OGGM's Hook Mountain Massacre (Inactive)

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

Rhianni lets out a gasp at the thought of treachery by one of their own Black Arrows.

"No, but we can try," Praxim snarls, grabbing his bow and making for the sickroom.

"Which way did he go?" he barks at the others.

"Bloody rune, if that bastard's got anything to do with this..." Kellen swears and immediately makes his way outside - looking for any sign of the man's escape.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Lym strides over to the nearest window, throwing it wide open, and holds out an arm. "Go," she commands, "find him if you can!" -- and the bat named Limmerick shoots out of her sleeve and into the darkening sky.

"I am low on magic, still," she says, turning to the others. "But if Kaven is still anywhere nearby, my familiar will find him. Can any of you find any tracks, perhaps...?'

"Aye. I can." Thordak immediately moves to see if he can locate the man's tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"Stay with your father." Tomaru tells Shalelu. "He needs you now. We will retrieve Windstrike and return him to face justice."
Tomaru goes with the others. He'll use Bit of Luck to increase Thordak's chance at tracking.

The other Arrows are unconscious, in the blissful deep sleep of healing. Praxim finds the window in the room slightly ajar, a small puddle of water on the floor where the rain runs in through the opening.

Limerick turns to look at Lym as if to say, "YOU go out in that!" But dutifully flies out into the storm.

Thordak's search begins under the window, guided by Praxim's news. He quickly finds tracks that lead away north along the Skull River. Refer to the map of Turtleback Ferry.

After a short while, the tracks end at the docks along the river.

'Return,' Lym sends out into the night once the group has reached the docks. She lets the soaked bat clamber into her hood, although she winces at the feeling of cold water running down her neck. 'Anything?' she 'asks'.

Assuming Thordak shares the information...

Kellen follows in the direction Thordak points, not slowing until he can spot some sign of the man.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

'Return,' Lym sends out into the night once the group has reached the docks. She lets the soaked bat clamber into her hood, although she winces at the feeling of cold water running down her neck. 'Anything?' she 'asks'.

Perception Check?

Oh, right. Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9.

...

>_< I guess the driving rain prevented me from finding the guy...

Perception check for Lym, just in case: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Nothing.

Wind driving the rain into your eyes, your search brings nothing. It's as if he reached the docks, and simply...disappeared.

"Limmerick could not find him," Lym reports, her voice grim. "Unless any of you have a way to continue the chase, he's gotten away."

"I think we can guess where he's headed, and I think we also have a good idea what happened to the snake woman. I don't see that guy working with the ogres."

Kellen looks down at the water, guessing at Praxim's thought. "You think he went down to that barge? Anyone have a water-breathing spell? I'll chase him to bottom if I have to hold my breath." His words come harsh and angry.

"We would be at too much of a disadvantage down there. Don't worry about him. Kaven Windstrike's luck has just ran out." Tomaru's words are said as a curse or as part of a prophetic vision. He then turns and leaves.

Praxim shakes his head. "Not the barge...the fort! He betrayed the fort to someone and knows we're heading there, so he's gone to warn someone, probably the snake woman, since I think he'd wet himself at working with ogres."

"He can't of swum out of sight. If he's headed to the fort, he can't swim there either. He's here somewhere." Kellen shakes his head to imply he won't let him go.

"Or he had a boat." Praxim looks where a boat might be moored and searches for fresh rope fibers.

"My thoughts exactly. He's taken a boat is what he's done." He looks along the water a moment before, "And what Snake woman for crying out loud?!"

Sounds like a bunch of Perception checks are in order... -4 for the wind and rain.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 4 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 21

And I'll ask the question: Is there more than one boat?

[dice=Perception]1d20+11-4

And I'll ask the question: Is there more than one boat?

There are several boats: a handful of rowboats, decked out as fishing vessels; A larger barque, single masted; and two flat-bottomed river barges.

There are no signs of Kaven other than the tracks ending at the dock.

Two questions: Do we know how far down the pleasure barge sunk? As Praxim asked, are there signs of any missing boats?

