Vladimir Kjelsbergsson's page

Vlad bids farewell to his companions, passes them small gifts of remembrance, and treks off. His eventual goal: restoring Halfdeane to the throne of Raudurfoss.

It's been fun, guys! See you around some time!

"Whenever you are, my friend."

With a sigh, Vlad begins his way back towards the river. "Ho, Bolli! News!"

On reaching Bolli, he lets him know of the developments, asks if they can spare room for the youths, and presents his companion's suggestion that perhaps they take the woods, rather than the river.

Sorry guys, I've just started a new job and I may not be able to post much during the next week or two. I'll certainly try to keep up, but if I'm slow, you know why!

"Aye." Vlad agrees.

"Well, do the children come with us? They will likely be safer with us than alone in this place, and my liege, Halfdeane, will find a place for them in his court." He offers the girl a small smile, and a nod to the boy. "He is a good man, you will be cared for."

"Never ye mind," puffs Vlad, a little green for his running exploits of the last hour, "It was well done, Ragnarr- he fled when we mentioned yon children... I'm sure he meant them some harm. 'Twas well done."

Vlad covers most of the remaining distance from the fleeing warrior (moved 40' last round, up to a x3 run for 60' this round... need... Gatorade...)

Vlad, shock on his face, takes up a run after the fleeing warrior, drawing his sword as he does so.

Vlad, still tired from his long run in the heavy breastplate, pays no more heed to the man's story.
"Aye. We fought a few spider-things in the barn, ere it collapsed in flames atop us. We, and the children, escaped. Be they your brats?" (he's using 'brats', obviously, as an affectionate name, not insulting the man)
He wipes his sword on a cloth nearby, and then sheathes it, letting his shoulders sag slightly.

Can't make the Knowledge (local) check... don't have any ranks. That seems odd, I'm sure I should have put some in... maybe Vlad was paying more attention to his swordplay lessons than his lessons on 'who rules where'.
"I am Vladimir Kjelsbergsson, sworn armsman of Halfdeane. These are my brave companions- the stout man here is Dorvarr Thorshammer, and the giant is Ragnarr the Fatherless. Who be yourself, and do ye need aid?"

Dorvarr ...and Vlad, right? :)
Listen check 23.
Vlad points warily to the great chair with his sword-point. He mutters low to Dorvarr's ear "Ware! Something stirs..."
Readying an action to attack if anything comes charging at us

"Your father...?" Vlad sighs, then begins his way over towards the homestead, sword in hand. "You stay with the others, here."
And I'm on 18, but not that fussed. I can take it.

And I'm down to 21 hp.
Vlad, praying for deliverance as the roof heaves inwards, looses his shield to the floor and dashes for the door, calling for aid. "Tyr, help me!!!"
However, his foot becomes caught in some of the burning hay and he stumbles.
Jump check at -6 (-8 with the shield) an ominous 0. Oh dear.

Vlad's gonna RUN!!!!!! when it's his turn. Hopefully he can get up to a x2 run, doubling his speed to... well, half of what he needs in order to get out. Might be time to think about ditching the armour, it hasn't done me any good as yet.

OK, with 9 damage, that leaves me on 29 hit points. I can soak it to take care of the kids for now.

Vlad gathers the children in his arms and tucks his head down, pushing through the flames licking at his body. He lets out a groan, muffled by his clenched teeth.

Fire damage for passing through the area: 4, leaving me on 25. Better get out of here, and quick.

At half movement, Vlad gets only 10 feet from where he started. Does that leave me in or out of the fire (or the frypan, as the saying goes)?

(Thanks for waiting, sorry to keep everyone. I do appreciate it.)

Vlad ignores the threat of the flames for now- hopefully he can make a dash next round. He draws his sword and slashes at the bindings of the cage, attempting to shear it from its frame.
Attack roll 13, damage roll 8, ignoring hardness for the object.
Vlad calls urgently to the children. "Come, now!".

(If the beam falls, he'll drop his sword and try to catch the beam or otherwise block its path- he doesn't want to see those kids hurt!)

He hasn't posted at all since July...

Actually, I haven't posted on the main board since the 1st of August. I'm way off time zone from you guys in the US, and I keep missing out on my turn. I'm trying to keep up, but my character's also been running across a meadow for two minutes in medium armour, so it sort of makes sense that he's not entirely with it, he's probably missing a round or two just panting.

