Family first. And as someone who is divorced, you have my deepest sympathies!
Really digging the group makeup right now. Good times.
+1 hp favored class
BAB +1
Fort+1, Ref +1
Combat Style feat - Archery (Precise shot)
skills - 6+2 int bonus
climb +1
Handle Animal +1
Heal +1
Perception +1
Stealth +1
Survival +1
Bluff +1
Ride +1
Been down with a really bad case of flu.
Just starting to get better.
Might need a day or two to get back on track tho. Thanks for the patience.
5HP + 3 + 1
Skills Perc SM Surv Know Dung/Rel/Nat
Spell: Bless
Cerian, you can mark the cure light wounds potion.
I'll wait a day before assuming the treasure log in my status bar is correct and issuing everyone's share of the loot. As of right now we're looking at 88.38 ea, and 49.1 for the party fund.
Fyi, the columns in the right side of the excel sheet are is for GM reference only, and it is intended only to show party wealth per character and overall average.
Dwarven warhammee +1 bane vs demons corrected. Thanks Bon
the witch potion is just a CSW potion.
After having been given time to refresh, refocus and restock. All of you are summoned by Kolwyk to the bar stool area of the Hostel. Both teams, black and gold, are told to arrive at the same time. In the center of the room the monk stands by a large table with an unfurled map. He motions for the groups to gather around the table as he begins.
"Many sources tell us humanoids from the Pomarj area have been incursions into settled lands. This is nothing new as those tribes have always risen up and raided surrounding lands and even each other, or other races. This is different though. It see,s the humanoids may be working in concert with each other. Reports are coming in of an raiding force comprised of hobgoblins and orcs and even a few ogres, working together causing havoc along the borders of Celene and the Wild Coast. Your employers sent emissaries to the Queen of Celene but thus far those diplomatic efforts have fallen on deaf ears and she refuses to work in tandem with other nations. As you know the Wild Coast is a landscape of chaotic rulers and getting them to coordinate a defense is nearly impossible. I tell this to you all not for your input on the diplomatic front, there are better teams undertaking that mission, but because if left unchecked this mixed raiding force may destabilize the border regions. It is assessed the mixed horde is making their way towards the town and castle of Berwyn. This is where you all come in. We sent a team to delay the horde from advancing on the town, but unfortunately that team was lost. The team did manage to inflict serious losses on the horde and forced the horde to return back to the Pomarj for supplies and reinforcements but our spies tell us the horde will once again move towards Berwyn. You must not let Berwyn fall. The Baron of Berwyn has not replied to any of our queries and we fear the worst for him. He is old and may not have the stomach for this fight. His town and more importantly his castle cannot fall into enemy hands. It has been determined that one team shall journey to the town and help prepare the defenses with the Baron and the other team shall harass and delay the horde to the point of negating their ability to overwhelm the town by delaying the horde to allow the town to prepare proper defenses. I shall let you all decide whom does what. Time is of the essence here so you must depart quickly along different paths towards the Pomarj. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves and ask questions."
The grey elf will have given a smile to the wild elf and tried to communicated with him about what they now know.
"I'm not familiar with the orcs of the Pomarj, but I'd love a chance to speak with them and try to stop this madness.. " He sighs and shrugs... "Of course diplomacy may not be possible."
Anchard appraises the other team a moment before speaking in his usual tired but to the point manner, "How are we supposed to decide who is best suited for each undertaking? We have never met your other operatives here. Do they have experience battling orcs or are familiar with gorilla warfare? I have experience with both and my associates here have experience with an orc band in recent history, but to speak plainly I'd rather choose the seemingly safer route in rallying the Baron's forces to a respectable defense in spite of my lack of knowledge in that area. Though I would also like to hear of the bounties involved for the problems at hand... for comparison."
"Then there is the matter of what support we have toward thwarting a horde that a prior group failed to scatter. I would think more details surrounding the previous group's failure and what is known about that matter before I can put the risks and benefits to the scale." Anchard crosses his scorched arms concerned for the matter at hand and the risk he is to consider.
I am at home in the wilds more than inside the walls of a city, but I have no qualms about helping this Baron's forces find the stifness in their spines, nor do i mind training them to wield a bow better. We dont have a lot of incursions of orc back home in the Phostwood, but I know their kind...I can admit I am not surprised at the Queen of Celene's lack of interest outside of its border's they have long been isolationists
He said quietly working on sharpening an arrowhead while the discussion occured.
Wait... should this be in discussion or gameplay?
