The Hollow Man (Inactive)

Game Master trux

Elsie shakes her head and mutters to herself seeing the dead end she discovered in Baca's hut.

It seems as if wealth is not the primary motivation of this golem.

While walking around the village trying to find Kaerl, Kakao is willing to continue the conversation.

"I would suggest we pause this discussion near any villagers. They are worried enough without us showing that there is any disagreement amongst us.

The monster switched targets repeatedly, showing reasonable tactics in doing so. It did not just attack one of us until dead nor did it just attack the one who most recently attacked. It seems that goes beyond simple instructions.

The monster hesitated, then summoned the wooden men. I've never heard of a golem who could summon or animate objects. It then had the animated stick men scout Baca's house. Once again, it seemed to react to what happened.

The monster was able to find it's way through the woods without markers. I got turned around, but it never did. It continued to town in spite of us having removed the markers.

Please think again about what you have seen. Are you sure that it can be explained by a complicated set of instructions?"

Elsie takes her notebook out, along with a quill pen and jots down the information in concise strokes. "One of the things I have learned of magic is the more you think you know about it, the less you actually know." She says softly. "One thing we know for sure this Hollow Man is more than just a simple golem...if there is indeed such a thing."

Puzzled, Kakao says "We checked and they have no magic. Are you sure you want to leave a weapon that the Hollow Man has already shown it can use around your village?"

If Kaerl is insistent, Kakao will abide by his decision. He will not be happy about it, but he will not push the topic any more today.

Elsie lays a hand on the gnome's shoulder and shakes her head slightly, "It is best to humor them for now. We will find another way." She whispers giving Kakao a reassuring smile.

Does Elsie know anything of the tradition of villages using these wards and what they are used for? Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9.

Saying aloud, "I hope your scout returns soon. We may need his information to act further at this point."

HOLLER!

Mikka raises an eyebrow at the comment of Druids being weird. "The Hollow Man is most likely a malevolent nature spirit tasked with a purpose or list of targets by one with the power to control such."

Mikka raises an eyebrow at the comment of Druids being weird. "The Hollow Man is most likely a malevolent nature spirit tasked with a purpose or list of targets by one with the power to control such."

Nodding, Kakao says "That would better fit what we have seen, something intelligent but bound. Can you tell us any more about this? Anything that might help us track who bound it or somehow defeat it?"

Elsie shakes her head and mutters to herself seeing the dead end she discovered in Baca's

Elsie takes her notebook out, along with a quill pen and jots down the information in concise strokes. "One of the things I have learned of magic is the more you think you know about it, the less you actually know." She says softly.

While being completely ignorant of magic helps? I'm not an archmage to be sure, but I know something of what I speak. It has had help. It was aimed like an arrow last night. It went for its target and left.

To mikka don't take it the wrong way mikka. Weird can be good. It's just my family has had problems with druids, from time to time. I really shouldn't follow their attitudes. .

On hearing the villagers on the wood wards, karl shakes his head. superstitious villagers!
but he keeps his silence. Karl was worried for their lost companions. For mak, who left so suddenly, and for Caramir.

Nodding at Morti.

"Lead on my friend. I'll do my part to see that we are safe. Just give the word when you're reading."

Knowledge Nature (What would it take to control a nature spirit with that much power?): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"We'll follow th' path th' Hollow Man took last night," Morti explains to Okrin as they check gear and head out. "May take us a mite longer t' get to th' camp, but we can keep an eye out for any sign we missed in the dark."

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Keeping a sharp eye out as the two travel.

"Perhaps the light of day will reveal something we missed."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Having agreed to leave the wooden posts alone, Kakao asks who is making up a list of people on watch tonight. He will volunteer for a shift tonight. The village needs a night watch, since that is when the Hollow Man appears.

After making sure his mule is cared for, he then helps the various villagers where he can. He will volunteer for tasks that don't require any real strength.

He will bring water to the men working on the Witch's Pit. He cheats a bit here, carrying an empty bucket and filling it just a little ways from where the men are working. If there are areas of dead grass or loose dirt, he will Create Water there so as to make the plants grow and help hold the earth in place.

Ready to move to next scene whenever others are. Still willing to get involved with other stuff if asked.

Kaerl does insist that the wood wards should not be harmed. "We Levocans made those... There are worse things than this Hollow Man."

Elsie isn't familiar with the Hollow Man or any of the local legends.

Morti and Okrin split the party, and head out into the wild woods.

verry quiet

Indeed.

Shhh, we're hunting rabbits.

Practical People of Levoca: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Caramir makes it back to the village of Levoca - He sees three men working on draining the witch pit together - a number of others at work hauling timber in small sled loads. It's easy to pick out the other party members here - all save Okrin and Morti. Several seem to notice you, but none whom you see come to your aid. A mother, working in a humble vegetable patch, sends a boy to Kakao with news of Caramir's arrival.

When told of the elf's arrival, he asks the messenger to please make sure that Karl, Mikka and (after the slightest hesitation} Eliseera be told of Caramir's arrival. He then hurries towards where the elf is.

