Dain's King Maker Chronicles

Game Master dain120475

Now what is wrong with an explosion. The building has a foundation it will hold back the heat for a time so we can leave the area.

Gan has kneeled down by the horses and is meditating, letting his mind drift into the mysteries of the philosophy of zen.

He is slowly fingering a series of beads at his sides, chanting sutras as he waits for the party to make up its mind.

"Smendor, this is the Boggard Garum's home. We cannot just willfully create and allow an explosion."

If the rest of you wish not lay these men to rest in a right way than so be it leave, but I plan to do this right, and I do not see pulling down the building around them as that way.

Now what is wrong with an explosion. The building has a foundation it will hold back the heat for a time so we can leave the area.

Smendor, your knowledge in any forge would let you know that fire needs oxygen to burn; that is its primary fuel. This building is filled with pockets of rot, which allow the infusion of air and oxygen into it, which would make the wood very flameable and explosive. Moreover, the gases in the swamp, which you have noticed for some time, are rife in the area. Though you don't know how large an explosion would be, as you don't know how prevelent the swamp gases are, your theory that the building would contain them is false. You know that, though you are free to state otherwise. At best you would have to drag these men for some time away from the buiding to bury them. But as mentioned before; you haev been traveling through muddy swamp terrain for about a little over an hour. There are eight bodies hanging there, and there is less then a half hour to night fall, and there is no moon. If you would like to burn things, let me know... but I need to know in advance.

"Then the only recourse I have is to warn the boggard that his home will possibly be destroyed in the process. I'm sure he'll be very understanding", Ariarh says drily.

"Also, I will move and secure the horses further back as I wouldn't want them being killed by any flying, flaming debris or being spooked by the ensuing explosion."

Brett, watching the interplay, has moved farther back up toward the horses also.

"Um... I'm going to head up by the horses, too. Be up there, up the trail a piece, if ye want to burn things down... I'll be taking Stybba and then come back fer the other horses, as may be. But we be waiting up the way a piece... Don't want none of these here 'spolsions ye be talking on..."

It sounds like Brett has no idea one way or the other if there will be an explosion, but what is clear that he is very nervous of the talk, and is eager to move back and away from it all.

Gan rises, too.

"I am no eta to handle the bodies of the dead. That is a task for... untouchables... and, further; who are these men? We only know they are dead, died badly, and are hanging here. Before we do anything, could not one of you wizards divine the speech of this creature and learn more on what has happened? I would know his words; for I think he has seen more then he has let on."

Gan eyes the boggard sternly, but says nothing, his hand steadying the hilt of his sword, yet at the same time urging it forward consipicously.

Okay, posting is furious tonight, so I am going to assume that Hermia has heard the din going about outside while she was attending her duties

"Friends, please," she starts calmly, not raising her voice any more than she needs to to be heard. "Master Smendor, please believe me that if it were otherwise possible, I would not condone bringing this building atop these poor murdered men, but I do not see any other way to safely proceed. Bringing these men down would require us to climb to the eves, at risk to our selves, and them drop them to the earth. Bloated as they are, they may burst and release even more foul gases of rot which may cause illness. As it is, I will examine each and every one of you tonight," she says definitively, as though there will be no argument.

"If we tie a length of rope to the eaves, and then get one of the horses to pull upon it, the force should be enough to collapse the building on top of the men. It is as good a burial as we can afford them at this present time. We cannot camp here. The water, the earth, the very air that we need to sustain ourselves is fetid. Neither can we risk causing an explosion that may give our position away to any who may remain lurking in the area."

"Master Brett, might you assist me with this task?"

So by the time we get this all done it will be near dark, and we will need to stay in this area for the night. If we are not going to do this right today than lets us leave while we have the chance and come back in the morning and do it right.

With the morning will come a very cold night, and we will have a better chance of getting our job done right.

Okay, posting is furious tonight, so I am going to assume that Hermia has heard the din going about outside while she was attending her duties

"Friends, please," she starts calmly, not raising her voice any more than she needs to to be heard. "Master Smendor, please believe me that if it were otherwise possible, I would not condone bringing this building atop these poor murdered men, but I do not see any other way to safely proceed. Bringing these men down would require us to climb to the eves, at risk to our selves, and them drop them to the earth. Bloated as they are, they may burst and release even more foul gases of rot which may cause illness. As it is, I will examine each and every one of you tonight," she says definitively, as though there will be no argument.

"If we tie a length of rope to the eaves, and then get one of the horses to pull upon it, the force should be enough to collapse the building on top of the men. It is as good a burial as we can afford them at this present time. We cannot camp here. The water, the earth, the very air that we need to sustain ourselves is fetid. Neither can we risk causing an explosion that may give our position away to any who may remain lurking in the area."

"Master Brett, might you assist me with this task?"

Brett has moved up toward the horses. Smendors suggestion of burning down the building, coupled with Ariarhs words that it could cause an explosion, seem to have unnerved him. However, Gan has approached now.

Seeing you there, he bows formally.

"Pardon, please. We have made many assumptions at this time. The sun is setting soon, and night creatures may rise to hunt, I would not be assulted by them. If we would destroy this building, let the yamabushi evoke the spirits of the wild and bring down the stones and earth, burrying them all. Further; what of the creature here? We have done nothing to question it, though it has lived here long. And these men? Who are they to any of us? They are dead, their spirits will be reborn in 40 days, as we all know, or perhaps they will ascend to their gods? I am no priest, I care little for such deep matters. But if we would move with speed, then let us have done with it. Put the toad-beast to the question. Divine from him what we must, then let us ride free, the open steppe beneath our feet and the wind in our hair. Apologies for speaking at length,"he adds bowing.

