ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

If he gets a chance, Aydan will hunt and prep some small game, rabbit and the such and if he can, take the time to prepare some of it for the road (cooking it into jerkey as an example) Also he would take the time to try and retrieve what arrows he can from this hunt, to keep it simple I'll take 10 for all this, at a survival check of 15, lemme know if you need any atk rolls.

Zurladew is going to be difficult to disguise in anywhere where gnomes aren't common... In the morning, he will remove any parts of his outfit that denote working for the nobility, and instead try to pass himself off as a transient jester, traveling with the others for the safety in numbers. I'm sure he can come up with a few quips about why he's with them, and a fool disguising himself as a fool seems fairly straight-forward. He'll just have to keep a lid on his magic, as that will probably be more distinctive than his stature.

So... no Perception checks yet... is nobody taking a watch for the rest of the night?

Aydan can spend all night hunting and cooking if he wants, but he'll be fatigued come morning if he does. Otherwise he can perhaps try to get in an hour or so if the spellcasters are recharging and people are waiting in the morning, but he's not likely to catch much in that time (and certainly no making jerky...). Hunting and foraging is usually counted as part of what you're doing when you travel, and cuts travel speed by half. Or, put another way, it takes a good 4 hours out of your day to get the results of a Survival roll to hunt.

Also - what will people be wearing as they travel? Full plate with all the trimmings? Will the group just be marching along as themselves, or will they have a prepared story as Zurladew is suggesting? I kinda' need to know this stuff before I can add anything here...

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 Jaymin will finish his watch, but needs some sleep of his own at some point.

Having no means of carrying their armour (and it would probably be a death sentence to Maggie for them to leave it at her place, they'll have to wear it. Argos is too valuable fighter to use as a pack horse. They're going to have to procure some horses and maybe a wagon as quickly as possible.

Unless borrowing some horses with every intention of restitution in order to save the realm is going to cause him to fall...

Garrett still had every intention of continuing the watches...he was up next if I remember right.

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Just prior to going on watch, Garrett will see to Argos...

"Let's get you some water, friend. After that, rest up. Abadar only knows when the next chance we'll get will be..."

Given the state of their dresses, Beatrix and Rebecca will most likely need new clothes of some sort. Given that Maggie is unlikely to have anything in their size (or even a spare set of clothes to begin with), they will probably have to settle for some of the clothes you guys took from the bandits. I would also suggest a veil, or at least a bonnet for Rebecca to hide her very distinctive hair and features.

Aydan's isn't dressed particularly noble-ish. worn leathers, faded and well used clothes. His bracers and quiver are well oiled but nothing fancy. Really only his sword marks him as anything more than a normal woodsman, so I think he's good as is. He will keep his hood up in towns that would be familiar with him though

Clapping Jaymin once on the shoulder before heading into the forest, Aydan sets about the task of misleading any further pursuers. Brushing over any tracks left by his party or the Galtans, rutting fake tracks in the dirt, leaving scraps of cloth or even small drops of blood and other signs that humans would look for.

When his work is finished he returns to the camp. Nodding to Garrett as he (and I assume Clarius) pass. Aydan checks his quiver to check his arrows and gives a wave to Clarius, "They'll need you for watch soon, I guess, but you should try and get some sleep friend."

Clearly not following his own advice, with bow in hand Aydan sets back into the woods - towards the south so as to not ruin his and Clarius' work - and sets himself to the task of hunting some food for everyone for the journey ahead.

As far as I know, none of us has any rations packed and Aydan would rather not slow the group down during the day for the first bit of travel.

survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

perception for Aydan's shift of the watch when he returns, if he can/is needed1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sorry for the delay. Got to work and had meetings coming in the door.

Sir Clarius goes with Aydan to help set false trails and disguise the area's tracks.

While they are out obfuscating the trail, Sir Clarius speaks to Aydan. 'You said earlier that a white dragon killed the baron, yet you also said a man called Ademar, who claimed to be Lady Ailith's brother, killed him. They are one and the same? What else happened?'

