GM Michael's Ironfang Invasion

Game Master Dread

This will be the OOC For Iron Fang Invasion

The Party is--

1.Arkhan Silvinesti Half-Orc Druid {Storm} World Weary (Dorian Grey)
2.Barhador Elf {Nestornor} Hunter {Feral Hunter} Foxclaw Scout (hustonj)
3.Brunner Hammerfall Dwarven Paladin {Stonelord of Torag} Kraggodan Castaway (Robert Henry)
4.Eilyne Human Phytokineticist Unbreakable Survivor (Drogeney)
5.Ethan Sower Human Cleric of Erastil Unbreakable Survivor (Cuchulainn)
6.Tarrow Harfoot Halfling Rogue Ironfang Survivor (Therenger)

With a town of 400 people...you all know each other.

for those in my games before here are the combat summary blocks please fill them in. If you have a mount, animal companion, familiar, pet...please fill it in for them too.

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Name AC:?? (FF:??/T:??)CMD:?? Saves-FO:?? RE:?? WL:?? HP:??/??
(Class) {Archetype/Diety} (Sex) (Race-{Subrace}) Defenses-

Thanks for the selection, GM Michael! I don't think I've seen so many good characters apply for the same AP.

Congrats to all of us - This is going to be fun!

Tarrow Harfoot AC:18 (FF:13/T:16) CMD:13 Saves-FO:1 RE:7 WL:1 HP:10/10
(Rogue) {none/Chaldira Zuzaristan} (M) (Halfling(none)) Defenses-Rapier +6,1d4-1 or Sickle +6,1d3-1

Thank you for the acceptance. I've been looking forward to a chance to play this character again. About the only thing I think I have left to do is tweak my equipment a bit (and maybe not even that).

Do you have an issue with allowing the Basic Phytokinesis ability to be able to use plant material to make clothes for her? It doesn't bother me either way really but does help with the aesthetic.

Eilyne AC:12 (FF:10/T:12)CMD:12 Saves-FO:+4 RE:+4 WL:+0 HP:10/10
(kineticist) {none/Diety=undecided} (female) (human (none}) Defenses-none at this time

Thank you very much for the inclusion!

Barhador AC:15 (FF:12/T:13)CMD:15 Saves-FO:+2 RE:+5 WL:+2 HP:9/9
(Hunter) {Feral/Green Faith} (Male) (Elf-{ARG variant - Nestornor}) Defenses-Immune to Sleep effects; animal focus

Looks like an interesting group.

Wow thanks for the pick GMMichael, I appreciate the chance to play Brunner again! I will get working on the Summary block.

Brunner Hammerfell AC:16 (FF:10/T:16)CMD:+4 Saves-FO:+6 RE:+0 WL:+4 HP:17/17
(Paladin) {Stonelord of Torgag} (male) (dwarf) Defenses:+ 4 dodge/giants

Hey Drogeney it's been a while!

OK, GMMichael I need an official ruling.

Looking at the benefits of "Improved Unarmed Strike" the definition says "Benefit: You are considered to be armed even when unarmed—you do not provoke attacks of opportunity when you attack foes while unarmed. Your unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at your choice."

But it's not the same as the Monk's definition of "Unarmed Strike: A monk’s attacks may be with fist, elbows, knees, and feet. This means that a monk may make unarmed strikes with his hands full."

If a character has the feat "Improved Unarmed strike" can they use another body part than the hand to attack. Ie can they 'threaten" 5 ft if they have a two handed reach weapon?

I Have Brunner armed with a Dwarven Boulder Helmet more for my own entertainment, but if he can't use it with 'improved unarmed strike' I probably won't bother with the helmet.

Hello all!

Thank you for the inclusion of this most splendid tale of redemption!
Well, that is my hope for poor misguided Arkhan. I blame his upbringing, peer pressure, and ignorance really.

He will be a bit rough at first; but my goal is to see him turn CG....eventually...lol.

