Masks of the Living God: Price of Immortality

Game Master polyfrequencies

The young heroes of Kassen have decided to see with the Cult of Razmir in Tamran has to do with the events at the Crypt the Everflame. With the city's blessing, they have infiltrated the Cult. But what they find will test them...

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Fireday, 20th of Neth, 4709 AR, Tamran
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This time Sledge catches the wolf right in the muzzle, giving as good as he got.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median moves and casts burning hands at Green. No people were in range, so she didn't have to aim too carefully, but she did raise her hands a tiny bit so the fire would hit the wolf but hopefully not set the forest floor on fire.

Fire damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 (draconic heritage)

DC 14 Reflex save for half, might also set the wolf on fire. Should hit green and not reach Gretchen (15 foot cone).


Green Wolf Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Although the wolf is tied up with the wizard, it feels the heat of Median's flames and ducks down. It is slightly singed in the process, but remains focused on its original quarry.

Round Four
Gretchen (-3, casting)
Silvio and Winter (-10, prone, unconscious, blind, stunned 6 rounds)
Green Wolf (-7)
Red Wolf (-13)
Blue Wolf (-6)
Khuvaan
Sledge (-5, prone)
Median
Map

Khuvaan is still up.


1/2 Orc Ranger 1| HP: 13/13| AC: 16 (T13, F13)| CMB: +4, CMD 16: | F: +5, R: +5, W: +4| Init: +5| Perc: +6 | Speed 35'|

Hearing Sledge's call, Khuvaan lines up a shot with his bow, taking his time Sorry for delay and fires, muttering, "On it. and then whistling at the beast to try and get it's direct attention.

Ranged Attack on Green, Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Arrow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

"Hey! You! Over here!


GM Screen:
Green Wolf Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Blue Wolf Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Quarterstaff: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Bludgeoning: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Khuvaan's arrow sinks into the wolf harrying Gretchen moments before her spell goes off. The wolf begins yelping, but then its eyes grow heavy and it flops to the ground. She gives a slight cheer, "Take that!" and then moves up to the final Wolf and bonks it on the head.

Round Five
Gretchen (-3)
Silvio and Winter (-10, prone, unconscious, blind, stunned 5 rounds)
Green Wolf (-9, asleep)
Red Wolf (-13)
Blue Wolf (-7)
Khuvaan
Sledge (-5, prone)
Median
Map

Silvio is up!


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

"Thanks for not missing with your magic!" says Silvio, clearly still upset over Sledge's mishap. He charges the last remaining wolf!
Charge!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6; Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5. Critical miss!
A shame his staff wasn't so accurate.


The last standing wolf jumps to the side as the halfling goes charging. Surely Sir Dramott would understand the difficulty of fighting my moonlight! As the halfling whiffs, the wolf goes in to bite Sledge again.

GM Screen:
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

But the wolf is a bit over cautious, and doesn't harm the magus again. The wolf looks nervous with the ranks closing, backing away from the humanoids. It looks across the clearing as one of its packmates disappears into the trees, and then looks at its sleeping brethren. It growls as it backs slowly away.

Round Five
Gretchen (-3)
Silvio and Winter (-10, prone, unconscious, blind, stunned 5 rounds)
Green Wolf (-9, asleep)
Red Wolf (-13)
Blue Wolf (-7)
Khuvaan
Sledge
(-5, prone)
Median
Map

Khuvaan, Sledge, and Median are up!


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

Sledge rises, and 5fts after the wolf.

"You know," he says a little bit testily, "It's not quite as simple as missing.

Smack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Bonk Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"It's not like I wanted to knock out your dog. And I'm trying to fix it, aren't I?"

Liberty's Edge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median steps over to the sleeping wolf, knowing that if they left it alive, it would hunt humans again. Sadly, she takes her mace out and prepares to put the poor creature out of its starvation-fueled misery.

Planning a Coup de Grace, but it is a full round action, so one round to talk me out of it if anyone has a better idea. I don't have a rank in handle animal, and don't have a find familiar spell or anything to make taming it likely, but it is starving and might look favorably upon someone that feeds it... that seems like it would take a *huge* effort though, so assuming that we need to kill it.


