| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This thread is for in character discusion
As night fall on a beautiful spring day, you are each approached by a young page or squire. He hands you a letter, sealed with a black wax circle containing an elaberate design, including a horse standing on its hind legs. Once the letter is in your hands he quickly leaves.
You are hereby commanded to be at the manor house of Baron Harold Stanly the second at high noon of the morrow. He wishes to speak to you and a number of other individuals about a small matter. If you successfully resolve this issue for him, he is willing to see you rewarded more than most of you deserve.
Tasyn Opens the letter. Looks around, then heads to the Mighty Boar's Head for the night, hoping to gather some information on what is transpiring.
I walk in the door, Greet Sly Garry with a hearty hello, and proceed to the gambling den in the tavern. While gambling the night away, I begin to ask the others around me about The Baron and his estate, the squires he uses, and any other useful intel I can gather before my mysterious meeting tomorrow.
The next morning, I head out to the manor as requested, waiting in front of the doors to the building, impatiently rolling a single gold coin between my fingers.
Marty opens the letter (Alias system to be worked out). After reading the letter Marty puts it down and goes back to his lab.
Despite the smell of sulphur and methane, Marty looked onto his latest brew with a sparkle in his eye. Looks like he was able to solve the 72nd unknown variable in the chemical differential equation after all. Looks like he'll have to add a few more items to his grocery list for tomorrow's calling.....
Upon reading the letter, and with his master's recommendation against ignoring the Baron's request, Vonamir wanders into the library in search of a book about the Baron. It would be wise to know of the Baron before meeting him.
Knowledge(Local)
After some time searching the archives, Vonamir return to his study to see Luna awaiting his return. As Vonamir sits down at his desk to finish his current reading, Luna flies onto his shoulder and snuggles the side of his head.
After the sun rises the next morning, Vonamir gathers his equipment and heads to the manor, with Luna peacefully sleeping on his shoulder
Marty opens the letter (Alias system to be worked out). After reading the letter Marty puts it down and goes back to his lab.
Despite the smell of sulphur and methane, Marty looked onto his latest brew with a sparkle in his eye. Looks like he was able to solve the 72nd unknown variable in the chemical differential equation after all. Looks like he'll have to add a few more items to his grocery list for tomorrow's calling.....
My apologies gents, I can do better than that:
Marty hears the sound of jingling, puzzled. This is an irregular pattern for visitors. He hears the guard approaching, although he cannot see him. The footsteps get closer, more distinct. He can now tell three distinct gaits from one another. His mind races through the thousands of algorithms of which this scenario could unfold. He hears the keys as they open the seventeen locks to his cell. As he lay tied up and chained to each wall in the room, the warden approaches and speaks.
"Hello Dr. McFly, it appears there is a letter for you." The squire read the contents of the letter to Marty. "Well, Dr. McFly, looks like you are a free man.... For now. Unchain him." Of all the algorithms, this was not one of them. Escorted to the entrance of the asylum and given his letter and an allowance of 120gp, Marty quietly whisked off into the village. Despite the fresh air the first time in years, Marty pushed on into the market. 51,780 seconds until his meeting, best not waste any.
From under his hood Borator glares at the young page as he stops him in the street. "Message for you my lord", the young page hands him a letter and wanders off. Borator studies the crest on the seal a moment before breaking it open.
Knowledge (Nobility)
For a moment Borator wonders if he should discard the letter and head back to the ruined temple to continue his meditative moping but all off a sudden he feels cold and is overcome by an overwhelming desire to embrace this quest. He tosses the letter into a pouch and makes his way to the Stanley Manor House at the center of town
As each of you arrive at the manor house you see that it has a pair of guards outside. As you approach the guard to the right of the door opens it without saying anything. Inside you are greeted by an older gentleman, who introduces himself as James, the baron's seneschal. He then escorts you to the baron's study, where a young man is sitting with an older man of military bearing is standing behind him. There is map out on the table on the right side of the room, and 4 glasses of wine on a small table in the left corner.
Once you have all arrived, the baron stands and introduces the man behind him as Sir Villiam, captain of the turandian garrison. He then goes on to explain how there has been a recent rise is piracy and banditry in the last few weeks culminating with a raid that destroyed a small fishing village a day north of town. He asks you to determine if these attacks are the work of an organized group or just a collection of small bands that coincidentally started around the same time, taking advantage of the reduction in troops due to the pathadi war. If you bring him information that allows for his forces to eliminate some or all of the bandits you will each be paid 200 gold crowns.
