Round one. HP: 10/10
Janya is surprised at the swiftness of her own motions in drawing the crossbow. Three of the animals were attacking Tears, too dangerous to dry and get them.
She takes aim at the 4th animal that seems to be making its way towards her and Endar.
Unfortunately, the bolt seems to fly off into the distance, missing the animal.
Round 2 4 of 5 Coyotes left.
Tears of the Sky’s deadly skill shows grizzled results. Shearing off a third of the coyote’s cranium and snout in one savage blow. The animal crashes into his legs continuing its charge even in death.
The second coyote, sprayed with its mate’s gore takes a half hearted bite at the Elf (fighting defensively) and then moves away. Bite Confirm Damage Trip
The third animal yelps in surprise as Felix makes his presence known, stabbing into the barking dog’s exposed flank. The jagged edge of his sword keeps it from sinking home, but the animal gets the point. Tail between its legs and whining it takes off into the brush. Moving so fast that it may still be running a month from now.
The forth barking and laughing wildly running for the woman two-legger shakes its head in surprise as the blue bolt strikes it. Pausing, its savage mind trying to work out the problem of what it ran into, it jumps when the Alpha yelps for its last time. At which point the coyote makes for the hills.
Five notices the carnage and the defeat of his pack, but continues gulping down food as best as he can (move action – for coyotes). Looking at the superior pack of two-leggers with a weary eye.
Knowledge Nature Check in addition to your next post.
Janya hesitates as she watches Tears quickly dispatch a coyote, gore and blood coating part of the elf. Mind going blank, she reflexively loads the crossbow again, takes a small step forward and takes aim at the coyote eating.
Again the bolt flies wide of its target.
Round 2. HP: 7/7
Boosted by his spell success, Endare advances 20' ahead and stops. Gathering his thoughts, he closes his eyes, starts to say the words he was taught, swirls his fingers like old Master Pad taught him, opens his eyes, points his finger at the remaining coyote and yells "Blesath!" and cracks a smile as another burst of energy flies from his finger tip to hit the coyote!
Felix charges the last coyote available
Damge if nessiaary [dice] 1d6 [dice]
Dmag again
Endar blasts the fleeing animal one good bout before it is lost in the brush. When Felix, or for that matter anyone, moves towards Number 5 his readied action triggers moving him directly away from the carcass, with of course a large chunk of entrail. The beast seems to smirk as it gives you all one final look before trotting off into the brush.
Almost as fast as it began the coyotes are gone.Combat is offically over. Great Job.
Looking over at the body you soon realize that it is not a man, but a Hobgoblin! The corpse still wears an old-fashioned chain shirt and a
chipped and rusty longsword lies nearby. His belt pouch has been turned inside out and his belt bears an empty dagger scabbard, that is inlaid with pearls and amethysts.
several slashing and piercing wounds, at least one of them clearly fatal. These wounds are in addition to the chunks ripped away by the dogs.
Letting, the anger subside, Tears steps back into his mind. He points the blade of his sword down into the dirt and leans heavily on it, obviously exhausted. Between gasping he spits some blood on the ground."Ick, dog..."
He takes his waterskin out of his bag and washes the blood off his face. He then cleans is sword and stows it away.
"Since when do wild dogs rob hobgoblins?' Endare indicates the inside out belt pouch and missing dagger. He crouches down to inspect the hobgoblin's wounds. "I'm guessing the dagger that goes with the fancy scabbard is just as fancy."
Ding Endar. It does look fancy any one can tell that. What's worth takes a praticed eye.
[ooc]I expect you to be an adult about dealing with in character infromation (having made the roll) and out of character infromation (failed the roll or cannot roll and are just curious). I leave it up to you.[/occ]
Janya watches the coyotes run off, hands still shaking. The blood covering Tears does little to help her feel better. She clips the crossbow back to her belt after cocking it again and walks back to retrieve her glaive. As Endar walked over to look at the hobgoblin, Janya decided to join him. She'd seen people hurt before, but usually afterwards. The actual hurting...
She kneels down to look at the creature, and sees the myriad wounds covering its body. Er, gentlemen, this one wasnt brought down by the coyotes. He's got cuts all over him, died before they ever got here. I think we need to be careful from here on out.
Janya took another look at the body, the poor creature still in death. She wanted to bury him, but there was not time. Not as night was setting, and not if there were things out there. She gave a quick prayer, celebrating his life and connection to the world, before standing up.
What now? If everyone is ok, I think we should keep going. I dont like the look of those wounds.
Tears scans the area and tries to figure out what exactly killed the hobgoblin and if there are any tracks he can find in the growing dark.
Survival:
Tears of the Sky perception
Unrelated to the perception Tears notices that there are a number of boot prints, all very similar. Some come from the road, two sets come from the fields both become lost after a few feet.
