A little while later, the father of the household approached them, "You know. My boys' offers yesterday was not exclusive to Zelkja. We could use some help out here so please consider us in your plans. We could build another room or even another house quickly enough..."
Nsizi shook his head, "Your offer is kind, and if I were looking to settle here, I would consider it. But I am here only as a visitor, looking for answers."[b] Which reminded him; he should talk to Muhdzuzi.
Later that night, after the smaller children were finally abed, Nsizi sat quietly with Muhdzuzi. The halfling seemed worn out by the children's attention, but he also seemed lighter of spirit than he had since they'd met him. Clearly the good food and friendly atmosphere had done him good.
[b]"My friend," Nsizi said, speaking in their native tongue, "I have a question I would ask." He told the tale of the children in the Bas'o tribe, and his mission for a cure. "Have you heard of any such ailment? Does your tribe have healers or shamans that might be able to help? I have payment."
Tag Muhdzuzi
Yep, totally OK so go ahead with that plan. Lame is no fun and haunted just drips with RP. there are spirits everywhere...
A little while later, the father of the household approached them, "You know. My boys' offers yesterday was not exclusive to Zelkja. We could use some help out here so please consider us in your plans. We could build another room or even another house quickly enough..."
"I am no farmer, nor am I a warrior," Min demurred, "as my traveling companions can attest. My talents lie elsewhere. If Pridon's Hearth remans the fort, I will urge the sheriff to include your farm in their regular patrols, but if the fort remains uninhabited for any length of time, I can't feel that it's safe for you out here. The lizardfolk that attacked the fort weren't interested in raiding; they wouldn't just take your cattle and leave. They were trying to send a message to all of us that our colony is unwelcome here. If attacking the fort doesn't accomplish their goals, I have to conclude that outlying farms would be their next targets."
"My friend," Nsizi said, speaking in their native tongue, "I have a question I would ask." He told the tale of the children in the Bas'o tribe, and his mission for a cure. "Have you heard of any such ailment? Does your tribe have healers or shamans that might be able to help? I have payment."
Mudhzuzi thought for a moment, "I do not know but our elder has seen many lifetimes it seems. Perhaps she would know of this disease and cure."
The halfling moved slightly away, "Are you contagious?"
A little while later, the father of the household approached them, "You know. My boys' offers yesterday was not exclusive to Zelkja. We could use some help out here so please consider us in your plans. We could build another room or even another house quickly enough...""I am no farmer, nor am I a warrior," Min demurred, "as my traveling companions can attest. My talents lie elsewhere. If Pridon's Hearth remans the fort, I will urge the sheriff to include your farm in their regular patrols, but if the fort remains uninhabited for any length of time, I can't feel that it's safe for you out here. The lizardfolk that attacked the fort weren't interested in raiding; they wouldn't just take your cattle and leave. They were trying to send a message to all of us that our colony is unwelcome here. If attacking the fort doesn't accomplish their goals, I have to conclude that outlying farms would be their next targets."
The father nodded, "Your advice will be taken seriously. I will have a few horses saddled and ready to go should we be attacked. My boys are good riders and we have some cattle dogs that are good at sniffing things out as well."
On a more leisure tone, the mother added, "So what sort of work will you be doing at the colony Where are your talents?"
_____________
OOC:
OK, No more waiting so I intend to recap today and move the story along to where you reach the colony during the next day. it's going to be slow going again with that 'thing' you are carrying...
What's up with leveling up? You don't want to be 2nd level? :)
Hopefully, Akosua will join us but I still havent heard back from her...
Questions?
Game on!
The halfling moved slightly away, "Are you contagious?"
The thought alarmed Nsizi. It had never occurred to him that he might be carrying the sleeping sickness. He thought of the children, sleeping upstairs, and prayed to the spirits that he wasn't. "I don't think so," he said to Mudhzuzi, more the reassure himself than the halfling.
OOC:
What's up with leveling up? You don't want to be 2nd level? :)
"So what sort of work will you be doing at the colony Where are your talents?"
Again with the inquiries about gainful employment! Min thought, shooting a glance at Alleria. What is this, the Druman Inquisition?