1/2 Orc Ranger 1| HP: 13/13| AC: 16 (T13, F13)| CMB: +4, CMD 16: | F: +5, R: +5, W: +4| Init: +5| Perc: +6 | Speed 35'|

Scanning the area for more wolves, Khuvaan makes his way to Median's side, shouldering his bow and drawing out his machete. Quietly he says, "Here, Median. Let me. It's too far gone, if it's attacking people like this. It'll be quicker and less messy than your mace."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
If there's nothing else coming, Khuvaan will use a full round action to perform the Coup de Grace. Not trying to step on your toes Med. Just seems to make more sense for the ranger to do it. However, if you want to object, speak up and ignore this next part...

As humanely as he can, the young ranger goes down to one knee next to the slumbering wolf, says a silent prayer to the elven goddess of the hunt, Ketephys, and then slices the creature's throat and sends it to the after life.


Sledge's flail connects powerfully with the wolf, and it looks dazed, bleeding from multiple attacks. It looks like it is about to drop, but looks towards its surrounded, sleeping packmate. Median and Khuvaan move into position to put the sleeping wolf down, jockeying for the dubious honor of the kill. The wolf growls, looking like it is about to charge Khuvaan.

Gretchen, Hand of the Apprentice, Blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Bludgeoning: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Seeing the threat of further violence, Gretchen hurls her staff once more at the awake, bloodied wolf, and with an arcing swirl knocks it to the ground, where it stops moving.

Khuvaan coup de grace: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13
Wolf Fort save, DC 23: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 O_O Well then...

Khuvaan's machete draws a yelp from the sleeping wolf, who begins bleeding further, but still seems to be breathing shallow and ragged.

Combat is over, unless someone wants to stabilize the wolves. Congrats on a hard-fought fight!

The wizard wrinkles her nose at the bloody work of the ranger, but then bows her head. "Well I'm glad that someone else was out this far. Thank you for your help." She looks at her left arm, which is bleeding lightly from the wolf's bites, though she looks better off than Sledge or poor Winter. "Is your dog okay?" she asks Silvio.

What do you do? A lot happened in that fight, so I'd love to know what your characters are thinking as well, if you're open to it, whether they share it verbally with the rest of the group or maintain a silent vigil. I'll chime in with Gretchen whenever she is addressed or has something to add, but feel free to RP away.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median steps aside to let Khuvaan to let Khuvaan do the deed, wincing when the wolf yelps.

She addresses Gretchen.

I'm confused. What are you doing out here? Are you part of this whole sham... it was your master that made those illusions, right? Did you come with him?


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

"Oh. It's you." Sledge says unconvincingly. He continues to beat on his unconscious wolf until it stops moving, talking as he does so.
Coup de grace: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 6) + 10 = 22
"She's technically not Holgast's apprentice anymore. Quit, and all that." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "If I had to guess, she wanted to beat us to the Crypt, and prove that she should have been chosen instead of me."


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

Silvio's focus is on his own sleeping dog. He sees the rise and fall of Winter's chest, which gives him some comfort as he prays for healing.
CLW Winter: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Some of the wounds close--enough to make Silvio feel a little better. "You're gonna be alright, big boy. Took on three wolves at once--bravest dog I've ever known.

Silvio then spins back to Sledge. "Look, I heard you kinda do things your own way. But we're a team here. All of us--Winter too! Alright? You look out for me, I'll look out for you." Silvio offers another prayer, this time for Sledge.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5


1/2 Orc Ranger 1| HP: 13/13| AC: 16 (T13, F13)| CMB: +4, CMD 16: | F: +5, R: +5, W: +4| Init: +5| Perc: +6 | Speed 35'|

Khuvaan makes a face when the wolf cries out, and gives his head a little shake. He drops one of his hands to the creature's head, offering a compassionate touch as the wolf slowly passes.

