Ascension - Mageocracy

Game Master bbangerter

Pit


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Will post shortly with some opening information.


The following is to give some feel for the layout of Coran, and some of its major features.

The city is located on the eastern coast of the continent. With the tail bone of the Chaggath Spine mountain range coming to an end at the edge of the city. The mountains run northwest from the city perhaps two dozen miles then turn westward cutting horizontally across the continent. A 20 foot high wall surrounds the western and southern sides of the city. The north being protected by the steep slopes and cliffs of the mountains, and the east side being open to the sea. The main gate lies on the west end beginning the road leading to Gumlat. The south side has a smaller gate that heads to Issust Hold. There is also a road connecting the Gumlat road to Issust hold for those wishing to avoid paying tariff's to enter Coran with goods destined between the smaller population centers.

The city is a sprawling affair. The major roads seem to be the only things specifically planned out, and everything else appears to have been built haphazardly in between them. The great library, which is built at the sound end of the city, lies at the end of Library Street. The street runs north to south, passing the Tower of the Heavens some 300 feet from the library and continues straight on for 3 miles to the north end of the city. The library is a 3 story building, with a single clock tower rising 70 feet into the air. The clock tower, a marvel in itself, is decorated with stained glass windows depicting an angelic being wielding a flaming sword. Two wings split off north and south from the tower, thousands of books stored inside.

The Tower of the Heavens itself is an odd structure for a tower. It measures roughly 100 feet across at the base, tapered inward slightly such that it is perhaps 90 feet across at the top of its squat 60 foot height. The entire building is made of some kind of marble. At times a door can be seen standing open on the south side of the tower. When the door is closed, those looking in from outside the grounds are unable to discern where the door is located precisely or how one might gain entrance. Those who have been inside the grounds say the entire building is covered with carvings of celestial bodies. Stars, moons, suns, comets, etc.

Around the tower itself is a circular area, the tower grounds, 100 feet distance in all directions from the tower. These grounds hold half a dozen more traditional wood and stone buildings for housing the students of the tower, the tower guards, kitchens and so forth. The grounds are well maintained, including a small garden. The grounds are encircled about by a 15 foot wrought iron fence with a large double gate on the south side.

A view of the mage tower grounds
All the stone and wood buildings are two story affairs. The two southernmost buildings are guard towers, with a platform running between the two on the second level. Fruit trees cover the north ends of the ground which provide fresh fruit all year round.

Starting at the 3 o'clock position and working counterclockwise, the remaining buildings are: Servant's Quarters for some 25 servants, Student Quarters (of which there are about 100 at any given time, Mess Hall, Guard Barracks (though a number of guards have private residents or homes elsewhere in the city), a school for quite study and research (hosting a small library), additional study rooms with some labs, advanced studies, practice rooms from which periodic sounds of explosions and flashes of light come from during the day.

The grounds of the mage tower are fairly well lit even during the night. While the tower itself is white in color, those who look closely during the night notice that at times it has a faint colored tint. The color varies night to night - red, green, gold, blue, purple, and others.

Some of the rumors surrounding the mages of the tower include the following:
They capture and experiment on trolls and other creatures.
They are crossbreeding horrific monsters and creating new breeds of nightmarish creatures.
The consort with demons inside the confines of the tower.
That they plan to kill everyone in the city and turn them into mindless undead.
That they built the library to attract strangers to the city whom they then abduct for their experiments.
They are working to stave off threats from other worlds.
They are working with other worlds to take over this one.
They seek to overthrow the gods.
They seek to become gods.
They seek to release some dark god from his prison.
Or prevent the release of said dark god.

Running east to west in the city is the merchants road. This is a wide street and serves as an open market place for all kinds of street vendors. The official offices of the merchant's guild lies as its western end. An ornate building that exudes the wealth represented by the powerful merchants houses. A thick wall surrounds the building and the place is heavily guarded.

Several blocks north of the merchants road is beggars street. That's not its official name, which is known only by a few who care. Most folk avoid the street.

The harbor on the east end of the city contains numerous warehouses. Stretching out into the water are 3 large docks, and there is always activity going on day and night. Large cranes loading and unloading ships.