Endare takes the scabbard and inspects it in the waning light.
"No telling who may value this or come looking for it. I am pretty used to having things of value in my possession so I'll hold on to it for now." He then tucks it in his pack.
Disinterested with the hobgoblin's possessions and frustrated with the confused tracks, he wanders toward the mysterious bush and takes a better look at it.
OOC: If it would help he'll light a torch at this point.
As Tear's torch flares to life, a sharp glint of metal, were metal has no reason to be.
Endar -
Janya -
Felix -
Tears -
Taking a closer look there reveals the missing dagger
jammed, point first high in a tree. It rests stabbing into the white trunk aspen about Ten feat up.
Along it's blade, when you get it (CLIMB DC 10) is a word in Draconic
"oohhhh..shiney...now how the heck did that get up there!?!" Forgetting his companions for a moment, Endare attempts to climb the tree.
Endar places a foot on a secure branch and vaults up only to find that the branch isn't so strong has he had hoped. Snapping off at the trunk the broken limb deposits the mage on the ground with a soft thump in the dirt. A bit of dust in the air now.
Janya chuckles as she watches the wizard try and climb the tree. Valiant effort, Endar. It seems coyotes give you no trouble, but trees on the other hand... Janya shakes her head. I'd give it a shot but I'm no use either. An interesting question, why is there a dagger in that tree?
He hands his torch to Endar, drops his bag and attempts the climb up the tree.
Climb:
Hanging from a branch he tries to sound out the written word for the group. He then pulls on the weapon stuck in the trunk.
Tears tugs fairly well against the blade in the tree, and with a bit of effort frees it.
The fading light seems to be captured in the blade. It is warm to the touch and looks very sharp.
Well, someone's a bit more of an athlete than the rest of us. Janya chuckles some more as Tears retrieves the dagger.
Janya concentrates for an imperceptible second while looking at the dagger. Hm, definitely enchanted. I'm afraid its beyond me to figure out with what, however. Might be worth some money. First round's on you? Janya gives the elf a smile before looking out at the group. Shall we head on out?
The elf hops down, retrieves his light and bag and moves to head down the road again. "Aye, a drink would be very welcome." He examines the blade for a few moments before holding it up for the others. "Anyone else wish to take a look?"
"Allow me to take a look at that. I spent quite a few hours studying magical weapons with old Master Elwe."
Holding onto the dagger, Endar closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment.
When he opens them again, the color is gone! His eyes are pure white. Turning the blade over in his hands, Endar studies it from all angles.
"Yes...fantastic craftsmanship!...I've seen this work in the past. See here.." He says to no one in particular. "The markings on the blade indicate this is a +1 blade...facinating!" He looks closer at the handle. "Full size tang through the handle...this mark here..you can barely make it out...shows that whomever wields this blade will also be resistant to cold!"
He gives the blade back to Tears, closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them, everyone can see they are normal again.
The party makes there way down the road. The sounds of farmland and forest in late spring surround them. The smells of growing things and pollen fill them.
Dark is growing on by the time they get to their destination but they find it easy enough all the same, with the sky just a rudding deep blue.
A well-built inn painted in cheerful colors is tucked beneath the eaves of the forest. A stable stands nearby. A hitching post at the front of the inn has several mounts, and more than one farm wagon sits in the yard. A large red sign above the door proclaims in gilt letters, “Travelers Stop Inn.” Above this sign and stretching across the
front of the building is a banner with artistic lettering stating “The Traveling Exhibition of Doctor Phineus Krane, Professor of Antiquities and Master of Shroud Artistry.” A number of colorful tents have been set up at the rear of the inn yard, apparently for this exhibition.
Business is brisk as the long shadows of evening slant through the taproom’s open windows. And without any word between them the companions set forward, through the inviting doors.
A bald, red-faced man wearing an apron works behind the bar and several young girls carry platters of food and drinks to various tables. Most of the crowd seems to be local farmers and traveling merchants, although clustered around one table sits a rough-looking
group of mercenaries, one of whom is a short, black-cloaked figure who might be any number of races. They huddle over their drinks in quiet
conversation, occasionally raising a head to eye the crowd. At a table nearby, a bespectacled scholarly looking fellow discusses a piece of
decorated linen spread across the tabletop with a small group of onlookers.
Elloo, merry meet travelers. Welcome, come, sit, find a spot that is comfortable. All are welcome who come in peace. the Innkeeper greats you at once.
Many tables pick one, or put two together.
You can zoom in to get a better look at all the NPCS that is just what they look like. Some pictures are better than others. If you want a IC description, please ask.
