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Havrin nods in agreement with his companions' suggestions to take the fight to the Stag Lord.
For what it's worth, I'm considering taking a level or two as an Inquisitor (of Erastil, of course) - just seems to kind of fit with where Havrin is going. That'll give us a bit more healing capability, but still no substitute for a main healer. And I agree with Jacyn and Count Buggula - more than once in my experience an emergency burst of healing has saved the party from a TPK.
Havrin will purchase 60 arrows.
As far as exploration goes, how about we escort Sabrina to the Temple of the Elk and then explore hexes C-5 and D-5, followed by the hexes noted on the map we found on the dead Lebeda scout that we haven't explored yet. For reference:
DM Carbide wrote: Incidentally, the map covers a fair chunk of the Stolen Lands--on the exploration map, it's hexes B-6; B-5 & C-5; A-4, B-4, & C-4; B-3, C-3, D-3, & E-3; and A-2, B-2, C-2, D-2, and E-2. There are notes describing the Temple of the Elk (the mapper fled the area when the bear emerged), "the old trading post" in E-2 (now belonging to the Levetons), the statue of Erastil that Stefan Ionescu mentioned, and a hot spring at the source of the Skunk River in B-4. With the notes, it'll only take half the time to explore any of the hexes on the map.
Congrats on your son's concert performance, DM Carbide!
Havrin chuckles at Bea's statement. "In that case, it might be a good idea to send them a message to let them know we're still on the job. We wouldn't want them to revoke our charters and send out new people while we're out exploring."
"Speaking of exploring, I'm going to need to purchase more arrows before we head back out. Where do we want to explore next?"
I'll pass on the +1 scale mail - too much of an armor check penalty for my taste.
If we're making wish lists, I wouldn't say no to a mithral chain shirt. And a way to enhance my bow.
Much better, thanks! Although now all three of my kids are sick - usually that process works the other way around...
Havrin joins Bea by the fire, listening to Adam's lute with the paladin in companionable silence.
Sorry for the absence! I've been sick as a dog since returning from San Francisco yesterday. Trying to catch up now.
Onward!
Havrin looks at Jacyn and shrugs.
Adam Burlevogne wrote: "I've heard tales that trolls regenerate their health, unless burned by fire. But I thought it only to be fictions. We have a ranger in the group, who might know for certain." Adam says from the horse, looking over at Havrin. "Your tales are not fiction but fact, Adam," Havrin replies. "Acid will also keep trolls from regenerating," he adds.
Knowledge (nature) check regarding trolls: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Havrin glances toward Bea and shares a knowing smile with the paladin at the halfling's behavior.
"Adam? Would you mind keeping track of the money for us?" Havrin asks as he passes the coinage to the Halfling bard. The ranger examines the damaged sword. "Maybe Oleg and Svetlana will know someone who can fix this for us. If we decide we don't need it we could at least sell it for a bit more coin."
Havrin says a prayer for the deceased trader and helps Bea and Jacyn finish digging the grave. Once the grim task is done and the trader is laid to rest, the stoic ranger suggests that the group continue on their way to the Levetons' trading post.
Before we leave, did the troll have anything of value on it? Havrin will take 20 searching it if necessary before helping to put all of the troll's remains to the torch.
Havrin drops from Stepper's back and stumbles over to the body of the troll's victim. The ranger searches the body for any identifiers as Bea and Jacyn begin digging a grave.
Perception check: Take 20 for a total of 29, or 31 if human.
Jacyn's Order of the Dragon Challenge is a circumstance bonus, so it stacks with Bless... Which I forgot to add into my attack modifiers... Not that a total of 12 for Havrin's sword attack would likely hit...
Note: In addition to firing an arrow last round, Havrin also directed Stepper to double move 100 ft to squares O,P-4,5 without provoking AoO from the troll.
Round Three:
Seeing Bea move in to attack, Havrin drops his bow and draws his greatsword. With a yell, he spurs Stepper to charge and attack the troll.
