The Seer's Journey - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

Via the Message cantrip: "We've got more of those scuidars here, and they're tending to a major source of magical power. We have them under observation; let me know if you can assist."

DM, how many of them are there, how far away are they and how close together are they?

Whispering to his orcish friend Jorzan grins as he says "Perhaps I'll get to try out some of these new arrows sooner than I had thought. Think you these things will be affected by fire Karthan?"

DM, how many of them are there, how far away are they and how close together are they?

Whispering to his orcish friend Jorzan grins as he says "Perhaps I'll get to try out some of these new arrows sooner than I had thought. Think you these things will be affected by fire Karthan?"

You can't tell their exact number, unfortunately; they keep flitting in and out of view. You're pretty sure there are at least four, possibly more; they're flying around, so they're constantly pretty far apart from each other.

Kelne: rushing up out of the tomb, you come upon a scene of controlled chaos; 16 rough-and-ready looking warriors on horseback are crisscrossing the cemetery, mowing down six or seven redcaps. The one that had been tied up is already dead; its head severed. The captain sees you come charging up and rides up to meet you; "Sir! Hoy! What is your name, friend, are you hurt? Are there more of these foul affronts to nature down there? Or companions of yours in need of assistance? We are a road patrol, set to keep this trade route safe. I am Captain Ian Harrix, of the Paladine of Izmir."

@Tanel, @Luc, @Justahl: Cassandra looks up at Tanel and nods her head. "It was just so scary, Haunted Man. I have dreams just like that picture. Dreams of a dragon breathing fire on me, and on the Golden Lady. In my dream she burns, but she burns to save me, and to save us all. She saves the people in furs, saves them at The Wall. I...my dream looks just like that dragon. But I don't know why there's a dragon here." She frowns, and gets up, looking at the rest of the carvings with the three of you. "There's more dragons. I...have I been here before?"

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Tanel is distracted by something at the edge of hsi vision and turns to look at the wall. He turns his head and notices the glowing eyes. Without a moments hesitation he picks up the waif of a girl and carries her away from the wall towards the center of the room. Setting her down, with worried looks towards the wall he asks 'How have you been here before? When?'

So...no one going to be answering Karthan's message then?

Still whispering Korian slides back around the corner and says to his sorcerer friend "Maybe we're too far away for them to hear us brother. I'm always up for a scrap, but there may be too many there for just teh both of us to handle. So back we go for help then?"

@Tanel: Cassandra giggles when you pick her up and rush away. "Whhheeeeeeeeeeee!" she calls out. Then when you set her down she claps her hands once and smiles up at you. "Haunted Man that was fun! Can we do that again?!" You're not sure if she heard your question or not, or is just avoiding it, though that would be a bit odd for one so young.

"Jorzan, I think we go back and get reinforcements. I had two spells fizzle on these things earlier. I'm firmly in favor of hitting them with overwhelming force if possible."

Perception 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Perception 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Sir Justahl looks up, listening.
"Does anyone else hear... hoofbeats?"
Tensing, he puts his hand on his sword and starts to move towards the sound; but then halts and looks at Cassandra, remembering the goddess' orders. He straightens up and stays by her, his duty mastering his desire to go to the sounds of combat. For now.
Quietly he recites the creed of Iomedae to himself...

Watching Justahl reined in, Tanel sighs and shakes his head. 'Bring her along a safe distance behind us, say fifty feet. Luc, weapons at the ready sir, lets go sluething.'

With that Tanel heads off towards the sound of fighting.

Whos connected via message?

"My name is Kelne, captain," Kelne said, inclining his head and lowering his weapon, seeing the horsemen had things under control, "I confess, I didn't think there were any more redcaps around, but you seem to be handling them well enough. My friends and I have been clearing out the complex," he nodded to the trapdoor he'd just emerged from, "There've been a few rather nasty horrors in there, but I think we've got things in hand."

Holding off to see what Karthan and Jorzan do...

