Falcon's Hallow (Inactive)

Game Master Hokina

Zova turns to the Worg once again. "Now that we are here, would you possibly tell us about the disease that is ravaging the forest? If you were to tell us the symptoms and the like we could look for some cure while in town. As someone... clearly in a position of leadership I am sure that you would rather not deal with your subjects falling ill, or Abadar forbid, even yourself."

When he tells me the symptoms I will attemot to identify rhe disease and its cure. If I don't know then I will ask the healer back at Falcon's Hollow. Casting Guidance when he tells me and....

Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Ford breathes a quiet sigh of relief, fearing that this was about to turn violent, but glad it seemed to be resolving peacefully. "Agreed. We can be of assistance to these woods. And, I had hoped to return here and purge this place fully, and restore it into a holy forge once more. Your cooperation would be of great help."

"They look gaunt and sickly with pus-filed boils covering their bodies. Some look bloated."

The worg looks at Ford.
"You have helped deal with some of the trouble some things in my domain. So you may come and go. But what is below," he points a paw to the area behind the wall," belongs to the Kobolds". "Any dealings with them is yours along. They just pay me to allow them to come and go this way."

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 I actually want to know about kobolds, but it seems like we are continuing the tradition of the inquisitor not being able to identify monsters.

Zova gives a deep bow to the Worg. "We thank you for your help and apologize for taking your time. We shall be heading off to Falcon's Hollow posthaste t administer the cure and then begin devising a plan to help your situation here. I am sure that the healer's or clerics back in town will know something."

Diplomacy to improve relationship: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Wouldn't it be great if we could make this Worg an ally in our plight against the Consortium? I can't imagine he likes the hunters encroaching on his domain and cutting down the forests... which are his home.

Kobolds are very common. So It uses the 5+CR DC. So Zova's check passes (and could not have failed). She knows the basics (below).
Also Alleran's history and trait means he also would know about kobolds.

As the Worg speaks there is less of an growl in his voice.
"At lest some understand how valuable my time is. My wolves should leave you alone as long as you don't attack them or steal their pray. I have no control over the Werewolves or any smaller packs. But I killed off most of the smaller packs, and the Werewolves have not been seen for a few moons."

Anyone with the Werewolf Hunter treat knows about werewolves and their weakness to sliver.

Alleran's ears perk up at the mention of kobolds living below. He makes note of the location indicated by the worg. To the group, "Do we now have enough of the mushrooms for a cure to be manufactured?"

Ford nods, before counting the mushrooms and smiling. "I think so! At the very least, it will be enough to get started... but this should be good enough! Let's hurry back and get these to Laurel!"

"Sounds like a plan friend Ford, lead the way and I'll keep an eye out for those werekin Greypelt mentioned." Hound draws a bit of silvered steel, turning back to Greypelt. "Don't worry, I believe most of us are prepared for werekin."

So does the party want to head back across the river, go around, or something else?

Fastest Route I think. Zova will just have to deal with her fear of drowning.

"Let's head out." So saying, the ranger turns and heads out of the abbey ruins towards the gatehouse and then the woods.

"I think that we should take the most direct route to the lumber camp and then the road to Falcon's Hollow." He advises, pointing almost due south.

"Sounds good to me. The sooner we get back, the better." Ford's eyes briefly dart to Zova. Was she gonna be okay at the river...? No matter. He'd help if needed.

Fastest route. Which I presume is the one with the river. We'll get there one way or another, but whatever avoids the most dead townsfolk is good by me.

The party walks thru the woods for a few hours when they come on a short scaled humanoid walking up the middle of the path with a spear in its hands. Inside its bare skull is a rat looking back at the party.

Around the humanoid's neck is a sign with crude writing on it.

Zova looks to her allies and raises an eyebrow. "Well it looks like some sort of undead."

"And here I thought it was some sort of lizard man?" With a wery eye towards the creature, Hound makes sure his weapon is clear to draw when needed.

