GM Doug H |
Baux's Medicine (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Biltri's Medicine (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Dethor's Medicine (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Baux's Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Biltri's Religion (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Dethor's Religion (U): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Lucius Caligari's Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Dethor thinks the half-orc can recover from his traumatic experience. Baux is less sure; no mater what, it will take time to heal the trauma, but the physical drain should recover swiftly on its own. His shadow will return (as a normal shadow) when he recovers from Drain as well.
However, Baux, Biltri, and Lucius ascertain that the half-orc's hair is now permanently white.
Fillruk looks relieved, but he can't really stop trembling. "Th-thank you. I… don't know what they were gonna do wit' me… I don't know where my shadow went… it… slipped away through a crack in the wall…" As you watch, you can see the ghost of a shadow returning to the half-orc, though he doesn't notice it yet. Nor has he seen into a mirror.
"Mushrooms? You can take 'em! I want nothing to do with copper-caps no more!"
He looks pleadingly at those of you who seem knowledgeable (especially Dethor, who always seems to know lots of things). "Will my shadow come back? Will it try to… kill me, when it does?"
Are you opening the sarcophagus, or not? Biltri says Yes Baux says no.
Bauxite Dolgrin |
Pointing to his own beard, Baux says "Yer hair will be different color, but yer shadow should come back. Ah would want someone ta check up on ya tomorrow, make sure everythin' else is healin' right."
Gesturing towards the exit, he says "We should git ya out of here. Gotta stay ta the side when goin' past pillars. Some sorta trap in the middle of 'em."
Baux is willing to escort Fillruk out now if he is in a hurry. He wants to make sure the fellow doesn't step into the trapped area while trying to make his way out. If he does this, he would return to the others once the farmer was safely on his way home.
Baux hadn't said if we should raid the sarcophagus or not.
Dethor said no, Biltri said yes.
Baux could be convinced either way, but would lean towards not raiding it.
Lucius Caligari |
Lucius is very curious about the sarcophagus.
"We came all this way, and not to peek inside? Not even a little? I couldn't stand it."
He walks over and takes a better look at the sarcophagus, to make sure there's nothing odd.
"How heavy do you think this lid is?"
GM Doug H |
Biltri’s Religion (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Lucius Caligari’s Arcana (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Nandipha’s Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Baux’s Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Biltri’s Religion (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Lucius Caligari’s Arcana (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Nandipha’s Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Biltri shoves the lid off the sarcophagus. Inside are the liquefied remains of Star-Hand.
Sitting on a pillow is a lustrous rat-shaped statuette made of pyrite. it's about one inch tall.
There is also a supple leather belt with a heart-shaped jewel set into its silver buckle.
❧ ❧ ❧
You move outside into the sunlight. Fillruk stumbles in the light, and weeps for joy. He never thought he'd see the sky again.
You escort him back to his home, where his worried family awaits. It's after dark by now. On the way of course, you stop try to identify these items.
Several of you identify the statuette as a Pyrite rat, an item that gives you a rat friend for an hour!
There is some disagreement about the belt. Baux and Nandipha think the belt is a Belt of Good Health, but Biltri is convinced the gem contains the last drops of Star-Hand's blood, and that the belt will slowly sap your strength until Star-hand is reborn again.
❧ ❧ ❧
Magiloy clucks excitedly when you return with the mushrooms. "Ahhhhh. Yes. Yes! Good! Here… two precious samples of my newest creation! Be careful — don't drop them!"
"Two precious doses of capsaicin tonic for my mushroom hunters. I hope you like a little spice in your life!"
It's two vials of Capsaicin Tonic!
❧ ❧ ❧
With that, you go back to your cabin and take a well-deserved rest!
GM Doug H |
This is a good interlude mid-part. You can sell items, make purchases, and transfer runes. The spreadsheet is updated.
Dethor Ironfist |
"Well, now, that's a spicy little nummer fer ya!" comments Dethor in regards to the tonics. "On belch ye ain't a gonna fergit!"
Dethor ponders what he might purchase.
