You can continue tracking if you want to take 10, or roll if you want to take a -5 to your check to track at normal speed. You're moving slowly in armor and reduced speed for being on the trail...
If you would like to continue following the strange track, let me know when you post next.
The "T" formation suggested by Valcrim gives you a greater sense of security as you move forward towards what might be described as a shack. The dilapidated domicile before you is not simply in poor repair, it appears to be one strong gust of humanoid GI wind from collapsing entirely. The amount of moss and vegetation adorning the edifice of the warden's home makes it nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding marsh, and it appears as though the warden has little care for trimming back the surround.
As you approach you cannot fail to recognize that the house is quite still. There is no evidence of smoke from the chimney, but as warm as you are having traveled all the way here in your armor, it does not strike you as particularly strange.
As the dwarf offers his request about musings and Torag's purpose Joyabraund merely nods in earnest. No disrespect intended Mr. Flinthammer just this halfling's way of thinking things through. I'll give true an proper respect to the Great Protector, you'll see. Joyabraund leaves unspoken his observation that his own Mah and Dah are well into their 70s and that Joyabraund is the 15th of 15. He feels the timing is wrong to correct the dwarf's conception of halfling life spans.
As the group snuffles and prods about the tracks and paths Joyabraund takes keen interest in the marshy landscape and tries to do his best to conceptualize the best ways to describe the land for his obvious victory celebration to come. Wowing Ameiko was an important goal for the halfling at this point.
Too captivated by the terrain and the bridge when conversation turns to small creatures then formations, Joyabrauns jumps at the mention of his name. I love tea! I mean I would be honored to have tea! I mean yessir Mr. Flinthammer I am ready to enact Torag's vision and take to the rear guard! The halfling jostles his shield and sword for emphasis.
Coming upon the house Joyabruand squishes his face up in a sign of disgust. I don't think a repentant bandit king or dragon would live in that. Just a regular loon I guess. Should we knock?
"Knocking does seem appropriate. Although we certainly don't want to see openly hostile. I recommend stowing weapons, and I'll go knock while the rest stay a courteous distance back."
Seiji stares at the strange tracks, trying to make sense of them.
Knowledge (Arcana) -
Knowledge (Nature) -
He continues to track, from the back of the "T" formation.
Survival -
"A wise course, Treygan, but keep your hands near your weapons, everyone." Seiji hangs his crossbow on his belt, still inspecting the area for tracks. "There is something menacing about the trail that has been left."
"Bah. I'd find it suspect if someone showed up at my door without weapons if I be livin' in gobbo country. I'll be keepin' me shield readied, thank ye, an' if tha warden be slighted by me choosin' precaution before courtesy in a dangerous area, then he be no friend o' Torag." Valcrim grumbles, none too pleased with the notion of lowering ones guard in the face of potential danger. "Don't forget we saw tha weird tracks earlier. Somethin' be off, I tell ye..."
You follow the track near to the house, where it becomes more difficult, but still you see that it goes into the brush encroaching the side where there is a narrow channel by which the warden accesses his backyard.
As you are all standing around debating the best course of action with how to introduce yourselves to the warden, the man himself appears at the filthy window near the door. His hair is mussed and there are heavy lines underneath his eyes, and he appears to be breathing hard, as though winded.
"What's this about knocking?" he inquires, his voice strained and the quality reflecting oddly from the confines of his shack. "Arguin' loud enough to be heard o'er fathoms. Ain't like the dwarf can't be heard none either, clankin' as he is. Who are ye, and what ye be wantin'?"
"Me armor may be noisy, but I prefer ta live ta give tha last blow, rather than sneak up on someone ta make tha first." Valcrim retorts as he studies the man, finding the notion of a self-appointed warden being so out of breath while inside his own house somewhat strange, almost suspicious "Seems we interrupted ye in somethin'. An' by tha looks of ye it was nae makin' yerself presentable. Be ye Walthus Pridestump?"
Strange, those, who would choose such a place for a home.
Seiji silently awaits the Warden's answer, keeping his eyes on Valcrim.
Bluff
"Who else might I be?" the warden answers. "That damnable witch, Megus, she charmed the snakes, turn't 'em against me."
Warden Proudstump seems to be fibbing, and poorly.
His weapons put away, Broderus calls out through the window, "What's going on here hermit!? As a nature-minded fellow myself, I was hoping to see your snakes and maybe learn a thing or two about them to take back to my homeland. How about you let us in and we can talk some more about that and other things?"