"Hail creature, do you speak the common tongue or are we at a loss for words?"

Alleran shakes his head at the poor unfortunate kobold before stepping up and cleaving into it with an overhand chop of his great axe.

Great axe melee attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Zova shakes her head and attempts to use an arrow to put it down.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

With a dash to its side, Hound brings his weapon around to try to finish off the creature that Alleran started to dismantle.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Dmg: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The blade sinks in, but doesn't do much.

If anyone wants to attack the rat, say so. else combat is over.

Zova will put an arrow through the rat. Might as well, seeing as the zombie obviously wasn't attacking it. It might be a familiar of sorts.

Crit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Damage: 3d8 ⇒ (8, 2, 5) = 15

Zova's arrow pierces the rat's head ending its life quickly.
End of Combat.

With the end of combat the party notices the sound of the river up ahead.

"No one deserves that fate. And a rat making a nest in it's skull? That's not right." The ranger shakes his head while waiting for the others to find and identify the items on the kobold's now lifeless corpse.

Motioning towards the river, he says, "The rive is close by. Let's get over there and see what we have to work past."

Ford frowns at the remains of the kobold, before kneeling down and studying it a little, trying to see if he could pick up on anything, and looking over the equipment.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

"Definitely a zombie. The question is... where did it come from? Far as I can recall, kobolds don't tend to dabble in that stuff. I fear something big might be rumbling beneath us... something bad." Picking up the potions, he tinkered with them a moment before nodding.

"Infernal Healing... could come in handy. I'll hold onto there for a bit." Looking about to mark the location, Ford made a mental note to come back and try to give the poor thing a proper burial. Perhaps with the appropriate rites, he could keep it from returning as a zombie. "Lead the way, Alleran."

Coming to the river, the party sees it is much wider and with fewer rocks than there was to the east.

Ford looks out across the river as they approach, grimacing a little. "Just great..." he muttered, before reaching back to pull out his length of rope. "I'll go first. I'll see if I can cross and secure this on the other side. You all hold on to the other end... just in case, you know?"

If there is no objections, Ford is going to try and ford (heh) the river with a rope in hand. If he makes it to the other side, he try and tie it to a tree so the others can make it across with some security.And I swear to Torag, if some river dragon jumps out at me...

Swim: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Swim: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Zova steps into the river after Ford, hoping to make it across before the stream became too strong for her.

Carefully folding his greatcoat and securing it in his backpack, the ranger holds the rope for the others before swimming across.

Swim: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Ford starts to get swept away, but is holding the rope.

Zova gets halted mid river by the current, but holds her ground.

Alleran is able to make it across.

DC is 15

Swim: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

A bead of sweat forming on her brow, she continues moving forward, one step at a time until she has made it to the other side.

"Ah cripes!" Ford hissed, tightening his grip on the rope and holding fast. "Welp... this is gonna get tricky." he mused, trying to right himself back and make it to the other side with the others.

Swim: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17

"So maybe I'll wait before till your all across before crossing myself." Hound chuckles as he see his friends struggles, "Well i know that I'm gonna have trouble, till then I've got a good hand on the rope."

Hound takes the rope and secures it around his waist before reaffirming his grip on the rope.

When Hound get across:

Over the next few hours the party rushes thru the woods. Soon the sky starts to grow lighter and as they exit the forest the sun can be seen peeking over the horizon.

The halfway House can easily be seen as it is only a few hundred feet from the forest and siting atop a hill. Many younger kids can be seen playing, while most of the older kids looks to be doing chores. A few look to be repainting it and washing its many windows.

Ford and Alleron look over and see a child about 60 ft away. A large snake is right behind the child. The child turns as if he heard something and screams at the snake.

Surprise round: Kid, Snake, Ford, and Alleron act

Int 15
attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
The Snake jumps at the kid, but the scream threw off its aim.