Tears turns to the southeast to a table against the far wall that appears to be empty, and takes up a chair, making sure it faces toward the entryway he just came through. He removes his pack and weapons to settle his frame into the chair that is almost comically small for him. The wood groans once then ceases complaining, sturdy enough.
He waves for his companions to sit and awaits the barmaid, watching the crowd in stern silence.
The smell of cooking food awakens a hunger in Endar. How long has it been since his last meal? He can't remember. "Let's get a table, I'm famished! First round is on me!" Endar moves to take a seat at the table at K3 then notices Tears take a seat at the table further against the wall and follows, beckoning a barmaid over.
A lady with ample breasts comes over, smiling at Endar the entire time. Why your a handsome lad, bet the girls love you where ever your from, whatcha having to drink love? As for food there is plenty of potatos and gravy, with peas, and roasted chicken. We charge 2 pennies per plate for dinner. 1 penny per ale or wine. Course there is spirits and good wine from out west, that runs 5 pennies a cup, or 1 lady for a pint.
Tapping the elf with a soft fist to the shoulder, she teases him a bit
Careful there big boy'o. Innmaster carves these chairs himself. Plus the floor is in an aweful need of sweeping, hate for you to bruise that lovely bottom of yours.
Handing the lady 5 gold pieces, Endar says "My thanks for the kind words my dear. I'd like a glass of your finest wine and a plate of food. Get my friends here each a plate of food if they'd have it and whatever they'd like to drink." He gives the woman a wink an a smile.
She takes three of those to her serving tray and two down her boudice. She smiles and kisses Endar on the cheek, whispering in his ear, while her busy hand does something else. ;)
I will make sure to find you later, after the Innmaster shows you to your room
Meanwhile the clink of gold does not go unnoticed across the room. A very fat bald man leans down to the cloaked Halfling and whispers something.
He nods at Endar. "Thank you my friend." Turning to the barmaid, "I will take supper, elk or deer if you have it, and some of the wine. Also a warm cloth if possible, I wish to wash the...road from my person."
After she takes her leave he adds, "The women grow well here."
Janya followed the two men into the inn, happy to be indoors. Something about the uncertainty of the wide open spaces made her a little uncomfortable. You never knew what could be out there. It was quite pretty though.
She watched as Endar flirted mercilessly with the server, doing her best not to roll her eyes or make gagging noises. She appreciated his generosity, but couldnt help being a little taken aback.
She turned to the serving woman, Um, I'll have the potatoes and vegetables. And an ale, I guess. She smiled at the woman, not expecting the same response as the men got.
Waiting until the server left, she addressed the group. Um, thank you for the food, Endar. Even if I am a little queasy watching you try and get into her bodice. I hate to say it, but flashing that much gold in here might get you more of a surprise tonight than just her.
The bar maid blinks at the half orc when she speaks, seemingly confused. Will wonders never cease, I thought you Orcs ate nothing by raw meat and bark.
"Thanks for the drinks my friends. Also if noone is opposed i wouldnt mind holding on to that dagger. I get chills sometimes" he says with a grin.
Turning to endar "seems you'll not catch a chill tonight either. Haha".
Felix scopes out the bar and its patrons looking for signs of the man he's after
Endar pulls the dagger and scabbard out from under his traveling cloak and hands it over to Felix with a shrug. "I've no use for a bladed weapon anyways. My preferences lie with the staff."
"I've no fear of anyone here. Besides I have my companions to help should any trouble arise." He looks over each companion in turn and raises his glass in a toast to them.
There is a sound of a tankard slamming down on a table. KATHUMP! It came from where the halfling, bald fat man, dark haired behemoth, and elvish waif are setting.
A dark hair man stands up, his braided pony tail bouncing down past his shoulders with the tip well past his belt. His nearly 7ft is covered in purple studded leather and scale mail, any exposed skin reveals corded muscle.
Where did you find that little bauble ginger? Yes that we little dagger? Oh don't try to hide it, its much too interesting. Such a pretty thing.
He moves up a few feet while talking. The laughing and the conversations stop.
The barmaid pushed two tables together for you. After Endar gave her all the money of course.
Tears offers the oaf nothing but half a glance and slides hit feet under his chair. Conjuring a few different things to say, none of them would alleviate whatever grudge this man has so he decides to hold his tongue for now and let someone of more tact speak.
Janya shook her head, thinking of Endar's foolishness. It didnt take a genius to know not to flash money about. Then again, from the sound of his words and his dress, Endar may not have had the chance to learn. He did seem like a nice kid.
She turned to look at the large man standing, and staring down, at the two tables. Unsure of what to do, she thought maybe trying to defuse the situation was best. Evening fellow. I'm Janya, and you are...? You know, I cant help think you're the kind of guy who has seen things, been around. Care to share pull up a chair and share a beer?