"I'm hoping to work for Lord Narsus," she replied to Mrs. Witterwill, "or perhaps the Sheriff. I'm quite interested in government and in seeing this colony be successful."
Turn 029 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Zeljka's adjustments to 2nd level:
+9 HP (+6, +2CON, +1favored class)
+1 BAB
+1Fort, +1 Ref
Slayer Talent: Trapfinding which adds disable device to her class skills and she gains trapfinding/trap sense rogue ability
Skills:
+1 Knowledge, Nature
+1 Perception
+1 Stealth
+1 Survival
adds Disable Device and Acrobatics to skills
+1 Profession, Trapper (background skill point)
I think that's it for the changes. If it looks ok to you then I'll update her profile.
Action 1:
Zeljka leaned into the wind as they slowly made their way back to Pridon's Hearth. She thought about the Witterwils as she trod through the mud. She hoped to get back there as soon as she could. It seemed like a place where she could settle down and help a good family.
Action 2:
The half-orc appreciated the sheriff's forthrightness and so didn't beat around the bush either. "I'm sorry but everyone's dead. It looks like lizardfolk attacked the Fort and tried to make it look like the Song'o halfling tribe did it." Zeljka pulled out the note. "This was left on the body of the commander." She handed it over so that Adaela could read it. "Does it make sense to you?"
tag sheriff
Action 3:
The slayer nodded her agreement to the sheriff's request before leaving her to process everything they'd shared. Turning to Alleria, Zeljka said, "I can help you get the weapons back to the smithy. It would be too hard to take them yourself."
It's about 1.5 hours walking along the 'mud road'. And yes, we can make it your 'home' if you would prefer it to staying in town somewhere. You'll still have plenty of interaction with the colony.
That's fine. I'll check it once you all tell me you are done. It would be easier with itemized changes but I can manage. :)
Heri is the main 'herbal/potion' healer. There are clerics in the Temple of Abadar.
I'm going to 'sell' anything not claimed but you will get 1/2 price for some items per the rules.
On that note, don't forget that I would like everyone to itemize their gear (only stuff over 10 gp at this level) so I can check WBL
You won't be leaving today, storm is just too dangerous. :)
Questions?
Game on!
Akosua - I'd like to use her in a ceremony tonight (game time) for Nsizi's leg. If you're up for a collaboration, great, if not, I'll just use her at my discretion. Bwa ha haaaa!
Action 1
As Nsizi struggled to keep up with his new friends, Strange to think that I have friends, so soon, so far from home, he wished yet again that the spirits had seen fit to leave his legs whole when they bestowed the oracle's gift upon him. He slipped yet again in the mud, but found Zeljka's steadying hand at his elbow before he fell. Smiling grimly at the half-orc, he allowed her to help him the rest of the way back to town.
Action 2
After Zeljka's characteristically terse assessment of the situation, Nsizi unhooked the terbutje from one of the straps that held his sodden neswambe in place. Handing it to the sheriff, he said, "Bibi Praet, this is a mjusi - lizardfolk - weapon we found. The only one, it was in the well. All other signs of them had been taken away, all but one severed hand and one footprint. It certainly looked like they wanted us to believe the halflings had committed the murders."
Turning to Muhdzuzi, he said, "This is the Song'o Muhdzuzi. We found him trapped in the fort. His people tried to warn the fort of the approaching mjusi, but were not heeded. Two of his people died there, the rest are missing." Turning to the halfling, he repeated what he'd said in rapid polyglot. "If you have questions, I can translate - his common is small.
"Bibi Praet, many knew of our mission to the fort. If asked, can we say what we found? Or would you keep it secret for now?"
Tag Adaela.
Action 3
Nsizi nodded his agreement. "Come, bibi kuhani, we should bring this to Heri. Muhdzuzi, you can come with us, if you like. Or we can take you to the inn first, if you would like a meal and a room."
tag Muhdzuzi
Turning to Min, he said, "Bibi dakhwitsi, perhaps you can take the silver token of your god back to the church, and tell them also of the acolyte we found?"
tag Min
The rain and wind were truly ferocious, and Nsizi held on to Akosua for mutual support as they fought their way towards Heri's. The halfling was closing up shop - fastening shutters and the like, as they arrived.
