The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Marcus is shy, even when given praise by his fellow villagers. He was never one to boast his own excellence, he was one to put his head down and get the job done. His father, Rupert Dale, always told him lets your actions speak for ya boy, not what your mouth says. Once you open ya mouth, ya cannot unopened it, remember that.

And to this day Marcus remembers every lesson his father ever taught him. If others with for Marcus to recount his tale, he obliges to not be rude, but he doesn't go out of his way to tell it.

Upon hearing the good news of the collective efforts of the healers, that the Maetuar boy will be alright, Marcus lets out a large sigh if relief and happiness. He heads back home, wondering if he had missed the opportunity to speak with the Maetuar man about his "problem". Just when he had given up hope, Marcus was startled when approached by the same man.

Marcus, focuses all his attention on the mans story, nodding occasionally at some of the finer points, "don't want to Alodoans thinking we are a threat". After the story is finished, Marcus looks up to the sky for a brief moment as if trying to find the words, then looks at the man,

Do not worry, I will do what I feel is right, for all involved parties. My father has given me much wisdom, as well as my mother. I am shocked to be honest, that you would come to me, but I do know that weapons breed violence but also defend our loved ones. I will try to find out more, and find a common ground. I hope that this will help you sleep at night Marcus says with a hint of uneasiness in his posture.

Dieredon nods at the words of the Captain.

I would be most honored with the commission to the Alodoan Woodland Guard, and I will certainly accept with humble gratitude, regardless of the additional duties that it requires of me. Do we know of the identity of the noble elf that is in league with the escaped outlaw Irillian the Green? I have contacts with many nobles from my past, and I was wondering if perhaps I may be able to use such information to my benefit in tracking down the outlaw where this halfling failed.

Dieredon sits at the desk and begins to detail his report to the new Keeper of the Grounds, Georgiana. He will include a detailed account of their attack in the swamps and the location of the island and the much larger threat that some in Woodbridge are investigating. He also gives a detailed description of the surrounding Flora and Fauna. Perhaps more importantly, he details the two races besides humans and elves found in and about Woodbridge - the Gymnaga and Maetur. Most of his descriptions flow towards the Gymnaga due to his close relationship with Poseus.

Come, Calex, have a look at what I have written and see if there is anything you think we should add regarding Woodbridge and its inhabitants.

Day 6, morning, The Hill of the Cairns

The morning dawns with a promise. The sun is bright, and the air is warm. There is a gentle breeze coming from the west.

You check your packs, and arrange everything as best as you can. After you finish a few bites of food, the promise of the day's warmth is soon departing. The sky grows grey. A misty fog rises, coming from the river to the south. The breeze dies, and the air is now moist, cold, and foreboding.

You decide to press on, regardless of the inclement weather, and set out toward the north. Fortunately the fog is not thick, and you never lose sight of the trees of the forest ahead of you. The companionship of the journey keeps the oppressive feeling of dangerous new territory at bay.

Once you reach the forest you are in awe of the trees, they are unlike the small trees you are accustomed to in and around Woodbridge. These trees are massive. The trunks are larger around than you can reach, and the lowest branches are feet above your heads. The floor of the forest is carpeted with dead leaves, needles, patches of mushrooms and occasional small plants and shrubs. The first thing you notice is that there is no path, no trail of any kind, not even one that could have been made by animals.

It is another world. Perhaps if the sun were shinning it would be different, but the overcast sky and the dense foliage above your heads creates a world of deep shadows, and silent hiding places in every direction.

It takes only a moment for you to realize that if you wander much farther into this forest, you might find it difficult to find your way back, so for the time being you move along the perimeter of the forest, always keeping the Hill of the Cairns in sight over your shoulder.

You see no sign of the Lyph people, for hours, when suddenly all three of you notice, at about the same time, a foul smell. It smells as though someone were roasting something that was rotten, a powerful burnt smell with hints of wet wood and meat.

You can try Perception checks to try and identify where the smell is coming from

Alomar sniffs the air

Do you smell that, it smells nasty!

Alomar turns his eyes upwards, to the sky if that could be seen.
Elementals guide me to determine the origins of this foul smell.