@Tanel: Going outside, you see back at the little temple in which you originally took shelter, Kelne is speaking with an armed and armored man on horseback. Behind them, a group of soldiers is cutting down the last of what looks like a group of redcaps.

@Justahl: Cassandra looks up at you. "Is that a poem, Shining Man? Can you teach it to me? We can go outside if you want..." And with that she heads out after Tanel.

Assuming you follow, you see this:

One of the road patrols of the Paladine of Izmir is mopping up a group of redcaps -- looks like their leader is talking to Kelne. You're too far away to recognize any of the particular soldiers, but you recognize the horses, armor, and banners.

@Kelne: Captain Harrix nods, and looks interested. "Friends, you say? Clearing out horrors? By Her Shield and Blade! I had no idea anything was down there except rotted corpses. Would you like our assistance? If there are undead or any other threat down there we would see it eliminated and this road kept safe. How many are your companions? What brings you out this far off the road, if I may ask? Merchants?"

Karthan hooked everyone up via Message before scouting, if anyone's still in range.

I figure Kelne's covered a fair bit of horizontal distance, so he's probably out of range.

"There are seven of us in all," Kelne answered, "We've been traveling, took shelter from a ruinstorm here and wound up with some fights on our hands. As I say, I think we've got things under control, but if you'd like to lend a hand clearing out the rest of the place, that would certainly speed things up."

Tanel walks up towards Kelne and the armed men with a wary expression. Won't do to trust them, maybe Kelne is just stalling them. He grips his halberd tight as he moves forwards.

'What ho Kelne, who are these strange warriors?'

"Is that a poem, Shining Man? Can you teach it to me? We can go outside if you want..."

Sir Justahl smiles.

As they head outside, his heart swells to see his people, the Paladine of Izmir, attacking evil wherever it appeared. He strode forward to greet them...

"Paladine out of Izmir," Kelne informed Tanel, "Keeping order on the roads hereabouts. They'd like to chip in with clearing out the complex."

'That's awfully convenient of them...' Tanel squints at the lead rider, looking over his armor and barding.

'What brings you out to this out of the way outpost, and your so very far from the front lines. Its awfully strange for us to be so lucky that you arrived, Sir knight. Wouldn't you say?' Tanel addresses the leader directly now, clearly suspicious.

Way to keep up Jorzan's tradition of 'suspicion first', Tanel. Shadow-boy would be proud ; )And sorry for the absence all, RL stuff ketp me away from the nets for a while, should be all good now though.

"Agreed friend, lets leave as quietly we as arrived and gather the rest of the gang." And, putting action to word, Jorzan slinks off back the way they came.

"The paladine are responsible for patroling the roads hereabouts," Kelne pointed out, "Along with mercenaries and, unfortunately, the Wolfguard. So their arrival isn't beyond the realm of chance." Kelne would have expected the paladine to be recalled home in light of the attack on Izmir, but their devotion to Law might mean they didn't feel they were in a position to simply renege on their duties. Certainly, Kelne preferred a division of responsibility to the Wolfguard being responsible for the entire road.

Making their way back to the throne room, finding it empty and eventually tracking the noise of combat and conversation to find the others. Squinting at the glint of sunlight on so much armor and metal, Jorzan first looks to make sure Casandra is ok.

Normally, seeing so many men in armor would put the shadowdancer on high alert, but the Paladine of Izmir specifically always warrent a high degree or trust from the rescused slave/guinea pig. Looking to see if either he or Justhal recognize any of the Paladine
Perception:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Knowledge(local-IZMA):1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

if everything seems in order, Jorzan says "It is good you men have arrived at this time. Karthan and I have discovered a den of evil outsiders guarding what seems to be a very powerful magical ley line. These creatures fly, are very chaotic in nature and, according to my sorcerer friend, quite resistant to magic. Your aid in dealing with them would be most appreciated."

