[IC] Mike's Campaign, Part I: Into the Mists (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Kimmel

For the past month, the sky above Nantambu has been filled with rain and thunder, and the dark clouds rolling in from the north indicate that this day will be no exception. Somehow, despite the constant rain, the city is able to retain its colorful atmosphere. This morning, the citizens of Nantambu can be seen preparing for the day: setting up market stalls, running errands, and cheerfully conversing with friends.

One face, however, is not so cheerful this day. A grizzled dwarf emerges from Sharrowsmith's Exports, a trading company which also hosts the Nantambu Pathfinder Lodge on its premises. He wears simple clothes, and carries a sheet of parchment in one hand and a hammer and nail in the other. The dwarf's expression is grim as he walks the short distance to the market and nails the notice in place on stall usually reserved for Sharrowsmith's Exports. He steps back, looks over the parchment, and begins to walk back to the lodge.

Most people who read the notice simply sigh and mutter about ill fortune and hard times, then go about their business...

Legs and feet stained by mud and long days of travel, a lean cloaked form approaches the notice with the clacking of bones. Ku'ada reads the notice with a furrow on his brow. "More trouble for the society... I wonder."

Turning to follow the retreating back of the dwarf, "Master dwarf, may I speak a question to you? What happens with the Society?"

"Reigart!", Ceer calls out. Ceer walks towards the dwarf smiling. His parents were fond of the gruff dwarf and Ceer is glad to see him again.

Ceer was 15 when he was kicked out. He is 25 now. I see him as more mature and in control now, but still prone to be volatile though. I also think that Ceer has been away from the city for quite some time too. Travelling, adventuring, etc. How does that sound?

@Ceer: That sounds good.

The dwarf, Reigart, turns and looks up at Ku'ada. "What happens with the Society? I'll tell you what happens! They run off on adventure after foolish adventure and eventually they stop coming back! You wouldn't have happened to have seen a dwarf, about so high-" he gestures at a level slightly taller than himself, "-with a big red beard and a big red shield?No, I thought not. Well, if you do, tell him to get his forge-forsaken hide back home!"

Reigart looks up when Ceer calls his name. "Speaking of fools," he says loudly as Ceer steps up, "if that isn't my young friend Ceer, I'll eat my whole next shipment of bristlefruit by myself!"

While Reigart converses with Ceer and Ku'ada, a new figure appears next to the posting, reading and absorbing the master dwarf's announcement. As Rheed listens in on Reigart's answer to the elf's question about the state of the Pathfinder Society, he grimaces at the remembrance of his own failed "adventure" alongside one of their agents. Now fully recovered from the ordeal, he once again tightly cinches the leather straps binding his many weapons. Then, he approaches the small gathering.

"Hello there," he offers by way of greeting, "Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but overhear your words. I've never met a red-haired dwarf with a red shield. But I have met a Pathfinder or two in my time. Lost one a few weeks ago on an expedition near King Silverback's territory. And I aim to go in and find her again, if I can."

"Looks like you've been eating more than bristlefruit", Ceer laughingly replies. "It's nice to see a friendly face, Reigart.", Ceer says. He nods towards the notice. "What happened?" he says, wondering if any of his former classmates are among the missing.

Reigart grimaces bitterly at the newcomer's mention of King Silverback, and says, "Aye, Tameka Hite is the one you speak of. She was the first to disappear. And how we have missed her! Now we've lost two others: My own son, Dardin Sharrowsmith, and his companion, a halfling named Kaeviel Thornleaf, failed to return from a routine expedition. They were sent to scout out some ruins which we thought were not too close to Silverback's territory-- but perhaps we were wrong. With three pathfinders missing and most of the others away, there's no telling when they'll be able to send someone to find out what's going on."

He raises his formidable eyebrows in Rheed's direction and says, "You say you want to go back and look for Tameka Hite? Well, there are others missing as well, and though I don't represent the society directly, I can say for certain that you'll receive a hefty reward from a certain dwarf for bringing back word of their fate, or better yet, for bringing them back alive: especially my son Dardin!"

"You say you want to go back and look for Tameka Hite?"

"Fool that I am...I do," Rheed sincerely responds.

Well, there are others missing as well, and though I don't represent the Society directly, I can say for certain that you'll receive a hefty reward from a certain dwarf for bringing back word of their fate, or better yet, for bringing them back alive: especially my son Dardin!"

"A better reward would be to see them out of Silverback's hands," the adventurous rogue replies, "But anyone else willing to go, might want to claim your own offer...assuming they come back alive."

"A better reward would be to see them out of Silverback's hands," the adventurous rogue replies, "But anyone else willing to go, might want to claim your own offer...assuming they come back alive."

Gravely, "Ku'ada come to find the pathfinder's knowledge and skill." Now with personal humor, "now must find them. I will come with you, Man, to seek them lost people."