(whenever my turn comes)
Vlad, still beet-red in the face and gasping for breath, dashes forwards, trying to take the blows of the spider-beasts on his back, while attempting to reach the youths at the rear of the barn.
Overrun attempt, shield block [+1 AC] on the one to my left?

Failed all the Listens and Spots... probably 'cause I'm lumbering behind you folks a fair way!
Vlad, panting as he runs at top speed through the meadow, finally reaches the barn.

Vlad, lumbering awkwardly in his new armour, stumbles through the flames, and isn't able to react fast enough to hurl himself aside from the flames.
Reflex save 8, I guess that's not going to be good enough?

Vlad rushes down the hill towards the barn, thudding heavily at 40' per round. Which means it'll take about sixteen rounds, with me bumping up to a x3 run in rounds 2-16, to get to the barn. Damn armour.

Listen 13.

Vlad quickens his pace again, calling ahead to his comrades as he runs.
"Over yon hill, people cry for aid!"
Unfortunately, he's still struggling with the hill (Climb 3), leaving him now about 40 feet from where the spiders were.

With a double move and failed Climb check, Vlad is 80' away from them (medium armour) at the end of last turn.

After Ottar...
Vlad continues to struggle up the steep path, Climb 12 but fails to make much headway. He is now 60' from the spiders, and declares his shield block on the spider closest to him.

Vlad surges forwards, sword high, but his foot slides in the loose stone and he stumbles. (Climb 3)
He lets out a cry of frustration.

Spot 16.

Vlad, also spotting the arm and the game trail, draws his sword slowly and keeps his shield upraised. He turns to whisper to his companions.
"'Ware attacks from above. Whatever is here can climb!" He points to the glob of webbing above as proof, then turns and heads down the game trail quietly.
Hide and Move Silently 12.

Vlad speaks in a low voice to Kveldulf, wary of Ragnarr's excitable sea-stomach. "Best we go ashore... we cannot lose much time here, but it would be best to clear the path of hazards."

Aye, willing and able, my Captain!

How bad is your wisdom?

Technically, 12. OOC, more like 9...ish.

I also have these shiny beads, if you'll give me... hmmm. how about that big heavy metal thing on your back. Ooh, it looks heavy, you don't want that, have these beads instead, they're sparkly! :)

Watch as I squander it all on hookers and blackjack?

Could be funny...

Vlad is ready and willing to leave.

"I thank you for ending my son's suffering and saving the village. Such deeds should not go unrewarded."

"I have heard that you journey with Bolli to Brattahlid. May the Norn bless your journey and reward you with a better fate than my son. Understand, I bear you no malice for the death of my son but I do not celebrate it. Still if your journeys should bring you here again know that you are welcome. My line has ended with Egil and I have decided that upon my death that the Earlship shall return to Unn's kin."

Vlad nods his head gravely at the Earl's speech, and his forehead furrows at the end.

"I shall take this news to Halfdeane. I thank you for your blessing and hospitality, may it be by the Fates that I can offer you as much wisdom and generosity some day. Speak the word and I shall find aid for you, Earl Thorolf. Halfdeane will know of your loyalty."
He turns away, saddened, and heads into town to raise a horn in Egil's name.

Vlad's not very interested in potions and trinkets, he prefers warrior's tools- his fine new blade, forged by his companion Dorvarr; a new breastplate to replace his much-patched chain shirt; a fine new steel-rimmed shield; a dagger to replace the one stolen by the goblin he gave mercy to; cleaning and sharpening implements for all his gear; some new linen shirts and perhaps a new set of breeches. He sets aside a good store of food and drink for himself and his steed Donderstaken, and perhaps buys a fine new saddle and set of tack. What remains, he sets aside for later. When the time comes that they arrive in Brattahlid, he will not arrive a beggar-sword, but a fine and noble warrior.

Hmmm... any chance that Ragnarr's new cloak could grant him a bonus on Intimidate checks?

Maybe just to worgs! It would certainly put me off if someone came at me with a human-skin cloak (like that guy from Silence of the Lambs)... creepy.