DC 10 Handle Animal check to get Stepper to attack the troll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Autosucceed DC 5 Ride check to guide Stepper with knees.
Stepper Charge Attack (Bite): 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 30 (charge, flanking with Bea, bless)
Stepper Bite Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Stepper Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 23 (charge, flanking with Bea, bless)
Additional Crit Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Havrin - DC 10 Ride check to be able to make greatsword attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Havrin Greatsword Attack (Charge): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11 (weakened, charge, flanking, bless)
Havrin Greatsword Damage: 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (5, 6) - 1 = 10
Havrin's AC following charge: 12
Havrin's HP: 31/31
Stepper's AC following charge: 15
Stepper's HP: 19/19
Really sorry to see Sabrina go (if she's gone).
I'd be in favor of recruiting a replacement if Sabrina bows out.
Havrin's Round 2 action is posted above: weakly shot another arrow at the troll, then directed Stepper to double-move 100 ft to squares O,P-4,5 without provoking AoO from the troll.
Guess we're just waiting to see what Katya summoned (I'm voting fire elemental!) and for Sabrina's action.
Round Two (continued):
Just noticed the link to the map (hey, tired ranger is tired...). During Round Two, after firing his shot, Havrin directs Stepper to double move 100 ft to squares O,P-4,5 without provoking AoO from the troll.
Round Two:
Havrin scowls when he sees his arrow expelled by the troll's body, leaving no sign of the wound behind. The tired ranger fits another arrow to his bowstring and fires at the ugly creature.
Weakened Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17 (bless, precise shot)
Weakened Longbow Damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Not sure if this counts as my Round 1 or Round 2 action - I'll leave it up to DM Carbide to decide.
Cursing his exhaustion, Havrin nocks an arrow to his bowstring and attempts to fire the missile at the troll battling Jacyn.
So it turns out that you can use a composite bow with a Strength rating higher than your Strength, you just take a -2 penalty to the attack and also apply your Strength penalty to the damage. Havrin currently has an effective Strength of 8 and an effective Dexterity of 10, so instead of his normal +8 to attack he's at +3, and he takes a -1 penalty to the damage... Yeah, let's see the troll regenerate that!
Weakened Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 (precise shot)
Weakened Longbow Damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
I'm going to be out of town for the next 3-4 days. My internet access will be sporadic at best, but I'll try to check in if possible.
I hate the thought of leaving a troll free to attack travelers on the road. However, Havrin's not going to be much help in this fight in his exhausted condition (-6 to both Strength and Dexterity, so he can't even draw his bowstring). Although if Katya rolls those awesome critical hits with her Scorching Ray like she did against the Tatzylwyrms, that troll will be toast!
DC 12 Fortitude save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Since I failed the Fortitude save against the bat-stench the previous day, does that cause Havrin to be exhausted today instead of fatigued?
Jacyn Frestarn wrote: Havrin Stahl wrote: Jacyn Frestarn wrote: Jacyn calls Havrin over to take a look at the rope with him, to see if the Ranger notices anything he may otherwise be missing, "The rope was definitely cut, though I can find no trace of someone standing over here to sabotage our friend. Do you think it could be... Jacyn leans in towards Havrin to continue speaking in nothing above a whisper, "a fey? The ones we ran into awhile back were pranksters, but this seems more insidious than anything they did." "As Adam said, some fey are more destructive than others. And even the ones who seem to be harmless pranksters can be quite harmful if antagonized or offended," Havrin responds to Jacyn's query. "I don't suppose you know of any ways to track something like that, other than by footprints, do you?" the half elf continues, trying to keep the tone of the conversation low in case anyone (not counting party members) is listening in. "Afraid not. We'll just have to be cautious... And try not to do anything that any fey-folk might find offensive," Havrin replies to Jacyn's question.
How about we head back to Oleg's by passing through hexes 1-C, 1-D, and pick up the road in 1-E?
