North of the Wind (Inactive)

Game Master dien

Ulfens and tigers and bears, oh my. Except no tigers.

Combat map
Mount statistics
Mini-region map for PCs

Loot tracker


51 to 100 of 2,266 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>

Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Knute

"Gods, I must be getting old!" Alf says as he sees Knute's shots. Alf's wife, watching the competition, elbows him in the ribs. "You'll need to pass your hunting horn to one of these young ones soon!" she says, to general laughter.

The elf Lydd had called her brother is watching, and moping. Lydd herself offers Knute a wink after seeing his shots, and unshoulders her own magnificent bow and draws from a quiver of red-fletched arrows.

Lydd Arrow 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Lydd Arrow 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Lydd Arrow 3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

It seems the elves have a problem with their first shots all around. Like her brother, Lydd's first arrow is nothing to write home about, only hitting the target block itself and not the rings marked. She arches a brow, and takes a bit more time with her second and third arrows, both of which neatly pierce the target.

"Hieman meri tuuli, ei ole olemassa?" she says to her brother, who nods morosely.

Elven:
"A bit of a sea-wind, isn't there?"

As the points are tallied, Knute realizes to his surprise that he technically is ahead of the elf-woman. Another elf steps to the line as well, this one dark of hair unlike the siblings. He makes a great show of testing the breeze first with a handful of sawdust before he fires his arrow.

Elf 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Elf 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Elf 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Three clean shots: the dark-haired elf takes the prize, a handsome quiver of elven make, with arrows inside that the judge explains fly much further than the regular sort. Lir walks off in irritation to get himself a glass of wine; Lydd pauses to give Knute a commiserating smile.

"You shot well," she says. "Better than I, at any rate. Will you try your luck again, or do other games call to you?"


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Eysteinn

'Master Rys', as the gray-elf was addressed, turns his dispassionate gaze on Eysteinn. He is silent for several heartbeats, then says quietly:

"A creature died that I might live
"And pain in turn I freely give.
"I stretch to kiss my master's foes,
"I rise and fall, to spread my woes.
"I curl up quiet, seeming small
"But my bite is heard by all.
"What am I?"

(If you get stumped on riddles, Int checks may provide you with hints.)


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Kjell looks around as multiple men vie to square against him, and shrugs helplessly when Torgi shoots him a look for disrupting the order of things. Like everyone else, though, Kjell directs his attention to Leif Hrolffson when that young man presents himself. Looking at his form, Kjell grins. "I've no doubt you'll be a great oak in a few years, lad, but you're a sapling yet." He turns to the dwarf and grins. "Now a Steel-arm would make a fine opponent!"

However, he is soon squared up against Birgir the fisherman, and Kjell sets himself. Confident--and still getting warmed up--Kjell allows Birgir to move first, and the man makes to wrap his arms around his waist. Spotting an opening, Kjell brings a meaty palm down to push against his face...
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
...but the strike misses. Fortunately, Kjell readjusts his position as Birgir comes forward, knowing from previous brawls that if he sets his foot here... the fisherman fails to hold on.
This thanks to Kjell's Improved Grapple feat, which raises his CMD to 19 against grapple attempts.
Kjell then lowers his weight and wraps his arms around Birgir's midsection, attempting to take control.
Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23
The move works, and Kjell quickly adjusts his footing to begin pressing his opponent toward the ground.


Human (Ulfen) Alchemist 2 | HP 7/17 | AC 15 - TAC 12 - FFAC 13 | F+6 R+6 W+4 | Per +2 Init +2

Eysteinn tries to keep a collected demeanor during the contest, hiding the best he can his total mind blank when the skillfully rhymed riddle of the elf is spoken.
Then a smile cracks through his façade, yet he still does not answer. This is his scene: no father to impress, no manly bravado, no one to convince. He can show off a bit.

Deliberately slowly, he grabs two small wooden cups in his backpack, pours in half an inch of fine mead in each, and with an amicable nod offers one of the two to Master Rys.

Your tongue is silvery as the moon,
I bow and offer you a sip.
Yet don’t think I’ll yield so soon:
You can be nothing but a WHIP!


Human Sorc 2 | HP 9/12 | 12/12/10 | F+0 R+2 W+4 | Per +7 Init +2 | Spells: 1st 5/5
Tattoo Victims wrote:

The fair-blonde girl snickers, then hops over the fence wall. She tosses her apple core to the boar. "I'm next, for your marking!"

"Hrmf!" Hilde snorts. "And what do you think your parents will say, Signy?"

"Nothing, when I say you did it first!"

