Dot in so you see updates. I will create a discussion thread here as well.
The fog covers the lush trees of Southern Fangwood with supprising efficacy. You would likely not see further away than 20 feet if it weren't for the fire. At least that dissolves the fog, even if only locally. The smell of pine sap and morning dew emanates the area, and all your clothes are heavier due to the damp air. Twelve souls sit around the fire, warming their hands and drying their shoes after being forced to walk through the Tourondel river and the surrounding mud.
"Traveling this late in the year is never a good idea. You would think the higher ups would know that by now. Apparently not.", Captain Forly complains as he lifts his boot by the sole and pours out the water. Ever since the flash flood forced the ship into the riverbank, the aptly named Ruthless Rock was unable to properly navigate. You did overhear the crew mentioning a 'busted rudder'. Fortunately, the redundant amount of ropes on the ship allows the crew to anchor the ship in place, but that is only a consolation prize.
"At least the cargo hold is undamaged. And there's nothing to spoil. Well...", dekchand Humm looks over his shoulder as you sit by the fire, observing the now open barrels of potatoes and dried meats. "... most of it, anyway." As Humm finishes his observation, two more sailors emerge from the fog, and sit down to warm up. "Secured?", Forly asks, and the men nod and respond amlost in unison - "Secured, captain." They look at each other, and only one finishes the report. "Five ropes on each side."
The captain nods, and tells the sailors to warm up while he goes to inspect the knots. All in all, there is the captain with his crew of five, a family of four - the Clios - a father and a mother with two daughters, both currently sleeping, each coiled in one of their parents' laps for warmth and comfort.
Then there are four other travelers, formerly each had a different motive for traversing these parts of the world, but it seems everyone has a common goal now - find civilisation.
"When I said I was seeking learning, did you think I meant instruction in the art of wilderness survival? I can assure you I did not!" The tall man looks down at the sorry state of his once-fine clothes and groans more audibly than polite company would normally permit. Looking up, he sees the crestfallen face of their captain--and the angry scowl from his wife--and he brushes both off with an absent-minded wave of his hand. "Bah! I know you don't control the weather, but this is far beyond what I'd planned. 'The best laid plans of mites and men....' or something like that. Bah!" He sullenly returns to trying to clean and dry his clothing and gear.
I believe the saying indicated Mice, not mites, but the sentiment works just the same, I think... a lanky man with a somewhat inquisitive face says as he peers up from his mug of coffee.
The best thing about finding new lands is knowledge...plants, animals, people...even new metals and the like... he says as he rises and offers the man a hot mugIt's a Mwangi blend...fairly strong...a touch of honey takes away the bitter aftertaste, I feel..
Andrezzi listens to the complaints of the Captain and guests in silence, sharpening his large hand and half sword while keeping his back to the fire so that his cloak dries out on full. It did not matter much to him that the journey included dampness, morning dew and cold nights: if there was even a shred of truth to the rumor that his son had been taken to the new lands they were headed into, these minor inconveniences were a cheap price of admission for the opportunity to investigate.
After his sword care was complete, the large man rose, sheathed his sword, nodded to everyone, strung his bow and headed into the forest to check on a few rabbit snares he had installed the previous night.
Florence sits quietly next to the fire. The half elven woman pulls the hood of her cloak further down over her face. It's more to cover the grin at Galos' fit of temper than to cover the deep scars on her face. He's complained about almost everything since he got on the boat. At least we have food, a fire, and hopefully enough people to keep us safe while we travel.
A small white weasel like face peeks out of Florence's bag and looks toward the sleeping children. There's a small chirping sound. Florence pats the creature. "They are still sleeping Snow. You can play with them later if their parent's say it's alright. Remember we ask permission before we start chasing the small ones. For now stay dry and warm, we've got some travel to do, I think."
She turns to Therin. "Mr. Baldaril what brings you to these parts? This is my first river trip. It's been very exciting. Do boats crash into the shore often?"
It's my first trip this way as well...although I have been on ships before. Traveled a bit as a lad with my parents. father is a merchant and he was allowed to take me and my mother along a few times. As for the crashing thing, I have no clue...a mariner I am not. I'm tagging along for the sheer adventure of it. And to document it...knowledge has to be preserved and spread around. I notice your little friend has a curious streak in it. I assume you have knowledge of how to deal with animals? That could be a boon on our journey...
