DM Zyren's Heart of Journeys (Inactive)

Game Master Zyrenity

Wail. Wail. Wail. Hack. HAck HAck. Slash. Slash Slash. It's late and I'm tired.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 1) + 12 = 15

Sorry for the delay. Travelled back and forth across the country on Tuesday, got home at midnight. Was awakened by thunder at 4:30, got 5 inches of rain over the next 3 hours. Spent yesterday cleaning up the rain made mess, the rain also took out our Internet which finally got fixed a few minutes ago. Hopefully I can keep up from here.

__________

Jez once again swings at one of the frozen corpses hoping to put it out of its misery once and for all.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10<-- I assume there are some bonuses, flanking, inspire. Courage, etc. But I am not sure what as I am on my phone. Although with this roll it really does not matter.
Damage: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 = 10

Rd 7:

Kosti
Nymeria
Zombies
Red Raven
Attalas
Mobo
Ragnvald
Jez
King Yeti

King Yeti smashes his furry fist in another frozen face and pauses afterwards

Not many dead people left...we win!

And actually the regal monster could be right...

I have no clue what spells Kosti has memorized.

Seeing most of the zombies down. Nymeria and Kosti both withdraw from combat before taking any more damage from the frozen undead.

Withdraw Action - both Kosti and Nymeria

Kosto should be back now - not sure if he wants to change last action?
Otherwise it's zombie time.

Kosti is pretty much out of spells, withdrawing is a pretty good Idea, so Zombie Time it is...

The remaining zombies shamble onwards and keep on attacking

Icetouch Zombie attacking Attalas / Slam1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Icetouch Zombie attacking Mobo / Slam1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Icetouch Zombie attacking Ragnvald / Slam1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Ouchies. 2hp left.

Starting to slow down as the wounds of the day finally start to get to the beserking priest Ragnvald continues to cleave and slice.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 Attack
2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 3) + 12 = 17 Damage

Mobo slices at the zombie that tried to slam into him.

Dogslicer 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 2

Hoping to help eliminate the remaining threats, Jez keeps swinging. Preferably at one threatening the wounded Evangelist.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 22 <-- Inspire Courage and Bless, not sure what else is in effect.
Damage: 2d4 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 + 1 = 12

Together with King Yeti, Ragnvald and Jez are able to bring another zombie down reducing their number to two...everyone now stares at Attalas...

Rd 7:

Kosti X
Nymeria X
Zombies X
Red Raven X
Attalas
Mobo X
Ragnvald X
Jez X
King Yeti X

Attalas looks furious about having all the creatures apparently lined up just to be killed by him slashes away at yet another zombie that held him back from the main target of his affection

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage 3d6 + 15 ⇒ (4, 6, 3) + 15 = 28

Odd, I posted a while back... must have botched!

I think that the earlier post would have been better.

I think so too.

Rd 8:

Kosti
Nymeria
Zombies
Red Raven
Attalas
Mobo
Ragnvald
Jez
King Yeti

Nymeria and Kosti continue to stand back hoping that their rapidly diminishing spellcasting abilities will not be required any more for the sole remaining zombie.

Indeed, although just for the sake of not standing around idly, if that Zombie is in range, Kostie will loose another acid drop on him.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
1d3 ⇒ 3

Sorry, did not realize you were back and posting. Figured with only one Zombie left, I would move things forward.

No Problem ;-)

When the acid drop hits the zombie right between the eyes, the creature staggers a step forward and then, like a felled tree, collapses backwards.

King Yeti looks at Kosti and smiles a razor-toothed smile

Aim is good!

Not particularly liking the blood seeping from her wounds, Jez calls in out draconic to some strange power and some of her wounds heal..

Cast CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cast CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

She then looks to the others before glancing at the bugbears, goblins and Ulfen.

That worked well for us. Not so well for our friends.

She turns to the Red Raven.
Your actions have cost a lot of lives and may well cause more. . . . Now, where is the item that keeps this land warm?

Eyes blood shot and covered in blood (his own and others) the frenzied priest slowly turns towards the would be bandit.

CAlling on gorum to sooth the pain a little he makes it very clear wiht his body language that the red raven may very likely lose his life in the next instant.

