Hold up there a bit...look at that pile of rocks. Looks like a burial mound of some kind. Let's have a closer look.
"Hmm..." Fenna muses, urging Dandelion a little closer to the pile, "you're right, I wonder who might be buried this far away from any settlements."
I wondered that myself.
Neither of you recall anything about the local peoples the tomb may have belonged to. It certainly looks old and somewhat primitive.
Neither of you recall anything about the local peoples the tomb may have belonged to. It certainly looks old and somewhat primitive.
Let me have a look at those markings...I've seen other cairns before, perhaps these are similar...
Kalev recalls the lands to the west of this spot, and the spot your staning on, were once the territories of a vicious barbarian tribe called the Tiger Lords. This cairn would have been just inside their borders, neighbouring land they had always considered sacred and never settled- The Greenbelt, although they had another simplistic name for it handed down by their shamans; Wieva Thaczil .
Fairy Land.
Malthir says a few words to honor the dead. If this is a tomb, then we should honor it and then move on unless there is anything else this tells us?
To Kalev: Do you think you can track the beast? We need to figure out a way to spot it before it can ambush us again.
To Casimir: Do you think that Grease might be an effective weapon to bring the beast to its knees or would the fact that it is a plant make this tactic useless against it?
To Yelena: I think we should have you make several potions of enlarge for the fighters, having reach could eliminate its advantage or reach over us.
To Fenna: The summons could prove useful against it. Any other magic we can employ against it we need to prepare, maybe a potion of bless from Bokken could be useful. Also would it make sense to ha
ve the person with the best perception trying to spot the beast? Didn't you pick up some magic that helps you with that?[/b]
About the cairn:
I see no need to disturb this. We are explorers, not grave robbers. But we should try and learn more about these Tiger Lords and if they still live near these lands.
To Malthir:
My grease spell could have a chance to slow it down, but due to its size, it is not something i would rely on. Instead, I like the idea of using potions of enlarge to equal out the advantage of its reach.
I would suggest we track it carefully and see if we can attack it from a distance, while Fenna summons an ally to keep it at bay. Once we have weakened it, all three warriors enlarge and come at it from different sides, so it can not strike at more of us at once.
I also know that there are different types of magic that are effective against plants, but my knowledge of such things are extremely limited. Perhaps a druid or Jhod would know more.
I would suggest we track it carefully and see if we can attack it from a distance, while Fenna summons an ally to keep it at bay.
Leaving the burial cairn alone after a respectful prayer, the group finish mapping the area by early evening, with Malthir proving the MVPC in survival efforts for once.
I can't imagine it being difficult to track, unless it has some power over the leafs and grass of the forest. With my longspear, I do have some advantage of reach. If I get a potion of enlarge person, I'd probably be able to keep the shambler occupied for a while, while you pepper it with arrows and spells.
I can't imagine it being difficult to track, unless it has some power over the leafs and grass of the forest. With my longspear, I do have some advantage of reach. If I get a potion of enlarge person, I'd probably be able to keep the shambler occupied for a while, while you pepper it with arrows and spells.
Group Survival Rolls (Level 2)
Kalev- (+1 when tracking)
Fenna- (+8 at night, +4 at day, +6 on daily exploration checks)
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Group Perception Rolls (Level 2)
Kalev-
Fenna- (12 at night)
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Group initiative rolls-
Kalev-
Fenna-
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Exploration
Overnight
The next day, the rapid exploration continues. Moving into another area of fertile The Guardians of the Greenbelt almost get their mapping completely wrong, but are corrected by Kalev's skill. Still, the delay means the exploration takes long enough that the relatively simple hex is only finished being mapped by about midnight. Setting up camp, the Guardians have another peaceful night in the open under a clear sky, although the group can hear wolves howling in the woods a little to the east.