"Caramir!" he shout, "Good to see you!"

Once he is finally gets close to the elf, he asks him "How can I help you?" As he says this, he looks over the elf noticing the wounds.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Heal to evaluate his condition: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Is your header correct? Is the NL just from exhaustion/fatigue or is there more to it? Anything else I might notice different?

Caramir's smile is evident when he sees Kakao - "My friend" - he nods - "You do not imagine how good it is to see you - I am well, just some cuts and bruises, and my legs feel like they are about to buckle at any moment"

I believe my header to be correct yes Kakao.

"How are things in Levoca? We have much to talk about..." - he starts, turning to the others, his voice trailing off as he notices Eliseera - "Well met. I am Caramir" - the elf introduces himself bowing shortly.

Caramir's smile is evident when he sees Kakao - "My friend" - he nods - "You do not imagine how good it is to see you - I am well, just some cuts and bruises, and my legs feel like they are about to buckle at any moment"

I believe my header to be correct yes Kakao.

"How are things in Levoca? We have much to talk about..." - he starts, turning to the others, his voice trailing off as he notices Eliseera - "Well met. I am Caramir" - the elf introduces himself bowing shortly.

Looking over his shoulder to see who Caramir is looking at, the small gnome gets out from between them. He then looks around, and gestures Caramir to stand a few feet away where there is a bare patch of earth.

While Caramir is busy introducing himself to Eliseera, Kakao casts his cure spell.

Spontaneous Shield of Faith to CLW: 1d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 - 1 = 5 Included the penalty for plants leeching away power. Apply in equal amounts to both lethal and non-lethal damage.

"That will have to be enough for now."

"How are things in Levoca? We have much to talk about..." - he starts, turning to the others, his voice trailing off as he notices Eliseera - "Well met. I am Caramir" - the elf introduces himself bowing shortly.

Eliseera eyes the arrival of the party's scout with a small smile of approval. It takes a special breed to take on such a dangerous task and survive...plus he is rather easy on the eyes...

She smiles and returns his bow. "Well met, friend. I am Eliseera, in the employ of Baron Montpierre. It seems we share a common goal here, the destruction of the Hollow Man." Her voice gets a tinge of excitement as she asks, "What were you able to discover? Did you learn where the Hollow Man hides out? And who is controlling it?"

"Thank you Kakao" - Caramir smiles at the cleric - "I'll be fine, do not worry" - the elf reassures his companion, then turns again to Eliseera.

"Employ of Montpierre? But..?" - the elf ponders, looking at the others for a few moments - "Nevermind. To answer your questions, yes I have found where the Hollow Man returns to. As for who or what is controlling it, I am not completely sure..."

Taking another look at his companions he adds - "Where are Morti and Okrin?"

"I'll be fine, do not worry"

Kakao blinks a couple of times, but says nothing. I may not be very good at healing, but even I can tell he needs rest and healing. Since I'm almost out of magic guess I'll let this go for now.

Taking another look at his companions he adds - "Where are Morti and Okrin?"

Chuckling, Kakao points the way Caramir came and answers "They went back into the woods. They are going to retrieve the things we left at the camp and should be back before nightfall."

After a short pause, he adds "They were also hoping to find you out there. That plan isn't going to work so well."

To those in Levoca, where is this conversation taking place? Are you guys moving into Baca's house, taking Caramir to Anna's to rest, or helping with the Witch Pit or wood-gathering?

Elsie would recommend having the conversation in Baca's house, and would not object to sleeping there for the night. I would imagine Caramir would want to stay at Anna's house, which she would not object to.

"Thank you Kakao" - Caramir smiles at the cleric - "I'll be fine, do not worry" - the elf reassures his companion, then turns again to Eliseera.

"Employ of Montpierre? But..?" - the elf ponders, looking at the others for a few moments - "Nevermind. To answer your questions, yes I have found where the Hollow Man returns to. As for who or what is controlling it, I am not completely sure..."

Taking another look at his companions he adds - "Where are Morti and Okrin?"

Elsie nods in reply. "Yes I have worked for him for many years, and he requested I check into this situation but we can discuss more of this later." As the elf mentions the Hollow Man she gets an excited look on her face. "You did? I am impressed! As for who may be controlling it we have theorized it is a druid of some hostile faction...or who holds a personal grudge against someone in Levoca. Did you find someone who appeared to follow the druidic path?"

I figured the initial conversation with Caramir was out in the open and planned to take him towards Anna's barn where we have been staying. I have been helping with the witch pit and anyplace else I can -- provided the task doesn't take a lot of strength. This would likely include helping Anna with some of her chores -- prestidigitation is a wonderful thing when it comes to domestic tasks.

I am relieved to see you Caramir. I thought you were another victim of the hollow man,
So we know where it is. Is attacking feasible?

After Karl arrives, Kakao suggests "Perhaps we can move this conversation elsewhere? Karl, could you help steady his and we will move back to Anna's barn."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 4 = 8 That size penalty can be a killer!

