Already totaled.
Action 1
Sabola surveyed the two that had not been at dinner the previous evening. They seem confident enough, perhaps even competent, he thought. ”I go by Sabola, no second name, no title, just Sabola. I would not choose to lie and observe that it is a pleasure to meet any of you, as likely the following mission will not be pleasurable. However, I am honored to have been chosen to accompany you on this task.”
Action 2
Sabola looks to his travelling companions, ”in addition to food and drink for ourselves and our mounts, I cannot help but believe that as much information as we can gather would be beneficial. If one of you can see to procuring a decent amount of food for myself and the stallion I have been assigned, then I should be pleased to go and discover what I can of Fort Portolmaues? Oh, and wine would also be appreciated if you could please!”
Sabola considered where he should go to find out about their objective and determined that it was too early to try a bar, so the mess hall would be best. As he walked there he considered what he already knew about the area’s history and weather. ”It can’t hurt to be properly dressed for such an outing,” he thought.
Anything?
Weather and such?
”Hmmm, I shall need to procure several pieces of equipment for this trip, it may prove to be a rough time out,” he thought to himself before entering the mess hall. Once inside, he approached a group of youngsters that he assumed to be squires and servants, ”greetings friends, Sabola here, how is the food this morning?.” He listened to their responses and proceeded to chat with them for the next thirty minutes, hoping to gain whatever insights they had on Fort Portolmaues.
My roll for gathering information:
Having accumulated all of the information he could on such short notice, Sabola tried to see if he could find and purchase some standard traveling gear, blankets, backpack, and such. ”Not sure I can count on those others, I had better procure food and drink myself,” and so he did.
Action 3
Sabola hauled his gear down to the stable, where he helped the stableboy to saddle up his chosen mount. He filled his saddle bags, checked his blades, and walked the horse to the north gate, hoping to be a couple minutes early.
OOC:
A CLW wand is available (25 charges).
Yes, 'normal stuff' is 75% base price (25% discount).
You may want to talk to others to see what they have and/or can don so you don;t duplicate efforts.
I'll post this afternoon with answers and such, maybe even a recap.
Questions?
Game on!
Kaede stood at the room’s edge, refusing the chair offered her. With a slightly surly look on her face, she surveyed the faces of her new companions. Well, these are them, I suppose. They look worse for wear from something… I hope the Captain’s trust isn’t misplaced…
The tall blonde woman looked the most promising - the bones in her hair echoed Kaede’s own, and it looked as if she could handle herself on a long march or in a scrap. The orc-blooded one looked sturdy enough as well, and she appreciated his dark sense of humor and refusal of the second name most crusaders put so much stock in. The Arodric, however, puzzled her; what kind of fool faced down demons with nothing but a sword and a fancy tunic?
Kaede, she responded curtly to the other introductions. Of the clan Makan of Sarkoris.
"So, you're veterans, then? What unit? I was in the Kenabres Engineers, till I got the damn sword."
Kaede scoffed at the question. My grandmother was one of the creators of the wardstones. Her gift with the spirits passed to me and my sister, so now we work with the crusaders to maintain the line. But I’m not one of theirs.
She turned away and muttered in a low voice. And how is it you’d resent having a weapon to hand during a war, especially over the engineers’ fool death traps? Idiot…
Good, they won’t insist I call myself one of them. Kaede had every intention of following Illivan’s leadership - disunity, after all, was likely to kill them all. But being forced into the crusade’s ranks was a harness she wouldn’t be broken to. Illivan and Boyd were right on at least one count, though - the wardstone line had been suffering as of late. Kaede’s patrols had grown more and more worrisome, and she had begun to fear that her skills were no longer sufficient to keep the stones a strong barrier. This newest report merely confirmed her fears.
But of course she wouldn’t admit as much in front of the others. Well, looks as if I’ve been called back just to be sent where I was going anyhow. I missed Portolmaeus the last time I was going through - Berandin had some more pressing concerns, but I’d intended to circle back around. Extra eyes for the watch will help, though, if you can keep up. Do we know where we’re headed after Portolmaeus?