Name Arkhan Silvinesti AC:16 (FF:13/T:12)CMD:13 Saves-FO:6 RE:4 WL:8 HP:16/16
Druid (Storm) Rull Male 1/2 Orc Defenses-none

@GMMichael did you prefer him to have been in town a while (weeks, months?); or is his recent arrival fine? For RPing purposes...

Bring on the Horde!
Feels a bit different saying that now...lol!

Thanks for selecting me! I didn't know what my chances were with an 11th hour entry, but I have never played this AP before, and I was excited to give it a go.

Name: Ethan Sower AC: 16 (FF:14/T:12)CMD:12 Saves-FO:+3 RE:+2 WL:+5 HP:9/9
Cleric {Erastil} Male Human Defenses- None

Yes it has Robert. How've you been?

welcome all. I hope to make this an extremely entertaining AP for us all.

first for those who have done stat blocks, for combat thank you...you can take the parenthesis off from around the class and such. that was to indicate thats what went there but not to be included ;)

Defenses are for things I need to know in combat...like save benefits. orc ferocity immunities etc..

I dont need gods unless the player is a cleric or in the divine caster type...

Eilyne- Yes sure your clothes can be of plants. You get a free outfit, so why not of leaves and twigs ;)

Brunner- Yes you can threaten with any body part. Hands, knees, elbows, and yes even the dwarfs head.

as for how long everyone has been there.

Ill leave that up to you to discuss.

I want you to discuss what each of you would know of each other.

I plan on starting the game play thread on Monday if I can see all the characters are done.

Yay! The basic idea is she just calls nearby plant matter to her and forms it into clothing. As it is created by a spell-like ability it can be dispelled which would result in an...em-bare-assing situation all around. I have no problem with it if it ever does happen.

Eilyne AC:12 (FF:10/T:12)CMD:12 Saves-FO:+4 RE:+4 WL:+0 HP:10/10
kineticist 1 female human Defenses-none

There, updated.

As far as Eilyne goes she has lived in the area for some time now but rarely stays in town. She always comes across as odd to say the least being garbed in living plants as she is. She does sometimes provide services as a guide and help woodcutters select the "correct" trees and plants replacements. Most of the time she just shows up to sell herbs every few weeks.

Ethan has recently arrived in Phaender to do missionary work for the Church of Erastil, which amounts to healing, helping the needy, and midwifing any births that might happen while he is there. He offers these services free of charge or obligation, instead simply encouraging the people he helps to 'pay it forward' by helping others in need when the opportunity presents itself. Ethan's mentor taught him that living the tenets of one's faith openly and genuinely is the most effective way to win lasting, dedicated followers. Ethan has taken that to heart.

The other characters will probably have seen Ethan moving about the community, though his dress and manner might cause him to blend-in to anyone but the true locals.

Ethan may have purchased some herbs from Eilyne on a few occasions since he has been in town. If she has, on those occasions, been inclined to chat about the medicinal properties of herbs, Ethan would certainly have engaged on the topic. If she is more of a loner, however, he would have simply purchased the herbs and bit her good day.

Tarrow might know Ethan as being someone who bought alchemical tinctures from him from time to time. In fact, Ethan may have bought herbs from Eilyne, and then immediately sought out Tarrow to make it into medicine. Like with Eilyne, Ethan would engage Tarrow in the topics of medicine and healing with great enthusiasm, but will politely conclude business as quickly as possible if Tarrow shows no interest in conversation.

Brunner, being a paladin of Torag, would likely be someone Ethan became friendly with, since Erastil and Torag have a strong respect for one another, and tenets pertaining to community, hard work, and tradition are held in common. Brunner being a dwarf (and therefore older) and of a more militant mind, might see Ethan in the light of a younger brother, who could use some guidance and 'toughening up.'

Barhador's backstory of coming to Phaendar to find a wife and start a family would certainly be of interest to Ethan. In fact, Ethan might even go out of his way to help Barhador's courtship along, as a wing-man, co-conspirator. Both characters also speak Sylvan, which is uncommon enough that it might be a useful code language to discuss such matters in public.

Arkhan is a tough one. I am not sure of a good hook beyond Arkhan arriving in town, and Ethan greeting him.

For the Chaotic-aligned characters, Ethan isn't a rules-enforcing, My-Way-Or-The-Highway variety of Lawful character. He sincerely believes that people prosper when they work together for the betterment of all, and to do that, there have to be agreed upon rules that are followed by the members of the community. However, he prefers to demonstrate this through his own actions rather than lecture people about what they themselves are or aren't doing.

Arkhan AC:16(FF:13/T:12)CMD:13 Saves-FO:6 RE:4 WL:8 HP:16/16
Druid {Storm/Rull} Male 1/2 Orc Defenses-none

Barhador AC:15(FF:12/T:13)CMD:15 Saves-FO:+2 RE:+5 WL:+2 HP:9/9
1st Hunter {Feral/Green Faith} M Elf{Nestornor} Defenses-Immune to Sleep effects, Animal Focus, +1 Will Saves vs Vermin/Animals/Mag Beasts of higher level

Brunner AC:16(FF:10/T:16)CMD:14 Saves-FO:+6 RE:+0 WL:+4 HP:17/17
1st Paladin {Stonelord of Torag} M Dwarf Defenses:+4 dodge/giants

Eilyne AC:12(FF:10/T:12)CMD:12 Saves-FO:+4 RE:+4 WL:+0 HP:10/10
1st Kineticist {Plant} {Diety=undecided} F Human (Taldan) Defenses: 1xd heal 3pts

Ethan AC:16(FF:14/T:12)CMD:12 Saves-FO:+3 RE:+2 WL:+5 HP:9/9
Cleric {Erastil} Male Human Defenses-1xd heal 2pts

Tarrow AC:18(FF:13/T:16) CMD:13 Saves-FO:1 RE:7 WL:1 HP:10/10
1st Rogue {Chaldira Zuzaristan} M Halfling Defenses: Adaptable Luck:3xd, +2 to AC vs Goblinoids

What folks in Phaendar think of you:

Tarrow- Ironfang Survivor/Helpful/Reactionary: The townsfolk like the Halfling, and are sympathetic viewing him as we would view a vet with PTSD

Eilyne- Unbreakable Survivor/Child of Nature (you still have 1 coming): The town knows she suffered something horrible in her past and is sympathetic, and she is viewed as a little 'off' but they consider that its because of her past. shes viewed as a very free spirit.

Barholder- Foxclaw Scout/Reckless/Wild Stride Forest: The Town looks on with reverence almost at the Foxclaw Scout from The Nostonor. If he wasnt so reckless hed be one of the favorites. As it is theres a bit of fear in them too.

Brunner- Propitiation Category Religion/Militant Merchant/Kraggodan Castaway: He is highly respected in town, though seemed a bit narrow in his viewpoints

Arkhan- World Weary/Fates Favored/Reactionary: Much like Tarrow, Arkhan is viewed as having suffered greatly. He has the thousand yard stare in his eyes that says hes seen a lot. He seems to be jumpy , but things always seem to fall into place for him and people whisper hes lucky. Theres lots of similarities between Arkhan and Tarrow, the difference being Tarrow is always helping others and Arkhan..well he just doesnt.

Ethan- Unbreakable Survivor/Patient Optimist/Poverty Stricken: Ethan is viewed as one of them Period. His faith in Erastil unshakeble his humble patience makes the town extremely comfortable with him.

Darn, ninja'd by GMMichael, hopefully the town doesn't think Brunner is too narrow minded. Well I mean, he's a dwarf, so who knows. For a dwarf, he see's himself as very open minded almost liberal :)

Yes it has Robert. How've you been?

Very well, thank you. I think the last game we were in together was "Second Darkness" I had changed employment from a treatment facility to the bank, and needed to stop playing due to time constraints. Since then we've purchased a new home, and moved my mom in with us (due to dementia). So I take care of the house and keep an eye on her. Which means I have time to post again. Sorry for the overlong discourse.

How are you doing?

Back to Brunner :)
Ok, concerning Brunner. If it's possible I would like for him to have been in town for a couple of months working at the forge with Kining Blondebeard, helping her fill orders.

As for who he know, he's very outgoing and would tell anyone his lifes story. So feel free to read his background and let me know how much you want to have spoken to him. He does spend most of his time in the shop, so you may need to come talk to him there.

Ethan, your description of their relationship is great. Don't know how much 'Guidance' or 'toughening up' will be apparent, he's very relaxed. I'm basing part of his personality on an old friend of mine who started his career as a blacksmith shoeing horses and retired as a sculptor working in metal.

I see Brunner focusing on Torag's areas of concern: Forge, protection and strategy. His world view is very dwarf-centric. so he supports the idea of communal good. But he wouldn't try and force 'Dwarf views' on non-dwarfs. So he's very 'live and let live' as far as 'legalism' goes with non-dwarves. I just don't think characters sit around talking about the nine alignments the same way we do. But he will be encouraging everyone to find 'goodness' especially his fellow dwarves.

Pretty good Robert. Changed jobs about 4 years ago and work in a call center now that monitors ankle bracelets and provides tech support for police officers using the equipment. Less stressful than the supported living homes, more hours, more agreeable schedule, and a really nice PFP bonus if you make it (which isn't that hard IMO).

Picked up a third trait (I forgot we got three). I went with friend of the fey since it makes a lot of sense for her.

Okay, I'll play . . ..

Arkhan: Loud, rude, crude and seems far less concerned about living with nature than you expect of a Druid. Hasn't explicitly done anything, but there's an innate distrust. Is it his race? I don't think so . . ..

Brunner: The isolation aspect of his story tugs at Barhador's heart, though the reasons differ, he is also isolated until something else happens . . .. At least Barhador can work to make his triggering event happen. The dwarf clearly displays as much skill with the forge as the elf does with his fletching knife, and is due at least the respect of working at such a craft.

Eilyne: Why isn't she an elf? She gets it. You work with the natural world instead of forcing it to become something else. I'm positive the two have had opportunity and time to interact, probably even in the wilderness, and Barhador tries not to display how frustrating it is to find someone so suited to life with the Nestornor who is human.

Ethan: Almost a kindred spirit, he supports the imposition of man's desires to deeply alter the world instead of learning to work with more subtle alterations. His inherent support of community and common goals within the community are good starts, however.

Tarrow: Seems cheerful despite the dark background. I don't think Barhador wants to need Tarrow's services, but he might help gather ingredients from time to time. Pleasant enough company.

Phaender: Like most people, the villagers have been taught to break the land into something they recognize, that they know how to exploit. That's not their fault. Correction is almost impossible, though, as their education has taught them this is right, and you have to unteach that prejudice before they can begin to learn better. Past that issue, these are good people, working to survive and grow their families in as pleasant a place as they can make. Good people working together seems like a solid environment to find a young elf to take home. If I can connect to one properly, anyway. Connections can be so hard to make, though.

GMMichael,

About that quest for a wife . . ..

Do you want to run with my two proposed young elves, or arrange something different? I'm not married to those ideas, but there should be at least one either living here or visiting regularly enough to keep him from moving on.

Yes, I chose the adjective and verbs intentionally. How could I not?

Theres 3 Elves in town. All From Kyonin. Theres an Elven enclave Longhouse about 5 miles SW of Phaendar. about 10 Elves live there. The 3 that are here have ties there. One of them Is A Warrior (Male) A female Elven Commoner is married to a Human. they are elderly, though she is still middle aged for an elf. they have two children who are half Elves.

both 'hunters' (Warriors) Lirosa *female* and Taidel *male*. Finally theres n elven adept (female) in town.

the trick is who will survive....

(my thoughts were to introduce Lirosa as the love interest...and all the drama of a 'half elf' ...;)

Eilyne: She and Tarrow could be fast friends. They have a common history, and a shared love of nature and herbalism. If Eilyne is willing, Tarrow would very much like to explore with her the surrounding plains in search of herbs and alchemical ingredients, to trade stories of her youth in the Fangwood and his modest exploits on the prairie. He is enchanted by her accent and any tales of the fey.