Broderus' face is expressionless, but his companions can clearly tell by the inflection in his voice that he has no actual interest in the warden's snakes.
Treygan's eyes narrow at the Warden's words, but before he can call him on his words, Broderus speaks up. I am not too fond of this attempt at deception, though I will tolerate it if it will spare a fight with this man. Though I am not sure how that would happen. Treygan feels his hand unconsciouly rest on his sword, then pulls it away when he realizes.
Valcrim's eyes narrow "I be nae expert on witches, but how did a DEAD witch do that?" he muses as his hand goes closer to his weapons "Got anything ta drink? I heard ye make something here, right?"
Sense Motive -
Seiji looks at Proudstump with suspicion. His voice wavers. He does not tell the whole truth. But perhaps the hermit simply wishes to protect his privacy, as is his right.
"We do not mean to intrude, Warden Proudstump." Seiji calls out. "We seeks the goblins that make their home in Brinestump, and we were told you would be worth consulting." Looking down at the muddy ground, he continues. "But perhaps that conversation can wait. There is a strange track that leads to your house; it is one that we cannot identify. I do hope that my concern is unnecessary, but perhaps there is some danger to you."
Bluff
"They're snakes," Proudstump responds to Broderus's inquiry, "they slither, strike and bite. Some gots venom," he dismisses, panting.
"There's no goblins here!" he almost shrieks, voice breaking. "To the south!" he calls, and pants again. "You'll find them there, off the trail! Seems they're plannin' some sort of assault against the humans!"
It seems as though Warden Proudstump is trying to convince you that the goblins are going to attack Sandpoint.
Sense Motive -
Seiji turns to his companions. "This is disconcerting, but not unexpected. We should make haste."
He turns his attention back to Proudstump. "Yet there still may be some threat to you, Proudstump. Do you know what the strange track is? We are not as familiar with the creatures of the swamp as you are, but whatever made this trail, it is no snake, and it has gone to your house and not departed from it."
Valcrim growls in anger "ENOUGH! I've had it up ta me helmet with yer lyin'! Clearly there be somethin' goin' on, and ye're goin' ta answer some questions, but nae before we search yer shack fer tha monster, an' make sure ye nae be hidin' damn gobbos in there, what with yer eagernes ta send us off!" he demands "Lads!" he calls and levels his shield, moving towards the shack with the finality of a bulldozer.
If he simply wishes to be left in peace, we do him great wrong.
Seiji, unwilling to contradict Valcrim, does not voice his concern.
Treygan focuses his attention on the warden, looking into his heart.
Broderus stands confused and a bit unsure of his actions. Why is Valcrim getting so angry!? Surely, this man is entitled to the privacy of his own home, and who are we to burst in uninvited? And yet why do I have the feeling that we're going about this all wrong? This hermit is extremely nervous and out of breath, perhaps he is the one in danger... I must find out before Valcrim foolishly barrels through that door!
Broderus' reflexes kick in, and he moves effortlessly to the wall of the shack. He presses his face against the filthy glass and peers into the darkened room as best he can.
Disguise
You see a halfling creature with large eyes and dark hair who has what appears to be several snake bites on his body. He is tired, and sweating profusely, likely passing venom, as he said.
You detect evil from the Warden.
Joyabraund starts to wave to Proudstump when the questions start flying. The halfling warden, seeming personable enough if a little odd seems quite distressed about snakes and goblin attacks seems to be the subjecct of some gret amout of suspicioun by Joybraund's new companions...
Well come now gents if the man says that goblins are in the woods maybe we should check that first...
As the dwarf pitches forward yelling about goblins and monsters Joyabrauns can only act in shock, dropping his sword and shield nd running towards the door of the shack. Hey now what is all this why are we suddenly treating this guy like a criminal!!!
"Warden Proudstump, you have spoken falsehoods at every opportunity. And I can see the darkness in your heart. I recommend you start explaining." As Treygan speaks, he slowly walks up behind Valcrim.
Darkness in his heart? Where does such an assumption come from?
Seiji steps forward. "Joyabraund is right in his defense of the warden, and brave to raise protest amidst such fervor. Proudstump has not welcomed us, but neither has he wronged us. Do we anger so at the refusal of hospitality and counsel never promised?"
Treygan's confirmation of his suspicions puts the dwarf on the defensive "JOYABRAUND! RUN! QUICK!" he warns, distress clear in his otherwise deep and monotonous voice, rushing forward in a clanking racket to get the halfling out of the way.