Akosua gave her the package...
"I'm afraid there were no survivors," Min put in, retrieving the paper she'd made notes about the dead on. "We buried them. I hope you can identify them with this -- tell their families and friends where they are."
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All right, adding hold portal and magic missile to Min's spellbook.
8 skill points added: Appraise, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcana), (dungeoneering), (local) x2, (nature), Spellcraft.
Will save +1; BAB +1; hit points 4 (half plus 1) +2 Con +1 FCB = +7 hp for a total of 16.
Action 2:
The half-orc appreciated the sheriff's forthrightness and so didn't beat around the bush either. "I'm sorry but everyone's dead. It looks like lizardfolk attacked the Fort and tried to make it look like the Song'o halfling tribe did it." Zeljka pulled out the note. "This was left on the body of the commander." She handed it over so that Adaela could read it. "Does it make sense to you?"
Adaela shook her head, "No, it doesn't. We've been here for four years and haven't had any issues with them."
She asked, "Were they deranged, hungry, what?"
tag?
Your PC sheet still shows 13 hp. :)
I'll be looking things over this weekend.
Action 2
"Bibi Praet, many knew of our mission to the fort. If asked, can we say what we found? Or would you keep it secret for now?"
Adaela thought for a moment, "We have plenty to worry about with the storm coming so let's just wait to break the bad news OK. if asked, just say that everything is normal and that they are just hunkering down for the coming storm."
OOC: Sheriff's office is not on the map so we must pick a spot.
So...
Zelkja and Alleria to the smithys;
Akosua and Nsizi to Heri's;
Min to the 'Counting House'?
This only leaves informing Myria that you delivered the things to the Witterwils.
Can I assume that you will meet back at Adaela's in an hour or will you go someplace else?
I'd like to recap later tonight...
Questions?
Game on!
Action 2:
The half-orc appreciated the sheriff's forthrightness and so didn't beat around the bush either. "I'm sorry but everyone's dead. It looks like lizardfolk attacked the Fort and tried to make it look like the Song'o halfling tribe did it." Zeljka pulled out the note. "This was left on the body of the commander." She handed it over so that Adaela could read it. "Does it make sense to you?"
Adaela shook her head, "No, it doesn't. We've been here for four years and haven't had any issues with them."
She asked, "Were they deranged, hungry, what?"
tag?
Zeljka shrugged. "We didn't see anyone. But I doubt they were deranged. All of the Fort inhabitants were decapitated. To me that takes focus."
tag?
Min struggled with her umbrella as they neared the city wall, the gusts off the storm threatening to turn the canopy inside out. "" she shouted over the wind. ""
The half-orc appreciated the sheriff's forthrightness and so didn't beat around the bush either. "I'm sorry but everyone's dead. It looks like lizardfolk attacked the Fort and tried to make it look like the Song'o halfling tribe did it." Zeljka pulled out the note. "This was left on the body of the commander." She handed it over so that Adaela could read it. "Does it make sense to you?"
Adaela shook her head, "No, it doesn't. We've been here for four years and haven't had any issues with them."
She asked, "Were they deranged, hungry, what?"
Min shook her head firmly. "They seemed intent on sending a message, Sheriff, that we're not welcome here. Perhaps after four years they've tired of waiting for the colony to fail and us to go home of our own accord."
"It's also possible there's recently been a change in leadership among the lizardfolk. Perhaps a more aggressive or xenophobic chieftain has taken over for one who was more conciliatory."
"Has there been any trouble with the river?" She indicated the words in the note that was left. "Fishing in what they may consider their territory? Logging along the banks? Dams or irrigation built to divert the flow?"
"Bibi Praet, many knew of our mission to the fort. If asked, can we say what we found? Or would you keep it secret for now?"
Adaela thought for a moment, "We have plenty to worry about with the storm coming so let's just wait to break the bad news OK. if asked, just say that everything is normal and that they are just hunkering down for the coming storm."
