Gravel to Granite (Inactive)

Game Master Lareg

Round sixteen: Shayne, Silx, and Aak.

Tolin's men are completely unaware of Silx's approach.

Shayne delays in initiative order until Aak goes.

"So, my tall and toothy friend, after sampling what this town has to offer I am planning on camping in the woods tonight. Care to join me? I would not mind having your strong arm nearby in case more troublesome folk arrive. And you may sleep better after a few bardic songs help put the day's cares to rest. I still have no idea what I got caught up in, but at the moment I seem free to depart."

I wish the tavern were still accessible, I might need an ale or four to forget the night that just took place. Anways, where are the drow and the inn-keeper?

Road Map

Tolin's men meet in the road, chat briefly, and head quickly toward Aak and Shayne, but make a point to keep their distance. They stop (IG 22 & IG 23) and one of them speaks,

"Tell us where she is and maybe we can convince Tolin to let you live."

Silx remains still, watching to see what happens. He redies himself to throw a dagger

Am I allowed to charge the one speaking, as a response to his question?

If so,

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

My AC is now 15

Which ever one Aak decided to attack falls to the ground dead. I'm going to assume Aak charged the speaker.

Shayne and Silx still have an actions. In desperation the other man lashes out at Aak with a throwing dagger. 1d20 ⇒ 171d4 ⇒ 3

I will pop my orc ferocity so I don't fall to the ground since I am at -1 HP now lol.

"No idea where they are. I hope somewhere safely distant."

Unarmed and unable to reach the other attacker in time to contribute, Shayne watches Aak charge and down one foe.

The gnome gestures and the Half-Orc's already prestidigitated hair turns white, waves wildly, and when Aak glances at the remaining foe his hair bends to point at that man menacingly.

Remaining in V20.

Intimidate Skill Roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Silx sneaks up behind the man who hurt Aak

Stealth1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack (flat footed if unnoticed, +2 for flanking)1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crit confirm1d20 ⇒ 5
Normal damage1d4 ⇒ 4

I will pop my orc ferocity so I don't fall to the ground since I am at -1 HP now lol.

Timing wise Shayne and Silx had actions before the man thew his dagger. Would Silx have attacked before the man threw the dagger? Let's sort timing out before you use the ferocity.

I would, but I'd have to run over there. Not sure if i can get there in time, if I CAN i will though

I would, but I'd have to run over there. Not sure if i can get there in time, if I CAN i will though

In that case, Silx drops the remaining man before he is able to throw the dagger.

Perception rolls for everyone.

perception:

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Perception1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Round seventeen: Shayne (I think we got all your actions, but let me know if I missed something), Silx, and Aak.

Round 16 Perception roll 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Yes, you got all Shayne's actions. No movement, used the Intimidate skill as a standard action but that foe was killed by Silx so demoralization is irrelevant

Shayne now takes his turn after Silx, on Aak's initiative, when that matters.

"Gracious! This is an abattoir, not an inn. I wonder if the 'keep' is really a farm and the 'monastery' is really a seaport."

The Gnome looks at the Half-Orc with admiration.

"I'm still about to fall asleep on my feet. As the bards say, 'Lead on, brave monster.'"

Silx stiffens up and whispers "I believe Tolin is back there" he gives a slight nod towards the alley "Im still not sure of his power, we should leave. Follow me" Silx runs off, towards the woods. Once he believes he's out of sight, he turns towards where Granita is. After he is confident they're not being followed "I got Granita out safely, she is hiding, she has some friends. That's where we're going" Silx takes a long breath, runs his hands through his long hair and looks at them "I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty interested in getting to the bottom of this"

A young man, still in his teens, stands and waves his open hands in the air as Silx approaches the woods. He speaks quickly, just loud enough so you can hear him

"Granita asked us to help you. Please follow me."

Once Shayne sees that Silx is no longer worried about pursuit he becomes talkative.

"I would feel safer sleeping far from that crazy lady, dear Drow. But if her friends can cook better than she, I might forgo safety for more nourishment."

Shayne than proceeds to share a bit of his personal history.

"I have no desire to learn what is going on here. But I do have a quest of my own that ties me to this dreadful excuse for a village..."