Group Survival Rolls (Level 2)
Kalev- (+1 when tracking)
Fenna- (+8 at night, +4 at day, +6 on daily exploration checks)
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Group Perception Rolls (Level 2)
Kalev-
Fenna- (12 at night)
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Group initiative rolls-
Kalev-
Fenna-
Malthir-
Yelena-
Casimir-
Exploration
Overnight
The next day, the Guardians head back into the forest to the east and begin exploring. The Thorn River impedes progress somewhat but it runs underground to the west so is only a small hassle. As you are exploring the area Fenna and Kalev can both hear a loud ruckus heading towards the group from the north, while the others are currently oblivious.
You can hear the undergrowth being swept aside and low, loud, guttural voices moving through the area towards you, perhaps 150 feet or so away. You can't yet see whats causing the noise due to the dense trees.
Judging from the heavy footsteps, you surmise that whatever is making the noise is probably at least the size of an Ogre. You also believe you can pinpoint the sounds of three seperate voices, although you do not recognise the language.
** spoiler omitted **
The next day, the rapid exploration continues. Moving into another area of fertile The Guardians of the Greenbelt almost get their mapping completely wrong, but are corrected by Kalev's skill. Still, the delay means the exploration takes long enough that the relatively simple hex is only finished being mapped by about midnight. Setting up camp, the Guardians have another peaceful night in the open under a clear sky, although the group can hear wolves howling in the woods a little to the east.
** spoiler omitted **...
Kalev, at the moment in the lead of the party, holds up a hand to stop his companions.
Talking in a low voice, he says, There's something up ahead, something large. Possibly ogres...at least two of them, probably three. I suggest caution.
Kalev grabs his spear tightly, visibly worried.
Malthir whispers, Kalev, remember some of us are city folk, what are Ogres and can we talk with them or will they attack us on sight? You seem worried. If we stay here will they pass us by or should we dismount?
Perhaps we'd better get out of sight? Or at least form up defensive positions. Don't sound like we have much time.
"Trolls are known to move through this area..." Fenna speculates worriedly, then glances at Malthir before answering Casimir, "I am not sure how effectively we could hide, perhaps your latter suggestion would be the better option."
"Trolls are known to move through this area..." Fenna speculates worriedly, then glances at Malthir before answering Casimir, "I am not sure how effectively we could hide, perhaps your latter suggestion would be the better option."
All right! Let's stay together and alert - warriors up front, Yelena and Fenna behind. Be prepared to turn and ride as fast as you can.
Casimir unfastens the pouch on his bandoleer containing the potion of protection against evil, so he has it within easy reach like Malthir. His Dueling Blade leaves the scabbard and is held ready, while he holds Shadow in tight reins.
The warrior bard peers into the woods to the north, hoping to catch some advanced glimpse of what is coming.
Perhaps we'd better get out of sight? Or at least form up defensive positions. Don't sound like we have much time.
As indecision wracks the Guardians, the heavy footsteps are now audible by all of them...
** spoiler omitted **
The next day, the rapid exploration continues. Moving into another area of fertile The Guardians of the Greenbelt almost get their mapping completely wrong, but are corrected by Kalev's skill. Still, the delay means the exploration takes long enough that the relatively simple hex is only finished being mapped by about midnight. Setting up camp, the Guardians have another peaceful night in the open under a clear sky, although the group can hear wolves howling in the woods a little to the east.
** spoiler omitted **...
Malthir whispers, Kalev, remember some of us are city folk, what are Ogres and can we talk with them or will they attack us on sight? You seem worried. If we stay here will they pass us by or should we dismount?
Malthir, your parents never told you stories of flesh-eating ogres? How did they manage to get you to eat your vegetables then? Kalev whispers back, attempting to lighten the mood a little.
Some of the group move into cover, while others hide. The heavy thumping of feet gets louder and louder, and you begin to hear snippets of grunting and conversation as they approach, in a language your not familiar with. They will move into view in less than half a minute.