I think we need to leave and leave fast.

Hermia answers Gan. "I have prepared a spell that will allow me to understand its language if put to question, but I do not feel comfortable with casting spells on Garum at present. The boggards are ruled by Priest Kings, and I have already healed him. He called me 'master,'" she shakes her head. "Even if touch was not required, and Garum's skin is poisonous, I do not wish to confuse this creature as to my intentions here."

"I believe you may be right, Master Smendor. It would be advisable at this current time to find a more appropriate site to camp. And if we can keep our voices and our wits cool and collected, perhaps we may come up with a consensus about what is to be done for these poor men."

I think we need to leave and leave fast.

"Pardon, Smendor-san. Leave? And where shall we go? Sunset is less then a half hour... if we leave this place, as would have been wise sooner, then we would be traveling in the night with many horses over broken ground with no moon in the swamp. Further, where shall we go? We cannot find our way in the dark, for we cannot read the signs on the map. We have traveled long out of our way to find a place to be safe, hoping for shelter, comfort, and new allies; and we found none of these things. Yet, as poor as this place is, where would you have us go instead? And how shall we get there in the nighttime?"he finishes calmly, looking at Smendor.

Ariarh speaks up so she can be heard.

"I will walk back to the building housing the dead bodies and cast the soften earth and rock spell. If Hermia is able, she be best utilised right now by speaking with the boggard. Garum knows her and she provided healing to his hand. Hermia may find a way of successfully communicating with Garum and perhaps gain more insight on what has happened here."

Hermia answers Gan. "I have prepared a spell that will allow me to understand its language if put to question, but I do not feel comfortable with casting spells on Garum at present. The boggards are ruled by Priest Kings, and I have already healed him. He called me 'master,'" she shakes her head. "Even if touch was not required, and Garum's skin is poisonous, I do not wish to confuse this creature as to my intentions here."

"I believe you may be right, Master Smendor. It would be advisable at this current time to find a more appropriate site to camp. And if we can keep our voices and our wits cool and collected, perhaps we may come up with a consensus about what is to be done for these poor men."

"If he calls you "master", lady, then why not use this to our advantage? Surely the creature respects your power. Surely he honors your abilities. If he sees you as his sama, his... his feudal lord, then command him to speak, and be not silent on what has happened. You he will obey, then we may discover truth to the answer he speaks, though his words be broken,"he adds with a low bow to her.

Please Ariarh wait for the group to conclude what needs to be done.

We need to get away from this area so we can have a bloody fire. You are talking about the gas and night without thinking about staying warm or having the power to see when their is no moon. Sure if you want to stay in the dark with no fire go for it, but I plan to make my way back up the way for a short distance than make a fire where there is less gas.

"Forgive me friends, but you must not have understood my speech. The boggard's skin is poisonous and I must touch him to be able to understand his speech. I know that you all have enjoyed the passed few days hale, and able to walk about on your two legs, but I for one do not enjoy the idea of becoming ill again having just been restored to life."

Smendor is leaving

Casting Smendor a most eloquent look but holding her tongue, Ariarh turns to Hermia in softer voice,

"Hermia, I was not suggesting you cast a spell to communicate with Garum, but merely sit down with him and try and communicate naturally ... It was simply a suggestion since you have formed some kind of bond through healing him previously. I would not see you become ill again after your recent resurrection."

Smendor is leaving

No worries.

Where do you go, and in what direction? That is, what is your ultimate goal; back to the temple, to the statue of Erestil, or just simply riding off in a random direction. When you have established where specifically you plan on traveling, please give me Survival roll to find your way.

Are you mounted at this time, or leading your horse? Pleas let me know as this could mean a Ride check as well. Also, do you tell anyone where you are going?

"Hermia, I was not suggesting you cast a spell to communicate with Garum, but merely sit down with him and try and communicate naturally ... It was simply a suggestion since you have formed some kind of bond through healing him previously. I would not see you become ill again after your recent resurrection."

Hermia allows Ry to see the depth of her sadness. "The girl Ioana seemed to take offense at me calling myself a mother, and suggested that I wished to be immortal. It offends every one of my sensibilities to use a creature's innate fear of divine magics to interrogate him," she informs Ry, and hopes that she understands.

"However, if you can bury the men, I will try, for you Ry," she continues, but makes it known that it is not her preference to. "I have already given them their last rights," she adds after a moment.

Smendor wrote:

Smendor is leaving

No worries.

Where do you go, and in what direction? That is, what is your ultimate goal; back to the temple, to the statue of Erestil, or just simply riding off in a random direction. When you have established where specifically you plan on traveling, please give me Survival roll to find your way.

Are you mounted at this time, or leading your horse? Pleas let me know as this could mean a Ride check as well. Also, do you tell anyone where you are going?

He just want to make camp outside the explosive area before the sun is fully down and there is no light or method of creating light. If that distance cannot be covered in a short amount of time than there is no reason to leave, and we need to use the building full of dead men as a defensive base.

I need to get on with sleep for tonight. I will jump on in the morning to see how it works out.

"I would like to thank you, Hermia, for undertaking this task and for desiring to speak with Garum as an equal and not inflicting further pain or confusion upon him. The boggard has been hurt by whatever manner of men came to this place and killed those unfortunate souls in the building and Garum's friend. This is Garum's home and we must try and do right by him and the land, here, as well as the deceased. I am grateful for your assistance and understanding." Ry sighs softly.

"I shall take the building down with my spell and hopefully this makeshift stone burial will be sufficient under the current circumstances. I wish we had more time and were able to take fire to them or bury them reverently, but alas, our options are limited and day is quickly drawing to a close."

Ariarh gives Hermia a gentle nod and turns and makes her way down to the main building to cast her spell.