The grey elf, speaking with the wisdom and grace of her people, dressed in the billowing white and gold robes typical of the grey elves, her purple eyes sparkling as the sun shines on them and on her golden hair, will rise and say Perhaps we should use our greatest warriors and casters to confront these demi-humans and the diplomats to go to the city and help shore up the defense.
Speaking in elven to the wood elf
"that actually sounds like a good plan, though it might be wise to have at least one tactician go with the diplomats and one diplomat with the warriors and casters." Tzardüsk puts his two cents in and then grows quiet again to hear what others had to say.
Shortnose- Human- Fighter
Alistair- Human- Bard
Bonifacious- Dwarf- Inquisitor of Hanseath
Cerian- Elf- Ranger
Anchard- Human- Cleric-Theologian
Mogwag- Half Orc- Oracle
Victrix- Human- Barbarian
Tzardusk- Half Orc- Shaman of Rraurvir (Merikka)
Tanariel- Elf- Wizard
Thrand- Human- Cavalier
Mogwag knows the Pomarj Mogwag is better suited to harass the enemy but Mogwag know there will be wolf rider to everyone needs to be mounted and prepare to fight using all available method is chosen to delay the hoard and everyone needs to get ok with that. It isn't a fight for broad daylight and Challenges. Leave some worries to go to the town as well in case it still gets attacked anyway.
The knight finally speaks up, saying, "I am comfortable being assigned to either mission. I can stay behind and train the baron's men to fight effectively in a shield wall or work with the cavalry, and I may have some sway with the nobility. In the field, I can strike from horseback and fight hand-to-hand."
"I will go with either group, though direct combat and field work are not my forte."
I am fine going to either place. states the elf.
After finally getting away of the witch, Shortnose follow the others back to the city to their contractor. Deal is done, they are back in the city, but since Shortnose is a smart person, and notice they soon got called to another business meeting, he kept quiet about being a newcomer and not really party of the band. If none said anything, maybe now they recognize his battle prowess and superior courage in front of the enemy!
And that’s how the tall, boarded shoulder and bald man reaches the meeting place.
Shortnose is dressed in is normal clothes, with the armor and weapons prepared for battle, on his back a slightly larger than normal shield.
He appraises everyone present and his eyes are inevitably drawn to the only woman in the room. The golden haired elf with purple eyes!
He glanced down at her. Very different from Flashwit and Mayfly. She didn’t had the big, strong-looking legs –The one thing that made proper men drool, but she was very beautiful and that warranted his attention.
”I think the elf-lady should come with us. Since we have, well me, to protect her and everyone else.” he concludes with a flashy smile, brimming with confidence. One would barely recognize the same warrior trembling in fear of a witch.
"Yes and speaking about you, who is this man and how did he end up joining up with your team Anchard? Alistair? Bonficious? Cerian?" the monk asks the remaining members of team black.
Victrix slowly walks into the room, her eyes squinted shut and holding her head in one hand. "Whoof... sorry I'm late, guys. What'd I miss?"
The elf will note Shortnose's attention and give him a half-smile as she sits down taking her place this time near the wood elf.
Now that is a woman after his heart.
Such legs and defined body! Shortnose does his best to make sure no drool falls unintentionally as he tries to recall what the other had said.
Who was I? Who I am?...
Then, forcefully dragging his eyes out of the newcomer he turns to the boring man asking the boring questions.
”Well, that’s a long history but me don’t mind tellin’ if ye don’t mind listenin’.”
Shortnose takes what he thinks is a storyteller pose and begin his tale:
--
Smiles staggered to one side and dropped to one knee.
I took up position behind her, guarding her back. The greatsword in mine hands seemed to be trembling all on its own, the fury after the battle.
Me watch Tarr bull his way back through the milling press. His visage was darker than I had ever seen before. ‘Koryk!’ he snapped.
‘Here, Sergeant.’
‘You’ll live?’
‘Caught a look in an eye,’ the man replied, edging into view. One side of his face was sheathed in blood, but it wasn’t his own. ‘Seen hyenas looking saner.’ He pointed with a bloodied long knife. ‘That corporal there gave ’im a nudge …’
The man Koryk indicated was on his knees. A regular. Burly, broad-shouldered, with a knife handle jutting from the right side of his chest. Blood was streaming from his mouth and nostrils, filled with bubbles.
Tarr glared round, his eyes catching mine. He walked over. ‘Smiles – look at me, soldier.’
She lifted her head. ‘Like Koryk said, Sergeant – we ain’t blind and we ain’t stupid. Caught the same nudge, so I gave him my knife.’
Tarr met me eyes.
I nodded. ‘Twelve paces between ’em, in the dark, in a crowd.’