The last of the redcaps falls and Captain Harrix's platoon begins to gather. Some of the men were a bit out of sight, but when they gather you can see there are 31 of them total, including the captain, who dismounts and addresses Tanel: "You're Bennaladi, aren't you, sir? I'm from the plains msyelf. Grew up in the west, two days' journey from Atar. I miss home sometimes, miss it something fierce, but my duty is on the road. My platoon is one of only four left that Captain Merit has determined must stay on the road to protect the travelers and merchants. We try to cover the length of it each day, to ensure everyone is safe, but we can't always succeed in that. As it turns out, today I followed a strange gleam in the sky, that I took to be a sign from Iomedae, and which led us here where the redcaps -- who we are quite familiar with in these parts -- were running towards this tomb, probably to attack you men, I'd wager, now that --

Harrix breaks off as Justahl and Cassandra approach. "Justahl! Justahl of Neowald! By Her Blade and Cape I did not think I'd see you out here! When did they let you out of Stormfare?!"

Turning to Kelne and Jorzan, the captain says "We'll gladly assist you. Which obstacle should we tackle first? Sounds to me as if the ley line would be our first priority, but I'll gladly bow to your wisdom in this regard since you all have explored this spot more thoroughly than we have. I have 30 good men and women here who will gladly fight chaos and evil wherever they may be found."

"So, where shall we start?"

A mix of emotions nostalgia, both positive and negative flowing through him at the site of so many Paladine, Jorzan nevertheless schools his featutes into a companionable smile and says

"The Red Caps likely showed up in number here because of one of their kind that had been imprisoned here. As you and your knights have taken care of that though I am in agreement with you that the ley line and the chaos creatures are the top priority. Unless any of my companions have anything else to say, Karthan and I can lead you there now. I think you'll have to leave your mounts behind though Captain."

A smile splits Sir Justahl's face as he strides up to the Captain and salutes.
"Captain Harrix! You and your platoon are a sight for sore eyes! Well you know how I volunteered for duty with the lances, but was ordered to an embassy post. Only recently it was decided at the highest levels that I and my companions here would provide escort for this young lady here." He half bows to Cassandra. "The highest level." He looks at the captain meaningfully.

Harrix clasps hands with Justahl, but blanches a bit when he sees Cassandra. He doesn't look panicked, necessarily, but more awe-stricken. For her part, the little girl gazes steadily back at the man, her eyes shining a bit. The captain returns his gaze back to Sir Justahl, then around at the lot of you. "I take your meaning, sir. Look; I think you men -- and girl -- should be on your way. Black Dragonflight cavalry are on the move. We'd wondered why they would suddenly push west, and do so without any heavy support, but I think now I know why. I think they're looking for you. This road is my responsibility, so my platoon and I will deal with whatever else is underground and hopefully make enough of a racket while so doing that we can distract the hog riders that are about."

"If you've set your minds on returning underground, then of course I will not stop you, and will welcome the support from warriors such as yourselves. But I am more than willing to finish this for you, and cover your trail after you leave. What say you?"

'Sounds good to me. Now that we're above ground, we may aswell stay that way and get moving. Thank you, stranger. You bring great honor on the Paladine, and Bennelad,' Tanel nods respectfully towards the cavalryman and looks around to his companions.

'Lets get our horses together and get moving, I for one would like to get some distance from this place.'

Sarain... Another ghost to carry with me. How long until the burden grows to great.

"That sounds like a plan," Kelne said. He hadn't been particularly enthusiastic about further exploration and clearing of the complex to begin with. If others were willing to take on the task, best to leave them to it and move on before something else turned up looking for Cassandra.

"We've dealt with one group of cavalry already," he noted, nodding towards the mausoleum, "But odds are there'll be others turning up to find out what happened to their patrol eventually."

Karthan, when he's informed of this, will pass on what he knows about the complex, and get the horses ready.

"We need to make time, gentlemen."

Thrilled at the thought of going into battle with his fellow knights, Sir Justahl exults for a moment before turning to his companions. Seeing the decision there, he turns back to the Captain.

"Yes... Yes. You are wise Captain. Much as I wish to lend my swordarm to the fight, my road lies elsewhere."
He steps back and fires of a crip salute, holding it as he says; "Inheritor guide and protect you Sir."