Dain GM wrote:

Smendor wrote:

Smendor is leaving

No worries.

Where do you go, and in what direction? That is, what is your ultimate goal; back to the temple, to the statue of Erestil, or just simply riding off in a random direction. When you have established where specifically you plan on traveling, please give me Survival roll to find your way.

Are you mounted at this time, or leading your horse? Pleas let me know as this could mean a Ride check as well. Also, do you tell anyone where you are going?

He just want to make camp outside the explosive area before the sun is fully down and there is no light or method of creating light. If that distance cannot be covered in a short amount of time than there is no reason to leave, and we need to use the building full of dead men as a defensive base.

If you travel far, you would have to walk your horse in the dark slowly to make sure he doesn't injure himself. You don't know where the swamp gases are, and are hesitent to experiment with them at this time. There are two buildings. The one with log jam in the north section can be camped in, the other one can be camped in. Both of them stink of disease and decay. The smell of rot and other foulness is enough to make you want to risk it on the trail. Chances are, though, if some people liberaly cast "light" spells around you, you could make it at half speed north up the part of the path that was away from the ruins that you started at... you could arrive at that point at roughly midnight. That is the part where you started seeing some random elk wandering in the trees and lonely empty forest; and it would follow the same path marked by the map to the statue. The reason it would take so long to get there is that you are moving at half speed.

"I would like to thank you, Hermia, for undertaking this task and for desiring to speak with Garum as an equal and not inflicting further pain or confusion upon him. The boggard has been hurt by whatever manner of men came to this place and killed those unfortunate souls in the building and Garum's friend. This is Garum's home and we must try and do right by him and the land, here, as well as the deceased. I am grateful for your assistance and understanding." Ry sighs softly.

"I shall take the building down with my spell and hopefully this makeshift stone burial will be sufficient under the current circumstances. I wish we had more time and were able to take fire to them or bury them reverently, but alas, our options are limited and day is quickly drawing to a close."

Ariarh gives Hermia a gentle nod and turns and makes her way down to the main building to cast her spell.

The building glows with shimering green light for a mere second, and a blooming arch of radiance starts at the apex of the top of the building. It stretches out with a wide arc, and the stone collapses in on itself with muddy series of thumps. The entire area is not only flattened, but it seems that the rocks have pumled the mud deeply and drove themselves deeply into the ground; like rocks into quicksand.

Yet in moments the ground seems to solidify and the stones are now, seemingly, firmly imbedded in the damp earth.

Gan watches the entire thing, and nods once to himself.

He turns and walks back to the boggard, who is gaping at Ariarh's spell, and he is currently holding his scabbarded sword loose in his hand, watching the toad flatly.

"There; you have seen our power, toad-man. You have seen what the yamabushi can do, favored of the spirits of the woods, and you know already the other female has the will of the gods on her as well. Will you aid us? Speak swiftly, for darkness is near on us,"he adds, pointing the hilt of his sword at the boggard, who has prostrated himself in front of you, muttering in his croaking tongue.

Brett has come rushing in and seen what happens.

"Ye gods! Well, um... I think Smendor rode off a piece, but maybe just to look about... I dunno... meantime... damn; what happened to that building, and what be going on here anyhow?"

Hermia whispers a prayer to Great Mother, and as an afterthought, Erastil as well as she considers the boggard, Garum. She did not believe that she thoroughly communicated to Ariarh how odious she found this task. It was clear the creature had an unhealthy expectation of her, and,due to the nature of his people...

Hermia inhales sharply at Gan's presumption, shakes her head and spreads her arms out before her in a gesture of resignation. If this allows us to find who have perpetrated foul murder here in the wood, it is for the greater good.

"Garum" she points at him, then to herself, "Hermia, friend. Not master," she begins. "Which way go men who kill men? Show me?"

Hermia whispers a prayer to Great Mother, and as an afterthought, Erastil as well as she considers the boggard, Garum. She did not believe that she thoroughly communicated to Ariarh how odious she found this task. It was clear the creature had an unhealthy expectation of her, and,due to the nature of his people...

Hermia inhales sharply at Gan's presumption, shakes her head and spreads her arms out before her in a gesture of resignation. If this allows us to find who have perpetrated foul murder here in the wood, it is for the greater good.

"Garum" she points at him, then to herself, "Hermia, friend. Not master," she begins. "Which way go men who kill men? Show me?"

"They go to where sun born. They come from where sun died. Men came with men, then killed men who came with them. You not master? You have god power. Gods give power; you have. But not much power."

Garum seems to consider between Ariarh and Hermia a moment.

Looking back to Hermia, he speaks to her.

"You make hand good. That good power."

He points to Ariarh and continues to talk to Hermia.

"But she make stone crush. Like this!"he says, flattening his newly healed hand on his fist.

"Her power stronger. She can kill many enemy. You say not master? I obey; you not master. Then she be master. Can smash down enemy. Can crush rock, can crush stone; what are enemy that can stand to that? They die. Kill good; good chief that kill good. You good power, her power be stronger. As you say. Not master,"he adds bowing low.

Gan turns to the two of you and speaks in a hushed whisper in Draconic to Hermia and Ariarh:

"Good fortune! He has replaced one master with another. Perhaps then, Ariarh-san can ask questions. Then Hermia-san will not be offended, and we may learn what we need learn."

Hermia spares Gan a look of disgust and divorces herself from the interrogation. She had no wish to be present from the first. She goes to the area where the men formerly hung and offers a prayer to the god lord Erastil to keep them, and for herself, to lend her his power that she might help banish the evil that is plaguing these lands, and unite his people in a community devoted to good above all else.