Ethan: The charismatic cleric's relentlessly positive spirit and passion for helping to bring new life into the world has made a profound impression on the young halfling. Tarrow looks up to Ethan, and when his thoughts darken, as they frequently do, he takes solace knowing that there are truly good people so close to home. Tarrow greets Ethan enthusiastically whenever the cleric calls for medicinal herbs and formulas, and is happy to offer his modest offerings at a discount.

Brunner: Tarrow feels comfortable around dwarves, perhaps because he sees nearly eye-to-eye with them. Brunner's care free attitude and professionalism are easy attributes to admire. The halfling acquired his rapier from the local smith, and it could have been forged and finished by Brunner.

Barhador: The elf hunter seems almost supernatural to Tarrow, and despite the halfling's strong interest, he can never seem to relate as easily as he does with Eilyne. He feels awkward and self-conscious around the elf, but is always thankful when Barhador accompanies him to search for ingredients.

Arkhan: Though Tarrow does not freely speak of the terrors of his past (except for bits and pieces shared with Eilyne), he senses that he may have more in common with the young half-orc than anyone might possibly guess. For this reason, he has no fear of Arkhan, and would pluckily inquire about his tattoos, if the moment seemed right.

I see some folks peeked at Arkhan's previous posts...lol.

Yes, he is a bit prickly; but, he will soften as the party becomes more familiar due to the pending circumstances.
He doesn't really plan on staying around. He will most likely say that he will be continuing on his trek soon many times; although that, of course, will never manifest.
Arkhan keeps his past a bit secret. He is a bit paranoid that the Bleeding Storm will follow him....

I plan on rereading everyone's Backstory today; so to properly integrate Arkhan.

Oops! Hp 11/11

Arkhan AC:16(FF:13/T:12)CMD:13 Saves-FO:6 RE:4 WL:8 HP:11/11
Druid {Storm/Rull} Male 1/2 Orc Defenses-none

Eilyne I can see Arkhan actually looking down his nose at her at first. He doesn't actually care about anything other than The Sky. I feel that of everyone, Eilyne will be his true reason for softening; learning empathy and being more accepting of all nature's things!

Ethan Arkhan will definitely not like Ethan. He will most likely think of you as a rival at first. Their views will definitely clash: Arkhan will learn the true value of Community (and Good) from you!

Brunner Hmm....a dwarf? a Paladin? A dwarven Paladin, you say...lol. Well, I would think that Arkhan would feel similarly to Ethan. Probably a Good thing the two of you will be in the group then!

Barhador Although an Elf, Arkhan will most likely identify--and appreciate-- with his Feral side! Arkhan definitely appreciates strength through Nature! The 1/2 orc and the Elf may end up being besties...lol! If only the Elf wasn't such a Good guy!

Tarrow Agreed! Tarrow and Arkhan most likely will immediately bond due to similar past experiences. Arkhan will not divulge much, but he will feel a kinship with the Halfling.

Hope this helps a bit!

Looking forward to this adventure with this Table!

:Facepalm:

Looking back over the character, I see no rations or waterskins. No rations makes sense while at the settlement for a festival. But he should still have his waterskins, even if empty!

Adjusted. Stupid mistake.

Ethan Yeah, Eilyne would certainly be selling you herbs when she comes in to town ad I could certainly see them having discussions about the various herbs though little beyond that. I doubt they would chat about anything more than herbs but that topic is one that Eilyne enjoys so it does give them some common ground.

Barhador Yeah, given they both spend time a lot of times int he forest I could see them running into each other. Amusingly she would agree with you about the frustrations of spending time and forming connections with humans though for her it is because her mindset is very much that of a dryad and she is 100% positive that she is one despite evidence to the contrary.

