The Iron Carnival - Pentor Lionsmane's Mercenary PbP - #2 Squad

Game Master Monkeygod


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Male Dwarf Monk/2

Just to be clear, all of us know all of this now, right? We've come back together and debriefed?


Male Weremonkey Rogue/Ranger/Trickster

Yesm, you are all currently gathered around a campfire, enjoying a solid meal and sharing the intel you each gathered. Also, its pretty easy to link Nine Tails farmer whose husband has gone missing to Mirri and her brother. I meant to make that clear in one of my posts, but I'm not sure if I did or not.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Valen smiles. "Rounds on me eh? Well I suppose that's fine. Once we figure things out with this village the first two rounds are all on me!". Valen's smile fades as he stares into the campfire and absentmidedly eats his dinner, his expression becoming pensive. Valen's mind wanders back to that fateful night in the alley with those bandits. The night that changed his life. Shaking his head lightly and supressing a shudder Valen smiles lightly again. "Well, how do you think we solve this problem? Obviously we need to investigate this keep. Although gathering some other information may be due as well. The sooner we solve this problem the better. Tale of some undead roaming around at night are going to quickly turn into confirmed sightings of lots if not hundreds of undead roaming around. I can't help but feel all of these things are somehow connected and they all seem to be leading us to this Lord Grimtaur and his keep. What do you think Torque? Acune?"

Paizo Employee

Male Human (Varisian) Fighter 3

As Gremm finishes the last bits of supper, he begins trotting around the campfire, giving everyone a piece of fruit for desert.

"Well, if you were to ask me, it semms that we need to pay the Lord's manor a visit. Now, call me a coward, but if what I'm hearing is correct, if we go, we're not coming back. I'm not a big fan of disappearing for the rest of my life."

He sits down and takes a bite of a pear.

"Pa always says that before you go into a new town, you have to scope it out and learn the lay of the land. Doesn't make any sense to come selling in town if you don't know where to set up the stand. If you ask me, it would be a good idea to have a look at this keep, at least from a distance, before we rush into anything."

Two bites later, the pear is gone.


Male Human (Tian) Barbarian (Urban Barbarian, Spirit Totem) 3

"One thing...did any of you townies come across the Mayor. One farmwife told me he would know more about the Starfall and it likely he had the last contact with Grimtaur...and....he would have the finances to fund this operation." The firelight shows there is a bit of a glint in his eye and a sly smile on his face.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Valen listens intently to Nine Tail. "Hmm, the mayor knowing about this smaller starfall and having significant resources. He may be someone to look into. I find it funny that everyone in town seems to either like this Lord Grimtaur or be ambivalent toward him. If the town mayor was in charge when Grimtaur declared himself lord of this area he may not have been happy with it. I think it's something to look into."


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

Jax sat silently, listening to the Squad converse over supper. They had done well this day, all of them. No one had been seriously wounded and the employer had lost no coin. All in all a good day.

He listened as the Mage and Ninetails spoke, Gremm throwing in his wisdom here and there, always surprisingly helpful. He himself refrained from speaking, content, instead, to listen.

'Corporal is a lucky man... He got a good bunch. Heh. Apart from me that is!' grinning, he pulled his knife from his belt and began to peel the apple Gremm handed to him slowly, before sticking a chunk between his teeth. He nodded softly as the Mage spoke again.

"Seems like we got our work ahead of us lady and gents!" Staring deep in to the fires he frowned softly, chewing on his lower lip. "We need to find out what happened to this Lord. I don't believe in disappearing acts, so something is foul at that Manor. We need to find out what. Luckily we are the toughest, meanest, ugliest set of Mercs this side of the World Wound. If anyone can do it, it is us!" he nodded softly, slicing off another chunk of apple, before sticking it in his mouth.

'We'll sort this out...'

The Exchange

F Half-elf Inquisitor (Exorcist) 3

"Well, the ugliest might be just about right," Acune comments with a slight smile. "Valen, I have to agree. If there are undead involved, I might just do the job on a bit less pay. Although, I'm not a cleric; I'm afraid you can't count on me destroying any undead we find with the light of Desna. I'll have to use the venerable means of pounding in skulls with my staff."


Male Human (Mwangi) Artificer 3

"It seems we're all in agreement then. I'll go and have a crack at convincing our employer to allow us this little detour. We are still currently on a job, but I doubt this can wait until we make our destination. Like Valen says, undead infestations always go from bad to worse"

Torque stands up and goes over to the tent of the merchant, along with any of the squad who want to chip in. The man is still outside it on the edge of the firelight talking with Two-Bear

I assume it's ok for me to find the two men together like this. If not disregard all that follows

"Sirs, myself and the rest of the squad have been talking about the crisis that's gripped this village. I don't know how much you've heard, but it's pretty much stuck in a downward spiral"

If necissary, Torque then takes a few minutes to ensure his bosses are up to speed on the information listed above.