She does not dally in prayer long, however, rather, she begins wondering if Smendor did not have the right idea from the beginning, and laments not having gone with him. Hermia brushes swamp from her skirts and returns to and climbs atop her horse, and speaks to Brett.

"Will you be able to track where Master Smendor has gone, Master Brett? I believe he will require my assistance to make camp, and I would like to prepare to treat everyone tonight so that we may stem any disease lurking in this place before it ravages us completely."

Hermia spares Gan a look of disgust and divorces herself from the interrogation. She had no wish to be present from the first. She goes to the area where the men formerly hung and offers a prayer to the god lord Erastil to keep them, and for herself, to lend her his power that she might help banish the evil that is plaguing these lands, and unite his people in a community devoted to good above all else.

She does not dally in prayer long, however, rather, she begins wondering if Smendor did not have the right idea from the beginning, and laments not having gone with him. Hermia brushes swamp from her skirts and returns to and climbs atop her horse, and speaks to Brett.

"Will you be able to track where Master Smendor has gone, Master Brett? I believe he will require my assistance to make camp, and I would like to prepare to treat everyone tonight so that we may stem any disease lurking in this place before it ravages us completely."

"Well, I'll do me best... but I can't naught in the dark. If you can conjure up a bitty o' light, that would be better... With the muddy earth the way it is, it shouldn't be too hard to find him. But I be going on foot, and I recommend ye do the same as well... we don't want our horse gettin' twisted up in the muck and such,"he adds.

"Hey, what be happening to yer brownie friend? He be right quiet all day... he still good?"

Brett turns to Alaric, who is still standing by the horses.

"We be going up the trail a piece, tracking the dwarf lad. I don't know where he went, or where he be traveling to... I just heard him riding off a piece. Mayhap he be comming back, or not... Do me a favor and stay with the horses, eh?"Brett asks, and Alaric bows politely.

Then, Alaric casts "Unseen Servant" and has his servant take a great set of leaves and branches and use it as a fan to waft away the smell and draft of the foul smelling water away from his face as he recline casually, waiting for any to return.

Okay, I got over half my crew sleeping, and the other half is seperating. Toss up what questions you have, and plans you want to make, and we'll go from there tomorrow. I need to crash out, it is almost 3:00 AM for me, and I am getting pretty tired. I will answer all quetions tomorrow after my doctor visit, as I am not able to go to work. Yay!

PS: As an aside, I just broke 1,000 posts tonight for Dain GM; and this doesn't count NPC's... Not bad for a 8 week game. Check your email, you'll have XP charts in there, though no one leveled yet, sadly. Okay, off to bed, and keep up the pace, I'm excited to see where this is going.

Hermia looks to Puck and frowns. "I also wish to assess that, Master Brett," she answers wearily. She casts Light on his pony's mane, so that the light source will not be directly in front of his eyes while he tracks, and takes his suggestion to walk her own horse.

Hermia knows that she needs to sit down and speak with Puck. Her worry for him prevails upon the host of others, the least of which is Garum's intent to smash and kill. She hopes that Alaric, Ry and Gan can maintain in her absence, but fears for Master Smendor, who has gone off alone.

Ariarh watches as Hermia and Brett lead their horses away from the swamp site. She is concerned that their group is split up, again. But, she has pressing matters to attend to with Garum and Gan. Still, she wishes ... sigh. It didn't matter what she wished.

With her griffon safely hidden beneath her cloak (it's best to keep Dior out of the boggard's sight), Ariarh begins addressing the boggard in a slow and deliberate voice in order for the creature to comprehend her.

Ariarh points to herself.

"No master." Ariarh shakes her head vigorously side to side to accentuate the meaning/message. "Garum, understand? Ariarh not master."

Looking at Gan, she speaks to him in Draconic,

Draconic "Gan, please let us speak no more of masters. It confuses the boggard and also makes me uncomfortable being referred to as such. I am no creature's master. It's best we try and talk as simply as possible to this creature, thank him for his information and try and find our way to wherever it is the rest of our party seems to have gone off to. These swamp gases and the decomposition here is, as Hermia rightly stated, not the best for us and we should be away as soon as possible. I see Alaric tending to the horses. I'm sure he can cast Light so we, and the horses, may travel through a moonless night. Maybe between us, we will discover the reasons why the eight men were killed."/Draconic

Switching back to Garum, Ariarh keeps a relative physical distance and asks in gentle, simple tones,

"Garum, the killed men, were they afraid? Bad men scare them, tie them up?"

DraconicInstead of trying to decide what is best for Garum. He is clearly intelligent, why don't we just ask him what he wants to do?/Draconic

Garum, you do not need to be scared any more. We are going to be moving on soon. Do you want to stay here in the swamp or would you like to come with us?

Smendor is going to walk back up the same path they all came in on. The very first time he finds an area that seems to have less of this explosive swamps gas Smendor will start making camp. If he never find an area with less swamp gas while following the same path he will simply stop when the sun is nearly down, so he traveled no more than 25 minutes.

By the way high levels of explosive gas fall into the dangerous category. I think the group should have stopped to re-think their plan when they found the area to be so dangerous. That was the stipulation Smendor added when he said it would be a good idea to travel that way.

Ariarh watches as Hermia and Brett lead their horses away from the swamp site. She is concerned that their group is split up, again. But, she has pressing matters to attend to with Garum and Gan. Still, she wishes ... sigh. It didn't matter what she wished.

With her griffon safely hidden beneath her cloak (it's best to keep Dior out of the boggard's sight), Ariarh begins addressing the boggard in a slow and deliberate voice in order for the creature to comprehend her.

Ariarh points to herself.