The dying corporal had dropped his bearded chin to his chest and seemed to be staring at his knees.
Corabb edged closer and gave the man a push. He fell over. The thudding impact, as he landed on the ground, spurted one last mass of foam from his mouth and nose.
‘Two down?’ Tarr asked.
Me could feel the hatred in the eyes of the regulars crowding the scene, and he flinched when Corabb said, ‘Three, Sergeant. The first two were the distraction – two more came in low from behind, making for the wagon. I got the first one, then Cuttle chased the last one away – still after him, I guess.’
‘He’s out there?’ Tarr demanded. ‘Rovagug’s breath!’
Smiles straightened and, moving drunkenly, made her way to the dead corporal, where she retrieved her knife. ‘It ain’t right,’ she muttered. She faced the crowd. ‘We’re guarding empty casks, you damned fools!’
Someone called out, ‘Wasn’t us, marine. That was the Captain’s gang.’
I scowled. Blistig. Gods below.
‘Just leave us alone,’ Smiles said, turning away.
Cuttle returned, caught Tarr’s eye and with one hand casually brushed the crossbow slung down behind his left arm.
The sergeant faced the haulers. ‘Pull up the ropes, soldiers – let’s get this moving again.’
Smiles came up to me. ‘Killing our own – it ain’t right.’
‘I know.’
‘You had my back – thanks.’
I nodded.
The crowd of regulars was melting away. The wagon started rolling, the squad falling in alongside it, and the bodies were left behind.
‘It’s the madness,’ said Corabb a short time later.
‘In Powt Saw—’
‘You don’t need to tell us,’ Cuttle interrupted.
‘We was there, remember?’
‘Aye. Just saying, that’s all. The madness of thirst —’
‘That was planned out.’
‘The corporal, aye,’ Corabb said, ‘but not that fool going for Koryk.’
‘And the ones coming in from behind? Planned, Corabb. Someone’s orders. That ain’t madness. That ain’t anything of the sort.’
‘Mostly, I was talking about the rest of them regulars – the ones closing in on the smell of blood.’
No one had any response to that. Me found that I was still holding my greatsword. Sighing, I sheathed it.
Me took the blood-stained shirt and pushed it beneath the collar of the leather yoke, stuffing it across the width of my collar bones where my skin had been worn away and things were looking raw. Someone had brought me the shirt, sopping wet and warm, but all that blood didn’t bother me much – I was already adding to it.
The wagon was heavy. Heavier now with children riding atop all the bundles of food. But for all their numbers, not as heavy as it should have been. That was because they were mostly starved down to bones. I didn’t like thinking about that. Back when me’d been a child I remembered hungry times, but every one of those times, da would come in with something for the runts, Shortnose the runtiest of them all. A scrap.
Something to chew. And ma, she’d go out with other mas and they’d be busy for a few days and nights and then she’d come back in, sometimes bruised, sometimes weeping, but she’d have money for the table, and that money turned into food. Da used to swear a lot those times she did that.
But it was all down to feeding the runts. ‘My beautiful runts,’ da liked saying. And then, years later, when the garrison had up and left town, suddenly Ma couldn’t get the money the way she used to, but she and Da were happier for all of that anyway.
Mine older brothers had all gone off by then, two of ’em to war and the other one to marry Widow Karas, who was ten years older than him and who I secretly loved with all my might, so it was probably a good thing I ran away when I did, since mine brother wouldn’t have taken kindly to that trouble behind the barn with Karas drunk, or maybe not, and anyway it was all in good fun –
I noticed a boy walking beside me. Carrying a sack. His hands were bloody and he was licking them clean.
Brought me that shirt, did you? ‘Ain’t good, runt,’ me says. ‘Drinking blood.’
The boy frowned up at me, and went on with his licking until his hands were clean.
– and I’d heard later how one of mine brothers got killed outside Nathilog and the other one came back with only one leg, and then the pensions came through and Ma and Da stopped having to struggle so, especially when I joined up meself and sent two-thirds of my pay back home; half of that went home to Da and Ma; the other third went to mine brother and his wife, because I felt guilty about the baby and all.
Still, it wasn’t good being hungry so young, and starving was worst of all. Da used to say, ‘If ya can’t feed ’em, don’t have ’em. Hood’s proud pole, it don’t take a genius to see that!’ It sure don’t, and that was why I kept paying for my runt, and I’d still be paying for it if it wasn’t for we being fired and made outlaws and deserters and all the other names the military came up with for not doing what them told you to do. By now, though, that runt would be old enough to work all on its own, so maybe mine brother would have called off the bounty on my head. Maybe everything was all right by now, the dust settled and all.
