Veshly's page

Abebe gets Aya's report and looks at the battle. Both are using disabling shots, reasonable for both customs and pirates wanting to control ships. First Abebe tells Aya, "Aya, keep scanning the area but every so often check on the two combatants and update any change in status. Thanks." Abebe keys the com and reports to the crew, "Looks like Happy is running for a jump point, Barker is closing and they are tossing EMP missiles at each other. We'll see how that turns out. So what's happening with the rest of you?" Abebe settles into the pilot seat.

Abebe hears the Captains call, and replies, "Let me check the pilot controls, and I'll be on it soonest." He then asks Aya, "Are you good for holding relative station while I attend to our guests?"

Assuming the Aya is okay, he heads toward the main cabin when Navarre's voice pops up in his ear's comlink. He says, "Uhm, maybe. Just how many guests are we to have? Angie and how many officials, three I think? So four people it seems unless you saw more. Actually I'm more worried about life support, the last engineering report was not too encouraging. Can it handle nine for long? Could you check on that?" Abebe will try to make the cabin as comfortable as possible.

Steward(EDU or SOC): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 No mods for skill or stats

Abebe listens to the report on their legal status from their host, "Okay we're adults, enough anyway, and anybody can be Captain so, Navarre, would you like to job of being responsible for this crew of rapscallions?" He also looks over any data on system the particularly looking for how much demand there is for the cargo they are carrying.

"Oh and I'd would go for armor over weapons because I don't know how to use any guns, but I'll support your judgement whatever you chose."

I did find them just had to go hunting, but thanks actually that will work. I'll copy them to my profile as well, but if it was posted in the campaign tab it could be updated by GM_Panic as needed, if more info came in.

Thanks GM_Panic for that explanation, while I'm not too sure about it being realistic in the sense of how technological progression has worked, say how good Alan Shepard (Mercury spacecraft) would be piloting a TL 14 ship's boat; it's more than good enough for simplifying tech differences.

One other point, the Aslan scout has Thrusters. Now in standard Traveller these are reactionless drives which are as "magical" as Jump drives or artificial gravity. If they are Newtonian drives (or even Einstein no real difference if not heading to light speed) then with the limited mass on board it would have only a few minutes of 1g acceleration. More precisely Delta V (change in velocity) would be very limited. It comes down to very long orbital times to get from one planet to another. Probably doesn't matter for getting to the 100 diameter safe jump point to much but further could take months or years to get around within a solar system.

Again your game your rules, but as the pilot I'd like to know how this will work in the future. The webcomic "Freefall", quite funny, pointed this out a while ago when a ship transferred from a planet to a distant station. The ship took off and then received multiple loads of reaction mass from somewhere as it traveled to keep up it's high velocity.

The rocket equations are harsh and cruel, and no matter how efficient a drive is, at a certain and quickly reached point, you must lose a large percentage of mass to move the rest.

And once again, I've used too many words, so good night and thanks for running this.

Yes, they are cool, anyone going to wake me up? I put Abebe to sleep because it was logical and funny. I already posted actions, if woken.

More than ready just someone, even the ship, has to wake me up, it was a long day.

Also I'm going to bed will post in the morning, not snoozing in or out of character.

Abebe says, "Not a bad idea Boom Boom, our new friend, Steed, can look after herself, Rusty not so much. Who wants to drive?"

Replying to Cable Abebe says, "Okay, Doc whatever you say." Abebe lies down and cooperates with Cable on being examined and any treatment that they want to do.

"Let's take what we can and book it back I suspect our families are getting more than a little worried now." Abebe comments, then adds, "Umh, She who flies, do you need a crew for anything to operate? It seems you can pilot yourself. Also any volunteers to drive Rusty back? I should probably be the one to do it but while my injuries are not that serious, I would not want to do that alone." Abebe seems a bit reluctant to his responsibly back without backup.

"Actually Cable when you treat my wounds, you should check if I'm good for hours of driving expensive equipment. I feel workable for now but I'm not sure about many hours, it's not like we aren't all pretty tired. What time is it anyway?"

Abebe, Navarre and Cable spark a torrent of information from our friendly ship. While half-listening to ship's and others' Q and A, he goes to a screen to look over the ship's specifications. He shoulder sags as he mutters to himself, "Completely economically non-viable. Eh think later."

To everyone "So much to deal with but first stop getting killed."

To Cable, "I'll help Cable"

As Cable goes over what is needed to adapt the ship available oxygen tanks, Monger goes to help.

Vacc Suit(INT): 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 + 2 = 10 help adapt and charge the vacc suits.

Prepare for mission to massacre an insane A.I., disable hostile weapons etc.