Shayne's backstory can now be in-character knowledge.

The young man looks curiously toward Shayne.

"Sir gnome, you speak of the monastery in the mountains? It is a brother from that very place that waits now with Granita in the keep. I am sure he could help you on your way, but we must hurry. Tolin approaches with his men."

The young man points toward the village road. Near were the men fell, you can see Tolin standing with the two men. The flame of his whip lends the scene an air of hellacious destruction. Fresh flame licking the Inn's outer walls give weight to feeling of approaching doom.

"I believe who's crazy is in the eye of the beholder" Silx arcs an eyebrow at Shayne. He looks with sadness upon Tolin's performance "Lets get moving"

The young man looks hopefully toward Silx.

"You will follow me then," he ask as he turns toward the woods. He looks back to see if all three have agreed.

Shayne follows the young man, grateful Tolin is not head of the "monastery".

The young man nods at Shayne and looks toward Silx and Aak. FYI: take a look at the discussion thread when you have a chance.

As long as there is some strong ale to help me forget the events of this night. Plus I think when it is my time to meet my God, I don't want it to be at the hands of this Tolin guy.

The young man nods and moves toward the woods. He looks back often to make sure everyone is near by. He speaks little as he navigates the group toward a trail hidden by thick bushes.

He turns and speaks quietly, "Stay close, this part of the trail is easy to lose."

Though the fire light of the Inn burning can be see more brightly in the distance, there is no sign that anyone has followed into the woods. Once on to the densely surrounded train, very little can be seen beyond the surrounding trees. No longer in initiative. I'll post the general description of the trail, but feel free to chime in about any aspect even after the description goes up.

As the trail turns and twists, it favors a southernly heading moving close to the hills East of the village. With the brush thinning an out cropping of rocks can be seen ahead. The young man slows as you near the rocks. He picks out a large flat rock surrounded by several smaller rocks. Perception roll Stopping, he pulls the bundle of wood from his back and gently sets it on the ground. Quickly sorting through the pile, the young man hands each of you a length of wood about the size of a mace. Though in the pile they blended in, pulled out from the bunch it is clear that three lengths of wood are too similar to one another to be simple kindling.

"My name is Thomas, but everyone calls me Tom. I am not coming with you. I must make sure we weren't followed. To get to the keep simply stand on this flat rock, break these lengths of wood, and speak 'protection.' When you arrive Granita will be waiting. Do not be alarmed. Tell them that we made it this far safely."

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Perceptoin1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Silx takes a moment to take all the info in "It is much appreciated" Silx carefully steps on the rock, waiting for the others

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Everyone ready to leave this misery behind us. Hey Shayne, mess with my hair some more, never know what may be ahead of us in the future. Multi-colored dreads if possible kind Gnome.

When we are all gathered and ready, Aak will break the sticks and speak the activation word. But ONLY when we are gathered and ready as a group.

Aak seems to be noticing the surrounding rocks.

Tom steps off the rock after gathering the pile of wood and tossing it over his back.

"May we meet again," Tom speaks quietly as he looks to the north.

He looks on silently, smiling cautiously as the darkness of the night deepens.

Shayne climbs onto the rock and clicks his heels together three times before doing the ritual. "Bardic tradition," he explains.

You see Tom's smile broaden as the three of you watch him and everything around you vanish from sight.

A moment later the three of you are standing on a stone floor in a well lit room. The simple wood construction seems solid yet inviting. There are doors to your left and right. To your right is a large wooden table, with simple wooden benches flanking its long sides. A smaller table with stools sits in the far corner of the room to your left.

Granita is sitting on the bench nearest you. She stands quickly as the three of you appear.

"You made it," she smiles as she stands and approaches.

Three others, a halfling and two humans enter the room after hearing Granita.

A persistant thud every thirty or so seconds can be heard coming from the left.

The halfling leads the trio. He wears a studded leather vest; a thick fur cloak is draped around his shoulders, a quiver, and long bow are secured on his back. The exposed flesh of his forearms and hands are blackened as if burned badly.

The human following the halfling wears the simple robe of a monk. His quite way is instantly calming and reassuring.

The human taking up the rear is dressed simply in tattered clothing and a leather vest. He carries a torch; the light of the flame exaggerates the look of concern on his face.