Various temples dedicated to the good and neutral deities can be found scattered about the city.

In the southwest end of the city is a section called Tiny Town (or often worse names) where many of the gnome and hafling residents reside. Larger folk are generally not welcome here, and a few unexplained accidents have been known to happen to such after dark.

The thieve's guild is located...
Haha, you wish.


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Dot.


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

And one for her fused form.


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Appreciate the city description, always good to know where you live! Tomlin's family would presumably live in "Tiny Town", and that is where his small home is.


Some additional information.

As part of 'standard operating procedure' the mages have asked that if in your line of duties you ever fell particularly powerful creatures, such as those from other planes or those with natural magical abilities that you collect their blood for study and use by the tower.

Also because of your connection to the tower any magical items which you wish to have crafted for you take only 1/10th the time to have made. So a day or less for anything costing up to 10,000gp.

Rumors surrounding the tower seem to be going through a phase of revival in the city. Tales told in taverns and inns about the vilest crimes and wildest fancies the mages are purported to have caused. No two tellers ever tell it in the same way. Those who have been around a while have seen the ebb and flow of the rumors, but that is all they are, just rumors.

There is a tension in the city though. Fewer people walk the streets at night, and the city guard has been stretched thin. The professional soldiers have been called into duty patrolling the roads of the kingdom. But still reports of evil happenings roll in. You feel a madness will take the city if something doesn't change. Something has to give. Something has to break. Something has to yield.


Winter 4474, 3 days ago

It is late evening, a light snowfall is coming down outside the mess hall on the tower grounds. You don't envy the tower guard their duty tonight. Some of you once held that position and you can recall the cold nights well enough. A blazing fire warms the large hall which is empty of both staff and students, who have already finished for the night. You sit at a table with Master Kaldar Liam, seventh seat of the Council of Seven. Only a few black streaks remain in his silvery white hair, and his back is slightly bent with age. He wears a thick woolen robe, light blue with a gold trim, the symbol of the crescent moon embroidered on the right breast, the symbol of the tower and its strength. You were sent an urgent summons less than an hour ago. Master Liam speaks with a cracked voice, the chill weather is not kind to his frail body, ”I've just returned from Akleta on other business, but while there we received troubling news. Something has come down out of the mountains and attacked one of the outlying settlements. Just a couple of shepherd families, all are dead. The sheep driven or carried off. There were wolf tracks in the area, but, well there is more, you are going to have to see it for yourselves. You need to be ready to go in a few hours, get your things and meet back here.” As you stand to leave Master Liam's gaze turns towards the windows looking out into the night and falling snow, he mutters, his old age and fading hearing has left him unaware of the volume of his voice, ”Bah. The merchant's complain about petty brigands on the roads stealing a few goods from them. Yet what do they care that two families are dead and more will follow if we don't hunt this creature down.”

A few hours later Master Liam handed you a magical rod with instructions for its use to return you swiftly to Coran once your task was finished. In a strong voice he then chanted a few words of arcane power and have your group was whisked away. A second chanting and the rest of you joined them to find yourselves standing on the grounds of Governor Alding's estates – right in the center of Akleta. Some 400 miles distance from where you were a moment before. The governor didn't actually meet with you though his secretary gave you the information you needed to find the place.

Winter 4474, late afternoon

Three days of travel and the last homestead you saw was a day ago. You now stand in the middle of the Sheldon ranch, or what is left of it. Two small simple homes once stood in this area. Something big crushed the thatched roofs and burst the walls. Pottery, linen, and other odds and ends are strewn about the wooden floors of the homes. Gazing out over the field you can see where the wooden fence to hold in the sheep has been snapped in half in one section.

The snow carpeting the area is old, trampled by the passing of many feet back and forth over what must have been several days time. Here and there though you can see the crimson stains of blood mixed into the snow and mud.

The game isn't quite underway yet, but while I start going through your characters as you finish them up I wanted you to be able to start making plans and asking questions about your first assignment. Most of my time currently though is still focused on suggesting additional touches to back stories and tying some pieces together.