Just figured that out!

Uhm, beside preparation of tools and handing them to the guy doing the work what else can I do? Like a nurse that sets up a tray full of medical instruments and quickly hands them to the guy working. Or like a pit stop where there is someone that marks and lines up the tools to hand to the guy doing the work for the car to be quickly fixed. Abebe doesn't have engineering skill so he doesn't know exactly what is needed but can recognize tools and hand them quickly when asked, saving the engineer time which we do not have much of.

I am not a mechanic or engineer so I don't know how to detail it more than that; Abebe has more skill than I do. So I do not know what you are looking for besides what I already said. Suggestions welcome.

Edit :Further clarification: Abebe is not taking the lead or making any choice of approach, he's ready to assist whoever really does the job whatever they decide.

GM_Panic

I'd like a little clarification on this world. An atmosphere of 2 is technically breathable with aids. At 1 is basically Mars, 0 is the moon. The UWP/UPP (Note:Universal Planetary Profile was changed to Universal World Profile to reduce confusion with the Universal Personality Profile.) given was A425BCG-2 that does not match the description of the 8,000 population of the Rock. While the Traveller default is to only list the Mainworld UWP In this case it would be good if we had the UWP for each of the three inhabited worlds.

It seems to me that if vacc suits are required, that the atmosphere code should be 0 or 1. 0 would match the map we found (little to no signs of erosion). 1 would match the picture of our world provided better though. If there is a measurable atmosphere what is it made of? If Oxygen is in any of its components then something that takes out or refines any compounds with oxygen in it would be needed equipment for a long trek. Even 20Km in very low or no atmosphere will take a good while with low tech equipment.

Also the very high law would, according to RAW, mean that guns and armor are heavily restricted. People without authorization would be severely punished for any possession of any weapon or armor. Morever the number of full time solders or police or militia, with only 150 in the clan, would have to be very small. Most likely 1-2% or maybe 3 people. There might be reason to allow more armed people but if too many it would imply a lower law level, if everyone is authorized it's had to see the law as that restrictive.

"Good to see you, Feeder of Many, We Uh, found something that seems Aslan and we have a doc from it we think is written and wondered what it says."

Abebe turns and waves at his friend Digger Boom, "Hey Boom-Boom come over, this may interest you too."

Waves the document forward from whoever has it.
Welcome aboard Digger Boom!

Never met Greg Stafford in person, but did talk to him on the phone briefly, he did seem nice over the phone. That was about an early crowdfunding of Robin Law's Heroquest. Wow, it has been over five years since his passing.

The stat bonus works similar to Pathfinder or DnD 3+. The Stat conversion table is on page 6. Good idea, I'll put the mods on my profile in a few minutes.

Played my first game of Dnd first Sat. in June a few weeks after Star Wars first appeared. It was of course original DnD before Advanced or Basic set DnD ever existed.

Okay GM__Panic but I did add a setting item of a battered but functional cargo plane that forms a good chunk of my background, something like the very reliable DC-3 last produced in 1943 civilian or 1950 military still flying today. (Note not a real 1943 DC-3 after 37 centuries, an authentic working one would be more valuable than the planet maybe the whole system!) So there may be some longer trips for meetings, rapidly getting parts, medical purposes, etc. Up to you of course but if no plane I have to rewrite my background and skill choices.

Yep, two old men remembering the "good old days" before the young whippersnappers as eyes are rolled. :)

Hi everyone, I see some familiar "faces", glad to see you again.

As a general note I'm a senior citizen with many decades of role-play experience. I first played first edition Traveller in 1978 just one year after its release. Not played it often since but still look for games when they appear. I'm now in the Eastern time zone of the U.S.A.

With the small size of the clan I'm sure everyone has, at least, met everyone in the shaft. But with long study and work hours, true friends are likely less common, just not enough time.

GM_Panic : Just how often do people leave the shaft and where do they mostly go? Elsewhere on the rock or off-world? How does the clan view those that leave? As the lucky one? Indifferent? Or like the Amish to be shunned or worse if they leave? Is it even legal or is leaving an escape like Logan's Run with the Guard on the heels of the those so ungrateful as to abandon the clan?

As he nurses his drink Abebe sees Two-Fingers come in with Cable almost on his heels. He pulls for his friends the preferred drinks from the bar, boozy or not, and brings them over to Navarre's and Nate's table on a battered but well balance tray. On his way has waves at Venssa, saying, "Venssa, stop moping over there and join us." He sets the tray down and says hi to everyone and then, know he was about as good with sensors as Navarre he says, "Happy to help with that thing Navarre, if you want." He sits down hoping that their little clique gets together, if Venssa doesn't mope out the way it's often been since she joined the Guard.