Vlad shows his respect and friendship for Egil by staying at the funeral all afternoon, a grim expression on his face.
This will mean war between Halfdeane and Sihtric, he muses. There can be no avoiding it now- Sihtric uses foul sorceries to strike his foes, and that cannot be allowed. For honour's sake, for all of Norvanbard's sake, he cannot be tolerated any longer. Perhaps this is better- we have had a few good years of peace twixt Thorvann's death and this new chaos, peace which might mean the land survives after. It is all we can hope for.

Vlad has no ranks, but I figure he might pick up a rank or two by next time he levels up.

Sorry I've been offline for a couple of days, I haven't gotten home before AM for the past two days- a work-related concert for my wife on Friday, and my half-yearly work 'do' last night. At least the boss paid for everything...

Vlad likes the idea of fighting off Pictish raiders and returning home to Halfdeane's keep faster than a cross-country trip, and simply nods.
"Aye, my friend. I will serve."

"Shall we?"

"Indeed."

"Indeed, my friend. Thora has been most hospitable. Let us walk and discuss this business of yours."

At some point in the evening (possibly later in the rounds of horns), Dorvarr returns to Vlad to once again relieve him of his sword.

Vlad nods, unbuckling his sword-belt and passing it to the stout craftsman. He notes the odd gleam in his friend's eye, but says nothing of it.

"Let us hope, this time, that I do not require it in the meantime, eh my friend?"

"I believe, my friend, that he said it would be a few days yet... though I can't believe you'd feel the cold through that thick hide of yours!" Vlad has a great time at the party, enjoying seeing Bjalfi and his friends again, and listening to Ottar's attempts at epic ballads of their deeds, singing along when he can guess the words.

He is proud and joyous to be granted the mead horn, and drinks with it (carefully) all night. In the morning, he washes it out and packs it away in some of his spare clothes, anxious for it not to be damaged. He has a headache again (too much of that demon drink) but probably wakes before many of the others, having drunk much less. He passes the time by trying to talk with Uruz, offering him scraps from the table, but the animal's loyalty to his master is beyond question (Handle Animal 6)

To the bar!
"Indeed I do, my friend. You and your mighty hound battled well in there, despite those sorcerous fiends. Indeed, I shall make it a drink for the each of you."

...and time passes at the bar, we drink, etc. See if I can help Ragnarr hook up with that nice wench from before- the one who wore the red leather outfit? Or was she the lovely lass who left town due to angering Egil?

Vlad gathers himself and spreads his hands.
"Peace, friends. Today's terrible deeds lay at no man's feet- not even the Hersil's. He was enspelled by dark spirits, and died fighting their possession. The Earl lives, and, I hope, will regain himself soon. Unn has been released. Though these men followed the Hersil's orders, they did so out of love and loyalty, and I'm sure that even they regret the battles they fought." He sighs before continuing.
"I myself owe the Earl bloodprice for a man slain, and it's a price I shall pay gladly, though with a heavy heart, for I owed no rage or ire to this man- he merely served a master felled by dark spirits, and I think no man can begrudge a man who dies serving his rightful liege. Even I might be persuaded by, Odin will it never be so, Halfdeane if he were filled with the evil that Egil struggled against."
His case made, he motions to Bjalfi to lower his weapon, and gazes around the crowd, letting each man see his honesty and earnestness.
Diplomacy check 24.

Vlad heads out to confront Bjalfi, cleaning and then sheathing his sword.
"The matter, my friend, is dealt with. We must help Unn to heal the Earl."
His expression is grim.

So Egil is... dying? Smashed up badly and about to be dead? Still possessed? I'm gonna go with 'yes' to all of the above, lemme know if I'm wrong.
"Hold, Ragnarr. Allow me to be the one..." Vlad, still weakened from the shadow's attack, kneels at Egil's side, cradling the man's head, repulsive and horrific though his wounds might be.
"Egil, you and I were friends. I know that possession and madness drove you to this, not your own desire..." He draws the Hersil's sword from the dying man's belt slowly, and lays the handle in his hand. He brings his head close to whisper.

He stands and straightens, his eyes bright and hard, then draws his own sword and brings it down swiftly with both hands on the hilt, the point into the Hersil's heart.
He turns, the bloodied blade still in his hand, and levels it at those assembled.
"Egil died fighting these monsters. Let no man say it otherwise."

