Slumbering Tsar: Forward - The Camp (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Manticore

"How does he make contact for mission success and get the rest of his payment?" says Macavity from around the corner apparently very familiar with this kind of mission.

"Xièxiè!" exclaims Elen to Macavity.

"Did you hear that question, Digory? How did you expect to get your payment?"

She waits for his response, and also asks, "Do you have any idea how the capsule of poison got into your stomach? Were you asked to swallow something? It certainly wasn't in the food you gave us yesterday -- too bad I didn't turn my spell to detect poison on you as well."

Maybe I missed it but was there an In-Character summary of what items were removed from our opponents, and asking if anyone wants any?

Guess everyone is traveling or something today. I'll post a few other actions so there's something to spur roleplay maybe.

While talking to Digory, Elen will finish feeding him the soup and the gruel, then make inquiries about his health. If he asks why, she will explain that while he may well face punishment or worse when they reach town, she still takes very seriously the responsibility that one has to a prisoner who surrendered. "What you tried to do to us doesn't change the very real pain you suffered, and helping you through it is the right thing to do."

She casts a spell to detect any lingering traces of poison, and examines him. This heal check can stand alone, or as an Aid Another for Lavinia if she wants to take the lead in the examination.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Jumping ahead to some time after the conversation with Digory is done.

Joining others in the mess or wherever people are gathering given the rain, Elen will sit down beside Ruul and Lavinia, and after sharing with everyone listening what happened during their conversation with Digory, she says to Ruul, "I've got an idea for you, my imposing friend. When I was last in Taldan, which I admit was decades ago, kilts were the going fashion for men. Have you ever seen a man in a kilt? Or you, Lavinia? It's a very attractive look, and the men I've talked to about it say it's very comfortable. Perhaps a different look for you than your loincloth would lead to less trouble with close-minded people assuming you're an unthinking brute."

I doubt that Ruul is much concerned with close-minded peoples' opinions Elen, but hey... its up to you my giant friend... Calendir says from one of the ends of the table, looking at the minotaur.

Probably not but I think it would be a very good look. I mean, that loincloth has obviously seen a lot of miles.

Shaking his head the half-orc adds with a smirk - I'd rather not think much about that...

The minotaur's brow furrows as he considers the suggestion.

"Calendir speaks the truth. I learned very quickly when I first came to Absalom that there would always be those that fear or hate me with very little purpose but I have also learned that it may be worth the effort to avoid unneeded conflict. A few at the Grand Lodge have tried having me fitted for armor before. All have proven to be too... binding."

Ruul thinks a bit more.

"I know what a kilt is, I have seen them before. There is a group of dwarves that frequent the flesh-markets that wears them."

The bull nods, "A kilt may be a good compromise between the garment that I'm accustomed to and something more fitting within mixed company." Ruul glances down at his current clothing.

"And this cloth is getting quite worn."

"Do you have something with you that could be fitted to me?"

Later on over dinner in the mess...

"I think that is a wonderful idea Elen. I have seen men in kilts before and I think the look would be an improvement over your loincloth Ruul. If you don't mind, perhaps Elen and I could take a couple yards of fabric from what we brought on board and fashion you a nice kilt? I do have some skill with needle and thread and would like to make you something Is there any color in particular that you favor?"

"Hmm... anything but red."

"Perhaps some kind of earth-tone then."

Ruul's bovine head nods in approval and he considers the possibilities.

"I have never put much thought into what I covered myself in. What do you think?"

"I think that I now have a project to do after dinner. I'm sure we can fashion you something quite nice to wear."

I've never seen a kilt made with linen before. If it doesn't work, we can probably get some wool from Gundrun. But we can use some of that brown linen that we picked up. For a person the size of Ruul, we'll probably need about 3 yards.