Glancing up at the others, the half-orc is struck by the fact that none of them had acted together in the battle with the wolves. They'd each acted independently and it hadn't gone all that well. "You're not wrong, Silvio. We were arrogant and didn't coordinate. We were simply reacting...while the wolves acted as a pack...and we're lucky no one died." A pause, and then Khuvaan adds, "Winter, too."

"We need to change all that if we're gone to survive all this...let alone complete the mission." Khuvaan looks first at Sledge, then at Silvio, and finally at Meridan before turning his own gaze on Gretchen as well. "Like they said, What ARE you doing here?"


"Illusions?" Gretchen asks, arching one eyebrow in response to Median's initial question. "Don't know anything about that. And Sledge is right. I quit. Master Holgast is an ass."

She blanches when Sledge kills the other wolf, "Ew," and turns away so she doesn't have to see the gore. That kills it outright, and then some. She clears her throat and waits while Khuvaan castigates the others. When she's addressed again, she shrugs. "Sledge was basically right. I left town this morning to try navigating towards the Crypt. It's uh...it's harder than I expected. Especially on my own."

It takes longer than Silvio would probably like, but with a bit of healing from Erastil and a little bit of time, Winter wakes up and licks Silvio's face.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

"You." Sledge turns to Median. He is not in a great mood, and seems to have dropped niceties. "Can you cast presti? I'll pay you 2 silver to cast it on me, to get this gore off. I'd do it myself but..." he drops the glowing rock, "Not enough slots."

He turns to Silvo. "I agree. It was a calculated gamble. It did not pay off. Even Gretchen here would have to admit that it should've affected more than just your dog." He raises an eyebrow. "I hope you all would be willing to risk me the same way, if you thought it had a shot of saving us." Sledge relents somewhat. "Still. I'm sorry that I didn't warn you. It was brash of me."

Turning away from Gretchen, he waves a hand in the air. "You've heard what she had to say. She's here to show us up. The rest of you can decide what to do with her. I'd vote sending her back home, if I actually thought she'd go. I want to get clean, and get back to sleep. There's no need for her to thank me, but if she feels so inclined, I accept monetary and physical forms of compensation."

Sorry for being a bit of an ass, if you guys think it's too much, I'll tone it down for the future. I really don't want to reduce anyone's enjoyment of the game out of character.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median looks between Gretchen and Sledge, then addresses Gretchen.

If you didn't have anything to do with the set up then, okay, I accept that. You can come with us if you really want to do this. Otherwise we'll have to keep saving you when you get into trouble. And honestly, it'll be good to have another girl along.

She then casts Prestidigitation on Sledge, cleaning him off.

Okay, you're clean. You owe me two silver. Keep it and pretend it is your supposed compensation from Gretchen. ... Honestly, next time just ask, and you can have it for free. No need to even be nice, since I see that is difficult for you. On the other hand, if you offer to pay me again, then I'll assume that you'd rather deal with me as a merchant than a friend, and I'll set you up with a credit account.

Looking between both of them again she adds

I don't care what is up between the two of you, but your former master is leaving illusory orcs in our way and making this whole trip a joke, and he is pissing me off, so anyone who knows the way he works is welcome. You both seem like you might be making some stupid decisions, but I know what it is like to want to be recognized and to have to please someone who seems a little crazy, so as long as you are actively trying to act like decent people, we'll ignore the occasional stupid remark that just comes out, and I hope you'll do the same for me.

Silvio is right. We need to look out for each other, and treat each other like friends, whether or not we actually feel that way yet, or we might as well go back and be the laughingstock that they already expect us to be. It's called civilization... or adulthood perhaps. ... And I hope this meeting isn't just another setup to teach us something moronic like that. I hate being manipulated.

Let's build the fire back up, and try to get some sleep. We're going to need it.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
1/2 Orc Ranger 1| HP: 13/13| AC: 16 (T13, F13)| CMB: +4, CMD 16: | F: +5, R: +5, W: +4| Init: +5| Perc: +6 | Speed 35'|

Khuvaan sheathes his blade, then stands silently, listening to the others. It was not usually his way to be so vocal with others, as he had just done. But the young ranger was concerned about the possibility of failure on this expedition.