Hmmm, embarassing... maybe the shadow drained Vlad's Wisdom instead of his Strength. Let's try that again.
Vlad, fighting the drain inflicted upon him by the shadows, calls out to his companions.
"Take heart, friends! They flinch from the light!" He ducks under the outstretched arms of one and puts himself in the way of the creature's swing, trying to keep his friend Ragnarr from being struck again.
Attack roll to Aid Another, giving Ragnarr +2 AC: 21.

Vlad, fighting the drain inflicted upon him by the shadows, calls out to his companions.
"Take heart, friends! They flinch from the light!" He ducks under the outstretched arms of one and dives for the fire in the centre of the room, still sputtering. With this shield hand, he seizes one of the brands and swings it through the air, trying to keep it alight and use it as a weapon at once.
Probably taking an attack of opportunity from the one Ragnarr and I are fighting, move action to the fire pit, another move action to pick it up. Sound right?

The shade near Vladimir...

Thanks buddy, I owe you one! (Collect in the tavern after all this is over)

Sorry, I missed my turn. That sounds good though... I'm still here.

Sense Motive 8, Spot 7
Vlad, clearly distracted by the 'trial' being enacted, pays no heed to the whispers behind his brain, telling him that he should pay attention. He barely even notices the words of his friend Ragnarr in his focus.
"Your father swore loyalty to Halfdeane! You were felling lumber to build ships for my lord! That is why I am here!" Vlad is angered at Egil's traitorous words, and takes another step towards Egil before trying another tack. He spreads his arms open to the shadowy chair and speaks again.
"Hersil, you and I are friends! We have hunted, both animal and goblin, together. How could you think I would abandon someone like that, regardless of the cost! I will not allow this... not under Thorvann's laws, and he so recently taken to Valhalla!"
(If it counts, Diplomacy 11, with a -10 penalty for going quickly)

I thought we went to her house, where the guards were trying to arrest her- I guess they must have already got her, and Bjalfi and Hrafn were hanging around there and picked a fight. Don't worry, I think I get it now. Edit: No, wait, I see- we weren't at her house, we were at Thorolf's house, looking for Unn- but she had been brought here. Got it.

Vlad strides in, his sword sheathed. He bats away (or attempts to) the spears of the men ahead of him, and attempts to approach Unn, trying to reassure her. He gives her a smile, a touch on the arm if possible, then turns to the darkness where Egil seems to be.

"Hersil Egil," he begins, nodding his head but refusing to kneel, "You make a grave error here. I will not allow you to harm this woman, she cannot be guilty of witchcraft. She, after all, is the one who brought the cure to this town.
"I owe you bloodprice for one of your guards slain (ignoring that he didn't slay the man, he's taking it on to make this trial easier), and I will pay it, but I will not allow you to harm this woman, who so swiftly lost her sons in your father's service."

Halfdeane always said to 'speak boldly, and act even more so'... Vlad is hoping desperately that this was good advice.

Vlad enters first, flinging the door open dramatically (after all, he muses, the bards must get their share of drama) and speaks.
"Hold! We challenge this hearing! Unn meant no man any harm!"

We did get her from out of her house, right? We didn't just leave her there with all the dead guys lying around?

Vlad, seemingly stunned by the battle, finally regains his senses and his internet connection, and speaks to Kveldulf.
"Kveldulf, we don't do our duty here for money. In the service of my Lord, Halfdeane, I am given my keep. For ten coins of gold and your fill of mead, you become a bought sword," And he gratefully receives his own blade from Dorvarr, belting it on with relief.

"And that means you follow my commands, you swear your loyalty. You become my man. If that is acceptable to you, then kneel and I will accept your loyalty. But we must be gone from this place!"

Sorry to have been gone so long, guys, it took ages to get my internet and power working again. Apparently when I called the power company a week before moving, they thought I was changing my postal address.

Just to clarify: Did we kill any of the warriors, or just wound 'em?

Sorry for posting out of sequence, I'm moving house tomorrow and may be without internet for up to two weeks (hopefully only 2-3 days though). When it's Vlad's turn, he leaps on the Easter Eggs and tries to bite them to death (mmm, chocolate poisoning).
Wyrd_Wiklund: