WotW: A Knot of Thorns The First Parchment (Inactive)

Game Master Xzaral

The Kargeld Lure:

While crossing the lake, Bostarg seeks parley with Kargeld "Captain, might we toast our success?" holding up a couple of cups pre-filled with hard alcohol... one clean and one tainted. The manner in which Bostarg delivers the line suggests that the toast might come with words worthy of hearing.

Assume bait taken: Bostarg gives Kargeld the tainted cup, before touching mugs and quaffing a swallow. He then spins a furtive tale of whispers heard at the bugbear tents... a few truths of how the watchwall will fall and the savages will flood the land. And a few lies of maps showing lines at sea and threats to the waves... proffering a means for Kargeld to avoid the affray. His talk is conspiratorial and hushed, and cuts off prematurely when one of the crew step close above. He leaves a last crumb that there is a final topic he would broach... but later.

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30 To sell the story and keep his focus on his ears and not his tastebuds.

At the lake's edge:

Breathing deep a couple of times to focus, Bostarg gives Alazandaru a nod to move into position - before moving towards Kargeld. Pouring all of his talent into his voice, Bostarg taints it with enticing notes and dark tinges. His words flow through the air like syrup to Kargeld's ears "Captain, time is short... we need speak" and beckons the Captain follow to the bow of the Frosthamar...

Attempt to fascinate Kargeld - DC 16 Will save to resist.

The Kargeld Lure:

While crossing the lake, Bostarg seeks parley with Kargeld "Captain, might we toast our success?" holding up a couple of cups pre-filled with hard alcohol... one clean and one tainted. The manner in which Bostarg delivers the line suggests that the toast might come with words worthy of hearing.

Odenkirk stares down at the small gnome, a look of annoyance on his face. But the sight of the cup brings a grin to his face. He eagerly takes the cup, downing it in a single gulp. "Doesn't begin to make up for the lousy payment for this mission, but at least makes for a fitting end."

At the lake's edge:

Breathing deep a couple of times to focus, Bostarg gives Alazandaru a nod to move into position - before moving towards Kargeld. Pouring all of his talent into his voice, Bostarg taints it with enticing notes and dark tinges. His words flow through the air like syrup to Kargeld's ears "Captain, time is short... we need speak" and beckons the Captain follow to the bow of the Frosthamar...

Attempt to fascinate Kargeld - DC 16 Will save to resist.

Kargeld turns to the gnome, ordering his men to finish securing the boat. As he moves back, Bostarg's voice sinks into the captain's mind, his eyes taking a glazed look staring beyond the gnome.

As soon as everyone's in position, Aedorn produces an arrow and fires at the captain.

Assuming surprise round so only standard action.
initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
PBS, Perfect Strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
PBS, Perfect Strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Tatya will try to find a secluded area of the ship to cast mage armor on herself sometime between Bostarg giving Odenkirk the poisoned cup and drawing him aside for the killing stroke. If, for some reason, she can't get the privacy to cast a spell without being overseen/heard, that will be her surprise round action.

I assumed as the expert poisoner, Tatya applied it to my blades for me.

Alazandaru approached casually enough but seeing the fascinated state the ship captain was in- produced his first knife. He rammed it with little emotion into the man's back, through his clothing and any armour in the way... Even as he made the strike, his second wrist snapped expertly to place a second poisoned dagger in his outstretched left palm...

Sneak Attack Dagger Crit Threat VS FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Sneak Attack Dagger Crit Confirm VS FF AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage (Sneak Attack, Strength, Dirty Fighter, River Rat: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 2d8 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + (5, 1) = 15

Additional Damage if Crit Confirmed: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

AC is 20 due to Offensive Defence.

Tatya will try to find a secluded area of the ship to cast mage armor on herself sometime between Bostarg giving Odenkirk the poisoned cup and drawing him aside for the killing stroke. If, for some reason, she can't get the privacy to cast a spell without being overseen/heard, that will be her surprise round action.

While the boat is fairly open with the crates gone, Odenkirk and his men are pretty busy with the shipwork, so you can manage it beforehand.

The poison makes order important. I'm going to await Bostarg and Tatya's actions at least before resolving, preferably Morthos's as well though it's not as important.