He then attempts to take on a more serious manner as he looks the elf in the eyes and says "If you are to be any use to us tonight, you are going to need some sleep! Once we are in the barn you can give a short report, and then I expect you to rest!"

Did Kakao just try to intimidate me????, Or was that Caramir?

Sounds like a good idea, Kakao. And we will also have the opportunity to tell him how stupid running off into the wilderness alone, at night, with a monster that all of us in combination were bested by.

intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Karl's attempt to sound angry are wreaked by his relief to see Caramir alive. He guides Caramir to the barn.

The target was Caramir, trying to convince him that he should get some rest. Sorry I didn't make that more clear. I was sort of hoping for a lower roll so it would come off more comedic.

Anna seems surprised to see Caramir in such bad shape. Directing you all,
"Do your best to keep him off the hay, now."
Clothed in her smock, she disappears inside the house ahead of you, and returns with several dark blankets of thick wool. The woman makes up a makeshift pallet for Caramir to rest on, and says,
"I will make up some of the Leek stew. Have a new recipe to try. Hoping it should do you some good, master bu-er-elf. DOREEN!, fetch Mother Molvor's leeks from the garden!"

Anna disappears through the door to the house, and the door into the kitchen area closes behind her.

Looking concerned.

"I had some rope..."

Not sure if Okrin would still have this rope.

After a short pause, he adds "They were also hoping to find you out there. That plan isn't going to work so well."

"Damn, I had shouted back at Morti I would leave the best trail to be followed as well as I could" - the elf shakes his head - "I'm not sure how successful I was"

Elsie nods in reply. "Yes I have worked for him for many years, and he requested I check into this situation but we can discuss more of this later." As the elf mentions the Hollow Man she gets an excited look on her face. "You did? I am impressed! As for who may be controlling it we have theorized it is a druid of some hostile faction...or who holds a personal grudge against someone in Levoca. Did you find someone who appeared to follow the druidic path?"

"I don't think so" - Caramir ponders - "I have found other things though..."

I am relieved to see you Caramir. I thought you were another victim of the hollow man,

So we know where it is. Is attacking feasible?

"It is good to see you also Karl" - he smiles at his companion - "I think I came as close to being one as possible, but not yet"

The smile is short lived however - "As for an attack, we need to talk first"

"If you are to be any use to us tonight, you are going to need some sleep! Once we are in the barn you can give a short report, and then I expect you to rest!"

Caramir seems surprised at first, but then he nods at the cleric - "I don't remember you being so assertive, master Schlag" - is his comment while moving along.

Sounds like a good idea, Kakao. And we will also have the opportunity to tell him how stupid running off into the wilderness alone, at night, with a monster that all of us in combination were bested by.

"I couldn't bear sitting around anymore Karl" - the elf walks with his eyes on the ground - "We were getting nowhere. Action had to be taken"

"I don't think so" - Caramir ponders - "I have found other things though..."

Eliseera gives the elf a smile of appreciation. "Still, what you did cannot be overstated. Now we have more information we can use against...whoever is controlling the Hollow Man!" As the party heads towards the barn, she gets a concerned look on her face. Master Caramir, is it possible you were followed here? By someone other than the Hollow Man? A servant mayhap?"

"It is good to see you also Karl" - he smiles at his companion - "I think I came as close to being one as possible, but not yet"

The smile is short lived however - "As for an attack, we need to talk first"

"Yes, we should talk...but I do not think it wise to tell those here of what you have discovered, lest one of the villagers also works for our foe. Should one ask, just say you encountered the Hollow Man whilst wandering and fled for your life. Plus we need to await the arrival of Mort and Okrin." As she walks along her eyes glance behind the group looking for any possible tails.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Kakao Mit Schlag wrote:

"If you are to be any use to us tonight, you are going to need some sleep! Once we are in the barn you can give a short report, and then I expect you to rest!"

Caramir seems surprised at first, but then he nods at the cleric - "I don't remember you being so assertive, master Schlag" - is his comment while moving along.

Chuckling, he replies "Try stealing a treat from my kitchen before it is done. Then you will see assertive." He makes a gesture as if he were hefting something heavy as he says this.

The elf looks curiously at Eliseera, and then the others - "Heve you definitely concluded the Hollow Man is acting in concert with someone in Levoca? Please do tell me" - his eyes glint with the slightest hint of anger - "Why don't we go meet Morti and Okrin?"

Chuckling, he replies "Try stealing a treat from my kitchen before it is done. Then you will see assertive." He makes a gesture as if he were hefting something heavy as he says this.

"Don't even talk about food - I'm starving" - Caramir adds with a smile.

Eliseera returns the elf's gaze calmly. "I am not saying that is a proven fact, but it certainly is a possibility no? I have seen this much back in Endhome where gangs always have an insider to help them take care of business. A dirty practice to be sure, but wishing it were not so does nothing!" The last words was said a tad louder than appropriate. "Yes, best to catch up with them."

"Definitely a possibility" - Caramir ponders Eliseera's words - "I would have some of that stew, and then we can move in their wake?"