Each group is going to have one or two encounters (and I use that word loosely - not necessarily combat encounters) to get a feel for each others playing before they start colliding with the other factions.


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Just a post for flavor, getting us to the farmstead

Yes, Master Jori, Tomlin answered after the order was given. Kneeling with head bowed before his teacher and master, Brother Tomlin was a bit surprised by the order. It was rare that one of The Friends was sent to work with other branches of the Mageocracy, but Master Jori's words were clear. I will go now to Master Liam as instructed. Rising again, Tomlin pounded his right hand to his heart and added in salute Defend to the Death! He then proceeded to the meeting point. In his street cloths but with his bag in hand, he remind himself to change immediately after the meeting. Otherwise he might displease his masters.

As the group gathered to meet with Master Kaldar Liam, a wiry halfling several had seen in tower grounds proceeded in with them. Not looking much the adventurer before, some may have assumed the halfling (Tomlin, was it?) was one of the servants until he took his place at the table with the rest. Normally a friendly if inattentive fellow, those with a modicum of perceptiveness saw that the expression on Tomlin's face had changed drastically. Now focused, unblinking and even grim, Tomlin's eyes shown with intensity.

Tomlin said nothing, only listened, as Master Liam laid out the groups orders. The halfling periodically looked around at the others, as if weighing each in turn. After the mission was given and the group temporarily scattered to collect possessions, Tomlin headed to a secluded corner to change. Out of his bag came two shoulder-holstered swords, a bandolier strap with metal vials and throwing stars, a mask that covers the mouth and a set of loose fitting cloths, layers for warmth. That much more still resided in the bag bespoke of its magical qualities. Almost unrecognizable when he returned to meet the group again, Tomlin said nothing as the rod's magicks did their work. This was not the first time the halfling had been transported this way; as soon as the party arrived Tomlin immediately assessed the area for danger. After receiving further guidance from the governor's secretary, Tomlin nodded impassively as the group headed out for the 3-day sojourn to the farmstead.

While traveling, Tomlin was scarcely in sight as he ghosted along the periphery of the group. Likewise, he appeared ever vigilant of attack even in this apparently peaceful area. As the group arrived at the farmstead and surveyed the area, a close look at his expression revealed something more...personal in eyes; a rage or anger that went deeper than the halfling's recent impassive look. Something in that wrecked farmstead obviously struck a chord in him, and he looked ready to do violence when the perpetrators were found.

Tomlin has Fast Stealth as an ability, and will typically be in Stealth mode when we travel. His bluff and diplomacy skills account for his ability to present different personas, but the driven/fanatical one the group is seeing now is the real him


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

Valdr listened to all that was conveyed at the meeting. He had never been to Akleta himself, but he did not have any doubts as to why he was selected for this group. If the Council of Seven was concerned about these attacks, it was clear that more then just wolves or bandits were involved. It was perhaps a cynical thought, but he suspected had a few shepards been killed by wolves the Tower of the Heavens wouldn't much care.

Those who saw him at the council meeting beheld a dwarf of around five feet in height, with broad shoulders and clever eyes the color of green copper ore. Though he wore a Laurel green scholars cap on his head, it was clear that he had little of his blonde hair still atop his skull. A thick five braided beard started from just above his ears and sought in vain to cover up the scars and burns that decorated his otherwise ordinary face. It was unclear what caused the wounds, but in some places it looked almost as if the skin was warped rather then torn or burned.

He appeared unarmed and unarmored, save for the robes he wore and the small smithing hammer that hung from his belt.

There was a sour expression on his face when he was dismissed without further explanation.

By all outward appearences the same man did not return to the designated spot hours later, though Master Kaldar Liam seemed unphased and treated the new comer as if he were part of the group. A short human male of 5'6 with a large belly and small piggish eyes took the place of the dwarf. He was dressed in the dark outfit of a beauracrat, complete with five pointed hat and silver-rimmed spectacles.

When the group arrived in Akleta. He asked a few questions of Governor Alding's secretary, before they proceeded on their way to the Sheldon Ranch.

After days of little conversation, the fat bureaucrat broke the silence and turned to his companions. "I wager it be best if we understood one another's purpose here. Names and one's talents should suffice."