First attempt to fashion a kilt 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Second attempt to fashion a kilt 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Attempt to embroider and decorate the kilt 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Know religion 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
If Elen and Ally are helping they can feel free to throw in an aid another roll with me. :)

Sometime later that evening after dinner, Lavinia and Elen will go take some of the linen from the hold and work on fashioning a kilt suitable for Ruul. After scrapping the first attempt and calling it a learning experience, Lavinia decides that the second one is serviceable and sets about embroidering it with symbols one would usually find on a robe worn by one dedicated to serving Nethys.

Once he's confident they are still secure he hunts down Numair.

"Are you prepared to learn some wrestling techniques?" he asks the paladin.

Sorry Ruul, Thanksgiving was very busy for me.

Numair stands from his morning meditations, and limbers up.

I'm ready.

Elen can take 10 on Craft(sewing) for 22 (including her masterwork sewing kit), if we take Lavinia's as an Aid Another, this would be 24.

Aid Another on Craft(embroidery): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10 I would assume artisan's tools for sewing work for embroidery too. Is that really a separate skill from sewing? If not, +10 instead of +6. If it's so different that masterwork tools for sewing don't work on embroidery, remove the +2.

Aid Another on Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Ouch! I guess Elen is a little out of practice with embroidery, and only barely familiar with Nethysian symbols. However, that'll do to give a +2 to both of Lavinia's rolls, for a 23 to each.

To retcon from Digory's conversation.

As you ask him your question, he seems to fade off, clearly to tired to continue. You can tell that he may wish to talk more later, but the ordeal he experienced the previous evening are still tolling on him. He sleeps through the night fitfully. He wakes briefly over the next day or so, but is not able to stay awake for more than an hour at a time. He is able to walk with assistance as you leave the dock at Gundrun. He may be willing to talk more, but is still too weak to do much at this point.

Elen can take 10 on Craft(sewing) for 22 (including her masterwork sewing kit), if we take Lavinia's as an Aid Another, this would be 24.

[dice=Aid Another on Craft(embroidery)]1d20+6+2 I would assume artisan's tools for sewing work for embroidery too. Is that really a separate skill from sewing? If not, +10 instead of +6. If it's so different that masterwork tools for sewing don't work on embroidery, remove the +2.

[dice=Aid Another on Knowledge(religion)]1d20+9

Ouch! I guess Elen is a little out of practice with embroidery, and only barely familiar with Nethysian symbols. However, that'll do to give a +2 to both of Lavinia's rolls, for a 23 to each.

I have been told by my wife that embroidery can be part of sewing, so the artisan's tools would work fine.

aid another craft(sewing): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
aid another knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Ally helps with the sewing, and contributes what she knows about Nethys, which isn't much. OK then that's 26 on sewing with the two Aids. is that enough to make an awesome-looking kilt?

So Elen lead on the sewing and Lavinia on the embroidery and together we made a really nice kilt for Ruul. :)

Ruul's lessons begin with ready positions and stances but quickly move on to grabs and throws. While much of wrestling was about power and strength it was also about instinct and leverage. The human wasn't going to be overpowering anybody any time soon but his quick reflexes would serve him well.

This isn't that different from Numair's dancing, the minotaur mused as he set up for another demonstration.

Even though much of this teaching involved Ruul tossing him about the deck of the ship, Numair finds the minotaur to be a gentle teacher and he only ends up with a few bruises.

I don't know what sort of roll or check LM wants to use for progress for this.

Spotting Lavinia, Elen, and Ally coming up on deck, Ruul nods to the paladin.

"It appears we have an audience", he whispers in a low tone.

Quite excited about their success with the kilt project. Lavinia will suggest they go above deck and present it to Ruul as soon as it is done. Up on deck, they find him engaged with Numair yet again in a sparing match. This time they are wrestling instead of doing Numair's "dancing".

Not wanting to interrupt in the middle of a match, they will wait off to the side and watch. When the men are done, Lavinia will approach, holding the finished kilt in her outstretched hands. "We finished a kilt for you to try out Ruul. We hope it fits and that you will like it."