Lazy Sausage comes awake in a hurry and wolfs down the apple core as Rikka smiles at the women's exchange. "I see blue eyes aren't the only shared trait in your family. You are both women of will."

Tattoo Victims wrote:
"Can you do the rune Raido on my shoulder?"

Rikka raises an amused eyebrow at the question, "Oh, yes. I can put that rune anywhere you like. I could also draw your totem... or even put the "Serenity" character in the language of the dragons on your lower back - not that I can imagine anyone wanting that..." And, lo, the 'tramp stamp' is born!

Rikka whistles appreciatively at the remarkable hourglass, upends it then puts it down to time her progress, and gets to work. "Raido - sometimes called Rad - is a powerful rune as a symbol of change, movement, and progress. It says much about who you are that you choose to bear it. For that trinket there, you can bear Rad in whatever colors you wish. Maybe a subtle rainbow hue or shading between your two favorite colors?"

No need to RP her response, I just figure Rikka would offer.


Male Human (Ulfen) Ranger 3 [HP 23/27 | AC: 17 (Tch:14 FF:13) | Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +3 | Init +4 | Perc +8]

Knute grins at the offhanded praise by Alf's wife, thinking he might enjoy being the town's next master-of-the-hunt. Though that would mean not hunting as long or far away as I want... His smiling face turns pondering.

Lydd's movement shakes Knute out of his reverie as she steps up to take her shots. He raises his eyebrows as her first arrow misses the rings, but says nothing. After her second and third shots slam home comfortably in the inner rings, he nods. Then he blinks. I'm in the lead?
Knute offers Lydd a friendly smile. "Perhaps the luck is with the Ulfen today, eh?"
As the dark-haired elf carefully prepares his shots Knute stands impatiently, rocking back and forth. When his three shots all punch through the inner rings, the Ulfen sighs, then laughs. "Or perhaps not." He claps as the elf accepts his prize, though he is disappointed that he just missed first place.

Lydd wrote:

Lydd pauses to give Knute a commiserating smile.

"You shot well," she says. "Better than I, at any rate. Will you try your luck again, or do other games call to you?"

Knute returns her smile. "Thank you, you shot well also." He laughs. "And took it better than your brother, at that. I'll go for another round; maybe, if I'm the only one still shooting, I'll place first." Knute winks.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

Kjell manages to avoid Birgir's lunge, and in turn wraps his arms-- strong from working with stone and wood day after day-- around the fisherman's paunchy belly. He locks his fingers together in a grip and begins the inexorable push towards dragging Birgir to the ground.

Birgir wheezes and tries to take control of the grapple, his feet sliding in the mud against Kjell's better-braced position.

Birgir vs Kjell's grapple CMD: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Though it's a good attempt, Kjell's experience serves him well. All that remains is for him to bring the other man down.

Birgir has failed to break/control the grapple, so you get your 'sustain' check at the usual +5, and may pin him if successful. CMD is 15.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Eysteinn

Yngvi cracks a smile at Eysteinn's witty response. The elf does not appreciably react other than a slow blink and a nod.

One pale hand reaches into a pouch at the elf's belt, and draws forth a small, black-and-red feather, which he slides towards Eysteinn. Then he lifts the mead cup Eysteinn has offered, and sips from it.

Yngvi drinks deep of his own flagon. "My turn, then:

"When you wish to use me, you throw me away;
"But you pull me close when I am no good to you. What am I?"


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Rikka

Lol re: tramp stamp

Hilde shows no signs of moving away, but sits to watch her grand-daughter (great-grand-daughter? something) receive a mark as well.

Signy grins as she takes off a light cloak and bares a lean shoulder to the sun. "Someday I shall travel far beyond Hofn. You say you have been all over the lands of our people. What wonders have you seen? And I will take it in red! For that is a strong color."


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Knute

"It would be a prize with no glory, if you defeated nobody else for it," Lydd retorts. "I will try my hand again also, I think. But I will drink to your luck in the next round, if you will mine as well."


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 + 5 = 31
Waste of a high roll, all I needed was a 3... hehe.

Kjell grunts as Birgir struggles against him, but maintains his grip on the man. Straining his weight, he shifts his foot behind one of Birgir's, pushes forward, and brings the fisherman to the ground, where he leans heavily on him and forces him to the cold earth. After the call comes that the pin is successful, Kjell stands and helps the other man to his feet. "Good try, Birgir, but not good enough," he grins, clasping the other man's wrist.
And that's about as nice as Kjell gets on your average day.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
GM Dien wrote:

The man scratches at his pathetic beard in thought, still looking somewhat sheepish as he answers her.