In a voice as dry and deep as a fresh grave RAgnvald speaks. "Answer her question."

Cure Light wounds. 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Regardless how this ends we should back off for a bit and camp out. We're nearly out of mojo and some of us are ripped up pretty bad.

The Red Raven tiredly looks at the mass of mangled goblins and human corpses and sighs

More enemies then? Send by the villagers to get that orb back...I...Kosti? Is that you? he pauses and seems confused now.

Bloodied and stone faced, Kosti takes a step towards the Raven. His voice trembles with anger.
You sent me to fetch help, when I return, you are gone and you have stolen the key from the villagers to leave them to die in the coming winter. You tried to lure us into deadly traps. Now give me one reason why we should spare your miserable life...

Ragnvald smiles. "He's learning."

The infamous thief looks tired now and shrugs

I have no good excuse...just love...the Jarl kidnapped my wife and told me to steal the orb...I needed you and...them...to serve as distraction...in the end everything went wrong...you are here, the orb is lost to the jarl and my wife is still in his hands...what can I say?!

----

btw. level up!

WooHoo - leveling time.

Jez stares at the thief.
I really do not care much about your wife. You were willing to sacrifice an entire town to save your wife, which says something about love, but also shows your complete disrespect for the lives of others.

We were sent to get the orb and return it. If it is in the possession of the Jarl, then where is the Jarl. We have wiped out a few of his yetis, we have now squashed a legion of frozen undead. But, where is the Jarl. He has the orb and we are going to get it back. If you want your wife back alive, I strongly recommend answering our questions and telling us everything you know about the Jarl, his whereabouts, and his weaknesses.

Leveling: Sorcerer/2
HP 1d6 ⇒ 4

Will work out skills and feats later. Not sure whether I qualify for Arcane Armor Training yet or not. Otherwise, probably Improved Init.

Well fwiw...
I don't mean to get on anyone's case about it, but I have to say that somewhere between the posting frequency and the lackluster replies posted I can't help but get the feeling not everyone is feeling the love here. To that end I am of a mind to retire Attalas off.

I get the impression that having such a smack happy killing machine is leaving people feeling a bit 'cheer squad', and that feeling can suck a little, but from my perspective I always design characters that I feel not only push the limit of mechanics, but also happen to be well rounded and believable characters in the own right - the Rollplay meets Roleplay Nirvana land.

Retiring Atty would allow other people to come out of the shadows a little, and I would expect that this challenge was met head on. Now only two things just happened: either the fight was SIGNIFICANTLY beefed up to slow the Ogre down, or it was set at the right level in which case we'd have just TPK'd, so if you are going to roll without an Ogre then perhaps re-evaluating combat effectiveness needs to be undertaken.

Simply put, an enormous weight will be transferred from the shoulder of a giant and squarely back upon the party, so I put it to you guys to be sure you are ready to bear the burden. I was pretty unconvinced at the shots going downrange in that last battle.

I won't be taking the lead Tank role though if I redesign, so I leave that conundrum to the party to solve.

I like Attalas, although he does some decent damage. It will be a few levels, but Jez is going to end up just as strong if not stronger with the ability to cast enlarge person and probably buy a wand of Lead Blades.

The strange thing with this group is that few of the characters are built to help one another and work together. Ragnavald has Inspire Courage and casts some buffing spells - bless, etc. I can cast Bless and Protection from Evil as necessary.

On the other hand, Nymeria has no buffing spells - I assume that she will retire after this module as she has not even updated to add level two spells even though she has been level 4 for several months.

Likewise, Kosti has few buffing/debuffing spells. No Glitterdust or Bull's Strength. I am not sure what spells he has memorized as I cannot find them listed on his sheet. I may have missed them, but do not see any on an initial scan.

Finally, we have Mobo. While I have never been a fan of gunslingers as I just do not see them as belonging in a medieval/fantasy game, I love the character. However, from a build standpoint, while he does good damage when shooting, he seems to spend most of the time doing 1d4 damage with his dogsticker.