"Let's get you some water, friend. After that, rest up. Abadar only knows when the next chance we'll get will be..."

Obviously happy to be reunited, Argos nuzzles Garrett in a very un-warhorse-like manner, before setting to drinking the water provided.

In the morning Aydan has managed to hunt down enough small game to feed five people for a day... but is feeling the strain of being up for a full twenty-four hours or more... Aydan has the fatigued condition - he can't run or charge and is on -2 Strength and Dexterity until he rests for a full 8 hours.

Taking Beatrix's advice, Lady Rebecca dons some of the dead mercenary's clothes, and finds a piece of cloth to tie around her hair as a headscarf. She doesn't put on the armour though (explaining that it feels too restrictive to her).

Saying fairwells to Mother Maggie, the group strike out towards the fief of Grimsmoor...

Several hours of travelling witnesses the woods getting patchier, as more streams and rivulets are encountered, until a smooth white boundry stone indicates that the border of the moorland proper has been reached.

Stretching out as far as the eye can see, the Grimsmoor looks a desolate place indeed, with a low-lying fog hugging the marshy ground, and grassy 'tor' hills rising like islands here and there, some with great rocks thrusting out of them, others dotted with the fragmentary remains of ancient stoneworks or buildings. Sporadic patches of woods look more like menacing hag-fingers rising from the moor than peaceful retreats of nature. As if to help set the scene, a far-off wolf's howl can be heard...

It'll take a Knowledge (local) DC 20 roll to find a safe path through the moors...

As the group contemplate their path, the sound of hoofbeats is suddenly heard from behind them...

Would have put this in the OOC... but it's been so long that it's gone, not even in the archives.

Sorry Clarius I had a full update before Prof's... but my browser crashed again. I'll include the info in my next update,

Proff: Is Knowledge (Local) the only applicable skill in this case? If so Aydan's usefulness as a guide just ran out.

Knowledge (Local: Redwyrm) : 1d20=7 + 4 = 11

Perception : 1d20=5 + 6 = 11

Echoing Aydan's thoughts, it wouldn't be a Survival check to find a safe route through the moors?

An attempt to know what kind of dangers to expect on the moors. Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

EDIT: Perfectly safe.

EDIT 2: Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

EDIT 3: Sir Clarius pulls up short at the edge of the moors. "This will be dangerous going through these bogs."

Hearing the swish of cloth on reeds, he whirls around to see the enemy appear from the fog. "Enemies behind us!"

Not waiting for his friends, or enemies, to react, Clarius lets loose a bolt from his heavy crossbow, sending it streaking towards one of the blue skinned barbarians.

Ranged crossbow attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 (+2 BAB, +3 DEX, +2 Favored Enemy, +1 Lady Ailith's favour)

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Init: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Zurladew's ears aren't keen enough to pick up on the attack from behind, but he turns at Clarius' voice, startled.

Having peeked at the spoiler now that Clarius has alerted us to its contents, I'd imagine that a couple minutes' horseback ride is out of range of a crossbow, and that perhaps we have this time to position ourselves...but I'll wait for the Professor to confirm that or not before acting.

I'm hoping we can lead them into the Marsh and lose them there. but that depends on Profs' answer.

Yup - at charging horse rate a 'minute or two' away is 2,500 to 5,000ft (they run at 250ft per round, 10 rounds to a minute). A heavy crossbow has a maximum range of 1,200ft (10 range increments at 120ft each).

The Knowledge (local) check is to see if anyone knows a route through the moors. If not, then yes, Survival will govern how well you can find a route (and guide others), but it's a lot slower (as it involves carefully examining where you're heading, to both avoid getting swallowed by a bog, and also not heading down 'paths' which lead to dead-ends).

While the horsemen are indeed charging in your general direction, it's not certain that they've actually seen you yet...

... Besides the boundry stone there are a few rocks scattered about the group, long reed undergrowth, and the seemingly omnipresent low-lying mist or fog - on the other hand, a standing man is pretty obvious (especially if you happen to have the height advantage of being on horseback)...