The Hook Mountain Region map shows the site of the wreck. And yes, there would be signs of missing boats - among other things, it is a fishing village after all.

Kellen starts stripping off his chain shirt and stares at the wreck site. "No boat; no splashing - unless he can fly or turn invisible, he can't have gone far. I'm going out there."

Hoping it might work, he decides to yell out as well: Windstrike! If you are out there, get back here and you'll get some mercy. If I have to hunt you down, you'll think the ogres were gentle when I get done with you!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Let's leave him be for now. We have other, more immediate concerns and we can prepare for the next time we see him." Tomaru turns to leave a second time.

"Fair enough, Tomaru,"Kellen replies to priest aloud. But as quietly as he can, he slips into the water and starts searching under the docks - hoping the fugitive as hidden himself there to avoid detection and can catch him off guard. If he encounters any threatening sea life - he'll make for shore/back on the docks.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Didn't know if there would be any modifiers. Yea -I know it is a little crazy. Apologies for that.

Hidden behind one of the dock posts is a man,. He has his back to you as he peers around the far side of the pilon observing the others. He shivers in the cold water.

Kellen sneaks up as close as he can to the man, and tries to knock him out with the butt of his dagger.

Trying to do nonlethal damage, so not sure if the weapon's full damage counts or does it count as an unarmed damage. Rolled both. Also included sneak attack damage since he has his back to me.

Dagger: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 4 = 24

Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 or 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Sneak Attack Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) = 15

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Kellen's blow staggers Kaven and forces a loud "Ouch...damn!' from the man. Seeing that he is discovered, he dives underwater and begins swimming out further into the lake, going deeper as he swims.

Kellen yells out to the others: "He's here and trying to escape!"

Then he also dives after the man, hoping to grab him and drag him back.

Swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
To Hit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Hoping the wake of our movements is visble to the others.

Thordak looks in the area of the commotion. "What the blazes?" He then moves to see what's going on. Seeing Kellen out in the water, "Is he daft? I ain't swimming out there. I think the lad out ta just let him go. The water'll take him if anythin'." He looks a moment longer before, "Maybe, I guess," he says with a shrug.

"I am trying to make a dramatic exit here." Cast Fly on Praxim.

"Wha-?" he asks as he starts to float, then smiles. He flies out over the water, knocks an arrow, and waits for Kaven to surface.

When he does, Praxim points the arrow, and says, "Swim back to the dock, or the next time you surface, you die."

"Wha-?" he asks as he starts to float, then smiles. He flies out over the water, knocks an arrow, and waits for Kaven to surface.

When he does, Praxim points the arrow, and says, "Swim back to the dock, or the next time you surface, you die."

You sure about that? Fly check to hover over the water.

If it's down to Fly checks, you might want to cast that spell on me, instead. ^^ I can still zap the guy with force missiles.

The fly spell says

The subject can fly at a speed of 60 feet (or 40 feet if it wears medium or heavy armor, or if it carries a medium or heavy load). It can ascend at half speed and descend at double speed, and its maneuverability is good. Using a fly spell requires only as much concentration as walking, so the subject can attack or cast spells normally. The subject of a fly spell can charge but not run, and it cannot carry aloft more weight than its maximum load, plus any armor it wears. The subject gains a bonus on Fly skill checks equal to 1/2 your caster level.

You're the GM so you can rule otherwise, but he should be able to fly out there without trouble. Otherwise I'll go with the Axe-Wizardess' suggestion and have her fly.

I understand the rule, I'm picturing what he's trying to do. I envisioned him flying out and hovering ("...waits for Kaven to surface...") over the lake to issue his ultimatum. Otherwise, at 40' per round, he's going to fly right over the spot, then have to make a big loop around to come back without making any checks. Seemed a bit anti-climactic to me. Either way...

Kaven is obviously an experienced swimmer, or has some aid, because he steadily pulls away from Kellen as he goes deeper. The dark gray surface of the lake makes it impossible to see him from above. Soon he and Kellen are just dark shadows in the water, and even sooner, they disappear from sight.

