DM Dickie's Kingmaker

Game Master dickie

"Chop-chop-chop! It's like trying to kill a walking treeline!"

+1 Katana (Mountain Cutter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage (Magic/Cold Iron): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Having expended his magic tricks Tenzi decides it's time to get into trouble, er, the fight. double moving to the opposite flank and drawing his dagger along the way.

Wish I had a better slashing weapon but if I can flank one I can hurt it. Also moving allows Nasze to fallback if needed.

"Hey Alek! You hate zombies and you hate bandits. Well these are zombie-bandits. Double the fun."

Jerrik almost snickered at Tenzekil's outburst. Instead he gritted his teeth and swung even harder at the zombie he had already wounded.

Longsword, power attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 1 = 11
Slashing damage, power attack: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

AC: 20

Shield of Faith: 26 of 30 rounds remaining
Power Attack: 7 of 10 rounds remaining

Everyone is able to strike down one of the undead each, reducing their numbers by half in seconds.

Zref: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Zslam Illusion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Zwill: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Tenze's turtle-backed zombie continues to flail about uselessly as the zombie fighting the illusion finally wises up after striking it a second time.

Zslam vs Thorryn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Zslam vs Aleksara: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Only two other zombies remain a threat. One chases Thorryn but cannot get to the druid. The other steps up to Aleksara and manages to strike her hard.

I moved Q slightly just to avoid confusion. Technically she's right above the zombie threatening Thorryn. Everyone's up.

Thank you DM!

Beating her wings hard, Quanah directs her fire downward at the zombie attacking Thorryn.

Ranged touch attack, high ground, into melee: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 8
Disrupt undead damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"B$*%*!"

+1 Katana (Mountain Cutter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage (Magic/Cold Iron): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Crit?

+1 Katana (Mountain Cutter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage (Magic/Cold Iron): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Mountain
Mountain Cutter's edge flashes for a split-second as it hits the zombie in front of her...

Finally! The katana is a nice crit weapon..when it hits!

Thorryn swings his magical club at the zombie threatening him.

Club Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Club Dam: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 = 16

Nasze moves into better position to attack the zombie.

Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Bite Dam: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Claw Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Claw Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Seeing a chance to flank, Tenzi moves forward. and Slashes at the zombie engaged with Thorryn from behind.

Dagger attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10

However due to be engaged by both Thorryn from the ground and Q from above, the zombie's erratic movements cause Tenzi's blade to only rip into it's tattered clothing.

Yep, need a better slashing weapon. Oh well maybe it won't notice me.

Three of the remaining zombies are hacked, bashed, and bit and clawed until they move no more. Only the one in the grease spell remains, flopping about.

Even if it makes it's save and stands up Jerrik still has an action and then everyone gets to act before it has a chance to do anything, so let's assume that...

Jerrik walks over and finishes the lone undead off.

Moving to the nearest zombie, Aleksara kicks its head off and sighs partially contented.

"Well, there goes any sneak attack."

"She's right. We've lost the advantage of surprise. We need to push forward, now."

Jerrik headed directly into the mist and towards the enemy encampment without waiting.

Watching Jerrik push forward Thorryn gives a Nasze a quick whistle and follows suite, Nasze at his side.

"Jerrik, hope you have a plan."

Looking stunned, Aleksara glances around at those left with her, one eyebrow raised.

"Anybody got some healing?"

Sighing, Aleksara shakes her head as she realizes the two people who could have helped her just charged first. She then reaches into a sash and pulls out a potion bottle. Pulling the top off with her teeth then downing the healing potion inside.

Potion CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Shaking his head, Tenzi follows the others.

"Tall folk. Why are there so many still around when they do things like this?" He mutters to himself.

"Alek, I got two potions left if you need one."

Aleksara shrugs.

"Save them. One of those two might need them. Come on...let's go kill some bandits?

She starts pacing forward, then pauses.

"Got anything in those talented magic fingers that can cause the garrison at the castle think we are coming from somewhere else? We may not be able to sneak up on them, but we can at least get them distracted a bit hopefully...make them think we are attacking somewhere we are not?"

Quanah touches down from above among the carnage and folds her dark wings around herself.

"I am not especially versed in illusions," she says in reply to Aleksara.

Aleksara flicks Mountain Cutter to get some of the congealed gore off of it.

"Plenty of magic still. Can you produce area mist? Or create distractions? A simple 'Flare' spell will get people's attention in the right place. A 'Dancing Light' or two can confuse people or make them think there are ghosts. Its not always about illusions. Think tactics? Bandits are usually stupid and superstitious. Give them something to fear and you can almost herd them like cattle or lure them like fish. Think about that Quanah."

She then takes off after the others, although maybe a bit more cuatiously.

Jerrik breaks through the fog to stand before the Eternal's fortress. The tall walls are studded with protruding spikes, some of which contain impaled zombie mites and kobolds. They watch the living with milky white eyes, grabbing ineffectually at the creatures below them. The gate stands open. No smoke rises and no noises can be heard except for the moans of the zombies on the wall.

I'll get the map changed up by this time tomorrow at the latest (I hope).

Quickly out paced by the taller people Tenzi has to run to keep up.

"Got a Ghost sound. Not a lot of range but might be just what you're looking for." He says somewhat out of breath. "I could sneak around and set it off, maybe draw their attention.:

Aleksara smiles evilly.

"Perfect Tenzi."

She tries to grab Jerrik's attention pointing out the obvious.

"Look...they have zombies attached to the wall. They aren't exactly quiet either. They might not have seen or heard our fight after all. The mist gave us excellent cover. We can still go now if you want, but let's plan this just a little! Tenzi and I may have a distraction we can draw the living defenders with."

Jerrik arrives and can see far enough past the open gate to observe a small, dusty yard seperates the pallisade from the innter structures. The ground here is of hard-packed barren earth. Dozens of barrels lie smashed against the inner wall surrounded by mud. The rotting corpse of a horse is surrounded by buzzing flies, and another horse looks to be dying nearby.

Map is fixed (scroll down on Roll20 page) and everyone is bunched together just off the side of the wall. Other than the dying horse, there are no signs of life anywhere.

Aleksara tries to continue before any objection is made.

"Let's try and make sure and draw anyone still alive away from the gate with Tenzi's magic and then make a rush for the open gate. Its something, and better than nothing. Quanah? Can you fly high enough to stay out of easy sight and bow range but check for any movement? We need at least some basic recon here..."

"Yes, I can try basic reconnaissance. That's about all I can provide. I don't have magical fog or images. I can make a flash of brief light, but only at dangerously close range."

If she takes flight, Q can make a Perception check.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Quanah will take aerial surveying unless someone directs otherwise.

"Sounds good to me. Just give me a minute to get around the side. Short legs." He says with a grin. "When you hear the ruckus go for it. I'll make it sound like someone is chopping at the wall."

stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

With that roll, Tenzi obviously forgot to take his bell off : )

Move to current position. Cast Ghost sound at green 'X' DC 14

The dice have decided that we get nothing, and we will like it.

Hopefully the same applies to The Eternal's rolls.

Quanah finds absolutely nothing moving, except Tenzi and the impaled zombies, as she does a wide pass. When she rejoins the group, the gnome's magic sounds out and dies over the mist-shrouded waters. Loud 'chunk' noises echoes through the fortress' empty space. The overall effect is like a small team of lumberjacks felling a tree slowly. Still, nothing stirs but the zombies and the labored breathing of the sick horse.

"Didn't see anything. Either they're hidden or nobody's home but the zombies," says Quanah as she lands after her survey. "Now what?"

Thorryn pats Nasze on her head a few times (casting Bull Strength).

"Okay girl, time to go to work" Thorryn says to his animal companion.

Nodding at Jerrik, Aleksara points with her sword.

"We charge hoping Tenzi's distraction worked. Let's go while the gate is open!"

Pushing for the entrance...flat out?

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Aleksara
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Jerrik

Jerrik extended his hand to grasp Alexsara's shoulder, letting the warmth of the healing energy seal most of her wounds. He then touched his own wounds doing the same.

"Thorryn, once we get in, you and Nasze flank around us. Aleksara and I will hold the line and draw attention. Quanah, help who ever gets into trouble. Tenzekil, stay behind us and out of sight if possible. Pester as many as people as possible...that aren't us" he said with a smile.

The group enters through the open gate under Jerrim's tactics. The horse breathes deep and slow as flies buzz, but otherwise, nothing stirs and no one confronts them. The stench of death and rot is unmistakable.

Moving as quickly as his small frame will allow Tenzi heads toward the gate. Surveying the area, crossbow at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Double move

Jerrik immediately heads towards the failing horse.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

He tries to calm it as he approaches and once close enough, channels positive energy into the beast.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Jerrik's magic has no effect on the dying animal.

Once inside, Thorryn and Nasze begin to make their way quietly around in an attempt to get into a flanking position.

Thorryn Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Nasze Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Can we remove some of the black areas on the map now on Roll20 that we can see inside the fort? That would help with what we do next.

Aleksara looks at Thorryn and Nazse and gestrues to her right with her sword point.

"Run the main defense wall that way around the buildings like Thoryyn asked. He and I will slowly go down the center and try to get some attention. Quanah? Find a close perch but try and stay hidden. If anybody sees ANYTHING, shout out or something."

She then turns to the blonde giant of a man next to her, one razor-sharp eyebrow raised, then gesturing with her free left hand at the center path that appears to run between the buildings.

"Shall we? I'm eager to end this sooner than later. Tenzi should catch up shortly."

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"There there. Easy now" Jerrik said softly as he stroked the horse's neck.

His eyes scanned the surroundings as he quietly chanted words, asking for the power to sustain the horse for just a little while longer.

He stood up as water seemed to fall from his hand and into a puddle near the horse.

Casting create water

The horse quickly laps up the available water. It remains weak, but seems to rest a bit easier.

Aleksara peeks into one of the darkened interior rooms to see a dilapated store room with a partially collapsed roof. A set of wooden stairs leads upward while an open doorway with a leather curtain on the ground leads elsewhere. Z9

Opposite the store room is an area of packed dirt with hammock posts and smashed chamber pots. The hammocks themselves have been burned, and the badly chipped plaster walls have been covered by soot. A ruined portcullis lies against a cave-like structure to the west. A sour smell mixed with rot wafts from beyond the makeshift cage. Z5

Moving into the courtyard Tenzi looks about, noting the destruction. Seeing Jerrik 'talking' with the horse he decides to join the conversation and heads over.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"What did he say big guy?" Jerrik is about to answer when he notices the Gnome is talking to the horse.

Use Feral speech hex to speak with mammals. Works as speak with animals spell.

Horse neighing sounds. You're going to be okay now. What happened here? Where is everyone?

Diplomacy on Horse: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"I don't know. I don't speak horse, but he looks malnourished. He probably needs food. See if you can help him. I need to catch up with Aleksara. And Tenzekil, watch yourself. This place isn't safe yet."

Jerrik stood up and made his way after Aleksara.

Quanah takes a cursory look around to see if there's any hay, grain, or grass anywhere that she can bring to the horse. She doesn't know much about horses, seeing how strix don't usually ride animals, and it's foggy, so everything's working against her... but she at least makes the effort.

Pointing to the stairs, Aleksara comments.

"I'm going to check up there first. I'll be right back."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Tenzi unties the horse from the post then rummages though his backpack, pulls out one of his Gnome trail rations (which is mostly grains and dried fruit), and offers it to the horse.

diplomacy on horse: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

So...a nutrigrain bar?

The horse sniffs Tenzi's offering and cautiously takes a bite, then quickly consumes the rations. It looks at Tenzi and mutters an appreciative sentiment then it's eyes grow wide and it rears up.

It bolts out through the open gate on weak legs.

"BAD GUY INCOMING!" Shouts Tenzi as he takes cover attempting to hide in some rubble with crossbow at the ready

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Still wearing that bell obviously

At Tenzi's warning, Aleksara casts her last spell of the day...and disappears from view.

Casting 'Vanish'...Alek will be invisible for 3 rounds.

Alek steps onto the very creaky stairs a moment before Tenzi's warning and reflexively vanishes. Rising up from the ground behind her is a black shape with red "eyes" that burn with hatred.

The creature utters an unearthly howl and fixes it's gaze on Aleksara despite the invisibility.

The horse gave enough warning that no one will be surprised, unfortunately for Alek....lifesense! I will get it on the map tonight when I get home, but it is more or less emerging from the ground about ten feet to the left of the stairs she was about to climb.

How are we doing new HPs? 1/2+1? Or do we roll for it?

How are we doing new HPs? 1/2+1? Or do we roll for it?

Can anybody remember this one? I still need to level up and I was waiting on an answer without still realizing it.

I will finish leveling Aleksara up this weekend. I apologize for the delay.

I think our DM has DMed out.

I've been totally over-extended all around lately, with the holidays only making things crazier, my apologies, yes, do half+1 and note that because of the nature of KM the retrain rules are a go, so later you will be able to buff them up should you want.

I'm going to be getting back on track this week and working to improve my overall posting after the holidays are over. I move forward here sometime today.

OK, Aleksara is updated. Sorry for the delay!
=)

Arcanist 2

+6 hit points
+1 BAB, Will saves

New spells learned: protection from evil, winter feathers

+1 arcane pool

Skills: +1 each of: Fly, Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (dungeoneering), Perception, Spellcraft; Knowledge (history), Linguistics

Language learned: Orc

We ready to head out? Where next? I say we rest the night at the shrine, clean it up a bit, and then hunt down the bandits nearby.

