Heroes of Wolfpoint

Game Master hallowsinder

Uh oh, the DM is rolling dice: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Uh oh, the DM is rolling dice: 1d20 ⇒ 17

~~ Outskirts of Umok ~~

"Heheeee dat wuz bozz WolfRider and we'z da Stealsteels! We'z gunna burn da gnomeis down! We'z get prezzies from RedGurl, bet dat where WolfRider getz shinyshield! Wot disease?" The goblins seems prefectly happy to boast about his team, but he seems genuinely confused by the comment of disease, however. He seems even MORE confused at the question about his age. He begins struggling to get his hands loose, but finding the binding too strong, begins attempting to count on his toes. But without a finger to keep track of his position, he keeps getting lost and having to start over. It seems the question of his age will keep him occupied for quite some time.

~~ Estate Hills of Saringallow ~~

I was a bit taken off guard at Natty's manner. What, did he think I was gonna hold back information from my subcontractor? Why would I pay him for less than what he's got? Of course, I regained my composure immediately. "Sure thing, Natty. Name is Thero Maxus, former Chelish soldier. Came out here when his commission was up, settled down with third generation immigrant Chami Wintrish, mostly of native blood now but with a Chelish maiden name. Served as a mercenary escort for Chelaxian nobles worried about their safety as they passed through Isger. His last job reports heavy casualties to goblins as they came from the south, past Umox, and he was on paid vacation for valor in service during that engagement. Usually hung out with his wife in their garden plot or at the Chapter House for his mercenary group, the Red Erinyes. Named that way to comfort their clientele with the similarity to the Golden variety, or so I think." I was smiling by the finish. I always admired a good case exposition, and that was a fine one, if I do say myself.

I can honestly say. I never fear a thing when the DM rolls dice. Perfect plan ruined? Who cares! It was full of holes anyway. Rogue caught out alone? Fine! He is bait to our ambush! Level 20 wizard descends and casts meteor twice? Fine! I didn't want to play that guy anyway! XD edit: perhaps its best not to test our amazing, wonderful lovely GM... Or worse give ideas o.0

~~ Citadel Altaerin, two days prior ~~

"At ease, militants." Maralictor Alexus Jeggare paced forth in front of the strange line of disciplined warriors, each of whom changed stance in response to Alexus' command.

"The Order of the Nail here in Isger is currently overburdened with requests for assistance." Alexus walked past a white garbed woman with a golden headband over a scarred eye, her body tight with densely packed muscle under leather armor.

"I am proud that when the Order of the Nail requests assistance itself, there are so many who answer the call." Alexus nods to the powerfully built gnoll, sole representative of the Silver Fangs among this group.

"You are hereby endowed the rank of Deputy Hellknights, to perform with the authority and responsibility of a Hellknight until the current crises are resolved." He now passes a red haired woman in black, wearing a mask even in the company of allies. If she wears armor, it is not visible.

"Your first mission is as a group. Several ships have recently sunk on the Conerica River, and the current suspect is some sort of river monster. You will kill the man or monster responsible." He passes a black haired woman, shifting in a rather undisciplined manner in heavy armor adorned with elaborate golds.

Having finished passing the group as a whole, he moves to face them all from a centered position.

"You will then land in Saringallow. Sister Lilyenne you and your team will then investigate the recent murders there." The woman with the headband nods her comprehension. "Sister Purnoma, you will reestablish contact with Signifer Aula Carthagnion. You will need to speak with me privately for additional details." The masked woman nods her assent silently, while the armored one looks aside at her. "Sister Valeria, you will be heading to Wolfpoint, your contact will be Hellknight Gureckal Fallonne." The armored one gave the slightest tilt of her head. "Lhyrnyr of the Silver Fangs, you will be investigated rumors of magically disguised drow in Wolfpoint. If the rumor is quickly identifiable as false, you will also meet with Hellknight Fallonne." Alexus pauses for a moment before smiling. "I hear you have a friend with a keen nose that should be useful for confirming or denying the rumor."

Notch-Ear's position barely shifts at the 'at ease' command, merely readopting the natural hunch of the Gnolls rather than the uncomfortable straightened stance humans consider proper.

's less trouble 'n tryin' to get them understand otherwise.

"I am proud that when the Order of the Nail requests assistance itself, there are so many who answer the call."

"These ones have only their loyalty to offer."

Notch-Ear nods silently after hearing his orders.

His answer at the mention of his companion is simple. "Youse heard right." He indicates the hyena at his side with a quick tip of the head. The beast, oddly scrawny compared to its master, sits straighter than most of the militia, waiting to be called into action. "We'll have those spider-lovers sniffed out before they know what hit 'em."