I’ll look after the horses and see to their needs. I know most of the handlers around here - I’ll make sure they’re giving us good beasts. Kaede made her way to the stables at the Battle Tower and took some time overlooking the horses allotted to them, brushing their coats and searching carefully for any signs of ill health. Most looked sound, although one had thrown a shoe and needed some attention from the farrier.
Of course, the most attention went to her own companion Pakad. Did you pass the night well, friend? I told them to give you every comfort - that you had just done hard service in the service of the crusade and deserved a fine reward. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against Pakad’s long face. We’re going back out this morning. I’ll need you to help me get these others into line - you’re the experienced one, you know what we’ll be facing. You take the four-legged foals, I’ll take the two-legged ones, and together we’ll pull them through. Sound like a plan?
With a rough caress, Kaede took her leave. The city wasn’t without its conveniences - sticky buns, after all, were a rarity in the Mendev hinterlands. With a bun in one hand and a cup of strong, hot coffee in the other, she found a small park and sat for a few moments, enjoying her unusual treats. Then it was back to business - restocking her trail rations, selling the herbs and remedies she had gathered along her way to an herbalist in the Confluence District, checking shops along the way for other things she needed.
Around 0900 hours, she returned to Battle Tower, her supplies tucked into the various pockets, pouches, and bandolier spaces surrounding her armor. Ready, she half-grunts upon seeing the others arrive, tucking supplies into Pakad’s saddlebags and securing the flaps with an affectionate pat of his flank. Let’s go.
"No wine on duty." Arodric says apologetically
OOC:
@Kaede: oil of bless weapon are OK (2 on such short notice)
@Arodric: I don't keep track of 'night of drinking' expenses so I trust you'll be honest about it.
@Hedda: go ahead and give your revised equipment list
It looks like everyone posted in less than 24 hours so great. I'll go ahead and recap then to keep everything nice and tidy. Expect the recap out later tonight.
Questions?
Game on!
Turn 004 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Okay,
so taking into account his shopping list:
Rations for 6 people for 3 days 9gp=6.75gp
Bread x6 .12gp=0.09gp
Cheese x10 1gp=.75gp
Coffee x20 .2gp=.15gp
Wrist Sheath 1gp=.75gp
Map 50gp=37.5gp
Night on the Town (Banquet) for the three people you'e going to be with for months. Priceless=30gp
Total 75.99gp
Also, I think the new spells for the day got overlooked somehow.
0: inf/day: 6 prep. All known. Current: Detect Magic. Detect Poison. Dancing Lights. Disrupt Undead. Prestidigitation. Message.
1: 5/day: 3 prep. 12 known. Hide Weapon. Dazzling Blade. Mage Armour. Expeditious Retreat. Protection from Evil. Clarion Call. Shield. Unerring Weapon. Line in the Sand. Enlarge Person. Vanish. True Strike. Current: Mage Armour, Protection from Evil, Shield
2: 3/day: 1 prep. 2 known. Bull’s Strength. Sense Vitals. Current: Bull’s Strength
@Fabian: Has Arodric heard of Kaede's Grandmother?
Also, I think the new spells for the day got overlooked somehow.
0: inf/day: 6 prep. All known. Current: Detect Magic. Detect Poison. Dancing Lights. Disrupt Undead. Prestidigitation. Message.
1: 5/day: 3 prep. 12 known. Hide Weapon. Dazzling Blade. Mage Armour. Expeditious Retreat. Protection from Evil. Clarion Call. Shield. Unerring Weapon. Line in the Sand. Enlarge Person. Vanish. True Strike. Current: Mage Armour, Protection from Evil, Shield
2: 3/day: 1 prep. 2 known. Bull’s Strength. Sense Vitals. Current: Bull’s Strength
I'll update the spell list in the next turn recap.
@Fabian: Has Arodric heard of Kaede's Grandmother?
@Kaede: I think you took the 'wardstone stuff' from an official source and 'went with it', which is great. Can you please point to where that information is available so we can figure out what everyone knows about the 'making of the wardstone'?