At farmhouse

Sorry, I messed up: Kofeza is the late paternal grandmother of Joras, Renetta is his living mother. Please make any adjustment needed to fix this, my bad entirely.

Dramatis personae

Jorah Iggins father Uhlam brownish - red hair short and squat
Renetta Iggins mother Mihrinis - black and white hair sharp featured thin.
Jent Iggins older brother copy of dad
Joras Iggis our lovable PC Russet hair short height Generic mix in looks
Maretta Iggins Younger sister Mix of white and blond mostly looks blond. Inch taller than Joras.

Trafar Renges grandfather - father of Renatta caravaneer
Jostria Renges grandmother - mother of Renatta caravaneer

His parents and grandparents fuss in a quiet way as they make their way home at the nearby farmhouse. A burst of noise occurs as he enters, cries from his brother Jent and sister Maretta. After a bit Jent reverts to his stoic way, just saying, "Glad you made it brother." Maretta, of course, goes for the snark, "Never do what you're told, Joras! You are not suppposed to be an adventurer!" Once again glares from her parents and grandparents, cause her to wilt for a bit, but not for long as she presses Joras for details. His answers, noting the bravery and contributions of the other members of the party and not pushing his own much. As night falls exhaustion overcomes all from all the deep feelings. Joras fall into a fitful sleep but wakes in the wee hours before the morning.

Joras slips out very quietly and goes toward town. He is sure that there is a careful watch being done by the rangers but easily slips past the town guard, any gates not yet full shut in this peaceful village. As he comes up on the now silent Seven Silvers, a hand drops on his shoulder, a jaw lined up on his ear so the whisper of a whisper is heard more by bone than by air. "Not good boy.", the voice of his Uncle Jimes washes over him. "Could have cut your throat twice by now." Impossible as it seems Joras is then wrapped in a bear hug by his Uncle. "Glad you made it back, I do hope you weren't brave though let the bigges do the hard work." Joras, using the same method, whispers back, "Yeah, well their may have been one or two brave things but nothing compared to the others." He give a very brief recounting, mostly about what little he knows about the invaders of the tomb. "They wanted something. The ghost of Kassen, assuming that was truly him, thinks it was the location of a place of dark and dangerous power. If so, there is great risk to everybody, everywhere." Jimes seems a bit unconvinced, "Sounds like a far fetched thing, Kassen, place, person, or ghost, is not that interesting. But I guess I can look into it." Joras says, "I'd like to know whatever you learn Uncle, be well, I have one more person to meet tonight"

Joras slithers around to the window for Jocyn, quietly opening it with well-oiled slickness but letting the copper coin drop with a distinct clink. Jocyn shorts the quietly says, "I knew you would come about, it's too dark for harrowing tales, so just tell me how well a taught you." Swiftly, Joras tells of what he did well, what he learned, and what he failed at. He tell a bit about what he knows and surmises about the greedy people that caused this. He finishes with, "I can't be sure of what the true goals of the tomb raiders were, but If the warning of Kassen is true then there is much trouble ahead. If you can think of anything more, let me know, Maestro." As nautical twilight fades, Joras swiftly, but quietly returns to his bed.

At the council meeting

I do not know if you meant for Joras's mother to be on the council or not, let me know, I'll try to make any amends needed, my apologies.

Dramatis personae

The council

Mayor Uptal
Father Prasst
Captain Wisslo
Guildmaster Vetnar
Renetta Iggins

The other invitees

Perri Perun
Dimira
Sir Dramott
Arnama Lastrid
Holgast

The PC's

Brandark
Conrad
Joras
Miron
Roya

Joras recounts the story in quick and somewhat barebones way. Describing the trip there he, subtly tries to emphasize the way in which the approach took place made them somewhat suspicious it was all a prank on them. The shock at the scene at the entrance to the tomb is made vivid, but he downplays the rest of the horror not wanting to relive it for anyone. He praises, Perri's good advice, oft not followed, Conrad front line stance in the face of many wounds. He follows with notice Brandarks quiet patience and his many contributions, getting there and back finding our way, and his constant support. He notes that Miron took many risks and unpleasant tasks such as the pool dive on himself. "Still without the gods favor, embodied in Roya's strong faith in Erastil, we could not have prevailed. Thanks to Erastil and Shelyn we won through." He gives the impression that his contributions are limited to his supportive music and a few minor magic tricks and he completely leaves out the embarrassing use of the prestidigitation spell to clean everyone up.

He then tries to convey that the danger is not passed some of the raiders seems to have made it out with more ill intent but that is exactly how that involves the town is unclear.