"No master." Ariarh shakes her head vigorously side to side to accentuate the meaning/message. "Garum, understand? Ariarh not master."

Looking at Gan, she speaks to him in Draconic,

Draconic "Gan, please let us speak no more of masters. It confuses the boggard and also makes me uncomfortable being referred to as such. I am no creature's master. It's best we try and talk as simply as possible to this creature, thank him for his information and try and find our way to wherever it is the rest of our party seems to have gone off to. These swamp gases and the decomposition here is, as Hermia rightly stated, not the best for us and we should be away as soon as possible. I see Alaric tending to the horses. I'm sure he can cast Light so we, and the horses, may travel through a moonless night. Maybe between us, we will discover the reasons why the eight men were killed."/Draconic

Switching back to Garum, Ariarh keeps a relative physical distance and asks in gentle, simple tones,

"Garum, the killed men, were they afraid? Bad men scare them, tie them up?"

"Apologies, lady,"Gan responds with a bow. Then, kneeling in the soft mud, he holds his sword in a relaxed posture and watches the boggard silently.

Garum watches your interplay with Gan with some confusion. Then, he looks back to Ariarh.

"Bad men, men be bad. Yes. They be afraid when summon gods. Gods have powers, make some men strong, some man suffer. They hurt men, men be hurt bad, then die."

He shakes his head, trying puzzle things out.

Okay, I am going to fast forward a bit. This interview will take about an hour, with stumbling through bad communication and so forth, meaning it will conclude on or around 8:00 PM.

In time, after some some words between both Alaric and Ariarh, Garum eventually is somewhat more helpful.

His chief concern is being left alone. He is happy here, by his swamp, and enjoys being in the swamp and away from men. He has left his own people, after being imprisoned, and barely escaped. But he is very impressed with your skills and "niceness" and will volunteer information about the surrounding area, being that he has traveled a bit.

After what you can gather, it seems that this creature has seen a host of outriders move here; they were looking for something very specific; though what it was, you can't be sure, as Garum isn't sure. There were two companies; some locals, some from far away. The locals showed the strangers the buildings, and the straners were VERY unhappy at the results.

The locals and the strangers had come here before, nearly a month ago, but this recent time they came under a new "chief". The new chief had new men show him the buildings, and he examined them thoroughly, but didn't find whatever it was he was looking for. Angered by the locals inability to guide him to wherever he was going, he took eight of them and "disciplined" them for their poor assistance. He left two of them to live, and had these two men tell others that he is not a patient man, and is growing tired of excuses.

That alone is information worth having, if it means anything. That Gorum will volunteer information about the surrounding terrain, terrain that is not even marked on your map, is also potentially useful. You have little doubt that he will be truthful with you; you don't doubt his honesty. However, you are somewhat suspicious of his intellegence. He may give you advice or directions that could be wrong, not out of malice, but out of sheer accident. Of course, only trial and error would prevail, though for some reason you sense that the boggard may be smarter then he seems.

Smendor is going to walk back up the same path they all came in on. The very first time he finds an area that seems to have less of this explosive swamps gas Smendor will start making camp. If he never find an area with less swamp gas while following the same path he will simply stop when the sun is nearly down, so he traveled no more than 25 minutes.

By the way high levels of explosive gas fall into the dangerous category. I think the group should have stopped to re-think their plan when they found the area to be so dangerous. That was the stipulation Smendor added when he said it would be a good idea to travel that way.

This can be done, walking up the same basic trail, at least until it is dark. As you are currently walking (did you bring your horses, by the way), you are traveling at your basic move speed, of roughly 20 feet. In this terrain you would have moved (roughly) about a mile up the trail from your friends.

As for the swamp gas, you are clearly uncertain what is up. You are a warrior, not a wilderness scout. Divining swamp gas, poisonous or explosive, is not something you are trained in. At best, you can make a guess at what is out there, but only at best.

As a warrior, the only thing you are completely sure about is that you are making camp in the middle of an animal track in the middle of the swamp, in the middle of the night, alone, and far from your friends. It may be that if you get a torch going nothing will happen. Then again, there may be something that WILL happen. You don't really know.

There is also possibilities that snakes (poisonous or otherwise) could be out here, as well as other vermin that are eager to drink blood or pass disease.

Well, regarding "dangerous" as a stipulation... that is a pretty broad term. Right now, the person engaged in the most dangerous activity is you specifically, as you are in the middle of no where, and so far I don't think you have your horses, as you never mentioned bringing them, you just said you leave (naturally you can ret-con the horse decision, if you want them, or I may have missed the decision too, I don't know, I just thought I read that you decided to leave, by yourself, on your own, but if you would like to have your horses with you now, that's cool too). But in either case, the gases aren't "dangerous" unless you light a fire by them. And even then... you don't know how severe an "explosion" will happen, if one DOES happen. But for now, you have traveled down the trail. Just let me know about the horses, though.

DraconicInstead of trying to decide what is best for Garum. He is clearly intelligent, why don't we just ask him what he wants to do?/Draconic

Garum, you do not need to be scared any more. We are going to be moving on soon. Do you want to stay here in the swamp or would you like to come with us?

I crunched your answer with Ariarh's. Let me know if you have any follow up questions for Garum.

Hermia looks to Puck and frowns. "I also wish to assess that, Master Brett," she answers wearily. She casts Light on his pony's mane, so that the light source will not be directly in front of his eyes while he tracks, and takes his suggestion to walk her own horse.

Hermia knows that she needs to sit down and speak with Puck. Her worry for him prevails upon the host of others, the least of which is Garum's intent to smash and kill. She hopes that Alaric, Ry and Gan can maintain in her absence, but fears for Master Smendor, who has gone off alone.