Alomar casts guidance

Perception Smell, Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Phineas' allergies must be acting up in the crowded and unfamiliar woods, for he only barely scents the foulness that Alomar is alerted to.

"Can you pinpoint the spot, Alomar? Perhaps something is dead here in the wood? Let's approach with caution, just in case."

Phineas sniffles and takes a position behind the Metaur following on with his crossbow ready.

"It smells like some rotten meat is being smoked, it smells meaty, wooden and wet. I think it comes from that direction."

Alomar points to the direction he thinks the smoke is coming from and moves that way

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Poseus sniffs the air as well and looks around disturbed.
"I smell it too Alomar, a foul scent indeed."

Poseus looks to the front and the sides looking for any signs of fire, like smoke clouds.

"Lead on Alomar." He says as he grabs a spear from his back.

Calex nods as the Captain explains the current situation to the 2 companions, and says "I will certainly not insult the Lady by refusing her thanks, and I hope both you and her will consider us again for any help you feel we can give. Dangerous times have arrived and all folk of good standing need to ally with those they trust. I hope to add myself to that number, if you allow me to." Calex offers his hand to the departing Captain, then sits back down with Dieredon.

As Calex reviews Dier's report, he suggests some preliminary additions. "Hmm.You might want to mention how much of the village is rather insular, and would prefer to have little to do with the Alodoans. They are suspicious of any outsiders and I don't believe they would side with either, given a choice. Also, the village is so poor they can barely raise enough forces to defend themselves, so the chances of them lending any kind of armed uprising any real support is- may my neighbors forgive me- laughable at best. We've come looking for help from Castletown for a reason, after all. Also, you make no mention of the Fulogh’Mogobbh bog-goblins and the danger they may be." Calex frowns in thought, then shrugs. "I can't see anything else you might've missed."

Those are excellent suggestions. Thanks, Calex. Let us add them to the report. The bog goblins are described here, when I discuss the swamp attack. It cannot hurt to add more detail.

Dieredon adds Calex's suggestions to the report, but he is reluctant to add the insular nature of Woodbridge and wanting to have little to do with the Alodoans. He looks questioningly at Calex as he lifts his pen from the paper.

This report should not be a slanted explanation of the feelings of the locals, but instead a purely factual representation. I do not think that all residents would agree with the assessment that they want nothing to do with the Alodoans. In fact, some may welcome their presence or involvement in Woodbridge for the protections they can bring and the influx of coin it could also provide.

Calex nods thoughtfully. "You're right. My own feelings at the village elder's caution is coloring my opinion. I would like to see more rapid advancement, and that is making me see them as 'insular' instead of cautious. Lets face it- after today's assassination, Woodbridge might have good reason to be cautious. We can leave that out. The captain's questions about soldiers should be answered, however, by reminding him that we came here looking for aid because of the village's LACK of a properly trained and equipped militia to protect itself. If he wants to gain Woodbridge's loyalty, a wagon load of basic arms and armor would do it, after the scare everyone has had from the bog-goblins."

Agreed, I will include that, for certain.

Dieredon puts the finishing touches on the report after his consultation with Calex.

Well, I would guess this is an excellent opportunity for some rest. Apparently, we have a quite a day ahead of us tomorrow, with all of the promotions and accolades. I look forwrad to a return to the quieter times in Woodbridge, but I am also afraid that my new duties will likely pull me away more often that I would like. If there is no rush to return tomorrow, I will still be visiting that friend of mine, if at all possible. Goodnight friend, and good work today.

I will be out of country until Friday night on a business trip. I might very well be unable to post.

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

Alomar leads Poseus and Phineas through the trees of the Green Wood. He moves slowly, staying close to trees, and carefully peering around them before he advances. The smell leads him northward until he comes to a sudden stop behind a cluster of three large tree trunks. Looking through them, and keeping himself concealed he sees a small camp.

Poseus and Phineas crowd in behind him to take a look as well.
In a small, natural clearing there is a smoky fire burning. Logs of peat give of the odor, and there is a spit built above it, but nothing is cooking, yet. Standing to the left of the fire are two hideously ugly creatures like nothing any of you have ever seen before. They appear to be humanoid like toad men. Their heads are huge, their bodies bloated, and covered with black warts. Their eyes are large and red with dark cat-like pupils. The two poke sticks at the fire, but do not speak to each other or make any sounds.