Praxim follows by sound as best he can.

Rhianni speaks some strange words and where she stood, an octopus flops into the water and starts to swim after the fugative.

Casts beast shape 1 - octopus ... swim speed 30ft....

Taking in the entire scene, "Okay, we've got a flying elf that...," he stops, noticing what's happening to Rhianni. "What in the blazes is happening to the lass?! I sure hope that's a bit of her magic and not another's!" He looks around for a possible enemy nearby just in case they've been ambushed. "Because I sure wouldn't want to be stuck being one of those forever."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Or take 10 if possible for 22

Rhianni speaks some strange words and where she stood, an octopus flops into the water and starts to swim after the fugative.

Casts beast shape 1 - octopus ... swim speed 30ft....

Read the spoiler I gave to Kellen.

Assuming he isn't attacked by anything...

Kellen breaks from underwater, waves to the others, and makes his way towards the dock. The look on his face is a grim one as tries to dry off a little.

"Bastard was going to outswim me and he knew it. Like chasing a otter. But this lake had other plans for him. Last I saw of him, a 14' alligator gar grabbed him and pulled him to the bottom out of my sight. Hope it enjoys the meal."

Rhianni shakes her wet clothes that cling to her slim body. She seems a little angry, "Damn, lost him to a creature of the water, before I could catch him. Damn 'gator, damn traitor. We'll not know what he knew of the ogres in the keep." She stamps her feet, as water oozes out from her boots.

"What next, ....., well once I'm dry."

"We have earned a bit of rest, so let us do a dramatic exit and find some ale. Our troubles will still be there in the morning."

Kellen takes a moment to glance in the direction of the wet Varisian before nodding at Tomaru's suggestion of drink. "If our charges are alright, I certainly welcome some ale or cider to warm my soaked bones."

The new campaign collection.

As per the Guarded Stance rage power: It states it lasts a number of rounds equal to the barbarian's current Constitution modifier.

Since I can only use that while raging, does that mean go with my modifier while I rage? Or my normal modifier?

It truly doesn't matter to me either way. I currently have it listed in the profile with his current Con. I'm just unsure about it all and figured I'd ask which way I should run with it. Just for clarification purposes.

Moving this to this thread.

I suggest Lym for the Snakeskin Tunic and a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. She'd give up the Cloak of Resistance +1.

The Kukri +2 would make a good back up weapon for Praxim and the front-liner should have a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds.

Rhianni could make use of the Cloak of Resistance +1 from Lym, the Ring of Protection +1, and a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds.

Tomaru can take the Sihedron Medallion and the Mystery Potion.

This leaves the Impaler of Thorns, the Medusa Mask, Ring of Jumping, and a Golembane Scarab.

Thoughts?

Those seem like fine choices for loot split.

You know, if you folks don't mind giving out one of those to the new guys, I wouldn't mind the Golembane Scarab for Thordak.

No worries if not, though. Just throwing it out there. It does seem weird to be giving out items to a new person you just met, so, I totally get it.

Other parts of the loot discussion

Yep makes sense Dax,

I think that the Medusa Mask is something we should keep, not sure who it would be benefitting most.

The Impaler of Thorns, doesn't seem so helpful for the party, but useful as a+1 spear. Probably sell it .. ?

Golembane Scarab, either Tomaru or Praxim or sell???

Ring of Jumping, might be useful to save on other magic, until we no longer need it.... Whoever would benefit most.

The golembane scarab would be good to hang on to, and probably best used by Praxim, since his smite evil is useless for bypassing the DR of golems except flesh golems, and he's the one most likely to always be using weapons in such combat.

I would agree to selling Impaler of Thorns, probably to the same temple that bought the masks.

Are we waiting for somet

Better late than never ...

Gotcha. That's cool. Never saw the post about Praxim using it.

Sorry, it just took me a bit for my search-fu to kick in.