"There's no way we can hide Argos," Jaymin says, squinting into the distance and barely making out the threat. "But we can hide the rest of ourselves. I must say I'd feel much better on horseback, and those men have lots of useful clothing and weapons, etc."

"Ayden, Clarius. Get us hidden in this marsh somehow so Sir Garrett can lead them past us and we'll be able to surround them easily."

perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7...his eyes are tired

knowledge Nature, to know how deadly this bog can be, and if I can use it to our advantage. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Nodding once to Jaymin - because really, where else could they go - Aydan starts towards the Bog, his eyes scanning the ground for a hope to find a path through.

Zurladew sinks low into the mist and fog, relying on his small stature to disguise him. He prepares a casting of Ghost Sound, waiting until he can see the most advantageous way to cast it.

Stealth roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Yeah, missed that they were a couple of minutes behind us, thanks for the heads up.

Clarius begins working with Aydan to hide their friends.

Aid another on Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

EDIT: I figured why try my own roll, the odds of doing any better are miniscule. ;P Still, it's now a cumulative 26.

Hooray for retconned Skill points! Aydan passes the Knowledge (local) check

Aydan's eyes scan across the wet ground, his fingers trailing across the surface of the Boundry stone...

"Jaymin it's stand and fight or make our way through. There's no hiding in there. But I can guide you through and with luck the bogs will win this fight for us."

As he takes his first step, Aydan first turns to Garrett, "Guide Argos on foot. don't ride him. It will be safer for him." then addressing everyone he says, "Walk exactly where I walk, No matter what you see, what you hear, anything! DO NOT stray from the path. There's dark forces in these parts."

Having no further time to explain, Aydan tries to tune out the sounds of the approaching hoarde as he begins to guide everyone along the narrow trail.

"I will take the rear guard," Sir Jaymin says, unsheathing his sword and readying his shield.

Seeing the party decide against fighting, Zurladew detaches himself from the patch of fog he'd hoped to hide himself in, and begins moving as fast as his feet can carry him. "Sir Garrett, perhaps I should climb atop Argos? I would hate for my short legs to be cause for any of us to be shortened by a head."

Garrett dismounts and stows his shield on Argos. Taking Argos's reigns, he draws his falcata and follows Aydan.

"Lead the way, my friend."

Hearing Zurladew's request...

"That seems reasonable. Just be careful if we have to engage our pursuers, Argos is likely to want to help."

"Hopefully he'll give me enough time to get off his back so that I'll be able to help," the jester says wryly as he climbs atop the horse's back. "I'll do my best to ensure that we don't have to engage them."

I'll be out of contact for a day or so, so if they begin chasing us - Zurladew will use a Silent Image to create an illusion of the party heading off into the swamp in another direction, if the attackers come too close. Figure it will give us a 50/50 chance of completely evading them.

At the change in tactics, Sir Clarius takes up position just ahead of Sir Jaymin. 'Go, Aydan! We do not have much of a lead and I saw what Sir Ranulf described as a winter wolf dashing off back into the trees. We cannot be caught out in the open if they do indeed have a dragon at their beckon call.'

Sorry, I just realized I missed the conversation with Clarius a few posts back. Aydan would have retold Clarius what he knew of the day's events, starting at the Dragon's arrival, how it killed Baron Redwyrm and what Baroness Hilda told him of Ademar Whitedragon, Ailith's brother who was lost in the Snows.

The group follow Aydan, moving as swiftly as the forester dares, as he tries to recall the path through the moors; Zurladew brazenly ignoring Aydan's advice against riding as he perches atop Argos...

Although the mists help to cover the group a little, it's soon obvious that they've been spotted from the shouts and cries coming from behind. A quick glance shows the mercenaries and barbarians urging their mounts onwards...

... Only to stop in confusion as the horse of one of the mercenaries stumbles and both horse and rider vanish as they tumble to one side, into the mists...

... It's only a few minutes later when Argos stumbles, the soft path and hidden stones of the moorland both treacherous beneath his heavy hooves, and it's Zurladew's turn to be hurled from the saddle! There's a thick dull 'splash' as the gnome lands somewhere in the mists several feet away (although Argos manages to regain his footing in the meantime).