".... nach bhfuil sé an oiread sin nach féidir le fear a bheith ar an dá ... skald ... agus laochra, ach ní raibh sé ar mo cosán. Léigh mé leabhar. Staidéar a dhéanamh liom teangacha. Fágann sé am beag do an claíomh. Ach tá, ba chóir dom grá a freastal ar do skald! Tá tú a bheith an chuid is mó de chineál, bhean Halla. Beidh mé ag labhairt ar do áilleacht i mo scéalta...."

The last, he says with a wink and a broad grin, as he follows along in Halla's footsteps towards where Ynvgi is trading riddles.

It's Halla's turn to blush as she approaches the riddlestead. Waiting until she will not distract the skald from the competition, she sees her master's disgraced son waiting to trade riddles as well. Her eyes narrow as she gives Eysteinn a cold glance, and she keeps her distance until the riddlers take a break.

"Lord," she says quietly, ducking her head respectfully as she steps forward to claim Yngvi's attention, "this is a guest who has traveled far for the solstice, a skald from the center of the world. He has come to learn our Jólday and carry tales of Hofn back to the southern lands. He seeks your acquaintance."


M Human HP 11/11 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | F +3 R +3 W +3 | CMD 15 (+1 vs. Trip, Disarm) | Init +3 | Perception +2

Realizing that it was luck as much as skill that carried him to a win in the archery contest, Dagrun examines the new bow appreciatively, marvelling at the craftsmanship.

"I can't wait to show this to my father and brothers. Where are they?"

With a wave at Red Alf, and a respectful nod to the other competitors, Dagrun heads towards the wrestling, eyes peeled for his family.


Human Sorc 2 | HP 9/12 | 12/12/10 | F+0 R+2 W+4 | Per +7 Init +2 | Spells: 1st 5/5
Signy wrote:
Signy grins as she takes off a light cloak and bares a lean shoulder to the sun. "Someday I shall travel far beyond Hofn. You say you have been all over the lands of our people. What wonders have you seen? And I will take it in red! For that is a strong color."

Rikka mixes a bold red ink. "Wonders, eh? Some years ago, we were between villages, kissing the foothills of the Stormspear Mountains. A towering blizzard rose to the sky - miles high in an instant - and raged down the mountainside. I swear, we thought we saw Frost Giants whipping the storm to a frenzy.... Then there were all the weird creatures we saw roaming near the dark heart of the Grungir forest..."


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

But it was a resounding victory!

To those who are aficionados of such things, the outcome of the match between Birgir and Kjell was foregone as soon as the crafter had his arms around the fisherman's body. There's a round of rough cheering, and Birgir grasps Kjell's forearm in good humor, and wipes mud from himself as he wanders out of what passes for the ring.

Leif, Shale, and Njall have all similarly beaten their challenges. Torgi gives the contestants a moment to brush off before declaring the next matches.

1=Leif, 2=Shale, 3=Njall: 1d3 ⇒ 2

"Kjell Strongarm and Shale Steel-arm!" Torgi calls, and the other would-be contestants watch, as this promises to be a good one.

The dwarf offers Kjell a bow. He seems at his ease, bouncing slightly on his toes and flexing his muscular arms.

Initiative Shale: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Initiative Kjell: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

It is the dwarf who strides forward first, as well. Perhaps he will prove a worthier opponent.

Shale, Grapple check: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

Shale seems to know more of wrestling than poor Birgir had... not that it helps him any in his first attempt. Perhaps it was merely a foray to test Kjell's footing? Either way, Kjell easily wrenches free of the dwarf's first, testing grasp.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Halla

When Yngvi is busy with nothing more than gesturing for another drink, Halla takes her moment.

The lean blond Ulfen arches a brow at Halla, then turns to take in Faisal's appearance with a little smile for the man's heavy furs despite the beauty of the day.

"Well met! You are a skald too? Come, join us at our riddling!"

'Five Solomon' listens with intense concentration to follow Wyrmtongue's Skald words. He nods and bows.

"Thank you. It is kind. Please, let us share the drink and the stories, friends of north!"

He is quickly ushered into the riddling-game, and Yngvi gives Halla a small nod of dismissal: not unkind, but indicating she had best be about her business. Even today, a thrall such as Halla has work to do...

Before she takes her leave, Halla notices the gray-eyed, gray-faced elf is staring intently at her.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Dagrun

His father's voice can be heard rising above the hubbub of the wrestlers, and Dagrun makes a quick way through the crowd to the scene. Birgir, one of the village fishermen, is walking off the field rubbing at his wrist with a rueful smile.