The half-orc waits as Median speaks her mind, and then nods when she finishes. He moves to stoke the fire as instructed, gathering nearby tinder as needed.

After a short bit Khuvaan says, "I'm ok with Gretchen...that's your name, right? Gretchen coming along, so long as she pulls her weight. Can't be fighting with Sledge the whole time, though..."

Personally, I don't think Sledge is being THAT obnoxious. It's just his personality.


Gretchen wrinkles her face up at Sledge's comments about physical compensation. "I'm going to pretend I don't think I know what you mean, Sledge Potterson. You and Master Holgast deserve each other."

She huffs and rolls her eyes. "Although he is an ass, he's not making this trip a joke. He has a reason for everything. So does my father."

The wizard shivers in the cool of the night, nodding when Khuvaan confirms her name. "If you all are building a fire, though, there is strength in numbers. I'd rather head back to Kassen in the morning. No offense to most of you."

When you are ready to go to sleep, go ahead and give your perception check for your watch. Gretchen will take a watch as well to make sure everyone gets a full eight hours. No rush, though.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Your father? Is he out here too? And I'm sure Holgast has his reasons, but if he isn't making some idiotic point about learning to work together or some inane "coming of age" challenge, then why in dragonfire would he cast the illusion of orcs in our path? How is that making this trip anything but a joke? We go back and say we overcame orcs, then wow. That's amazing at our age and level of experience. Orcs are tough. But we go back and say, oh, we fought an orc illusion... then we'll be ridiculed.

Goes along with everyone being tight-lipped about the trip too... it's some farce or hazing thing and they don't want to give it away.

And that's fine if you head back to Kassen, but first, it will be dangerous, and we won't be around to hear you if you scream. Second, if you were trying to prove something by coming out here... has that changed? Do you just not care anymore?

Perception (watch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

Sledge isn't bad at all. I almost wish he were MORE mean! We'll see what Silvio can instigate.

Silvio gives Winter a loving rub as the dog comes back to his senses. Then looks disapprovingly at Sledge. "Damnation, Sledge. Winter isn't a pawn for your use! He's a friend! A true friend. And no, I'm not here to risk any of you. I'll risk myself. As a true hero should!"

Still holding Winter, the halfling bites his lip as he finishes, chewing on his own words. If only I'd done the same for Tolly he thinks to himself. He had seen his friend trip. But he had just kept going . . . up the tree.

He eventually shakes off his stupor. No sense in giving up secrets, especially not to Sledge. He decides to keep quiet and instead pulls a wolf corpse aside as he works to salvage its pelt.
Survival, Guidance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
Of course, Silvio didn't bring a knife, and he seems to be more interested in vengefully mutilating the wretched wolf than recovering its fur. Winter looks on disapprovingly.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

Sledge pauses as he's walking back to his sleeping bag. He can snipe along with the rest of them.
"It's bloody cold out here Gretchen, especially if you're down some blood. You call me arrogant, but I'm not the one who went blundering into the woods on their lonesome. You're more like Holgast than you want to admit. More like me.

"Median, you're right. Money was uncalled for. I'll try and work on it. Bear with me." Sledge's tone is radically different when talking to Median, it's quite a bit more respectful. "Please. Another strange word coming from Sledge's mouth.

"Risk yourself? As if I didn't risk myself? I was in the front of our little skirmish. I tried to bail your dog out of being ripped to shreds by a pack of starving wolves. I recognized Gretchen's spell was more important than my safety, and encouraged Khuvaan to prioritize protecting her. I've apologized for the outcome, but don't go patting yourself on the back. Your dog ran in, and left us to pick up the pieces. Your borderline suicidal tendencies will only end up getting everyone else killed as we try and chase after you only being willing to risk yourself without considering how that risks everyone else." Sledge continues the walk towards his sleeping area. "I'd continue, but-" He wanted to say I'd be punching down. Quite literally, but that would only stoke more dissent between the group. "I'd continue, but it'd be best that we get some sleep and relaxation before we jump down each other's throats with these frayed nerves."