He moves over to the map and shows the locations of the attacks over the recent weeks, they appear to mostly be occurring north of the town with some to the west.
Questions?
Marty strolls inside the castle and takes a look around. He goes inside the study where the Baron is and makes a perception check, specifically analyzing the Baron's selection of books in the study and map on the table.
Perception roll:
Without saying much (22 years locked up makes you a little socially inept), he picks up a glass of wine and spends a round checking for poison:
Craft Alchemy roll (used by alchemists to verify liquids):
Regardless of poison or not, he takes out an empty jar and bottles it for future application. He then sits down where applicable, says "Yes" to the Baron, and proceeds to mathematically construct a musical symphony in his head, staring off in the distance.
Tasyn looks quizzically at the strange gentleman clearly casing the place for future bombings...or something, and sighs
I'm afraid I cannot take these kinds of risks
Tasyn indicates to the lusty owl and the mad hatter
without an additional 10% payment.... up front- for expenses incurred and such
Bluff:
Tasyn then sits down and casually watches the starting contest between a poorly position owl and the now comatose hatter, before desperately searching the room for anyone who can provide further information on this ragtag collection of curiosities, just now blooming in the Baron's presence.
Tasyn looks quizzically at the strange gentleman clearly casing the place for future bombings...or something, and sighs
I'm afraid I cannot take these kinds of risks
*indicates to the lusty owl and the mad hatter*
without an additional 10% payment.... up front- for expenses incurred and such
Bluff:
1d20+7Tasyn sits down and casually watches the starting contest between a poorly position owl and the now comatose hatter, before desperately searching the room for anyone who can provide any further information on this ragtag collection of curiosities, just now blooming in the Baron's presence.
The Baron ponders your statement, then rings a small bell he has with him. A moment later the door opens, "James, the small coin bag. Have it brought here immediately." I can provide 10% of your fee up front for expenses but the total fee is non-negotiable.
A minute or 2 later a small bag is brought to the Baron. "here are 80 gold crowns, divide them amongst yourselves as you see fit."
With rolling eyes, Tasyn grabs the bag and dumps precisely 20 gold into the other waiting hand, then drops the bag and remaining gold at the feet of the Alchemist, maintaining eye contact and backing away slowly
Marty picks up the bag and the 20 gold pieces, pausing to momentarily reflect on the appropriate response. After vaguely remembering what manners were, Marty looked at the rogue and replied "Thank you".
After picking up the gold pieces, Marty asked Sir Villam to point on the map the various locations on the map where the different raids were reported to have occurred. From that, Marty will make an intelligence test to attempt to triangulate a correlating point of origin and posit as to where their camp may be. After all, any form of target goal is better than wandering in the dark.
Intelligence:
Marty also looks quizzically at the owl, wondering to himself if its feathers contain any alchemical properties.
Craft alchemy: Owl feathers
(forgot to add class bonus last time)
After surveying the study, taking interest in several books among his library
Perception:
During his survey, Luna(Great Horned Owl) awakens from a peaceful sleep and turns her head towards Tasyn just as he spoke "...these kinds of risks" and looked at the Owl. A moment after Luna's eyes met Tasyn's, she looks away and returns to her slumber.
Vonamir picks up the glass and takes a small sip, fully concentrated on the map, almost oblivious to any other conversation. Studying the map and the noted locations, Vonamir ponders through his mind for relevant knowledge of these places he had studied and if they had any connections among themselves, perhaps a common target? If a collective movement, perhaps a military strategy to lure the military into an ambush or spread the troops thin? Historically was there significance with these areas?
Knowledge(Geography)
Knowledge(History)
After the exchange between the baron and the cautious half elf Boraqel leaves his position by the window and approches the baron glaring at the small bag of gold lying by the eccentric elf. Borator gives the elf a curious look raising an eyebrow before turning his attention to the baron
Diplomacy
Without removing his hood. "Surely Sir Stanley 200 crowns is your floor price and if our little...", Borator glances at the others before continueing, "party eliminates this bandit problem for you permanently you will reward us suitably".
Marty formulates a theory and presents it to the group the instant he finishes analyzing, but is clearly dissatisfied with the poor quality data he has to work with.
"Though I was initially thinking a different position, the attacks appear to be centered at a point 1.47 days north of the town along the coast approximately 1.22 kms inland, though with the scale it is hard to be precise. Could be worse I suppose. In comparison to a padded cell..... this is a blast."
