Gameday XIII - 'Gallows of Madness - A Foul Breed' (Inactive)

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Guardian XI's keen insight into the feelings and motivations of humanoids...leaves him bumfuggled as usual.

Victor thinks the way Gunty is barking about the wagon and "In my days in the Army..." may be the way to get him to talk.

Strength checks to help lift/fix the broken wagon or a Knowledge (History) check about the Goblinblood War are your best bets.

The catfolk inhales sharply as her brain clicks on an idea and grabs Vreeka, dragging her over to the cart. She pulls out some tools.

”No problem sir, we can help ya out! My girl here has never met a cart she can’t fix.”

She whispers to the elf, Please don’t make me wrong on my guess. I’ll be your gopher, but don’t get any ideas.”

Aid Disable Re-Enable Device - ACP: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 3 = 15

I’m making some assumptions here. One, from the RP it is quite clear that fixing his cart will help him and hopefully give him time to talk. Two, fixing the cart would either be a craft check or a disable device check (and with that roll she would aid either check). Three, Vreeka will take lead on the fixing.

"It definitely looks like that broken cart is not helping his mood." whispers Victor. "I also hear he enjoys reminiscing about the Goblin Blood Wars if anyone is knowledgeable about that?"

Victor doesn't know anything about history, but could help out fixing the cart...

Strength to Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 (Victor gives +4 on a successful aid check)

The catfolk inhales sharply as her brain clicks on an idea and grabs Vreeka, dragging her over to the cart. She pulls out some tools.

”No problem sir, we can help ya out! My girl here has never met a cart she can’t fix.”

She whispers to the elf, Please don’t make me wrong on my guess. I’ll be your gopher, but don’t get any ideas.”

[dice=Aid Disable Re-Enable Device - ACP]d20+7-3

I’m making some assumptions here. One, from the RP it is quite clear that fixing his cart will help him and hopefully give him time to talk. Two, fixing the cart would either be a craft check or a disable device check (and with that roll she would aid either check). Three, Vreeka will take lead on the fixing.

Disable Device is more for sabotaging and not actual repair work. The biggest issue currently is lifting and moving the cart hence the Strength check. Since no one is clobbering the party (yet?) you can take 10, use Guidance, etc. for your checks. I mean look at Cannoli's muscles!

Ah, I recalled something about disable device and carts without looking it up. 'You also can rig simple devices such as saddles or wagon wheels to work normally for a while and then fail or fall off some time later (usually after 1d4 rounds or minutes of use)'. That PROBABLY isn't what we want to do here. And cause the module gives a specific check then it would be often required of us to follow it. May I apply my roll above as a successful str check aid? Guardian should ideally take lead on that roll as primary.

Ah, I recalled something about disable device and carts without looking it up. 'You also can rig simple devices such as saddles or wagon wheels to work normally for a while and then fail or fall off some time later (usually after 1d4 rounds or minutes of use)'. That PROBABLY isn't what we want to do here. And cause the module gives a specific check then it would be often required of us to follow it. May I apply my roll above as a successful str check aid? Guardian should ideally take lead on that roll as primary.

Remember Cannoli wouldn't have an ACP with a Strength check so her roll of 18 would be sufficient. But Cannoli realizes it will take at least one other member of the group to help her move the cart. So someone else needs to make a Strength check. :)

Daegon tries to help aid Cannoli's efforts.
strength, no hernia please: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Daegon tries to help aid Cannoli's efforts.

[dice=strength, no hernia please]1d20

Daegon, despite his best efforts, does pull something.

In case it's not too late

Let me get that...

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Guardian XI joins Cannoli in lifting the heavy cart and moving it where Gunty asks.

I'll bot Vreekka for the Knowledge (History) check later today if they haven't rolled by then.

Jakeric limps into the bakery, sweat on his brow. Why does everyone walk so fast? He arrives just as the others lift a wagon to help repair it. "G-g-good work guys!"