"You may need a guide," booms the deep voice of a large dark skinned human, with a large shield and scimitar strapped to his back.

He holds out a hand toward the group requesting their patience, and he shakes the hand of a fat human merchant dressed in extremely gaudy clothing who had his equally large wife and three children in tow. "If you need me again, you know how to contact me," he says as they leave the bustling market.

He turns back to the group, and exclaims, "I know this area well. I can help your search."

Ceer looks at Rheed and says, "Looks like you could use some help. Count me in."

Looking at Reigart, Ceer says cheerfully, "Don't worry. We'll bring him back."

Reigart looks at each of the four in turn and a smile slowly forms on his face. "Well, by the looks of you folks, you just might come out alive."

Reigart turns to Mo'butu, who has just offered his services as a guide.

"Dardin and Kaeviel took the Ruby Trail east through the jungle, all the way to Malgri's Camp. It's a long trip- about ninety miles- but the trail certainly helps. It takes about five days on foot. From there, all I know is that they went north, into the jungle, towards Usaro. Someone at the camp might know more."

"You folks look ready to go, but if you need any supplies, I'd be happy to help in any way that I can."

Feel free to make knowledge checks and/or ask Reigart questions before you head out.

"I'm ready," Mobutu states to the dwarf and the collected group, pausing only to add, "after one short stop outside of town."

"Who is Malgri? What can you tell us about him?" asks Ceer.

"Also, is the trail narrow enough for horses or ponies?"

"Five days afoot? I will need supplies to travel, as I have only just arrived."

"Malgri is a woman, in fact, and half-elven. She set up a camp several years back at the site of some old ruins. Originally it was intended as a sort of trading and peace-keeping effort between the human and elven peoples she was descended from, but most of the elves have moved on, and now it's become a sort of permanent waypoint for people traveling in that area."

"As for the trail, it's certainly suitable for horses and ponies. It used to be a much wider road of some kind and the jungle has crept in a bit around the edges, but it's perfectly suitable for mount or man."

Reigart says to Ku,ada, "I'm happy to offer rations, if you don't mind dried fruits and grains. I can never tell whether you elf-types actually like the food I'm giving you or not!"

Reigart says to Ku,ada, "I'm happy to offer rations, if you don't mind dried fruits and grains. I can never tell whether you elf-types actually like the food I'm giving you or not!"

With a grin, "Grain and fruit is quite good, Master Reigart, you do not offend."

Turning towards the group, "I would prefer my own two feet, not used to the riding of beasts and the pace of Man, but as lives may be in the balance, perhaps this is a time for haste. I came south by the western trail, and do not know if the eastern path north and beyond Malgri's diplomatic post towards Usaro is passable by mount or man. Know you, guide, the area to we travel? I had heard some word of Aspis Consortium trouble near Usaro."

"Thank you, Reigart," Mo'butu says, "With this weather, hunting and fishing could be difficult. Extra rations would definitely be helpful." As he finishes speaking, he looks around at the dark clouds which were ominously headed in their direction from the north.

Reigart gladly offers up to ten days of rations to each person who needs them. "You should be able to re-stock at the camp, though you're likely to have to pay for your food there."

"Thank you, Reigart. You are very generous."

Turning towards the group he says, "My name is Ceer and I'm honored to join you on this mission."

To Mo'butu he says, "So tell me, what is this short stop outside of town?"

"I have to pick up a friend for the journey. She is not really welcomed here in town," he says with a slight smile at the corners of his mouth.

"Nice to meet you, Ceer. I am Mo'butu," nodding to the one called Ceer.

"Well, the more the merrier, then..." Rheed offers, "Truthfully, I'm happy for the aid...both in tracking down Tameka as well as Reigart's son."

Ceer glances at the darkened sky. "We might not be sleeping under the stars during the journey.", he says. "Perhaps mounts or a pack animal would help."

"What is your opinion Rheed? You were just in that area. Do you think mounts would help or hinder or mission?"

"More than likely, they'd just prove a temptation for predators. Not that we won't, of course. But we'll likely have a more difficult time keeping them safe in addition to ourselves," the rogue replies, "We'll also move a little more quietly, I think, if we don't take a flighty pack animal with us."

To Ceer: "Glad to know you, Ceer."

To all: "I am Ku'ada of the Ekujae."

"I agree with Rheed, but perhaps for those who are not so used living at Gozreh's mercy, we could purchase some canvas to carry, or perhaps a tent-contraption from Reigart here. Then, perhaps, we should be off before the rain makes the trail-going harder."

"Agreed. Let's get started."

I suppose that since Ceer was born here, he would know where to pick up adventuring gear like a tent in this city.

@Ceer: Because Reigart's establishment also houses the only Pathfinder lodge in Mwangi, he has much in the way of adventuring gear available.