Marty stepped back from the map and waited for input from the group, but before he fell completely silent Marty turned to Vonamir and mentioned:
"Just so you know, your owl is 0.2% fatter than the average Great Horned Owl. I highly recommend reduced meal portions; no need to thank me, I am a doctor after all. He also reminds me of a fantastic dish my mother used to make."
Marty formulates a theory and presents it to the group the instant he finishes analyzing, but is clearly dissatisfied with the poor quality data he has to work with.
"Though I was initially thinking a different position, the attacks appear to be centered at a point 1.47 days north of the town along the coast approximately 1.22 kms inland, though with the scale it is hard to be precise. Could be worse I suppose. In comparison to a padded cell..... this is a blast."
Marty stepped back from the map and waited for input from the group, but before he fell completely silent Marty turned to Vonamir and mentioned:
"Just so you know, your owl is 0.2% fatter than the average Great Horned Owl. I highly recommend reduced meal portions; no need to thank me, I am a doctor after all. He also reminds me of a fantastic dish my mother used to make."
This gets done AFTER the group finishes sorting out the financial contract. Marty does not interrupt such exchanges.
Tasyn looks at the mad man with a mix of awe and curiosity, then at the beast-master and his chubby love-pet. With a sudden and unexpected grin, Tasyn begins to speak
So, I will meet everyone at the gates tomorrow morn! It was a *cough* pleasure to meet everyone of you, I shall see everyone early, say- as the sun rises. I bid you Gents adieu- I'll be at at the Mighty Boar's Head after some time elsewhere.
Oh- my manners. Tasyn, by the way. Just ask for me if you show at the den.
Tasyn, rolling a gold coin non-nonchalantly, replaces the hood of a dark cloak, and heads out of the room before stopping suddenly and turning around.
And someone check to see if he is breathing, please.
Tasyn says, indicating to the mysterious robed figure who was also summoned, feeling the chill of death while indicating to the fourth of the newly formed party.
Tasyn bows before the room, then leaves the Baron's abode, beginning preparations for the trip away from the city.
"Yes, if you manage to remove the threat entirely you will be better rewarded."
As each of you leave the manor house, you notice a man in dark, close fitting clothes standing quietly off to one side, in the entry way.
Marty walks toward him, making a gesture to talk in private. His hand is close-by his potion belt, just in case. Marty flashes the brightest of winning smiles.
Edit: Charisma roll
Marty, the man completely ignores you, not even acknowleding your existance.
I keep walking until I get close enough to see his face or until he takes an action. Does he still do nothing? If not, then I note his appearance greater in detail.
A bit perplexed by the Alchemist remark on Luna, on reflection I haven't spoiled her with too many treats nor gone outside the recorded diet of Luna...
Thoughts on the comment are interrupted by the rogue's proposal, and I was only able to get an accepting nod in before his departure.
With the morning Dawn, Vonamir dawned his Kikko armour and grabbed his longbow, heading towards the rendez-vous point with Luna comfortably on his shoulder.
Sunrise arrives at the Northern gate, a pair of Turandian guardsmen open the gate before placing themselves on either side of it just outside the walls, their shortswords buckled onto their belts, their spears held vertically resting on the ground, a heavy shield in their left hand and wearing scale mail. A small cluster of merchants with a pair of guards are also preparing to leave the city. There is a well travelled dirt track leaving the city.
From atop a nearby roof, Tasyn watches the opening of the city gates with mild disintrest. Carrying a full backpack, a greatsword awkwardly strapped over top and a large cross bow haphazardly slung, Tasyn takes a bite out of a fresh hunk of bread, and waits quietly in the shade-
Waits for the rest of the group to arrive.
Seeming to be the first to arrive at the gate, Vonamir sits up the adjacent tree, places his adventuring gear, and begins reading his novel which feature the return of a dark lord once though defeated. Currently at the part where A powerful wizard betrays his order and joins the dark lord by raising a horde to march on the believed safe haven of the horse masters. Luna keeps a watchful eye as I lose myself in this epic novel.
Outside the city walls Borator takes a kneeling position atop a small hill where his companions to be will see him. His head covered by his standard black hood with a cowl at the neck. His unpolished scale mail while clean is dented and notched in a number of places. At his side a typical morning star hangs alongside his pouches tightly bound to his belt so as not to hinder his movement. A light black cloak covers his back hiding from view his heavy shield and tightly wrapped backback. Also on the clerics back is his most prized possession, his scythe. The shape of the scythe is odd its long handle curved in the shape of an S. A long blade pointed sky ward at its tip is clearly well kept and polished but does not glint under the sunrise. A single inscription marks the wooden handle but it cannot be made out as most of it wrapped under a black cloth.