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median flashes an annoyed look at Sledge when he keeps at Gretchen, and then Median says to Gretchen with a sigh,

Nevermind. Not my business. We'll see you on your way in the morning if that is what you want.

When Silvio and Sledge get into it, Median rolls her eyes slightly, but says

Honestly, Silvio, he's rude, but he's probably the reason your dog is still alive. It going unconscious for a while kept it from getting in way worse trouble. He was trying to do good, and he mostly succeeded, even though the spell failed on the wolves.

Now everyone stop bickering and shut up. I'm tired.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
1/2 Orc Ranger 1| HP: 13/13| AC: 16 (T13, F13)| CMB: +4, CMD 16: | F: +5, R: +5, W: +4| Init: +5| Perc: +6 | Speed 35'|

While the others bicker, Khuvaan keeps his own counsel, thinking he'd already said enough for one day. Keeping busy, he does his best to recover what arrows he can, both from the corpses and from the nearby foliage. During this, he starts moving the bodies of the wolves away from the camp. They'll just draw in other scavengers, and I don't have time to properly handle the pelts.

Khuvaan does give Silvio a comradely pat on the shoulder, however, when he sees the halfling working to do exactly that. The half-orc doesn't try to take the wolf that his friend is working on or interfere, however, unless asked.

Perception/Watch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

"He's the reason Winter is still alive?" The halfling is incredulous at Median's words. "That's hogwash."

Silvio is too angry to even respond to Sledge. Instead, he channels his anger at the poor wolf corpse. When Khuvaan gives him a friendly pat, Silvio just shrugs in defeat at the failed skinning attempt. "I'll give you a hand with this one," he says, helping to move the corpse to where Khuvaan had set the others. He then sighs and rubs the bow and arrow symbol across his neck as he bows his head. Thanks for saving us from ourselves. I know you're the reason we all made it.

Silvio manages to find some measure of peace in prayer, and his thoughts drift to the puzzle of why these wolves would've been so bold as to attack people. First the one that sniffed at a whole group, and then the pack that went after Gretchen. It didn't seem right. There was adventure, and then there was nearly dying to wolves. NOT what he had in mind. Maybe the next day would be more normal.


Gretchen shrugs. "Dad? No, I'm sure he's sitting comfortably at home after the rigmarole of his this morning ceremony. At least I'm guessing he did his whole speech again."

She sighs as Median goes on about ridicule and such, and seems to echo Silvio's silent thoughts. "Those wolves were real enough, weren't they?" She holds up her arm and winces, and seems pleased to not have to spell out her motivations when Median gives her an out. "Thanks. I'll be fine."

She laughs ruefully at Sledge when he addresses her again. "Also, I never called you arrogant. That was your half-orc friend."

She retrieves her own bedroll and dusts it off, helping to stoke the fire and otherwise being quiet as the tension rises and falls. She also offers to take the last watch so that she can get up and prepare for a busy solo day going in your opposite direction. Eventually, the warmth of the fire overtakes the party and those of you not on first watch fall fast asleep.

---

* * * Oathday, 5th of Neth, 4709 AR * * *

The rest of the night is thankfully uneventful, and everyone wakes well-rested. Gretchen has started making some oatmeal, and offers it to the party why they wake up. It's a little bland, but she has found some cranberries and apples and added them into the pot with the mushy oats, grinding some kind of nut over them while they cook.

The Fangwood deepens before you, and the Crypt of the Everflame awaits. Looking over the map, it appears that the Gray Lake is next. Gretchen waits with you all until you decide to depart. She is quiet this morning.

What do you do? Please feel free to describe your morning preparations, as I believe almost everyone in the party requires some activity to prepare for the day. I will need at least one person to roll a Survival check to follow the map. Also, anyone who was still injured recovers their HD+Con hit points overnight.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Oh, I didn't think of it before to top people off, but Median can heal with fire. Probably something we need to roleplay out though because it is going to seem really bad if Median goes to help heal the dog and Silvio thinks that she is frying it.

