Motteditor's Strange Aeons PBP

Game Master motteditor

"They can't be worse than a soul trading night hag." Albert says with confidence. "Let's see what they're squawking about."

Tenebrynn looks wide-eyed at Tristain, ”Me? I’m fine. You’re the one constantly trying to make a scene.”
Nestor shakes his head and tuts, ”I told you you were mad, little one.”
The little gnome barks in reply, ”Not helping, Nestor!” She then squares her shoulders and turns back to Tristain with a stiff huff, ”Look, I’m flattered, but it’d be bad for so many reasons. You can’t stop bonking your head, I have an orange man who hates slavers living in mine.” She shudders, shoots a frown at Nestor, then turns back to Tristain, ”Just- no. Ok? Flattered, but ‘No’.”

"Aye, they look like shipwrecked folk to me."

"Yes captain, let's see if we can help them. But keep a wary eye open for trouble."

He checks that his scimitar is loose and ready to be drawn as he moves to that side to see what's going on.

As usual that morning, he'd have cast Magic Vestment, but he does no further prep.

”Not helping, Nestor!”

"What? Who is Nestor?" Tristain asks, then immediately regrets asking the question. "Oh nevermind. I'm sure...I'm sure Nestor exists. Now I need...to uh...think."

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

"Wait! What? Orange man? No...the King is in Yellow," Tristain just can't not ask the question. "Are you seeing a Yellow/Orange King still?"

Tenebrynn shakes her head and points at Nestor. "No, Nestor. The hunter who died when we needed the pard tail? If you're trying to be funny, it's not working, Tristain. He's right there."

You all are plainly able to see, hear, and interact with Nestor.

Jasno turns to Nestor, "In all that has been happening I haven't really had a chance to learn how you've joined us. Do you know what happened that you could accompany us? He turns do Tenebrynn. I for one can't sort out at what point he joined us. Do you remember?

Tenebrynn nods, ”He died in front of us when we tried helping the zoogs by fighting off those green tigers. When I woke up back on the Starling, he was here too.” Nestor nods with fervor. ”The little one speaks true. I remember sudden flashes of pain, then a lightness. But as peace started to settle on me, I thought of her, the one I’d chased and pursued across the very planes! She was still out there, doing evil and dishonor. In my anger, I saw several flashes of light in the distance, and made haste. When I arrived, you all were gone but this little one yet remained. She began to glow, and I grabbed hold in desperation.”

Tenebrynn sighs. ”I don’t know how it works, I just know this is how he is and how I am now. Kinda stuck, I guess.” Her tone shifting from helplessness to exasperation, she turns back to Tristain, ”And that’s just one reason you should find someone else to be outrageously in love with. Like Skywin! Or... Winter! Not me though!”

Jasno turns to Tristain, doing his best to whisper, but likely failing. "Don't listen to that last part. I'd love her too if I were you."

Kyffin is focused on the shore, until that blur in the corner of his eye is nudged to the front and he finally sees Nestor.

He shakes his head as he describes his past, "No, no, no. Things don't come here from the Dreamland. Not really. I mean that ship did, sort of, but we were dreaming then too, weren't we? Are we dreaming now?"

He struggles to make sense of it all, and he feels a soft, ever so quite, 'snap', as something in his head breaks. He scarcely notices it as he's trying to come to grips with what's before him...

"So, Nestor, what is your purpose here? Why are you here with Tenebrynn?" He asks, half afraid of the answer.

”To look for her, the honorless woman I’d tracked to that distant place! She and all her kind must be stopped! Like you did with that soul slaver! Work like that should continue. Otherwise, I suppose I am here to help, where I may.” Nestor’s insubstantial form wavers in a gesture not unlike a shrug.

Tenebrynn clarifies, ”He means Kelvetta Brix, I think. Since whatever happened left us this way, he can’t recall any names. Kelvetta was the big game hunter he was chasing anyway. I think he sees hunting for sport and slavery as much the same thing.”