Marty packed up his survival gear and put it into his backpack, paying to sleep somewhere is for chumps. If he could sleep for over two decades suspended in chains, he could sleep in the comforts of a bedroll, winter blanket and a tent. He opened the wine from the jar he had preserved yesterday, added some flavour enhancers and drank it. Marty ate a ration pack for breakfast (fancy meals are also for chumps, his stomach was still having trouble readjusting to purified water and food not caked in mold), picked up his shortbow and rapier, strapped on his trusty & trendy alchemist vial bandolier and made his way to where Tasyn indicated the night before.
Let the good times roll.
Shortly after the Elfchemist arrives, the half elf, also reaches the old tree where the party can see their final member kneeling on a small hill just outside the gate.
The group begins their journey, heading north.
During the journey I use Knowledge Nature to see if I locate any herbs/ plants worthwhile for potions, poisons & alcohol, then use Craft Alchemy to see if I can make anything useful of it.
Knowledge Nature:
Craft Alchemy:
If travel time does not permit then I will pick any plants and store them for later use. In that case, disregard the second check.
During downtime, I attempt to lighten the mood with mathematical jokes I devised over the years in my solitude, such as 'the possible outcomes of that specific algorithm are analogous to that of an equilateral triangle: any angle you look at it, it's all the same.'
Bandit attacks are at least half a day outside of the town. Terrain is low hills and small forests, with the occasional cluster of farms. 95% + of inhabitants in the area are low level commoners.
As we Walk, I humour the alchemist and his strange mannerism, stopping and watching with interest each time he scavenges for herbs
I propose we take our time- investigate the areas, talk to the locals and enjoy the surroundings; I like it here.
Knowledge(Local):
Tasyn asks any locals the group runs across about the bandits, the attacks, or anything else of interest in the area.
After, I think we should approach the camps with caution- survey then act. We should have a plan by the evening. Dissenters?
Borator walks quietly with the others as they make their way. He cant help but feel elated at the prospect of adventure. Oblivious to the fact that many of the locals seem to avoid him Borator takes the Rogue Tasyn's advice and learns what he can.
He runs into one particular commoner who seems to enjoy hearing himself talk and asks him what deity is worshiped in these parts and what can the commoner tell him about it.
Knowledge Religion
Interested in knowing more about their current regions political structure Borator also asks whomever he can about the local ruling class.
Knowledge Nobility
Taking advantage of the open skies and natural surrounding, Luna takes flight and soars about the area.
While Vonamir attempts to tag along for asking the people, it is evident some recognize him and hold the superstitions about the disease that nearly ended his life. Not wishing to deal with anything of the sort, Vonamir ventures off on his own to the surrounding area looking for possible clues about the attacks.
Perception:
Taking advantage of the open skies and natural surrounding, Luna takes flight and soars about the area.
As this happens I yell "SKEET" and mockingly draw my crossbow.
As the sun begins to fall and the party approaches the bandit encampments, Tasyn pulls out of the overwhelming monotony of the journey and speaks for the first time in a while
I recommend we start preparing ourselves- perhaps with an attack plan, a scouting order or even just an idea of how everyone here fights. I can't say I'm used to travelling with such....diverse company.
I don't mind rushing forward, as long as you let me strike early. I can end someone before a battle begins; however I am by little means a fighter, and need back up quickly.
As far as making camp- I recommend we either do our work at night and hide or rest in the morning, or rest far enough away not to raise suspicion and take them before dawn.
Regardless, I say we hit them just after the guard changes- their off going will be weary from work, and their oncoming will be unaware having just woken up.
While watching Luna happily fly about, upon hearing "SKEET", Vonamir quickly spun towards the sound drawing his longbow and an arrow. half-way through drawing the bow, he saw it was only the Half-elf joking; with a shake of his head and a sigh of relief he sheathed his weapon and carries on searching the surrounding area.
After surveying the surroundings, I return to the group with a map in hand indicating 1) the location of a camp near the dirt road and 2)A Castle under construction.
"There is the remnants of a camp, four person, about hundred meters from the dirt road. I would say that it was in use for several days.[points to the first marking on the sketched map]. What is more curious it that is a castle under construction on the distant large hill to our North-West.[Vonamir then moves to point at the second mark on the map]. What do you make of this?"
Vonamir questions the group on the findings, hoping they had luck finding information to add
While watching Luna happily fly about, upon hearing "SKEET", Vonamir quickly spun towards the sound drawing his longbow and an arrow. half-way through drawing the bow, he saw it was only the Half-elf joking; with a shake of his head and a sigh of relief he sheathed his weapon and carries on searching the surrounding area.
