GM Niles Iron Gods (Inactive)

Game Master nilesr

The Barge man gives Omo a look of pure hatred before moving off.

Are there other river boats we can use? If not, Omo will go buy supplies for the overland trek.

Omo watches the bargeman sulk away with a speculative look.

The humans outside of Torch seem to be a venal and untrustworthy lot. First Tret, then Dinvaya, and now this captain. He has all the information he needs to plan an ambush for us by himself or his Gar allies outside of Hajoth Hakados. But should he attack us, then he will not catch us unawares. Mr. Hellion will get his chance to eviscerate and I will get a boat without letting us be robbed for the privilege.

"It looks like we may be walking, sister."

Seventeen takes this news in her stride and replies, "Well then we'd better get started. Will we need any particular supplies? Will we need horses?"

"I can hardly see our new mechanical friend ride a horse. Is h able to keep up with one?"

Watching the captain walk away in disgust, Jarreck shakes his head and looking to Guaire gives an apologetic look before sitting down on a nearby upturned keg.

"Omo, I understand not wanting to be overcharged but what made you think he'd improve the price by insulting his heritage, about half the country and your own companion's heritage for that matter? Who has protected you more times than i can count.
In this case Mr Hellion is the problem once more; this time though it is not his actions that are the problem but others fear and intolerance. I doubt you did much to improve the acceptance of him here any though. Try not to insult the horse master or general store clerk before your deals are finalized."

Frustrated Jarreck turns on his heel without waiting for a reply. Returning to the inn to take inventory and determine the needs for the upcoming long walk.

Niles what is the weather like this time of year in the Blood Gar Territory?

Omo does his best to appear apologetic. He certainly wasn't going to share his suspicions and plans with Jarreck whose quietism only seemed to benefit those who were working against them.

"I did not mean to offend you, Guaire, and I apologize if I did. Your courage has been demonstrated in battle time and again. I had hoped that shame would goad him into remembering that he is an adult and not a whipped cur."

It would have been an acceptable outcome at least.

Omo continues his apology, "The tyranny of the League can only persist because the rest of the people in this land remain fractured and allow the League to press their advantage. If Tret is an example of those who are their members, then they are bullies who will take what people let them take. Personally, I prefer to not let people take advantage of me."

The alchemist watches Jarreck stalk angrily off, "Though, of course, opinions vary on that count as well."

Numeria has a climate similar to Nevada/Colorado but not quite as dry. Since its Lamashan, October in our calendar, its gonna be beginning to get cold out. Mornings in the mid 40's and highs in the 70's F. Very seasonable at the moment.

Omo fiddles with the chip-finder.

Kn. Geography: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"I don't think we need horses. I think it is about five to twenty miles up the river which is about how far a keel-boat can go in a day. If we dress well, have food, we can walk along the river and be there in a day or two. We should head out soon."

I am using this table to determine how fast these things are barges are extremely slow in comparison to a horse.

Except that traveling on a river is almost always faster than traveling on foot, or even on horseback because you don't have the natural obstacles or terrain to deal with. It's why humankind has always used rivers as a natural highway. But yeah, you guys could walk there in 2 days or take a horse which would take less than a day, the same with taking the river (upstream is slower because the barge would be poled)

Guaire lets out a simple "Hmm", and a confirming nod.

By now, Omo would know the clansman isn't one to hold a grudge over it.

"I would propose, Omo, clothing mr. Hellion in robes with a hood.
That way, his origins won't be revealed and merchants would be less suspicious or hostile towards us.
More importantly, if the League, when the League, would come looking for us, they have one less notable member to ask for."

He turns to Hellion.
"Though killing every rude person would also draw attention."

Back to Omo;
"But, let's go. We still have a trek ahead of us.
Come on Spike, let's get moving."

The pilo grunts softly, then accompanies Guaire.

When she thinks Omo isn't looking, Seventeen eyes Hellion while idly fingering a glass rod she had bought for the purpose. While outwardly calm, inwardly she thinks, 'He will break Omo's programming one day. When that happens I shall be ready.'

"That's a capital idea, Guaire. Mr. Hellion will look much more mysterious in a hood."

Omo will purchase Mr. Hellion an large oversized cloak. The more mysterious looking the better before they wander down the river.

It's true, towards players at the very least.
Niles can recall, i dressed a golem in robes, and Mort thought it was a monk with a hood.

Query: Wouldn't it be more advantageous for me to inspire terror in the meatbags?

Statement: Perhaps you would like me to dispose of my quadrupedic form and become a binary walker like yourself Master.

"I am not one to stand in the way of self-improvement, but I think your current form serves very well for now. Who knows what robotic bodies we might find in the future."

Giving him a golem sized body would spell potential disaster, but that is just speculation. :)

Jarreck packs his bag once again for the trip ahead....It seems we have only just gotten here and once more we are off again. Tension is growing with Omo, but he has no desire to listen to me. He is just angry. He wants to end the league and that is noble, but if he berates and belittles those he wishes to help is he any better than that which he wants to replace? <sigh>

Does she know the way?
Kn:Geography: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Yes it would seem so!

Seventeen had studied maps of the area and the route was simple, if a bit long on foot. She starts walking and without emotion states, "This way, it is time to go."

Just trying to move us on a little bit :)

"A Bipedal form would no doubt stand out less. Though I'm also wondering how far that will go eventually." Mort adds to the discussion about mr Hellion.