”And anyway, Kyffin, Nestor’s from here, not the Dreamlands. When we go through Tristain’s ritual, our bodies stay here but some other part of us goes there. Maybe our souls? I don’t know how it works. Nestor got there through a portal. When he died there, he died there. My best guess is whatever part of us goes there in the ritual is the same part of Nestor that returned back with me when I was trying to wake up.”

"Are you sure?" Kyffin eyes the creature, "It, er, he? doesn't look like he's from around here."

He accepts Tenebrynn's explanation and shrugs still muddled. He tries to shake it off saying, "What's one more? You are welcome I suppose. And when I can, I guess I'll help you too, so long as you're with Tenebrynn anyway."

He looks to the shore again, just to make sure it's not a trap as they get closer.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

”I don’t mean here here, I mean here as in this same plane but maybe the other side of the Inner Sea.” Exasperated, she sighs and suggests helplessly, ”He’s a disembodied soul or mind or spirit or some combination thereof tangled up and tethered to mine. I’m surprised he doesn’t look worse.”
Nestor nods, ”Thank you, small one. That is kind of you to say.” He then nods in turn to Kyffin, ”And thank you as well.”

"Oh, thank the gods!" one of the men yells as the ship slows and moves to the bank. "Please, we seek passage, for ourselves and another man, to Taldor."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Greetings! I can't speak for the captain, who must decide whether to take you on to Taldor, but how did you come to be stuck here?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Albert squints at the men, they seem legit, perhaps even in trouble. "They seem like honest folk to me, captain. I'll go down and talk to them if that makes you feel better"

if he approaches, Al will start with smelling for evil, then proceed with diplomacy

Al and Kyffin don't detect any deception -- or evil -- as the men reply: "We had to flee with our employer, Emilio. He's hiding in a nearby barn. I'm sure he can tell you more. Please, will you come with us to get him?"

Kyffin looks to the Captain for his input, and permission to go ashore. Perhaps a little time away from the boat will help him to clear his head. He feels... thick.

"What do you say Captain? Do you want them aboard? If so, I reckon we can go check out this employer for you. Or at least go get him anyway."

He looks to the group for their ideas on he matter as well. He doesn't want to be the only one going to shore.

Skywin nods. "If we can help people, I don't see any reason why not to."

Tenebrynn shakes her head and points at Nestor. "No, Nestor. The hunter who died when we needed the pard tail? If you're trying to be funny, it's not working, Tristain. He's right there."

"OH THANK GODS! YOU GUYS CAN SEE HIM TOO?!" Tristain stops bonking for a bit, realizing he's not crazy after all. "Oh man! I was worried that I was the only seeing him!"

Tristain begins to bonk out of relief rather than worry as Kyffin questions and Tenebrynn answers.

If this made any sense at all, this would be comforting. But it's all freakin' crazy.

* * *

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Sense Motive

"Oh yeah, I don't think they are lying. We should try to help them, right? Right," Tristain agrees with himself.

He'll follow them to find Emilio.

”I wonder if this the guy that pushy lady with the mask was looking for.”

Albert stops to consider Tenny's words. "You could be right about that. Doesn't make any sense for us to take on fugitives, if their employer broke the law that ain't any of our business. We need to know why he's hiding in a barn before we go off saving him."

"Best to get the whole story. Should we find someplace for them to wait well we check things out?"

”I don’t know. That raspy lady was awfully rude. There’s a big part of me that wants to help this guy just to spite her.”

”Yeah, we should ask questions, but we don’t need to save anyone unless they need saving,” Tristain says, glancing at Nestor.

”We have enough problems as it is.”

Deciding to make your way to the barn -- if only to ask questions -- you find a handsome man, though clearly one who's not rested in some time if the bags under his eyes are any indication.

"Ah, thank goodness," he says as you return, adding compliments to his retainers: "Well done, my friends, well done!"