Int 11
The kid backs away before turning and running off up the hill. Withdraw

Seeing the large snake, Alleran leaps into action. He charges toward the snake, pulling his greataxe as he goes.

Charging melee attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28

Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19

Damage: 2d12 + 14 ⇒ (11, 8) + 14 = 33

53 total points of damage. Ohhh, how I hope that confirmed.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Zova steps forward, within 30 feet of the snake and knocks an arrow, aiming carefully at the creature before firing. "No need to worry child." She says calmly after releasing her shot. "You are quite safe now."

EDIT: And in fact if Alleran simply beheaded the beast, then I will just sit and twiddle my thumbs, but sya the same thing to the child.

It was a Surprise round. So Zova would not have got a action as she failed to note the snake in time. The kid also fail his Perception check, but I must have been out of it last night.

As it was a surprise round, they also only get to take a single move or a single standard action. When charging with limited actions the charge can only go up to your move speed, not the normal 2x your move. So Alleran would not have been able to charge 60-ft.

But Ford won't be able to kill the snake before Alleran can take the above actions in the 1st normal round of combat.

Surprise round:
The snake tries to bite at the kid, but the kids scream threw off its aim.

Retcon is Ford's action.
End of Surprise round.

Round 1:
Alleran charges and with a great swing cuts the snake's head clean off.
End of round 1, and end of combat.

The child stares on at Alleran's Greataxe and the blood coming out of the snakes body. Zova's words relax the kid.

A few moments later a middle-aged silverhaired woman comes running down the hill carrying a whip. Seeing the woman, the child runs to her. He tries to speak, but his crying returns.

Child:"Snake, big snake...jumps at me but head just flies off...and now big ax and head and.."

Woman:"Calm down. Now you head over the Lily and tell her what happened. She will keep an eye on you."

The woman turns to the party as the boy runs up the hill to the house.

"My name is Elara. It was good luck that you were passing by. Most of the beast know better than to come near us and most of the kid know better than to play so near the woods."

"Sorry to scare him. We were passing through and saw the boy in danger. It really wasn't a big deal." Alleran replies as he takes out a rag and begins wiping clean the axe.

He continues by asking, "My name is Alleran Odeber. I am with the Diamond Regiment. We could use your help. I don't know if you've heard of the troubles in Falcon's Hollow, but we were sent to the woods to hunt for ingredients for a cure. They're in a bad way and we need to get these back to the herbalist as quickly as possible. Would you happen to have a horse? One of us could ride for town and deliver the goods while the rest wait for them to return with the horse."

Zova first casts guidance on herself and then steps up and bows to the woman. "Zova Lex; Hellknight, city guard. I will confirm this man's story and note that this mission is of the uptmost importance. We cannot afford to delay as every hour that passes by, someone else could be dying of this damnable plague. If you at all care for your fellow countrymen, we need to borrow your horse. It will of coure, be returned to you in the very same condition."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Ford blinks and the fret is over as Alleran, thankfully, was more at the ready than he was. "...wow... uh... just.. wow! Good work, Alleran! I saw it, but... I just wasn't as fast. Looks like you had it covered." he said, eyes lingering on the remains of the snake before exhaling.

"Hi. Name's Ford Benett. I'm just passing through mostly." He said, folding his arms over his chest and letting the others do the talking. Better to keep on the alert for anything else...

"So, uh... this a daycare, or something? How come it's so far from the village proper? Seems... a little dangerous out here, isn't it?" Ford looked at what was left of the snake again before looking back. "Scratch that. It IS dangerous out here." Probably nothing nefarious, but it did seem... weird to have all these kids wandering around out here so close to the forest.

Not sure if there actually IS anything weird about it, but it does seem kinda dangerous to have so many little ones running around like this.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Elara looks to Ford. "This is a orphanage."
She looks over to the woods. "As dangerous as it is out here, at lest they are kept from the influence of the town and get an better education." she sighs. "As for the kids playing so near it; I think at lest for a while what just happens to Eddie should get them to be more safe for a while and I will have a talk with some of the older kids that should have been keeping a eye on him."