Just to the right of the fire, perhaps a few feet to the north is a large wooden cage. It appears to be made of woven soft wood branches, with some leaves still attached. Inside the cage are some tiny people that look like the tall Aladoan people of Deiredon’s race (elves) but are only a foot or so tall.

The Green circles are tree trunks. You can move through a square that has a tree trunk as difficult terrain and the trees give cover. The red circle is the Camp fire, and the brown square is the cage.

Alomar whispers to the others "There are some weird creatures there, with what seems like prisoners. The prisoners could be Lyph, they match the description. What do you say, shall we try to free them or shall we parley with the creatures? I can try to entangle them in a web of vines so they can not hurt us."

Meanwhile Alomar wrecks his brain to find out if he has heard anything of these creatures before.

There is a small chance that Human and Maetaur parents would have told a rare "boogie monster" like story to children, but it is old, A Knowledge History Roll > 16 will mean you heard the tale at least once, and a roll > 20 means you heard it more than once and remember something that might trigger a Knowledge Nature check.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

I assume that the creatures were evil in the story?

"If those are Lyph that are captured, we should rescue them. I don't know much about magic but if you can hold them with it, we could attack from a distance."

Poseus peers through the wild growth, sees the creatures again and leans back.
"They sure are ugly creatures."

Know History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Growing up without his father, and sent off to live with Panofrey early, Phineas didn't hear stories about boogeymen, but his stunned by the sheer ugliness of these things.

Seeing the small fey in the cage, Phineas thinks to himself that these are likely the Lyph, the Good Folk, they are supposed to meet. Obviously, if the troll-like things are holding them, then those troll-like guys must be bad.

"I don't know any prayers that will hold those things, but I can ask for the ability to Command one into running away and help guide our attacks, if you like."

Alomar thinks for a while and then turns to Phineas

"I do not know if there are more of these creatures in the vicinity, we do not want to warn them if there are any more near. I will command the plants in the area to grab them, then we can free the Lyph and go from there."

"The entanglement by plants is not perfect, they will be able to move, although slowly. I was thinking that I cast the prayer, expose myself and hope that they will move my way. Meanwhile you and Poseus can free the Lyph and we can be off quickly after that, without having to resort to killing"

Phineas nods his approval of this plan. "If you can control the plants and keep them from grabbing us by mistake. YOu are also swift enough to run away if needed. This seems like a good plan."

"Agreed. but if they come loose of the plants, be ready to defend yourself Phineas."

Poseus grips the spear in his hands tightly and waits for Alomar to cast the planned spell. The moment the spell is cast he will move forward towards the caged Lyphs.

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

"I'll be heading for sleep myself, after a few chores. I'll get the lantern when I'm done. We really were heroes today, weren't we- like something out of the old legends!" Calex grins bemusedly and gives his head a shake at the notion."I could get used to the idea. Rest well, my friend."

Before turning in himself Cal digs out his best set of clothes and uses simple magics to ensure they are clean, polished or otherwise ready for the morning, then extinguishes the light and settles into the other bed.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Unfortunately I do not control the plants using this magic. You need to stay out of the area where the vines are coming up. If you make a flanking maneuver to the right you will be fine."

Alomar casts Longstrider on himself and then Entangle on the point between squares A-10, B-9

If I am correct that just leaves out the cage with the 40 ft radius

Alomar then moves to an point opposite of the boggards, outside of the entangled area (C-18 or something like that) and yells at the boggards
"Oi! How ugly can you be!"

Okay, let's call that time for Initiative rolls. Alomar, Poseus and Phineas can get into positions,you should each make a stealth roll. I'll throw a perception check for the Boggards, and if they fail, you get a surprise round AFTER Alomar throws Entangle, otherwise it will go like this. The Party moves into position, Alomar begins to cast Entangle, the party is spoted, and combat rounds begin. Any questions?

Sounds good to me
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Fine boss!

Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Aye aye sir!