In response to your questions, he explains his situation: He is in fact a Galtan senator, who learned 2 weeks ago that the Revolutionary Council suddenly wanted him dead, although he’s not certain why. To his knowledge, he has served as a diligent voice for the Galtan people for his entire career. Shortly thereafter, he received a strange missive from a group calling themselves the “Stardust Augurs.” These Stardust Augurs expressed sympathy for his unexpected reversal of fortune and offered to shelter him within the northern Verduran Forest, in Taldor, if he could reach them. Lacking any other options, the senator fled Isarn with a few trusted courtiers. He feels that reaching the Stardust Augurs is his best option.

"We were robbed -- damned bandits, though at least they left us unharmed other than some bruises! -- three days ago, but I promise I can repay you once I contact my associates in Taldor."

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 Sense Motive
1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 Know (Local)

Tristain bonks his head against the barn wall as the Senator speaks. He isn't sure whether to believe the man's tale or not.

He tries to piece together the Senator's story with other information that he might know.

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

Tristain thinks the man is being honest, and it certainly makes sense with what he knows of Galt. The name certainly matches the one the Gray Gardener was asking about, as Tenebrynn remembered.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Payment will be up to the captain, but you seem honest enough. Understand though that we're a simple barge, nothing fancy. You may have to sleep on deck, I dunno what cabins may be available.“

”I’ve never heard of the Stardust Augurs though. Who are they? What can you tell us about them?”

Jasno listens intently for the man's reply.

The senator shrugs helplessly.

"I don't honestly know much. They reached out to me, and I'd never heard of them before. But their message was accurate about the danger I was in, so ..."

He shrugs again.

"Any port in a storm, I guess. If they mean ill, well, it can hardly be worse than what the Grey Gardeners want to do to me."

Tristain is torn. He really doesn’t want to get caught up in Galtian politics, much less with anything new problems. They have enough problems as it is, especially with talkative orange ghosts following the party.

”Not sure what we should do. Is there no where else for you to go? What is around here?”

"Nothing," he says. "Finding a ride on the river is the safest way to the augurs, I think -- they said they would put globes of lights in the treetops near the river as the sign to meet -- and you're the first boat that's come by. Please, I promise I can reward you!"

”I have heard of these people this man speaks of. They study dreams and their meanings and worship- ah, a song, I believe. A song that is a butterfly.” Tenebrynn frowns and shushes Nestor, drawing him back in so he doesn’t startle the nobleman any further. ”I think he means Desna. I’d trust Desnans much sooner than the Gardeners. Especially that rude one we saw. Again, I’m all for helping get him down river, if for no other reason than to spite that crooked lady’s backside.”

Kyffin nods along with Tenebrynn, "Sure, I'm fine providing assistance, but it's up to the Captain of course for the details. After all the Captain is helping us... no reason we can't help others headed the same way."

He doesn't see it as accepting their problems the way Tristain does, but it's hard to see the future. Would they fight for their freedom if a Galt ship tried to board 'em? Probably...

Still, he feels it's the right thing to do, and quite the opposite of what they would have done in their past lives. Which were they? The good or the evil? Tristain seemed to be sliding perhaps - or just paranoid. Would they all slide? Would they all go insane?

He shakes his head to clear it and waits to hear from the others as he tries to ignore the voices in his own head.

"As one who has benefited from the hospitality of the party I can't say I'd look forward to turning anyone away."

"Seems clear enough, this man needs protecting from assassins, and we might get some information from those dream augurs. Come on then, let's get back to the boat, but first let's disguise the senator." Without confirmation, Al starts rubbing dirt on the senator to fool any gardeners.

Disguise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Tristain, knowing a good idea from a great one, begins to stuff hay from the barn in the Senator's clothes.

That's a great idea!

"This will make it look like you weigh more than you actually do!"

"Guys I don't think that looks as good as you think it does."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Tristain slowly stops from his stuffing work to look at Jasno.

”I suppose you can do better?”

Jasno looks at both Al and Tristain before shaking his head at Tristain, feeling a mix of regret from distracting him from his task and concern for the senator.

"Of course not. There are only so many ways to put hay in your britches. I mean, I think those looking for him may still recognize him."