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Perhaps, sir, you should start first. In truth Tomlin had been eyeing the odd bespeckled man for sometime, waiting the moment to ask the obvious question. I'm no stranger to disguises, but that's an exceptional one if so. I saw a dwarven mage of some sort show up to our meeting, not an accountant. Please tell me we do not have a traitor to the Mageocracy in our midst. Tomlin's words and stare were hard, but not said as if he truly thought there was a possibility it true. Nevertheless, the halfling appeared to have firmly lobbed the introduction ball into his companion's court.


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

"So be it." Valdr said when Tomlin put him to the task of beginning. He touched the silver-framed spectacles that seemed to rest on his nose and nodded his head. "You are correct in your assumption that this is a disguise and it is a good one because it is aided with magic." His voice was deep and sounded well educated, but to a keen ear one could tell he was not originally from Coran, perhaps one of it's outliers.

"My name is Valdr and I am a man of no small knowledge. I can fight as well as a man of the Coran guard and I have also been trained in controling the Arcane forces that interlace with reality. That said, let it be known that I am no grand wizard of the tower." The pudgy bureaucrat offered a frown.

"I cannot say if we are absent traitors, but I can declare that I am not one. I am the same man as the dwarf you saw at the meeting days ago, though..." He began with a low chuckle. "...it is possible that neither holds my true face. I serve the government of Coran, with loyalty and honor."


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

The halfling nodded in understanding as Valdr spoke. It seems you know as well as I that secrecy and subterfuge are sometimes needed for the betterment of those we serve. [b]My name is Brother Tomlin, a member of the Friends of the Tower: vigiliance, stealth and the ability to be both diplomatic and lie when needed are the skills I bring. I have been trained in the mystic arts of Ninjitsu, and although my stature may be small, when in the right position in a fight I know how to fell our enemies. I will be primarily keeping to the shadows, in hopes of getting the jump on our adversaries and scout their positions when needed.


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Akane gets the news to come see Master Liam while she is eating, just having gotten off duty as a guard. With a spoonful of the inn's famous stew in her mouth, the helpless eyes she gives the messenger leave leave the man off balance. Swallowing, she says, "I shall head there immediately... after I finish this bowl." Scarfing down the delicious exotic cuisine (to her, anyway), the tan-skinned woman thanks the barracks' chef, before leaving to head to the tower proper.

Upon reaching building, the tiefling woman is shuffled in to meet with Master Liam and the other gathered folks. Akane is an attractive, lightly-tanned woman of average height and petite build. She has very noticeable orange-red eyes and purple hair, but her most notable feature are the small horns protruding from her forehead. Wearing light, ornate exotic clothing that does not seem fitting for the winter, with a heavy, grey winter coat over it, she seems a tad bit out of place here. Sitting down and listening to his words, the horned lady shifts uncomfortably in her seat. The awful suffering of others was never easy for the openhearted Mori daughter. Once the Master has said his part, she tries to remove the frown from her face. As she stands to leave, she hears the aging man speaking about merchants and the like, though she has the decency to not say anything. When they are ready to leave, a few hours later, she is fully geared and ready.

Upon arriving in Akleta, Akane attempts to introduce herself to the group the Council has gathered. "Greetings," she begins, during a lull in conversation. "I am Akane Mori, disciple of Qi Zhong. I imagine I have been sent with you folk because of my rather... unique," the fetching woman pauses for a moment, "talents. Like Master Akeli, I am what is called a 'summoner,' though I believe that such a title is a misnomer in my case." She nods deeply, before continuing, "My powers are a gift from the Master of Medicine, strength provided to do his will, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I hope to work well with all of you." Akane bows in respect to the others, a calm smile on her face.


Ranch Map


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

A quiet gentleman in his late twenties, Tavrus has black hair with streaks of grey creeping in far too soon. He wears the robes of an associate of the tower, and attends the meeting without saying a word, leaving just as silently.