Surprise Round
Tatya
Bostarg
Aedorn
Odenkirk's Men (SURPRISE!)
Alazandaru
Odenkirk (SURPRISE!)
Morthos

Surprise Round

As her allies move into position, Tatya fixes her gaze on the captain whose death they have planned and glares at him, willing his body's defenses to crumble before her carefully-prepared poisons.

Evil Eye on Odenkirk: -2 to saving throws for 8 rounds; Will save DC 16 to limit this effect to 1 round

Round 1 Action-

Taking advantage of his brutal first strike, Alazandaru worked both knives furiously into the captain's still-exposed back, seeking to bring him crumbling to the deck of the ship in short order. The blade he had already sank into Odenkirk was retracted, only for the beautifully crafted dagger to be plunged into the wound once more, alongside its twin, which delivered yet more poison to the man. With both of his daggers having left brutal wounds in the man's back, Alazandaru was committed to slaying him, hopefully before he could retaliate...

Pre-posted action assumes that the captain is still standing and that Bostarg is still flanking. I'll specify the dagger which hasn't delivered poison yet, which is the off-hand. Should get sneak attack either way due to him being flat-footed, but if not flanking -2 to both attack rolls and -1 damage to each attack

TWF Sneak Attack Main Hand VS FF AC: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 23
Damage (Strength, Dirty Fighter, River Rat, Sneak Attack): 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2d8 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 + (4, 6) = 18

TWF Sneak Attack Off-Hand VS FF AC (POISON): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 25
Damage (1/2 Strength, Dirty Fighter, River Rat, Sneak Attack): 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 1 + (6, 1) = 12

AC20 to the captain (if standing)

As the plan goes into motion, Morthos grabs his shield before going for his sword.

Will grab his shield during the surprise round, his sword next round. I don't think I can do both during the surprise round.

Surprise Round:

Not wanting to give away his gambit too soon, Bostarg waits until Alazandaru has attacked for the first time before drawing his own small rapier.

Delay till after Alazandaru, then draw rapier. Round 1 pending.

Bostarg leads Odenkirk to the back of the ship, a slightly glazed approach as he listens intently to Bostarg's words, unable to see the danger as it approaches. His fortune cursed by Tatya, he is struck from behind first by one of Aedorn's arrows, snapping him out of the stupor. Before he can turn, one of Alazandaru's daggers whip out and slice the man across the throat, nearly fatal in it's own right. Morthos and Bostarg ready themselves to engage their foes. The wounds traced from his wounds run with a strange color on the veins, a sign that the poison is in his system.

The act did not go unnoticed. One of Odenkirk's men turns and sees the sight, Leif. Having sent quick glances back at the captain, he suddenly screams out in rage at what's been done. "I'll kill you for this!" Things go worse for the sailors as Odenkirk himself quickly succumbs to the poison in his veins, falling to the ground unconscious.

Nice Job! Tatya and Aedorn up for round 1.

Surprise Round
Tatya (Evil-eye on Odenkirk for -2 to saves)
Aedorn (Perfect Shot, hit)
Odenkirk's Men (SURPRISE!)
Alazandaru (Attack, crit, not confirmed)
Bostarg (Draw Rapier)
Odenkirk (SURPRISE!)
Morthos (Draw Shield)

Round 1
Tatya ()
Aedorn ()
Odenkirk's Men ()
Alazandaru ()
Bostarg ()
Odenkirk (Unconscious)
Morthos ()

The Map Link

Round 1

"Aedorn, move out of the way!" Tatya commands, linking her thumbs and spreading her fingers before her in the direction of the angry sailors. "Morthos, defend me!"

5-foot-step to U 14; Ready action to cast burning hands, affecting squares 13 R-S, 14 R-T, 15 R-S when Odenkirk's men enter the area of effect; fire damage 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5, Reflex save DC 16 for half-damage

Aedorn nods, steps back to t15, and fires a pair of arrows at OM3.

FoB: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
crit damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
FoB: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

edit: wow! Totally forgot longbow crit was x3. Adjusting.

@Aedorn: Your crit damage should read: "crit damage: 2d6". Just a friendly reminder. :)

In a massive surge, Odenkirk's men draw weapons and begin to charge. Aedorn puts two arrows into one of the men, taking him deep in the chest with one while the other penetrates his left arm. Surprised, he yet continues forward, rallied on with his fellows. His rush is short lived however as the wounds from the arrows are added to the burns suffered as Tatya summons flames, flames that wash over Odenkirk's men. They give surprised screams as they move forward, yet still they push, though now fearful.