"In short, this village is going to become little more than a bandit stronghold given a few more months. Harvest time is coming, and unless Cleric Seera returns to ensure the villagers are fed and Grimatar reappears to look into these undead sightings the more warlike folk around here are going to take matters into their own hands. If you intend to use this route again, sir, I suggest you extend our contract to go and investigate the fate of the keep. We would require only a few days. If you pay us for these days we could reapy your investment with a cut of any reward money the mayor gives us...the exact percentage can be works out between yourselves sirs."

Torque looks to Two Bear for confirmation of his idea, before adding

"I am certain that this village is a safe haven, but if you want to absolutely garuntee your safety I respectfully suggest that Corporal Two-Bear remain with you. He is the most experienced fighter of any of us, and the most able to defeat threats single handed. It is my oppinion, sir, that the rest of us should all be assigned to the keep investigation. There are plenty of dangers the mission could spring on us."

Close the deal with a diplomacy roll:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Ooh, pretty good. I might need some aid anothers to seal it though, the merchant's charisma mod is probably pretty high. I know asking for aid after a roll is dodgy, but I figure there's no drawback to anyone trying to chip in and rolling now keeps the game flowing. Also, since were discussing strategic matters perhaps profession (soldier) could be used in place of diplomacy for such an aid roll?


Male Weremonkey Rogue/Ranger/Trickster

Relax Torque, we got this

Corporal Two-Bears and the merchant break off their quiet conversation and listen to Torque intently. Once finished, Two-Bear responds "Aye, I was able to speak with the mayor, and things are really bad here. He wants to discuss this with you further, come morning. He seems to be quite thankful somebody's come along and offered to help. So we shall, at least as much as we can."


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Valen stands and moves to where Torque and Two-Bears are conversing. "I'm not sure what the decision has been but I thoroughly encourage we investigate this situation. These people are in dire need and we're currently the only ones who can help."


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

Caressing the side of his Crossbow lovingly, Jax moved after Torque, to listen in and offer his advice, if needed. 'Corporal is a smart man. he knows what he is on about!' Grinning, Jax stared off in to the on-coming darkness. 'Could be those Undead will make us a problem. And that wouldn't do in the slightest!'

"Corporal, with an Undead Infestation this close, may I suggest we double up the Watch tonight?"


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Valen nods. "I agree sir. Doubling the watch could be useful, unless..." Turning to face the rest of the camp Valen calls out. "Did anyone by chance see a magic curios shop in town?"


Male Human (Mwangi) Artificer 3

"I didn't really look for one. I doubt you'd find such a thing in a place this small. Though those Shrouded Sun guys seemed well travelled, they might have the odd trinket they're willing to trade"

Though even as he says this, Torque's thoughts turn to arcane power of a different variety.

There may be no magic shop here in the village, but somewhere nearby there might just be the remains of a skyfall! Dare I search for it? I remember Alk's words - for every man who works wonders with Numerian machinery, five die horribly. Does my tinkering really prepare me for dealing with sky-tech?


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Valen shrugs. "Ahhh, just as well. It's not important. I suppose we'll just set double watch." Heading back to his spot at the campfire and sitting down Valen takes a bite of the apple Gremm gave him.


Male Weremonkey Rogue/Ranger/Trickster

"Double watch sounds good. Make it happen Fury."

get me the watch rotation, then i'l move this forward. Hang tight, the ride is gonna get a little bumpy


Male Dwarf Monk/2

"Did I hear we were doubling the watch tonight? I can take first watch - who's with me?"

Paizo Employee

Male Human (Varisian) Fighter 3

We could just pair up in our current pairs, but that leaves Nine Tail alone. :(


Male Human (Tian) Barbarian (Urban Barbarian, Spirit Totem) 3

He has himself to talk to. Or he can have Two Bears join him.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

"Actually, may I suggest that you take the middle shift Master Silverfist? Your ability to see in the dark would be incredibly useful in one of the later shifts. I will volunteer for first shift though. Lady Acune would you like to join me for first watch?"


Female Half-Orc Magus 2

Dotting and reading along. Don't mind me!