Median gets up, stretches, and accepts some oatmeal. She sits thinking and eating in silence unless someone engages her in conversation.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

It had been a difficult night for Sledge. He should have known Gretchen would have set out on her own when she didn't show up for the ceremony. And the whole color spray fiasco... Why bother being a hero? Why bother trying to do anything at all? Everyone will yell at you all the same. Just sit back and let the others do the work...

But when he awoke, he felt reinvigorated. He wasn't ready to quit just yet. Studying his spellbook could come later.

"Median," Sledge begins, "There's a reason I use a flail. I've been working on a trick," he says as he draws his weapon to aid in his demonstration. "See, I know how to put a little bit of magic into the weapon strikes. Not a lot mind you, but enough to make it sting a little bit. And, well, it got me thinking about other ways to blend weapons and spells. So I figured something out. If you hit something in the head, it loses focus. I just use it to make my enchan-illusions work better, but theoretically it should throw off their balance as well, and make it easier to hit them with your burning hands. So uh..." Sledge starts floundering once he is no longer talking about magical theory. "Maybe we could work together, and you could time your spells for after I hit something?" Sledge ponders for a second on the perils of shadowboxing with a flail, shaking his now bruised spellcasting hand. [b]"Assuming I do hit of course, it's trickier than it looks."

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median looks up dubiously when Sledge addresses her, not wanting to hear another rant about Gretchen, but when it wasn't that, she started actually listening.

Huh... so you're saying that it makes them more susceptible, less able to shake off the effects? It's an interesting idea. ... If we run into something else to fight out here, which is likely, I'll try to keep it in mind and follow up if you can pull off a hit. It would be better to practice, but since we aren't in a safe place, I don't want to use up any spells unless we actually need them.

___

When Silvio gets up Median says

How's your dog? I could heal it up a little if it is still feeling poorly... but we'd, ah, have to talk about how that is done, so no one freaks out.


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Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

A good night's rest, some morning prayers, and the sight of a recovered Winter makes Silvio feel better. Well, that and munching on oatmeal.

"Thanks for breakfast, Gretchen. It's yummy. So, you heading back home now? If you are, would appreciate if you can tell folks that we're all doing well. I wouldn't mention the wolves to my parents, though--they're always worried about me getting into trouble."

I think Winter heals 4 HP - 2HD + 2 con bonus, so he's at -1.

"Oh Winter is all better now. Hardly a scratch! Hopefully we don't run into anything else quite that dangerous for the rest of the trip."


Gretchen nods as she bundles up her bedroll and other belongings. She smiles at the halfling's praise of her meager cooking and reaches out her hand for a shake.
"It's a deal. I'm happy to tell folks that you faced actual danger out here instead of, well, illusions and pranks all that. Not sure how to do that without word getting back to the Erricos, though. Would they really be that worried?"

She scrapes the rest of the oatmeal out into a small ceramic cup for Winter to eat, and uses prestidigitation to scour her cast iron skillet. The wizard reaches into her pack and pulls out a small, tightly bound cloth bag, which she hands to Silvio. "Here, I figure you all could use this tanglefoot bag. There might be some rats of unusual size are such within the crypt, right?"

She strides back the way that you all came initially, disappearing into the thick foliage before long.

What now? Anyone can give me a Survival check to proceed.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

"Surprisingly wholesome from her. There was a reason I wanted you all to be the ones who dealt with Gretchen."

[spoiler=Perception or sense motive DC 10
For a second, a profound sadness crosses over Sledge's face. His usual monotone has a slight hint of self-awareness/debasement. In that instant, Sledge could almost be described as wistful.
But the moment quickly passes. Weakness is not an state of being that will be tolerated by Sledge Potterson, and the stony exterior resumes. Dead, flinty eyes, and the hint of a smirk is what replaces it. Familiar expressions. Safe ones.[/spoiler]

"I need about a quarter of an hour to refresh my memory on my spells. It's a pain, but needed. You don't want to see what a half-remembered evocation can do to you, let alone a miscast enchantment." He ambles off to a secluded area to pour over his book.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Median saw the look that crossed Sledge's face, and wondered why he was trying to suppress his humanity. Not her business, she knew, but sad. And also, wounded people could be scary because they often didn't think anything of wounding others. Well, maybe the trip would be good for him... help him relax.


