GM Ragged's Keep on the Borderlands - B

Game Master waynemarkstubbs

Houk just looks around the shop and listens to the conversations going on but not getting the gist of it so he just keeps doing his thing. Looking at stuff.

Lisker smiles again his broad, obsequious smile. "The local goblin tribes have been pillaging caravans, ambushing patrols and raiding outputs and prospector claims for generations. They even come to scavenge at the Keep's rubbish dumps sometimes when the moon is dark. Who knows what they may have accumulated in that time. But I would certainly be interested in most items that you can recover that have any resale value, and would give an honest price - subject to the Keep's taxes, of course."

He spreads his hands "unfortunately, I must operate within the financial constraints of my environment. As a businessman, there is always negotiation to be had, once an ongoing relationship has been established."

Translation - "don't expect any favours until I know you better"

"Most of my stock comes through trade - previous groups of freeswords have occasionally made quite a lucrative result of their time here. Of course, some fell on harder times, and required some monies advanced. I am sure that will not happen to you. I have a selection of unredeemed pledges in the cabinet, should you care to look. May I also take this opportunity to mention my strongbox rental service. By exclusive agreement with the Castellan, I can arrange for a strongbox to be placed in the Keep's vault - deposit and retrieval both require one day's notice. Boxes are rented for a mere 1 gold per month."

In the display cabinet are a number of items of jewelry (two neckalces, a ring, and a bracelet), a silvered dagger, some loose gemstones, a lady's mirror and hair comb, a silvery unicorn brooch, and a pair of spectacles.

"Well we certainly understand the nature of business constraints. Sadly some do not always see opportunity when it arises, but you have certainly done well for yourself here. If the gods see fit we too will have lucrative result and remember who helped us on our way." Roscoe politely replies but turns his attention to the silver dagger. "Say that is a fine dagger it looks silver how much."

Translation- Fair enough I fugured the location of salvage for us becomes items for you to sell. But I guess you are under the Castilian's thumb. We take the risk you get the stock. That seemed a small favor. No hard feelings.

"Ah yes, you have a fine eye - it is a ceremonial dagger used by the barbarians of the far north in their bloody rituals - do note the stylized dragons - linnorms I believe they are called - around the pommel. It would look impressive on your belt, sir, for only 25 gold."

Roscoe smiles, politely haggling, "It would be impressive at twice that, any chance my belt could see it closer to 20."

appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"I am happy to split the difference in your favour as a sign of good faith - shall we say 22?"

appraise - probably a fair deal for a silver dagger

Blaughter walks around the shop for a moment with his companions, eyeing this and that, before excusing himself back outside. It was good to establish contact with the local buyer/seller, but the old soldier was more than happy to let Roscoe take lead in that endeavor.

Outside, he keeps an eye out for any other adventuring types, or arriving patrols to chat with. The captain had said they were the only band of freeblades for the moment, but who knew when that would change?

"It is a nice dagger." Roscoe produces the required gold. "Thank you."

Roscoe remains letting anyone else deal with the broker. Fidgeting with his new dagger.

Once they leave he sighs, "Sorry guys I hoped that he would be more forthcoming with info. It looks to me that the Castilian has things locked up tight even managing information so as to push folks to the charter. We could wander around and hope someone is more willing to talk but I doubt it."

"It was worth a try. We'll have to make do with what we've been given. Shall we head out into the field?"

Outside, he keeps an eye out for any other adventuring types, or arriving patrols to chat with. The captain had said they were the only band of freeblades for the moment, but who knew when that would change?

No signs of other groups, and precious little evidence of military activity. It seems the civilians of the Keep are hurrying to get their produce ready to be loaded onto the merchant wagons, to be taken back down to the lowlands tomorrow.

"It was worth a try. We'll have to make do with what we've been given. Shall we head out into the field?"

"Sounds like a proper plan to me lad. Roscoe, you got a bit 'o intel on the region, any thoughts on where we should go scoutin' about first?"

Minah returns with Sasha after the group leaves Lisker's.

"Did we find out anything useful? We", she says rubbing Sasha's head, "are ready for a day about if everyone else is."

Margût waits outside the pawnshop, sharpening his dagger and glaring at passers-by. He had little experience with commerce, having either looted or been provisioned with most of his equipment.

When the others return, the hobgoblin nods eagerly at Henris' suggestion.

Ready to move out.

After they have all exited the pawn shop Houk asks

"Do we all have mounts? If not do we won't to get some for those that don't?

"Perhaps we should stay on foot, at least initially. It will give us a chance to really get a feel for the environment. Besides, what are the odds you think we'll be able to find good mounts for sale here?"

Henris wasn't particularly interested in attempting to ride a horse. He'd never done it before, and saw no reason to now. The valley couldn't be that big, right?

