assuming a fast camp setup you can squeeze in enough time to see everyone isn't fatigued and gets enough rest.

The night passes "quietly" with the cultists becoming increasingly unnerved by Pinnocchio especially after long bouts of him not moving only to have him shift, angle or otherwise remind them of his very real livingness.

Once the group is situated the cultists seem eager for any other interaction than with the living toy.

You have your original "friend" and an older more grizzled man with a darker complexion who is the "leader" let me know who you start with or what not.


All evidence suggests that absent magical compulsion these guys are pretty hardy stock but sorta dopey. Based on what you know up until now they are part of the same group that Vidar lit on fire in the mill...I mean that Kithian killed...I mean that you all thwarted. They talk some but you know enough about these guys fanaticism that unless the magic users can loosen tongues you probably won't get much for exactly the reasons Cam is thinking of (Afterlife, secrets, etc.) but may be able to secure some basic info.


I agree

The next twenty minutes or so feature some small grumbling from the mercenary guards (a third on is revealed to have basically slept through the entire proceedings) as the mercenaries surrender mostly mundane weapons save for an enchanted hand axe (+1) and a potion of spider climb. The wizard's spellbook and pouches are turned over to Vidar as the mercenaries pack their camp and allow their items to be searched with Jutmerlum never far away to ensure compliance.

The cultists are stacked like cordwood to the side as the party takes over the camping spot. The half-orc archer bids the party well with a vague assurance to try to catch up in the future. With torches struck the mercenaries parade off into the forest, leaving the party with a pair of prisoners.


Camillo gets a withering stare from the captive, his friendliness now long replaced with a certain zealous distaste for the party.

The wizard mercenary for his part. Continues to keep his hands easily seen and leans out towards the darkness, Like I said, no hard feelings. You'll not see me or mine again...


The mercenary seems genuine in his willingness to walk away.


The wizard considers the small "halfling" and shrugs, I don't know much about Ragathiel but I know a bad job when I see it. My men attacked because that was the job. Coin in hand, its what mercenaries do. Its only in the last day or so I come to realize this isn't a standard grudge, leaders killed by an opposing gang, but rather the work or a right crazy type of fool. The wizard pushes the man at his feet with his boot.

We have no weapons trained upon you. I'm sure I will perish before I finish a magical flourish. I assume you have no interest in slaughter here, oh noble knight and I know when I am had. This fellow at my feet knows all that I know and more. Take the crazy one and let my remaining men return to the city to eat, drink, whore and do work for coin another day.


Sorry folks, family drama never ends...

There is a shuffling sound and a bit more chaos as the voice of the "boss" calls from the tent, Put the bows down.

The two guards warily do so as they eye the paladin. The tent flap then whips open as a bound body is thrown from the tent with a grunt, proceeded by a man with long slick backed black hair and a sharp v shaped beard. His robes and number of pouches mark him as a wizard.

The man stands in the colder night air and pushes his hair back as he sighs, How about you take the fanatic here. I go home with the losses stated and profits posted and we call it a day?


The guards startle at the sudden appearance of the small armored ploracle but seems to consider the words with actual concern.

One tilts his head to a tent and says, Boss?

There is a brief pause and then you can hear the words, Tell them I will be out to discuss terms. There is a sudden sharp bark of protest, presumably from a third voice that seems quickly shushed by the telltale sounds of fist on flesh...

One of the guards offers a hesitatnt smirk, Er uh...just a moment.

Any actions before the boss comes out of the tent?


Happy post gift giving holidays. Anyone else want to set up some actions?


Still struggling to be light on hi toes Kithia circles around the other side. Regardless the guards seem to settle content that the noise around them is fauna and not some greater threat. Now the party is positioned much like a pincer with the bulk of the group center and the half-orcs off to either side...


Give me another stealth roll Kithian.

Gmery:

hmm?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
hmm?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Framed in the light the more narrow of the two can be seen lifting a finger in the direction of the deer and hitting the arm or the other sentinel. Jutmerlum's movements are quiet as he moves one direction...


With prisoner in tow the group opts to push on into the forest, the light fading fast. It takes a few hours to traverse the woods but even with a new'y noncompliant cultist in tow the group notes a fire off in the distance. Approaching within 200 feet the party manages to shield itself from detection save Kithian who seems unconcerned both with where he is going or what he is looking for.

Sudden hushed exchanges at the campsite causes the group to pause as they note at least two people at the fire looking out into the darkness in their general direction. While two multi-person tents frame the forest behind the sentinels. For now the group is undetected but the guards are looking in earnest...

1 to 50 of 1,537 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>