Jacyn Frestarn wrote: Jacyn calls Havrin over to take a look at the rope with him, to see if the Ranger notices anything he may otherwise be missing, "The rope was definitely cut, though I can find no trace of someone standing over here to sabotage our friend. Do you think it could be... Jacyn leans in towards Havrin to continue speaking in nothing above a whisper, "a fey? The ones we ran into awhile back were pranksters, but this seems more insidious than anything they did." "As Adam said, some fey are more destructive than others. And even the ones who seem to be harmless pranksters can be quite harmful if antagonized or offended," Havrin responds to Jacyn's query.
Next morning:
DC 12 Fortitude save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Unlike his companions, Havrin reacts poorly to the bats' stench, coughing and hacking for most of the day.
I'm up for more exploring or heading back, whichever the rest of the group prefers.
DM Carbide wrote: The evening is quiet, and the next day is pleasant. I believe at this point you're heading back to the trading post, starting by going roughly ENE to the last unexplored area of forest, then looping southeast? That sounds good to me.
"I don't know, Adam," Havrin says, covering his mouth and nose with a cloth. "A hot springs? I'd think you could build a resort here. If you could do something about the smell..."
Jacyn Frestarn wrote: In response to Adam...
"Yes, it is quite nice. A fair bit more balanced than my own blade as well. If no one minda, I'd rather like to hold on to it, at least for now. I'll gladly donate my own longsword and a bit of gold to the rest of you to offset whatever loss you all would suffer from me keeping this particular bit of treasure."
"Don't worry about it, Jacyn. Keep the sword - it may come in useful if we encounter hostile fey. As for me, I'm happiest using my bow, and I've got cold iron arrows for that."
I like the thought of Bea as eventual Queen.
As far as a rulership role for Havrin goes, I picture him fitting best as either Marshal or Warden.
I agree that Adam would make a great Spymaster or Treasurer, and Katya would be a great Magister or Councilor. Sabrina would be perfect for High Priestess, and Jacy would be a great General or Warden.
Havrin glances up when he hears Katya ride off. A look of concern crosses his face and he prepares to climb aboard Stepper's back to ride after the mage, but he relaxes when he sees Jacyn follow her, confident that the two will be safe together.
Bea wrote: Beatrix strides back into view, looking refreshed and much calmer than before. She looks around a bit sheepishly but just shakes her head. "Well, I suppose we've wasted enough time here already. I'm sure we can travel plenty more ground before we set camp." "I wouldn't say our time was wasted," Havrin replies with a relaxed grin, satisfied with the work done to clear the brush around the statue. "But you're right... We've still got some daylight left, and more land to explore. Let's get to work!" the ranger exclaims, marking the statue's location on the group's map.
Thanks, Jacyn. Last week we never got above freezing; today we had highs in the mid-60's! Wacky weather!
Things were frozen down here in southwestern Virginia over the weekend. That jambalya sure sounded good, though!
At the Statue:
Havrin doffs his hat as he dismounts and kneels before the statue, bowing his head reverently. After a few moments of silent meditation, he sets about clearing the overgrown brush from the base of the statue.
Sorry! Got so wrapped up the the theological discussion that I forgot about the mystery of the unicorn's grave.
DM Carbide wrote: You happen to pass by where you buried the unicorn; the ground has already subsided where you mounded it up over the body, a change that (while expected) would normally have taken several weeks as the body decayed. Jacyn Frestarn wrote: "I'm a bit tempted to dig the grave up to see what caused it to degrade so but I've a feeling the body might already be gone...plus, I really don't think we need to desecrate the grave by digging it up." "I agree. We shouldn't dig up the grave, but I'll admit I am a bit curious as to why it's subsided so quickly," Havrin replies, moving carefully around the grave and searching for any signs of disturbance or other indications as to what may have happened.
Take 20 on Perception for total check of 29; 31 if this counts as forested terrain.
Sorry to leave you hanging there, Bea. Took me a while to find the time to craft a suitable reply.
