AoD: “Meanwhile, back at the village…”


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This is the game thread for Troy and Kajetan, two adventurers who have gone a separate path from the rest of the group in Mothman’s Age of Darkness pbp game…

Morning, Highday the eighth of Gerron, in the village of Barg:

Troy and Keildrithe emerge back into the sunlight of the village square, from the dark confines of the constabulary, where they have just finished questioning the supposed witch, Gosia Troskie.

Outside in the square, the church bells begin ringing again, announcing the beginning of the morning service. Inquisitor Vorn strides past them, back into the darkened interior of the church.
Only a few stragglers are left in the square with the group of adventurers, although two soldiers continue to stand guard outside the constabulary.

Keildrithe and Troy relate what they learnt from Gosia to the others, and then the group begins to discuss their options and destination. After several minutes of discussion, it is decided that they will seek out the woodsman, Jarred Hale, in the Valley of Snails, deep in the Dimwood. It is hoped that Jarred – a friend of Gosias – will be able to shed more light on the mystery.

However, as the discussions continue, Troy grows less and less comfortable with the idea of going into the Dimwood – high swashbuckling adventure was one thing, but blundering around in a haunted forest was quite another. Besides, he was not entirely sure that he trusted this Inquisitor with the girl’s life for a week or so while they were gone. Just as he was beginning to come to a decision, the halfling, Alton spoke up.

“ I think that either one of us should stay here or that we should ask this Dras person to keep an eye on events here in Barg while we go into the Dimwood.”

Before any of the others can reply, Troy does. “I’m at home – and competent – in a town, or on the deck of a ship. But forests, and spirits, and snails of, possibly, unusual size? I’m not so sure I’d be much help. I also don’t trust that Inquisitor much at all … I think it would be better if I stay here, keep an eye on the girl and the priest. I’ll get in contact with old man Dras too Keildrithe, see what he and his clan can do to help.
“Good luck … and safe journey. I’ll see you in a few days.”

With that, the group says it’s farewells, and the others begin heading in the direction that Keildrithe indicates, the north west gate out of town, and the road leading to the forests’ edge.

Troy waves farewell, and soon finds himself standing alone in the sunshine, under the baleful eye of the two soldiers outside the constabulary, and one or two curious stragglers who have remained in the square, watching the group’s discussions and preparations from a safe distance – few want to be associated with these “heroes” who have possibly just forfeited their own lives for the witches.


Kajetan walks a slow weave through the attendees in the town square. ‘Burning a witch?’ he thinks to himself anxiously. ‘These Artonites really are a superstitious lot. The books I read did not exaggerate.’ Moving through the crowd with no clear purpose, the young Lorin does a zig-zag of the square that ends near the soon-to-be-pyre.

‘Maybe I should say something. No, I am only a visitor and have no knowledge of this woman they claim to be a witch. I must stay silent, less I give my heritage away. Then I may be burning next. Tis’ a shame though,’ he thinks to himself.

Then a man very close to him with long red hair turns to face the crowd,

Troy Kamgul wrote:


"Good people, please!" he raises his voice to be heard. "Gosia Troskie needs your sympathy now. She is a part of your community, and a gentle soul. None of us truly believes her to be a murderer. Give the girl a few days, and the true villains will be found and put to justice!"

Kajetan was truly moved by the man’s mediation. From his accent, Kajetan believed that the speaker was of Karandic heritage. Thinking that maybe he should take a stand with the brave man, the olive-skinned traveler was ready to move and stand by his side.

But then they brought out the witch ….

Kajetan’s gaze fell over the disheveled female, and an odd familiarity came over him. Then his vision shrunk and he was no longer in Barg …..

It was night. The sky was not of black though and salted with stars. Instead, it contained various pastel hues of blue, green, and lavender. The colors swirled and coalesced forming patterns of beauty and whimsy. Under the night sky, surely it must have been night since it was dark, fires formed a large circle around a magical grove. At first Kajetan was a bodiless watcher eyeing the ritual. He saw two women laying in the middle of the grove with slightly swollen bellies. The women were a few months pregnant the scholar realized. Looking closer, Kajetan recognized that one of the women was his mother. At first, colorful creatures hopped around the women singing and dancing. Some broke from the circle, approached the women, and touched their bellies sending jolts of multi-hued light into the women. Then suddenly the creatures faded, and it was Kajetan and this witch, Gosia, dancing around the women laughing and staring into each other’s eyes.

Then the vision faded ….

What seemed like minutes, maybe even hours, was only a mere second. Gosia, the witch barely moved a step, but now Kajetan felt a certain bond with the doomed woman. Also, he had several questions regarding this bond. He had to act, but then another man across the square drew attention to himself. With beating drums setting a rhythm, he started to sing drawing in the square as an audience. The attendees were enthralled, as was Kajetan. Then the spell was broken as a powerful voice thundered through the crowd.

