The Gathering Storm (4e)

Game Master Rev Rosey

Adeliza draws a mug of ale for Andrus and points him towards a smaller room off the main common area.

"Go in there if you like. I'll make sure you're not disturbed."

Winterhaven has the following amenities:
Basic shop for mundane equipment.
Valthrun, the local mage and wise man, who lives in the imaginatively named Valthrun's Tower. You have met. He can teach you some rituals.
A temple. It's generic, but Sister Linora is a devotee of Avandra. She knows how to Raise Dead, but isn't a trained ritualist.

Andrus sits in the room, leans back in his chair, and awaits the others. He takes a long gulp of the ale and sighs. "Build our own reputation? Hmmm...." He says to himself. "I'll have to ask the others, of course.... They may not want to do that, or will they? Hmmmm..." He alternates rubbing the back of his neck and drinking from his cup. He mumbles to himself a bit as he thinks about things.

let me know when you guys arrive. or if you want to do something else first, go ahead. we should have a meeting, though. in character. to discuss what's next and how we want to handle finances. I'll be waiting here.

"Next step after this one. Let's cash out."

"Sorry I'm late."

"While we wait for the others, let me know what you think. Here we are, with a fortress and the good graces of the local government. Is there anything else you want to accomplish, any task you feel needs doing? Or are you content to just do as many jobs as we can and get as much loot as we can carry? I can always get us work. Once Padraig is tapped out, we can find other wealthy patrons and do various "odd jobs" until we are rich as kings ourselves. Is that all you are interested in, or is there something else?" Andrus looks at Tenja and Urlag, then looks at Urlag seriously. "I'll split the money and goods when everyone else is here, Urlag, not before." Then he gives him a smile to let him know he is teasing him.

so, we have performed a good deed, got a fortress, and have another errand to run. do you guys have any personal (backstory) tasks that we could or should be doing? we can mercenary ourselves for years, if that is what you want. or we can do BIGGER things. or start to do them anyway. I just want to get a sense of where we are going. as a party. kill things, take their stuff, I am good with that. but if we want to do MORE, we should get on the same page about it.

If any of the characters do have some deep unspoken desire, then of course it's helpful to know that. However, just so you know, there is an underlying plot available to you.

Adeliza keeps the mugs and plates refilled.

"My brother's a carpenter, if you need any work doing up at the Tor. I don't suppose the Stormcrows left it in good shape."

On a related note, we are at a suitable stopping point if anyone wants to make adjustments, change characters or otherwise disengage.

To answer Rev's and Andrus's OOCs, I think Urlag's going to take his loot and go home as we reach a stopping point. I just have too much going on, and have been scaling back my PBPs as I go. It's been a good ride!

Hate to see you go :( but good luck, I am totally fine to keep going as is for Tenja, I like him just the way he is, and I like where the story seems to be going

Tenja nods at Adeliza, "Thanks for the offer we will keep him in mind there may be some work we need doing."

"I am perfectly happy to help my old friend and to see where that path leads me. Especially now that I know I have a permanent home here."

I'm fine with Kith just like she is. No changes here.

"My brother's a carpenter, if you need any work doing up at the Tor. I don't suppose the Stormcrows left it in good shape."

"We could use a stonemason more than a carpenter, but I'm sure we could find something for him to do."

So, two main things we want to do:
-Do what the mayor asked us to do.
-Hire enough carpenters/stonemasons/locksmiths/etc to make the tor a decent place to live again.

I'm fine with Zareth the way he is now. Finally, so long Pat. Have a good life.

You'll be missed, Pat, but you have to do what's right for you. Would it be outstandingly selfish to ask if Urlag would be prepared to leave any kit that the others can use?

"Stonemason? That won't be a problem. Eigen's a good enough worker. Want me to ask him? Bit gloomy, but don't let that worry you. It's all the years he's spent not being allowed to repair Valthrun's tower."

Kel will buy 4 pink bombs and then sneak out to the sheep pen after dark.