Personally, I love Jez and I hope that we can keep moving forward, but we are going to need players who post regularly. DMZZ, Attalas and I have been keeping this campaign running. I have posted for Mobo several times and made multiple posts for Kosti and Nymeria in the last battles. This is unacceptable. If people do not have the time for this campaign, please let us know so that we can recruit a few more players who want to play in a fun and slightly crazy campaign. This group was not built to be the run of the mill party. I personally love Attalas and his good hearted, if slightly confused, attitude. I loved Mobo's antics and Ragnvald's continuous desire to attack anything that moves. And, I really liked Nymeria when she was trying to be the herd mother and keep the rest of us under control. Sadly, with most of these characters' posting having fallen way off, this enjoyment is not there as much.

Shifty, if you feel the need to retire Attalas, that is your choice. But, I would like to see the big guy remain in the party. If you are going for something else, have fun. It seems we need a skill monkey and an arcane caster since Nymeria and Kosti's posting, and failure to update their character sheets after I posted that they were lacking well over a month ago, seems to indicate that they will not be with us much longer.

I am sorry if I am misrepresenting anything, but it only takes 30 seconds to inform the rest of the party that you will be away for the weekend or the month. Then we can determine how to run your character, but making the rest of the party wait for days, or weeks in some cases, is not acceptable and I think that as soon as we finish this module we need to reevaluate things and determine how to move forward with this campaign.

Suppose you echo enough of my thoughts there...

I have always posted a heads up when I wasn't around, either here or at the campfire, or both. I may be as easily missable as me signing back on, but it is there and I will gladly do it per PM next time, if that is seen as the better option.

When I created Kosti, I did create 'another face character' as I was told that might be useful. For the few spells for a then third level wizard buffs were of course not the focus for such a character - but as the adventure carried on (and frankly started), a face character was about as useful as wand of mending, which changed a lot, unfortunatly not mKostis character sheet - if he stays with the party, Kosti will adapt.

What did you find lacking about Kostis character Sheet, Tirion, aside from the missing memorized spells (I posted them on screen rather then on character sheet, but I will change that when updating - today or early tomorrow)? I must have missed that post over a month ago.

At the moment I am willing to give the nest adventure a shot. I am in no way opposed to the strangeness of the group, I just did find that I made Kosti under a premise that was pretty much annihilated as soon as we got to the village. Playing a new character whose only useful asset became that he worked for a character that became one of the villains (having knowledge I did not have and could not gain, relying on ZZ instead) made it pretty hard to work my way into the game. Sorry, it seems to have worked out badly, but from my POV that was not from a lack of trying.

Hit Ponts1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
+1 favorite class bonus

Our way are parted. You can't abuse somebody you call a friend as a distraction and hope he will still stand by your side if you need him. I will do what I can do get back the vernal key to the village and while I don't want to see anyone suffer the fate of a hapless prisoner in the Jarls hand, if I need to chose between saving one life and saving the village, I will chose the village. If your wife survives I will make sure she learns what happened.

The key thing was the spells. If I am trying to play someone else's character, I should be able to find the relevant info on their online character sheet. I could not find your spells memorized and Nymeria does not have her second level spells listed. Going back and searching through many posts to try to figure out if the player posted them in a spoiler in the IC thread is not something that I usually have the time for, and not something either I or the DM should have to do if the character is absent for a time.

I know on several occasions you have posted that you are around, but did not have anything to say. For me, just dropping a "Hi, I'm alive" every day or two, even if your character does not have any actions, is important. In addition, it also allows the players to interact outside of the game itself which is one of the things that makes these pbps fun. The campaigns with little or no OOC are the ones that quickly become arduous. Those with lots of comments and jokes and RL happenings are the ones that are most enjoyable for me. Perhaps this is just me, but I imagine that other regular players have similar feelings.

Really, I think that the biggest problem is you replaced a character who disappeared without warning who replaced a character who disappeared without warning. Together with Nymeria's infrequent postings and Mobo becoming much less frequent in his postings, things just became frustrating for me, and I think Shifty/Attalas and DMZZ would echo this sentiment.

If this group of wild and crazy guys is going to continue, we need people who post regularly. Post a joke, an off color joke, a really bad poem or song, just post something, preferably at least once per day. You do not need to write a novel. Post that you think the party thief attempting to disarm the nuclear weapon is a bad idea. Post that the fighter in platemail trying to act stealthy is a poor choice. Make a side comment to the party druid that the wizard attempting to seduce the barmaid will be interesting to watch. For me, it is this interaction that keeps the campaign alive, not just casting spells and hacking and slashing.