The language is Giant. You can hear the following from a grumbling voice.-
Hurgh, is long walk for Pogot. Sick of eating forest animals. Sick of walk south. Sick of wolves attacking us. Pogok want go back and keep raiding village.
A second voice responds-
Pogot is weak, runty troll! The warrior-king Hargulka have no place for you in warband if Pogot act like frail woodsie woman. No female for Pogok, all for Hrundar, herghhergh...
You can hear 'Pogot' grumbling some more. A third voice inquires-
Why Hargulka want so many troll anyway? He want make war on Breevots?
The second voice responds-
Hargulka is mighty warrior, he will have great plan for Trolls. Pogot, Krahn, I think I can hear dinner ahead... You weak Troll sneak around, and Hrundar will chase them to you...
Casimir looks around at the horses and the heavily armored paladin.
We will never be able to hide all of us. We have to run, it is our only chance!
He pulls out a fuse grenade and starts to light it.
Fenna, ghost sounds from the woods to the side. Anything to buy us time. Yelena, on your horse now!
Fenna, make it wolf sounds, they may know of the wolves hunting their kind in these woods and be distracted by them!, he sighs and reluctantly prepares to flee again from the powerful giant kin facing them. Malthir knows when he is facing overwhelming odds and will withdraw with the rest of the group via horse.
"Indeed," Fenna says hastily, "we should be leaving now."
The gnome's eyes focus intensely on the trees a little way off where the Guardians are grouped, and just as she is rearing Dandelion around away from the oncoming brutes a faintly glowing figure appears in the brush, crouched in a poor effort to hide.
I'll cover the flank, get ye gone!, Kalev says, mounting Babiska and taking up a position towards the direction of the noise.
The tiefling witch sighs, "Very well, let me slow them from pursuing." Reaching into her spell component pouch, Yelena removes a few whispy spider webs. She intones in words of magic and flings her hands forward, spraying a massive amount of sticky webbing across the trail. "Right, now let's be off."
The Guardians begin to rapidly leave the area, just as Casimir and Kalev spot three brutal looking Trolls with weapons drawn- one running straight for the group and two who were attempting to sneak around to the side. One of the sneakers bashes the ground where Fenna placed her lights, a puzzled expression on his face. Mounted, the group can see they are faster than the Trolls, who nevertheless are attempting to give chase anyway- in the dense forest the horses and dog don't have the edge they would on the open plains.
The Guardians begin to rapidly leave the area, just as Casimir and Kalev spot three brutal looking Trolls with weapons drawn- one running straight for the group and two who were attempting to sneak around to the side. One of the sneakers bashes the ground where Fenna placed her lights, a puzzled expression on his face. Mounted, the group can see they are faster than the Trolls, who nevertheless are attempting to give chase anyway- in the dense forest the horses and dog don't have the edge they would on the open plains.
EDIT:
Hey Ugly - Catch! Casimir shouts, as he hurls the lit grenade at the troll running for the group.
As soon as the explosive sphere leaves his hand, he pulls Shadow round and spurs him to a hard gallop after the rest of the fleeing Guardians.
While a character’s actual speed doesn’t directly affect how often he moves between cards, it does affect how quickly he navigates obstacles. For each 10 feet slower than the chase’s baseline speed a character moves, he suffers a cumulative –2 penalty on any check made to navigate obstacles. Likewise, for every 10 feet faster than the baseline speed he moves, he gains a cumulative +2 bonus on these checks.
While a character’s actual speed doesn’t directly affect how often he moves between cards, it does affect how quickly he navigates obstacles. For each 10 feet slower than the chase’s baseline speed a character moves, he suffers a cumulative –2 penalty on any check made to navigate obstacles. Likewise, for every 10 feet faster than the baseline speed he moves, he gains a cumulative +2 bonus on these checks.
Initiative order between you guys doesn't matter too much but its important for the trolls. You just want to move before Casimir ;).
Ok, heres how this works, very briefly. We organise the Chase with cards, each representing roughly 30 feet of movement. I would suggest reading over the link I sent you carefully, but just FYI-
-There are twelve cards in total.