Releasing it, he turns and with a brief prayer, summons Nouhves to his side from a brilliant white rent in the air. He settles Cassandra in her backpack harness, mounts Nouhves and uncases his lance, his pennent flying in the breeze.

Turning to the others, he says; "We ride."

For the next few days, you make excellent time. The night watches are uneventful, and Jorzan's scouting and everyone's combined wilderness expertise make for clear travel that steers you well clear of bad spots of road and keeps you out of excessively unpleasant weather. Karthan's unseen servant makes campsite setup and teardown a breeze, as well, allowing you to gain even more speed over the lightly wooded and basically flat terrain. Stores hold, you are able to hunt some small game and pick a few wild vegetables to make meals more pleasant.

As for threats, other than Cassandra trying to play with a baby slurk and getting coated in horrid clear goo that Karthan magics away with prestidigitation, the journey is encounter-free, if a bit tense and watchful.

Presently the group arrives in sight of the small, nameless lakeside village that is at the southmost shore of Clear Lake, on the north shore of which is the dwarf kingdom of Omskoldsv. Standing on a small rise overlooking the town you see that the docks district -- which is extremely busy loading and unloading passengers onto and off of ferries -- is far larger than the town itself, and seems like it could be its own independent village. There is no wall around this place, but there are regular patrols -- Jorzan vanishes into the shadows to do a brief scouting run and returns with not entirely pleasant news; the guards are simple mercenaries. Sellswords, not paladins. He doesn't believe they are evil, but he watched them mercilessly search entering merchant caravans, making a mess of everything. They never smiled, and spoke only in grunts and growls. All were men or half-orcs and all look quite battle-tested.

Worst of all, though, is this; Jorzan reports that he saw "wanted" posters with Cassandra's likeness on some of them, and Kelne's likeness on others. The reward, he notes, is...substantial.

It is 1:00 in the afternoon. The weather is clear. You are about a two-hours' ride from the village.

Turning to the half-orc sorcerer Jorzan finishes with "I was thinking Karthan, perhaps we could use that vest of your to disguise either Kelne or Cassandra and then we can figure some way to best disguise the other. Hmmm, or, if Kelne donned Justhal's harness for Cassandra, nmight the vest be able to disguise both of them?"

Then, thinking of his very limited magical abilities the rogue adds "As well, perhaps we might be able to create some sort of distraction for the mercenaries so that they are not looking too closely..."

'Much as I hate to suggest it, I think that maybe we should split up a bit when entering the town, so as not to draw as much attention. The less subtle of us, namely myself, Luc and Justahl can enter obviously, three armored men should draw eyes, but not constant surveillance, we'll tone down or magical gear and competence. Then you, Karthan and the two disguised members can enter more subtly. We can rendezvous at an inn inside the town.

..Or we could always pass it by.' Tanel adds with a frown.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"It's an option," Kelne said, "Though this is probably the best place to book passage. I'd suggest we use the vest to disguise Cassandra as a gnome, and I'll fend for myself. We've got some spare gear, it's just a matter of finding a way to disguise my features."

Sir Justahl frowns, trying to think.
"But why just Cassandra and Kelne? You would think I'd be more distinctive."

'These are Wolfguard bounties I reckon. That count of Kelnes wants him, and everyone wants our girly little ward,' Tanel scratches his stubbly chin as he talks. I need a shave.

"Posting a bounty on a paladine would draw attention as well," Kelne pointed out, "Too many questions, including from other paladine, if they were to slap a description of Justahl up."

Karthan nods. "There is a third alternative."

"What need is there for everyone to go in to town? Tanel, your spirit haunting makes you stand out like a collapsing house. Kelne, they're looking for you here. And Cassandra needs to remain out of sight."

He pulls out a rope. "It's boring...but there's good cause to just have you hide in the Rope Trick while we conduct business."

He touches his vest, changing the outfit to 'off' "I'm also rather distinctive in appearance." And yes, he is. He's taller than anyone in the group, his skin distinctively dark green, his hair in a queue, a headband on his brow.