The strike's from the shortswords fall against Mortho's armor shield, none managing to penetrate his defenses

Round 1
Aedorn (FoB)
Tatya (Ready action to Burning Hands, cast)
Odenkirk's Men (3 charge Morthos, 1 charge Aedorn and dies, 1 moves up)
Alazandaru ()
Bostarg ()
Odenkirk (Unconscious)
Morthos ()

Alazandaru showed little mercy as he briefly knelt and buried his dagger into the captain's chest.

Coup De Grace Damage: 2d4 + 11 + 2d8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 11 + (3, 1) = 21

Bigger post when I get home tonight, but that done it, Odenkirk is down.

Round 1:

Noting that Alazandaru had the Captain's fate well in hand, Bostarg gives him a curt nod before moving down the deck to the line of the melee. Not willing to put himself in the path of Tatya's hands of flame... he instead moves to the other end of the line beside Morthos and feints and thrusts at the men before him...
Aid Another (Attack for Morthos): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
...seeking to aid the unholy knights ability to land a forceful blow.

Managing to deflect the many attacks, Morthos draws his sword and swings at the one in front of him.

Mwk Longsword w/PA: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Alazandaru bends down and ends Odenkirk, dealing a final blow to the captain, his blood spilling out and down onto the boat, dead where he lays. His men scream in rage at the sight, preparing to launch a flurry of attacks. Bostarg steps up and trips one of the sailors, giving Morthos an opportunity to strike. Unfortunately the man behind him pulls him back at the last instant, causing his powerful strike to miss.

Aedorn and Tatya up.

Round 1
Aedorn (FoB)
Tatya (Ready action to Burning Hands, cast)
Odenkirk's Men (3 charge Morthos, 1 charge Aedorn and dies, 1 moves up)
Alazandaru (Coup de Grace)
Bostarg (Aid Another, attack, successful)
Morthos (Attack, miss)

Round 2
Aedorn ()
Tatya ()
Odenkirk's Men ()
Alazandaru ()
Bostarg ()
Morthos ()

The Map Link

Been waiting on Aedorn to post, but...

Round 2

Knowing that she has contributed all she can to the front lines of the fight, Tatya slips back behind her allies, out of the reach of the anger of the betrayed crewmen. Focusing her ire on the sailor who avoided her flames, she fixes a forbidding eye on him, a glare that weakens his arm and will to fight.

Move to V 12; Evil Eye on OM2: -2 to attack rolls for 8 rounds; DC 16 Will save to limit the effect to 1 round

I'll give Aedorn until tonight before moving along.

Aedorn sends two arrows into the nearest sailor, not enough to drop the man but still deadly blows. Tatya stares at one of the sailors, a fel magic behind it.

The late captain's men continue their assaults, though once again they fail to find a weakness in our villains defense.

Round 2
Aedorn (FoB on OM4)
Tatya (Evil Eye OM2)
Odenkirk's Men (Assault)
Alazandaru ()
Bostarg ()
Morthos ()

The Map Link

Aedorn FoB: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20; 1d6 ⇒ 3

Alazandaru joined the fight quite creatively- brushing past Bostarg he acrobatically flipped over the Gnome's attacker before taking advantage of the man's confusion by stabbing him with the still-poisoned blade in his off-hand- straight into the back of his neck.

Acrobatics VS CMD+5 to move through enemies square without AOO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Off-Hand Dagger Attack (Poison, Flank, Crit Threat): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Off-Hand Dagger Attack (Poison, Flank, Crit Confirmed): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Crit Damage (1/2 Str x2, Dirty Fighter x1, Sneak Attack x1, River Rat x2): 2d4 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 2d8 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (3, 6) = 21

Round 2:

His heart jumping as Alazandaru made effortless passage past him, Bostarg refocuses and concentrates on helping Morthos' blade strike true...

Aid Another (Attack for Morthos): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Alazandaru's strike proves to be effective, the sailor gurgling blood as he falls to the floor of the boat. Bostarg once again provides assistance to Morthos for his next strike.