"This one's ready to head out whenever's good. Ain't got preparations to make."

"Excellent, you make for the docks. Be there by dawn tomorrow. Dismissed." Sister Purnoma follows Alexus inside. Sister Valeria left for the stables. Sister Lilyenne heads for the gate.

Do you wish to ask any other questions or acquaint yourself with any of the sisters?

I'm assuming that the militants will be traveling to Wolfpoint together. If not, Lhyr will instead bring this up before the recruits split up.

"A manhunt's nothing too special, but s'posing we've gots a beast to take down... This one would like to know what everyone here can do. Valeria, right? I take it youse a warrior too? He guesses, judging by the armor. "What about youse two?" Notch-Ear asks, referring to Sisters Lilyenne and Purnoma.

redgirl?

he looks towards max.

Have you heard of them before the names I mean? The names seem familiar but It has been awhile since I read up on the cittlewood goblins and the war. And these could be a new band of them.
(using another use of his knowledge domain, +4 know. check)
knowledge local: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 4 = 30 trying to recall if he has read anything that relates to the names he was given or overheard a rumor on the way here relating to them.

He looks back to the goblin.
I hate goblins, at least it has went better than expected.
he garners the goblins attention away from his toes and tosses a shiny button down in front of it.

where is this redgirl? What is she? speak or I will force you to read words!

Sister Valeria has mounted up on a chestnut horse of some impressive stature and is about to leave as Lhyrnyr asks her his question. She rolls her eyes as she turns to look down at you, "Yes. I'm a warrior, just like you obviously are as well."

Sister Purnoma has just exited the building by the time Lhyrnyr asks his second question, but Lilyenne has seemed to already start to leave. Purnoma answers the question for both of them, "In combat, all of us are warriors, skilled with our hands even if some of us prefer other weaponry." She glances to Valeria at the mention of other weaponry.

"Yeah, so when the sea monster shows up, we all punch it to death like nice civilized people. Because that's how Golden Erinyes roll." Valeria smiles wildly before spurring her mount on.

In general, you can catch up with them as you wish. Valeria isn't riding particularly hard. Lilyenne and Valeria take different paths, Lilyenne preferring a brutally direct route overland, while Valeria takes the highway.

"Sounds good to this one," Notch-Ear laughs, shouldering his pack and weapons.

Not having a mount, but knowing his talents lie in combat more than orientation, the gnoll opts to follow the high roads, where trading caravans often go. Perhaps, with a little luck, he'd get to stomp a bandit or two on his way.

your guess is as good as mine there... he pauses for a minute I don't think I got your name as he turns to Derrik. I don't remember our characters being introduced

mine introduced himself, and asked yours, but you may have missed it.

oh yes, Derrick, right now I just want to sit down an relax until further orders are given

yes, well I don't have the luxury, I need more information. Tell me, what do you know of the plague spreading through this area? Have many died?

Derrick responds as the goblin calms down. Slightly..

~~ Estate Hills of Saringallow ~~

Natty nods thoughtfully "Certainly worth noting... there would seem to be easier choices of targets than an experienced soldier - if a skin full of blood or murder itself were the only motivation."
Now that his wheels were turning - though with little more than a single piece of the "puzzle", he became quite anxious to view the crime scene himself.

~~Outskirts of Umok ~~

Goblin clan names change incredibly frequently in this area, and most forces don't bother to interrogate the goblins on their tribe names. Hobgoblin tribes are far more stable and clan names from them are useful, but it's difficult to get anything useful out of goblin tribe names in this area.

"I no kno, she comey an' goey, Wolfrider say so. She iz Redgurl cauz she red. The goblin seems to know Redgirl as the girl who happens to be red. And brings presents.

~~Saringallow - Richter Lane~~

We had some good talk, me and Natty. But in the end, only the crime scene would give us more answers. Richter Lane was a little slice of Cheliax in the middle of Saringallow. In the outskirts, the nobles held the power, but in the inner town, the hatreds ran deep, and those who openly sided with Cheliax stuck together. Still, it was a nice place, and the home we came to was no shanty. A well kept garden and well maintained building spoke of Thero's diligence. Yet I knew all too well how pretty the scene would be once we got in. Well, the crime scene was the crime scene, and we had to open the door and walk in.

"If you can, start near the body and work your way out. I haven't gotten close enough to the body to inspect it for fear of disturbing the writing." The seen was, gruesome, to say the least. Still, I had trust that Natty had the guts to stand up to a man's guts being painted along the walls.