Hearing Alleran's and Zova's request, she nods.
"Yes. We have gained a few more wards because of that sickness. While the kids may be better off out of that town, it is never good to lose your parents. I shouldn't need to go to town today. So you may use a horse. They are on the far side of the house."

"As thanks for your help, the rest of you are invited to breakfast if you like."

Elara turns and starts wlking back up the hill. Part way up the hill she places her hands to the side of her mouth and yells out. "Ready a horse!"

Zova looks to her allies. "Do we have any idea which one of us may be able to ride fastest? Back in Cheliax, I was never truly trained on a mount, but suppose I am dextrous enough to try if need be."

She turns to the woman and smiles. "Thank you Elara, you have done Andoran a great service by helping our endeavor. I am sure those of us who do not go will be honored to stay while we wait for the rider to return."

Seriously, who has the best Ride check? I'm at a +3.

"I'm a woodsman, no real need for horses. I can ride, but one of you may be better." Alleran replies to Zova's question as they follow Elara to the stables.

+2 Ride

Ford listens politely to the woman, ponders the response a little, and then nods. "Actually, now that you mention that, it's probably the better idea... Torag knows the Consortium isn't exactly the best role models..." he mused, before following after Elara.

"That... actually sounds good, if you have anything to spare. I've only just now realized I haven't eaten for a while-" Perking up, he looks back at the others, before looking down. "Uh... I've... never actually been around a horse. Much less ridden one. So, uhm... but, I can help!" Ford pulls out his hammer necklace, smiling. "Torag will guide you."

Ride +diddly squat for me. But I can use Guidance to give someone a +1 to the check!

Hound has a terrible time crossing the river, with all his gear and weapons its more like he was sluggishly walking along the bottom with the aid of his friends pulling on the rope. And here i plan on getting heavier armor later on.

The rest of the rush back to town, helps to dry him out. As they return, Hound puts the hood of his cloak back up to hide his face. As they come across the halfway house, Hound barely has time to register whats going on. When both Ford and Alleran race towards a single child. Just as the light hits Alleran's blade, Hound notices the snake for the first time. Once the fight is over and the child is safe Hound whistles at the skill displayed by Alleran.

During the introductions, Hound just nods and gives a "Hound" Letting his companions talk so as to not deal with his lisp.

With the talking of horses Hound shivers just a bid from his last experience where he fell off the horse. "No horses for me, but I'd suggest Alleran or the Lady Zova mostly since they seem to have strong personalities and can hold there own in an argument. Should one arise."

Zova sighs as she makes her way to the horses. "I will be off as quickly as I can. Do wish me luck; I would hate for there to be any more delays getting this cure to town." With that, she casts guidance and jumps on the horse, attempting to ride off as fast as she could to town and to the herbalist with all the ingredients. I will assume she took everything needed and is holding them in her bag.

Ride: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15

Hound waits till the children have rushed in to get there's before picking up a bowl and cup to head to the food table. Grabbing some bread, cheese and oat porridge before grabbing a cup of the tea.

Heading back to the table, he keeps to himself with his hood down to hide. With careful bites, Hound digs in to the simple meal.

Zova's eyes widen when she sees the four patients as she rushes to gather the ingredients out of her bag. Practically throwing them on the counter she looks seriously to Laurel. "Please tell me you can make something of these. I have two spells to spare today to cast cure light wounds on the two patients who have sustained the worst of the blight, if you would point me to them. Hopefully it will buy you some more time." Could I have made it here faster? No... the horse was ready to collapse...

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

After casting cure light wounds on the two people Laurel directs her to... if Laurel even allows her to, she heads back to the horse and casts create water in small portions within the horse's open mouth until it looks like it has drunk its fill. Then she waits for Laurel's news.