Thanks,
Fabian
Here's the main page about the wardstones on Pathfinder Wiki. I believe it's also discussed in Inner Sea World Guide if anyone has it on hand.
And yes, I inserted her grandmother into the already-existing narrative as a way to connect Kaede to the history. I don't think I included her grandmother's name in my background on my alias, but it's Dena, also of the Makan tribe.
Here's the main page about the wardstones on Pathfinder Wiki. I believe it's also discussed in Inner Sea World Guide if anyone has it on hand.
And yes, I inserted her grandmother into the already-existing narrative as a way to connect Kaede to the history. I don't think I included her grandmother's name in my background on my alias, but it's Dena, also of the Makan tribe.
Ok, this is all kind of general; no real details with regards to rituals and frequency and distance between wardstone, etc.
Which is great because we can make them out to suit our needs!
I'll leave it up Kaede to see how 'famous' her grandmother was. She could have been instrumental or just one of group that allowed for the wardstone creation.
Questions?
Game on!
Why do you think I took it and ran? I love delightfully vague history. :)
I'd probably treat her about the same as General Lafayette in the American Revolution. Actually quite instrumental to its success, but part of a larger whole, and not heard about as often as your George Washingtons or your Benjamin Franklins.
OOC:
knowledge planes DC=15 (survival DC=20) to determine the 'stuff' at the bottom of the crosses is tainted with abyssal energies
BTW, this stuff is 'common' on the other side of the wardstones but on the 'safe' side.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1:
As soon as their horses came upon the staked crusaders, Hedda was immediately more alert. Even though Sir Ilivian kept going, she brought her mount to a stop and took a hard look at the area to make sure that the perpetrators were long gone.
The area at the bottom of the crosses seemed to vibrate at a frequency similar to that of Hedda's blood. She spat on the ground in disgust as she recognized the taint. "That purplish goo seems to be tainted with abyssal energies. I don't think this is normal to be happening on this side of the wardstones so we'd best be on high alert. It almost seems like the land is now more susceptible to the taint."
tag everyone
Action 2:
Hedda started to dismount as Sir Ilivian's explanation made sense. What she wasn't sure of was leaving the horses at such a far distance from where they were going to be. "Shouldn't we take the horses with us even if leading them on foot? Won't they get eaten if we leave them unguarded out here? Demons aside, there are still wild animals about."
tag everyone
Those little mounds eventually give birth to some sort of insect and/or larvae that continues to feed on the carcass. Awesome! :)
Arodric coughed and sneezed as they travelled I think I am getting better - now it's just the dust he thought to himself, sneezing red blood-like streaks into his handkerchief.
Despite the dust Arodric and his horse seemed remarkably clean. Eerily, clean - as if the dust itself didn't even stick to them. As they rode he did his best to site positions and check their course against the map.
"So, note for next time: we need some way to camp out if the weather turns bad. I know I'm buying a mask and goggles the moment we get back. I hate the rust-blood smell of this stuff, but it's the way it gets in your eyes that really kills." As he speaks a single bloody-looking tear ran down his face from his furiously watering eyes. A few moments later it vanished. "I hope to Iomedae we're undercover tonight." "Looks like the weather's going to turn pretty bad tonight or tomorrow."
Arodric kept his handkerchief over his mouth "We can't just leave them there, though. We need to do something!"
Arodric sides with authority, engineer teams needed teamwork and discipline more than heroism and his training had emphasised that. "He's right - an abandoned building would be a great place to spend the night, and it'll be hard to take the horse down. If there is an abandoned building I should be able to make it safe." He paused "On the other hand," he said apologetically "Hedda's right too. The Horses are a target, and without them we're down to doing this on foot. No-one wants that."
Arodric cocked his head to one side "We could... what?!?" his head snapped back and his brow furrowed for a moment, then he spoke up, obviously reluctantly "I volunteer to go check out the village while you all stay here with the horses."
Action 1
Sabola looked at his companions, and back to the crucified crusaders. ”Does this disconcert anyone?”