Bauxite Dolgrin |
Baux is smiling as Fullruk is greeted by his family. He does his best to reassure everyone that he will be fine, but does suggest some things that can be done to help him recover. He promises to stop by the next day to check on him.
He is impressed by the tonic that Magiloy rewards the group with. He just nods when Dethor makes the comment about a belch to remember.
---
By the next morning, Baux is feeling a lot better. The beard still shows a bit of fading, but he figures that will go away with time.
He makes a trip out to check on Fillruk, make sure there are no complications.
He also spends some time asking around, trying to get more information about hell hounds or the Leadbuster Lads. He also keeps an ear out for anyone else accosting travelers on the road.
GM Doug H |
Fullruk and his family are grateful to Baux. Fullruk's partner gives you some fresh-baked apple pies to take home for dessert that night. And a small, savory meat pie for Carrots and a fish pie for Ollie.
Blue Finley pokes their head out through their door (literally). They still look a little sad. "Did you have adventures with my gramma's sword? Are you becoming real heroes?"
Bauxite Dolgrin |
Baux brings the pies back to the shack to share with everyone.
When Finley pops out, Baux tells him "Saved a farmer that got taken by evil undead! Family was so grateful, they made us some pies!" He waves at the pies laid out.
Scratching his beard a moment, he says "So guess you can't really eat them. Can ya smell 'em? They are mighty tasty!"
Baux then tells of the grand battle against the shadow, mentioning how important it is to have magical weapons for such fights. He also mentions the other battle in the mound and the trap they had found.
He checks that they had already told Finley about the hell hound, and if they hadn't or Finley wants to hear it again he shares it.
GM Doug H |
Blue Finley grins and wipes their ectoplasmic-dribbling nose.Wow! Those pies DO smell good! Just like… (sniffle) "Granny used to make when she was home from adventurin'…
They perk up. "Did granny's magical sword help? Did it ZAP! any baddies?" they ask.
Bauxite Dolgrin |
Baux looks to Lucius, giving him a chance to answer this.
I believe he is the one who has the sparksword.
Lucius Caligari |
Lucius, distracted by the apple pies, finally catches on that Blue Finley is asking about the sword.
"Hmm? Oh, yes, the sword came in quite hand when we had to rescue Abanye Niann from some overly zealous stink weeds. You should have seen how big they were. And the smell! Terrible. But Biltri took the sword from my side, and cut the plants down to size."
His gaze returns to the pies.
"Just like I'm wondering who's going to cut these pies!"
Biltri Gimhargruest |
Performance (U): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
"Yeah. The plant people were made of stinkweed. Couldn't smash them or burn them, which is my entire strategy for dealing with trouble," Biltri says in his mumbling, grumbling monotone. "Took your grandma's sword out of the skinny elf's belt because he's too scared to use it. Chopped up the aggressive weeds into mulch."
GM Doug H |
They look sad at Biltri's performance, but they don't start crying again. "Try to use it next time! I know you can be brave, Lucius!"
Thanks for remembering the performance or skill mechanic to make Blue Finley happy with your amazing stories of adventure!
GM Doug H |
Full of pie and stocked up on items, you relax for a few days. Unfortunately, it seems the Leadbuster lads have gone to ground — you still can't get a lead.
Before things can get too boring, your friendly messenger knocks on the door. "Oloria's got another job for ya! She said go to the 'Scary Elf an' Nice Dwarves' house 'cause you're her couriers now. That's you, right?" He sticks out a hand for his tip, then runs off towards the forest. Again he stops and turns. "You comin', or what?
GM Doug H |
You head over to Oloria's.
"My favorite courriers! I appreciate the help since I'm still down a courier. Narala is stilll cooling off on her 'vacation.' Can't say I really blame her, getting turned to stone wasn't really part of the job description."
"I need a little help with a local delivery. A wagonload of supplies (food, ale, and tools, that sort of thing) for delivery to an Inkleholtz lumber camp outside of town. It's just about eight miles, probably not dangerous… but the troubles happening recently got me jumpy. I want experienced people making the trip: you."
"Let's see… I figure… this is worth… hmm. 25 Gold for the job. Deal?"