"Do we need a scout in the air to look out for trouble?" Mort asks the group, his arms itching already again to fly up into the sky.

Seventeen turns around and replies, "Yes, that would be logical, you can warn us of any other travelers. How long can you stay in a form?"

She carries on walking, hoping Mort will walk with her.

I think we are definitely on the move now. Just that there is no confusion.

Yeah you guys are just waiting on me. I had Fallout 4 last night and then this morning at work has been a beast.

With Seven, Omo and the chipfinder making direction finding simple, it is no great feat to head West in search of...well in search of something.

1d100 ⇒ 181d100 ⇒ 86

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

"I spy some boats on the water. We should wait here while Mort scouts them in a more appropriate form. Mort, please find out if they are hostile. If this is to be an ambush, then we should be the one's performing the ambush. Omo whispers.

Is this it?

From our current position, what is the best way to approach them if we want to get the drop on them?

You are on the bank of the river so you could attack them at ranged from the riverbank if you like. It's nearly 20 vessels in all, with a few people per vessel. The river itself is nearly 200' wide and they are at various distances from the riverbank.

Omo, that picture looks more like a hamster in wizard robes. The other was better ;)

"Well 1 boat is better for an ambush than multiple. If these are pirate boats, we'll have our work cut out."

I like the new avatar. Seems very mysterious and ninja-ey

I think you are right. There aren't a lot of ratfolk pictures.

Nor kitsune, for that matter....boo.

Reminds me of an Ewok unfortunately. Too bad, its cool otherwise.

"Will do that Omo. And Seven, I can stay in these forms for several hours I'll be flying from now on. Just to make you guys know, I'll won't be able to speak in bird form. I'll nod or shake my head to indicate yes or no, other things I'll scratch in the earth. I'll see you in a few moments."

Mort transforms into a raven and flies towards the boats, taking a longer turn so as to not appear coming from the group.

He flies down and perches on a boat if possible and looks around and listens in if possible.

Seventeen adds quietly, "We didn't come here to fight these, even if they are hostile we can avoid them."

"True, but I would like more information about them and their intent."

"Take care Mort"

Jarreck looks for a spot to settle in and observe the group on the river without being seen.

stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Thank you Jarreck and Mort for posting actions.

Jarreck hides in some nearby brush while Mort turns into a raven and flies over to the lead canoe.

The Kellids in the canoe are silent, paddling their river craft forward with languid practiced strokes and letting the current do most of the work. Mort notices that the tribesmen are heavily armed, this is no trade flotilla. One of the men shoos at Mort after a few moments...

The flotilla gets closer, its only about a hundred yards away now.

Omo will hide as best he can.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 4 = 15

"Hostiles....no doubt about that now."

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
"Omo, if ever your AI companion gets a field test, i'd say this would be ample a time, provided they come closer."

Stealth?!: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Statement: I believe that I have been spotted.

Resolution: This will allow me to field test my modifications to Meatrender.

The lead canoe moves toward your side of the river, you see several of the tribesmen pointing at the shape of Hellion. They have not noticed any of you.

Hellion stands still, waiting for orders or waiting for the Kellids to get close enough to kill.

Aha, a raiding party.

"Before mr Hellion here starts testing 'Meatrender', i will add the following.
See those markings on the armor and canoes? It's the symbol of the Blood Gar. This appears to be a large raiding party, which usually is led by a sub-in-command and as many as thirty warriors."

In a monotone, Seventeen whispers, "Hostile? That seems likely, but to whom?"

Guaire turns to reply but Seventeen has vanished.

Seventeen casts invisiblity with the meta magic rod of extension. She also has mage armor up and running.

Hidden by strands of magery, Seventeen observes the canoes.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Kn:Local: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Jarreck observes the group moving towards Mr Hellion, knocking an arrow quietly.

kn:Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Not knowing what the group is thats coming Jarreck remains hidden for the moment try to tell which looks like the most important guy in the group.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Neither Seven nor Jarreck can tell much about the tribesmen from this distance.

I'll let the others take actions before moving things forward, Omo you can give Hellion orders whenever you like

Mort doesn't immediately scare away as the tribesman attempts to shoo him away, he pecks for a moment at the boat, then flies off and perches on one of the canoes several boats further.

He pecks at this boat as well and looks around.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

If he's again shoo-ed away he flies up and starts cawing loudly as he flies up, then remains silent circles above the group and watches where the tribesmen are going and if they commit to battle with the group.

Omo is mildly embarrassed that he forgot that Mr. Hellion's abilities lay not in stealth.

He drinks his Bullet Ward infusion to guard him from their arrows and calls out,

"Hello, the boats. I am Omo. To where are you headed with that raiding party?"

[Facepalm]

By the clan elder's beard....does he have no sense of caution?

Little. Enough caution to worry about projectiles, but enough boldness that he would prefer to speak before that raiding party opens fire on Mr. Hellion.

Seventeen wonders what Omo is planning, of course she will intervene if needs be, but for now she waits to see what befalls.

On the second Canoe, Mort sees the men grip javelins and shortbows, then one of them shoos him away so he flies up above them. Mort counts nearly three dozen men in about 10 different watercraft.

The Kellids all become intensely interested in Omo and they speak to each other for a moment in their tongue before calling out in Common.

You don't know little League man? Is this a test?

Omo gets the feeling they think he is a member of the Technic League

The other canoes begin to slow down.

Does anyone besides Guaire speak Kellid?

Does Omo know if the Blood Gar are nominally allies of the League?