And it's Therin...coffee? Might take the edge off the cold snap...
Thank you yes. I'd love some coffee." She pets the inquisitive creature peering out at Therin, and then holds out a mug for this coffee. "His name is Snow. He's more of a friend than an animal. The gods blessed me with him as a companion."
The remainder of the people around the fire converse quietly among themselves. The sailors mostly cracking jokes on the navigator's behalf: "Oh, his wife has to be a strong lady. If he didn't see a rock that size in the river, he probably couldn't see the smaller ones."
The aged dwarf starts acting all scared "Wait... You're telling me there were OTHER PEOPLE on the ship? I thought you are all ghosts!"
The adults of the Clios family quietly chuckle while holding their children, and mostly do not enter the chatter. If they do, they do so with hushed voices. Although with passing time, they seem to be getting louder.
Everyone eyes you as you grind the coffee beans and boil water. "Eh - care to share a bit of that, Mister Baldaril - was it?", one of the sailors approach you. A stout man that you barely saw climbing the rigging. "And perhaps a song to lift the spirits?", another one inquires. "I believe I've heard your voice during a few night watches."
The Clios' girl wakes up as the sailors are cracking jokes, and she looks over to see the commotion. The child can't be more than six or seven years old. Once she glances at Snow peeking from Florence's bag, her tired visage changes in an instance. Her eyes shine like starts in the night, and a wide smile appears on her face.
Andrezzi checks his snares one by one, removing the steel wires at each location so as to use them again somewhere else another day. He keeps his ears peeled towards the direction of the camp, just in case, stopping frequently to stop his breathing in order to better listen.
While checking the traps, you find one hare caught by its leg. The creature is still trying to break free as you approach, stops for a moment as you get closer, and notices you. The leg is now severely bloodied at the noose, but it doesn't stop it from attempting. As you move in closer, you pick up the hare by its ears and strike the back of the neck to snap the spine. It stops moving immediately and goes limp. You remove the noose from the leg, hang the animal on your belt and pack up the snare.
Exploring further, you find another sprung trap, but this one contains only a foot. Looking around curiously, you notice blood splatter on the grass nearby, and large paw prints. Absolutely not rabbit prints. If anything, these seems left in the damp soil by a much larger animal. A bear comes to mind. Either that, or something similar in size and weight. You watch the blood and prints trail off into the river, but lose the track there.
None of your other snares caught anything. Then again, they were only there for one night.
It's Therin...Mister Baldaril was my father... the bard jokes. Here you go...sorry I don't have any fresh cream to go i it, but a drop or two of honey will add a certain zing to it... he says as he hand the dwarf a steaming mug.
Now...as for a song, since there are younger ones present...how about a song about when the first glimpse of snow happens...a magical time, especially for the small ones... he smiles as he sees that the young girl spot Snow. He picks up his lute and starts a cheerful song.
Andrezzi skinned the rabbit well outside the camp, mindful of the children. He gathered a few fragrant herbs and mixed the slabs of meat with them in a waxed burlap pouch, along with some ground pepper and salt borrowed from his trail rations. He would have kept a rabbit's foot for each of the children if he had access to some basic taxidermy equipment, but alas, not here in the wide open.
Returning to the camp with one last mournful thought for the animal he had injured with his snare, he located a straight, thumb-thick branch from a nearby sapling and sharpened it on one end, stripping all the bark along its length. He skewered the fragrant, marinated chunks of meat on the three-foot stick and, nodding to all those assembled, sat by the fire and held it over the flames.
"There should be enough for three of us here, or for the Clios and their two daughters, if they all care for some..." says Andrezzi, his words trailing into an unspoken question, as he tries to force a smile at the girls.
"You'll not see me getting in the way of feeding small girls," Golos points out, though he doesn't look too thrilled as he digs in his backpack for his own trail rations. "These aren't too dry, yet," he says as he crunches numbly into one, chewing long and taking small sips of water as he seemingly forces himself to swallow.
Florence grins and whispers to Snow, and the playful ermine scampers down and across the ground to the young woman. Snow stops at food of the girl, and chitters at her.
"Snow will climb in your lap and let you pet him if you pet gently." Florence says to the girl. Snow bounces in excitement at getting to play a little.
