GM G's Frostfur Captives (Inactive)

Game Master Magabeus

Casting CLW on Sterelin: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Merevelyn responds in Elven and Varisian, "Indeed, you are probably right, but I prefer to have everything both ways."

Darmut blinks and mutters sleepily, "Phrasing..."

Okay he doesn't actually because he speaks neither language, but I could not resist.

Do you set watches? And if you do, are the watches inside the (makeshift) tents or outside?

Gave a proposed watch order a few posts ago, so lets go with that. Outside if it seems at all practical.

[dice=Casting CLW on Sterelin]1d8+1

Sterelin thanks the priest for healing his wounds.

During Darmut's watch he finds a rare snowbloom flower growing near the campsite. The next morning the sky is clear and the area around the tents is covered in pristine snow. You break camp after feeding the goblins and start to move.

After half a day you spot a village in the distance. Is build right next to a main river, according to your map this must be Harvest’s End and supposedly there is a ferry here. As you enter the village you notice it is a quiet place. Traveling merchants in colorful garb are easily distinguished from the locals, who dress in woolen clothes of drab browns, greens, and grays. There are no sounds of laughter or play here.

Fishermen put their catch out for display, while others congregate in small groups and whispered conversations. Smoke rises from the chimneys of uniform but wellconstructed buildings, most of which are surrounded by
small white picket fences.

"Huh. I guess my weather sense doesn't work this far north; that was nothing like I'd thought."

He turns and looks at the chained goblins. "Credit where it's due, you little terrors. You had it right and we could have saved some effort by listening to you."
___

Wyeth speaks up as the village comes into view. "Not sure how these people will react to goblins. Perhaps one or two of us should trek in to see about arranging ferry passage while the rest wait here?"

He looks down at his covered, but still obvious, peg leg. "Sadly, perhaps I should be one to stay back. This thing makes some people uncomfortable."

"Maybe not as uncomfortable as being a half-orc when they're village folk."

Wyeth grins at Marduk. "I guess we're holding down the fort, buddy."

Darmut shakes his head, "They are prisoners, we should buy some fish to keep the little monsters quiet and placate the locals. Tell them we will feed them if they behave, we need to use the ferry in any case I doubt we can do so without revealing ourselves, we should stay together."

"Hmm... how sad a place, where is the joy?"

"I'll be happy to help secure the ferry, although I don't see why we couldn't go together!"

Wyeth shrugs. "Whatever the most of us want is fine. Just remember it's not easy to re-cork the d'jinn's bottle."

"I thought they came from lamps..."

"No no, that would be a genie, according to a tome at the grand temple."

Darmut shrugs, and says in his emotionless monotone, "Let's go together, villagers are not going to attack an armed band, and any other threats are best faced together. Don't know about d'jinns..."

If the group agree Darmut will approach the fish sellers and ask the man how much he can get for a silver piece.

A chicken costs 2cp a goat 1gp, assuming standard prices, so I assume 1SP should buy a decent bit of fish. He'll probably buy more, just does not want to be overcharged for flashing gold.

Darmut blinks and mutters sleepily, "Phrasing..."

Okay he doesn't actually because he speaks neither language, but I could not resist.

Yeah, I thought I would add in a double entendre. :)

While the goblins are furiously devouring their breakfast, Merevelyn discreetly asks the group, "So, since they are chained together, do we have a cover story to explain this once we are in the village and crossing the river in the ferry?"

"I will offer them a second jar, each, of goblin pickles once we are on the other side of the river, so that should help their demeanor, at least."

"Perhaps we could say that they are a group of unruly servants going to serve new masters. That, at least, would all be technically true, and may even fit the goblin's understanding of things."

In town, Merevelyn comments, "I have a few gold and coppers, but no silver - I gave that to the goblins."

"Just tell them they are prisoners and anything beyond that is none of their business," Darmut says, ever the people person.

The goblins prefer to have their reward before you all enter the village, Merevelyn quickly explains that they need to do something to earn the reward and then the goblins grumble but accept that.

As you enter the village you notice that the village has an inn. At the far end of the main street you spot the ferry, although it is to far away to make out details.

You notice that the fishmonger sees the chains on the goblins, and that he then pointedly ignores them.
"These river trout will cost you a silver each, while this salmon costs 5 silvers"

Just go with the price for a daily ration, that is 5 sp, so the salmon is one daily ration, while a trout is 1/5th.

Darmut scowls, and hands over enough coin for a trout per goblin, and then purchases a salmon which he flings to Shersht.

How many goblins are there again?

6

The villagers rush to the sides of the street as the small speck that was high in the sky grows bigger and bigger. With majesty the big bird lands next to Darmut and tears into the salmon.

Even your captive goblins look on with fear in their eyes.

Darmut hands over athe silver and a gold piece, "After we cross the ferry," he says holding the trout up, ensuring he is well out of snatching range.