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

Round 1

Phineas and Poseus nod to Alomar, and move into safe positions.
You can move up to 30 feet on the map from where you are shown to any square within that range

Alomar quietly casts a spell on himself, hiding behind a tree, and then tries to peer out from cover to get a good look at the area in front of him so as to find a good place to center the effects of his next spell.
He sees a good spot, and begins casting and right at that moment one of the frog-like creatures turns its head in Alomar’s direction.
The spell goes off and the plants all around the creatures come to life, just as the first creature is rising from a squatting position and elbowing the creature next to him.

Caught unaware by the spell the frog-creatures react with surprising dexterity and leap forward as the plants try to ensnare them. The two monsters literally dance their way out of the spells affect lifting their legs as high as they can and spinning their arms to keep their balance. They leave their weapons behind and move to the edge of the spell's area of effect.
The Boggards move from –A,-4, and A,4 to _a,0 and A,1 respectively
They then look all around trying to see if they are surrounded. They leer at Alomar and then begin looking around the ground for something to use as a weapon.

Reflex Save Boggard #1: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Reflex Save Boggard #2: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Alomar – I am going to go ahead and say your round 1 action was casting Entangle, and you were spotted then.

Poseus moves to E,-9 or E,-8 if possible, still holding his spear and his breath

Brother Phineas moves quickly to get into a flank.

Double Move to C-9 or so.

GM, do you expect a round 2 action from me before the boggards make their move?

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood
Round 1

Okay, so because I failed to adequately show the area of the entangle spell, both Phineas and Poseus described moves into that area. That’s my goof, and I will update the map tonight. The Boggards are still unaware of both of you, but we will fix your position as soon as you can see the entangle area better. Meanwhile the Boggards move slowly, sizing up Alomar and picking up clubs of wooden branches. A, -4 moves to D, -1 | and –A, -4 moves to B, -2

It is the top of Round 2

Day 6, Woodbridge and Castletown
Marcus has the whole day to work on projects, while the night slowly comes to Castletown and Dieredon and Calex have an uneasy rest.

Phineas readies his crossbow, loading a bolt, then moves to the right flank as far as possible, about 30'. He tries to stay low and out of sight using whatever trees are available for cover.

Poseus moves up quickly closer but tries to remain as silent as he possibly can among the trees.
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Double move to H,-6, or H,-5 while stealthing

Alomar sets of at a brisk pace, he tries to lure the boggards to the other side of the entangled area.

Double move (80 ft because of longstrider) to A-18

Marcus heads back to his father shop. He sits at the workbench and ponders over the recent events. A Maetur man, wants me to help him. I just hope I can find a common ground, to keep the peace but help them in finding their way.

After a few brief moments of self inflection, Marcus looks to the various projects he as partially started and thinks about what needs to be done. He thinks about the others, Calex, Dieredon, and the others who are on their own missions and tasks and hopes they are all okay and safe in the woods and Castletown.

Marcus will pick up the various hammers, clamps, blowers and other tools he needs. He sets out the fine crafted studded leather armor he was working on for Poseus. He grabs a hammer and starts in again on finishing the studded armor, hoping it will be to his liking.

armor daily check vs DC 13: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

24 x 13 = 312 / 7 = 45...121+45=166/250

After a long days work, he looks back at the work done, and is quite satisfied with the progress made. He looks around the shop and tidies up as needed. When cleaning everything up, he realizes that the spit has to be done, and he curses to himself for not getting it done first since he promised Miss Toalwood it would be first priority.

Marcus heads washes up, and heads to the inn for a hot meal and then back home for a good nights rest. He has a dream but can't remember much of it, something about a redhead girl, but that was all.

He wakes in the morning, refreshed, goes through his usual routine of quick breakfast from Lulu, a quick dip in the lake to wash up, and then off to the shop. This time, he will work on and finish the spit for Miss Toalwood, and then deliver it promptly, with an apology.

forgot about the Miss Toalwood spit project until after I posted, and I am not gonna retcon my post, so will work on the spit project the next day :)

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood
Round 2

Keeping out of sight, Phineas and Poseues creep closer to the strange Frog-like men, while Alomar runs around the perimeter of the tangling vegetation, a tactic that draws the strange creatures to chase him, and right into a trap.