After surveying the surroundings, I return to the group with a map in hand indicating 1) the location of a camp near the dirt road and 2)A Castle under construction.
"There is the remnants of a camp, four person, about hundred meters from the dirt road. I would say that it was in use for several days.[points to the first marking on the sketched map]. What is more curious it that is a castle under construction on the distant large hill to our North-West.[Vonamir then moves to point at the second mark on the map]. What do you make of this?"
Vonamir questions the group on the findings, hoping they had luck finding information to add
Forgot to add, the construction has been under way for 1-3 years, depending on methods of construction and could be finished in a year or two
Borator looks over at Vonamir as the he returns from his scouting venture. The ranger appears to have been wracked by some great illness in his youth and lacks the regular fortitude for a human of his age. Not that it matters the ranger seems both strong, agile and intelligent enough to make up for his shortcoming.
Heal-Knowledge check to identify Vonamirs childhood illness
Borator turns his attention to the simple map before the party. "Baron Stanley said nothing of a castle nearby, Could these raiders be more then just bandits" he remarks to the group before pausing to recall if any other feudal lords had staked a claim to the region.
knowledge(nobility) -
After a long pause. "Unless one of you is a strong tracker..", he gives the three men and the owl a quick look, "..I think we should begin at the castle."
Marty turns to Tasyn and explains how he deals with unpleasant encounters. He holds up a vial from his bandolier and shows it to Tasyn.
"See this? Inert to everybody else's touch, I throw this, people explode." He picks up another vial from his bandolier. "I drink this, I go from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hide." He holds up the third type of vial he is found carrying.
"This..... this is a surprise." he says with a broad smile.
"As for the castle, we should explore it. I do agree, they typically do not appear overnight. He pulls out some of the herbs from a tree, does a super easy, auto-pass alchemy check and holds up some vials.
"Tea, anybody?"
Out of game:
In terms of combat, I will be extremely despondent for the next little while (road trip!) so if things happen, Browett has permission to use his imagination and act as my alchemist. Nothing bad should come of that.....
"Baron Stanley said nothing of a castle nearby, Could these raiders be more then just bandits" he remarks to the group before pausing to recall if any other feudal lords had staked a claim to the region.After a long pause. "Unless one of you is a strong tracker..", he gives the three men and the owl a quick look, "..I think we should begin at the castle."
D'accord! I say we wait for the sun to begin to fall, investigate the castle, then go bandit hunting!
Stealth:
Perception
For good measure- assuming they are bandits- I ready my cross bow;
If they aren't bandits, Ill observe untill the others pull back, then we can discuss our attack or the commencement of a raid on the 'real' bandits (wherever they may be).
As night falls, the half-elf stealthily moves ahead of the group to scout the area around the castle.
The guards make a perception check
the guards are busy sitting around a fire pit, more concerned with staying warm and the tankards in the hands than watching around the camp. The guards are dressed in the same colours as the men outside the Baron's manor. The camp looks to be able to hold around 100 people with several larger nicer tents that appear to be for more important members of the construction crew.
Im going to hold and keep my bow drawn until I see an indication from the others that they are ready to talk, approaching the guards, or calling me back.
There are 2 guards in scale mail with spears, short swords and heavy shields.
Being closer to the castle construction, Vonamir ponders back through all the Castle architecture books he has studied to see if he can identify the type of castle design, or at least a general idea of layout of the fortification (possibly weak points to infiltrate or way to use to our advantage if we were to move on the castle)
Knowledge(Engineering)
Concur
Signals to Tasyn that he is moving forward to speak to the gaurds. Borator does not ready his deadly scythe but does take a moment to concentrate and cast a minor spell
Unholy Strength: +2 Str, 10 Rounds
He approaches the gaurds in a confident manner drawing thier attention with a deliberate knock of his morningstar against his scale leggings
as the cleric approaches the guards, they notice him when he gets about 50ft from the fire. The guards stand, clearly somewhat intoxicated, "state your business here". You can hear someone stirring in the largest tent.
Borator continues his walk forward with the intention of advancing to within 30ft before replying.
Edited.
As you continue advancing one of the guards repeats, "state your business," then a half dressed dwarf comes out of the large tent holding a large hammer. "Who is disterbing my site." He then looks directly at Barator. Why are you here after dark? This site is off limits to non-workers by order of Baron Stanly."
Marty has his vials on standby.......
Out of game:
Role playing live from House 101 in CFB Esquimalt