[ooc]Oh, quite a discussion here :) Well, we were at the point of burying this campaign at least...twice? Not sure, anyway, I guess we need a clear stement from everyone whether he is willing to gon so that we might look for replacements. Giving Attalas a - even though well earned :) - rest does not sound like the solution to the problem, Shifty.[/ooc|

I am willing to give the next adventure a shot and I will try not to add to the frustration ;-) I, myself find the 'hack and slashing' the least interesting part in abou every Pen and Paper game, so your Idea of 'emphasis on the interaction' really sits well with me.
Sadly, I found that my 'at least one post a day' quota is hard to keep up on mondays, the nightshift I do on sunday becomes more and more draining. But as you can see, wehn I am around I will happily post more then once on about every other day!

I love the dynamic of the party, and Mobo gets a lot better at Level 5 (adding Dex mod to bullet damage). I've stuck with this campaign, and will continue to do so until it is gone. I'm here for the long-haul. Also I will post my lel up soon.

Still here. Just waiting for drama to die down so we can kill the f$+@ out of this guy. And the other guy. If shifty wants to retire attallas that's fine. It won't make Ragnvald less metal.

Stepping forward dragging his sword behind him the bloodied adn beaten Ragnvald grins the grin of those mad with bloodthirst. "He has betrayed your trust. Led you into a trail of madness at the mercies of mosnters and madmen. Take up your weapons, Kosti. Slay him where he stands...."

Kosti turns to Ragnvald, slightly shaking his head.
That is your way, not mine, Ragnvald. If he helps us getting back the Vernal Key, I am willing enough to let him live. I am not sure though, If he should get his hopes up about the villagers willingness to do the same.

Jez looks to the men:
We will regain the Key and then we shall return to town. Neither I nor the rest of this group are judge or executioner in this matter. It will be for the townspeople to decide how to resolve his theft of the Vernal Key. If the Raven helps us recover the Key, then I shall speak that he assisted and sought only to protect his wife and family when he made the theft. If he chooses to not assist us, well, then I shall tell the townspeople this as well.

Personally, I could care less whether he lives or dies, but the words that shall effect the decision to be made by the town will be greatly affected by the Red Raven's actions going forward.

Jez pauses and then turns to the Raven:
You had better begin to talk, and talk truthfully, as we have a Jarl to catch and I am in no mood to fight another horde of yetis or frozen zombies. Where is the Jarl, who or what is guarding him, and does he have any great weaknesses you are aware of.

Leveling finished. Sorcerer/2.
Feat - Arcane Armor Training <-- now I need a suit of Celestial Armor.
Skills:
2 ranks in Know(arcana)
2 ranks in Intimidate
Spell: --> Open/Close

Mobo points his Boomstick at Red Raven idly as he looks around the messy room.

"Heh, foolish, but it was your choice to make."

Hit points roll 1d8 ⇒ 3

The thief looks at Jez and Kosti and nods gratefully

Thank you...I can understand your wrath, warrior, but I think you only stand a chance against the Jarl with me at your side...not because I'm such a great warrior, but I know how we find the way through the maze...

He takes another look at your wounded and battered bodies and sighs

But I think you need a rest first?

I have 3 CLW left. What are everyone's hp at? I am at 31/42.

3/38, 12/38 if I can add the hit points from leveling up.

Mobo looks around at the carnage, slaughtered zombies and goblins alike. "Still have bullets."

Yes you can.

Just tell me when you're healed up enough - or at least ready for action again.

Are we resting? If so, everyone let us know how much healing is needed and then Ragnvald and I can figure out how long it will take to get everyone healthy enough to fight. I have 3 CLW spells left. I assume Ragnvald has several CLW and CMW he can cast as well. Lets get this done and get on to the next fight while everyone is around.

We may ahve to rest an extra day in the maze if we want total heals. There's a lot of damage that's been taken and I can't spontaneously cast heals. So if everyone can psot their current hit point totals that would help a lot right now. Rangvald has 2/49, Jezbazeel has 31/42, Kosti has 12/38. Who else?