Sneak = 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
1st attack = 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Save = 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
2nd attack = 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Save = 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
3rd attack = 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Save = 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
4th attack = 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Save = 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Kel spends an entertaining few minutes turning Lord Padraig's prize blackfaced sheep into a close approximation of pink clouds. As far as he can tell, they don't seem to mind. Indeed, apart from one indignant ewe who stares beadily at him, they take no notice at all.

Andrus smiles. Once again, his good friend Zareth has stolen the show. He speaks up, "We're not going back that way until we finish a little sidejob we have lined up. If Eigen is available and willing to travel the 3 days out, I think we can work something out. Talk to him and if he's willing, we'll talk next time we're in town."

don't want him out there without us. too dangerous. and like i said, we're not going back until we finish our new job. that's what i wanted to hear. jobs and loot it is. if you want to pursue something or whatnot, just let me know.

"So no one has anything else pressing, then? O.K. let's divide the loot. In the course of our adventures, we have amassed 1800 gp (300 gp each), 637 sp (106 sp each), 6000 cp (1000 cp each), four fire opals, a dancing nymph statuette, two healing potions, a scroll of deathly shroud, and 400gp in residuum. If you want, we can sell the opals and the statuette and divide the proceeds, but we will need a bigger city to get a good deal on them. The residuum is there for whoever wants to use it for spells and rituals and the healing potions are also there for whoever needs them. Personally, I think we should keep it together in one place until we need them. As I think I have already said, I consider this OUR bag of holding and will use it to grab whatever loot we find and don't divide right then and there. We talked about the opals and the statuette, but nobody picked them up, so I took them and placed them in the treasury. If nobody complains, I will continue to do that with the agreement that anyone can access the bag at any time. It's not MY stuff, it's OUR stuff. At least that is how I see it."

NOTE: The coins have been divided out. I am no longer carrying them. If you don't keep track of your money and stuff on your sheet, then it is considered lost. (yes, it bothers me when people don't pick up loot or mark it on their sheets) Make sure to update your profiles with your magic items we acquired as well. Some of you haven't done so.

Andrus pulls out all the coins and other treasures so that everyone can see them. Then he carefully counts out each person's share and places it in a pile in front of them. Because of all the copper pieces, each pile looks like a minor dragon's hoard. Then he looks at Urlag.

"You look pensive, big guy. Something on your mind?"

is Pat gone or is he going to finish after this? I figure we should roleplay his leaving. play up the loner and the drifter cards. if pat is gone, you can DMPC him. i like my character, but the opening as a striker is hard to resist. i've always wanted to play a monk or barbarian. esp. a barbarian.

Kel sneaks back into the bar.
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"Sell the stones and statue at the port. I say we let Andrus keep the residuum as he could probably use later for scrolls and potions."
"We should probably plan on leaving early tomorrow. You know, to speed up our trip."

i also have a halfling rogue ready loosely based off of Reepicheep from the Chronicles of Narina mixed with Puss in Boots from Shrek. He's a swashbuckler. I have been waiting to spring him on some unsuspecting campaign for some time. but we really need a healer and I have spent a lot of time and energy building Andrus as the party's shepherd. I was going to say leader, but Andrus doesn't tell people what to do, per se, he just makes sure everyone is prepared and on the same page. and still breathing. that last part is important.

Andrus winks at Kel when he comes in. my passive perception is 22. "Um, why are you suddenly so anxious to leave, Kel?" Andrus teases.

I have lists of who got what in terms of loot and magic items.

It's up to Pat whether he wants to rp Urlag's departure of not, but he has always been a half-orc of action rather than words. A party of five works just fine, so unless one of you knows a player desperate for a 4e game, I'm not planning to recruit.

"Where are you off too?"

Adeliza asks curiously as she clears the plates and mugs away.

Andrus winks at Kel when he comes in. my passive perception is 22. "Um, why are you suddenly so anxious to leave, Kel?" Andrus teases.

"Just eager to hit the open road and begin a new adventure is all."