"So, note for next time: we need some way to camp out if the weather turns bad. I know I'm buying a mask and goggles the moment we get back.”
Sabola nudged his horse towards Arodric, ”I cannot help with goggles, but I picked up a number of lengths of this cloth. The locals insist it is best used as a mask to keep the dust off of your nose and mask. I also have longer lengths for the horses.” Sabola tied the cloth around his face, and proceeded to do the same for his mount. He held out cloth for any who wanted some for themselves.
Action 2
Sabola listened to the explanation from Sir Ilivan, ”that works for me, I’m no cavalryman anyways.” Sabola looks at the horses, ”do any of you have ‘smart’ horses? I know many Crusaders ride such beasts. I would tie up my mount to yours, if it was a ‘smart’ one.”
"I volunteer to go check out the village while you all stay here with the horses."
"I am not bad at scouting myself, and would accompany you if desired," offered Sabola.
Where are the posts from the new players?!? :)
Sorry, still dealing with family stuff and limited in Internet access. I'll be getting it in tonight, though, as I'll be home for the night with my own Internet.
OK, I'll wait another day to recap (and respond), but I do insist on at least one decent post within 48 hours of the turn recap.
Let this be your first warning! :)
Game on!
Working on getting my posts up now. This is an unusual week for me - usually, I'm one of the first to respond to GM posts. :)
Action 1
Kaede grunts in disgust at the sight of the two staked crusaders - but it's not because of the gore, but because of what she can tell about the events leading to it. They were alive when this happened - this much blood wouldn't have flowed if they were staked up after dying. She dismounts from Pakad and begins tugging at one of the stakes. Come on, someone help me get them down. We can't leave them like this - it's an affront to all decency, and it'll draw more of the foul things here.
Once the bodies have been taken down, she drags one to the side of the road and motions for helpers to bring the other. She begins to chant, a rough but not unpleasant litany in a somber tone. Sarkoris, a fháil ar an titim. Tóg do chosantóirí i do glacadh. She kneels to the ground at the last word, and a flash of blue light emanates from her hand and spreads into the earth around in flowing swirls.
Suddenly the bodies begin to sink as the earth beneath them suddenly turns to a thick mud. Kaede pulls her hammer from her back and presses on one of the bodies with the end of its handle, sending it deeper below the muck, and motions for anyone who can to do the same with the other.
It's the best I can do without the time to dig a better grave or build a proper cairn, she says with a twinge of regret, shoveling more of the mud over the crusaders with her hammer. It's better than that, at least. She gestures angrily toward the crosses, looks once more at the improvised grave, then remounts and wheels her horse's head toward the road once more.
Action 2
Give me a moment. Kaede dismounts and turns to look her companion in the eyes, gently patting the star on the front of his long face. All right, friend. We need to go shelter in the village over that way. She jerks her head toward the thicket and the abandoned buildings. But it’ll be a hard way for you and the other horses to go, so we’ll need to leave you out here. Watch them, all right? If you see anything, kick up as much noise as you can. We’ll hear you.
She gives her friend one final pat and turns to the others. All right, that’s the best I can do. He’s a clever beast - I noticed it when he was just a foal. And he’s done it plenty before, watching for me while I’ve slept on the trail. We’ll need to keep a sentry listening for any noise from him, but we’d have sentries posted anyway.
It’s our only choice, really, unless we want to either cut a big enough trail for them to follow or camp in the open and leave ourselves as unprotected as the horses. And neither of those sounds like a great option - while usually I’d prefer sleeping out of doors, we’ve seen signs of demonic activity in the area already, and there’s no reason to risk all of us if we can help it. If some are going to scout the town out, I can stay here with the beasts, try to get them to help Pakad with watching for trouble.
I'll move this forward later tonight so Roan you have approx. 12 more hours to post.
Game on!
Arodric kept his handkerchief over his mouth "We can't just leave them there, though. We need to do something!"
She dismounts from Pakad and begins tugging at one of the stakes. Come on, someone help me get them down. We can't leave them like this - it's an affront to all decency, and it'll draw more of the foul things here.