The untrusting Szarni keeps an eye out as they cross. "Ferry crossings are great ambush points. Just keep wary of more than just the vermin we bring with us."

You are not at the ferry yet ;-), do you want to head to the ferry right away or visit the inn / do something else?

"Oh i'm sure brother Saitama and i will get our share of excercise if it comes to it."

Darmut heads for the ferry, tucking the trout into his backpack as he moves and slinging it over his shoulders again, Shersht follows along beside him standing nearly as tall as the hunter.

Removing 1gp 1sp from sheet now.

At the ferry, you see a large (10 ft tall) creature lounging against the side of the barge. As he spots you he stands up, picks up his battleaxe and looks down on you: "Well, well, what have we got here?"

picture is available

"Passengers, how much to cross?" Darmut replies levelly.

"To bad, ferry is not going anywhere today." the big creature answers

Marduk looks up at the big guy.
"Has anything happened to cause the ferry to remain ashore?"

"Nah, I just don't feel like it" the giant says while poking in its nose.

Giant as in big creature, not as in subtype

Darmut sighs, "Will you let us cross or must we fight, we are in a hurry."

"You want to duel me? Fine, let's do a wrestling match, no weapons. First one pinned is the looser"

The big brute carefully lays down his battleaxe to the side and stands in a ready pose.

"If I fight you will you let us cross? I enjoy a test, though I am not sure I like my chances," Darmut says flatly.

"Sure, if you win I will personally ferry you over. And if you think one of your buddies has a better chance against me you can let them fight me instead of you. It's all the same to me. Heck, if that big chicken can wrestle then I am fine with it trying, no beaks or claws off course!"

"Call my Roc a chicken again and I feed you your own f$$#ing liver you inbred streak of pig s~!&." Darmut snarls, rage flashing in his eyes.

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

The big monster backs down, clearly taken aback by Darmut's threats. It picks up it's axe and points to the ferry

"Sorry sir, I meant no disrespect, you wanted to cross?"

You know that an intimidate only lasts 1d6*10 minutes?

How wide is the river?

It is a major river on the scenario map and is even on the inner sea world map, so let's say 150 yards. I do not think that you would know how long it takes to cross it.

Darmut nods, "Hmm, well, just don not insult Shersht, he is a Roc, give him a decade and he will be able to pick you up in his talons. Not a chicken." Shersht let's out a screech of agreement.

Darmut moves over and begins helping to get the ferry in the river, while Shersht takes to the air circling over head.

"Hrmph... and I was looking forward to the challenge of wrestling!", Saitama obviously a bit disappointed about Darmut's successful convincing of the ferryman.

The ice troll (for that is what the creature is) ferries you over to the other side of the river, using a system of ropes and pulleys. At the other side you disembark and he returns to the village.

The goblins are adamant that they have earned their rewards of pickles and fish, so you give them those. As the goblins are gulping those down you see that on the ferry the troll comes to it's senses. He shouts some terrible curses your way, warning you that the next time you are in his village you will be terribly slaughtered. As you did not intent to visit Harvest's End again it does not really make an impression.

You set of for the last few hours of walking while daylight lasts, the goblins start to sing:

"Longshanks, Longshanks, so big, so vile!
They make us walk so many miles!
Longshanks say not to worry, will not be harmed,
Stupid Longshanks know all the while
Death stalk us with a crooked smile!"

"Marching, Marching, all day long!
We Goblins sing this travel song,
and if you try to sing along,
We change the words, you get it wrong!"

As evening falls you enter a wood. According to your map you must be close to the border between Irrisen and the Land of the Linnorm Kings. What do you do: press on to reach the border or make camp?

edit: and if you make camp, any healing you want to do before going to sleep?

Darmut eyes the sky, "If it is relatively calm I would prefer to press on and get out of this accursed country."

Taking 10 on survival for a 17 to predict the weather for the next 24 hours.

Weather forecast: Cloudy but dry, temperatures below 0

"Goblins, goblins, one, two three!"
Marching together happily!
Goblins, goblins, four, five, six!
Singing about their goblin tricks!"

Woke up to 27 updates! The songs were really awesome!

How long do we think it will take to get to the next stopping point?

Chuckling at Saitama, the witch says, "I don't know if we'll get much more walking out of the vermin, and my feet hurt as well. If it is supposed to be a clear night anyhow, might as well make camp."

Songs are great!

Looking at the map you see that it is approximately one hour to the border, and approximately another day to a Blackraven Waystation (you have been told that the Blackraven are an elite Ulfen militia that guards the border against ice trolls and other invaders). After that it should take you approximately one day to reach Trollheim. You could press on to the border, which means that it will be dark when you arrive at the border or spend another night in Irissen

The benefit of recovering from illness; lots of updates and Darmut was so kind to oblige me. The song was not mine, just had to use it!

My vote's for camping now

Darmut shrugs, "Same watches as before, everyone okay with that? I shall find a suitable campsite."

Take 10 on survival for a 17.