Tarrow I could see them spending time together and her being more fond of him than most of the other villagers. She'd be happy to show him around the woods and discuss some things. She would be extremely reticent about talking about her past due to what happened when she ran away from her mother.

Arkhan Yeah, they likely have little interaction as Eilyne would probably just avoid you most of the time. Besides, she knows that, as a "dryad" she is closer to nature than you will ever be and, unlike you, she doesn't see the need to rub it in. I wouldn't call them adversarial per se but she certainly is not a fan of you starting out. Fortunately plants by their very nature are flexible, even if it takes them time to adjust, so things can certainly grow in a different direction.

Brunner I doubt that our characters have interacted too much since it sounds like you've not been in the town all that often and she only comes to town on rare occasions for a day or two and then leaves again. Given what you do she likely has had no real reason to interact with you much but would have heard of you so I figure the over all view of her that the town has our GM typed up earlier is likely about as much knowledge of her as you have. Maybe they talked once or twice if he was at the tavern when she was staying in town. Other than that I figure they are more or less blank slates to each other.

Is it assumed that, since we are all relatively new to town, that we are staying at the Inn, or perhaps some of the locals have extra space in their homes to rent out? Maybe just setting our tents up on the Market Green?

Is it assumed that, since we are all relatively new to town...

Brunner sleeps in the shop near the forge, he's found a soft anvil to use as a pillow...

"Aw reit, Ah guess Ah shoods respond in kin'." More for my own amusement and getting to know Brunner's personality a little better, may I present in no particular alphabetical order...

Arkhan: Brunner remembers seeing Arkhan come in the forge when Brunner first started helping Kinning. He learned from Kining (who apparently really enjoys talking about the people around town, whether Brunner wants her to or not) that the half orc "seemed lucky," but keeps his past a bit secret. Brunner discounted the idea that he seemed a bit paranoid to Kinning, to a dwarf all half-orcs seemed paranoid. Brunner was interested in hearing where he came from and how he grew up. Brunner was convinced a lot of the differences between the races probably had a lot to do with upbringing.

Barhador: Having noticed the auburn haired elf working with the Foxclaw scouts. He learned from Kining (who apparently really enjoys talking about the people around town, whether Brunner wants her to or not) that the town holds him in high regard as a Foxclaw scout. But he discounted the idea of him seeming reckless. To dwarves, all elves seemed reckless. He is intrigued with the idea of the man wanting to find a wife. A very curious idea, one finding ones own wife instead of trusting parents or elders to select the right mate for you.

Eilyne: While working at the forge, Brunner has seen Eilyne walk past on her way into town. He learned from Kining (who apparently really enjoys talking about the people around town, whether Brunner wants her to or not) that she was a free spirited 'nature girl' who lived in the woods after something terrible happened to her family. That she helped the local lumberjacks and came to town to sell plants. He discounts that Kinning refered her to as 'a little off' becuase most dwarves find most humans 'a little off.' He finds the idea of a human who lives alone, fasinating and has determined that if she comes to the forge, or if he took an evening off instead of working to the late hours, he would speak with her.

Ethan: Brunner met Ethan when the young Erastilian needed some arrowheads made. They talked for hours. Well Ethan talked most of it, Brunner got a few words in, but that cleric, he was a chatter box. Brunner could remember the look on Kining's face when the stubble faced man told them he was a mid-wife. How their world views could be so similar yet so different was still a mystery to Brunner.

Tarrow: Brunner met Tarrow when he came in and picked up the rapier he had been working on. He learned from Kining (who apparently really enjoys talking about the people around town, whether Brunner wants her to or not) that Tarrow had a rough time of it when he was younger, but she didn't go into details. He discounted the fact that she warned him to 'Watch your purse.' Most dwarves think all halflings are pickpockets or burglars. But Brunner would like to learn about Tarrows story and would enjoy seeing the fellow duel with the rapier. Brunner himself leaning toward dwarven weapons he enjoys watching a good swordsman, whatever the style.

Things areoving right along on.my end. Will kick it off tomorrow

Looking for to it!

Is the Campaign thread up; so we can dot?