DM Mothman wrote:
a shouted command of “Enough!” from the brown robed newcomer.

Kajetan looked around. The man with the drum and the brown robed man had words. Then an agreement was made. The man was willing to forfeit his life to save the witch that Kajetan felt a strange connection with. For some reason though, the scholar was unable to react. Minutes passed, the square emptied, and Gosia was taken away while the drumming hero followed with some apparent companions. Missing the opportunity, Kajetan had to find another way to assess the strange vision.

Later, Kajetan found out that the heroes are setting out to find a man that would help prove Gosia’s innocence. Kajetan was once again late to react, but he did find out that one of the group’s companions stayed behind to keep an eye out for the well-being of Gosia.

As the group of heroes fade into the Dimwood with their companion watching from inside the walls of Barg, Kajetan cautiously approaches, stops ten feet away, and speaks in fluent Atuscan, “Greetings, my name is Kajetan Armanno. You were brave earlier in the square speaking out like that. May I have a word with you?”

Diplomacy Check (Roll 3+3), hopefully a diplomacy roll is not needed :)


Male human, Karandic 1 rogue / 1 fighter

Troy turns to the stranger Kajetan and looks him over. "Sure, I have a little time on my hands. How about a drink?" Troy gestures towards the town's tavern, one of his new favorite places for conversation, and then leads the way to choose a table and sit down to talk.

"Now, what can I do for you?"


The inn is closed at the moment – as are most businesses in town, typical for a Highday morning during the Artonite service; whilst it is unlikely that all the village folk are devout church-goers, few wish to call attention to the fact if they are not.

However, there is still a place to sit outside the inn; several rough benches and tables formed of hewn logs and tree trunks provide a pleasant enough outdoor eating area facing the square, while the nearby well provides something to drink, if you don’t mind water.

The two newly met strangers settle themselves down at one of the tables, to make themselves less conspicuous in the eyes of the guards outside the constabulary if nothing else. Just as he is about to open conversation with the other man, Troy is surprised by a somewhat croaky, high pitched voice that seems to come from (or more likely behind) a nearby large barrel; “Crossing an Inquisitor! No good can come of this…”


Just as he is about to open conversation with the other man, Troy is surprised by a somewhat croaky, high pitched voice that seems to come from (or more likely behind) a nearby large barrel; “Crossing an Inquisitor! No good can come of this…”


Kajetan is excited that the brave man agrees to give him an audience. They find a quite table away from the square. The young man from Lorin opens his mouth to address Troy, but is then abruptly cut off when he hears …

DM Mothman wrote:

“Crossing an Inquisitor! No good can come of this…”

Kajetan closes his mouth and looks toward the sound of the voice. He gives Troy a sideways glance then looks back toward the direction of the speaker, “Why would you say that? If evidence is given that this woman is innocent, should not the Inquisitor be grateful that a potential wrong was put right? Please show yourself and speak openly. We are in no wrong here, therefore; speaking with us puts you in no wrong.” While saying this, Kajetan tries to determine why this speaker has approached them and what is his/her/its intention.

Spot Check (Roll 10+1=11), Listen Check (Roll 2+1=3), Sense Motive Check (Roll 2+1=3)


A figure steps out from behind the water barrel – it appears to be a tiny, wizened old man, with a prodigious nose and a straggly grey beard, wearing a shapeless felt hat and a leather coat. His shoulders barely reach the height of the table-top.

“Had a bunch of Inquisitors in Lichford once,” he continues. “Nasty business.” He looks piercingly between the two of you. “Consider it a friendly warning; Inquisitors tend to get what they – or should I say the Church want. If your friends know what’s good for them they’ll not be returning here – and it may be wise for you to make yourself scarce too,” he addresses this last at Troy, with a glance to Kajetan.

“As it happens, I am looking for an escort back to Lichford, if you fancy travelling west…? I am Brindle Westkey by the way,” the man shoves out a small hand.


Kajetan extends his hand and shares a traveler’s greeting. “Well me Master Westkey. I must admit, I am unfamiliar with this place that you speak of. How far of a travel is Lichford and what type of terrain does the land contain. Perhaps you have a map showing specific traits of the land or distinct characteristics that mark the way.”

While speaking to the man, Kajetan thinks to himself, ‘Whether I travel with this man or not, he may be able to provide information to aid my search in my quest. But then again, should I stay and find out more about this strange connection I share with this Gosia?’

Kajetan then silently muses, ‘Is this trip to Barg, Destiny?’


The tiny, strange man chuckles as if at some private joke as he shakes Kajetan’s considerably larger hand. “Maps? Oh yes, I have maps … yes, Lichford is some distance away, beyond hill and dale … well, it seems I may have interrupted some private discussion here, but if you wish to consider my offer, I am staying at the Crows Call,” he gestures back to the building you sit outside of.