Knowledge:Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Anything about the council that he should know about he will use to shade his report accordingly.

Finally back up after much bustle and bother, in the new place. I'm now in the Easter time zone of the U.S.

I admit to being a bit overwhelmed by all that has happened but nice to see the end of adventure 1. Will post shortly in gameplay updated what (little) Joras did. Expect to take a day or so to do the upgrades to my character.

Finally back up after much bustle and bother, in the new place. I'm now in the Easter time zone of the U.S.

Bomb threats? Those belong to role-play games not RL. Stay safe Erryll.

I'm even busier with the final packing with a million things to do and I move this weekend so this is my last post until I get internet up at my soon to be new home. Bot me until I back, hopefully in about a week or so.

My Preferences
Experience: Milestone Leveling
Hit Points: If the DM likes Max HP for everything I have no objections but I also like Half HD for shorter combats
Background Skills: Yes
Favored Class Bonus Expansion: Either way here.
Traits: Yes
Free Story Feat: Yes

Will have to think about what I'd want in leveling, no time for it now.

See ya soon, I hope!

At Erryll Reyven II dramatic statement Nic's eyes widen in shock. After briefly considering climbing to the highest point in town and jumping off into the wilderness, turns to his hapless guide, spreading arms, and feebling mouthing the word 'help'.

He then looks over the crowd and in his rather dim way, tries to assess the damage.

Not sure what to roll or if there is anything to be done at all. :(

Joras thought he was prepared for anything; he was wrong. The horrific sights presented to his unbelieving eyes leaves him stunned for a second as he regrets his now water dwelling sword or his trusty mandolin safe beyond the flooded areas but useless to him but he still can do a few things.

His eye is drawn to the everflame wondering Why is that still lit? Unless the abomination can't deal with it? Joras quietly says to anyone near, Miron , Brandark, or Roya most likely, "Maybe light a torch from the everlight? It might be enhanced because that thing would have extinguished that light if it could."

Joras then begins his bold singing of the triumph of righteous warriors in the face of unholy evil. His mind is prepared to later switch to using his healing for defense or offense.

Inspire courage +1 (+1 morale bonus on S.T. against charm and fear, a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage.)

I'd give Dm Joseph Rauel to the 16th to chime in at least. After that it's starts to become reasonable to believe he will not return with no message at all. I would like to go on if possible it's been a bit slow at times but I'm okay with that because this has been a very enjoyable experience with a great group of people.

Still I'm a bit slow in posting b/c RL but that should be over (knock on wood) by the end of September. So with that all in mind I welcome your offer GM Polyfrequencies with thanks.

Sad to see you go Zirelle, you were the linchpin. Hope things are good for you.

RL comes first always. Hope that your recovery is swift and complete, Zirelle.

Our little minstrel says, his voice wavering, "This might not be a good idea can the room be checked?", a bit too late to matter.

Joras hangs back with everyone else filing past as he becomes lost in memories.

Flashback - years ago in the time of the tragic flood.

The harsh winter breaks with a freak heatwave and pouring rains. The land is swiftly flooded. Joras' grandparents, Jipp and Kofeza, both strong, lift the sandbag atop the improvised levee while Jorah and his sons help fill the bags with sand swiftly getting soaked. Sudden lighting shows a leak. Jipp shouts "The end may fall it would flood the neighboring hallow." Jipp and Kofeza run to the end bags in hand weighting it down but it tilts just enough, they fall over and the torrent sends them down the river as Joras stands transfixed with terror.

Days later the woodsmen bring in the bodies embraced in death, found downriver on the banks. The funeral was bleak and the day cold and clammy. Young Joras huddles in misery feeling that somehow he failed them.

Now

Joras hears the cries of battle coming from around the corner while gripped in his waking nightmare.

Weakly his tuneless voice croaks out, "What's .. What's happening?" Joras begins shaking while the little food he had in him considers making a break for exiting.

At the terrible sight of the exploding zombies, at first oddly feels imspired to hope. This is quickly dashed as even more of the horrors enter the room. Joras wonders if there is any chance for them to survive this endless onslaught of the evil that fills this formerly holy place.

Bereft of ideas, Joras continues playing but the mood of his piece changes a bit while continuing its theme of defiance against great odds, but with the notion that a courageous retreat is not dishonorable.

A very valid point but absent the kinds of interaction a live session has it is difficult where to draw the line, and I don't have clear guidance on how this is viewed by the GM. And I'm very detailed oriented person. Just asking questions is how I find out just where the lines are drawn. But I'll roll with however the GM wants to play it. I'd like to move forward myself, I've said all I need to say, my last gameplay post was more a flavor thing then anything else. I tend to make minor posts if the game appears to be slowing down. I try to make them meaningful but not critical, I don't always succeed.