When he returns, he is not alone. In contrast to the chain mail that he wears over his leathers, his associate is clad in full plate mail from head to toe. The warrior looks as if he could be any set of plate mail on display in a minor lord's keep, and moves with the same lack of fluidity. Tavrus carries a light crossbow and quiver, and his friend carries a scimitar. Tavrus also looks a good deal younger, perhaps a lad of 18 and showing up fresh to his guard post as an arbalestier.

When asked for his name and skillset, Tavrus replies, "My name is Tavrus. As for skills, any of you who spend a deal of time in the tower have likely heard rumors of mine. To those of you who have not, suffice it to say that I am a physician, biologist, and erstwhile mortician, of sorts. This is my silent associate Edric, and as you may have assumed by his appearance, is a warrior of middling skill."


"nnnnggghhhhhhh" KILLED IN ACTION hp 40/40 - ac 21 - melee mwk scimitar+4, 1d6+3

"....."


Male Human Rogue Lvl 5

A medium sized man quietly follows Aurelion around, never more than a few paces away, and usually close behind a shoulder. He is so ordinary that others tend to overlook him quite easily, dismissing him as a servant of the more noble looking youth. Throughout the meeting and subsequent journey he seems constantly aloof, regularly picking at his ears or simply staring at nothing for long periods of time with a blank face. He only speaks when directly spoken to by Aurelion, and even then usually resorts to grunts or gestures, rarely using his quiet, calm voice that is difficult to hear if not close by.

When asked directly he speaks up a bit to introduce himself. "Tunny." He shrugs. "I'll try to be of help when I can."

Although others may have their doubts about Tunny's practical usefulness, he has certainly done nothing to be a burden. He is always willing to take a turn at watch or cooking a meal, and is always ready to move on without a word of complaint or sign of tiring. As the days pass everyone in the party has an opportunity at some point to notice that he carries two shortswords strapped to his back, only casually covered by his cloak. Despite the fact that he is armed it is still easy to doubt him due to his hunched posture and distant look.


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

Retrieving a copper flask from his belongings, Valdr crouched down and examined the crimson staining the snow. One of the larger portions of bloody snow was scooped up and slipped into the flask. Upon doing so he stoppered the flask and slipped it away.

He continued to examine the area, trying to determine what happened here as well as detect any tracks.

Perception check
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Survival tracking check
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Looking up at the rest of the task force, he shook his head and carefully got back to his feet. "I can't find anything, though I haven't really been trained to track wolves or whatever took these shepards."


The game is now in motion

Valdr:
Even just a casual inspection of the blood reveals it is old, at least a week, perhaps a little more.

Tomlin:
The wreckage of the buildings will provide sufficient cover to hide behind for anything to the south.


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Tomlin nodded approvingly at Valdr's instinct to begin examining the scene. The halfling had veered a bit to the west of the rest of the group as they approached the ruined farmstead, and commenced scrutinizing the shattered building northwest of the main barn. While he searched he kept a wary eye out for enemies. Whatever did this could still lurk nearby, he reminded himself.

Tomlin would have come onto the scene at square C10, moving diagonally to D11 then down the eastern side of the building in his search of the area. Perception Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 EDIT: Should be +11 to Perception, not +9 so add two to result.

Looks like the fighter isn't on the map yet. OK to assume he'll start about in Tomlin's old square?


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Akane glaces around the area, Yoroi's gaze following her own. Since reaching the edges of the town the previous day, the tiefling woman has been traveling in her fused form. Deciding that the risk of running into bloodthirsty wolves was more likely then running into scared and possibly untrusting townsfolk, she has been walking while guarded by Yoroi. Having explained her powers and the extent of her connection with the others previously, and giving them fair warning before beginning the transformation, Akane hopes that the others aren't scared of her and her god-given powers.

"Whatever happened here must have been awful..." Akane and Yoroi's combined voice booms, louder than she would like. She places her hands together, Yoroi following suit, before she says a short Qi Zhongian prayer for the dead. "We must find out what has happened as soon as possible," the woman decides, moving to inspect the ruined ranch.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15


Male Human Fighter 5

Posting to get the thread added to my campaign tab. (This sight isn't the easiest to navigate).


Just a note, for the most part I'll be making perception rolls for you - that way you'll never know if you just got a low roll and so didn't see anything, or maybe you got a high roll and there is just nothing there.