"What do we gain by all of us going in to the town? I'm not saying 'no'. I am asking what we gain versus the risks engendered."

Sir Justahl looks out at the docks.
"If we have to cross the water by ferry; we may have to dare the town in any case."
He tightens his grip on his lance.
"But I will stay here by Cassandra while you scout."

Knowledge(local):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

After listening to the others voice their opinons Jorzan speaks up again
"I like your plan Tanel. As for not going into town, we would have to go around the lake then, would we not? Seems whatever risk the town may prove would be worth the time it would take to go around the lake. However, there may also be a thrid option. In checking around I heard some talk of 'independant operators'. They would very likely be less seaworthy craft but, if we bribe them enough, they would have the benefit of us remaining unspotted...well, possibly anyway, unless someone else were to bribe them more..."

DRA, just to let you know, I have no problem with you making Knowledge checks for Jorzan, especially if it's slowing the game down waiting for me. I've actually been of the opinion for a while anyway that knowledge checks and similar things that characters should just 'know' or observe (The Spot, or maybe even listen part of perception checks, Knowledge checks or anything else which doesn't take a conscious action on the part of the PC). Cool?

Knowledge(local):1d20+10DRA, just to let you know, I have no problem with you making Knowledge checks for Jorzan, especially if it's slowing the game down waiting for me. I've actually been of the opinion for a while anyway that knowledge checks and similar things that characters should just 'know' or observe (The Spot, or maybe even listen part of perception checks, Knowledge checks or anything else which doesn't take a conscious action on the part of the PC). Cool?

I think a sentence got cut off in your post above... But anyway, yup, I know, and I didn't feel that DMPCing a K check from Jorzan was necessary in this case.

"I'd rather have a solid craft with a good crew," Kelne said, "There are things in the lake, remember, and I think we can agree they'll find us regardless of how sneakily we set sail." There didn't seem to be much to add. He had no intention of lurking in the rope trick himself. Unattended horses would attract attention far more certainly than someone catching sight of him from a distance.

'I'm all for securing a boat from town. Like Kelne, I'd rather a vouched for vessel. I'm dying for a drink too. So I'd rather go in to town. Ghosts aren't too obvious to most common mercenaries, and I'm hardly a memorable face. I'll keep in my chain shirt, and sword. Just another man at arms heading to the warfront.'

So...Justahl, Cassandra, Kelne are hanging back, yes? Jorzan? What are you up to? Luc has vanished, so I'm leaving him out for now...

As Justahl, Cassandra, and Kelne hang back for the time being, Karthan and Tanel and Jorzan make their way to the pair of guard shacks that serve as an improvised "City Gate." There are six guards there, and they see the Master of Fire coming from a long way off. As the three of you approache, three of the guards are already out in the road. One of them, a large man who is just a few inches shorter than Karthan, steps forward from the others and addresses Karthan directly. "Hold up, there, mister. Just who are you to be entering, what's your business here?"

Though the men act antagonistic, they are not necessarily hostile or suspicious. Mostly they just seem like bullies who enjoy bullying.

If anyone else wanted to go, just speak up and we can retcon you into this.

Not really at all concerned about the 'bullies', Jorzan allows his bigger companions to do the talking. Still though he carefully looks around in case there is anything important that may not be at first obvious.

As he does this the shadowdancer also places his hands on his weapon and scowls darkly; a man obviously not to be trifled with and one becoming annoyed with the interuption of his path.
Perception:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Intimidate:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

'Evening friends. Can't tell you how glad I am to see a little bit of civilisation out here. I'm dying for a cold ale and a warm bed. Preferably an occupied one if'n you catch my drift,' Tanel rubs at his stubble. He is dressed in his chain shirt, which he has subtly dirtied up, with onlt his longsword at his belt. His magical bag with most of his equipment is back with the horses, and he doesn't plan on reaching for anything while anyone is near him. Damned ghosts.

'What say one of my buddies here buys you fellas an ale or two ahead of time, and we speed this up, eh?'

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25