Min's lips tighten in disapproval. "Sheriff, I understand that this news will be demoralizing, but will the people not be more upset when they discover the lie?"
Akosua gave her the package of herbs that had been ready at the fort. As the healer looked through it, Nsizi sat on a stool and massaged his aching knee. His sandals were entirely the wrong footwear for muddy jungles, and the constant slipping and tugging had made his knee ache worse than usual.
After a moment, he realized that the halfling was watching him intently. With a strangely focused look on her face, she said, "May I see that injury?"
Unused to people paying attention to his leg, Nsizi warily nodded. He pulled apart the folds and drapes of the filthy neswambi, to expose his knee. If his leg was smoother, or more shapely than the halfling was expecting, she gave no sign of noticing. Instead, she ran practiced hands over the burn scar left by the lightning strike.
"Interesting," she murmured. Her eyes lost focus, and she zoned out for a moment. Nsizi started to adjust his clothing, then she snapped her head around and said, "Yes. I think I can help. You will stay at the stone hall tonight. I'll meet you there, after supper. Let's see, I'll need to find Reya at the church, and the tincture of...." Her voice faded to a mutter and she turned back to her shop, putting away herbs and taking out new ones. When they bid her goodbye, she distractedly raised a hand in farewell.
Grateful that she hadn't asked about the fort, necessitating a lie, Nsizi had mixed feelings about her promise to help. He'd seen clerics and healers, and had been assured that the cursed injury was permanent. Still, it couldn't hurt to try.
If I have time later I'll write it up, but Nsizi will swing by the stone hall to make sure rooms are available for tonight. Then back to the sheriffs.
"Bibi dakhwitsi, perhaps you can take the silver token of your god back to the church, and tell them also of the acolyte we found?"
"He's not my god," she replied, taken aback. "I mean, I have no particular quarrel with Erastil, but I don't.... Yes, all right," she gave in. "I'll take it to the Banker."
Turn 030 is up.
This next turn could take longer than normal but that's OK. I'm in no hurry to recap as long you guys post.
Read the OOC and have fun with it.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Are we leveling up "now," GM (i.e., without resting first)?
Are we leveling up "now," GM (i.e., without resting first)?
Yes. By the power invested in me, you are second level as of this instant. :)
Game on!
Go ahead and take the CLW potion since it appears that you have nothing else of 'value' other than the two acid flasks.
You'll need to acquire some stuff to bring your wealth up to par (1,000 gp).
Once I get everyone's items and totals, I'll see how to make up any gaps.
Questions?
Game on!
As the sheriff listed off the tasks for them to do, Zeljka volunteered for helping to board up the buildings. She knew she was good at climbing and had the strength to work quickly. What she knew she wouldn't be good at would be to keep everyone calm. Somehow a glowering half-orc didn't put people's minds at ease.
At least she was feeling more like herself. Whatever those centipedes had done to her had worn off and the half-orc couldn't be more relieved.
Zelka joined a team of carpenters who cut sheets of wood into the correct sizes. It was then her job to secure the boards on to the buildings. She easily lifted the provided wood into position and made the necessary climbs, even with the wind. The wind was beginning to become an issue and speaking was becoming difficult as words were lost on the wind.
As she had shown on the farm, she worked tirelessly until the work was done. In those moments when she didn't need to concentrate on what she was doing, she thought about the Witterwils and hoped that they were weathering the storm with little difficulty.
As the sheriff listed off the tasks for them to do, Zeljka volunteered for helping to board up the buildings.
Excellent post, just the sort of thing I was looking for. :)
Game on!
"We can't afford to have the people sulking. We need all able hands to ready the colony for the storm. Once this blows over, we will let everyone know."
Min's nod was stiff with disapproval. "Does this extend to the Banker, sheriff? We found a corpse wearing the regalia of an acolyte. Am I to tell Baldra Siferth her associate is alive and well?"
"We can't afford to have the people sulking. We need all able hands to ready the colony for the storm. Once this blows over, we will let everyone know."Min's nod was stiff with disapproval. "Does this extend to the Banker, sheriff? We found a corpse wearing the regalia of an acolyte. Am I to tell Baldra Siferth her associate is alive and well?"