Roscoe shrugs, "They only thing that we have a real idea of is that they only give info to Freeswords. The caves to the north east have goblins. I wonder if that is the news that they always start with. They send us to kull the tribes. If we make there are less goblins. If we don't they tell the Freeswords were we were last seen and my dagger is back home in the pawn shop. Maybe I am too cynical."

Did the lieutenant say how far to the caves or how far to their outpost?

Ever the practicalist...

"Well If I have a horse and a horde of goblins is chasing us.. who do you think they will catch first? Assuming I have a full load of rescuees on my horse already.

Roscoe chokes laughing, "That is certainly a point. But horses are expensive and no good in caves. Sides I can hide or hang on to the horses tail."

"I agree with Roscoe. I'll leave my pony stabled here. Otherwise he'll get eaten if he's left hanging around outside of a goblin cave. Buying more riding horses would be pricey, and if they're not combat-trained and we run into danger they will be a liability; warhorses are even more expensive. We should take a look around without committing to spending large amounts of money first," says Orono.

"Harh Harh! Don't you worry, we get chased by goblins you'll all get away fine. They'll be eating me for days!" Blaughter's expansive gut jiggles with each laugh. "So it's to the caves then I take it?"

Heading Out

The weather has improved in the Valley, with a dull overcast, but mostly dry day with the occasional squall of drizzle being about as good as it gets at this time of year. The ground alongside the Old Dwarven Road is still sodden and heavy with the snowmelt, and small streams drain everywhere, heading down into the fast-flowing river that carves its way down the centre of the Valley.

As the road descends into the valley, the forests press in on each side, and the Keep is soon lost to view. Sometimes the trees overhand the road itself, and in many places the road is littered with blown branches. Many fallen trunks have obviously been pushed aside by passing patrols.

The pressing woods, and the ringing mountains beyond them, block much of the weak sunlight, casting much of the road in perpetual gloom. There is a sense of claustrophobia. But also a deep abiding quiet – very few birds call out, and only a few early hardy insects flit around.

Knowledge(Nature) and Survival will let you learn more about these woods. If you have neither, you can make a Perception check.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The overcast day and thick forest don't exactly make the journey pleasant, but Henris finds himself enjoying the walk nonetheless. It is always good to get out and stretch one's legs, and being able to do so brings a smile to his face. Turning to Orono, he says, "If you'll forgive the indulgence of my curiosity, how is it that you have come to befriend the spider? I must admit, I have never seen the like."

Looking around, Blaughter takes a big deep breath and lets it out in a content sigh. "Right peaceful spot this place is. A fella'd be hard pressed not to think about retirin' to a secluded cabin, seein' a place like this."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Roscoe checks fallen logs for signs of chopping.

The hobgoblin seems much more content after escaping the hateful rays of the sun, and the incessant babbling of the humans at the keep. Having grown up in a forest, similarly vast and murky, he feels right at home in the woods. Yet, there is a persistent feeling of unease, a memory that refuses to fade: he could still smell the bitter smoke from the Chitterwood as it was consumed by the flames...

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Turning to Orono, he says, "If you'll forgive the indulgence of my curiosity, how is it that you have come to befriend the spider? I must admit, I have never seen the like."

Margût eyes Orono with similar curiosity—and not a small amount of suspicion.

"I have," he growls. "But not amongst humans."

Looking around, Blaughter takes a big deep breath and lets it out in a content sigh. "Right peaceful spot this place is. A fella'd be hard pressed not to think about retirin' to a secluded cabin, seein' a place like this."

The hobgoblin scoffs. "There'll be time for rest when we're dead."

Minah and Sasha walk side by side, both seeming content to be traveling with the group. Minah looks around at the wooded area, hoping her nature sense will reveal something interesting.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

She nods in agreement at Henris' comment, suppressing a involuntary shudder. "It is quite...a specimen."

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Survival): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"I've always had an affinity for spiders and crawling insects," says Orono. "I had some as pets when I was a little girl. I would keep them in a special case with a glass front - I saved all my money for a year to purchase that! - and I enjoyed watching them, especially spinning webs. They're so precise. People say they aren't smart, but that's not true. They are patient hunters, they can tell when something is nearby and they know when they're outmatched."

Spiders are actually mindless vermin, but Orono has some unconventional opinions.

"I found this one as just a little baby, no bigger than a kitten, while I was hunting in the woods about a day out from my home. There were many spider nests out there and I've generally been able to avoid drawing their ire. They do get hungry, you know, and the really big ones will eat people if they can catch them. But I took this one and raised it and it has followed me around and learned a few tricks."

"Still growing, too."

"Fascinating, that you should be able to raise one. I would think that they would start to get rambunctious and uncontrollable after a while. The fact that it hasn't implies that you have had some sort of effect upon it, possibly magical in nature. Tell me, do you find yourself able to almost sense its thoughts, or it yours?"

Houk is just looking on with semi-concealed horror at Oronos story... "Gah" he says quietly to himself

Knowledge(nature)

Survival

Perception

The unnatural hush continues, making the group somewhat on edge. Suddenly Minah’s cat growls, and the growl is repeated, deeper and more menacingly, by something off the road.