Tomlin:
In the remains of the blood you can see where a body once lay there but has since been removed. Among the broken pieces of wreckage you can see long gouges in some of the wood beams. The gouges are about 1 inch wide and and 2 inches or more deep. Claw marks you think?

Akane:
Taking a longer look over the area you are able to see that there are several dead sheep in the penned area.

Updated map


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

Tavrus and Edric will move forward to examine the scene to the south of us (whatever that structure/ruin is)


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Okay, no problem.

Akane wrinkles her nose at the sight of several dead sheep in the penned area of the ranch. She turns to the others and puts her hands on her hips, Yoroi placing his oversized hands on the cold, hard ground. "What should we do? Are any of you any good at tracking? Maybe we can find out where who or whatever did this," the woman emphasizes, pointedly gesturing around with both her and Yoroi's hands, "and where they have gone, after the fact. I can only hope we can stop them before they take more victims." She frowns as she takes another look around the ravaged ranch, frustration apparent in her big orange-red eyes.


Male Human Fighter 5

Aurelion bent over with his hands on his knees, taking in deep breaths of cold air. With his head hunched forward he squeezed his eyes shut tightly trying to catch his bearings. He had seen many strange and fantastic things since coming to the tower a few short months ago, but he had never felt anything quite like the sensation of traveling hundreds of miles in mere seconds. Head still spinning, he felt the weight of a familiar hand rest upon the shoulder of his heavy full plate armor. He quickly straightened up, hoping none of his new companions had seen. Though quite tall, Aurelion was by far the youngest member of the group and he didn't want anyone to think him weak. He hurriedly assured Tunny that everything was fine.

Aurelion wasn't exactly sure why he had been chosen for this mission - but he was glad of it. He hoped it was because of the prowess with a blade that had impressed so many since his arrival at the tower. Though, he suspected that his family name might have had something to do with it. Being the heir to the house of di Alkanov had opened many doors to him in the past. Regardless, Aurelion was excited and eager to prove himself against an enemy that wouldn't hold back because he had titles or wealth.

My name's Aurelion , he said, purposely omitting the rest of his name. I'm good with a sword. There was a tone of arrogance in that statement. In all his life he had never met his equal with a blade... except for maybe Tunny.


Male Human Rogue Lvl 5

Wandering around the ranch a bit Tunny stops and stares blankly at the spots of blood and broken fences. After a minute he starts poking around the rubble of the homes.

GM:
Tunny will be making perception checks and survival checks to look for tracks or anything that might give some clue as to what was here. As he pokes around the ruins he is looking for additional clues, but also anything that might be valuable


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

Valdr assists Tunny and Tavrus in the investigation of the ruined structure to the South. His movements are slow and purposeful, careful not to rush things or accidently ruin any tracks that might lead them to whoever or whatever caused this carnage.


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Whatever did this removed the bodies, and since they made no other efforts to conceal the crime I'd say the attackers had a use for them. Judging by the claw marks on the wood, I'd further say that use was food. Said just loud enough to be heard by the party members just to Tomlin's east, the tone was angry. Despite the information gleaned so far the halfling continued his search, moving south down the northwest building's remains and then quickly skipping over to the ruined south-central building to do the same.

Tomlin will continue down to I11, then diagonally over to L15 and across the north side of that building. After searching there he'll move over to the big main building and assist the others there.


The southern building has similar claw marks in the wood. Broken pottery, torn bed sheets and other debris are abundant in both wreckages. In the southwest corner of the southern building is a small cellar door P15. Clearing away the debris would allow access to it.

The fence itself was smashed inward by something large. The snow in this spot is especially churned up with mud and brown grass lying dormant for the winter. Large scrapes in the muddy snow reveal deep gouges where whatever large creature was here dug into the earth.

10' farther south of the you can see where a number of sheep were led or driven, pushing through the snow southward towards the mountains.

Tunny:
Among the prints of the sheep you can make out here and there the footprint of some other beast. You'd guess wolf prints but they are large for a wolf, but not large enough to match the clawed wood and gouges in the earth.

Not much is left of the few dead sheep in the pen. They have been torn and shredded by sharp teeth.