Hedda made no move to get off her horse. "What if that's a trap and not just a warning. I wouldn't touch them if I were you. Dead is dead. It makes no matter if we take them down."
tag?
Swallowing down bile Arodric dismounts, draws his longspear and uses the butt end to push the body down into the earth. The terrified face is the last thing to go under, some trick of buoyancy making it float to the surface like a drowning man struggling for air. It's a sight he knows he'll see in his dreams tonight.
Turn 005 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Roan: please try to let me know if you won't be able to post. I held up the turn recap waiting for your post. Besides, people disappearing make me nervous. :)
I'm afraid I'm going away in 20 hours, and will be away for three days. Please bot me if needed as I do not think I will have internet.
Will try to have a post up before I go, though.
Despite that he disagreed with the sergeant, Arodric kept it to himself. This wasn't the time, or the place. And I'm not he informed his sword tartly an idiot.
Arodric held up his hands "Yes sir. Understood. No splitting up. Good plan, Sir." He fought - and failed - to keep the relief off his face when his brave offer was rescinded. "Thanks for the offer, Sabola."
He dismounted, hitched his horse to the others and drew his sword. It was a plain looking blade of, dark, cold iron. It had the look of the old Sarkorian swords from long ago - but had the same plain utility that weapons in the crusade tended to have. It looked as if it had been quickly forged and handed out. The only unusual feature was a small dimple that looked like someone had stuck a thumb into the iron just below the handle.
Arodric struck a pose, spoke a word, and a shield of glittering glass flashed around him for a second. Another pose, another word, and another flash.
Arodric swore "Trap? Looks like a trap. Probably a in the water." Despite his words - and demeanour - he strode determinedly on, sword drawn and chanting out some arcahic battle cry. "HEY!" he shouted to the commoners "I'm coming!"
Action 1
Kaede did not, however, possess Arodric's restraint; she marched up the sergeant and stared him down. Look here, and listen well. Incompetent or not, they died in defense of this place, of our way of life, of our entire world. Their souls are tied to this land's spirits now, and I can feel the pain and confusion of all the ones lost like them. I have no intention of sleeping with their suffering in my heart for the rest of my life, not if I can help it.
I'm no fool, nor am I sentimental or soft; my entire life has been survival in this place. I know we can't save everyone, and I have no intention of setting the dead to rest at the expense of the living. But when the risk is manageable, I will not leave souls in turmoil, no matter what orders you give. I respect your judgement, and I will defer to your leadership in crisis - but I am your ally, not your subordinate to be mocked and belittled as you please.
With a huff, she turned back to her path. Arrogant blind fool. Just like all the other foreigners...
Action 2
Kaede, kneeling next to one of the horses, stood up with a grunt of exertion and frustration. So which is it, a path the horses can take or no? If they'll be able to get to the buildings later, why not simply take them now and avoid leaving them vulnerable at all? I prepared for them to be left alone for the night because you said they wouldn't be able to join us. I can only work with what I'm told - get your story straight.
Regardless, if any trouble befalls the horses, we want them to raise an alarm, whether it's in five minutes or five hours. I'm ensuring they do, or at least that my Pakad will. Give me some time and I'll try to get the others to as well. Or we go now. Either way, make up your mind.
She turned back to her horse, grabbing the cloth Sabola had offered from her pocket. Thanks for this, by the way, she called to Sabola, motioning to indicate the cloth. Tying it around Pakad's nose, she stood and went to rejoin the others.
I'm afraid I'm going away in 20 hours, and will be away for three days. Please bot me if needed as I do not think I will have internet.
Will try to have a post up before I go, though.
Thanks for letting us know; we'll take a care of Arodric while you are gone.
Game on!
FYI, I've sent a private message to Roan and told him to let us know what's going on within the next 48 hours. If not, then we'll assume that he's not interested, and I'll ask another person if he wants to join us.
So we should know by Saturday morning.
Strange as this is (a previously very enthusiastic player just disappearing), I've experienced it a couple of times already. Once as a GM and twice in games I was playing. People just... disappear.
Questions?
Game on!