Ruul helps Numair up and takes a moment to meet with Lavinia.

He takes the garment in hand.

"This is... very kind", he almost in disbelief. "Nobody has ever gone to such lengths to give me a gift. You even stitched Nethys's mask. You... have my thanks."

The bull meets Lavinia's gaze. There's a warmth in his eyes that speaks volumes about his appreciation. He takes Lavinia's hand briefly.

"I want to try it on right away, but I must finish here with Numair first. Pass my gratitude on to Elen and Alliriyallin. Would it be a burden for you to wait for me?"

He leans down and speaks in a whisper.

"Make sure Elen stays as well. I believe she will enjoy this."

"You are welcome Ruul. I'm pleased you like it and I must admit I'm quite eager to see you try it on. I'll wait off to the side while you two finish up your match. I'll see if Elen will wait with me."

Lavinia will return to Elen's side to finish watching the two men wrestle. "Shall we cheer the men on a bit during their match? I'm rather eager for them to finish up so that I can see Ruul try the kilt on. He is most appreciative of the work the three of us did to craft it for him."

[dice=aid another craft(sewing)]1d20+6

[dice=aid another knowledge(religion)]1d20+3

Ally helps with the sewing, and contributes what she knows about Nethys, which isn't much. OK then that's 26 on sewing with the two Aids. is that enough to make an awesome-looking kilt?

That works for me. Will you ladies be up-armoring it later?

As Ruul squares off with Numair again he speaks in a low whisper.

"Perhaps you could shed your armor this time. Elen is watching and she seems to have an eye for you. You did know the elf admires you?"

Elen chuckles and says, "Well, I do need to check on the prisoners, bring them some dinner perhaps, but I can do so after this of course."

She cheers on the two wrestlers, clapping as Numair escapes a tricky hold that Ruul tries on him, and blushing and averting her eyes a few times as Ruul's loincloth falls aside. Her eyes are on both, but she cheers most vocally for her Qadiran friend.

Alliriyallin wrote:

[dice=aid another craft(sewing)]1d20+6

[dice=aid another knowledge(religion)]1d20+3

Ally helps with the sewing, and contributes what she knows about Nethys, which isn't much. OK then that's 26 on sewing with the two Aids. is that enough to make an awesome-looking kilt?

That works for me. Will you ladies be up-armoring it later?

Almost certainly not -- Ruul's Monk bonus to AC, and his ability to flurry, is dependent on his not wearing any armor, so that wouldn't be of any particular benefit.

Azaraunt, done with his scribing for the day joins Ruul and Numair on deck. He finds a good spot to watch and calls encouragements. I have read more than one good book on grappling. he adds. I believe you are in good hands with Ruul as a teacher Numair.

Ruul gives a nod of thanks at the wizard's kind words and invites anyone else to step up if they'd like to learn a thing or two (this includes the crew).

Hoping Numair is around...

Ruul, you say that quickness can be used to defend yourself in such a fight? I am much quicker than I am strong. Maybe you can show me how to use that to my advantage? The wizard enters the training area and bows to the minotaur.

Giving Numair a moment to catch his breath, Ruul runs the wizard through some of the drills that he showed the paladin earlier. He takes things a bit slower this time. If he'd had to be careful with Numair he would need to be doubly so with the slight elf.

"Strength is only half the technique", the bull explains. "An opponent who reaches past his center needs only a small amount of force to topple him."

Ruul illustrates the point by leaning the wizard forward and then tugging gently on his extended forearm.

"In your case, the trick will be making sure they don't fall on you", Ruul says with a chuckle as he helps the elf up again.

The elf is strength 10 and Dexterity 20. Oh, and acrobatics +12. Not too shabby for a caster with a racial minus to strength. :)

I thought elves had a racial penalty to constitution? In any case, I was more referring to hitpoints. =P

I think you are right.