Silx inclines his head "It is good to see you again. Now that we have some time, I am Silx. Thank you for your help" Silx waits for his companions to introduce themselves/say their part, then continues "So I think we've earned an explanation, who is Tolin?"

The halfling walks to Granita's side and whistles. As he begins to speak a large wolf walks in from the other room and sits at his feet.

"I am Burand. Granita has told me how you helped her fight off Tolin and his men. I'd rather we'd met in the morning to discuss the prospects of work. Alas, that was not to be. I wish we had more time. Brother Mal'c has agreed to assist you in your escape. There is but time for a few questions, though I am sure you have many."

Burand looks at Granita. She nods sadly.

"He is the leader of a cult. A cult I was born into. I came here years ago. Before the keep was built and when the Inn was but a shack to keep the casks dry. I'd hoped they'd never find me. I don't know how they found me..."

Granita breaks down into tears. The stress of the night's dangers finally sinking in.

Burand reaches up to pat Granita's back, doing his best to offer her comfort. He takes a deep breath and exhales before speaking.

"Tolin's cult has expanded aggressively this past year. He has preyed the on desperation among the many small villages and taken many of the larger settlements with the element of surprise. Myself and the others who helped built this place..

Burand motions with both his hands as he takes a few steps to your left.

..have watched his movements closely. He has gathered many to his corrupted cause. He means to scare off or kill all those who stand in his way. That is to say everyone in this region of the valley that is not human. And those humans who do not support his cause. He hasn't the power to take this keep and although I can protect you here, we cannot survive long without leaving for provisions."

"The knocking you hear is the sound of a crudely fashioned ram Tolin's men are using to break down the door. The door is solidly constructed, but it won't hold indefinitely. I can keep them from attacking, but the same magic will prevent us from attacking them. For now the best option for the three of you, with Granita and brother Mal'c guiding you, is to flee."

Burand signals to the man carrying the torch. He quickly leaves the room through the right door.

"I can send you with what supplies we can spare. Tom, who I am most curious to hear about, is as we speak laying false trails. Tolin's men will eventually find them. Though the trails will lead here, they won't find them until long after the five of you have left. Brother Mal'c has agreed to take you to the monastery, where you might be better prepared to face whatever lies ahead."

The man returns with a few burlap sacs, leaves, and returns again with a small chest.

"The sacs have warm cloaks and enough trail rations for at least a few days. In the chest you should find packs fitting to carry the supplies. I will make sure the waterskins are full of water. You will need to scavenge or hunt for food during your journey to the monastery."

Burand motions for you to help yourselves to the supplies. There are four fur cloaks, each provides a +1 bonus on Fortitude saves to resist cold weather (does not stack with Survival). There are also several containers of Wandermeal, enough to feed five travelers for two days. In the small chest are three backpacks, a belt pouch, and half a dozen empty waterskins.

"Ready yourselves while there is yet time. I will be nearby if you have other concerns."

Burand, followed by the large wolf heads through the right door. The man with the torch heads to the left. Brother Mal'c helps Granita to a bench and sits near by quietly.

Aak, visibly confused about what is going on, assuming Aak still has his stuff listed on my sheet, will grab his waterskin and fill it with water. He will fasten a fur cloak to his back, unless there isn't enough for everyone, he will sacrifice his to let someone else wear it. He will pack enough rations to feed himself for one day. Unless the backpacks are masterwork backpacks, Aak's should suffice. Aak will continue in preparation in the event that we leave sooner rather than later.

assuming Aak still has his stuff listed on my sheet

Aak still has all his items. Aak can see no water near by. The backpacks are standard. There are enough cloaks for everyone, as Brother Mal'c will decline to take one.

Burand returns a short time later, followed by the large wolf. With one hand he points in the direction that he just came from, in the other hand he holds dark black fabric.

"You will find a large basin filled with fresh water. That is also the way you will escape. I regret that I will have to ask each of you to be blind folded on the first portion of your journey."

He holds up the black fabric, which you can see now are several separate thick strips of cloth.

"Though I hope Tolin does not capture you, we cannot afford him torturing you to find out the secret route through the caves into the keep. Of course, we will wait to do the blindfolding until you are all prepared."