As if Zurladew's disappearance in the mists isn't bad enough, a glance behind the group reveals that your pursuers have dismounted, and are (cautiously) heading towards you... although you note they've all got melee weapons in hand, despite several having bows or crossbows on their persons... The mercenaries appears to be having great difficulty, but the two barbarians seems more confident - it doesn't look like it'll take them more than a minute or so to reach you if you don't move...

Assuming they can see which side of Argo Zurladew fell over...

Sir Jaymin hefts his lance, sticking it out into the mists over the rough area where Zurladew disappeared. "Zurladew. Can you see my lance? Grab it!"

The gnome paddles furiously, just trying to keep his head above water until he can find some way out.

Swim check: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Miraculously staying afloat despite his ineptness, the little man begins to yell. "I'm here!," he cries out from the bog, trusting his companion's physical might more than his own.

Swim check1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Stay Where you are!" Aydan shouts to the rest of the group as he dashes back, fear creeping into his gut at the thought of another one of them mistepping into the bog, but terrified of the Wisps getting ahold of Zurdalew.

Without slowing down Aydan dives from the edge of the path, arms steepling over his head, he sucks in a gasp of air just before hitting the water and feeling the shock of the water, he swims for where he heard Zurdalew's voice last, eyes open in hopes of seeing the jester.

Hey Prof, I meant to ask you. How easy/expensive is it to get PFRPG products in England? I'm moving to Essex next month and wanted to know if I should try and figure out a way to get my books there, or if it'd be worth it.

Sir Jaymin swings his lance over towards where Zurladew vanished into the mists, moments before Aydan dives in... also vanishing from sight...

Within the mists Zurladew's witness to Jaymin's lance near taking his head off... but after a couple of swings, muffled shouting between the parties involved, and some trial and error, the jester manages to grab hold of the knight's mighty shaft... :)

A few moments later and Aydan reaches Zurladew's side - his delay in getting there not so much due to the distance covered (a little under ten feet, in the end) but the difficulty in locating the gnome in the mists...

It's a DC 10 Swim check each round just to stay afloat, or a DC 15 Swim check to move 5 feet in the bog (choice of whether to try to move or to just tred water to be made before the roll). Failing either roll by 5 or more means you're pulled under, and then it's on to the drowing rules. Now both Jaymin and Zurladew have a hold of Jaymin's lance, it's a DC 15 Strength check by Jaymin to pull Zurladew 5ft closer, and a DC 10 Strength check by Zurladew to hold on (and if this roll to hold on fails, then Zurladew will need an immediate DC 15 Swim check to avoid going under). It'll require two successes to reach solid ground.

Anyone else planning on helping? Up to two people could Aid Another on Jaymin's roll, for example, and Aydan's now in a position to Aid Another on Zurladew's roll too (assuming Aydan doesn't get sucked under first...). Otherwise, what's eveyone doing?

As Sir Jaymin's desperately flails his shaft at Zurladew, Sir Clarius moves to take up position at Jaymin's rear. He calls out, "Sir Garrett, keep your position in the front. We need to maintain cover for our friends."

Perception check to keep an eye on our pursuers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Strength 1:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Strength 2:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Strength 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

If he gets help on he third try, he can pull him inthen.

I'm assuming Aydan can't swim and aid another, so if that's true, this is to tread water, and if not he well swim along as he pulls.1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

aid another 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Beatrix looks on with concern as the men struggle through the bog.

C'mon, you lucky little gnome...
Str Check 1: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
Str Check 2: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
Str Check 3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Zurladew tries his best to cling to the lance, but the slipperiness of the bog and the frailty of the little man's arms quickly conspire to break his feeble grip. A mere 5 feet from the shore, he plunges back into the water.

And now for the swim checks... 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

With a bubbling sound, the jester slips under the water, the momentum of his fall taking him below the muck.

"No! C'mon, damn you, fool! Get up!" Jaymin shouts, desperation tinging his voice. "Ayden, can you get him?"

now I'm really hoping that last check let's me keep up with him...