To Adeliza, "We're off to Port Nentir to, well to do something. But we get to see all the tall ships when we're there. Maybe we can even sail one around the harbor."

"Rather you than me. You wouldn't catch me on a ship, not for any money. If you don't mind making yourself useful, Kel, can you pick me up some things while you're there? Chances are you'll be back before the next carrier arrives. It's just a few spices and a big can of oil."

Just like to point out Andrus, Kith is also a leader. Just want you to be happy with your character :)

Tenja eyes Kel, and smiles.

"Rather you than me. You wouldn't catch me on a ship, not for any money. If you don't mind making yourself useful, Kel, can you pick me up some things while you're there? Chances are you'll be back before the next carrier arrives. It's just a few spices and a big can of oil."

"I always enjoy bringing spice into your life, consider it done."

It's also the effective beginning of the semester for me today, one of the main parts of busyness. I'll ask Rev to get Urlag out. He's content with a share of cash and either of the two magic items he's carrying. Good gaming, all, and thanks for the good wishes.

Get good grades and make us proud...sniff...sniff.
I'm gonna miss that guy.

I want to try it when we're there. Sail a big ship. Maybe crash it into something. :)

"I always enjoy bringing spice into your life, consider it done."

"I know you Kel. Just remember, I know exactly what I ordered and I'm not going to be impressed with any substitutes you think are funnier. I am the only person prepared to serve you beer and don't you forget it. Tenja! I'm trusting you to keep him in order."

Under cover of Adeliza's instructions to Kel, Urlag quietly counts out his share of the loot, before slowly removing his armbands of power. He pushes them gently towards Kith and then thinks a moment before adding a potion of healing and his climbering kit to the small pile.

"Not going with you," he states simply. "Barnard needs help with the guard. It'll suit me. May catch you at the gate sometime." With that, he nods at the assembled group and walks out of the Lion Rampant.

Sleeping and leaving?

"Well, that was... unexpected. I knew he wasn't happy to be tied down to the Tor, but I never expected him to leave." Andrus looks to the others. "We're a man down. Hopefully, this next job will as easy as it looks, but if not, we should start to look for another adventurer to fill the slot. Get some rest and we'll meet up down here to begin tomorrow. Early, for Kel's sake. Good night."

Andrus gathers his things and goes up to his room.

Rev, where is Port Nenhir and how are we getting there? Padraig's cart again?

"Aye I will keep an eye on Kel for you. Lad you will have a fine life as a guard and this town will be safer having ye here. Bah that cart."

As Tenja and Kel know, Port Nentir lies at the mouth of the Nentir Vale. The easiest route would be to ride to where the river widens and then hire a boat. In all, the journey should take about a week. Two days ride and then around 3 to 4 days on the river depending on what transport is available.

Urlag pauses and grins toothily at Tenja. "Get the chance to arrest you and Kel." It may be the closest thing to a joke you've heard from the big half-orc.

"Urlag you don't start tomorrow morning do you?"

"Yes. Does that bother you for some reason?"

"No just wondering if you'll bee seeing us off is all."

Andrus wakes early the next morning and prepares his things. He goes out to the temple and prays to Avandra. He thanks her for watching over their group and asks her blessing on the coming journey. He also puts 6gp in the offering box, a gold piece for each member of the group. As he puts the last one in, he remembers Urlag's sudden farewell and hestitates, then slowly drops it in. Then he turns and leaves.

Andrus then goes and looks for a horse. He's got money now, and a horse is a good investment.

Outside the stables, there is a certain amount of commotion and lot of laughter. Lord Padraig's sheep have mysteriously turned pink in the night. Andrus has some difficulty getting anyone's attention, but is finally able to discuss his equestrian needs with a giggling stable hand.

75gp for a riding horse.

5 times 75 equals 375 gp

Andrus rolls his eyes and pays the stablehand for 5 horses. He then mounts the best one and leads the others back to the inn. He ties them up outside. He whistles a simple tune as he does. There is something about starting a new adventure that puts him in a good mood. Despite losing Urlag to the Guard (or whatever he ends up doing), Andrus was still happy. Today would be a good day. He entered the inn and went to the back room.