Male Human Fighter 5

But Tomlin, why drag the bodies away? Would not a pack of wild animals have devoured it's kill here? Something about this doesn't feel right. We need to learn more about the creatures that worked this evil if we mean to find them before they attack again.

Scowling at the scene, Aurelion begins to inspect the tracks, gash marks and looking for other signs that could reveal the nature of these creatures.

Aurelion moves over the to where the fence has been broken in, inspects it and the digging marks,and stops at R34, Survival check

More riddles. If these creatures were here to hunt why would they drag off the humans but leave so many sheep?


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Tomlin shrugs, I'm no expert on the behavior of wild beasts, but I do believe that after eating their fill here they might drag off some of the rest to be consumed later. Aye, but I also see a nefarious hand in this like yourself. Something doesn't add up. The halfling stopped to inspect the cellar entrance in the south-central building remains. With a bit of work we could access this area. More clues mayhaps; anyone want to check it out with me? Tomlin begins clearing debris from around cellar entrance and then examines it for any locks or traps.


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

"I believe you are correct," Akane states, her eyes still taking in the terrible damage. "It is quite possible that whatever caused this was being led by some other creature... and my heart tells me it is something dangerous." The tiefling summoner continues looking for clues to why things happened this way, and where the slain may have been taken.

Maybe an untrained Survival check?


Male Human Rogue Lvl 5

Tunny grunts in agreement with Tomlin's suggestion to check the cellar and begins to assist in clearing away the debris.


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

{b]"I can certainly see the logic behind your hypothesis. Edric, help them clear away some of that debris."[/b]


Edric and Tunny begin clearing away the debris as Akane and Aurelion search about the penned area for additional clues. Nothing new reveals itself to their searching eyes. Plenty of human sized footprints cover the area around the buildings and sheep pen, but these are presumably those of the former inhabitants.

Five minutes of moving a couple of large pieces of wood and you are able to open the cellar door. A short set of steps leads down into a 5' hole where are stored some dried fruits, potatoes, and carrots.

Valdr and Tavrus:
As you are watching, or assisting, in clearing away the debris something strikes you as odd. Much of the debris is coated in a rather thick layer of frost and ice, half an inch or so. A little would be expected from the cold temperatures, but it hasn't snowed in a week or more.

Updated map


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Getting an error message from your picture, GM. -e- Scratch that, seems to be working now.


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

Tavrus will search his stores of arcane knowledge to see what creature might have caused this, perhaps with the claw marks.


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

Valdr runs his hand along the ice covered debris, examining it as best he can. His hand rose to pull at his illusion masked beard, as he considered the implications. "What do you think caused this?" He said almost to himself, though he knew there where others listening.

He searched his own memory for knowledge of spellcraft, the Arcane and even of other things from the realm beyond. The fingers of his right hand toyed with the small workman's hammer on his belt, opening his mind to the power that lay within.

Do you want us to roll Spellcraft and knowledge checks, or will you be making all rolls?


You can do your own knowledge and spellcraft rolls I think. Since a failed roll is going to be a result of 'you don't know' (in which case whether I roll it or you do you will know you failed to pass the DC). The ones I will be rolling is if you do say a perception check to look for secret doors. There may or may not even be a secret door - but if you roll high then you know there isn't one (or it's so well hidden it can't be found). I'll hit your and Tavrus rolls on this one, though in the future feel free to do so for any check that has an obvious pass/fail with immediate results.

Between the two of them Valdr and and Tavrus discuss what could be the source of this wreckage.

Among the beasts with claws that come to mind: raptors, a wyvern, a dragon, maybe a natural predator enhanced in size by magic.
The layer of frost and ice matches what you'd expect from a cone of cold spell, or a winter worg, white dragon, or dragons breath spell, or ice golem.


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

"Hmm, I am leaning towards worg or white dragon on this one. Both likely eat sheep and seem intelligent enough to grab some food for later."


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

I'm going to assume Akane is out of earshot.