~~ Road to Wharf Altaerein ~~

Sister Valeria smirks a little bit at Lhyrnyr's laugh but doesn't make any move to leave him behind, instead being content to travel alongside him for the rest of the trip.

The time they have is not long to make the trip, so they will be quite tired by the time they reach Wharf Altaerein. However, sadly, there are no bandits, as they do not find Hellknights easy prey, and almost no one else hangs around Citadel Altaerein.

The wharf a very small place, as Dustpawn's close by ports receive most of the river travel, but there are still outfitters and such, a hamlet of about four dozen.

You and Valeria seem to have arrived before the other two sisters, so if you wish to change any of your gear, knowing that you may have to fight a sea monster, now's the time.

~~Saringallow - Richter Lane~~

Natty looks it over - focusing on the writing as requested before scanning for other possible clues.
He takes out his journal, and scribbles down the most legible letters - trying to find any distinctive characteristics which might help in discerning what can't easily be read.
He then rubs his thumb against his fingers a couple times to subtly call his centipede from his sleeve, and peers from the perimeter - nothing new stands out to him.
After scribing what he can, he turns to the Detective.
"You may inspect without worry of interference. Just give me a moment with this."
He looks over his notes, and allows the scene to flood his senses to put him in the "right state of mind".

linguistics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

perception looking for other clues: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Notch-Ear has all confidence in the pike of his hammer, as far as spearing something underwater goes, but as he and sister Valeria travel, he eventually comes to the conclusion that his breastplate may prove a severe liability, should he fall in the water.

When they arrive at the docks, he speaks up: "This one's got an errand to run. Shouldn't take too long."

He seeks out an armorsmith or leatherworker, seeking to acquire a suit of studded leather armor. Notch-Ear wasn't a very good swimmer, and the last thing he wanted was to fall in the water, weighed down by a lot of metal. Wounds, he could heal from.

~~ Saringallow - Richter Lane~~

What language it is seems to be just on the tip of Natty's tongue, but he can't quite spit it out. It's not any of the common languages, but a specifically created one. He feels like he's encountered it before, or at least it's family of texts. His guys tell him its something related to a religious source. Still, he needs some sort of assistance to place it.

"Mmm... Natty, look here." I raise the hand of the victim off the ground, showing the palm. "Ink stains all over his palm. He was trying to write something just before he was attacked. I'll check again, but I haven't seen any bloodstained documents in the house. I'll bet my hat that the murderers took it with them or destroyed it."

~~ Wharf Altaerein ~~

Sister Valeria nods, "See you on the ship."

You can find the studded leather easily, though a few adjustments have to be made to make it fit your frame. Standard price.

I will set the goblin loose and I will tell him to bring his master here, I wish to speak with your master, they master and he can bring as many guards as he wants, go to him and tell him a rabit named Max wishes to speak to him. Max is asking for they master, whether that would be the wolf rider or someone higher up, I'm about to find out.

Derrick interjects before the goblin scoots off tomorrow, bring him here, to this spot tomorrow. I have a spell on you, if you don't bring him here tomorrow we will find you, and you won't want that

bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Derrick turns towards Max.

sorry, I would rather face whoever it is with a full repertoire of spells.

Derrick says as the goblin scoots off, clutching a couple silver coins.

gotcha, will do, just keep in mind that we are both trusting a goblin, be as prepared as I am for this to backfire on us majorly. Or who knows, things might actually work out.

Alright, do you two wait for him here, or head somewhere else to rest?

yes, often times i have resorted to something I would claim only a fool would do a day before I did it. By the grace of Irori, it somehow works out usually.
He gives a half smile of hope then asks

do you know a place I could rest for the night? Also, I never got your name.

depends on what max knows.

I'm max, incase I didn't already introduce myself as he shakes hands.

I would rest here in the city, but not here in this very building. I'd find another building here within this city to rest.

Later, a gnome comes to Max and says, "Lad, have you seen Cydonius? He's not returned since he set out this morning."

Turning to Derrick, the gnome bows and tips his hat, "And, good to meet you, sir. I am Finibar Conchello. May I inquire your name?"

And here is where the nature of the roleplay takes in. If both of you go search for Cydonius, you will surely find him. If both of you fight the goblins, you will surely win. But only by splitting up can you have a chance to do both.

He is probably looking for me. A fire broke out in the direction we were headed, some goblins came over and everything went sideways. Which reminds me, I still have his bag. As Max holds it up My guess is that he is at the burnt down city looking for me. But I don't know if we can go back there, not alone, there are too many goblins out there. We should probably send out a search party later, or maybe he will return here realizing I'm not near the burnt city assuming the goblins left for good. Heck he probably thinks I'm dead, but he will return to this very building when he gives up looking for me.