Finnviðr spots his brother and grabs him by the arm, hauling him closer (and paying no immediate attention to Dagrun's fine new bow). "There you are! Look, this'll be a good match--" he says, gesturing to the craftsman Kjell Strongarm facing off against one of the visiting dwarves. "I'm wagering on Kjell, but Ragni's betting on the dwarf!"

Ah, the bittersweet joys of having succeeded at a competition that none of your family were watching...


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Rikka

For Rikka, the next hour passes quickly, as she tells tales to an appreciative Signy, and as Signy in turn trades stories of linnorms and ice bears. Rikka has a gut feeling that some of the stories might be Signy's own re-telling of Hilde's stories, and that some might be entirely made up-- but they're entertaining, all the same.


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Kjell nods and sets his stance as the dwarf bows, rolling his shoulders and preparing himself. This should be a good deal more interesting...

The dwarf's first attempt must be a test, for he moves with skill, but it fails to connect or hold. Kjell responds with a powerful move of his own, coming in fast and hard, wrapping his arms around the dwarf's chest and shoulders, using his leverage against the smaller foe.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24


Human Sorc 2 | HP 9/12 | 12/12/10 | F+0 R+2 W+4 | Per +7 Init +2 | Spells: 1st 5/5

Whether the tales are true or not, Rikka enjoys a good yarn.

To keep things in sync, I'll wait until everyone is ready for Hour 3 before I post again.


Human (Ulfen) Alchemist 2 | HP 7/17 | AC 15 - TAC 12 - FFAC 13 | F+6 R+6 W+4 | Per +2 Init +2

Eysteinn smirks as the skald delivers his riddle Getting old, Wyrmtongue? I swear you used this no more than three years ago…
With an increasingly cockier smile – perhaps ill-advised from a thrall – Eysteinn winks at Yngvi and replies “Don’t sell yourself short, Wyrmotongue: you might a bit rusty, but you’re still more entertaining than an old anchor…


M Human HP 11/11 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | F +3 R +3 W +3 | CMD 15 (+1 vs. Trip, Disarm) | Init +3 | Perception +2

Dagrun eyes the competitors as he eases free of Finnviðr's grip. "Much as it pains me, brother, I have to say that I'm with Rags on this one... I think Kjell's going to win." He tries to find a good spot to see over the crowd, but it's awkward going now that he is carrying two longbows.


Male Human (Ulfen) Ranger 3 [HP 23/27 | AC: 17 (Tch:14 FF:13) | Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +3 | Init +4 | Perc +8]
Lydd wrote:
"It would be a prize with no glory, if you defeated nobody else for it," Lydd retorts. "I will try my hand again also, I think. But I will drink to your luck in the next round, if you will mine as well."

"Aye, I suppose it would be. In taking first, I would also have taken last," Knute agrees. "A true competition, then! I'll drink to your luck, of course." Knute grabs a drink from a nearby table (assuming there is one)."Luck to Lydd!" He takes a swig, and smiles.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Halla accepts her dismissal with a nod, but before she turns to go, she witnesses Eysteinn's impertinence and gives him an even colder glare. He plays at being a thrall but acts like he is still a jarl's son. Freedom is a toy to him, something so little valued that he easily cast it aside. Let him leave Hofn and live as a thrall among people who don't know the name Thorgal Magnisson and see if he still thinks it all a game.

She catches the elf's stare and looks back at him quizzically. An elf and honored guest he may be, but he has no authority over her; she doesn't dip her gaze to the ground as she would if a jarl were examining her.

Turning, she hurries to the table where Old Palli's wares are set out. She knows he hopes to sell palliatives and remedies to the dwarves who live under the mountain where no herbs grow. She is a little late, an undoubted annoyance to the one waiting on her arrival to be free to enjoy the feast, but to explain about Five Solomon would only sound like she is answering back and making excuses.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

Kjell quickly pushes forward with all of his skill, taking advantage of his longer reach to try and gain the upper hand. He gets his foe in a firm lock, and hears the dwarf grunt in both surprise and approval for his move.

Shale hunkers down, trying to use his lower center of gravity to drag Kjell down and off-balance.

Grappling the grappler?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

His tactic works: he drops down, locks a burly forearm over Kjell's wrist, and now the struggle begins in earnest as two pairs of feet slide in the slushy mud.

It's a grapple party! Shale has currently taken control of the grapple, but it's within Kjell's power to take it back. You're aiming for a CMD of 21...