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

"Yeah, I guess my family will find out either way about what happened--no such thing as secrets in Kessen. Be safe."

He then accepts the tanglefoot bag with gratitude. "Thanks, Gretchen! Real kind of you."
Don't get why Sledge got picked instead of Gretchen--she's so much nicer!
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
For a moment, he wonders if Sledge is understanding some of this too. But he decides he's giving Sledge too much credit. Once again, he tries to lead the way forward!
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Of course I fail, it's a survival roll!

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Median looks at the map and thinks she knows which way to go next, but points it out for the group, and waits for Khuvaan to confirm, since he is better at this than she is.


Khuvaan, you're welcome to respond retroactively to the scene, but I'm eager to keep moving us forward.

Khuvaan Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Silvio looks confused as he assesses the map again this morning, so Median and Khuvaan once again collaborate to ensure that they keep to the proper trail. As you follow along, the trees begin to thin, revealing a field of short, green grass that leads to the shores of a wide, calm lake reflecting the overcast sky above. A dense fog hangs over the center of the lake, obscuring the far side. Near the shore of the lake, a dark form lies next to the water.

Anyone wishing to investigate the dark form should approach in some way and tell me what you're looking for. You can also preemptively roll a skill check that you think might be relevant.


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

"Look at that, the lake! What do you think that foamy stuff is? Do lakes have tides?"

Silvio decides to go along with Winter. Silvio observes while Winter sniffs.
Perception (Silvio): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Perception (Winter): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Median draws her mace and follows the halfling, not wanting to see him or his dog get into trouble.

When Median gets closer, she thinks it might be a body, so she goes right up to it to see if it is alive or dead, if it needs help, or it needs killing.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 19


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

Silvio suddenly realizes what he's actually seeing is a body of some sort, and so he moves quickly alongside Median to investigate.
Heal?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24


After some initial uncertainty, Silvio, Winter, and Median begin making their way cautiously closer to the lake. As they approach, the notion that this could be a body becomes unmistakable, both because of the smell of rot and because of the humanoid features.

Looking over the corpse, Median finds huge gouges all over the person's upper torso. She ventures, and Silvio confirms, that the man has probably been dead for a few months. From the discoloration of the skin and the angle of the gouges, Silvio thinks that this person may have been bitten by a large specimen of venomous snake. The body doesn't appear to have been eaten by anything, even potential scavengers.

Most of the man's gear has rotted to worthlessness, exposed to the elements as it all is, but Median does find two useful things searching the body. Not far from the body is a fine (masterwork) shortsword with a silver hawk's head carved in the pommel, two small amethysts glittering in its eyes. Second, there is a coin pouch with 87 gold coins inside.

To look more closely at the coins, someone please give me an Appraise check. To determine where this person could potentially be from, please give me a Knowledge (local) or Knowledge (geography) check. And to look for any signs of tracks around the body, please give me a Survival check. All of these can be rolled untrained.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Appraise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Kn: Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Kn: Geography: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Median looks closely at the coins and tries to evaluate where the man was from... but she also keeps her eyes open in case the snake is still around here somewhere.

Clearly a large snake. Don't let Winter chase after it.


In the future if I specify or, please choose one or the other rather than rolling both. Otherwise it's like rolling twice and taking the better. So sorry, I'm striking the Knowledge (geography) check.

Median looks over the gold: they appear to be relatively newly minted from the capital city of Nirmathas: Tamran. They bear the likeness of Forest Marshal Weslen Gavirk, the recently-elected leader of Nirmathas.

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Whoops, sorry... wasn't intended as a cheat, and I get disallowing it. Although if I hadn't rolled both, then the Survival roll would have been higher, so seems a waste.

These coins are fairly new, from Nirmathas.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 5

"Well, that's quite unfortunate."
Knowledge Religion for burial customs where this man might be from?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"An early death is always a waste." Sledge pauses for a second. "And leaving useful tools behind would also be a waste. Who among us would best use a well balanced sword?"