Sounds fine with me, assuming we are tough enough to handle 'em!

Aleksara will switch out Detect Magic for Prestidigitation for the day after resting. She'll then do a quick magic 'cleaning sweep' of the shrine before leaving the next day using multiple casting of the cantrip.

Does anyone want to claim any of the new treasure?

A number of things have been loaded into the wagon: 321 sp, 90 gp, a pair of silver earrings worth 150 gp, a wooden music box worth 90 gp, three crates of furs and hides worth 50 gp per crate, and a polished wooden case of potent greenish herbal liquor. There are still eight bottles with liquor left in them, each worth 20 gp. Kressle had little of additional interest except 85 gold, two masterwork hand axes, and a potion of cure light wounds.

Unless somebody objects, Aleksara will claim the Potion of CLW.

I have no interest in any of it.

No objections, Aleksara.

Yeah, I'll just save up for cash. :)

I have no interest in any of that, you can sell it off and buy whatever the party needs.

Bullet points?

How about...

1. Repair the walls and make sure there are no weaknesses at Oleg's place that are obvious. Store some food safely and have anti-fire items nearby at all times (buckets of sand/dirt or water).

2. Have the prisoners dig a shallow moat around most of the fort, and line it with sharpened stakes. Then line the walls around the base with the bear traps we collected (placed between the moat and the wall) but hidden as best we can.

3. Try to repair at least one catapult if possible. Maybe we can scavenge parts from the other three in order to get one working and I can repair and replace some of the metal parts possibly. Ammo will have to be scrap metal or stone if we get it working at all. Can't hurt, assuming we get at least one shot out of it.

4. Keep a watch going 24/7, armed with alerts (whistles or horns maybe?) and ranged weapons (bows/crossbows).

Points to ponder : )

All good ideas Alek

Armor/helmets/’scarecrows’ on walls (old Beau Geste / Foreign Legion trick)

The ‘Dummies’ would also be good around non-working siege engines, give them something else to shoot at.

Tenzi will be ready with grease, silent image, and ghost sound.

If possible we should try to warn Kobolds that ESL is on the move and might hit them too

Anybody who can should up armor.

Maybe leave an obvious gap (under construction) along the wall. Then pit and bear trap area.

Fine plans. Quanah, of course, is best off dropping sleep spells on attackers, as long as there's some cover (on the wall maybe?) to help her avoid getting shot!

It would be cool if we could line small trenches, a few inches deep at most, with oil. Have Quanah fly above and drop alchemist's fire on 'em. Although I'm really hoping they can't muster a force big enough that would require that.

I mean...you're pretty much asking for a siege, who would I be to deny you?

Do we have that kind of oil? Although oil-soaked hay can burn pretty hot if only for a short time...

Oleg might have a stock of oil and we do have trade goods. BTW there are 12 bear traps.

I'll make a note to add 12 trap tokens when I get the chance. Do a sleight of hand or craft (trapmaking) check if you want to conceal them.

You can use these stats for the guards, Kesten, and Jhod. Oleg and Svetlana will be exclusively on damage control/keeping their heads down.

They're being added to the map presently. The catapult is a light catapult requiring two crew, though none of the NPCs are trained.

My apologies for the delay, chalk it up to the craziness of 2020 added to my own innate crazy! I will be getting back to a normal posting rate over the course of this weekend. Stay safe, healthy, and creative y'all!

No prob. Keep posting and I'll survive somehow!

=)

The attack is over. The clean-up is about to begin!

LEVEL UP!

I will be posting recovered loot shortly, but the level up part was what mattered most. The Eternal was defeated, but hasn't been captured or killed!

Re-occurring villains can be cool. As long as we eventually catch him that is!
=)

Loot from the battlefield:

I'll take some of the Trail Rations, A silver Stag Lord amulet (for disguise purposes later) and one of the potions if I can. The rest of you can have whatever you want. I can't use most of it except the cash.

The Earrings would look great on Quanah BTW!
=)

Did we lose anybody in that fight? Was the main gate our worst loss?

The main gate is a total loss, having been disintegrated. None of the NPCs were harmed, heck I think you guys were left untouched. I could have brought more bad guys but it would have stretched the rules and gotten even worse to manage.

It is possible to save the life of the stubborn guy in the bear trap if desired. There are two live captives, one of which had one of those amulets that marks him as a lieutenant of the Eternal.

I won't say no to the earrings, but they are a sizable chunk of the treasure value!