"I think I can spare a tent for you lot, though if you're not going to purchase it, I'll have to ask you to return it later. They're generally in high demand from the Pathfinders... when there are any of the fools around, that is!"

Reigart looks up at the darkening sky and says, "Best be on your way. Good luck... you'll need it."

Mo'butu follows the dwarf inside, and collects three more days of rations for the road. "Thank you again," he nods as he fills up the container he kept his rations in.

Ceer follows Mo'butu's lead and follows him inside too. He beckons the others to follow.

I'll add 3 days of rations too. That makes me a 0.5 lb over for having a light load, so I might have to adjust my equipment. Or maybe one of the big strong characters can carry a few extra rations for the scrawny sorcerer :)

Ku'ada peers at the structure with distrust. Darting in, He grabs some rations and stuffs them in his pack, mumbling a word of thanks to Reigart. Slinging the tent-poles over his back, Ku'ada beats a hasty retreat back outdoors, with one hand warding against some superstition.

I'm not too worried about things like encumbrance during overland travel. As long as you're not lugging along something totally ridiculous (like dozens of gold statues) I'll assume you've all split the load up such that you can travel as quickly as possible.

The four adventurers set out along the road for Malgri's Camp. Every afternoon, a torrential downpour assaults the travelers, but each of them has been through far worse and the weather dampens their clothes far more than their spirits.

On the fifth day, as the travelers expect they are nearing the camp, the rain is pouring down just as hard as ever, making it difficult to see...

To save time, I'll be making these Perception checks for everyone.

GM rolls a die:1d20 ⇒ 12

Let me know if I failed to take some modifier into account. I just used base perception skills. Feel free to roll for animal companions, etc, if you wish. In general you guys can make all your own rolls, but for the sake of expediency and because this one is pretty simple, I took the liberty.

In a low voice (but loud enough so they can hear) Ceer tells the others that he notices armed people on either side of the path.

Ceer also readies to cast Sleep on the nearest group IF they attack.

I'd like to make a Knowledge(Nature) check to find out if recognize their species.
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Ku'ada prepares(readies) to cast Color Spray on the other side of Ceer, if they attack.

Staring blankly into the rain, Ku'ada intones in a low voice back to Ceer "Are these perhaps the guards of Malgri's camp?"

I'm fine with you making the rolls, it will speed things up. I forgot to add my bonus for being an elf, which raises my total to 15.

Staring blankly into the rain, Ku'ada intones in a low voice back to Ceer "Are these perhaps the guards of Malgri's camp?"

"It's possible. Malgri is half-elven, so perhaps her guards are elven or speak elven. Perhaps you should try greeting them in elvish. That might defuse the situation."

Skeptically, "It is doubtful, but worth a try"

Calling out to the mists; in Common "Greetings, strangers" then in Elven; <Greetings honored persons. We bear with us no ill will, and seek only to pass into Malgri's camp.>

"Greetings, strangers"

At Ceer's warning, Rheed silently draws one of his many throwing daggers and places his hand on the hilt of his longsword just in case things turn sour.

Mo'butu as silently as possible drew his scimitar, preparing for the possibility the strangers ahead were not friendly.

Bwenge's perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

He bends over towards Bwenge and quietly gives the small panther the command 'Stay" they had spent so long learning, until the identity of the strangers could be determined.

bump

Thanks Gerald. Sorry everyone, huge family dinner yesterday.

Ceer is unable to determine what species the creatures are. However, after Ku'ada calls out to them and Bwenge lets out a low growl, it becomes quite evident to all: several inhuman battle-cries pierce the mists, and five ape-men jump out onto the road from the undergrowth, merely twenty feet ahead of the travelers. Neither truly apes nor men, these beasts wear studded armor and carry weapons and shields. The three in the front are armed with wicked spiked clubs, while the two who remain behind the others carry throwing spears.

Initiative rolls:

Ceer:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Ku'ada:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Mo'butu:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Rheed:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Ape warriors:1d20 ⇒ 15 + ?

We'll have animal companions act at the same time as their masters to save time.

Initiative order:

Ceer
Ape Warriors
Mo'butu
Ku'ada
Rheed

Ceer casts Sleep by speaking an incantation and gesturing towards the ape-men.

After casting his spell he looks towards each side of the road for signs of other ape-men.

Sleep's DC is 17. It has a 10' burst and affects a total of 4 HD of creatures. Not sure how many I can target, but I'd like to target the front 3 at least.

I would imagine that Ceer (and probably Ku'ada, but I don't want to speak for anyone) is not taking point while we are traveling. Just trying to get a feel for our placement. This is my first PbP :)

Bump to keep this on the front page. To anser Ceer, I would assume I was probably in the front in the wild, and when we get inside, I would suspect Rheed would take point.