GM Doug H |
I know some of you are concerned about the low amount of treasure so far. It's OK to negotiate with this person if you want.
Bauxite Dolgrin |
"Any idea if'n the lumber camp has had problems with arson? Seems who ever is makin' trouble has a fondness fer hell hounds."
GM Doug H |
"Haven't heard anything like that. I'm sure I'm worried about nothing and this will be a run-of-the-mill delivery."
Biltri Gimhargruest |
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"Sure Nalara thought her delivery was run of the mill," Biltri mutters. "For that matter, I got turned to stone. Don't see me pouting. Centaurs clearly not as resilient as dwarves. But every errand we've done has us fighting off hellhounds or carnivorous plants or Darklands skunks. The horrible undead was our choice, so... that's besides the point. Hazard pay. Hazard pay is the point."
That was an amusing little rant to write regardless of outcome. :)
Bauxite Dolgrin |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
“Ah think mah friend is saying it would be nice If’n you could add a bit more on success. Don’t need be cash, jes somethin’ that we would find useful.”
“Wit’ yer connections ta various merchants, you might have access ta somethin’ at better rate than we do.”
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Dethor Ironfist |
Dethor just nods at what Bauxite says. 'More money is always good.'
GM Doug H |
You make a good point. Plus, you saved my courier when she would otherwise have died. 40 gold!
She p[ays it upfront, which means you can go shoppping. Outside is a well-organized cart and some surly mules.
GM Doug H |
It's an uneventful journey, aside from the mules who seem rather mercurial, at times taciturn and at other made skittish by Carrots and Ollie. Nandipha thinks they're putting on an act because they don;t like to work.
❧ ❧ ❧
Hours later you come along a bend in the road with tall, ancient laurels to the right. Nandipha thinks they look like overgrown hedges that were once well-manicured; perhaps there was a manor or castle here long ago — whatever the case, Nature has reclaimed what humankind made.
Ahead you see a stout dwarf leaning on the post of a bridge. He sports wavy black hair and a jutting lower jaw that gives him a perpetually pugnacious look; he wears well-kept armor and a maul on his back.
“G'day! I’m Kotgar." As you approach, he eyes your gear "Yer a rather well-armed group to be driving a wagon in this part of the woods. Will you take offense if I ask yer names and yer business?”
Nandipha |
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"Well met, Kotgar!" Nandipha smiles. "I be Nandipha, and these be my traveling companions. We be delivering some lumber supplies. And yes, we be well-armed, but have you heard that there be danger in these parts? Basilisks! Hell Hounds! Ghosts! A dwarf has got to protect herself!"
Nandipha would like to use her +11 Perception to make a Sense Motive check on this dwarf who is eyeing her gear. Especially since we are looking for a gang of dwarves...
Dethor Ironfist |
”Now whin y’ ever see a dwarf not be well armed, me laddie?” asks Dethor. ”Ennie sensible dwarf be armin’ hisself wit’ all sorts a weapons, just like ye’ seem t’ be. I ain’t a goin’ oot in dese wilds wit’out me blade and me bow! ”
Deception (E): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Dethor doesn’t believe that these could have anything to do with the Leadbuster boys. These are dwarves, and are probably fine, upstanding individuals. As such, they will likely want to recruit Dethor to be a “proper dwarf” so will make as if he is one!
Lucius Caligari |
Lucius eyes the dwarf suspiciously.
"You seem rather well-armed for someone who is merely standing beside a bridge."
While Nandipha is checking out the dwarf, Lucius will take a better look at the hedges. Perception +10
GM Doug H |
Biltri's Perception (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Dethor's Perception (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Lucius Caligari's Perception (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Nandipha's Perception (T): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
"Well met, Kotgar!" Nandipha smiles. "I be Nandipha, and these be my traveling companions. We be delivering some lumber supplies. And yes, we be well-armed, but have you heard that there be danger in these parts? Basilisks! Hell Hounds! Ghosts! A dwarf has got to protect herself!"