Broderus attempts to defuse this escalating disagreement. "Valcrim! Treygan!I believe this man is telling the truth. Let me tell you what I just saw! He is covered in snake bites from head to toe and appears to be in the throes of passing venom! We need to get in that shack to help him not harass him further!"
"Let me double around this shack and see if there's another way in." Unless someone stops him, Broderus redraws his two melee weapons and moves around the shack's walls looking for an open window or other alternative way inside...
Ack you scruffy anvil with legs. Put me down!
The warden gives a pitiful shriek, and his shape moves behind the glass, although he is unable to hide from you. "Now just a minute, the house isn't proper, ya see," he says. "Just... wait."
Seemingly unable to act, Seiji stares in disbelief as Valcrim tosses Joyabraund aside. This is madness! His head turns quickly after Broderus, and he watches helplessly as the ranger rushes past him. What, assist the warden with weapons drawn?
Valcrim lets go of Joyabraund as soon as he is out of harm's way, and looks at the sliver between the door and the frame to see if it is obviously locked before trying anything else.
The Heroes
Treygan Gorski
Valcrim Flinthammer
Joyabraund Northropple
Yamamoto Seiji
Broderus
and...
Warden Walthus Proudstump
You do not believe that the door is locked.
"Why don't we talk this over like men, eh?" the warden suggests, and begins moving for the door.
Stealth
The Warden moves away from the window, towards the door, but it does not open.
Treygan rushes up next to the doorway besides Valcrim, readying his own shield on the move. "Seiji, Joyabraund, please listen. Something's wrong here. Please trust our judgement on this."
"Enough o' this!" Valcrim huffs and tries to open the door, which he believes to be unlocked.
"Enough o' this!" Valcrim huffs and tries to open the door, which he believes to be unlocked.
Seiji nods and pulls his crossbow from his belt.
He then loads his crossbow.
It is not difficult to see that there are windows on the side of the house. There is one at A6, as the one in the front, covered with a film of mildew and grit. Broderus can easily smash it and gain entrance to the house.
Valcrim finds that the door is not locked, or even barred. Apparently the warden did not find the need protect his mildewed, broken down shack in the middle of no where too highly. Or, if there is a bar, you do not see where it has gone.
In that case, Broderus smashes the window to pieces with a mighty swing of mace and awaits entry into the house.
Torn between the excitement and the seemingly sudden hostile turn towards a fellow halfling, Joyabraund will keep his mouth shut and trust that the men who have talked of honor and protecting the town know something he doesn't. Just in case though Joyabraund dashes back a few feet to pick up his weapon and shield.
Round One Summary
Seeing that Valcrim of the mighty hammer was poised to kick in his door, Warden Proudstump presumably went to answer it, disappearing from sight. Treygan moved to support his ally, wary of the sense of evil emanating from the warden, while Broderus is looking to make a flashy entrance. Yamamoto Seiji and Joyabraund are at the sidelines, hopefully aiming to support their party members.
Round Two - Fight
Broderus enters the home through the window he smashed earlier and quickly scans the small room for threats. If this room is clear, he continues through the door at D7 and assesses the situation there.
Treygan moves into the building, shield up and at the ready. "Warden Proudstump. You are only further supporting your guilt. Broderus says you are indeed injured and we do not want a fight with an injured man. Please surrender." Treygan still has not pulled his sword.
Valcrim steps into the house (), spotting the halfling hidden under the stairs, giving a dark frown as he chants "Torag, father and creator, grant us thy blessin'" () and draws his hammer (). "He be hidin' under tha stairs!"
Joyabraund closes the distance back to the door and sees the dwarf cast a spell of enhancement. Still unsure about the current course, the halfling gives voice to his concern, At the very least let us take him prisoner and not kill the poor man! As though a thought suddenly comes to him Joyarbaund recalls the gifts usually given to the noblest of a god's servants, Unless Treygan you know him to be truly well and evil?
Seeing Treygan in the room now, Broderus emerges from the door in the adjacent wall. Not spotting the warden initially, he calls out into the darkness, "Proudstump, come out so we can talk like men. I assure you we will not strike you down like a common criminal. You're obviously hurt, and maybe we can help. I believe you're telling the truth about the snakes turning on you, and I'm here to stop them from hurting you anymore."
Seiji hesitates, unsure of how Proudstump could have so offended his companions.