I'm back just in time to be useless :) I've got some Knowledge skills, but, alas, history is not one of them.

Botting Vreekka:

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Vreekka recalls many of the battles from the Goblinblood War including those in which Gunty served. He's so impressed by both her knowledge and the work from Cannoli, Guardian XI, Victor, and Daegon to move the cart his attitude towards talking changes.

"Well okay I might be able to spare a minute or two. What's on your minds youngsters?"

Since we've seen this script I'll go ahead with the reveal. :)

Gunty grunts, "Yeah Noemi hasn't shown up for work the last two days. Hanging out with those no-good friends of hers no doubt. I caught them lazing about and eating my bread - without paying for it! - and I gave them all a good yelling. I suspect those little miscreants are plotting some sort of trick in retaliation."

After yelling more at the apprentices who are there he continues, "I think they've already started. Recently I've heard buzzing noises and seeing strange flickering lights like torches flying through the sky near the town’s central orchard. Trying to drive me crazy or get me running scared I suppose. HAH! I faced down goblin hordes, hobgoblins, fires, so no little parlor tricks those rat bastards pull are going to frighten old Keronna Gunty! I went to the orchard to catch them in the act but all I found was some trampled fruit."

Pointing at his lame leg he adds, "Some accomplishment that they can outrun a one-legged man eh? So who else is buying some bread today?"

Daegon can attest to the quality of the bread as he's currently stuffing his mouth with some!

Vreekka Int Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Man I was saving those crits for some powergamers! :( ;)

While Gunty fills bread orders Vreekka will quietly relay to the rest of the group that what he's seeing could be more giant bugs.

How often do you hear that noise, or see that display at night?

Guardian inquires. He wonders if they could go out late tonight and attempt to catch the bugs in the orchard.

And Cannoli is buying bread! Enough for a stakeout.

Man I was saving those crits for some powergamers! :( ;)

Ha-HA! I tricked the Dice Roller Curse of DOOM (TM) by making you roll for me! :-P

"The central orchard, eh? I think we should have a look, then - maybe we'll be able to find Noemi and her friends."

How often do you hear that noise, or see that display at night?

Guardian inquires. He wonders if they could go out late tonight and attempt to catch the bugs in the orchard.

Gunty thinks for a moment, "The past two or three maybe? We start work really early here - much to the delight of some people." as he eyes his apprentices

Jakeric nods at Vreeka. Finally, a real lead!

"It sounds like the orchard would be a good place to investigate next." agrees Victor.

Since the activity has been noticed at night is the group going to wait until then? You've been investigating most of the day so you could walk around town, shop, or eat dinner at Witch's End.

"I wouldn't m-mind going back to Witch's End for a meal. And I'll be on my b-b-best behavior this time!"

Cannoli looks at Jakeric with a soft smile, ”It isn’t your behavior that was a concern, friend. Anyway, why don’t we scout out the orchard, get a good feel for the layout and do some searching for dangers. If we don’t find anything we get dinner, a nap and then head back out.”

Cannoli's plan makes sense...and at least I can see at night...

Yes, scout first, then the meal. I don't need food, but I suppose I can sit and watch all of you eat.

Grizzlebin lopes along towards the orchard, ready to get his hands dirty.

Diplomacy (Gather Information) and Knowledge (Local) checks please.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

The catfolk spins in a slow circle, pointing at a variety of folks until, ”Doopey droopy doo, talkin to… YOU!”

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+9

The catfolk spins in a slow circle, pointing at a variety of folks until, ”Doopey droopy doo, talkin to… YOU!”

After getting the side eye from many townspeople finally one is willing to speak with Cannoli.

"Hammish Stonecrop, nice to meet you! The orchard eh? It's about in the center of Saringallow. The family that used to own it left to fight in the Goblinblood War and never returned."

The friendly feline smiles, "Oh, that's sad. Does anyone tend it? Or just let the trees grow wild? I'd think someone would volunteer to at least keep it up and harvest the goods for the town."