Arcanist 3
+6 hit points
+1 Fort & Ref saves

Skills: +1 each of: Fly, Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (nature), Perception, Spellcraft; Knowledge (history), Linguistics

Language learned: Sylvan

Arcanist Exploit: Potent Magic

Feat: Craft Wondrous Item

New 1st level spells learned: comprehend languages, shield

~~~~~

If y'all want your +1 cloaks of resistance, now's the time to start lining up. Thanks to my Spark of Creation trait, I get an extra 5% off, so I can make such a cloak for a mere 450 gp!

Magus 3 (Kensai) w/VMC Sorcerer
+1 BAB
+6 hit points
+1 Ref

Skills: +1 Perception; Survival; Stealth; Disguise; Knowledge(Arcana)

2 New Spells added to spellbook: Corrosive Touch, Touch of Combustion

Magus Arcana: Reach Magic! The magus can cast one spell per day as if it were modified by the Reach Spell feat. This doesn’t increase the spell’s casting time or level.

Bloodline Powers: *Touch of Agony (Sp) 4/Day (Replaces my 3rd level Feat)

Other: +1AC, +1CMB, and +2CMD

Go ahead and take the Amulet and the potion Alek. As well as many rations as you want.

The earrings are yours 'Q' they could make interesting enchanted items. It's strange there is no 'earring' item slot. Oh and Tenzi would like his cloak in green.

Does any one else want any of the items? I would take the rapier but I'm sure it's the wrong size Unless magic weapons resize : )

Once any Items are claimed I will come up with a cash total.

Rogue (unchained) / Sylvan Trickster 3
+1 BAB
+5 hit points
+1 Fort, +1 Will

+11 Skill points and 2 Background
Favored class +1 Disable device

Danger sense, and now 2d6 sneak attack

Dang, forgot that it's a feat level. That and finesse training now adds dex to rapier damage.

Thinking of extra rogue talent and going with minor magic. Take acid splash. Can use it with sneak attack.

Oracle 1 (Warsighted / Inerrant Voice )

+7 Hp's
+2 Will Save
+4 Skill points and 2 Background
....Knowledge (arcana) 2 ranks
....Perception 2 ranks
....Knowledge (nobility) 2 backgrouund ranks
Feat: Racial Heritage (kobold)
Favored Class Bonus: Oracle (human) +1 0-level spell
Oracle Mystery: Life
Martial Flexibility
Oracle Spells
1st - cure light wounds, divine favor, shield of faith
Orisons - create water, light, purify food and water, spark, stabilize

I was wondering if I can take a 3rd party Oracle Curse: Merciful

If not I'll probably just take Legalistic.

We should hold onto the +1 Rapier for Tenzekil. Maybe we can find some way to swap a medium for small version somewhere, for a few extra gold spent. If we sell it, we could lose a lot of its value. Right? Eventually I might take Enchant arms and armor too, if your willing to wait until I reach a higher level and another feat.

When you guys are ready just let me know what the plan is. So far you've been laser-focused on taking out the Eternal, so I'm assuming you'll be heading straight south to pursue, but y'all tell me.

I say we rest a little and then hit him ASAP while he is hurting. But can we follow him? He 'teleported' didn't he?

Well, I suppose someone could attempt a Spellcraft check if they wanted to figure out how exactly The Eternal departed the field. Bardic knowledge type of ability perhaps.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

The Eternal used a cape of the mountebank to flee.

Any more takers on the loot? Before sell off

Loot from the battlefield:

10 leather armors
10 longbows
220 arrows
10 short swords
3 daggers
20 days of trail rations Some to Alek
composite longbow (+2 Str)
masterwork chainmail
heavy steel shield
masterwork studded leather
silver holy symbol of Erastil
2 Silver Stag Lord amulet (worth 20 gp/each) 1 to Alek
turquoise earrings (worth 260 gp) to Q
+1 rapier Going to hold on to
+1 longsword
2 potions of cure light wounds
3 +1 magical beast bane arrows
208 gp
2 pp

The magical arrows should go to our archers at least.

NOTE: And I also asked for 1 CLW potion Tenzi.

I can definitely use the +1 Longsword.

If no one else wants the composite longbow (+2 str) and magical beast bane arrows, I can use those as well.

I can't see the mob on the map but I can see a health bar so I'm not sure what area it actually occupies.

It might be hard to see, but logging in presently to take a look.

All, I have posted a message on DM Dickie's web blog:

https://dmdickiespbp.blogspot.com/

Hopefully, he will get back to us soon.

I talked to Dickie yesterday and said he has had a lot going on but will be back fairly soon.