Ethan: Brunner met Ethan when the young Erastilian needed some arrowheads made. They talked for hours. Well Ethan talked most of it, Brunner got a few words in, but that cleric, he was a chatter box. Brunner could remember the look on Kining's face when the stubble faced man told them he was a mid-wife. How their world views could be so similar yet so different was still a mystery to Brunner.

I like the look of this scene, but I would suggest a tweak. Ethan is a bowyer-fletcher also, so he probably wouldn't have gone to Brunner looking for him to make arrowheads. However, if the topic of arrow-making came up in conversation, Ethan would have enthusiastically engaged.

Brunner Hammerfell wrote:

Ethan: Brunner met Ethan when the young Erastilian needed some arrowheads made. They talked for hours. Well Ethan talked most of it, Brunner got a few words in, but that cleric, he was a chatter box. Brunner could remember the look on Kining's face when the stubble faced man told them he was a mid-wife. How their world views could be so similar yet so different was still a mystery to Brunner.

I like the look of this scene, but I would suggest a tweak. Ethan is a bowyer-fletcher also, so he probably wouldn't have gone to Brunner looking for him to make arrowheads. However, if the topic of arrow-making came up in conversation, Ethan would have enthusiastically engaged.

Curious, funny how we read the same thing and come to different conclusions. I had read Ethan was a bowyer/fletcher and thought that he would purchase steel arrowheads for the arrows he was making. But cool with however you want to do it. Out of curiosity what is he making the arrow heads out of?

Traditional European arrowheads came from a forge, independently of the type of arrowhead.

Broadheads, similar to what bow hunters use today, were intended for unarmored targets. There was a more specialized arrowhead made with a crumple zone (for lack of a better descriptive term), where the point was expected to dent thinner metal armors, and then the crumple zone would make for a "second impact" when the shaft reached the armor, and the arrow would punch through those lighter armors. The more generic field tip of the day (as much as there was ONE) was similar to a modern target tip, but instead of a gentle point, it narrowed quickly to a tiny "shaft" in front of the rest of the arrow, minimizing the impact surface area to maximize initial penetration. The little flange of metal wasn't long, but it was more than enough to pierce a thin layer of leather and flesh, both.

The player just isn't that good with a bare longbow, but I am familiar with the sport, and some of the Welsh history in particular. And there still are people who prefer to use only "bare", fire-hardened wood tips. Wasn't the European norm, though.

Ethan Sower wrote:

Brunner Hammerfell wrote:

Ethan: Brunner met Ethan when the young Erastilian needed some arrowheads made. They talked for hours. Well Ethan talked most of it, Brunner got a few words in, but that cleric, he was a chatter box. Brunner could remember the look on Kining's face when the stubble faced man told them he was a mid-wife. How their world views could be so similar yet so different was still a mystery to Brunner.

I like the look of this scene, but I would suggest a tweak. Ethan is a bowyer-fletcher also, so he probably wouldn't have gone to Brunner looking for him to make arrowheads. However, if the topic of arrow-making came up in conversation, Ethan would have enthusiastically engaged.

Curious, funny how we read the same thing and come to different conclusions. I had read Ethan was a bowyer/fletcher and thought that he would purchase steel arrowheads for the arrows he was making. But cool with however you want to do it. Out of curiosity what is he making the arrow heads out of?

You are right. I completely misread the post. Ethan would need someone to make the steel arrowheads. My bad, that’s on me. Either I was distracted while reading it the first time, or my head was being particularly thick at that moment. Sorry about the confusion.

Some medieval style replication arrowheads.

Some from a penetration experiment

Some war arrow tips. I think the one on the far right is hollow, and one of the "double impact" type I mentioned earlier.

Edit: Sorry, just an interest, and I'm waiting for an online class to start as my work day, today. So, you know, twiddling.

dudes, jut got ninja'd by Barhador and Ethan

Cool info Barhador, I've minor experience with a bow, had a couple several years ago. But read a lot of weapons history. Strangle a book series that I like that talks a lot about 'archery' and the crafting of such was written by S.M, Stirling: "The Change" series. The basic premise is tech stopped working and magic started working again. Tons of folk die and basically people who are in the CSA took over the west coast. Which makes me laugh since I've got a friend who's in the CSA who does a little fletching.