“Now, I will take my leave, before I am seen talking to the companion of the man who defied an Inquisitor,” he says, bowing slightly towards Troy. “Someone like me attracts enough unwanted attention in parts like this as it is.” Bowing again, he begins to back away.

If you wish, either of you may make Knowledge, Local and/or Knowledge, Geography checks, if you are trained in the skills.

Spoiler for Troy:

Spoiler:
Dispensing with the Local Knowledge check, you recognise the small man as a gnome - a rare sight in these parts.


"It has been a pleasure Master Westkey. I will find you at the Inn later. I would like to look at your maps and decide if this is the route I should take. Farewell."

After the little man leaves, Kajetan turns to Troy, "So, What do you think? If we would accompany this Westkey fellow, would we make it back in time to meet up with your friends? I am very interested in seeing the freedom of Gosia, but staying here under the oppression of this Inquisitor does not sound like a smart move. With you staying behind, and now my association with you, from the way this place sounds, he may come up with a plan for us. Any thoughts?

Knowledge: Local Check (Roll 4+3=7), Knowledge: Geography Check (Roll 7+4=11)


Kajetan:

Spoiler:
Searching your memory, you think you have heard of Lichford before … if you recall correctly, it is a town in eastern Thuringia – which would put it at least several day’s travel (perhaps more) west of here. You are not exactly sure what terrain lies between here and there, except that a large, rarely travelled forest lies immediately west of Barg.


Kajetan puts his hand over his chin and ponders for a moment, “Hmmm. Troy now that I think of it, I have heard of Lichford before. It lies several days to the west of us. If I am not mistaken, a rarely traveled forest lies in between. Maybe a look at those maps would help us gauge the distance and the feasibility of the trip. Even if Lichford is to far to travel until your friends return, it may give us a place to hide out just incase the Inquisitor starts noticing us. What do you say, should we have a look at those maps of Master Westkey. Either way, he seems like an interesting fellow and his room will give us shelter from prying eyes.” At this Kajetan looks around to see if anyone is watching them.

Spot Check (Roll 5+1=6)

Kajetan tries to hide his excitement. Looking at those maps may give him some insight into specific terrain he read about in those ancient journals back in the libraries on Lorin.


Spoiler for Kajetan:

Spoiler:

Kajetan, your new companion Troy seems to be having misgivings about having stuck his neck out to help save the woman Gosia. “I was just passing through,” he is frequently heard to mutter, or “not really much I can do.” He seems to agree with the odd little Master Westkey. “The gnome’s right,” he tells you. “We’d do better than mess with an Inquisitor.”

Once the Crow’s Call is once again open for business, Troy disappears within, and is soon drinking and gambling with those of the locals who don’t seem to mind being seen with one who went up against the Inquisitor. If and when you try to approach him further about Gosia he tells you, “Best drop it friend. Too many unfriendly ears.”

Master Westkey generally stays to his room, but does invite you within to look at his extensive collection of maps. Many of them seem half finished, or filled with fanciful illustrations and captions (such as the perennial favourite ‘Here be monsters’). He is a cartographer by trade, he tells you, and has been exploring afield to increase his map collection. He plans to return soon to Lichford in the west, although he would still like to do some further exploring in the area, if only the Inquisitor would not bother him; “they don’t tend to like my type,” he comments. When he does return to Lichford, he hopes to try to map a rumoured route through the Dimwood, a quicker road west than the main Imperial road south of here, but one that has fallen into disuse. Still, despite his earlier words, he does not seem to be in any particular hurry.

That night, you are enjoying a simple meal of mutton stew and bread in a quiet corner of the taproom, when the outer door is flung open and a band of armed men stride into the room. They deport themselves as soldiers, although their tabards are black and free of heraldry – mercenaries perhaps. The locals give them a wide berth – clearing a table for them – and the weathered men sit, loudly ordering drinks and meals from the scared looking barmaid.

After delivering the ordered food and ales to their table, the bar tender hesitantly approaches the apparent leader of the band, a grim looking man with dark hair and a badly scarred face, who keeps a well oiled recurved longbow by the table. The stammering barman hands him a sealed envelope and then retreats back behind the relative safety of the heavy oak bar.

The ugly grim mercenary opens the envelope and reads the enclosed note in silence, looking none too pleased but saying nothing. He returns the note to a hidden pocket or pouch, and quickly finishes his meat and quaffs his ale. Then, speaking a quiet word to one of his men, who are taking far longer to enjoy their meals then he, he stands, grabs his weapons and strides back out into the night, two of the mercenaries following him (looking rather disgruntled).