Sabola, Hedda: please try to post sometime today so I can recap later this evening.
Roan: if you're out there and still interested, please let me know sometime today as well, otherwise we'll have to pass...
Questions?
Game on!
Action 2:
Sir Ilivan’s patience grew short, “No, we are not splitting up unless I say so. Besides, we won’t leave the horses all night here by themselves. We’ll leave the mounts here until we scout out the place. We’ll hopefully find an abandoned building in which we can spend the night. Are you people stupid?”
Hedda's eyes narrowed. In a somewhat sarcastic tone she asked, "That's what you asked for, isn't it? I seem to remember that being specifically mentioned as required for this mission. That and you needed to be fond of asses. I thought they were talking about donkeys but now I'm not so sure..."
Action 3:
Hedda quickly surveyed the scene and saw enough in order to start moving. There were people down there and what looked to be demons. She wouldn't let them spread their taint this far from the boundary.
for what kind of demons (if they are demons)
Unslinging her greataxe, Hedda began moving as quickly as she could towards the scene to help the commoners. They would need more than farm implements against those things. She was hoping to get the jump on the evil creatures when she heard Arodric's voice behind her yelling at the people. Growling the word 'idiot' under her breath, she continued forward knowing that their presence was now known.
Action 1
Sabola nodded, "I am with Kaede on this. If we forget the small honors due our dead, then perhaps we are not much better than the beasts we fight."
Action 2
"Thanks for this, by the way," she called to Sabola
"My pleasure, I bought several blankets back in town and have torn them into strips. Luckily several veterans had advised me of the necessity of avoiding the dust." Sabola ensures his mount's cloth mask is properly covering its mouth, and readjusts his own mouth.
Action 3
Sabola observed the odd events before him. "I fear we are about to be called upon to defend our very lives."
Turn 006 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Please remember that I almost never use 'spoilers' but I trust that you can keep player knowledge and character knowledge separate. :)
Perception, DC=25 and understand Abyssal to hear "Kill them!"
Perception, DC=25 and Sense Motive DC=20 to determine that two of the farmers coming to attack you seemed terrified by the whole situation.
Perception, DC=25 to determine that the two farmers on the floor have bruises and cuts on them.
Summary: 1 vermlek and four farmers (2 morbidly obese and 2 terrified) are getting ready to fight. Two other farmers lie on the ground (bruised and battered).
Other questions?
Game on!
+2 vs traps, +1 vs surprise
+2 vs traps, +1 vs surprise
And
+2 vs traps, +1 vs surprise
Action 1:
Hedda kept to land as much as possible while making her way towards the demon and his captives. When she got to the first gap of water, she jumped as she ran.
She misjudged the distance and splashed through the water which slowed her down.
As she moved, she heard the farmers yell something. It sounded like the language she often heard demons spouting which was somewhat confusing for the bloodrager, for humans to be speaking it. She tried to remember whether she had heard those words before. They sounded familiar but she couldn't determine in what context she'd heard them.
She also watched the farmers to see if their actions belied their true motives as well as the status of those on the ground.
The farmers on the ground looked truly hurt. Maybe they were being coerced to fight or maybe they'd rather be put out of their misery. Only after the demon was dead would they be able to know for sure.
Soon she was at the next area of water and she took a mighty leap again.
Kaede, holding back to assess the situation, heard Hedda's warning from ahead. Oh, gods, worms that walk... She recognized the words in the distance as Abyssal, having studied the language to give herself an edge in any encounters, but the vermlek was too far to make out any specific words. We'll need to see to the ones on the ground - they look injured. After we've seen to the monstrosity, that is. Oh, and look at our heroic leader...hiding in the back. What a treasure.
Knowing speed was of the essence, and realizing how much her armor could slow her down, Kaede knelt to the ground and picked up a pinch of dirt. Biotáille, cabhrú le mo chosa a eitilt. Then she began to move with surprising speed for such heavy armor, opting to make her way around to the left where there was only one jump she had to make (and less chance of delaying others if she failed that jump).
Turn 007 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, yes
, yes
, miss
, miss
, miss