The more generic field tip your describing, wasn't it called a Bodkin point? Used by the English to great effect against French knights in with the Battle of Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt.

Bodkin are simple and cheap to make, almost as easy as nails.

The crush zone double impact type are far more complicated and specialized to make. Far more expensive and best suited against heavier armor.

The field tips with a narrow probe style point are a completely different thing again. Last dozen arrows I bought came with that sort of field tip, actually. More punishing that a standard target tip, but not really a war or hunting tip.

From a 'historical War weapon' perspective, Didn't the bodkins provide easy cheap penetration on early plate armor? Um, not that you'll ever see Brunner shooting a bow.

Yeah, I know, never say never. But I'm figuring he's swinging his Dorn- dergar and head butting people most of the time.

As plate armor became thicker and still had the deflection angles, bodkins arrows didn't penetrate so well anymore.

The rise of the crossbow, and then gunpowder, led to plate armor fading out faster than the more expensive, more specialized penetration arrowheads spread in use.

Meh.

Also, all modern Western film shows French-style archery NOT traditional Welsh longbow archery. Olympic style archery is based on the French style.

So I figure Eilyne and Ethan have been staying at the temple of Erastil, Brunner at the Trading post. Barholder, Arkhan, and Tarrow at the inn.

Hmmmm, I had assumed the inn for her but I like the idea of the temple. It would probably be more comofrtable to her if nothing else.

So I Brunner at the Trading post.

Cool, dotted in game. I will either get a post up tonight or first thing in the morning.

edit
Hey GMMichael roll20 isn't letting me in, do you need anything from me?

I'll be posto h the invite for roll20 tomorrow

Apologies, but playing my Extinction's Curse game tonight. I will need to wait until after work tomorrow....

Still having trouble focusing on anything after that class. Only 2 more days to go! Zoom courses at the foundational level aren't supposed to be punishing, are they? 'Cause this one hurts.

Yeah, I know. Whine, whine, whine somewhere else. <grin>

GM Michael, I made a boneheaded oversight with respect to encumbrance. I beg forgiveness, but I have had to drop a few items from my original inventory - bedroll, blanket, rope, etc - to make weight. I swapped in a cloak for no other reason than to avoid a circumstance where Tarrow is freezing while he sleeps. If this is unacceptable I will live with my mistake.

The suspense is killing me....softly!

Perfectly alright. In fact remember he is staying as a semi permanent resident at the inn. Could have things there.

Thanks! Exactly my thinking too. I separated his Equipment by Adventuring Gear and Town gear. Basically, all of his Alchemy stuff stays at the Inn.

Looks like I made a mental error having Brunner leave the shop latter in the day...

Hey Tarrow, Brunner would help carry your gear once we actually got on the road.

if each of you would click this link-

Roll20 invite

and post there what character you play so I can assign them. You can also lookover the main map which I have up and the players tag on. After I assign all the characters Ill move to the Inn map

so as this is many of you's first combat with me. Peek at the Combat summary. You will see the enemy stats there.

Yes it does away with some of the mystery, but it also allows better descriptive text from you as you know if you hit and if your spell succeeded.

On your turn, describe what you do, then do your rolls (hit and damage etc. the biggest change is spell casters will roll enemy saves, and I will roll your saves. that way combat can move more rapidly without waiting to see if something succeeds or not.

Right now Brunner can go, then I will post a summary update, and move Jet and Jenni and the hobgoblins. then we move to the next group. Anyone included in the bold may post in any order, I will move throug things in order though. so if you want your action to occur after someone...post it in your action...ie

'Joe will wait for Tom to move then cast his spell.'

if you have a question..ask.

for those of you who didnt move your characters on roll20...I did using your descriptions ;) but feel free to do it yourself.