"I have rations I can share if needed. I have a pot and we could put the rabbit and the rations in a stew. That might go further than just a rabbit. What do you think Andrezzi?" she starts to dig into the bag.
Andrezzi nods to Florence, happy to see others care about the young children. "What do you say girls? a good hot stew to warm our hands and our bellies yes?"
The little girl doesn't respond verbally, but produces a subtle smile while and nods her head in approval towards Andrezzi. This exchange is merely a distraction from her actual intentions - to pet Snow.
She reaches to the weasel on the ground, and carefully picks him up. As carefully as a seven-year-old can. The weasel jumps to her shoulder, and this startles the girl for a moment. It only takes a few seconds before she proceeds with the pettings.
"What a strange cat. Does it purr at all?", the girls asks after a few moments, and several people around the fire let out a hearthy laugh, even if only quiet ones.
Given the situation, the mood around the fire seems pretty good. Coffee smell emanating the area, stew brewing, and a little song to boot. All in all, a good morning. Again - given the situation. As you finish the stew, the sun - previously only visible as a source of light in the fog to the east - is about to finish dispersing the local fog. Visibility is much greater now, and you finally manage to take alook at your surroundings. At this point, the captain and the navigator sit next to each other to look at the map and compare it to the general landscape.
"I believe those hills are here.", the dwarven navigator points into the distance and then at the map. "The river bend seems corresponding to what we see here. And the clearing on the other side of the river does as well. Yes, this seems to be the place.", they discuss several dozen feet away from the fire, if you listen in.
They return a few minutes later. Captain Forly speaks up. "Well everyone, I have good news, and bad news.". The good news is, we know where we are, and it seems there is a settlement nearby - Kassen. This was one of our stops, anyway, we can go there by foot and try to hire a few smaller boats there to help is navigate the river. Fortunately, it's downstream, but our rudder is busted and needs a replacement. I believe the Clios' were headed for the place in particular. Do you know any good carpenters that could help us with this? Or shipwrights, by chance?"[/b] He looks at the pair and their daughters.
The couple look at each other, and back at the captain. The map speaks up. "Sorry, Captain, but this would actually be our first visit to Kassen. We were invited by my sister in law - to an extent - Arnama. She said we should come see the Harvest Celebration." - he produces a letter from the inside of his vest to show proof of the invitation, but notices the paper is now damp and barely readable. He shrugs and finds a rock nearby the fire to place the paper on, then weights it with another rock so that the winds don't steal it. "But if we ask her, she would know any such craftsmen in town - probably?", he shrugs.
The captain lets out a quiet Uh-um, and nods at the husband, as if to thank him. "Right then. We will have to do with what we have on hand for now. The map tells us it's not far from here. Merely a few hours of walk. We should head out as soon as we can. I suggest everyone to pack whatever they might need on the way. We will come back here, but I can not guarantee that some roaming group of bandits will not come and loot the ship while we are away. So pack carefully. I am leaving several barrels and crates of valuable cargo in the hull, just so that you don't think I am not leaving anything behind. We will finish this food to strenghten ourselves, and go. Unless someone wants to stay behind and guard the ship, that is. But I don't think getting separated is in our mutual interest. I am open to ideas, however. If you have anything, let me know."
She sailors all start rummaging through their backpacks to see what they have and figure out what they might still need, as do the Clios'. The parents mentally enumerate what they had for the trip and try to remember what they left in their cabins. They woke up fast and were forced off the ship after all. As they shuffle through the bags, both daughters are preoccupied with Snow, care-free.
Andrezzi brings several long branches and ferns to camouflage the barrels and crates the captain intends to leave behind. When everyone is packed, he does a final sweep of the camp to clean any remaining sign of their presence.
Therin packs his gear quickly.
Luckily I hadn't brought that much...for once. I can help carry some extra gear...or food and water. As long as I have my two hands free to strum away, I'm good. [ooc]will take an extra jug of water from the galley and any food that will expire if left on the ship...[/b]
Now as for music...I know a few tunes for traveling...a friend of mine taught me about something called a cadence...but we're not marching in unison....right? he asks looking around, then smiling to ease the spirits of the others.
"I too carry only what I already have here with me. I can definitely shoulder a greater load--especially if it's just a couple of miles to Kassen--if that helps anyone." He stands and places his backpack on the log he was using as a seat, holding the top open so he can pack more inside if requested.