Not sure how light works specifically, but I think you have basically made the horse glow, which is cool... Ah! Ghost Horse! But I think a person must typically cast light on a specific thing, not a part of a thing, though I may be mistaken.

Brett uses "Survival" to track Smendor. At the time they have left, it is nearing dark, and Smendor seems to have a good lead on them.

With the Light spell you can move, at half movement speed, because you are tracking basicaly in the dark with the light spell to guide you.

Survival roll to track...

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Hermia Robin wrote:

Hermia looks to Puck and frowns. "I also wish to assess that, Master Brett," she answers wearily. She casts Light on his pony's mane, so that the light source will not be directly in front of his eyes while he tracks, and takes his suggestion to walk her own horse.

Hermia knows that she needs to sit down and speak with Puck. Her worry for him prevails upon the host of others, the least of which is Garum's intent to smash and kill. She hopes that Alaric, Ry and Gan can maintain in her absence, but fears for Master Smendor, who has gone off alone.

Not sure how light works specifically, but I think you have basically made the horse glow, which is cool... Ah! Ghost Horse! But I think a person must typically cast light on a specific thing, not a part of a thing, though I may be mistaken.

Brett uses "Survival" to track Smendor. At the time they have left, it is nearing dark, and Smendor seems to have a good lead on them.

With the Light spell you can move, at half movement speed, because you are tracking basicaly in the dark with the light spell to guide you.

Survival roll to track...

1d20 + 5

Brett moves slowly down the track. You see that he has put up his weapons.

"A spark in here with the flintlock... maybe nothing... maybe ka-BOOM,"he says, demonstrating an explosion with his hands and voice.

You are moving very slowly down the path, and it will take you some time to reach master Smendor. Brett is able to pick up the pace somewhat, as when he journies he is starting to guess that Smendor has decided to take the trail you all rode in on, and rode back. Provided Smendor doesn't deviate from the trail, Brett should find the dwarf with ease.

This assumes, of course, that nothing finds either he or Hermia with ease... in the swamp, in the night...

Light makes a lit area like a torch for 20' radius, and then another 20' beyond that is considered dim. And yeah, ghost horse, I suppose, hadn't really thought of it, actually, :D

Hermia will inform Master Brett before they set out that she still has spells prepared that should help them should they encounter anything nasty on their travels, including healing spells, and almost all of her channeling, should it be required. She will also slip her sling out of her pack and have it on her person, I believe the first time she has ever taken her weapon out in game.

Smendor wrote:

Smendor is going to walk back up the same path they all came in on. The very first time he finds an area that seems to have less of this explosive swamps gas Smendor will start making camp. If he never find an area with less swamp gas while following the same path he will simply stop when the sun is nearly down, so he traveled no more than 25 minutes.

By the way high levels of explosive gas fall into the dangerous category. I think the group should have stopped to re-think their plan when they found the area to be so dangerous. That was the stipulation Smendor added when he said it would be a good idea to travel that way.

This can be done, walking up the same basic trail, at least until it is dark. As you are currently walking (did you bring your horses, by the way), you are traveling at your basic move speed, of roughly 20 feet. In this terrain you would have moved (roughly) about a mile up the trail from your friends.

As for the swamp gas, you are clearly uncertain what is up. You are a warrior, not a wilderness scout. Divining swamp gas, poisonous or explosive, is not something you are trained in. At best, you can make a guess at what is out there, but only at best.

As a warrior, the only thing you are completely sure about is that you are making camp in the middle of an animal track in the middle of the swamp, in the middle of the night, alone, and far from your friends. It may be that if you get a torch going nothing will happen. Then again, there may be something that WILL happen. You don't really know.

There is also possibilities that snakes (poisonous or otherwise) could be out here, as well as other vermin that are eager to drink blood or pass disease.

Well, regarding "dangerous" as a stipulation... that is a pretty broad term. Right now, the person engaged in the most dangerous activity is you specifically, as you are in the middle of no where, and so far I don't think you have your horses, as you never mentioned bringing them, you...

Smendor will have all his gear, and animals. If I wish to drop part of that gear along the path I will note that it has been removed.

After traveling for 25 minutes Smendor has not found anything he really thinks is safe, but he is not going to travel in the dark. He will look for the most acceptable location to make this camp. A large tree, or open dry area would be best.

Smendor does have Survival so I am not sure why you keep saying he has no idea how to get along in the wild. If you want me to toss that skill I can.

He will than fan the area with the 4square yards of silk for a short time to remove any of this gas he was told about.

Smendor will tie off his horses 400 feet down the trail to make sure they are safe.

He will cover his body in wet cloth and spark a small fire in an area that could be defended if needed.

Dain GM wrote:

Smendor wrote:

Smendor is going to walk back up the same path they all came in on. The very first time he finds an area that seems to have less of this explosive swamps gas Smendor will start making camp. If he never find an area with less swamp gas while following the same path he will simply stop when the sun is nearly down, so he traveled no more than 25 minutes.

By the way high levels of explosive gas fall into the dangerous category. I think the group should have stopped to re-think their plan when they found the area to be so dangerous. That was the stipulation Smendor added when he said it would be a good idea to travel that way.

This can be done, walking up the same basic trail, at least until it is dark. As you are currently walking (did you bring your horses, by the way), you are traveling at your basic move speed, of roughly 20 feet. In this terrain you would have moved (roughly) about a mile up the trail from your friends.

As for the swamp gas, you are clearly uncertain what is up. You are a warrior, not a wilderness scout. Divining swamp gas, poisonous or explosive, is not something you are trained in. At best, you can make a guess at what is out there, but only at best.