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Eysteinn

Yngvi snorts-- and it's true, any other day of the year that smile might earn him a cuff to the ear instead of a snort-- but takes the jibe in good humor. The lean warrior-poet makes a flourish with his fingers, and slides another feather over Eysteinn's way, this one looking like it was harvested from a seagull.

The new arrival to the table, brought by Halla, grins around and offers a seated bow, touching his fingers to his forehead in what is probably a greeting among his people. He is over-dressed for the day, wearing thick furs. All that can be seen of him is his face, brown-skinned, with an oddly-trimmed, small little beard and a thin, arched nose.

"We share puzzles? This is very good! Please, what is the meaning of the little bird wing?" he says, in broken Skald.

"The word would be feather, southerner," Yngvi says. "And the meaning is another riddle. Have you a riddle for us?"

The foreigner thinks for a moment, then smiles with white teeth.

"Yes. I am sorry if my words are not good...

"I go to places you cannot
"And many gifts to you I've brought--
"My reward has been the knot;
"You blind my eyes, that your food sought."


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Dagrun

Finnviðr looks as though he reluctantly agrees with Dagrun's assessment-- but then the dwarf gets a good move in, and he cheers instead. "Ha! Don't count your wealth yet!"

Dagrun's brother glances his way-- then glances again. "What's that, you've got two bows now? One wasn't enough?" he laughs.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Halla

Palli tsks when he sees Halla arrive, brushing his hands off and standing from the oilcloth that holds the various herbals and unguents for trade.

"There you are, girl, I was beginning to think you'd followed your voices off into the mountains," the white-haired old man sighs.

"Now, I'll let you have time to run about and gawk with the others, but work comes first, child! Did you get something to eat yet? No? Well, I'll have one of the grandchildren bring you something, I suppose... now remember, today's no day for a... 'moment', no singing at the visitors or any such thing, eh?"


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Kjell grunts as the dwarf shifts under him and gets in a good hold of his own. Trying to maintain his balance, the Ulfen shifts his weight and attempts to retake control.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 = 26

He does so quite skillfully, and even manages to lift the dwarf slightly off the ground for a moment as he resets his stance.

And thus, the grapple continues. The rules are so complicated and drawn-out when you've got two good wrestlers...


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
GM Dien wrote:

Palli tsks when he sees Halla arrive, brushing his hands off and standing from the oilcloth that holds the various herbals and unguents for trade.

"There you are, girl, I was beginning to think you'd followed your voices off into the mountains," the white-haired old man sighs.

"Now, I'll let you have time to run about and gawk with the others, but work comes first, child! Did you get something to eat yet? No? Well, I'll have one of the grandchildren bring you something, I suppose... now remember, today's no day for a... 'moment', no singing at the visitors or any such thing, eh?"

Halla bows her head demurely, but the gesture serves to conceal an amused smile. If he had only seen her chattering away in Varisian with Five Solomon moments ago! Of course, he probably still wouldn't have appreciated her 'moment' as it didn't lead to her selling anything to the foreigner.

She takes her place on the oilcloth; the surface is warm from the Jólday sun, but before she has sat long, the cold starts to creep through from the frozen ground below, a reminder of the long, hard winter yet to come. She removes her cloak, not really needing it around her shoulders on such a nice day, and folds it beneath her for extra insulation. She rearranges some of the goods, putting tinctures of her own creation front and center and moving Old Palli's to the back. The novelty of Five Solomon over, she has little to distract her from the aromas of the feast on offer and hopes Old Palli finds one of his grandchildren soon ... and that he hasn't forgotten his promise before he does.

Hour 2 checks: Profession (herbalist) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26


Human (Ulfen) Alchemist 2 | HP 7/17 | AC 15 - TAC 12 - FFAC 13 | F+6 R+6 W+4 | Per +2 Init +2

The young alchemist gives a nod to Halla, who is not one bit more amicable towards him than usual I do not get her. He shrugs: he likes to think he’s more open-minded than the other townsfolk, but perhaps Halla indeed was a bit touched in the head all the weird ones gravitate toward you, father…

After pinning both feathers to his coat, using the cloackpin won in the hurling contest, he welcomes with a bow the foreigner. He listens with a smile to his stumbling pronunciation, but the smiled fades fast as he realizes he has no idea what the stranger is talking about.

He, uhhh… did he say “knot”? Or “not”? Eysteinn scratches his head Oh beautiful, so now thanks to this guy not even Wyrmtongue will say a nice thing to father… rubbing his bearded chin, Eysteinn thinks back to every word, trying to understand the riddle.

Int check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 I don’t actually want a hint: I just want to understand if the riddle is correct or if Five Solomon misused a word or something.
EDIT: scratch that, nice roll!