On a sudden whim you decide you would like to know what this man is about. Standing from your own finished meal, you make your way out the rear door – to the casual observer probably heading to the latrines located behind the inn. However, you quickly slip down the rear lane and back around to the edge of the square, trying to locate your quarry. You catch no sign of the quick paced man, but after a moment you do spot his two reluctant companions, standing outside the closed front doors of the village church. They stand, quietly sharing a lit pipe, casually … but obviously on guard. Logic therefore dictates that their leader is within the church – but you will not easily get past the two guards. Perhaps there is another way.

Making your way down the quiet, dark streets and back alleys of the small village, after several minutes you find yourself approaching the rear of the church. Ah, the thing you were looking for – a back door. Unfortunately it is securely locked, and constructed of stout timber. You are just about to give this up as a bad idea, and return to the relative warmth and comfort of the inn, when you catch a snatch of a voice carrying through the still night air. Moving back, you spot a high window, partially open, through which the voice carries. Moving closer to the wall, you begin to listen.


Kajetan:

Spoiler:

“- too far for it all to be ruined by a want to be bard and his rag-tag band of heroes. Don’t you see? For the most part these Karands have left their old ways and old religion behind. They trust the Church, they are good citizens of the Empire. But if that lot return the conquering heroes – and on the slight chance that they actually find something compelling enough that we are forced not to burn the witch … well, it has all the elements of the old tales that their kind so love. It will erode the faith that they have in these institutions we’ve worked so hard to build. For Arton’s sake – a bard, a druid – if you are right – and those other two freaks! Just what we need.”

The voice is muffled by distance and stone work, but the cadence is similar to that used by the Inquisitor in the square this morning. You faintly hear another voice speak, but so low and quiet you cannot make out what it is saying. Then the louder voice replies.

“Of course she’s guilty – of crimes against the teachings of the Church if possibly – possibly – not of these murders … although it is telling that there have been no more murders since we’ve had her in custody don’t you think? But I have little doubt that that lot will be able to find something in that cursed forest that might be capable of murdering young girls. And if they survive it … and if they bring back the remains of some monster that will shock the peasants … well, that Oldsun is enough of a speaker to convince that superstitious lot, even if it is not hard evidence. I didn’t see it at the time, but on reflection … and then if I burn her anyway – and him too under the deal he brokered – we’re liable to have a riot on our hands. Just what I was trying to avoid.”

The speaker pauses for a moment, before continuing. “That’s where you come in. I know you’ve just returned, but I need you to go out again. Wait for that group to return – if they have not already given this up as a bad idea and scarpered – and make sure they do not get back here. If they manage to survive a few days in the deep forest they may be tough, so use any resources you need to – but do not let them return.”

The quiet voice replies, and there is an answering laugh from the other voice. “Well see that you don’t! But no, you are right, it is wise to plan for eventualities … if it does seem they will get past you, ensure you get word back to me. I’ll arrange for the witch to have ‘escaped during the night.’ A slit throat’s as good as burning really, and an escape can be worked into an admission of guilt, hmmm?”

The quiet voice again, and another reply, this time almost as quiet, just barely able to be heard; “Well, if they do manage – somehow – to vindicate her, and survive – or make martyrs of themselves … well, the Baron has enough soldiers to get rid of every last Karand in this village, and any heroes that survive. I don’t want it to come to that, and I’m sure neither does he. But if it must be done, it must be done.”

There is the noise of chairs scraping on wooden floors and then, “Goodnight, and Arton be with you. Prepare your men and be ready by first light.”


Kajetan (last one):

Spoiler:

The next day, the scar faced man leads half his band away, out of the village, and into the forest. They are all armed, and have camping equipment and a few horses. The scar faced man bears a large eagle upon his arm, in the manner of a falconer carrying his (much smaller) hunting bird.

You fear for Troy’s brave compatriots, but there is little you can do in following seven armed soldiers into an unknown forest … so you wait. You take some heart in the fact that five of the mercenaries wait behind at the inn – but wait in a ready state, with weapons to hand and backpacks packed, as if waiting for a signal. You watch them, and wait.

Several times over the next couple of days, a soldier, or a group will return from the forest, and some of those waiting will go to take their place. From the brief snatches of overheard, furtive conversation you gather that the soldiers have discovered some sign of the bard and his companions, but have not actually found or confronted them yet. At the point that they do, there will be some signal to summon those soldiers waiting behind in the village. Knowing there is little you can do until then, you resolve to follow the soldiers once that signal is given, and do what you can to help or warn those who wish to save Gosia.

Late one afternoon, one of the black clad mercenaries gallops into town from the direction of the forest. He runs into the inn and speaks quickly and quietly to his companions, who grab their equipment and run out of the inn and towards the nearby livery stables where they have horses waiting.