Here we are, then. ^^

Since it looks like I should still have some money leftover from starting budget, I am considering buying some more potions or scrolls of invisibility. Cost on that is I think 750 per unit, correct?

Suddenly RL is very busy, needing to do lots of things ....

.... if my posting is patchy please forgive me for the next few weeks.

As far picking stuff up, aside from a couple of more invisibility potions, I think Kellen has pretty much been stocked for start up.
Nothing really sure he needs anything else right now.

Aside from horses, anything else we should plan on buying for the travel?

As the new character, I would assume that anything you sell would be split among the starting four. Certainly don't expect anything at this stage of the adventure, unless there's something you folks don't want/need.

So, according to the last post concerning the loot from the clock tower

Lym
+ Snakeskin Tunic
+ potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
- Cloak of Resistance +1.

Praxim
+ Kukri +2
+ Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
+ Golembane Scarab

Rhianni
+ Cloak of Resistance +1
+ Ring of Protection +1
+ Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds.

Tomaru
+ Sihedron Medallion
+ Mystery Potion (what was that potion?)

Sell
+ Impaler of Thorns 4500gp
+ Medusa Mask 5000gp
+ Ring of Jumping 1250gp
If this works, then that's 10750gp or 26875gp for the original four. Is everyone ok with this?

2687.5 gp

For Rhianni, if we move forward before you post, we can retrofit your stuff after you get back into a more regular posting schedule.

Tomaru purchased +1 morngingstar, +2 headband of wisdom, and increased his armor to +2.

My purchases:

Headband of vast intellect +2

Spell scrolls:
Protection from energy - Spellcraft check to master: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Remove curse - Spellcraft check to master: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Secure shelter - Spellcraft check to master: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Shrink item - Spellcraft check to master: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Ghost wolf - Spellcraft check to master: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Okay, so I can scribe Protection from Energy, Remove Curse, Shrink item and Ghost wolf already. If we have the time to do so, I will do just that. I'll keep Secure Shelter in reserve for such a time as we really, but really need it.

Shrink item is useful becauuuuse... I will shill out 100 gp for our very own carriage. Lym can't really ride horses well, but she can ride a coach. If two others will buy horses, then we're all of us set. ;)

I am also buying a falchion. If push comes to shove, I can always enhance it with magic. ^^

Final purchase: one potion of cure moderate wounds, and two of cure light wounds.

Which still leaves me some spending money, just in case. ^^

Headband of Vast Intellect??? Ooooo, no can do. You can have a Headband of Fairly Large Intellect....

;)

Heh. ^^ So, are the spells okay? I've added one more to the list since your post...

Can we handwave my scribing them into my book during travel time?

Yes, sounds good to me.

Sweet! Thanks. ^^

Normally, one can have a weapon upgraded and pay the difference, but where we're on limited time, can they find a dealer willing to accept a trade of a weapon in addition to the difference, or do we need to sell for half price?

:)

I just happened to read Praxim's initial description from when he was first created (bottom of his profile). My, how their trials have changed him, I don't think I've ever had a character undergo such personality changes before. Markum's death (and the clash with the Sandpoint Militia) have really left their mark on him.

@Praxim, upgrading is not an issue of time, just cash in this case.

So, does that mean I need to spend 6,000 to go from a +1 bow to a +2 bow, or sell the +1 bow and buy a +2 bow?

Hmm, I guess I didn't understand the original question then. You can go the upgrade route OR the buy and sell route. Whichever you prefer. The sell back rate is 50%.

And yes, you can pay the difference for a +2 from a +1

Okay, so upgraded +1 bow to a +1 giant bane bow, sold his chain shirt and bought +1 breastplate, he sold the +2 kukri to buy a +1 elven curve blade and bracers of falcon's aims.

First time combat with me, so, some thing:

1: Most people do not travel with weapons at the ready, unless specifically on watch. This is especially true with missile weapons as they are susceptible to moisture. However, I forgot to ask, so we will run with it as it stands. But file that for later.

2: Hopefully everyone can see the map ok. There are nice, shiny coordinates on it, feel free to use them. On that subject...