No worries! Just keeping things even here. I'm confident that Silvio will make one of his Survival checks one of these days. Or Khuvaan. You okay out there, Khuvaan?

Also, you all are in Nirmathas, and I'll let the Knowledge (geography) check represent that.

Tamran is about 130 miles southeast from Kassen and very close to the border with Molthune. The city built on piers and pilings over the marshlands at the mouth of the Marideth River, where it meets the banks of Lake Encarthan. The city is connected by a web of bridges, ramps, and causeways, and a flotilla of barges and skiffs, and all of the buildings are made of wood.

Looking over the clothing, Sledge is certain that the man is not from Kassen. Even though the clothing is in as poor of condition as the man wearing them from the exposure, it's style is more urban than rural. If Sledge has reason to be familiar with fashion trends, it's also "in season" in those urban centers, whereas fashion in smaller villages like Kassen tend to only inherit these kinds of styles years after they have already passed on in popularity in places like Tamran, Glimmerhold, Skelt, or even Crowstump. The man was a commoner, but he was a well-dressed one.

There is no clear sign of the man's faith on his person, but the most commonly worshiped gods in Nirmathas are Erastil, Iomedae, and Gorum.

Median spots a few faded tracks, but although she has proven adept at following a map, following tracks is outside her wheelhouse. Maybe the more outdoorsy types will have better luck.


Male Halfling Warpriest (Divine Commander) 3 | HP 36/36 | AC:20 T:15 FF:16 CMD:16 | F+5 R+6 W+6 | Init+4 | Perc+4 |
Winter:
HP 36/36 (2 nonlethal) | AC:20 T:13 FF:17 CMD:17 | F+4 R+5 W+2 | Perc+5 | Light, Bless, Inspired Rage

Survival re tracks: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7. Perfect.

Silvio sighs. "Poor man died months ago his family doesn't know for sure," he says. "I know it's not of our mission, but we ought to do something for him if we can. Maybe a funeral pyre? Though we ought to be careful, since his body hasn't been scavenged after all this time, I guess it's full of poison."

Silvio thinks about what he remembers of Erastilian funerary rites, though the fact is that he hadn't really paid attention to such things.

When discussion turns to the sword, Silvio shakes his head no. "Too big for me, and the balance is all off for a halfling. One of you ought to keep it. We'll split the coin."

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Hmm, do you think burning would attract attention? Maybe burial instead? Not sure. But either way, not here. The snake that killed him could be close by. Let's drag him away first.


HP:23/37|BaB:2|AC:15 T:11 FF:14|Fort:4 Ref:3 Will:3(+2 vs enchantment, see drawback)|

"Hm. No shovels. Otherwise, I'd agree with Median. Too bloated for burning too, waterlogged. Leaving him here would be... wrong. Perhaps a water burial?"

Liberty's Edge

Loot | Map | Female Human Crossblooded Draconic/Phoenix Bloodline Sorcerer 2 | HP 8/24 | AC 12 / T 12 / FF 10 | Fort +1 / Ref +2 / Will +2 | CMB 2 / CMD 14 | Initiative +2 | Perception +4 | Claws 5/6 | Spells 1L 3/5 | Mage Armor 8/10 | Magic Missile 8/10

Do we have something to weight down the body with? Err... rocks? but not sure how to get him in deeper water without risking ... going in there. Do you think it was a water snake that got him, or one of the ones that the Serpent Gorge and the Serpent Hills are named after?

Perhaps trying to burn him is the best idea after all.

Median uses prestidigitation to dry him off.

Let's drag him back well away from the lake, and make a firebreak with rocks and dirt so the fire doesn't spread, and get a lot of wood piled around him.

Median picks up the sword and the coin pouch, and then starts dragging the body back about 50 feet, farther from the water, but still where there isn't a lot of vegetation and away from trees that might ignite.

Here?

If everyone agrees, she starts gathering rocks for a firebreak and firewood to use for the pyre.

If you guys want to walk into the lake to drag him deeper, that is also okay, but I thought this plan seemed less risky.

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