The Boggards run after Alomar, and pass by the places where Poseus and Phineas are hiding. In round three the two of you will be behind the creatures and if you attack them I am going to treat them as Flat Footed for your attacks. It is now the top of round 3

Dieredon and Calex – thanks for waiting so patiently. Tomorrow I hope to write up a post that will bring you two into the great hall and an audience with the widow of Lord Anticus

Marcus – thanks for that great post, easily puts you on day 7, when Deiredon and Calex will be having an audience.

All – Let’s get Poseus, Phineas and Alomar through this encounter, and off to see the Lyph’s then back to Woodbridge by the end of day seven. Calex and Dieredon should be back to Woodbridge by day 9 or 10 at the latest. I am putting together an underground adventure for the whole group, based, I hope, upon what the three young men learn from the Lyph’s, then everyone is going to be off to Castletown to bigger things. How does that sound?

Outstanding...looking forward to it!

Alomar keeps on running around his entangled area, he is focussed on rescuing the captives in the cage.

If I am correct a double 40ft move takes Alomar to -D,-7

Poseus gets up behind the boggard at K,-9, thrusting the spear in his hands as deep as he can into his back with all his power behind it.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Phineas Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Xbow Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Phineas rises up from his hiding spot, and with a quick prayer to the gods, takes a shot with his crossbow. Having given up his position, he now throws down the crossbow, and draws into his hand the quarterstaff.

Sounds like a plan, Ter! I've got 1 more shift rotation this weekend then the plant gets shut down for year-end maintenance, so I'll be around until after it restarts up in the new year.

Day 7, Morning, Castletown

A guard knocks respectfully on the door to the cell where Dieredon and Calex are being held. There is a pause, and then another knock, and then the sound of keys being sorted out and the click of the lock.

A young Human stands in front of two Elves. The Human is a male. He is thin and clean shaved, with square shoulders and medium length blond hair that is combed back away from his face. His garments are fine, expensive looking, a tailored suit of long coat, woolen shirt, and dark grey trousers. The Elves are both women, and they are about the same height as each other though they are an inch, perhaps, taller than the man. One of the Elves has fair skin and dark brown hair that is braided, the braid laid over her left shoulder. This girl is athletic and slim, her arms are muscled and taunt. The other girl is heavier, but still in the shape of a soldier, her hair is black and she wears it cut short in a particular style that is not difficult to place*. Both women wear vests of chain mail, and under this a jerkin of cloth, and woolen pants protected with breaches of hardened leather. The women wear swords on the hips in plain scabbards and each carries a simple spear.

When you are ready, you are escorted to the great hall of the castle.

The great hall is a large room with a high, vaulted ceiling made from thick wooden beams. The hall itself is forty feet wide and eighty feet long. There is a huge fireplace in the long wall on the left as you enter the hall, but it is not light. There is another fireplace on the short wall opposite the entry doors, and there is a small fire burning there. Near the small fireplace is a fancy chair (not as elegant as a throne, exactly, but it is large, with upholstered seat and arms. The back of the chair is high and solid, made of dark wood and it is covered with an intricately carved knot like pattern.

Danielle Anticus, the widow of Lord Caliorus Anticus is seated in the throne. She wears a simple, pale yellow dress (the color of morning traditionally worn by the people of Aladoa). To her left stand her children, two daughters and a son, and they are also dressed in simple yellow garments**. On her right stand Captian Haselton, and a woman who is strikingly similar to Captain Haselton. She has the same square jaw line, but her face is delicate.

The throne sits just to the right of the fireplace. Four soldiers, one who is Elf,and three Humans, all men, stand in a line in front of the fireplace, and then to the left, is a small group of people, some you recognize, and some you do not. One of these people is the Elven woman rescued in the attack in the stable. She is seated in a small but comfortable chair and an elderly Elven man stands behind her with his hands on her shoulders. Next to this woman is Geogiana Rulais, who now wears the uniform of the Keeper of the Grounds, and behind her are two men you recognize from the day before as guards who came when the alarm was raised.

Then there is a short, voluptuous, Human woman. She stands a few steps away from the others. Her attire is different from the rest of the people gathered here. It is neither the simple garments of mourning, nor is it any kind of uniform. She wears a dress that at the top is flattering, fitting to her form tightly, while the bottom flairs out in massive amounts of material. The dress is dark red, and she wears a black corset, belt and gloves of polished leather. Her hair is piled high on the top of her head and styled with perfection even right down to the few exactly placed strands of hair that fall out of the coiffure in delicate spirals.