Aydan's only response to Jaymin is the sound of a deep gasp as the Forester fills his lungs with air and plunges back into the bog's water, paddling after his falling friend.

swim check?? 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Sir Clarius maintains his careful watch of their pursuers. If they even get within possible range, he opens fire.

Clarius begins firing at maximum range

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 +1 for possible favour, +2 if human blooded

Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9 +2 if human blooded

I'm assuming Aydan can't swim and aid another...

He can do both fine, as long as he makes the Swim check to begin with (which he did). But Aydan has two Swim checks above, and Zurladew failed on the third, so Aydan needs another check on that round, along with a Strength check to try to pull the gnome's head back above water...

Lady Rebecca moves to lend what strength she has to Sir Jaymin's rescue efforts but even so, nearly close enough to be grabbed from solid ground, Zurladew's grip slips and he goes under anyway...

'Zurladew!,' gasps Rebecca as she drops to her knees to reach for the gnome in a futile gesture, 'Aydan, quick, grab him!'

Meanwhile Clarius lets loose a bolt... which sails over the approaching men's heads... Whilst the Galtan mercenaries exchange worried glances, the two barbarians hardly seem to notice - except to grunt 'encouragement' to the Galtans - as they continue their methodical way forwards...

Sir Clarius reloads the heavy crossbow. When he finishes, he lines up with one of the barbarians and looses another bolt.

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 +1 for possible favour

Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

By the time Clarius has reloaded, the approaching group are well within easy striking range of his heavy crossbow... he lets fly a second bolt... but it deflects off the silvery breastplate of the lead barbarian. Grunting, the man glances towards your group, but then gets back to making his way through the mist-enshrouded moor as he and his companions close in on you all...

They started about 150ft from you when you stopped, all told, but are only moving about 15ft per round. They were at 120-ish feet for Clarius's second shot...

"Ayden. Hurry up, they're less than a minute away."

"Lady Rebecca, forgive my impertinence for suggesting action on your part, but perhaps you could throw another of those balls of fire you used on the giants at these guys? It might slow them down a bit, maybe even scare off the Galtans."

Sir Clarius silently reloads the heavy crossbow. Lining up his shot, he takes aim at a barbarian again and lets loose another bolt.

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 +1 for possible favour

Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Pushy much! I don't see anyone else coming for a swim to save the man! Seriously though, sorry. Clarius' post after the Prof made me think that it hadn't been updated.

swim check1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
str check1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Aydan dives after Zurdalew, grabbing on to the Gnome, he kicks against the pull of the moors... heart beating faster as he feels the downpull...

...next round check... 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

...oh god.

Okay, now that both Zurladew and Aydan are under the surface... It takes a DC 16 Swim check to get back the the surface, but the DC is increased by one for every additional check failed (until the surface is reached, of course). Since these Swim checks are full round actions, the two guys under the surface can only hold their breaths for a number of rounds equal to their Consititution scores (assuming they're trying to surface). You should have enough information now to just roll buckets of virtual dice until you discover your fates...

"Lady Rebecca, forgive my impertinence for suggesting action on your part, but perhaps you could throw another of those balls of fire you used on the giants at these guys? It might slow them down a bit, maybe even scare off the Galtans."

'I...' stammers Lady Rebecca, sounding both embarrased and confused, '... I don't even know what happened back there! I don't know any magic! It just, sort of... went off...'

By the time Clarius launches his third shot, the lead barbarian is within about ninety feet... This time the bolt clips his arm, drawing blood. The man curses and snarls,

'Put down the toy and fight like men!' the blue-haired barbarian yells, his accent sounding strange...

1st round swim1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
1st round str check1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
2nd round swim check1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
2nd round str check1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

His chest on fire, Aydan struggles against Zurdalew's falling form before wrapping his arms around the Gnome and driving his legs as hard as he could, making a break for the surface.

If I'm correct and this works

Breaking the surface of the water Aydan gasps for air, making sure to keep Zurdalew's head above the water.

Str check to hold on to Zurdalew1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
swim check to get us to shore 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18