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

That they are, re: the grapple rules! But if you win this one, it will be a well-won victory. :)

"Huuuufhh!" the dwarf grunts as Kjell manages to regain the upper hand. "You have the earth in you, for being-- hrn-- a human--"

Shale tries to lock his strong, stubby fingers to the crook of Kjell's knee and pull him off his set stance.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22

Hooked, and-- tugged! Again the balance of power shifts. It's shaping up to be a real match, and the sound of bets being placed from the watchers can be heard.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Halla

Though they have had all winter to buy things already, the normal villagers of Hofn still come to see what's on display-- trading goods they have hoarded for today's festivities: fine furs, or jars of honey or butter; bits of intricate jewelry or bolts of bright silk.

Two of the elves approach and converse in their own tongue about one of the tinctures on display, but they shake their heads (in apparent amusement) and move off without making any trade. Harald Hrolfsson comes by, and asks Halla for the ointment she makes to guard against soreness of muscles: he says he intends to try his hand at the ice skating versus the elves, and will need all the help he can get. He trades her a belt of finely worked leather for the liniment.

Palli's hopes are born out when one of the dwarves comes closer. This dwarf is very old, to judge by the stark whiteness of her long braided hair, and the many wrinkles on her face. Blue ink might once have formed designs on her skin, but the patterns have faded to near-absence. Still, her eyes are sharp, and she wears some sort of armor that looks to be made of actual pieces of stone, yet is as unbowed before it as any strong warrior.

"Greetings. You are the healer's apprentice? Have you tincture of mugwort? Wegbrade? Dried fennel?" she asks in short, terse Skald. "I can trade pure salt, or metalwork if you wish it."

(I'll give you your total GP value earned in trade goods after the RPed bit)


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Eysteinn

Eysteinn falls silent a moment before the foreigner's riddle, and Yngvi scratches at his beard as well. "Hmmmm..."

While Eysteinn wonders whether it's an issue of language barrier, the gray elf seems to be less than thrilled with the arrival of a third for their riddling game. He looks off to the rest of the village, sipping from the glass of mead that Eysteinn offered him and making no attempt to guess the riddle.

"Now, do you mean 'knot' like a thing tied in a cord?" Yngvi asks the southerner, who blinks. When Yngvi holds up a length of twine and shows the knot in it, the man nods with a big smile.

"Yes! Knot!"

"Hmm." Yngvi sits back and mulls this riddle over, glancing to Eysteinn to see if he has any clue.

Yngvi Int check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"...drowned if I know," the skald mutters into his yellow beard.


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

"Aye, and you have the strength of the linnorm for a dwarf," Kjell gets out in between movements, also trying to retake control. Knowing that this fight is coming to a head, he lets out an angry shot and shoves with all his might, the fury of the northern storms in his muscles.
Activating rage, UNLESS this is obviously a really bad idea. I don't think the good folks would really be mad about it, but if they would be, I won't do it.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 22
Just barely! If I couldn't activate my rage, though, that brings this down to a 20, so I'd miss. And my grapple CMD is now a 21 as well.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
GM Dien wrote:

Palli's hopes are born out when one of the dwarves comes closer. This dwarf is very old, to judge by the stark whiteness of her long braided hair, and the many wrinkles on her face. Blue ink might once have formed designs on her skin, but the patterns have faded to near-absence. Still, her eyes are sharp, and she wears some sort of armor that looks to be made of actual pieces of stone, yet is as unbowed before it as any strong warrior.

"Greetings. You are the healer's apprentice? Have you tincture of mugwort? Wegbrade? Dried fennel?" she asks in short, terse Skald. "I can trade pure salt, or metalwork if you wish it."

"Aye, mother," Halla answers with respect, quickly sorting out the goods the dwarf asked about. "Mugwort, to repel vermin; put it in your boots, and it guards you from fatigue when traveling, as well as offering protection from evil spirits and hazards of the road. Wegbrade, for insect bites, rashes, sores, and boils, as well as healing from venomous snakebite; brew it in a tea for a nagging cough. Fennel brews a digestive tea; powdered and scattered, it discourages fleas." She glances up at the dwarf woman and selects another bottle from the oilcloth. "I might also suggest oil of thyme: Wrapped with a bandage, it promotes healing rather than putrefaction of the wound; rubbed on the hands of a nurse, it curtails the spread of sickness; anoint the feet, and it prevents the loss of nails. Buy enough to last the winter, mother, as there will be no more herbs to harvest until spring."