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

"Valen, Acune, first watch. Tok and Ninetails you have the middle watch. Torque and I have third. Gremlin you are our lucky roulette winner. You get the spot closest to the fire and a night of rest. Well lady and gents, if everyone is finished for the night. Best we bed down!"

Saluting Two Bears, Jax moves away, setting his bedroll and blanket at the edge of the firelight, before setting about his nightly routine. Stripping out of his armor and weapons he begins to clean and tend every inch of his kit, before laying it down in a neat military fashion. Sliding his shortsword beneath the pack he is using as a pillow, and setting his crossbow close at hand, Jax lays back and stares at the stars.

'Tomorrow we will get to the bottom of this... By Gorum we will!'


Male Dwarf Monk/2

"Did we get a new corporal? You're a bossy one, Fury." With that, Tok heads to his pack and sits, closes his eyes and begins mouthing a silent prayer. A few moments later he is completely still and asleep.


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

Grinning around the stem of his pipe, Jax looks over at the Dwarf. "If you'd pull your beard out of your ears midget you would have heard the Corporal instructing me to set up the watch. I did just that. I am sorry I didn't sit down and meditate over it like you woulda but that just ain't me!"

Paizo Employee

Male Human (Varisian) Fighter 3

Gremm stood up and shook his head.

"Now, I'm all for me having a night of beauty rest, but I couldn't. Ma would give me the toughest switching in the world if she knew I let a lady take watch while I dozed through the night. Miss Acune, if you don't mind, I'll take your shift and you can enjoy the night of rest. Gods know I'm not going to be the one that makes you miss out on a good rest."


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

A grin splits his face as he looked up at the mountain of a man. "Gremm... Acune is a Soldier just like you. Your Ma would be okay with you taking the nights rest, I am sure, if it were part of the young lady's job description. But as you wish... You may give Acune your spot if you like. I am not the Corporal so it doesn't matter to me. But best you start thinking of Acune as Private Acune and not Miss Acune. By the end of this trip we will be a stinking, bleeding, disheveled mess... You all need to realize that we are not male or female, human or dwarf, we are not who we once were. We are Soldiers. We are the hands that hold the swords that are sold. Soon as everyone realizes that no one is special, no one is above taking their turn at a rest or at a job, the sooner we will become the blood soaked Mercs we are destined to be!"


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

After taking a long draw from his pipe Valen blows out a smoke ring and chuckles. "Well, should she get disheveled and smell, all Lady Acune need do is make a request and I shall use a spell to have her clean and smelling as fresh as a Spring day. Magic is useful like that." Tossing a wink Acune's way Valen's smile widens. "No need to talk like she isn't here lads. Lady Acune is a grown woman and can make decisions for herself," Valen states seriously. "So Acune, what will it be? A few hours alone with me?" he asks raising his eyebrows suggestively."Or a night of wonderful beauty rest so you're refreshed and perky in the morn?"

Paizo Employee

Male Human (Varisian) Fighter 3

Gremm nods at Fury and is quickly overtaken by a large, dopey grin. The thought of his mother putting Fury in his place after that speech quickly flashes through his mind. Even after all that, Gremm knows Fury would be getting a tug on the ear for even thinking the 'nice young lady' didn't have 'priority pickings' for resting through the night.

"Oh, I understand. I was just letting her know that she didn't have to take watch if it didn't suit her."

Gremm begins to chuckle to himself.


Male Human (Mwangi) Artificer 3

Torque chuckles at the crisis of chivalry. He'd been wondering when this would come up.

"A bleeding mess eh Fury? Not if I have anything to do with it"

Once again the syphon engine is unpacked and set up. It's rhythmic ticking quietly joins the rustle of insects and the sounds of the village in the distance. Torque lies back, the golden eldritch mists already wafting from his mouth and into the intricate breathing mask.

"The pump's set to stop in five hours. I'll see you in a bit mate"

With that he lies back and closes his eyes. The containers slowly start to fill. Those of the team that watch closely can see that he passes out very quickly.


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

Laughing softly, Jax exhales a small trail of smoke rings, before nodding. "I believe you Torque. I know you'll keep us fighting fit. And I'll try to keep us from betting too hurt!" Grinning, he slams one heavy palm down on to the tower shield propped beside him.

"May the Gods guard your sleep Torque. Or... Well... Your machines!" Laughing softly, Jax rolls over and shuts his eyes, before drifting off.


Male Weremonkey Rogue/Ranger/Trickster

I'm going to assume Acune is taking her shift like a good merc, she doesn't seem overly girly

The first shift passes uneventfully, except for when Acune grows tired of Valen's flirting and whacks him on the head with her quaterstaff.