Joras shruggs off Perri's ire, being in a shrugging mood. "I did not ever say that you weren't being practical Perri;I just thought trying to save a maybe life or at least a body for burial was the right thing to do, not the smart thing."

He looks worried at Perri's and Conrad's exchange but see not way to help at this time. At the suggestion that we try to move the broken man, he says, "Okay, this room may be close to where we left him or not i'm a bit twisted about. Let me think."

Bardic Knowledge:K-Geography: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Which door likely leads where?

He looks over both doors, indecisively, choosing the one he thinks is best to get to Roldare. Joras tries the door he selected and opens it if possible and takes a look down it, saying, "Maybe this door?"

The roll is to determine if he picks the right door. Make any other rolls that may be needed, please.

Chronomacy part ii

Joras flashes a smile and waves jauntily at Brandark as he almost ghostwalks up the stairs, his smile fading to a concerned frown as he head into the dark.

In the dark

Joras hears the unnerving chittering that grate across his nerves almost as badly as off-pitch songs. The dragging sound brings to mind the broken man desperate plea to save his sister Dimira. He slithers his cloak around the pouch to cover any light and slides the pebble into his hand and closes a fist around it.

A pause as he remembers a lesson Uncle Jimes drilled into him. "Ya gotta use light and shadow right boy. Too many nosey people are like the poufy elves or grim dwarves, ye cannot depend on shadow but it can hurt you. And change of light can dazzle you. So what to do? If you're in the dark but think that light's a coming close your eyes. What good is that? I'll tell you. After, you open one eye slowly. Not so dazzling then. Also you keep the other closed. Why, because it's ready to see in the dark. Get away, even turn away from the light and you have an eye that might see something in shadows." The memory fades as Joras prepares to do something really dumb and brave.

He closes his eyes to the total darkness, and throws the stone about where he heard the dragging. After releasing the stone he places in hand in front of his face, cracking his right eye open a tiny slit to judge the light and his shading hand. As he adjusts, slightly keeping the worst of the light shaded, but with enough to see around the room, he tries to memorize the image before him;prepared to tumble back down the stairs if things are as bad as he suspects.

It appears I waited just a bit too long to make a timely post, but really the bacon and eggs were begging to be cooked and eaten. It's totally their fault!

Some updates to the profile and some extra story here.

Adding the above for Orchid since she might remember him. I kept it vague so Orchid could take the lead in what the past relations between them was.

While I don't want to try to write a connection this early with everyone posting such excellent entries, I do have to note the arrival of a rival.

Mateo's overall very similar in what he does to Ladarrion so here's the start to a rivalry (between the characters of course!).

More refining to come, tired now, yesterday was exhausting. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Sorry to see you go Jhaeman, RL gets in the way sometimes, have Happy Holidays, and good luck on better days ahead.

Joras concentrates to block out the chatter, as he listens for a response, that turns out to just bring up more questions.

Joras mutters, ""Kinda sounds familiar, thinking..."

Bardic Knowledge:Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Try to understand what he heard means.

"Lots of undead are mindless but many are not also, the good father give a speech on that once. Of course we don't know if the person on the other side of the door isn't one of them too." Joras finishes warily.

Remember we're kids facing an unexpected and serious crisis with slaughtered people around. Overdoing things and being otherwise less than optimal is totally in character.

As Joras looks out into the western room, he hears the others tramp up the east stairs. Knowing that in all the stories of adventures the one that goes off on his own is the first to die, he drops the light and scurries back to the others. "Wait for me guys, just a room with a pool of water here."

Joras uses both standard and move actions to move for a total of 40 feet or 8 squares ending up just behind Perri.

Sorry for slow posting, dealing with a broken car. In better news, my tests came back negative for anything really bad, just more of minor issues from getting old. May be a day or two to deal with the Google Slides thing but will do A.S.A.P.

I'm back, everything went fine, now just have to wait for the report. Thanks for all the good wishes.

Joras waits till they are just out of the gate and unlimbers his mandolin, takes out his pick and plays a somber tune to open as the day goes on he performs a number of song along the way, but largely saving his voice for his questions or the future.

Somber songs in this style to open.
You tube music link

Lighter fare to keep sprits up.
Another

Between the songs he look out for anything interesting especially how the forest trained do what they do so he can start applying what he has heard to the real world.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Check surroundings and watch the woodwise.

After a couple of hours he says to all "Looks like a good place to break for lunch, isn't it? Wouldn't mind taking a load off." He seems cheery and actually not that tired.