"I've heard tell of a forest basilisk 'round here, and even some kobolds too, charging people protection money or somesuch. Tolls. He chuckles and taps the bridge's post. "No, no. Not to worry. No tolls here! An' if I were to charge a toll, certainly wouldn't want to trouble over you lot"
"Hellhounds and ghosts you say? I hope you've put 'em all back in the ground, or in hell, where they belong. Did the Hellhounds cause any trouble? Them's run amok I hear, whereas ghosts stay put."
❧ ❧ ❧
”Now whin y’ ever see a dwarf not be well armed, me laddie?” asks Dethor. ”Ennie sensible dwarf be armin’ hisself wit’ all sorts a weapons, just like ye’ seem t’ be. I ain’t a goin’ oot in dese wilds wit’out me blade and me bow! ”
"Well said!" Paragon of dwarven kind right here. I'd buy you an ale… but I don't have any. 'Spose there's none in that wagon? And if it were to have ale in it, maybe yer client wouldn't mind. Say, theoretically, I personally know Jollibin Urphell. He's the foreman of the camp up a ways. If you were theoretically deliverin' goods his way, I know for a fact that he wouldn't begrudge an afternoon sip, eh? He knows how it is. Dwarves need a break from all the hard work now and again. Then again, maybe you don't got that kind of supplies in that wagon, and you got somethin' else. None of my business, I 'spose."
❧ ❧ ❧
"You seem rather well-armed for someone who is merely standing beside a bridge."
"Yer dwarf friend has it right, scary-lookin' elf. We all gots weapons. You friends with them Hellhounds or somethin'?"
❧ ❧ ❧
You might get information out of HIM if you can make a DC 20 Diplomacy check to Request information or even Intimidation check to Coerce.
GM Doug H |
Biltri Gimhargruest |
"Of course I'm well-armed," Biltri grunts and gives the dwarf a side-eye. "And it's good you don't want to trouble us. More than able to stomp down trouble. And that'd be a lot of trouble for a cart full of turnips and rope." He lies about the last bit intentionally terribly.
Deception (U): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Bauxite Dolgrin |
“Where you from, Kotgar? Ah’ve bin in these parts fer a few years, don’t recall meeting ya.”
“Sorry, don’t think we kin share the contents of the cart. We being paid to git the stuff ta the camp, so that is what we gunna do. If’n ya want some of the stuff, fraid yer gunna have ta travel wit’ us an’ ask the foreman himself afta he accepts the shipment.”
Gesturing towards the maul, he adds “Could probably git ya an axe too, If’n yer lookin’ fer some work.”
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Hero point
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Well, that didn’t help...
Dethor Ironfist |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |
[v]"No, don' be lissenin' to dat blowhard, Kotgar. He don' know nuthin'. Maul's a plenny fine weapon, ya know?
"Dat ain't here nor dere. An' I gotta agree wit' ye' on we dwarves takin' a break no and denn. Some,"[/b] he says while looking back at Baux, "jus' don' kenn howda haf enny fun, which ain't nae good.
"Ye and me, we different. We kenn da value of takin' breaks. Whodat Jollibin Urphell? Ain'ta herd o' 'im. He da big boss up dere? Wazza goin' on dat you guardin'?"
Dethor moves in close, patting down his own pockets as if he is looking for a flask or something. "Damn halflin'! I knowed he waren't up t' nae good. Nipped me flask and all, and wus gonna share a nip wit' me new friend an' all!"
Deception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Deception reroll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
While making a big deal over this, if he can get close enough, he is going to try and see if the guard has anything in his pockets, and nab it himself!
Thievery : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
GM Doug H |
Kotgar nods sagely, as if he's learning all kinds of interesting things from Baux. He grins at Biltri. "That so? What you stomped down of late? Any of those Hellhounds, for example?"
He smiles at Dethor. "Shame. Jollibin? He's just the foreman. Ain't the boss. I work for his boss… or what will be soon. My brothers and I, we work for the Kortos Consortium to keep an eye on the area. Easy work, good pay. You feel me?"
Dethor can swing by but can't really stay close to him or do it again… Kotgar's not stupid and he doesn't trust strangers on the road. Much like you.