As a warrior, the only thing you are completely sure about is that you are making camp in the middle of an animal track in the middle of the swamp, in the middle of the night, alone, and far from your friends. It may be that if you get a torch going nothing will happen. Then again, there may be something that WILL happen. You don't really know.

There is also possibilities that snakes (poisonous or otherwise) could be out here, as well as other vermin that are eager to drink blood or pass disease.

Well, regarding "dangerous" as a stipulation... that is a pretty broad term. Right now, the person engaged in the most dangerous activity is you specifically, as you are in the middle of no where, and so far I don't think you have your horses, as you never mentioned

...

Very well. From now on, unless you say otherwise, you will have all gear on you at all times, including both horses for long range. Typically I ask players if they would be doing that, but in this case, if that is your normal M.O, that's cool. Be advised, however, that in the future, if you are in a situation when you would not normally have your horses, unless you tell me otherwise, I will presume you have them. Play by post can be a little complicated for me, because if a player doesn't say what they do specificaly, and I "guess wrong" on what they do, then they can get annoyed. You say you always take your horses, unless otherwise noted, that's cool. So it shall be, unless you state otherwise. I just don't want to be confused.

For this particular event, I am less interestd in "Survival" then "knowledge: Nature". If I have overlooked things, and you have that particular skill, you may roll it at this time. However, I didn't think you had it, and I didn't need a Survival roll, or I would have asked for a Survival roll. Of course, if I am wrong, you can roll a Knowledge: Nature roll at this time, if you have that skill.

Whether or not you are succesful in removing the gas, you don't know.

By the way; silk in bolts is typically a trade good commodity. As you currently have several yards of it on your horse, then I presume that you are carrying around with you, instead of storing it at Olegs. This is fine, though I am now forced to conlcude that you are taking your "cut" of expensive silk cloth on the road, as opposed to leaving that stuff in the "community chest" as it were. This is because if silk is damaged, the value for that will be from your cut alone. Without going into the full cost of things, the raw value of the silk is pretty expensive. For you to have that much on it means that everyone else will lose out on the chance to sell it or barter it later. But as such, that piece of silk is now yours to do with what you wish.

Until the party formally determines what to do with the division of loot, I must assume the only reason you have the silk is because you are claiming it. Which reminds me; did you see the email I sent you regarding a possible divions of loot via contract? I am still waiting for a response on that, and am interested in one when you get a chance. Did you like the suggestions I made? Did you have any other stipulations or ideas to ammend it with? Is there anything else you can recommend? Please let me know.

When you said you tied the horse 400 feet down the trail, I presume this means horses are tied off 400 feet from your current camping position. If so, that's cool. They are far out of your line of sight, and you are completely unable to see them as it is dark, and they are far away. Theoretically you can hear them if they get in trouble, though. But if things actually go bad, we'll just do a Perception check.

Next, the small fire you spark burns okay, but it has a strange glow to it... somewhat "blue" if you would. You might assume this is due to the fact that you are now burning noxious gases, though there is no indication of an explosion at this time. It is warm, and burns the fuel somewhat quicker then you would expect, meaning you will need to gather wood relatively quickly before it burns up.

As you do so you are noticing a large collection of eyes gathering around your campfire. Most of them seem benign, like giant insect eyes, or or other creatures that are atracted to the light. However, you suspect that if you wander too far from the fire they may no longer be so benign.

Light makes a lit area like a torch for 20' radius, and then another 20' beyond that is considered dim. And yeah, ghost horse, I suppose, hadn't really thought of it, actually, :D

Hermia will inform Master Brett before they set out that she still has spells prepared that should help them should they encounter anything nasty on their travels, including healing spells, and almost all of her channeling, should it be required. She will also slip her sling out of her pack and have it on her person, I believe the first time she has ever taken her weapon out in game.

Brett sees your movement, and has taken out a long dagger. You've seen him practicing throwing it before, so you suspect it is for both close-up and range attacks.

He is still crouched over the trail, moving slowly, every now and then he is checking for things. He pauses a moment at a "crossroads" of various trails and looks up at Hermia.

"Hmm... bad business, this... look here,"he says gesturing.

Hermia leans in and in the glow of the light, she can see that there seems to be a crossing over the trail at a few places. There seem to be some sort of other tracks, more fresh then Smendor's and his horses.

"Just as I thought... this track be made be animal types... they be trecking up and down this way fer hunting... maybe something else be on the path o' good Smendor to follow him, or maybe it will come up at him from some other place. Who's to say. Damnation! Why'd he have to go wandering off fer, anyhow? Hell, if we all stayed together, acted like a team, instead of all this wandering about... oh for gods's sake!"he grumbles.

Brett pauses and mops his brow, looking up at Hermia.

"Ye know, lass, ye and I don't be getting along too well, but maybe that be me fault fer not trusting priests and such. Seen a lot o' dodgy business with priests. Most o' them not working, just expecting ye to pay them with "tithes" to their church, while ye work and sweat. Lot o' 'em be conning ye of loot, pretending to heal ye with snake oil and the like. But ye know, I can't help be thinking, that fer as much as I be doubting ye, fer yer propensity to go on about some sort of "god" or "goddess" that watches everyone, and yer talking, and yelling, and everything else that can get on me nerves... Through it all I reckon ye got a good heart. Maybe I shoulda' given ye the benefit o' the doubt instead of pegging ye as a cheap huckster, standing at the pulpit and spewing yer own version of what be truth, or nay. Hell,"he adds with a sheepish grin "I reckon we two got different notions on what be right and wrong, but I don't think ye a bad person... though maybe I did, at first, when I met ye... but I don't think ye bad. And anyhow... sorry fer saying on it before. But anyhow, and sorry I ain't being as "oratatory" as ye may have suggested earlier, but when I don't know someone, nor trust them true, I can be a bit of basterd, I reckon,"he adds with a sudden wink "but anyhow, that be me way o' apologizing. Mayhap, if ye'll allow, we can start o'er and be better friends, eh?"he says with a friendly smile.