The feeling in the room is somber. There are no “guests” no attendants, and with no ceremony you are brought to stand before lady Anticus.

“I apologize for the simplicity of the occasion,” Lady Anticus says. There is much that must be done, and it falls, to me, today, to take care of some of these things with haste.”

you can see that the woman has not slept and has been crying a great deal, but she holds her head up and continues

“There are many things I would choose to do at this time, and not the least of them is first, to thank you both for what you have done. You saved lives, and tried your best to save even more. I was briefed, by the Captain, of the matters that brought you here to Castletown, and I want you to know that the things you have put into your reports will be sent straight on to the officers of the Groundsmen in the Capital. I have asked Sabrinelle D’amertine to be present here this morning so that you may, when we are finished, converse with her as you implied was your want to do. I have also asked for Doctor Ranthiel, the husband of the woman whose life you saved yesterday, to be here as well, and you can explain to him the situation of the guardsman at, at…”

She hesitates, and Captain Haselton says for her, “Woodbridge, My Lady.”

”Yes, Woodbridge. He should be able to help you identify the nature of the illness and suggest a course of treatment. Now, to the other matters, please, step forward, Dieredon D’atarisian.”

When Dieredon steps Forward, Georgiana retrieves a bundle from the ground behind her, and steps forward as well.

”Dieredon D’aratisian,” Lady Anticus says as she stands, “In recognition for your services to Aladoa, and to the Groundsmen I am here by granting you, under the authority of my Husband’s title as Governor of these holdings, the rank of Lieutenant, and with that all the rights and responsibilities it entails. Please accept this gift,” she gestures at the bundle in Georgiana’s arms.

Georgiana hands the bundle to you. (1) And then she smiles and claps you hard on the shoulder.

“I’ll be expecting a quarterly report from you in three months time, lieutenant,” Georgiana says quietly. “See me before you leave the city. I have other instructions for you as well.”

“Lieutenant D’aratisian,” Lady Anticus continues, “Thank you, for trying to save my husband’s life. I know you did everything within your power. And thank you for ensuring my daughter was brought back home safely. You will always be a guest of honor in my home, wherever that home may be in the future.”

She turns to face Calex and says, “Calex of Woodbridge, it has been something of an issue for me, to do what I am about to do, as it is against the council of some of my late husband’s advisors, but be that as it may. I do not know your family, nor what brought you to this land. I understand you study the art of the arcane, and it is because of this that you were able to prevent the death of a good friend of mine, and a woman of great value to this city.”

Lady Anticus turns to face Captain Haselton, and puts her hands out flat in front of her.

Captain Haselton looks displeased, but draws his sword and lays it across the Lady’s hands.

Lady Anticus approaches Calex, and nods her head, indicating that he should take a knee.

When Calex is on one knee, the lady touches his right shoulder with the pommel of the sword, and says, “I dub thee Sir Calex of Woodbridge, knight of the Kingdom of Aladoa, and grant thee the privilege of the lands of Woodbridge and the township it occupies. Papers of this peerage will be drawn today, and you will take a copy with you upon your departure.”

The lady returns the sword to Haselton, then sits back on the throne. She looks at the ground for a moment and then, fighting back tears, she says to Calex, “The doctors tell me that my daughter would have surely died if she had been brought to them even a few minutes later than she was, minutes. I don’t even own a watch. I don’t really know what a minute fells like, but knowing that I could have lost her, as I lost my husband, is more than I think I could ever bear. Minutes, and it was because of you. You brought her here immediately, and for that there is nothing of this world I can offer you that is equal to the deepest felt joy of my eternal gratitude, but speak it, and I will do everything within my power to grant your desire.”

*

**

(1) The bundle contains a Masterwork Chain Mail vest and Masterwork Half-leather Armor (Together this suit of Armor is Called Groundsmen’s Armor, grants an AC bonus of +5, has a check pen of -3, Max Dex of +4, weighs 25 lbs, and allows a move base of 30’). A Masterwork Composite (+1 str) Short Bow, 12 Masterwork arrows, and a Masterwork Elven Curved Blade

Wow!