It appears that the signal has come.

What will you do?


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
For several days, Kajetan has watched and shadowed the men that remained in the village. He always kept an ear out for any information that he could gather to help him determine what the mercenaries were up to. A name, a place, a time period. He then used any information he overheard to discover more about the situation.

Listen Check (Roll 8+1=9), Knowledge Local Check (Roll 7+3=10)

Like the mercenaries, Kajetan is prepared to leave at a moments notice. What little possessions he has, is kept on him at all times. Then one late afternoon, preparation pays off as he notices a mercenary return and gather the rest of the band. They head to the stables to gather the horses. ‘This is now the time to act,’ Kajetan thinks to himself as he prepares to follow the mercenaries.

Is it reasonable to assume that Kajetan had time throughout the days to notice the direction in which the mercenaries left town and for him to familiarize himself with surrounding area? Maybe even ask town folk what lies in that direction?

Gather information Check (Roll 17+3=20)

Maybe even fiddle with and sabotage the horse saddles and other equipment to slow the men down?

Maybe Knowledge: Engineering Check (Roll 1+3=4) Maybe not :)

Basically, what Kajetan will do is use Ghost Sound where appropriate to freak out the horses and the men (some think that this forest is haunted, right?) If Daze would be useful, Kajetan might cast this. Also, if he comes close enough and spots a member of the party, Kajetan will attempt to warn them by using Message spoken in Atuscan.

Mothman, sorry this is more jabbering than anything. You set up a beautiful and articulate scenario, and I am giving you something ugly in return. I just do not want to hold up the game by doing a bunch of posts with Kajetan attempting to follow the mercenaries. I figured you would want to join the groups asap and not have the others wait around. This is why I am posting intent. Let me know if you would rather more detail.


That's exactly the sort of thing I was after Utak, no problems. I'll respond when I can.


Kajetan:

Spoiler:

Unfortunately you are not able to overhear enough to really figure out what the mercenaries are up to – and trying any harder would only get you noticed. You do notice a couple of things in your days spent watching and listening however; there appears to be a subtle under-current of hostility between the black clad mercenaries and the local constabulary – hidden, but certainly present. You also take good note of the soldiers’ equipment; although they seem to have an assortment of weapons and armour, the stuff that they have packed and ready consists generally of light armour, bows, and small melee weapons. Their equipment also seems quite ‘uniform’ for a bunch of mercenaries.

Your attempts at sabotage go poorly; the men keep a close eye on their equipment, and it is difficult to gain access to the stables. When at last you do, you manage to cut a few straps, slash a few feed bags etc, but the next day the damage is noticed, repaired, and the watch on the stables increased.

Finding out where the soldiers are heading is easier; they take the north-west gate out of town, head down the trail past the various outbuildings and the town grave-yard, and into the Dimwood.

The locals have all sorts of fanciful stories about what lurks under the shadowed boughs of the Dimwood; forest ghosts, lurking goblins, giant spiders, hostile hermits, wicked witches … how much if any of this is true is difficult to judge. You also hear a rumour that the bard and his companions travelled west into the wood to try to find whatever was ‘really responsible’ for killing the local girls.

---

When the mercenaries hurry away, you follow as quickly as you can without attracting undue notice – but without a horse you soon fall behind. Hurrying out of the village gates, the trail made by the horses takes no skill to follow, although the riders soon fall out of sight beyond the curve of the rocky out-cropping to the left of the path. Soon enough you reach the very edge of the village outskirts – the graveyard – and duck in hiding behind it’s rough stone wall, as there is no further cover between here and the forest up ahead.

Several dozen yards up ahead, where the path meets the forest edge, you see the mercenaries hastily dismounting – it seems that the horses baulk at riding at a gallop into the forest. One soldier remains behind, loosely tying the horses to the stone sculpture at the forest’s edge known as the Devil’s Table, as the other men hasten under the forest’s eaves. The lone horse-tender shivers, and glances over his shoulder in the lengthening late afternoon shadows, but does not appear to have noticed you. There are no immediate sounds of alarm or battle from within the forest – at least none that can be heard from here.


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
‘Well, I must get past that guy and into the forest to follow the larger group. I wish I could incapacitate him somehow. But, who am I kidding? I am no warrior. My first priority must be to warn the bard without bringing notice to myself,’ Kajetan thinks to himself.

Kajetan slinks off to the side to circumvent the lone guard’s line of sight and attempts to link back up on the trail further in the forest.

If needed, Hide Check (Roll 2-2=0), Move Silently Check (Roll 10-2=8)

If needed, Kajetan will cast Ghost Sound into the forest to distract the lone guard and freak out the horses.

Also, if it would help and Kajetan feels that he can pull it off, he might cast Message to accompany Ghost Sound. He would say things like…

“You are not welcome here in my forest.”
“If you don’t leave now you will die.”