If Joras is carrying both backpacks then he is slowed to 15' speed, if not then 20'.

Gameplay 1

The sun's rays fall over a handsome timber-beamed whitewashed farmhouse as the rooster loudly crows his dominion over the area. Joras's eyes open and he as the light hits him he wonders why he has already been awakened then remember this is the day.

He jumps out of bed, quickly washing and dressing. He stretches' his arms toward the towering 5 foot ceiling, falling as far short as ever. He zips down the outer stairs, and starts the most necessary daily chores of feeding the poultry, pigs, and milking the cow. He brings it to the kitchen where a surprise is waiting.

His family is all waiting for him, beaming. Joras set down the milk with a what's up expression on his face. His father brings out a case and sets it in front of Joras. Joras opens it and inside is a Mandolin. "Think we would let you set out on Everflame Day without a instrument of your own, Joras? A day to celebrate, now a hardy dayfest to start off." The family spread is not much more than a normal one but his favorite eggs with crisp bacon is featured.

The general chatter is about the event but Maretta is pouting, with Renetta beginning the mother's warning look when Joras talks to his little sister. "Don't pout, Maretta, in a few years there will be another soon." Maretta, wary with the Mom look on her, slightly whines, "But it's not fair! If Roya is old enough to go, I should be too. She doesn't even come around to play anymore." Joras shakes his head and kindly says, "It is sad she doesn't have as much time for play but see that's a price she paying to be there. Once Erastil showed his favor to her, well she has to work very hard to fulfil his will now. Do you really want to have all your playtime go away in hard work now?" Maretta seems a bit unconvinced by her brother's explanation but attracting frowns from everyone else she decides silence is better right now.

His brother, Jent, leans over to Joras saying, "Playtime is over for you too, after today, unless all you are going to do it Play-time" Joras laughs at that saying, "That's an awkward pun Jent, you'll have to do better than that. Anyway I'd love to make a living from music but this town can barely support one entertainer much less two. I don't know what the future holds for me, oh you heir to the estate but I'll make do somehow, I'm sure. Hey if today goes well maybe I can be a adventurer!" Joras strikes a comically heroic pose, stretches himself to his full height only an inch short of his little sister. His mother snorts her dismissal, and says, Erastil forbid! No such harmful ways and if today the captain lets any harm befall anyone, I'll box his ears even if I need a ladder to do it." Joras quietly says, "That wouldn't help Mom."

The rest of the morning passes with Joras getting ready, playing music, ordinary events. Then the knock at the door. "Come in we're ready in a moment." And it any that wanted to walk with this family on there way to the opening ceremonies is there.

Open invitation to any and all

I don't know how long a trip its suppose to be so food for a halfling for the expected time away, some at least. Wearing his best i.e. explorer's outfit. If it is not cold then he leaves the others home. If no overnight is expected then leaves the bedroll, it's not like he carries a lot anyway. Armor and weapons go of course even though he knows its not really dangerous. I mean they would have heard if kids are routinely killed or hurt on these days, this town couldn't keep that secret or any other for long.

I'll provide some more of my often unsolicited advice but if DmJR would like me to refrain from further comments I'd be glad to comply.

@Aldmus and @Zousha
Wizards are very versatile classes I could see two selected, especially in a party of six, just work to make them quite distinct while having the same mentor. Perhaps Aldus takes no transmutation spells and Zousha takes no conjurations. Given all that our illustrious DM has said so far I suspect the quality of the character concept and its role-play potential will weigh more than the details of a build or even class choice.

@Slowdrifter
How much a cleric is a melee combatant is depends more on the stats you select. Once a player in a game I was in made a cleric with a 10 STR and put most of his stats into WIS and CHR. He did wear heavy armor and was at heavy encumbrance. In battle he stood near the front line and healed away. In real life even conscientious objectors that are medics wear helmets in combat zones.

My issue with ecclesitheurge is that Channel Energy is so useful as is adding more varied uses comes at a significant opportunity cost even more than the proficiencies lost. IMHO. In any case with this one I strongly suggest a high charisma, possibly even higher than your wisdom.

I like to suggest the Herald Caller archetype even though the loss of a domain choice is heavy along with reduced armor etc. but switching spells for summons can be very useful and more for defense than offense, the attacks of summoned creatures are often in my experience disappointing but their ability to distract the enemy helps with defense. And you still can wear light armor and keep your deity's weapon, if you choose Erastil that give you longbow and you could help with hunting, an act of worship for those followers. What I like about it is that it gives an increase in skills as well but that might be my personal interest, so consider my advice with that in mind.(I'm not actually sure that ecclesitheurge disallows the deity favorite weapon boon or not but it might).

But again, write a background for a good story then build to that end and see what happens. Hope that helps.

Albus takes leave of the party. Making sure that he is not followed, then he looks for the markings few know, and makes the his own, and starts for the old trails, the secret trails, the ones that can lead to only one place for one reason, The Place of Meeting. He swiftly moves, time without time passes, minutes or days, hours or months, time ceases to have meaning.

He draws near, now that which holds him must go. He stops and reverently takes it from his neck and hangs the Sword and Sun from a tree. "I love and honor you Lady of Valor, but this is of the old and not a place for the new gods." He goes forth as he must, passing into a valley like many others, like few others. Open and hidden, far and near, the sacred road leads deeper into a wood that knows not civilization, ancient and younger, everlasting. He strips, weapons, armor, he all equipment, and his clothes. Last he takes off the The Antlered Bow and the arrow.

Speaking the old words, he memorized in a language long dead, spoken only here. "I leave the bow behind, to go before the bow, before the herds, to the first hunt."

Naked, a weak shivering creature, hungry and afraid creeps forward. A moment of enlightenment and the miserable being picks a rock and throws it. It hits nothing but the creature is not deterred and take a rock and strike it against another. With the sharp edge created a quick strike and a straight branch falls. A few strikes and a crude spear forms. The creature looks for prey and quietly comes upon a herd, one is lame. A spear is thrown, hits, and the prey is dead. The herd flees, and the hunter takes his due, marking his face and body in the blood of the kill. After making offerings to the Lord of the Hunt, he wraps the meat in the skin of the beast, bringing it forth.

The Place is close now, the hunter calls out - is it even language? "A hunter comes bringing food for the tribe!" He strides forward the clearing in sight. He stops, the rhythm of the hunt falters. He thrusts the spear deep into the ground and snaps it in twain, and abandons it. "A hunter is lost, I do not know the path I must take." Now there seems no path to the clearing but a firefly buzzes by and the hunter follows.

An ordinary clearing like many others, like no other. The Place that is not here or there. The Place of Meeting. The hunter moves forward, the future behind him, toward the center beyond which is the silence before a word was first spoken. To his left, always left, are the fires that burn with hellish hate, to his right, always right, is the light that glows with heavenly love. He prostrates himself before a shrine so old and crude as to have no form. In the quiet, he pushes forth the skin and meat before the shrine. In the first words, the only words, he says, "A hunter brings meat for the tribe. But a hunter is lost, my path unknown to me. I beseech thee-please guide me." Now there are others here, some seem familiar, is that the village fey? Is that a relative? Such questions seem small, now. A voice says gruffly but with love, "Why is the hunter lost?'

The young hunter says "I killed a child, a child of blood not unlike my own. A child poisoned by the bad wolf, the wolf that steals the hearts of men, woman, and children. A child stolen, tortured, betrayed, changed, brought to evil, and I killed her to save another. I could not find the path to save her. I should have found a way, I did not. I need to believe I can find a path again. Without a path I'll be forever lost."

The hunter waits for the those of wisdom, those of age, those of agelessness to offer or spurn guidance.

The hunter does seem to be a good balance between Ranger and Druid. I never thought the spells a ranger had was a good idea. Just didn't seem to fit for me and was weak, the main use was that rangers could use some good magic items non-casters couldn't but just not worth the bother in my (not-at-all) humble opinion.

I did look over our stats as a group, Str and Chr are our highs and Int is our low. Autumn's the smart one which seems right. I, as the roguish ranger, have the Dex high, everyone else follows their class expected stat.

Albus waits for the others to act while he struggles with the anticipation of the crowd. This is disheartening, life not death should be celebrated. Time stretches out and no one acts as the crowd grows restless. Albus takes the bag from Aelerie, waits for crowd to quiet down, lefts it up, and says, "Here is what you want, a villian true and properly deal with. He is the author of the madness that afflicted helpless women and children. Some of the rumors you've heard are true, a mad child slays an orphanage, terribly, and the spirits of the murdered manifested in anger. what had to be done was done, what may have had to be done was done. The werewolves are dead, and to some justice was done."

Albus opens the bag and places the head of the grown werewolf on the pike, letting the crowd yell out its fury. Then as the noise dies down he continues, "But it should not be overlooked that this fiend attacked a helpless child and cursed her. Made her a monster, An attempt was made to help her but fumbled from ignorance and failure to stand with her community, tragedy compounded. Celebrate the fall of a monster but never forget that what befell this child could have happened to any child here."

Albus points to some parents in the town. "To your child, or yours, or even yours. Great or small, a brief moment and a child is lost. Watch over your children, but that is not possible every moment, so consider the value of mercy, you may need it for you and yours. I failed to save one child to protect others. I would say not again, but that is a promise I cannot make, no one can, with all the will in the world, no one can be everywhere at once. So pray for deliverance from your gods. May the Forest Father open your hearts, to love and keep your neighbor. May the Inheritor send champions better and stronger, to bring her light to the this land. This day you are safer, take joy in that, but always be aware of the price that was paid for that." Albus sits down absently petting Whisper as his ghosts haunt him.

Albus snaps awake as Virdel slaps at him. He feels the metal of the King's axe dig painfully under him hoping that the feeling that the axe is gleefully doing so is but a fancy born of pain. As Albus rises, griping his axe, he doesn't attack the king but sweeps the King's axe well behind himself.

AOO presented, but Albus is attempting to not give much scope to the king to retrieve the axe. He'd rather be attacked himself.

1d20 ⇒ 2 Not sure of this action, attack vs inanimate object maybe? Apply whatever mod to pushing King's axe out of his reach needed, good or bad.

A bit complicated I know but, keeping the axe from the king seems a really good idea.

While keeping an eye out Rani joins in the fun, just not too loudly.

"What kinds of wizards can jump higher than a mountain?

One beat later,

" All of them, mountains don’t jump!

Albus takes the hammer, "Thanks, that will help, if we aid the gods they'll continue to aid us."

Albus make a final comment to the kobolds, "You have chosen your path, I owe you nothing now."

Albus strides into the chamber hammer in hand. Without touching the chain directly, set it up using whatever tongs, weights, or vises available to keep the chain secure. Then the hammering begins.

"In the name of Iomedae the Just, break!" Hammer comes down.

"In the name of Erastil the Protector, break!" Hammer comes down.

"In the name of Desna the Starsong, break!" Hammer comes down.

"In the name of the Hidden, Mighty and Mysterious, break!" Hammer comes down.

"In the name of Torag the WorldForger, break!" Hammer comes down.

Every fifth strike Albus rests a round, saying, "Hear our prayers!"

Albus will continue pounding till tired, repeating the prayers.

Make any rolls needed please.

The Sun breaks over the horizon, pink in it's morning glory. It stalks across a quaint vale, of hardened folk, scattered on hard scrabbled farms, or packed in a surprisingly neat but somewhat run-down town. In a unassuming shack, just out of town, a Firefox Fennec awakes and starts tugging on his friend to get up. Albus stirs and vainly sweeps his hand towards the hungry fox. "Go away, Whisper, the ferry doesn't leave for a while yet." Whisper yaps at Albus undeterred. "Alright, Alright already, I'm up." Quickly Albus puts himself together and goes for the morning hunt. Less than an hour later, Albus breakfasts on Rabbit and Hard Rye, while Whisper gnaws at his bounty of meat and entrails. Finishing his prayers to Erastil and Iomedae, he hurries out to meet Aelerie at Ferry.

Albus is with his former adventure companions at the ferry. He greets Master Virdel Harg and Aelerie. He replies to Aelerie, "I'd be happy to see that thing sold myself, it's a bit creepy. And if there enough, I'd like to see if there is a really good Chain Shirt available, though that would cost a fortune. I'm, well, not good with money, no idea what anything is worth. I appreciate any help in buying stuff." Albus, after working to beat the scourge, a bit of rest, and recovering from his wheeze, seems somehow more filled-out and stronger.

Franz listens to the incredulous tale, then begins to consider the possible truths in it. He doesn't like the implications of it. "If the Skaven are so organized and powerful and so good at being secret, then striking anywhere should not be difficult. The men of the Empire are good at warfare but surprise is a powerful advantage, if they could succeed at that then much mischief could be done. It would not be easy though, there are plots enough in the empire to have wary guards."

"Behead the city and greatly weaken it's defense, I'm sure. The Reiksland itself, not a chance. This is a minor, okay, medium tradestown on the Empire's border. The Imperial court will not be there, I'm very sure. Actually will any non-local dignitary of import, Master Hendrik, be present at this affair?"

"Cellar, or sewers or wells, something will be there. Usually barred, though, undermining is an old art of war. Still I doubt they'd be expecting trouble usually, but this moon has everyone on edge."

"Yes I will return to the manor to talk with my cousin, tomorrow I hope to see another cousin of mine to get a better feel for this town. When exactly is the ball, I'm thinking I've little time to learn much."

Franz Flechter

Yeah, wasn't sure what that was about, glad it wasn't relevant. Running as smooth as it can with one player down and with me having to downplay my character as much as I can. Still total catastrophe is looming ...