It wasn't a city. It was just one burnt farmstead.

Derrick extends his hand. pleasure. My name is Derrick derrick ravenborn. I come with a couple questions myself. I've heard of a plague sweeping through this area, I was wondering if you could shed some light on it? Also. Would you happen to know anything about a wolf riding goblin with a shield of what seems to be obsidian leading a band called the stealsteels? I would also inquire about a place I could rest for the night. I may yet confront the goblin again tomorrow. And need a good nights rest before I do so.

Having acquired and donned some lighter armor, Notch-Ear meets the sisters by the wharf, next to the ship they are meant to take.

"Alright then," he says once everyone is gathered aboard, having left his pack and breastplate below deck, "let's hunt us a big fish."

~~~~ Saringallow - Richter Lane~~

"Hmm. You are under the impression he was writing before the murderer's arrival rather than under duress of said attacker then? I can tell you this language is not one I can easily decipher. I posit these words are of a divine or profane nature rather than a language of common mortals...." He then activates his arcane sight - taking in the scene once again.
"If it would be your preference to remain here for further inspection, I would be willing to pursue this with one more qualified."

know(local) to know someone who might be familiar with it: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

~~ Saringallow - Richter Lane~~

"Good point, I suppose that's another option. Yeah, call in whoever you need." I kept inspecting the place while Natty left. It was gonna be a long night.

You know of a few who might be able to help. In the Estate Hills, there is a particular noble, Callidius Cruor with a rather expansive library that includes such topics. He has a rather untrustworthy air about him and is known to treat his servants poorly, however. Alternatively, there's the town's local library, a far less comprehensive place, rather run down really. But the Ulfen librarian, Rosa Robsdotter, is known to be a kind lady.

~~ Main Deck of the Iron Prowl ~~

"Welcome aboard." The captain barely gives the four of you his attention. "We'll be taking the trip slow, to try and make sure we get hit by whatever is seeking after vessels. Keep the ship safe. That is all."

After you finish any discussions you wish to have, give me a 24 hour schedule for the rest of your trip.

~~ Umok ~~

"You are welcome to rest here. Um.. No, I don't know much about goblins. As far as the plague, yes, the local rabbit population has been being hit by a plague. It's quite a problem, as we use them for an early warning system against the goblins."

Thanks, but I prefer a neighbering building, just in case the goblins show up while we are a sleep, as I have to meet the master here is this building tommorrow and Max rests in a neighboring building if possible.

"This one's guessing we should take turns on watch," Notch-Ear addresses the sisters. "Any preferences? Scout here and I have no problems taking the night shift," he adds, indicating the hyena.

Scout sits by its master quietly, but judging by its expression and low posture, it becomes apparent that it is not used to the rocking of a ship, and might be getting midly seasick.

Derrick stares at the gnome, mouth slightly agape.

A rabbit plague? Not a, human, or gnome, plague? Ugh, you're kidding.

He thinks a bit,
well I suppose its something, at least one rumor has been falsified... sorta. Now, if I could take a look into some of the sicker animals I would indeed ask to do so.

he turns towards max
Is that a good idea? Not to sound insulting but, that wolf rider seemed to be beyond you today. If he attempts to kill you...

well right now, we have to rest, here in this city, yes, but here in this building no. I want to reason with him, or at least find out why he did what he did. He might attempt to kill me, but I have a feeling he doesn't want to. He very well could have finished me off then, why didn't he make sure I was dead? I'm probably not worth his time.

Hm, I would rather face him, I have several questions for him myself. It is quite easy as to why he did what he did. It is what they do, they pillage and steal and kill for the fun of it. Perhaps he has a greater motive, I wish to know, I also feel he may be connected to this rabbit disease around here. Besides, I think you know the area better than myself, and as such would stand a better chance in finding this Cyndonius fellow as you seem to know him. It is also quite likely he thought he had felled you with his last blow, surely I did at first.

Derrick looks both genuinely intrigued at the prospect of the goblin wolf rider, and concerned for Max's health.

if the gnome agree's to let Derrick see the poor diseased things he will nod towards max.

In the end I will leave it up to you, it is your life and your home. If you do go, see me in the morn before you leave.

~~ Main Deck of the Iron Prowl ~~