Something large and brown is moving parallel to the road, in the trees. There is a crashing of branches, and a bizarre face, beaked and almost avian, emerges with a hungry look in its eyes. It would be almost comical, if it weren’t for the bear-sized body of muscle and claws behind it.

It growls again, and, the growl is echoed further down the path. A second of the creature, slightly smaller, emerges from the other side of the path. Both creatures look lean and their coats are dull, suggesting that they have had a bad winter, and intend to make up for it now…

Houk Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Henris Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Orono Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Minah Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Margut Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Roscoe Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Blaughter Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

There will be a surprise round in which everyone except Henris may act. Remember that you only get a single standard or move action in a surprise round.

Houk Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Henris Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Orono Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Minah Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Margut Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Roscoe Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Blaughter Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Owlbear1 Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Owlbear2 Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Rotation:

Henris - can post (can talk, but can't act this round)
Blaughter - can post
Minah - can post
Owlbear1
Houk
Margut
Roscoe
Owlbear2
Orono

The map is linked at the top of the page. Please let me know if you can't see it or move your token.

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

As Houk looks around he relas his insights to the party
" I have spotted the tracks of several animals – deer, badgers, beaver...possibly a wild forest pig, and what looks disconcertingly like bear."

"I've noticed that at several points, trees near the road have been hacked or chopped in a certain way so as to produce repeated patterns – perhaps crude markings or runes?"

Can I make a knowledge check to identify the creatures in-character, since Knowledge checks don't take actions?

Minah immediately sees the creatures as they interrupt the casual nature of the walk this morning. She yanks her club from her waist and gives Sasha the defend command.

Can I make a knowledge check to identify the creatures in-character, since Knowledge checks don't take actions?

Yes, it's Knowledge(Arcana) DC14

My spider pet will need a token. It's small size. Shall I make one, or... ?

My spider pet will need a token. It's small size. Shall I make one, or... ?

Sure - I didn't ask for one because it's in the backpack right now, right?

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"These creatures are known as Owlbears! They are a magical beast, and darkness will do nothing to obscure their sight. They are also incredibly vicious, but should have no special defenses against our weapons or spells."

Surprise Round:

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Recognising the dangerous predators, Margût quickly procures and downs a vial of thick, lead-coloured liquid. He takes a step closer, while keeping the group between himself and the owlbears. He was interested to see how his new companions would handle themselves against such fearsome foes...

Margût chugs his extract of shield and five-foot steps closer to the group. For future reference, Margût brought the horse, but is leading it by the reins unless otherwise stated.

I am a little confused. Does initiative apply to the surprise round, meaning those initiatives after the owlbear can't act until after the owlbears or after the surprise round is finished and those who saw the bears can act we then have an initiative order?

Orono the Black Widow wrote:

My spider pet will need a token. It's small size. Shall I make one, or... ?

Sure - I didn't ask for one because it's in the backpack right now, right?

Yes, but it's just a move action for me to retrieve it and put it on the ground, then it's a free action to handle it, or potentially a move action if I have to push it to get it to attack an owlbear (if it counts as an unnatural creature, which honestly I think it does).

We'll move Blaughter down the rotation and keep going

The owlbear steps forward from the woods and lashes out at Houk with a huge clawed paw.

owlbear Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The claws punch through the man's armour and draw a bloody wound along his flank.

Rotation:

Henris
Minah
Owlbear1
Blaughter - can post
Houk - can post
Margut - can post
Roscoe
Owlbear2
Orono

Sorry for the delay

Having been away from the field of battle too long, Blaughter didn't initially catch on to the situation he and his companions faced...truthfully, when the discussion turned to the subject of Orono's venomous companion his mind drifted to a time, maybe not quite long enough ago, when he was more acquainted with such creatures.

The cracking of branches and howl of pain as one of Houk is bloodied draws him to the here and now though, and he rushes toward the beast, adrenaline stripping everything but his training from his thoughts.

Move five squares down and one to the right, engaging the owlbear with my long spear. If the brush is difficult terrain I don't think I'll have enough movement to move in and attack, so I'll just move up.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 4 = 13 +1(BAB) +4(Str)
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 +6(Str 2handed)

Folks, we are still in the surprise round, so only single actions please. Move or attack, not both, until the next round.

Roscoe looks around, "Why do these bears have feathers!" He looks toward Henris, "Owlbears?"

"Yearg.. I need some help"

Houk swings at the beast with his Cestus

Cestus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Blaughter moves down to flank the beast, while Houk punches at it with his spikesd glove, but doesn't appear to penetrate the creature's dense fur. Margut chugs one of his mixtures.

Rotation:

Henris
Minah
Owlbear1
Blaughter
Houk
Margut
Roscoe - can post
Owlbear2
Orono - can post

acrobatics in case of reach: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Roscoe moves in a desperate tumbling scramble drawing his sword as he moves.