The second the fire is going and there was not explosion Smendor will go back down the path to get the horses. He only wanted to make sure they where safe while he was lighting the fire. When he gets his horse back to the fire he will unload his gear which should include a volume of fire wood and he builds the fire up nice and big.

"I appreciate your apology, Master Brett, but at the moment, I am more concerned about Master Smendor and these animals that are tracking him. We can speak of new beginnings after we have attended our companion, hmm?" she suggests.

"I have very little worry for Ariarh and the others. With Alaric and Gan beside her, they can handle most anything, but Master Smendor is alone. Please, let us hurry to find him."

Hermia does not wish to disdain Brett's offer to understand each other, but she is extremely worried about Smendor.

Gan is kneeling by Ariarh and Alaric, who are still treating the creature rather well. The wind is damp and chill, and if he is not mistaken it will be a cold night again.

However, fire was not recommend... What, then, is the solution to the mystery of staying warm on a cold night, if fire cannot be created.

As he thinks on this, he considers a haiku in the privacy of his head.

Days; falling like leaves
Trees strip bare in winter time
Yet from death births life...

He sighs momentarily, enjoying the meloncholy of the falling season; where things die slowly. The beauty in death, the impermenance of life... of it a tragic mystery to watch and marvel in, until it is covered in a fresh fall of snow that obliterates all with vacant reflections on what days have passed, and given new hope to what time will bring.

For then; when the springtime blooms and the Winter draws back its blanket of Void from the grasses and trees, robost colors bloom to battle the paleness of the fallen snow with blossoms that rival the falling of the leaves of Autumn.

Twighlight and Birthing
Constant struggle; which prevails?
All is Emptiness...

He shakes his head and stares at the party, and the boggard.

"Friends... this creature suggests he has knowledge of what may come. Very well; boggard, speak to us of what the statue has. What are we riding to, and to what end?"Gan asks the creature.

The creature nods, and with signs, grunts and long explenations, makes it known that the statue, if approached and respected properly, conveys special blessings on the faithful of Erestil.

Gan nods.

"Good, for such people... "he looks to Ariarh and Alaric.

"What other things would you know of this creature. He has doubtless traveled far, if you can get him to share information, that would be very helpful for our journey."

"Indeed, yes..."Alaric mutters half to himself, the Unseen Servent continuing to waft the smell away from them. "Where is Brett with the map... perhaps the creature could help us with it... perhaps the creature could draw things on the map for us!"the idea seems to set on Alaric.

"Friend Garum, can you draw?"he asks suddenly quickly.

The boggard seems confused, but again, after a moment of description and persuasion from Alaric and Ariarh, he nods with enthusiasm. With a crude stick he begins to stetch thing in the mud. His work is deft and precies... he seems to have some skill in artwork. You suddenly wonder if he can formally sketch things on your map...

"Yes, this seems like a good idea. If we have the map we could add onto now, I should think. Thank you so much, friend Gorum,"Ariarh beams and thanks Gorum brightly, then looks around.

"Where is master Brett?"

"He, and Hermia-san, have gone north to look for the dwarf-bushi. He decided to leave us... they have gone to find him."

"Ah... "Alaric says almost to himself. "Well, that grumpy ol' dwarf will no doubt be fine... get's himself out of almost as much trouble as he gets himself into,"he adds with a grin.

Alaric stands up, and the wind blows back his cloak from his shoulders, his hair moving back in dark strands from his face as his eyes narrow at the surrounding area.

"We seek to forge a kingdom; but first we must forge a cohesive unit... of allies, and of friends. We must stand together as a band, or we shall fall alone and apart,"he mutters, reaching his hand forward and squeezing it into a tight fist, then spreading his fingers and sliding them open through the air, leaving nothing behind but emptiness.

The second the fire is going and there was not explosion Smendor will go back down the path to get the horses. He only wanted to make sure they where safe while he was lighting the fire. When he gets his horse back to the fire he will unload his gear which should include a volume of fire wood and he builds the fire up nice and big.

As you go wandering away from the fire, down the trail to your horses, you see the eyes move from the fire, and you sense you are being followed. Even as you move down the trail about 100 feet from the fire, I shall now need you to make a Perception roll.

"I appreciate your apology, Master Brett, but at the moment, I am more concerned about Master Smendor and these animals that are tracking him. We can speak of new beginnings after we have attended our companion, hmm?" she suggests.

"I have very little worry for Ariarh and the others. With Alaric and Gan beside her, they can handle most anything, but Master Smendor is alone. Please, let us hurry to find him."

Hermia does not wish to disdain Brett's offer to understand each other, but she is extremely worried about Smendor.

Brett nods at your suggestion. You get the impression that he feels that Smendor can take care of himself, being that he's seen the dwarf's skill as a warrior before, but Hermi'a suggestion is still valid. So, he urges the horse forward. It's about a little over half a mile down the trail, roughly twenty minutes or so... You may have gone farther, except for the fact that you have had to delay from time to time to track Smendor. You are surrounded by darkness and other night sounds, including the sludge and slurry of running water in the streams besides you. He may have tacked course to the water itself, or he may have made his way back to the temple, or he may have made his way on to the statue to wait for you there.

If you knew where he went, you might be able to move forward to head him off. But at this time, you can't do anything but move on as quickly as possible and hope you find him quickly.

Semndor first yells at the trees, " Go back to sleep you stupid animals I will not be all that good to eat! Smednor is also making all kind of noise.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17