Morthos for Round 2, and Aedorn and Tatya for Round 3.

Round 2
Aedorn (FoB on OM4)
Tatya (Evil Eye OM2)
Odenkirk's Men (Assault)
Alazandaru (Move w/ acrobatics, attack crit)
Bostarg (Aid another attack)
Morthos ()

The Map Link

Morthos noticing Alazandaru flying over the enemy, "Impressive," he deadpans as he swings once again at the one in front of him.

Mwk Longsword w/PA: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

Oh joy. Another wasted aid another. Sorry, Bostarg. You see, the plan is, to distract these guys until Alazandaru can get to them all. You think I'm joking. :P

I don't know how much it would have mattered, but I would have gotten two more points of damage against the sailor I shot at due to Point Blank Shot since they were within 30'. Thanks for the good rolls though! I'm starting to feel on the mend.

Aedorn allows a bit of a smile on seeing blood gush from the wound caused by Alazandaru while firing two more arrows at the guards in front of him.

If one arrow is enough to kill the first, he'll shoot the second at S-14. Otherwise, both arrows go into the sailor in front of him.

FoB, PbS: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
FoB, PbS: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Tatya turns her baleful gaze on another of the sailors.

Evil Eye on OM4: -2 to attack rolls for 8 rounds; DC 16 Will save to limit the effect to 1 round

If Aedorn's arrow kills OM4, put the hex on OM5. It seems largely moot anyway, the way you guys are cutting them down. Well, except for Morthos. ;D

Morthos sends another powerful strike forward, barely deflected by a sailor's blade. The force of the strike, not strong enough to shatter the sailor's defense, does at least leave his arm in pain. (Miss, but only near miss)

Aedorn, it wasn't enough to change the outcome, but thanks for the reminder!

Aedorn puts two more arrows into his target, causing the man to drop to the ground, bleeding out.

The remaining two sailors, seeing their allies fallen, their leader dead, choose to follow the path of survival. At least the path they believe will lead so. Throwing down their weapons they fall to their knees. "I beg you, please spare us. We'll say nothing of what we saw. Please, have mercy upon us!"

At this point, the fight's largely over. Feel free to RP out the remainder as you wish.

Round 2
Aedorn (FoB on OM4)
Tatya (Evil Eye OM2)
Odenkirk's Men (Assault)
Alazandaru (Move w/ acrobatics, attack crit)
Bostarg (Aid another attack)
Morthos (Attack, miss)

Round 3
Aedorn (FoB on OM4)
Tatya (Evil Eye OM4)
Odenkirk's Men (Surrender)
Alazandaru ()
Bostarg ()
Morthos ()

The Map Link

Morthos angles his head in curiosity, finding it odd they would so easily give up. Dropping his shield off to the side, looking as if he's accepting their surrender, Morthos simply replies, "Of course you won't." A slight grin forms as he pauses for just a moment before quickly raising his sword up high in both hands and bringing it down in an attempt to remove the man's head.

Mwk Longsword w/PA: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage w/PA: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Doesn't matter which one.

"Finish the other one," Tatya instructs, "and then let's get anything of value off the ship before we burn it. Remember, His Eminence wants the coin he paid for our passage returned." With a grimace of distaste, she gingerly begins to check Odenkirk's pockets.

Morthos easily dispatches the man, not expecting the cold mercy Morthos has shown him by a quick dispatching. The other is finished just as easily, little place to run.

A search of Odenkirk reveals a heavy iron key, which a search of the ship reveals the captain's chest. Opening reveals 30 neatly tied purses, each of which contains 250 plain Talirean gold coins. In addition you find a small statue of a nude mermaid, a clattering of loose coins (98gp, 354sp, 460cp), and a box labeled emergency rations. Within this box sits 8 bottles of fine whiskey.

Easy Loot List

• 7,598gp
• 354sp
• 460cp
• Mermaid statue
• 8 bottles of whiskey
• Masterwork Great Axe
• Throwing Axes x 2
• Hide Armor
• Studded Leather Armor x 5
• Buckler x 5
• Shortsword x 5
• Shortbow x 5
• Arrows x 100
• Dagger x 5

Yay arrows! I was just getting worried about running low. If nobody complains I'll take the lot. Markadian, was I able to recover any of my spent arrows from this combat?