I got the transportation. Once you guys join me, we can be off.

** spoiler omitted **

Tenja

Riding one horse while leading four others is not the simplest operation in the world, but Andrus's good mood in infectious and the horses cooperate. Leaving his new purchases in the stables, Andrus re-enters the inn in time to see Adeliza putting a fresh pot of coffee on the table.

"Ready to leave, I see. Getting them out of here before our Paddy gets curious about his sheep."

She pauses for a second.

"Actually - that's a bit odd. He hasn't been down here yet. That's not like him at all. Anyway, your clothes are all clean and laundered and I've packed up some sandwiches for you. Can you tell Zareth I couldn't get all the stains out of his robe. That silk isn't easy to clean, but I've done my best for him."

"I'm not worried about Padraig. The man cares too much about those sheep anyway. You would think they were his kids, the way he goes on. No, actually, I just want to get started. Every time we start something new, I always get this good kind of nervous energy. You never know what is going to happen, what is right around the corner, over the next hill, what sort of trouble you can get into, especially with Kel and Tenja with us." He takes a cup of coffee and smells it deeply and sighs. Then he takes a big sip. "I love the smell of coffee in the morning."

"Lay off Lord P, Andrus. He's a good man." There is a tiny note of warning in Adeliza's voice.

"He's fond of these two miscreants. Usually pops down to see them off."

"Actually - that's a bit odd. He hasn't been down here yet. That's not like him at all. Anyway, your clothes are all clean and laundered and I've packed up some sandwiches for you. Can you tell Zareth I couldn't get all the stains out of his robe. That silk isn't easy to clean, but I've done my best for him."

"Oh, it's fine." Zareth finally descends the stairs, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "Nothing a little prestidigitation can't fix, in any case."

"So, we're riding out, then? Lovely."

Tenja comes strolling in from outside. "What have I missed."

"I'm ready letsgo, letsgo, letsgo."

"I wasn't implying that he wasn't, Adeliza. Just that the man puts too much pride in his animals. I would say the same about a farmer who spend all his time and energy on his prize carrots. 'Better to value your friends rather than your things,' I always say. But to each their own." He looks at his friends and says, "Kith is still abed and we can't leave without her. Besides, Lord Padraig wanted us to bring that thing along with us on our errand. I think I'll check on that and him, since Adeliza thinks it is strange that he is not here yet."

As he heads for the door, he turns back to Zareth, "We're riding, provided you pay me for the horse." He smiles. "Otherwise, you're walking." and then he leaves. cough up the 75 gp for the horse

Once outside, he mounts up and rides over to Padraig's estate.

Adeliza shrugs. "Think what you like, Andrus. You're making a mistake."

She smiles warmly at Zareth. "Of course. I'll just have to find some other way to get your attention."

At Padraig's house, the usual bustle prevails, but there is no sign of his Lordship. "Not seen him this morning, come to think of it." comments a herdsman.

"Sleeping in?" suggests a shepherd, struggling with a pink sheep.

"Except he never does sleep in. Up with the lark, always."

Gives 75 gp to Andrus for my horse too

She smiles warmly at Zareth. "Of course. I'll just have to find some other way to get your attention."

"Blatant flattery always works, my dear." Zareth turns back to Andrus. "Come now, you'd extort money from your best friend? Of course you would. Here." Zareth hands over the money.

Wait, how much did we each get as a our shares from the last adventure? I forgot to write down how much money I now have.

"Except he never does sleep in. Up with the lark, always."

"Well, I see no reason to not visit the Lordship one last time. We can't just leave without saying goodbye, can we?"

You each got 300gp, 106sp and 1000cp.

Andrus eyes widen at the shepherd's news. Is there a servant I can send to check, or am I going to bust into his bedroom?

"That's very odd. I'd better check on him. Hopefully, he is just feeling sick or something." Andrus says as he enters the estate.