It was nice to think so. But now I’d gone and fallen in love with Flashwit and Mayfly and wasn’t that silly, since there were two of them and only one of me. Not that I saw that as a problem. But women could get funny about things like that. And lots of other things too, which was why they were so much trouble.
The hauler on my right stumbled. I reach down one-handed and lifted the woman back on to her feet. She gasped her thanks.
Now women. I can think about women all—
‘You’re Shortnose, aren’t ya?’
I glanc down at her. She was short, with big, strong-looking legs – now that was bad luck for her, wasn’t it? The one thing that made proper men drool turned out getting her yoked like a – like a – ‘Yah, that’s me.’
‘Been tryin to look, y’see?’
‘No.’
‘I heard you got the same ear bitten off twice.’
‘So?’
‘Well, er, how’s that possible?’
‘Don’t ask me. It was all Bredd’s fault.’
‘Bredd? Nefarias Bredd? You were fighting him?’
‘Might have been. Save your breath, soldier. See this runt here? He ain’t saying a thing, cause he’s smart.’
‘It’s because he doesn’t understand the common language.’
‘As good an excuse as any, I always say. Anyway, just keep pulling, and think about things you like to think about. To distract ya from all the bad stuff.’
‘What are you thinking about?’
‘Me? Women.’
‘Right,’ she said in a strangely cold tone. ‘So I guess I’ll think about handsome, clever men.’
I smile down at her. ‘You don’t have to do that, lass – you got one walking right beside you.’
The boy went away and came back a short time later with some more cloth, which he gave to me so that he could stop mine bleeding nose.
Like da used to say, ‘There ain’t no figurin’ the ways of women.’ Too bad too. She was kinda pretty and, even better, she could swear the hide off a bhederin. Could there be a sexier combination? I didn’t think so.
--
Finishing off his tale, Shortnose looks at the man, not noticing that after all the narrative, he hadn’t really answered the man’s question.
Looking at the make up of the group the elf stands again, May I make the following suggestions as to who should go where? Those who would attempt to fight the orcs and hobgoblins should be: Shortnose, Victrix, Tzardusk, Anchard, and Bonifacius. They seem to have the better ways of fighting and there is little love lost between the dwarves and the orcs. Their strengths would best be used to see what they can do to stop our foes at the root.
The rest of us, myself, Cerian, Sir Thrand, Mogwog and Alistar should travel to Berwyn to see what we can do to help shore up defenses or help them see that they must defend themselves. she says sitting down.
Victrix blinks. "Oh, that's it? Alroight then--fightin' orcs & the loike is somethin' I can do."
Discord is your gift, Victrix. replies the elf.
The knight says, "I know of no greater warrior than Victrix, so it is right that she should go and fight the horde. Tzardüsk can translate, and him going will allow us a chance at diplomacy. Who will scout for them? They may have need of a good tracker."
The elf will raise an eye brow at Thrand as he speaks.
Victrix puffs her chest out and grins with pride. "Bloody roight."
"Well, except fer Kord, that is."
"What's that, master dwarf? You can track? Very well, then I am happy with the groups that Tanariel has chosen. What say you all?"
"I hate to lose Cerian and his skill with a bow and the experience we gained fighting along side of each other, but I think she has a good a guess as any of us with the information we have. Though I still want to know more about the rewards and the prior failed group."
He quietly watched the proceedings bowing his head slightly at Anchard's praise. He did think he was far more suited in the wilds, both as a scout, and foil to advancing armies be they orc, human or monster but He didnt know what skills the other group brought to the table. Perhaps he could be put to a better use in training the humans the proper use of a bow.
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"Have we decided? Well for those going to the town of Berwyn. The Baron of Berwyn, Kolter Berwyn, is an old fellow by now. He started out as a militia member in the area but gained fame by fighting off Pomarj incursions. Eventually after so many victories he was rewarded the rank of Baron by the local populace. Quite a rare feat indeed. That was some 40 years ago when he was in his 30s. All reports indicate he has been a fair and just ruler over his lands and keeps his realm protected from raids using his older son Kerryk as his warmaster. Kerryk graduated from the famed War College at Chendl. His younger son Kudzal spent time here in the city at the Arcane Academy. For these Pomarj incursions to occur as they do then Kolter must be hard pressed. Once the teams are decided you shall take horses from the stable and move with speed to the town of Berwyn. I have two curative wands for you, one for each team. Recovered items from other failed teams." the monk says and places 2 wands on the table (CLW wands-one with 12 charges left and the other with 15 charges left).