This is to move things along, we can retcon, but for now, I think we have spent enough time on the boat. :)

The evening moves on, wind lacking and rain not. The captain's attitude towards you becomes more and more taciturn, not even saying good night when he retires for the evening. Fortunately, with so much rain (turning to sleet in the wee hours), nothing is willing to go out hunting on this evening.

The morning starts dark and grey, with light sleet slowly filling the top deck. The upside is that, off in the distance, you can see a dock along the north side of the river. An hour later, the boat finally pulls in. However, before anyone has a chance to head up, Captain Teach talks to you all.

In a dark, almost guttural tone, he says to you in the hall below decks, "Get off my boat and take the scoundrels with you. I don't know why they wanted you dead, and I don't frankly care. But since it has happened, there has been a curse upon this ship and me. I can feel it, and don't tell me that you can't either. Get off my boat and may you never darken my deck again." He walks off without another word.

As you walk up the deck to the plank, you see Niles standing there, almost at attention. "I'm sorry about the captain, but he is a bit superstitious. I think he's just worried about the weather. Anyway, I can't thank you enough for helping me. If you ever need anything, please let me know and I'll be glad to help." He smiles readily as you start to move.

"The town is actually a half-mile up the path, over the hill. Just be careful. They tend to keep to themselves up there, and they keep the good mead for the locals. The stuff they sell to us makes you gassy."

Sounds good. We can finish up the wrestling thing whenever Numair is around. What skill/check did you want him to use to measure his progress?

That night, the sounds of passion can be heard from Ruul and Lavinia's cabin again into the late hours of the night.

***

The Following Morning

Ruul felt a pang of regret as he left the deck of the barge. The captain was right, the malaise that appeared the night the Harbinger was made known to them was undeniable. What remained to be seen though, was if it was on the ship or on the group of Pathfinders themselves?

"You have our thanks and the gratitude of the Pathfinder Society", the minotaur offered the captain as the group departed.

***

Ruul nods at Niles' warning.

"How do you feel? Have there been no lingering effects from the poison?"

The wizard is unwilling to argue with the irrational captain, even though he is taken back by his attitude. He departs somberly. When Niles greets them though Azaraunt notes When the captain is in a better mood remind him that I came to his aid when the bandits attacked him in his cabin. Remind him who stood between him and naked blades. Remind him also that we were paying guests who did not ask for a return of our payment when we were attacked by thugs he let on his boat.

Also note that this morning Ruul isn't wearing his usual loincloth.

After they disembark from the boat...

After all their gear and horses have been unloaded, Lavinia will ask the group. "What shall we do with Digory and the other thugs from the boat?"

"It seems we have little choice but to take them with us to Gundren. With any luck, we can surrender them to whatever authorities keep the order there."

Ruul adjusted his new kilt. The garment had been a excellent idea - it offered him the comfort and freedom he needed. The minotaur did one more check of his own pack before offering Lavinia a hand up onto her horse.

What enemy are you selecting for the spell?

LM ruled that the targeting part could be a bit general (otherwise it'd be nearly impossible to use). He said something like 'The first person to threaten me' would be a valid target. I assume Lavinia will be using something like that.

Correct. With the clarification of The first person to physically threaten me. Don't want to waste it on someone just insulting me.

Did Digory, the gnomes or any of the thugs have any horses? If not, Lavinia will offer to let Digory ride with her since there is no way he's going to be able to walk to the town.

If they don't have mounts of their own, Digory can use Ruul's (assuming he can ride under his own power). Ruul doesn't particularly like the idea of another man being that close to Lavinia. Ruul can walk with the other two prisoners.

Aww, looks like Lavinia isn't the only possessive one. ;)

I blame the spell. It's making Ruul preemptively vengeful. =P

Besides, turnabout is fairplay!

Wasn't he, just the day before, about to... with the little gnome... Never mind. Not my business. :)