"A night attack seems likely, as the previous ships were sunk without getting a message off to others as to how they sunk. I will join you." Sister Purnoma stood rigidly, as if she was still in front of Maralictor Alexus.

I examine my body for marks that aren't made from the battle. perception: 13 + 1d20 ⇒ 13 + (18) = 31
heal: 1 + 1d20 ⇒ 1 + (20) = 21

~~ Umok ~~

Max finds no such marks.

Finibar Conchello remarks, "We've not brought any here for fear of spreading it to our pets. Cydonious was the one caring for their warrens, out on the outskirts. Oh, I do hope he returns safely."

~~ Estate Hills of Saringallow ~~

Natty makes his way to the estate of Callidius Cruor. He eyes the guards as he approaches. There were primarily two types of personality which worked under unlikable fellows such as Callidius - those who obeyed to the letter under fear of reprisal, and those who proudly wore Cruor's colors of self-importance as their own. Natty nods to the gate guard with the most-puffed chest... "Nathaniel Tulnov. I have come regarding a matter of sizable importance." ... then haughtily addresses the other while removing his gloves. "Announce my arrival to the steward at once."

~~ Umok ~~
Max goes off to bed to take a rest.

~~Umok~~

Well then I suppose it will have to wait until tomorrow, to be frank I am quite tired from today.

He will head off towards the inn

Derrick will also have a little nappy nap. finding people and fighting goblins can wait a day :P

~~ Umok ~~

Your rest is not disturbed. Actions at morning?

~~ Estate Hills of Saringallow ~~

The guard seems confused, not recognizing you. But he quickly gives way under Nathaniel's self importance, assuming you are a noble of some sort and he yields.

Soon, both double doors are suddenly thrust open. Out comes no steward, but Callidus Cruor. He is a man of a lean spidery frame, yet there is a sharpness about him, like the blade of a rapier. His silvery hair dully gleams in the gloom, but his advanced age is otherwise only shown in the lines of his sneer.

"Nathaniel Tulnov... What makes you so bold as to make demands of ME?" A dangerous light is in his eyes, but his sneer widens into a smile. "Come now, you have my interest, for the moment."

~~ Umok ~~
regained 3 HP from rest

I will look at Derrick for suggestions.

~~ Estate Hills of Saringallow ~~

"I fear I've been misrepresented if your man implied my presence came with a demand, Lord Cruor. Your interest, however, may be well-warranted. It appears someone has taken it upon themselves to murder persons of substance in a rather ghastly fashion. The method employed to gain entrance, and the motive are both beyond my understanding. And the only clue brings questions which - I'd wager - have no answers in writings one would find in libraries less adequate than your own."

"I am not one to make casual requests or put a price on the inconvenience of my presence. If you are willing, Lord Cruor, I will leave it to you what form of emolument shall suffice for a moment's perusal of your vast collection of tomes."

~~ Estate hills of Saringallow ~~

Cruor seemed somewhat disappointed when Natty says he didn't have a demand, and Cruor's sharpness and interest seemed to fade. The fact that there had been a murder didn't even make him bat an eye. The fading seemed like a bloodthirsty warrior suddenly realizing the fight he had been promised after a week's tiresome march had been solved diplomatically.

"Yes.. Yes.. Whatever... What do you need them for?" Cruor doesn't bother meeting Natty's eyes, and age seems to catch up with them as he rests a hand on the doorframe and his body seems to sink into it.

"Sounds good to this one. Youse two keep watch during the day, then?" Notch-Ear asks the other two.

Assuming they answer to the affirmative, he nods. "A'ight then. 's been a long trip here, this one's gonna get some shut eye; will be up at sunset to pick up on the watch."

Tugging on Scout's harness to get the hyena to follow along, Notch-Ear retires to a quiet corner, out of the way corner of the deck. He lays out his bedroll and soon drifts off, leaving his weapons within easy reach.

The scrawny hyena accompanying him paces about a few times before quietly laying down at his side.

prepared spells-
0-same, create water, detect magic, light, purify food/drink
1- divine favor, doom, Magic blade, unprepared-1
2nd- Summon monster, cat's grace, unprepared-2

personally while I wish to speak with this Cyndonius I feel that you would be better suited to find him, you know him and the area better than me. I shall return to where we met yesterday, I will await you there when you find him. Perhaps if you find him quickly you will be there when the goblins arrive, if they ever arrive. Or did you have a better plan?

~~ Estate hills of Saringallow ~~

He bows in gratitude, then taps his journal... "My intent is to transliterate words of a rare language which were scrawled upon the walls with the victim's blood. Shan't take long, Lord Cruor."

local: 10 + 1d20 ⇒ 10 + (15) = 25 does my character know where cyndonius would usually travel if he ended up alone?