Appraise: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15Appraise: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Lootmeister, please see the spoiler for the Whiskey. Alazandaru doesn't get the correct value for the mermaid though.

Appraise 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Tatya doesn't have a clue. :P

Do we have a way to carry all this stuff? That's over 160 lbs just in coinage if I'm doing the math right, not including the chest.

Bostarg steps back as Morthos strikes, ensuring that he does not needlessly sully his clothes with spilled blood. Sheathing his small blade he sighs at the likely needless loss of life, but in the end it was as requested by Thorn.

As they gather the coin Bostarg muses "We should turn our thoughts to the path ahead... I would suggest our first port of call will be at the village of Aldencross, and the need to learn more of the Tower Balentyne. Of that can wait, but at first - we should decide whom we plan to be when we stride forth from here."

"For mine, I shall have a need of many masks, and many names... though those will depend upon requirements not yet known. For now though, I will walk as a halfling - with the name of Jonas."

"I shall return as Terrick. Now, as far as what we've found, I suggest we rid ourselves of the majority of these items," he motions toward the basic armor and weapons. "Unless any of you want them and/or have some idea on how to carry it all. Otherwise, I say it burns." He looks to the others, seeing if any object.

"If anyone were to discover the remains of the hulk, it might look less suspicious if the unfortunates within were still armed and armored," Tatya agrees. "Less like a crime and more a tragic accident. I suggest leaving some of the less valuable loose coin in the captain's chest as well. Now," she turns to Bostarg, "whence shall we say we have we traveled? And why have we come to this village on the edge of nowhere?" She looks around at the frigid landscape and shivers.

Does anyone actually have any means of burning the ship? If not, I assume there's a flint and steel or something among the ship's supplies we can use; Odenkirk must have had a way to start a campfire or a fire in a stove if he were to need one.

There are indeed means to start the ship ablaze. The vessel also used a lantern at night so there should be oil for it as well.

You are close now. Just a few miles from here sits the small market town of Aldencross and less than a mile from there is the watchtower of Balentyne – your goal. Already Sakkarot’s horde gathers and prepares to move. Within two weeks, they will be in a small valley north of the lake awaiting your signal. Fire the rocket into the air at just the right moment and you will take the first step towards claiming vengeance against Talingarde.

Destiny has taken you here. Destiny has given you a mission. There is no doubt that the future of this green and pleasant land lies in your hands. You could go to that town right now and warn them of the plots of the sinister Cardinal Thorn. You could give yourself up and face the justice you deserve. You could turn back from the horror and the slaughter that you are going to inflict upon these Iomedaen sheep. This is that moment. This is the turning point. After this, there is no going back. Any one eager for redemption?

Pause.

I thought not. Come, my friends. We have work to do. We must burn Balentyne.

Morthos turns to Tatya, a far off look about him before speaking. "Clever. Let's make it look as such then." He begins to set it up in that exact manner.

Alazandaru nodded his agreement to the plan as he slowly cleaned his freshly blooded daggers.

Well done, all of you. That was smoothly executed.

Bostarg has nothing to add to the plan for the burning of the vessel, and assists as much as his small frame can manage.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 - for an indication on what sort of cover story might work for visitors to the wall. Cottage industry of Aldencross?

Aldencross is a small market town (pop: approx 1800) that mainly exists to serve Balentyne, though it sometimes acts as a final stop for adventurer's bound for the frozen north. The racial majority of Aldencross are humans, with a sizeable enough presence of dwarves and halflings. Aldencross's government is a hereditary mayorship, though a council does exist to help in decisions.

A soldier's town, the primary industries of Aldencross are trade and metalworking (mostly arms and armor). In addition to the local farms who sell their goods in town, it's not unusual for Aldencross to see 2-3 traveling traders come into the town in a month's time, providing the goods Aldencross does not produce itself.

Bostarg conveys what he knows of Aldencross, and suggests that they pose initially as merchants seeking arms. Also that perhaps they can find a farm to liberate for the cause that would serve as a discreet home base.

"Bostarg, would it be acceptable to pose as brothers? Family members traveling together is common enough as Halflings. Especially if part of a family merchant business."

"And what are the rest of us to be? Your bodyguards and hirelings? I know nothing of weaponry, either to purchase or to wield."