You manage to try to disguise the senator a bit, but -- as Jasno says -- it doesn't look that good. He seems to think it's likely not necessary: The ship is not that far away, after all. After a few minutes, you begin to head back, only to realize that you perhaps should have make more preparations, but even then it might not be enough.

The familiar figure of the Gray Gardener -- along with three others, all mounted on horses -- you kept off the Starling waits.

"Ah, 'ere iz ze senator," she says. "I knew zat you were up to no good, and eet ees no surprise to see zat you are 'arboring enemies of ze people. I 'ope you know ze punishment for zat in Galt!"

She gestures with her drawn short sword for the three other riders to attack.

Jasno is up for Round 1/2. Combat map is updated; the figures with you are the senator and his men.

Round action

Jasno wastes no time, casting a bolt of twine (reskinned web bolt) at the closest rider's mount.

The horse barely sidesteps the bolt from Jasno and the three men with the Gray Gardener let loose arrows as they spread out on their mounts. An arrow flies past Kyffin, but Jasno and Tristain aren't as lucky, both getting hit 4 and 9 hp, respectively.

The leader of the group focuses on Tenebrynn.

"I 'ave not forgotten you, little traitor. Ze people -- and ze Reaper! -- judge you as guilty!" With those words, she casts a spell before hefting her blade, and Tenebrynn feels her limbs start to stiffen. DC 15 Will save, or be held, by Hold Person.

Jasno, can you please include your spell DCs when you target my guys? Thanks. Everyone's up.

Tenebrynn grumbles back darkly, ”And I remember you, you crooked shrew.”
Will Save (DC 15): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
”You and your reaper can shove it right up your horses backsides!” The wind begins to whip and howl around the little gnome as she bobs in the air. A thin trickle of blood begins to dribble from her nose as she throws her hands forward toward the masked woman. Then, suddenly, the whole weight of a thunderstorm bears down on the lead gardener.

CL Check vs SR: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Thunderstorm Blast: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25for: 8d6 + 20 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5) + 20 = 49

move action: gather power, standard: big ol’ blast

Round 1

”You’ll not have him!” Kyffin hears himself say, much as he predicted in his head not long ago. He mentally sighs, and puts his effort into winning. Some folks you just can’t talk to anyway.

He’ll grant himself Divine Favor (+3 attacks/damage (luck)) (swift) by the grace of Sarenrae before clicking his heels together to activate haste (free). That’ll give him enough movement to close with the Gray Gardener as he draws his scimitar (move), whereupon he’ll strike (standard)!

Scimitar (magic): 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 3 = 27 (favor) damage: 1d8 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 3 = 20 (favor)

"Your accusations have no bearing on this man's fate, he'll not get justice from you!" Al strides directly to the grey gardener and slashes at her.

curve blade, power attack: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 2 = 17
damage: 1d10 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 6 = 12

Round 1

Tristain takes an arrow to the gut and thinks it just might be better to hide behind the Senator because at least the Senator has stuffed straw for protection. It's more than what Tristain has.

He turns to the red brigand and offers a suggestion. "You there. You don't look clean and you have to be clean when you're escorting people to die! Go take a good long soak in the river!"

I'm sure this is a very reasonable suggestion. (DC 19 will)

The senator's jaw drops as the battle ends almost as quickly as it began. Tenebrynn's blast rocks the gray gardener, and Kyffin closes and catches her before she can recover. The other three -- seeing their leader defeated -- turn tail and run. You suspect based on her and their garb, that they were likely mere minions who were simply following orders.

Don't think it's worth continuing combat once she went down.

A quick search of the body reveals a potion of fly, wand of cure light wounds (14 charges), tanglefoot bags (2), +1 mithral breastplate, +1 light steel shield, +1 jurist short sword, composite longbow (+3 Str) with 20 arrows, silver unholy symbol of Norgorber, spell component pouch, thieves’ tools, 20 gp.

The senator looks nervous. He seems pleased that this immediate threat is over, but clearly worried that killing a gray gardener isn't going to end well.

"We should get to your ship," he says.