About midway through the second shift however, you two feel a cool breeze, yet notice no other signs of wind blowing. As you look around you see the shadowy image of a rider on horseback staring at you. He holds your gaze for a long moment then flickers and disappears.

What do you do??


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Aww, I wasn't going to constantly be flirtacious. I was at some point going to suggest a game of cards or something. Valen can be serious and relaxed. Not always incredibly charming and insatiably resistable. ;)


Male Human (Tian) Barbarian (Urban Barbarian, Spirit Totem) 3

Hissing to his companion, "Tok..hey Tok! You see that? Figure that's Grimtaur? He's looks a little pale.""

Nine Tail takes a burning brand from the fire and moves over to where he saw the horseman to look for tracks.

Survival for Tracking -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14


Male Dwarf Monk/2

Tok turns towards Nine Tail, his eyes piercing through the darkness, looking for another sign of the rider. "Thank the master, I was worried my eyes were playing tricks on me. Should we wake the others?" Waiting for Nine Tail's reply, Tok peers into the night, searching for a sign of movement or the mysterious rider.

Perception Check -> 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

I really need to get a wand of alarm.


Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
Valen Morse wrote:
Aww, I wasn't going to constantly be flirtacious. I was at some point going to suggest a game of cards or something. Valen can be serious and relaxed. Not always incredibly charming and insatiably resistable. ;)

Yes, you are very resistable, which is why Acune womped you :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two of you search the area, but come up with nothing. No tracks, no signs of a rider on horseback, nothing. Its as if what you both saw wasn't really there.

I'm going to let you Take 10, to emphasize how thorough you both were. You still come up with nothing, but it was not for lack of trying. Also you have about a half hour, once all done, till the next watch starts.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)
Voice of Awesomeness wrote:
Valen Morse wrote:
Aww, I wasn't going to constantly be flirtacious. I was at some point going to suggest a game of cards or something. Valen can be serious and relaxed. Not always incredibly charming and insatiably resistable. ;)
Yes, you are very resistable, which is why Acune womped you :-)

Oh, that's just one battle. I'm a long term man. I'll wear her down eventually. No one can fully resist Valen Morse. HAHAHA!


Male Human (Tian) Barbarian (Urban Barbarian, Spirit Totem) 3

"Aint nothing there to wake up anyone about. I say just keep your eyes open and we can warn the next watch."

Paizo Employee

Male Human (Varisian) Fighter 3
Valen Morse wrote:
Voice of Awesomeness wrote:
Valen Morse wrote:
Aww, I wasn't going to constantly be flirtacious. I was at some point going to suggest a game of cards or something. Valen can be serious and relaxed. Not always incredibly charming and insatiably resistable. ;)
Yes, you are very resistable, which is why Acune womped you :-)
Oh, that's just one battle. I'm a long term man. I'll wear her down eventually. No one can fully resist Valen Morse. HAHAHA!

Will save to resist Valen

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

:\


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Hahaha! Gremm is now under my charms! Who's next?


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

Heh! Lets watch the Fighters fall shall we? :P

Valen Resistance-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

I figure Fury has a bonus to that but that is the flat bonus and it seems like he too is powerless... :(

The Exchange

F Half-elf Inquisitor (Exorcist) 3

Sorry about being offline again, RL...
So I'll go ahead and risk making (or failing) my will save :)

Acune resistance 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Well... your long-term plan might take awhile, Valen :)


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

HAHA! Fury is now under my charms as well!! As for Acune, I'm not sure. I'm sure it's at least a base DC of 15, 10+CHA mod. Not sure what other modifiers I'd add though. Maybe HD or half level minimum one? Not sure yet. I do know that I have at least two members of the squad under my charms. But Acune is probably safe....FOR NOW!


Male Dwarf Monk/2

Sorry - I don't want to miss my term to be seduced.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8


Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20

Well grats are in order for Valen, as he has a harem consisting of three guys. I guess they do things a little differently over in Taldor huh?? Acune did make her save which renders her immune for a week :-)

The rest of the 2nd watch passes quietly, such that you two are now just a little unsure that you saw that rider. Fury and Torque wake and the four of you lounge around the fire for a bit.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Hey no judgements! And besides now that they're under my dazzling personality they're more inclinded to suggestions. Now I just need a few more bodies and I can start a male escort service! Step 1) charming squadmates into being male escorts to work for me. step 2) ? Step 3) Profit! It's a win win situation! I'll be rolling in gold in no time!