3: Many of my players will write an RP action than describe the details (including cords) in ooc. Example: Sebastian steps up to his foe and smites him with his holy hammer!
5' step to E5, attack the bad guy with vital strike, PA, etc etc
Then add dice rolls, mix and serve....

Also, its Memorial Day weekend and I will be gone. I can post some, but will not be able to see the map. So be descriptive, and we can work through it.

OK - good information on the mechanics. Thanks!

Seriously?

Okay, I rolled 5(count 'em 5) d12's. On 4 of them, I rolled a TOTAL of 10. 10! The 5th was an 11. I rolled more on one die than I did on 4. That's crazy.

Seriously now, what are the odds of THAT?!

Looking at Praxim, he rolled all single digits on to hit: 7,8,9. But you practically maxed out on damage every time! That is some amazing damage rolls. Even your bane rolls were awesome.

Fun stuff.

So, by going in post order, what does that mean exactly?

Does that mean the haste would've applied to Thordak seeing how Rhianni posted before me, even though in initiative count she comes after me?

Is this right or no? I just wanna make sure I got this right.

Me personally, I prefer posting in initiative order for this very reason. Too many "what if" type situations, if you will, involved. It's far smoother by following initiative. But I can roll with it any ol' way, I just wanna make sure I understand it right.

@Nazard: Dude! How did you get a "19-20" crit range on your bow without the Improved Critical feat?

I've got a couple of archers and I want that ability myself!

Or did you cast a spell that does that and I missed it? Because that is highly possible.

Bracers of Falcon's Aim. Better than bracers of archery in so many ways. Theygive you continual benefits of this spell without the physical transformation.

I'm moving and won't have internet service at my new place for a week, so my posting will probably be erratic for that time. Please bot Tomaru to keep the story moving as you need.

@Javell, you have it right. He who posts first, goes first. I will divide initiative into groups based on the situation. If you aren't in the group who is "up", then you wait for your group. Then it's post first/ go first within that group. There generally are no "what ifs" because you can see what someone has done before you. The downside can be if people are waiting for someone else to post and several people are all waiting at the same time. I will move it along if there is too much of a lag.

In your example, yes, the haste would have applied to you. You didn't need it to off that troll, so I didnt pause or reset to give you the extra attack.

@Dax, got it, let us know when you are back.

Bracers of Falcon's Aim. Better than bracers of archery in so many ways. Theygive you continual benefits of this spell without the physical transformation.

Those are cool. I'll be checking into those. Thanks.

@Javell, you have it right. He who posts first, goes first. I will divide initiative into groups based on the situation. If you aren't in the group who is "up", then you wait for your group. Then it's post first/ go first within that group. There generally are no "what ifs" because you can see what someone has done before you. The downside can be if people are waiting for someone else to post and several people are all waiting at the same time. I will move it along if there is too much of a lag.

That's what I was needing to know. Thanks.

Took some liberties here with the Whistledown thing, hope everyone doesn't mind. A bit of the classical "lighten the mood a bit before the darkness" kind of thing. Feel free to respond during the morning after and we will move onwards!

The idea of that spell isn't half bad. ^^ Lym may do some of her own research on it. If she pulls it off, she might even mail that Gnome Wizard a copy. :p

Well done, good sir. Great fun for all. ;-)

Ok, I have internet again. It will take me a couple of days to get up to speed, but I'm back.

I'm away until the weekend with no internet access, bot as required.

Welcome back Dax/Tomaru,

Ok Rhianni

No one else has anything for Shalelu?

Kellen could try dropping cheesy pickup lines, but I don't want to get slapped this early in-game for hitting on the NPC. ;-)

Trying that this soon after meeting her? Shalelu won't slap you, she'll kick your ass and dump you in the lake. You'll get into what makes her tick soon enough...

The best part of my job...

Cool! Are you the music teacher?

That's me.

Second time I've done LotR. First time was a junior high band of 98. It was huge, and the drums rattled your bones.