Florence helps to pack up the gear. "I'm carrying a lot for me, but I can take some extra food that might spoil while we're gone." She says.
"Sweetie Snow isn't a cat he's an Ermine. It's like a mink, but white." she gives the romping trio a bright smile.
"I've never sung while traveling through the woods. Won't that let every animal and bandit around know we're coming?"
Most animals are usually scared of sounds...but that's a fair point...discretion is the better decision here..especially since we don't know what lies ahead... Therin muses. He practices doing rudimentary sleight of hand tricks for the kids as a way to keep them occupied. He fails horribly...but intentionally bumbling it for comedic effect
Once the crew and travelers are rested, and everything is packed up, you embark east towards your destionation - the town of Kassen. Direction is not really an issue - all you need to do is follow the river. With the mist now dissipated, visibility would be good - if it were not for the dense tree growth. Despite this, the group moves - slowly, but surely - onward. The Clios' carry their children on their backs in makeshift holders made from various clothing available. Despite this, the children seem irritated after the first hours and are silenced several times when complaining.
You struggle on through the forest when you see the river meandering around a hill. The chirping of birds seems to tone down when you pass the river, and see before yourself an approximately 200 ft clearing covered by burnt tree trunks. Some of them still rooted in the soil, but most are broken and lying on the ground. On the sides of the clearing, trees have their leaves either dried out or completely burnt off. You see no smoke around, however, and the soil is not warm either. Patches of grass seem to be sprouting from beneath the darkened logs.
You observe the bleak, ashen scene for a moment, when the Captain steps up. "Well - at least we don't have to cut through branches...", as he starts walking through the darkened soil.
You press on, and when you reach the center of the clearing, you hear shouts coming from the south and footsteps approaching rapidly...
"Lok'tar Ogar! Banze! Waagh!
As you turn around, you see a trio of snarling humanoids leap up from behind a log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, wielding large double edged axes in their hands. They are closing in fast, with mere seconds before reaching you.
You get to ask me one question about the creatures for every multiplier of 5 by which you beat the DC.
Captain Forly quickly issues commands to his crew - "Perimeter! Protect the children!"
As if going through a practiced routine, the soldiers immediately huddle near the Clios', blades drawn. They don't seem like they will move away from them either. It seems it is up to you - the four strangers to fight off the attackers.
- Round 1 -
** Conditions: None
Initiative - bolded can go
Andrezzi
Florence
Therin
Golos
Greenish humanoids
They're orcs...they don't go down easy...be carfeul... Therin warns as he draws his crossbow and loads it.
The creature is dazzled in areas of bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell.
Andrezzi moves forward and stops between two rows of bushes, right in the middle of the path, drawing his bastard sword as he goes and taking position to block their advance.
You can use this skill to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities. In general, the DC of such a check equals 10 + the monster’s CR. For common monsters, such as goblins, the DC of this check equals 5 + the monster’s CR. For particularly rare monsters, such as the tarrasque, the DC of this check equals 15 + the monster’s CR, or more. A successful check allows you to remember a bit of useful information about that monster. For every 5 points by which your check result exceeds the DC, you recall another piece of useful information.
Golos conjures up a mystical shield of electricity that hovers in front of him unattended, then advances to get more distance in front of the family and crew.
I might be able to blind them...they can't see well in bright light... Therin says as he moves his hands and a small explosion of bright light appears in front of the closest orc's face.
Florence draws her longbow, and moves forward toward the Orcs. "Anyone speak Orcish?"
Sadly, no...
As the adventurers set up defensive positions, the orcs continue in their charge. Axe at the ready, they rush forward.
Red - 15
Once Therin conjures motes of light just in front of one of the attackers' faces, he stumbles, stops and attempts to swipe the distraction away.
The remaining two continue to advance towards Andrezzi.
As they get in melee range, Andrezzi lurges forward and executes his readied strike. He swings and slashes one of the orcs across the chest. As crimson spills on the ashen floor, the orcs goes off balance and misses his strike. The other one has no such issues, however, and lands a hefty strike with his curved blade. Andrezzi is nearly swept off his feet as the green-skinned humanoid mocks him with laughter.
- Round 2 -
** Conditions: None
Initiative - bolded can go
Andrezzi - 12 HP
Florence
Therin
Golos
Orcs
Golos moves up around to Andrezzi's side; as he moves, his fingertips sharpen into stout claws! He strikes, slashing at the orc in front of him.