For this turn, you select one task and only need to make one of the checks listed.
After Zelijka headed off to help with the building, Nsizi wondered what he could do to help. He certainly wasn't feeling up to any hard labour with his leg as sore as it was.
Shouts broke through his thoughts, and he turned to see two men fighting over a pain of nails. Both were shouting over the wind that they needed it more, and Nsizi could see that the pail would soon end up in the mud at their feet.
Limping over to them, he held a slender hand out over the pail and said, "Peace, my friends. We need to work together to fight the storm, not each other. The storm spirits will laugh in victory if we allow them to defeat us before the storm arrives in force."
There was a moment's pause, then the shorter man let the handle go. "He's right, you had it first. I'm just worried about Ana, is all."
The other man said, "Ah, right, she must be ready to pop any day now. Here, I'll help you board up your windows, then we'll do mine after." Thus agreed, the two men moved off together.
Surprised at his success, Nsizi moved over to a knot of people who were milling nervously around, fretting about the rising ocean. Keeping in mind what the sheriff had said needed doing, he started assessing people's needs and skills and sending them where help was needed. It wasn't long before he had people coming to him for direction. Surprised that a stranger was being so deferred to, Nsizi realized how much these people were strangers to each other, even though they lived in the same town. It seemed a lonely life, after the tribal closeness of the Bas'o.
"We can't afford to have the people sulking. We need all able hands to ready the colony for the storm. Once this blows over, we will let everyone know."Min's nod was stiff with disapproval. "Does this extend to the Banker, sheriff? We found a corpse wearing the regalia of an acolyte. Am I to tell Baldra Siferth her associate is alive and well?"
Adaela conceded to Min's unspoken request, "You may tell him what happened. She knows that it makes sense for us to keep this thing under wraps until the storm is over. Please tell her that I asked you to not tell about the deaths at the fort just yet."
AT THE COUNTING HOUSE
The Bank of Abadar was already closing early in advance of the store's arrival when Min arrived. "I'm sorry; I'm not doing business. I need a personal word with the banker."
"Ma'am," she began, when she managed to get a private interview, "I've some bad news and a question. We've just returned from the fort and found the detachment there slaughtered. Not only that, but among the dead was an acolyte of Abadar, I presume someone of your acquaintance. The sheriff has requested that word not spread during the preparations for the storm, but she did agree that you ought to be informed."
"Among the supplies at the fort, we found this," Min went on, displaying the silver holy symbol of Erastil they'd found in the lockbox. "Do you know whose it might be? Does Erastil have an official congregation in the area?"
After leaving the Bank, Min returned to the sheriff's office as requested and was both excited and nervous at the idea of being deputized: the position may have been a bit more hands-on than the consultancy she'd been hoping for, but at least it was a foot in the door to a government position! Heading back out into the worsening weather, armed with her umbrella and her deputization, she began by checking the streets and public places for colonists shirking their duty.
Unfortunately, the rough townsfolk pay no heed to the hectoring wizardess, with her Chelish nose and aristocratic accent; those that deign to react to her at all do so with scoffing, mockery, and clear disdain. Rejoinders ranged from "Go back to Eleder, sweetheart!" all the way to "Mind your own f%##ing business, b%@!$!" Despite her best efforts, she has little but humiliation to show for them.
I always take into account the description of the scene by the player. Now, you described your apparent low roll, which is OK. I'm also OK with you describing your efforts towards a positive outcome, roll whatever is appropriate, and let me describe the outcome.
In any case, I always give hefty bonuses for good roleplaying.
I intend to recap later today.
FYI, last Friday Akosua responded to a PM and said she would be joining us so we'll see.
Questions?
Game on!
Turn 031 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Somewhat demoralized by her first foray into government work, Min decided to make herself less of a target for the rougher colonists by retreating to where Heri and some of the town merchants were stockpiling supplies for the aftermath. She found their company much more congenial as she helped sort and store medical supplies, pantry staples, and clean water where they would be most likely to weather the storm.