As she tries to upsell the woman, Halla considers the payment options: Salt is valuable, no doubt about it, but she has the typical Ulfen weakness for worked metal.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

Yep, rage is fine. CHANNEL THE BATTLE-FUROR OF YOUR PEOPLE! FWIW, though, your CMD will remain the same: your penalty to AC applies to your CMD as well ("Any penalties to a creature's AC also apply to its CMD."), thus breaking even with the STR boost.

...eventually one of us is gonna roll low.

Kjell roars as he brings his powerful body to bear and once more seizes control of the struggle. The dwarf wheezes as Kjell seems to surge with renewed power.

Hraaargh?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18

The dwarf's counter-struggle, though mighty, is not enough! Kjell retains the upper hand, his greater reach slowly bearing the dwarf towards the earth... The watchers let out a collective rumble of excitement. Can Kjell drive it home?


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Halla

"Hmmnn," the dwarf grunts, peering at the bottle that Halla has pushed forward. She nods, perhaps in approval, at Halla's quick listing of all the beneficial properties of the asked-for herbs, and sniffs at the cork of the bottle of thyme as well.

The old matron's mouth purses, and she drums her fingers against the vial a moment, then nods. "Yes, it will do. This winter will be long. I feel it in my bones. Pray your people have gathered enough for the long night, healer's apprentice."

She indicates she'll take the herbs she requested, as well as the thyme (woo, upsell!), and then proffers a pouch of salt... or the thick ring on her finger, set with a garnet.

(Halla earns 19 GP worth of trade goods, whether she goes with ring or salt. ;) )


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

With a final shout, Kjell seizes on his advantage and throws his entire weight onto the dwarf...

Grapple to Pin: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 26

...and his bulk pushes the smaller wrestler to the earth. Kjell raises a hand, and for a moment it seems he's about to strike the dwarf in his battle-fury... but he clenches it into a fist and pumps it into the air with a triumphant roar. Standing, he helps the dwarf to his feet with a grin, although it's clear the bout took something out of him. "That was quite a match, and you've earned your name. You almost had me."


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
GM Dien wrote:
She indicates she'll take the herbs she requested, as well as the thyme (woo, upsell!), and then proffers a pouch of salt... or the thick ring on her finger, set with a garnet.

Halla's eyes flash with interest at the ring; the deep red of the stone stands out against the snow and mud like the elves' butterflies. "The ring, thank you, mother. Hale go forth, hale return, hale on your ways! May you see many more Jóls."

She turns the heavy bauble over in her hands when the dwarf-woman has gone away with her remedies, watching the sun gleam in the depths of the garnet and admiring the dwarven handiwork, then wraps it in a bit of wool and tucks it away safely in her belt pouch before Old Palli can see it and lay claim to any part of it. It's too large to wear on her own finger, and a thrall wearing such jewelry openly would stand out like a goat wrapped in an embroidered cloak; but later she plans to find a leather cord to string it on and wear it safely around her neck beneath her tunic.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

With a roar, Kjell pins the dwarf beneath him. The villagers of Hofn let out a big cheer of approval and applause.

Shale takes the big man's hand and gets to his feet, his other hand rubbing at his ribs. "Well done!" he gasps, despite the fact that he too is winded from the fight. "I will tell of your strength in the caves of my people. I hope that you win your third match, that I might say I lost to the champion."

Hofn natives come forward to grasp Kjell's arm or clap him on the back, with more fellow-feeling than he receives (or gives) any other time of the year. Someone pushes a drink into his hand, as Torgi announces his third match.

1- Leif, 2- Njall: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Njall lumbers forward, his blacksmith apron set to one side in favor of the competition. The arms that normally lift the hammer and strike it down on the anvil over and over flex for the match.

Njall Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Kjell Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

It seems Kjell is just letting his foes come to him-- but then again, the strategy has worked out for him so far...

Njall grapple, which provokes. AC 13, if Kjell takes the attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

(For the record, Shale was a 3rd level tetori monk. Good job, Kjell!)


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Halla

The ring is handed over, and the old dwarf wraps each bottle in a thick scarf before putting them into her pack and pouches.

"Many years to you as well, girl," the dwarf grunts, and moves off through the feast. The ring is heavy silver, with the gem glowing like an ember in the sun, before Halla tucks it away.


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Kjell nods to the dwarf, still catching his breath. "I'll certainly try."

The freedman takes the drink with a grin, downing it quickly, although in his mind he can't help but cast a judging gaze over the crowd. Cheering. Shouting. Fellowship. Where's this when I build your houses, or mend your cellars, or best you in a common brawl? Still, he shakes off his ill feelings--most of them--and readies himself for the next match. I assume more than half a minute passes between fights, so Kjell isn't fatigued.