Biltri Gimhargruest |
"Stomped that basilisk you mentioned. And stomped half a dozen undead that somebody woke in Karstin Star-Hand's tomb, including sending the evil soul of Karstin Star-Hand themself back to the Abyss. So why don't you tell us what you're about and why you're so interested in hellhounds?"
Intimidate (T): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Oh, so sad. But I'm not bothering with a reroll.
Lucius Caligari |
"The minions of hell are nothing to trifle with," Lucius adds with a smile. "Now, if you don't mind, I think we'd best be on our way. Don't want these turnips to do whatever is they do when they've been in the cart too long."
GM Doug H |
Biltri's Perception (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Dethor's Perception (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Lucius Caligari's Perception (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Nandipha's Perception (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Kotgar: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Maul: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
B: 1d12 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
"Now, if you don't mind, I think we'd best be on our way. Don't want these turnips to do whatever is they do when they've been in the cart too long."
”Sure. Turnips. Wouldn’t want nothin’ to happen to them turnips on your way to camp.”
"So why don't you tell us what you're about and why you're so interested in hellhounds?"
”Come now. You know why. And you know what’s comin’, right?” He spits in Biltri’s direction as he draws the maul and waves it menacingly.
”Aww. You mad, hound-hunters? Come an’ get some!"
❧ ❧ ❧
Just a Typical Friendly Roadside Traveler, not a Leadbuster Lad. Nope.
You do not have weapons drawn. He used an action to draw his.
Trees/bushes difficult terrain.
Kotgar, readied action
—
Dethor
—
Nandipha
Lucius
Biltri
Baux
Dethor Ironfist |
3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"It was dwarves? You rotten excluse for duergar!" yells out Dethor, his deeply hidden sensibilities being racked.
Dethor, realizing he has been hit more than enough lately, draws his blade himself, and readies to attack if the Bad Dwarf moves in to attack him. "By the way, I gots yer purse, ye rotten bastage!"
ol' stabby: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 P (or S) magic, striking: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8precision, if it matters: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Bauxite Dolgrin |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"So the Kortos Consortium payin' ya ta endanger travelers?" Might have to spread the word among the clergy if that is the case.
GM Doug H |
P: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Sneak: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Grab
Maul 1: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 4 = 14
Maul 2: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 4 = 21
Slashing Maul 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
A leopard pounces from the laurels, biting into Biltri's leg, grabbing on, and then raking his flesh with both claws! Pounce, grab, one-action Maul
Lucius might think: "So, a leopard hiding in the laurels… that is odd, after all." Lucius failed to beat stealth DC when he looked, and those who could in exploration mode failed to notice it with their secret checks.
❧ ❧ ❧
Just a Typical Friendly Roadside Traveler, not a Leadbuster Lad… Nope!
You do not have weapons drawn if you have not acted yet.
Trees/bushes difficult terrain.
Kotgar, readied action
—
Dethor, readied attack
—
Leopard
—
Nandipha
Lucius
Biltri, -18 HP, Grabbed
Baux
Lucius Caligari |
"Ah ha! I knew there was something odd about those hedges!"
Lucius studies the leopard and forms a plan of attack
Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 12
But he's not quite sure, so he draws his cane sword, and tries to recall what he may know about leopards. +8 Nature
GM Doug H |
Lucius can’t remember much about leopards, other than they are probably good at stealth and like to pounce and grab and claw you.
Bauxite Dolgrin |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Seeing Lucius once again draw his sword cane, Baux reminds him “That is no way ta git stories fer Blue Finley.”
Moving forward, he then casts a spell at Kotgar.
Ray of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Stride, Cast Ray of Enfeeblement
Biltri Gimhargruest |
"Stop eating me!" Biltri complains as his eyes blaze and fire runs down the chains on his meteor hammer. He barely manages to unloop the chains from his shoulder so that he can smash the steel fist toward the leopard.
Rage, Draw a Weapon, Strike
Flat DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 6
+1 Meteor Hammer: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Magic, B, +4 Fire Rage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10