Andrezzi tries to hold the orcs at bay with his large sword while carefully studying the movements of the orc wearing the red bandana. At an opportune moment he attempts a tentative strike, but he does not let his guard down as he feels the ample blood running underneath his shirt! Looking quickly back at his companions, he shakes his head, indicating to them he will not hold long, "Run! take the kids to safety. I will delay them with what's left of me!"
Florence rushes forward. Her hand begins to glow with warm light and she touches Andrezzi. "No you aren't dying today."
Andrezzi gasps at the unusual energy flowing through him. Never before had he sensed such hope in concentrated form. Unwittingly, a smile forms across his weathered face, his left foot shifting forward as he begins to prepare a counterattack.
Therin pulls out his loaded crossbow, aims at the wounded orc, and releases the bolt.
Therin tries to aim to not his his traveling companions. The projectile merely scratches the neck and ends up lodged into a nearby log. The scratch punctures the jugular, however. The orc, already wounded by Andrezzi's strike, immediately drops his weapon to stop the flow of blood. He falls to the floor, where he expires after a few short spasms.
Just putting this into a spoiler so that I don't waste space.
Golos' strike actually WAS a crit. I will give the creature a debilitation for this. Let's say - a damaged eye. -2 to Ac and attack rolls for 1d4 turns
I do not -usually- give such conditions to PC characters when they get crit, but if you would like to, we can talk about it in the Discussion section. Let me know.
Florence and Golos both run towards the fray. For entirely dirrent reasons, but that does not matter. Andrezzi swings at the orcs in front of him, but they dodge out of the way. All of a sudden, some of Andrezzi's wounds close as Florence reaches him with her healing palm.
The laughing orc's grin disappears as this happens, but the closing wound is not the reason. Golos suddenly comes into view with his talons and swipes the orc across the face, striking an eye. The greenskin recoils in pain. At the same time, a crossbow bolt comes flying from behind, striking the other orc.
He drops to the floor, but hisposition is immediately taken by the third attacker. The one that was blinded by Therin earlier. He charges from his original position and swings at Andrezzi. The attacker with the wounded eye swings as well. Their nostrils tasted blood, and now they want more.
Fortunately, the blood in the eyes and a few branches and unsteady footing causes both attacks to swing wide.
Green -8
You could swear that you have felt your hand striking the orc across the face. Or have you? The immediate sensation was not quite what you would expect. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot something. Or rather - you do not. When you quickly glance at the ground to look at the now dead orc, there is nothing there, but mud. No body, no blood. You try to convince yourself you are hallucinating, but now that you look at the battlefield - you see your companions swinging at nothing. Just air, and shadows. In a sudden moment of clarity, you have a realisation - There are no orcs here.
- Round 2 -
** Conditions:
Green: -2AC and -2 to ATK until end of turn 6
Magenta: -2AC (charge)
**
Initiative - bolded can go
Andrezzi - 5 HP
Florence
Therin
Golos
Orcs
Do not despair, friends...fight on.... Therin implores his friends as he starts to recite a story of brave heroes facing down a horde of orcs.
"Actually, don't!" Golos yells, urgently. "Don't fight; there's nothing here! This must all be an illusion!" He retracts his claws--making his hands bare and mundane again--and plunges his hand into the head of the closest orc to demonstrate the futility.
"Though, to what end..." he wonders, glancing around the clearing to look for a source or reason for the illusion.
Andrezzi appears momentarily confused by the sorcerer's declaration that the enemies are not there, but feeling the wound on his chest, he decides to see these foes - real or imagined - to their end, and quickly.
What? Did you get hit on the head? They look pretty real to me... Therin says as he looks at Golos incredulously.
Andrezzi charges up for a mighty swing, and cuts deep into the orc's side. The blade cuts the skin and only stops halfway through the torso, when the blade hits the spine. If it were not there, surely Andrezzi would have completely separate the legs from the ribs. The struck orc is not laughing anymore. He cries out in in pain, and simply collapses to the floor as the warrior pulls out the blade.
- Round 2 -
** Conditions:
Green: -2AC and -2 to ATK until end of turn 6
**
Initiative - bolded can go
Andrezzi
Florence
Therin
Golos
Orcs