Finding nothing relevant around the edges of the destroyed pen, Akane and Yoroi begin walking back towards the others. "Did you find anything?" she asks, adjusting her winter coat. Yoroi's hands fiddle with the air in front of her, and Akane drops her hands to her sides at her companion's interruption. She sighs, rolling her eyes at the eidolon, which Yoroi also seems to copy.


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

"The omnipresent claw marks coupled with this unnatural layer of ice suggest a magical beast of some sort, or at very least a caster. I lean towards magical beast because an intelligent caster wouldn't choose an element of evocation that most of the particularly challenging fauna would be resistant or immune to. In case you aren't following, by that i mean the element of cold. A smart caster would use fire most likely, as creatures in this area wouldn't be used to it."


Female (Kyton-Spawn) Tiefling (Synthesist) Summoner 5

Akane looks to the man doubtfully, but doesn't say anything. She begins to stroke her chin in thought, Yoroi following suit.


Male Dwarf Magus (Bladebound)

Ascension, keep in mind I am a dwarf, so I get an automatic check even without actively searching. (Stonecunning: Dwarves receive a +2 bonus on Perception checks to potentially notice unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors. They receive a check to notice such features whenever they pass within 10 feet of them, whether or not they are actively looking)

"Whilst I cannot hold the same theory of one evocational element being choice to a caster or not, for Frost could serve to prevent the damage from spreading and may even be utilized as a preservant... I also lean on a theory that this is the work of a young white dragon or a winter worg. The worg seems more likely, given the tendency for wolves in this region. Can any of you find tracks?"

"Let us finish our search of this area and then determine where next to go. I'll not leave a stone unturned."


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Tomlin opened the cellar, and was thoroughly underwhelmed at the contents. what did you expect, they needed to store things here as well, he chided himself without words. The halfling had little to add to Tarvus' and Valdr's erudite discussion of creatures. Tomlin simply knew he had to help kill the perpetrator when they find it. He did nod in response to Valdr's discussion to keep searching. Aye, we need to make sure we aren't missing another detail. Have we thoroughly searched that large penned area? Assuming they have not, Tomlin moves to the large central pen and begins searching the area for clues.


Searching the pen and taking a closer look at the dead sheep Tomlin can see that the remains were indeed a meal for something. The snow in the pen is so packed down from the sheep once kept here though that finding any new tracks is impossible. At a guess the pen might have held as many as 30 sheep before the fence was smashed. The tracks around the broken boards widen but in general are heading south.


AC 19, Hp:44/60, Ki Points Left: 1/7, Poison Doses Left: 3 Initiative+6, Fort+5, Ref+11, Will+6 (add +2 vs. Fear), CMD 17 Att: +9/+9 with swords (1d4/18-20x2) or +11 Sword, Shuriken +11 (1/x2)

Tomlin frowns at the packed ground in the pen, a growing frustration builds seeing that no clear answers will be found here. He looks to the others and says, do any of you have any skill in tracking? Creatures this size could leave a follow-able set of prints to their lair. The halfling hopes against hope with his suggestion, worried that no other leads may manifest and therefore requiring an embarrassing, empty-haded return back to the tower.


HP 37/48 KILLED IN ACTION Human Undead Lord 6

"No, i cannot track."


Male Human Rogue Lvl 5

Tunny takes a look around the cellar, hoping to find something hidden from casual sight. Grunting at the conversation of the others he steps out of the cellar and picks his way back across the debris. While the others talk he walks casually over to Aurelion at the pen. "Here," he says, pointing to the tracks he noticed, "are tracks, that appear to be wolf-like, but larger." He looks over at the others, "Worg makes sense. But here..." he shows the larger claw marks, "...are signs of something else. No worg has claws this big. Stay alert."

He stares at the marks another moment then grunts. "Come on, boy, maybe we can see where they lead." He begins following what tracks he has already seen to see if he can find more, leading away. He speaks a bit louder to be heard by the others, "Some good food in that cellar, if anyone needs to restock, it would be a good time." He then mumbles something about a nice fresh stew, but makes no effort to take any of the supplies himself.

Tunny will be making a perception check in the cellar, and then a survival check to see if he can find a path of tracks leading away. This survival check will be in assistance to Aurelion's check if he makes one.

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