Bea wrote: Beatrix is solemn and mostly quiet as they set about their work. Once they set camp and are eating their evening meal, she takes her plate and sits next to Havrin to eat. "It was a good prayer. I...well, I gave token homage to Erastil growing up, just 'cause that's expected 'round Brevoy, but I didn't exactly go to weekly sermons. I just...I really don't know much about him, I suppose. He's found some sort of favor in me, only he knows why, but I don't know his prayers or rites or anything - just that he likes families and good homes and such. Maybe I'd better ask the priest back at Oleg's, but I thought, you seem to know plenty about him..." "Thanks, Bea, but I don't know if I'd call myself particularly knowledgable," Havrin replies softly. "Worship of Erastil is really strong in the Medvyed lands near the Gronzi Forest where I grew up, but I have to admit that I was more like you when I was young... My homage to Ol' Deadeye was definitely of the token variety!" he says with an embarassed chuckle.
After a moment's reflection his face turns serious. "But all that changed when I learned that my father had been abducted by bandits in the Stolen Lands. I realized then that the most important things in life - to me, at least - are family and community. And I realized that banditry can destroy both of those things. That's when Erastil's message - to protect families and the community - really spoke to me. When I heard about the Swordlords' charters to explore the Stolen Lands and fight against the bandits, I took it as a sign from Ol' Deadeye: Here was the chance for me to strike back at the thing that threatens what He and I hold most dear."
"We've done that since we've been here. We protected Oleg and Svetlana by killing or capturing the bandits that threatened them, creating a safe place for a small community to begin to develop. And what's even more surprising is that in doing so, we've actually encouraged some of those same bandits to turn their lives around and begin to become contributing members of that community. I remember the priest back home saying that participating in the community and serving the people is a form of devotion. I can't presume to speak for a god, but I think Erastil would find the work that we're doing - the work that He's called you to do - more satisfying than any prayers or rites."
As the group buries the unicorn, Havrin says a prayer to Erastil, asking Ol' Deadeye to to guide the unicorn's spirit safely to the afterlife.
Once the burial is done, the ranger searches about for an appropriate campsite and helps his companions set up camp.
Survival check to look for tracks: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 17 - includes ranger bonus for tracking and Adam's inspiring command; if this counts as forested terrain, please add additional +2
Havrin studies the area, trying to find some clue as to who or what killed the unicorn.
DM Carbide, what would be the appropriate skill to use?
"So was it blind, I wonder? I don't think I've ever heard of blind unicorn," Havrin muses upon Katya's confirmation that milky white eyes are not normal for unicorns.
"We should move the body away from the water and give it a proper burial," the ranger suggests. "To just leave it here as it is seems so... disrespectful."
"I've never seen a real unicorn before, and it saddens me to see what's happened to this poor creature. Do they normally have milky white eyes?"
"Notice the insects? They won't approach the body," Havrin quietly informs his companions. "Let me get a better look before anyone touches it." The ranger dismounts from Stepper and warily approaches the equine form, arrow still nocked to bowstring as he moves around the body.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 - plus additional +2 if this area counts as forest terrain.
Havrin nocks an arrow to his bowstring and guides Stepper toward the clearing, silently motioning for his companions to follow.
We're in hex B-6, correct? If so, I still vote we explore hex A-6 next and check out the rumor of the dead horse, then hex B-5 to find the statue of Erastil, then decide if we want to head back to Oleg's or keep exploring.
"This should come in quite handy," Havrin comments as he examines the map from the scroll tube and compares it to the one that the group is preparing. "Let's give this poor Lebedan a proper burial and then continue on with our explorations."
DM Carbide, was there a name on the map, stein, or silver ring that might indicate who the Lebedan was? Is the ring a signet ring?
Also, can we check to see if the scale mail and/or longsword are magical?
"Your keen ears heard the jingling of something, at least," Havrin replies, peering into the moldering backpack.
Map's still not working for me. I'm on IE 9. It works on my wife's IPad, though.
"Several bones!" Havrin calls back in reponse to Bea's question. "Looks to have been one poor soul. There's a suit of scale mail in remarkably good shape, plus a longsword and the remains of a backpack," he adds, bending down to examine the items in more detail.
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