I am waiting on Mike to post before declaring my action. I'd like to entangle a bunch of them, but I want to know how many I can hit or if they will be up in our face before my action.

Aaaand, we're back. Please see the OOC thread. I apologize for the delay.

The sleep spell is able to affect the three in front as well as one of the two in back.

Saving Throw Rolls:

As Ceer completes his incantation, the three ape-men in front as well as one in the rear suddenly collapse onto the ground. The one left standing looks confused, but is not deterred, and with a shout of rage he heaves his spear straight at Ceer. At the same time, a few other battle cries ring out from deeper within the undergrowth, and two more ape-men on each side (four in all) move forward (20 feet away) and throw their own spears at the men on the path.

Attack rolls (2 vs. Ceer, 1 each vs. Mo'butu, Ku'ada, and Rheed.)

Damage rolls:

Ceer takes 8 damage.
Mo'butu takes 8 damage.
Ku'ada takes 5 damage.

Mo'butu shakes off the effect of the pain from the spear strike, and casts a spell toward the new entrants into the combat. "Try to get through that, he says after finishing his incantation.Entangle spell. DC 13. I would assume the radius will get all the ranged attackers.

As he finishes his spell, he looks toward Bwenge and gives the attack command. The panther charges toward the nearest combatant, and attacks with a vicious bite.

1d20 + 7d6d6d1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + (3, 4, 4, 2, 3, 1, 1, 2, 4, 3, 2, 3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2, 4, 2, 1, 1, 1, 4, 2, 3, 4, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 3, 1, 4, 2, 1) + 1 = 170 plus trip.

EDIT: I screwed something up on the dice roller.
Attack is 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage is 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus trip.

That's a pretty funny roll. Bwenge's attack is successful, dealing 2 damage to the ape-man left standing in the path. Trip roll:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6. The trip is not successful. The spear throwers, as well as Bwenge, are caught within the entangling vines which Mo'butu summons. To more accurately describe their locations: Bwenge is 20 feet away, attacking an ape-man 25 feet away (the last one standing after the sleep spell.) Two more have approached from either side-- they are still standing to the sides of the path, about 10 feet away from the one on the path, and slightly ahead, so only 20 feet away from you. The melee combatants who fell asleep are on the ground 20 feet away: one is in the same space as Bwenge.

Sometime I should figure out how to make quick maps/images and link to them, or something.

5 saving throws vs. entangle (from the ape-men on the left to the ape-men on the right)

The two ape-men on the left side of the path are entangled. The one in the center and the two on the right are not entangled.

Seeing the ape-men entangled on the left, Ku'ada heads toward those on the right, while trying to keep out the the area of grasping roots. Muttering some arcane incantations he casts Color Spray, on the two closest ape-men. DC of 16

With your movement speed of 30, you can easily make it so that the two on the right are in range, but you'll have to move slightly off the path, to the right, in order to avoid the entangling vines.

One of the ape-men on the right reels backwards from the dazzling effects of Ku'ada's spell. The other snarls with rage and advances towards Ku'ada, blinking furiously.

I'll take over for Rheed for the rest of the battle, unless Neil decides to continue with us.

Rheed throws an axe at the ape who resisted the color spray spell.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

He hits, dealing 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 damage with a glancing blow to the shoulder. The wounded ape snarls, but the rage in his eyes only seems to burn brighter as he rushes towards Ku'ada, blood flowing from his wound...

Ceer is up next.

Ceer turns towards the ape that is charging Ku'ada. Enraged by being wounded by the spears, he screams his incantation and gestures wildly as he casts Sleep at the ape.

DC is 17. I cast it, so the burst area does not include Ku'ada.

DC is 17. I cast it, so the burst area does not include Ku'ada.

The ape's snarling turns into sputtering as it stumbles and falls to the ground, quickly becoming entangled by the undergrowth.

Bah, will saves!

The ape facing Bwenge attacks the panther, and the other two on the left attempt to break free of the entangling vines.

Str checks:
1d20 ⇒ 14
1d20 ⇒ 19

Each ape breaks free and quickly moves forward to stand in the path, out of the entangling vines, drawing their vicious clubs as they move.

Attack vs. Bwenge:
1d20 ⇒ 19

Damage:
1d8 ⇒ 3

Bwenge takes 5 damage as the ape brings his club down heavily on the panther's back.

This ape will need to make a save vs. entangle again at the end of Mo'butu's turn.

The druid moves forward toward the closest unentangled upright ape man, and swings his scimitar through the air, attempting to cleave into his opponent.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 attack
1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage
crits on an 18-20

Bwenge decides to attack the apeman that just clubbed her, biting and clawing.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 bite
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage plus trip

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 claw one
1d2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage claw one

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 claw two
1d2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 claw two