Male Human (Tian) Barbarian (Urban Barbarian, Spirit Totem) 3

Sitting around the fire, Nine Tail is hopefully more concerned about the nightly visitor than how dreamy Valin is. "Well..the spirit was right over there. Now all spirits aren't necessarily evil, despite the fact that we are in a wreck of a country apparently crawling in undead. Could be Ol'Grimtaur dropped by to give us a nudge to come check out his manor."

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Nope, Valin is just too distracting. Although its good to get that '1' out of the way now.


Male Human Sorcerer 3 (Abyssal Bloodline)

Ha ha! Yet another party member to add to my potential brothel! I mean escort service, I mean place where you get paid to spend time with women. Yeah, that sounds a lot better.


Male Dwarf Monk/2

"If it was Grimtaur, I'd like to pay his manor a visit sooner rather than later. The walking dead and spirits of those passed don't make for a pleasant watch. Or a safe caravan. If you don't mind, I think I will stay and take part in the watch with you. I don't know if what we saw had bad intentions, but I'd rather not be asleep if so."

With that, Tok settles in around the fire. "Fury, why don't you share a story with us to pass the time. Surely a soldier such as yourself has a tale or two."


Male Human Gunslinger (Gun Tank)/ Lvl 3

I indulged a little so please forgive me...

Jax stirs himself from his blankets, pushing up to his feet with a shrug. Turning, he re-packs his sleeping gear and slips in to his armor, before strapping on his weapons and grabbing his crossbow from the ground.

"A story? I have a few..." Taking a long swig from his waterskin, Jax corks it, before tossing it to Torque. 'Why not? May as well pass the time!'

Taking a seat at the fire, he pulls his pipe from his pocket and thumbs it full, before leaning forward to light it off an ember. A slow wreath of smoke forming above his head, he looks between the men once more, before beginning to speak.

"Was up by the World Wound one spring, about a year or so ago, when our Band came upon a wreckage. This was before I joined the Carnival now and I was still working as a cheap Sell Sword. And man was I cheap. Mans gotta live you know? So I did what I could to keep going. Nothing illegal, not on my part like, but grunt work, work we would never stoop to, not in the darkest times of our Company, of that I am sure. So... Where was I?" He took a deep breath, clearing his mind.

"Right. The World wound! Well we were running some Black Market dealer from... Well here actually, and a huge cargo. Pretty routine run. Keep under the radar of the Guards along the way and protect the cargo. Standard right? Not really..." Shaking his head softly he frowned, before taking another pull on the pipe.

"There we were, a Baggage train full of illegal and dangerous cargo, and we come across the goriest sight I have ever seen. Don't rightly know how to describe it... Well, think of a Slaughter Yard, I am sure you have all seen one, then add in the grey matter men got between there ears, smashed weapons, pulverized bones and, worst of all, small, lifeless corpses, half eaten and discarded..." He scowled and spat in to the fire.

"Whatever did em in... I reckon we scared em away. The place was fresh enough alright, couldn't have been more than half a day old. Figure they started with the younger ones and worked their way up. Well... One can only figure right, having not been there. No sense in dwelling on it. Anyway... We traveled on, at our Employers orders, bastard wouldn't even let us bury the wee ones. We traveled for most of the rest of that day, till just around the sun was setting, when he called a halt. Camp was set and the guards not on duty set about getting drunk." He nodded, tapping out the pipe, before pulling an apple from his pack and taking a bite.

"I was on third watch, much like this night and had taken to wandering the perimeter. Something just didn't sit right with me that night and I ranged a little wider than usual, trusting that my partner; huge Half-Orc by the name of Krazuck, used to get blind drunk and b%+%$ and moan about how human women were too brittle in bed, would sound the alarm if anything went astray." He took another bite of apple and chewed thoughtfully.

"There wasn't even a scream... Not a single sound I heard anyway. It was like... It was like they had all exploded from the inside out. Well.. All except Krazuck. I found him beaten to a pulp, his face strangely untouched. Heh. Maybe whatever did it thought that the unfortunate scum had suffered enough, being born with such an ugly mug!" Shaking his head slowly, he shrugged.

"I ran. I took the fastest horse I could from the train, the Gold I was owed, and I ran. I didn't stop till I was almost on the other side of Ustalav. Took me almost a whole year to even come this far back in. I don't know what the hell did em in, and I aint sure I ever want to... Sometimes a man has to stand, keep the line, we all know that, we are Soldiers now. But against something you can't even see or hear? Sometimes a man has gotta stand the line, and sometimes he has got to run. I ain't ashamed of it... Not any more!" He nodded softly, falling silent before finishing the apple and tossing it in the fire.

'Not any more...'

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