Internally, she had a bad feeling this gamble wouldnt work.
Janya that is the perfect skill usage, unfortunately you did not roll high enough.
Come up with your own conclusion as to what is going on, even if its wild.
You could have also tried a Diplomacy, or both.
You can roll when ever you think of something to do. It never hurts to throw a dice, if it's not applicable I will tell you. If it's the wrong one I will inform you. You will never upset me by getting something backwards or incorrect, I really enjoy reading your posts. Also there are plenty of nice people that will give you some pointers out side this game, posting in these forums.
You can always ask in the Discussion, as well. It will not slow anything down.
- - - -
Janya is rudly and soundly interrupted when the man, booms Half orc B*tch crawl back into what pit that birthed you, you know nothing of me!I was talking to your master. Speak up ginger, or is your hair a different color, down there., taking a few more steps to them he cranes his neck as if to look at Endar's crotch.
His fellows stand from their table spreading out through the room.
The big breasted lady, sets down your drinks and says to the man. Come now Grelm, leave these nice youngsters alone. They came here peaceful, so did you and yours.
Diplomancy
to no avail....
"I really see no reason for violence Grelm. Allow me to buy you and yours a round of drinks? We are all here to relax and enjoy the sights, food and drink."
Endar rises from his seat and gets ready to cast Acid Splash if things go south.
The elf doesn't look up at the aggressive man while speaking, instead he examines the table to gauge how much momentum he would need to vault over it and tackle the brute. "Go back to your seat, else you spoil my supper before it is served."
He rocks the table absently, checking it's weight and considering clubbing the man in the head with it.
Taking another step or two forward he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, more to cover his smile than to remove anything.
Ah, so you won't tell me where you got it. Funny you would avoid that. I have always found theives to be cravens. Not only are you proving me right, but I bet you bugger that elf there as well. Probably make a sandwich out of that orc slut or maybe even your little friend there too.
Ya see my friend Knu over there,jerks a thumb at the halfling, he had that very same dagger, not more than three days ago. Now we thought we lost it in our fight with some Hobgoblins, but it also could have been stolen when were staying in Almas, the last place we saw it. Hand it over, NOW!
Nearly at your table he takes a detour to the bar and picks up the stein of the patron there.
For the record, no ginger would ever be my master. Seriously, have you seen how pale they are? And freckles. Ugh.
Janya tries to put on a nice face, eager to avoid a fight. She isnt above fighting if necessary, but would rather avoid it if possible. Especially since it seemed like this guy might have a real claim to the dagger.
Hobgoblins? We did kill a few coyotes on the road, just as dusk was setting in. Janya looked at Endar. This one is up to you. You saw the stupid thing. We found the scabbard on that hobgoblin. I'd rather give it to its rightful owner, and it sure sounds like this might be it, but... your call.
Grelm blinks for a moment, seemingly confused by the Cleric's statement. He then walks over with the drink in his and throws the contents at Tears.
Ranged Touch (no damage) vs Tears
Catching the Elf full in the face, the ale runs down his cheeks, nose, and mouth dripping off his chin.
Tears wipes off his face with his sleeve then continues to stare at the table, amused that it annoys Grelm so much.
"I'm all for returning the blade to it's rightful owner, but at the moment, I would prefer to teach this fool how to speak to a lady. I'll not have Miss Janya's honor soiled."
The elf stands slowly and adds, "We take this outside." He slings his pack over one shoulder and his new friend, the table, over the other, and moves toward the door.
"I need more proof that the halfling is the previous owner other than to say they lost it fighting hobgoblins. I imagine hobgoblins are pretty common around here." Endar steps back and hooking his left index finger he whispers taflegryn cyrydol. and flicks his hand in the direction of the oaf sending a small acid orb flying at his face.
Init:
Endar takes a 5' step to N4 to allow Tears to walk by and casts acid splash at Grelm.
for damage.
Ranged touch = bab + dexterity modifier + bonuses (from feats, spells, class abilities, traits, etc). Also verbal components must be stated strongly, whispering doesn't work.
Grelm
Knu
Nirashi
Pudge
Endar - 4
Tears
Janya
Felix
We will try posting in order, and it doesn't work out we will try something else.
Order -
Felix
Knu
Nirashi
Grelm
Tears
Pudge
Endar
Janya
Grelm looks surprised by the sudden burning blob of gue.
Felix it is your turn.
Just about and hour away from the time limit, more or less. Tired of waiting so lets trigger it now.
I hate to say it but Felix you need to post with more regularity. If you have real life issues keeping you from it please let us know. I have no problem with waiting so long as I know what I am waiting for.
I will post the NPC turn in a few minutes. Felix will have until then to post otherwise his turn is skipped.