-You have a headstart, so the Trolls are on Card 1 while you start on
Card 3.
-Card 12 is your goal, representing the forest edge in this case. Should you reach it, the trolls will have no hope of keeping up with you.
-Many of the cards will have obstacles, including Card 3 where you start. You won't know if a Card has obstacles until you are on it.
-Using the base assumption of 30-foot cards, it takes a move action to move through a single card. When a character exits from a card, he must choose one of that card’s two obstacles to face as a standard action before moving to the next card. Success means the character moves to the next card, while failure means the character must face the obstacle again on the next round. Instead of exiting a card, a character can choose to take another action not directly related to navigating the chase’s course, such as casting a spell or drawing a weapon.
-A character who wants to attempt to move three cards during his turn can do so by taking a full-round action. That character must overcome both obstacles on the card he is leaving. In this case, if a character fails either obstacle check by 5 or less, he only moves one card forward and his turn ends. If a character fails either obstacle check by more than 5, he cannot move at all that turn. A character unfortunate enough to fail two obstacle checks in a turn becomes mired in his current square (he might have fallen from a ledge, gotten a foot stuck amid roots, or got caught in a crowd, for example). A character who is mired must spend another full-round action becoming unmired and effectively loses his next turn in the chase. In some cases, becoming mired might impart additional penalties (such as falling damage).
Pogot
Hrundar
Krahn
Fenna
Kalev
Chase Round 1 Initiative-
Yelena- 23
Pogot- 20
Malthir- 17
Fenna- 16
Kalev- 12
Hrundar- 7
Casimir- 5
Krahn- 3
Card 3 Obstacles-
1. Fly you fools!
Ride as fast as you can away from the trolls on your mount. Applicable roll- Ride or Handle Animal.
2. Avoid low hanging branches
Speed up your progress by acrobatically avoiding low branches as you make your escape. Applicable roll- Acrobatics or Perception.
Initiative order between you guys doesn't matter too much but its important for the trolls. You just want to move before Casimir ;).
Ok, heres how this works, very briefly. We organise the Chase with cards, each representing roughly 30 feet of movement. I would suggest reading over the link I sent you carefully, but just FYI-
-There are twelve cards in total.
-You have a headstart, so the Trolls are on Card 1 while you start on
Card 3.-Card 12 is your goal, representing the forest edge in this case. Should you reach it, the trolls will have no hope of keeping up with you.
-Many of the cards will have obstacles, including Card 3 where you start. You won't know if a Card has obstacles until you are on it.
-Using the base assumption of 30-foot cards, it takes a move action to move through a single card. When a character exits from a card, he must choose one of that card’s two obstacles to face as a standard action before moving to the next card. Success means the character moves to the next card, while failure means the character must face the obstacle again on the next round. Instead of exiting a card, a character can choose to take another action not directly related to navigating the chase’s course, such as casting a spell or drawing a weapon.
-A character who wants to attempt to move three cards during his turn can do so by taking a full-round action. That character must overcome both obstacles on the card he is leaving. In this case, if a character fails either obstacle check by 5 or less, he only moves one card forward and his turn ends. If a character fails either obstacle check by more than 5, he cannot move at all that turn. A character unfortunate enough to fail two obstacle checks in a turn becomes mired in his current square (he might have fallen from a ledge, gotten a foot stuck amid roots, or got caught in a crowd, for example). A character who is mired must spend another full-round action becoming unmired and effectively loses his next turn in the chase. In some cases, becoming...
Full-round action to move three cards.
Ride 1d20+3
Acrobatics 1d20+3
Spurring her mount forward, Yelena rides like the wind but is contunually forced to slow down due to the low hanging branches threatening to impale her.
Pogot the troll is only momentarily distracted by Fenna's distraction, and rams his way through the trees to catch up with the group.
VS Dancing Lights
VS Dense Forest