Action 1:
As Zeljka continued boarding up buildings, she noticed more and more colonists taking risky chances to try and move some of their belongings away from the rising water. Seeing that most of the buildings had already been dealt with and that the remaining workers could handle what was left, Zeljka lent herself to helping colonists move their things further away from the water. At first, the family she went to help thought she was going to steal their wagon with all their stuff. Zeljka was about to give up and walk away when the wife stared down her husband who then allowed Zeljka to help him get their wagon wheel unstuck. Once she helped one family, she was quickly approached by many others seeing her strength and endurance as helpful.
Action 2:
The half-orc was drenched and muddy when she finally returned to the sheriff's building.
Ordinarily, one may be dismayed by the news that the jungle ogre had killed a soldier but Zeljka viewed it as a challenge and another way to prove herself to the colonists. "I will go. Where was it last seen? And are you sure you just want to chase him out?"
tag Sheriff
Action 2:
The half-orc was drenched and muddy when she finally returned to the sheriff's building.
Ordinarily, one may be dismayed by the news that the jungle ogre had killed a soldier but Zeljka viewed it as a challenge and another way to prove herself to the colonists. "I will go. Where was it last seen? And are you sure you just want to chase him out?"
One of the injured soldiers piped in, "It's on the east part of the city, inside the walls. We had spotted him before and he has been troublesome, even attacked people outside the walls."
Adaela, "Yes, our governor was almost killed by it and now dreads going outside the walls. Deal with it as you see fit. If it doesn't want to chased out, no one will mourn his passing. But he was here before the colony was built."
OOC:
MW weapons need to be constructed.
A jungle ogre is just an ogre that lives in the jungle. Nothing special. :)
Adaela, "Yes, our governor was almost killed by it and now dreads going outside the walls. Deal with it as you see fit. If it doesn't want to chased out, no one will mourn his passing. But he was here before the colony was built."
"A displaced local," Min remarked dryly to no one in particular. "Perhaps the ogre employed the lizardfolk to try to reclaim his home."
A jungle ogre is just an ogre that lives in the jungle. Nothing special. :)
Large (giant subtype), dumb, and lumbering humanoids. Territorial. Usually loners. They hit pretty hard.
The storm was increasing in ferocity, and the people were becoming more desperate to save their belongings from the rising waves. Seeing Zeljka head off to help, Nsizi rallied the townspeople nearest him to go down and help. "My friends, come, we must work together. Pick up whatever you are able, and load the animal, or carry it. Only by working as a community can we save this one."
Over a dozen men and women followed him down, and soon were loading goods on a reluctant horse and a few donkeys. Mudhzuzi helped by speaking in a low voice to the animals, and sheltering their eyes from the wind. The beasts of burden responded well to the halfling.
Nsizi battled the ache in his leg, which was rapidly approaching unbearable. He helped load the animals, and calmed them when they seemed close to spooking. A sort of train was made - people passing goods up towards the more secure buildings, and others helping with the animals. An hour passed quickly, and soon the lower part of the town was emptied of most valuables.
Action 2.
Nsizi went to check on the dead man, but there was nothing he could do. Instead he stood and laid his hands on the two injured soldiers. "Spirits, heal their wounds." The worst cuts and bruises knitted together, and the soldiers looked surprised.
"We'll show you where," they said, as Zeljka offered to help. Their weapons ready, they moved east through the city.
"Mudhzuzi, can you stay and help with the last few animals?" Nsizi asked the halfling. He nodded, relieved and not having to face the ogre. Nsizi limped after the others, not sure what he'd be able to do to help, but feeling that he had to try.
Turn 032 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Zeljka studied the ogre with a critical eye looking for weaknesses or anything else that would prove useful. Drawing her falchion it gleams in the light generated from another flash of lightning. Yelling above the noise of the storm she says, "You need to leave this place!"
"My, isn't he the charmer?" Min remarked with a grimace. "Makes the Papaya King look like a prize. They say they pack quite a wallop; I'd be wary of getting too close."
She cast a spell of protection, creating a thin but powerful layer of force between herself and the outside world.