If needed, Bluff Check (Roll 12+3=15)


Kajetan:

Spoiler:
As Kajetan begins sneaking around the graveyard wall to try to enter the forest at a point well away from the guard, his heart begins to sink – he is not cut out for this stealthy work. He is just contemplating casting a spell to scare or distract the guard when, much to his surprise, once he finishes securing the horses, the guard also moves into the dark forest, leaving the horses (and the path) apparently unguarded.

Kajetan could either enter the forest by the path, or head north across the fields of grass and thistles and try to enter the forest further up – a narrow and shallow drainage ditch separates the forest form the fields in this direction. To the south an easy way into the forest is blocked by the rocky crag.


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
To his relief, Kajetan sees the guard eventually move off into the forest. He finds a good position to watch and listen and make sure that the path is now unguarded.

Spot Check (Roll 8+1=9), Listen Check (Roll 1+1=2)

Apparently seeing and hearing nothing, Kajetan moves off to follow. He stops by the horses though and unties them hoping that they will move off on their own. Then he enters the forest with as much stealth as he can muster.

Hide Check (Roll 14-2=12), Move Silently Check (Roll 5-2=3)


Kajetan:

Spoiler:
A couple of the horses whinny at your approach, but although your heart beats faster for several moments, the noise does not call back the soldier. You untie the horses from their tether easily enough, but they do not immediately wander off, seeming content to munch on the remains of dozens of pumpkins scattered around and on the stone platform by the path.

Under the boughs of the trees, the forest is dark and strangely silent … and oppressive. Twisted, gnarled trunks rise up around you, whilst three narrow dirt paths lead off in different directions – to the south-west, north-west, and north (paralleling the forest edge). Dead, yellowed leaves crunch under-foot, making quiet movement difficult.

You see no sign of the soldiers, but do hear faint voices, seeming to come from some distance along the northern trail, where it bends out of sight behind a large, twisted tree. You cannot make out the words being spoken from here.

Movement off the obvious paths looks possible, but difficult – the ground is uneven, covered with drifts of dead leaves, thorned vines, twisted roots and fallen branches.


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
Kajetan unclasps his crossbow from his back and loads a bolt. 'Better to be ready,' he thinks to himself, but the thought of firing it terrifies him. Then thinking, 'I am a scholar not a warrior, and no book I have ever read will prepare me for this confrontation,' he shakes his head, lets out a shiver, and mentally prepares himself. He then takes a deep breath and thinks back to Gosia and the predicament that her heroes are in. He takes another deep breath and follows carefully on the forest trail toward the voices but stays to the sides to better conceal himself.

If Kajetan needs to, he will cast Light on a small rock to show him the way, but he will conceal it to the best of his ability.


Kajetan:

Spoiler:
Kajetan manages to get fairly close to two soldiers, who stand on the trail talking softly. The forest is dim, but light enough (at this stage, close to the edge of the wood) for him to see. He finds it hard to stay totally quiet, crunching on leaves here and there … at one point he thinks the soldiers hear him – they look into the woods in his direction, looking spooked … but clearly cannot see him, and soon put down their weapons and go back to their conversation.

Kajetan is not close enough to make out the whole conversation, but catches enough to get the gist. The soldiers are waiting for a group to come out of the interior of the Dimwood, expected in the next few hours. They could be coming from one of two directions, so two ambush points have been set up, one at “the cottage” (to the north), and the other on a trail to the west.

Soon enough the two men bid each other farewell, and one makes his way up the trail to the north, the other heading back south.


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
Kajetan holds his crossbow close and hides to the best of his ability until the man heading back south passes him. Hopefully he is not noticed. Kajetan thinks to himself, 'This guy is probably going to stay behind, watch the horses, and wait for a signal and then return to the Artonites. I cannot let that happen. Also, he will notice that I untied the horses. This will raise his suspicion, and he may act in haste back to Barg. I must take him out of this scenario now.'

Hide Check (Roll 8-2=6)

If Kajetan feels that he has been spotted he might fire his crossbow. What type of armor is this guy wearing. Another option, if Kajetan feels that this is feasible, he might cast Daze, knock him out with the butt of his morning star, and run back to the horses and take the tethering ropes to tie him up.

If Kajetan is not spotted, he will attempt to follow the guy back to the horses.

Hey Mothman, not to Meta-game, but I know eventually that you will want us to meet up. Am I keeping you on track or am I missing cues?


Kajetan:

Spoiler:
We both know what we’re aiming for, so a bit of meta-gaming is fine by me; in that spirit, there is still a few hours to go before the others get here, so lying low for a while might serve you well. You’re not really missing any cues.