Dieredon respectfully bows deeply, and rises to stand ramrod straight before the gathering.

In this time of sorrow and mourning, the appropriate words to express my gratitude seem unworthy. I will continue to serve the Kingdom of Aladoa to the best of my abilities in my new capacity. Thank you Lady Anticus, and I am truly sorry for your loss and that of the Kingdom.

Dieredon steps back, allowing Calex an opportunity to speak, as he looks in his direction.

After hearing from everyone, Dieredon will seek out the Keeper of the Grounds, Georgiana.

Keeper, what is it you require of me other than the quarterly reports of the flora and fauna from the areas in and around Woodbridge? Is tracking down the outlaw Irillian the Green something that i should be pursuing? I am interested to know what my title of Lieutenant of the Groundsmen entails in terms of responsibilities, and I am anxious to get started.

Terq, amazing post above, could imagine what you were describing, keep it up :)

This is...whoa! I had to read this a few times just to wrap my head around it. Very well done post, Terquem, and a real game changer, I think. If the others get slapped with a fish nearly as hard, we're gonna be going into the new year with some significantly changed characters- in a good way!

Calex looks up from his spot before Lady Anticus in shock, then bows his head.
"My Lady, what I did...What we did...were the actions I would hope from any good-spirited person. Your gratitude alone, and the fact we were able to save her, would be thanks enough. I had only hoped to find aid for my home- and that you have given me. I had sought only the chance and means to continue my advances as a mage, and now you offer me that. All I can say in this bittersweet moment is that you have my loyalty, over and above that proscribed on some dry parchment. If ever you or your daughter need aid, all my best efforts are yours to summon."
Calex steps back next to Dieredon and awaits either her reply or closing dismissal.

Afterwards, Cal will seek out M. D'Amertine to discuss his future studies and any additional spells she could supply him.

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

Round 2

I’m certainly no one who should be complaining, as I am having a dreadful time with the holidays and a sudden company required trip across the country together making me dreadfully behind in keeping this game moving, but, Phineas, It is unclear which of the two Boggards you are shooting at, could you help me out in the future and give me a grid reference to clarify where your attacks are directed? Thanks. For the shot made this time I am applying it to the one in J,-10

As Alomar hustles around the perimeter of the entangle spell, glancing over his shoulder to ensure the frog like men are following him, he sees his friends pick just the right opportunity to come out of hiding and ambush the monsters.

I need to check and update the map tonight, and when I do I will make sure Alomar is not within the area of effect

The strange, little winged people in the cage crowd to one side as they try to get a glimpse of what is going on.

Poseus leaps out from behind a tree and stabs one of the frog-men from behind. The spear digs in deep into the green flesh of the creature.
Immediately behind Poseus, Phineas takes one step into the clear and takes aim with his crossbow. The shot is low, but on target and the bolt sticks into the creature’s calf.

The creature hit by the bolt, glances behind him, and a look of anger crosses his wide amphibian face, but he runs ahead. The second creature, wounded badly by the spear thrust, turns and leans toward Phineas and Poseus. The thing clutches at its side, where the blood flows out of the wound, and then extending its neck it bellows a horrifying croak that fills the air with a deep reverberating thunder.

Terrifying Croak – Poseus and Phineas must succeed on Will Saves, the DC is 13, or be shaken for Durration of Craok Effect: 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Poseus covers his ears as he crimps in agony at the sound the frogmen emits. It's like nothing he'd ever heard save for the gentle sound of croaking frogs in a pond. But this was terrible.

Poseus moves to K,-8 and attacks the Boggard regardless of the horrible sound still ringing in his ears and his trembling hands.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 2 = 211d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

"Phineas! I hope you're alright! Need help here!"

Shaken for the next 3 rounds

Will Save DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

While the croak sounds is uncomfortably loud, it has no ill effect on Phineas. Quarterstaff in hand, he steps up beside his friend who is noticeably trembling from the sound.

Taking his staff in both hands, Phineas brings it round on the boggard with a swing, trying to quell the horrible noise.

Quarterstaff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Apologies about the lack of reference. It was clear to me which one I was shooting at. And you were correct. This feeble attack is obviously at the other at (K,-9).