As Njall steps up, Kjell takes a look at the man and sees that he's strong, but no skilled wrestler. He lets the other man make the first move once again, and spots an opening, bringing across an open-handed punch...
Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Nonlethal damage

His hand connects against the blacksmith's jaw, and while it does no lasting harm, it throws his attack off-balance, and Kjell quickly leads in with his own hold.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

EDIT: A 3rd-level Tetori? No wonder I had to rage! Haha, that was quite a match.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell's strike cracks across Njall's jaw, throwing off his wrestling attempt. As Njall reels backwards, Kjell steps in, and locks the blacksmith's brawny arms down to his body.

The blacksmith grunts, trying to clear his head of the sting of Kjell's blow. He struggles to wrench free.

Str check to break free: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Kjell has hit his rhythm now: he only tightens his grip further, preparing to bear the blacksmith to the earth.

Yep, no fatigue. And yeah-- NPC stats for Shale, but still, you did good!


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Shifting his weight, Kjell hooks a leg behind Njall's stance as he did with Birgir...
Grapple to Pin: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 5 = 20
...and again succeeds, dropping the blacksmith to the ground with swift ease. He quickly gets to his feet and helps the man up, clapping his shoulder in respect for the other man's strength, even if the bout was over and done quickly enough. Now it's time to show that boy a thing or two...


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

Though the fight was less impressive to watch than the bout between Kjell and the dwarf, there is still a good deal of cheering, as Kjell has won three matches, and is therefore victor for the hour! Leif Hrolfsson looks on sullenly from his two defeated opponents as Torgi strides over to Kjell and lifts his fist into the air in a gesture of victory.

"Well are you named, Strongarm!" the veteran warrior booms out. "As the first of the day to bring three warriors to the earth, you claim first-prize. Wear them well, wrestler!"

He presents Kjell with a pair of bracers, the leather masterfully worked with an intricate design. They fit Kjell as if they had been made for his strong forearms, the leather cords drawn snugly shut to close them.

(You have acquired Armbands of the Brawler, worth 500 in trade goods.)

(You've also completed all mechanical checks for hour 2-- you can do the wrestling again in hour 3, if you wish, and take on Leif, but as far as a match goes you went 3/3 in your hour.)


Male Human (Kellid) Bloodrager (Primalist, Untouchable Rager) 10/VMC Ranger | HP 115 | AC 15, touch 15, FF 13 | Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +6, Perception +14

Kjell accepts the bracers with a fierce grin, fitting them on and raising his arms to the crowd. He looks to Leif and and his grin turns into a leer. "Well, Hrolffson? Care to make it four?"

I don't know that either I or my character can resist this temptation.


Human (Ulfen) Alchemist 2 | HP 7/17 | AC 15 - TAC 12 - FFAC 13 | F+6 R+6 W+4 | Per +2 Init +2

Eysteinn is no less stumped than the skald. All of his cockiness is gone now, thanks to the foreigner. Good, serves you well. You’re a thrall, behave. Even when you have the upper hand, you never knowI… ehm…” he bites his lip. Looks at Master Rys, then at the foreigner, then back to Wyrmtongue.

I… I guess you got me, stranger… I am completely in the dark.” he concedes finally, bowing slightly.


M Human HP 11/11 | AC 17 T 14 FF 13 | F +3 R +3 W +3 | CMD 15 (+1 vs. Trip, Disarm) | Init +3 | Perception +2

After cheering for Kjell, Dagrun gives Finnviðr a smug grin. "How much did you just lose, brother? As for my new bow, I won it in the archery competition. What about you? Have you or Rags competed yet?"


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Kjell

Leif continues to look less than happy at Kjell's triumphant gesture to the spectators, and the cheering that the craftsman receives in turn. He spits briefly into the muddy soil.

"Flaunt them today, old drunkard," he mutters, low enough that only those few standing closest can hear. "Tomorrow? You go back to being a nobody."

Torgi the Blue flicks a narrow-eyed look at the unsporting words from the goði's oldest son, on today of all days. "Hrolfsson," he says shortly, and then looks at Kjell too, remembering Kjell's penchant for getting into fights on days that are not Jól-day, and obviously wondering if the wrestling match is about to devolve into something more violent.

(Alright, you and Leif can face off as wrestlers in Hour 3... or you could just start something less regulated now if your heart bids you go that route. ;))

51 to 100 of 2,266 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / [North of the Wind] Chapter 1: The Jólboð All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.