Kajetan begins following the soldier, who is wearing leather armour, and has a small shield and a shortbow slung on his back, and a small sword by his side.

However, after the mage crunches a particularly loud twig underfoot, the man stops. His hand creeps towards the hilt of his sword, and he looks around warily – including straight at the point where Kajetan is half hidden behind a tree. He opens his mouth.

I will presume that Kajetan has readied an action either to fire or cast Daze – your choice. Then roll for init.


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
Kajetan knew he was spotted. Never taking a life before, he was not about to just yet. Using his ability to manipulate people, he started the routine of words and gestures he taught himself to confuse the man.

Kajetan will cast Daze (Save DC 13), Initiative (Roll 9+1=10)

I think I may need new dice. Or I soon will when I throw my current dice out the window


The man halts, his sword halfway from it’s scabbard, his mouth open stupidly. He stands, swaying slightly, his eyes glazed.

He is dazed for one round. Kajetan may act again (with new dice!)


DM Mothman:

Spoiler:
Kajetan lets out a sigh of relief that his spell worked. He only ever used it on professors and librarians before. Next, turning his crossbow around he says quietly, "I hope this works," and aims the butt of the crossbow at the Dazed man's head, hoping to knock him unconscious.

Using butt of crossbow as improvised melee weapon to deal non-lethal damage (Roll 4+0-4=0)


Kajetan lunges forward at the dazed man, but he is unused to violence, and his clumsy blow clean misses the mark. The warrior begins to shake his head as if trying to clear it, but Kajetan thinks he will be able to strike again if he wishes, before his opponent gets to act.

Kajetan won initiative, so he is up again. I’m dispensing with spoilers just at the moment, as this sequence probably doesn’t give too much away to the others. Anything situation specific I’ll put in spoilers.


'What did I get myself into?', Kajetan asks himself as he misses the man cleanly. He looks at the man, then down at his crossbow, then back at the man. 'Kajetan, you can do it', he says to himself as he musters up the courage for another strike. Using the butt of his crossbow he swings again.

Improvised Attack (Roll 5+0-4=1) And to think I actually rolled better this time. :)


The man finally shakes free of his stupor, and drawing his sword from it’s scabbard, thrusts the blade towards Kajetan, who only narrowly manages to dodge aside from the blow. “Galen!” the man yells, his voice echoing in the still forest.

Wow, those rolls suck! ;)
Kajetan’s turn again.


Kajetan, panicked now, is way beyond thinking clearly. Now more concerned with not getting killed instead of just knocking the man unconscious, he steps back, turns his crossbow around to face front, and, without thinking, fires at the man.

Crossbow Attack (Roll 10+2=12), If Applicable - Damage (Roll 3+0=3)


The crossbow fires and jerks in Kajetan’s hands, scoring a glancing hit that penetrates the side of the man’s leather armour, but does not appear to do mortal damage.

The man’s face contorts in pain and anger. “Oh, you’re dead now,” he growls, advancing. “Galen!” he calls again, “Trouble!” He then strikes at Kajetan’s crossbow, seeking to knock the weapon from his hands.

Kajetan may take an AOO with the crossbow as an improvised bludgeoning weapon (-4 to attack). If this fails, make an opposed attack roll with a –4 penalty. Target to beat:

Spoiler:
13

If you fail to beat the target number, the crossbow is knocked from your hands.


Kajetan feels the rounded edge of the crossbow trigger with his finger. Realization that he actually fired the weapon does not hit him until he sees the bolt jutting out from the man’s armor. Hearing the man’s threat, a chill runs up the scholar’s spine, the blankness of fear circles through his head, and the shakes enter his hands. The man then moves towards Kajetan ready to strike. Without thought, the scholar quickly turns the butt of the crossbow on his attacker.

AoO with Crossbow as Improvised Weapon (Roll 9-4=5)

Opposed Attack (Roll 7-4=3)

The man, angrier than ever, grabs the butt of the crossbow as it is thrust towards him and rips it from Kajetan’s hands. The scholar backpedals breathing heavily.

To my count, Kajetan has used 7 of his 9 lives. :)


heh, just about! But it's actually his turn again now - his opponent's turn was the successful disarm attempt. You're up.


Kajetan sees the glare in the man’s eyes glinting off the beams of moonlight. What Kajetan wants to do is run and get out of there, but the flickering face of Gosia and his strange vision flutters through his thoughts. Kajetan stops backpedaling and reaches for the Morningstar at his belt. With new found courage, he swings at the man. All the while screaming soundlessly in his thoughts.

Morningstar Attack (Roll 13+0=13), If Applicable, Damage (Roll 4-1=3)


The black clad man gives a snarl of triumph as he knocks the crossbow from Kajetan’s hands – which changes to a grunt of pain – and perhaps even fear? – as the morningstar slams into his arm.

He looks around, but for some reason it seems that the person he has been calling for is not responding. A look of feral rage on his face, and with his non-sword hanging somewhat awkwardly, he attacks again, getting under Kajetan’s defences and scoring a glancing hit with his short blade. 2 points of damage

Kajetan’s turn again.


Kajetan experiences two consecutive feelings that are new to him. First is the crunch of bone under the weight of his swing, and second is the painful sensation of cold metal piercing his flesh and cooling blood flowing down his body. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, the thought of his wound lasts but a moment. Survival is now his primary goal, and with this objective, he swings his Morningstar once again at the man.

Morningstar Attack (Roll 6+0=6)


“Hah, not so good now devil,” the man says, taking another swipe at Kajetan – but he stumbles slightly, and the blow goes wide. Snarling in frustration, he continues to press the attack.

Kajetan’s turn


Kajetan fidgeting around looking for an opening is able to dodge the man's latest attack. He is too caught up in the moment to retort the man's comment. Breathing heavily and getting winded, Kajetan's legs scream from the burn of hopping about. With another effort, he swings his Morningstar at a potential opening in the man's defenses.

Morningstar Attack (Roll 10+0=10), If Applicable, Damage (Roll 6-1=5)


This could go on for a while … hope it’s not too boring.

Kajetan’s attempted blow fails to do any damage, glancing off the man’s leather armour.

“Curse this,” mutters the soldier. As Kajetan recovers from his swing, the man backs away, throwing aside his shortsword, and drawing his bow, nocking an arrow. “Don’t move,” he barks.

Took a 5 foot step away from you and drew bow. Your turn.


I'm not bored at all. I am sorry I created a PC that is so inept at combat. I do need to double check that I am not rolling a d12 though. :)

'Dammit I need to learn how to defend myself,' Kajetan thinks to himself as his latest swing connects but does not penetrate the man's armor. He then watches as the man drops his sword, steps back, and readies his bow. Not listening to the man's demand, Kajetan moves forward in an attempt to get inside the bow's range and finally take care of his adversary. With a sense of finality, one way or the other, he swings his morningstar with all of his might, grunting in the effort.

Morningstar Attack (Roll 19+0=19), Damage (Roll 7-1=6) Take That!


Nice hit!

Kajetan charges in at the soldier, putting everything he has into the attack, knowing that this might be his only chance, now that the man has his bow in hand.

There is a red flash in front of the mage’s eyes, and next thing he knows his opponent is lying bloody and broken amongst the dead leaves, looking surprisingly small in death.

Breathing heavily and bleeding, Kajetan realises that twilight has well and truly set in under the dark, silent trees.

Listen check please.


Kajetan, still breathing heavy, takes his eyes off of the man whose life he just took and looks at the bloody Morningstar in his hand. Shock and anxiety form a swirling pattern through his chest and down into his stomach. He holds back bile wanting to escape up his throat, but then plummets forth when he realizes that he will have to touch the body to move it off of the path. Retching with hands on his knees, he stops suddenly and wipes away the glossy mucus of tears clouding his vision when he remember that there might be more enemies around.

Listen Check (Roll 6+1=7)


As Kajetan wipes his face, and bends over, contemplating moving the body off the path, he thinks he hears a faint noise from some distance away to the north; whether a scream, cry, or animal noise he cannot tell. Distracted, he almost fails to hear something more immediate – the crunch of leaves, now sounding quite close, coming from the south.


Kajetan looks North when he hears the sound of noises in the distance. Then a tingle moves down his spine when he hears the crunch of leaves behind him to the South. He turns around peering into the darkness looking for his lost crossbow, the cause of the sound, and, if possible, a dark place to conceal himself.

Spot Check (Roll 6+1=7), Hide Check (Roll 12-2=10)


Kajetan, your crossbow did not go far – it lies partially buried in the fallen leaves about fifteen feet away from where you stand.

There are plenty of possible hiding places amongst the trees, but your scan is too hurried to note any exceptionally good ones.

The source of the noise remains unseen, but it appears to be coming closer – it sounds like footsteps crunching on the leaves.


Kajetan notes the spot where his crossbow landed and moves towards it. While he moves, he prepares to either fog the mind of who ever is coming or confuse the approaching individual by sending voices into the forest.

Move Silently Check (Roll 8-2=6)

If Kajetan has the time, he will get his crossbow, load it, hide, and use Ghost Sound to confuse the approacher by having a deep voice speak from the forest adjacent to where the approacher is, "Stop, come no further. You are surrounded. What is your name?" If needed, Bluff Check (Roll 9+3=12)

On the other hand, if Kajetan does not have the time and/or was spotted, he will cast Daze to give hime some extra time (DC 13)


By the sound of the approaching footsteps, several people are walking up the path towards you.

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