The friendly feline smiles, "Oh, that's sad. Does anyone tend it? Or just let the trees grow wild? I'd think someone would volunteer to at least keep it up and harvest the goods for the town."

Hammish says, "I think someone does but I'm not sure. Someone else needs to make a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local) check Maybe someone else knows?"

;)

Jakeric nervously approaches one of the many townspeople who are surely staring at the odd collection of strangers who have come to town. "Ah, excuse me. D-do you know anything about the orchard?"

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Catching a flight, back in 48 hours.

A woman gruffly answers, "I'm busy!" and walks away from Jakeric.

Yikes a 1!

"Oh, s-sorry sir! I mean m'am!" Jakeric looks around, embarassed. "She had a hairy chin . . ."

Ha, it happens. Better now than on a saving throw vs petrification or something!

diplo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Cannoli eyes Jakerik, ”So do I… ya got somethin against that?”

An eavesdropper chimes in for Daegon, "The orchard has been owner-less for 15 years."

Meanwhile Cannoli and Jakeric are in an epic showdown over Cannoli's chin whiskers!

Battlebots time: FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! ;)

Nobody talks to robots: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and there are many obvious reasons why.

Victor also sees what he can find out about the orchard...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Victor has some luck talking to a woman, "Hello I'm Memina Sera. In the 15 years since the family disappeared, the responsibility of caring for the trees and harvesting the apples has rotated between citizens who lack a livelihood of their own."

That's all the information to be gathered. On to the orchard!

Rows of neglected apple trees sway in the wind, and the occasional rotting, worm-eaten fruit falls with a wet thud to the ground below. The earth is heavily trampled near the southern end of the orchard, and an overturned barrel of apples lies broken on its side, exuding a sickly sweet scent.

Vreekka and Jakeric determine the damage is evidence of a struggle near the entrance of the orchard. The trail continues into the orchard.

Daegon and Jakeric also find traces of a familiar purple slime...
Does the intrepid group dare to explore the orchard???

New map on Slide 2. Again this module didn't come with any maps so I've had to improvise. Hopefully the map works out okay; it looks a bit like a semi-abandoned orchard.

Verily, we are intrepid! Let's follow the tracks into the orchard! Really it looks like they packed a whole forest into town!

If you're okay with the marching order let me know who is doing what, who has what worn/wielded, etc.

Victor listens to see if he can hear anything unusual up ahead while drawing his ghostly whip...

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Which of the paths in front of us do the track to down. Is it the wider one heading northeast?

Yes it is. I inserted an arrow to show the direction; it's heading into the orchard (although backward since the struggle started on the inside and continued here). If someone can add little footprints instead of the arrow that would be cool!

Aww, no reply from Jakeric. :( I had several responses planned. Oh well!

At the signs of purple slime, Cannoli whips out her buckler and fancy cold iron beating stick.

Yeah, I recall this module being thin on maps. I think part two is as well. The map you used seems fine to me!

Cannoli sniffs around for hidden enemies that smell like evil purple slime bugs. But otherwise she allows Victor and Guardian to lead the way. She stays third, for now.

"Remember y'all, I can't see far so holler out if you notice something at any distance."

Jakeric's player is still in a plane trying to remain two steps ahead of the law vacation. I'm confident he will respond when he returns! ;)

Daegon lights a torch to help out those who can't see in the dark like he can.

Its still daylight, right? Or did I completely miss something?

Its still daylight, right? Or did I completely miss something?

It's daytime but, due to lack of proper care, the orchard is now an overgrown mess so there's plenty of shadowy spaces.

If you're okay with the marching order let me know who is doing what, who has what worn/wielded, etc.

Guardian manifests his shadow weapon as they proceed into the orchard.

Cannoli finally notices the shape of the orchard, ”This is appalling. No way my family would let such a valuable resource like this go to waste. Apples are the most versatile fruit available. You can make applesauce, apple slices, apple juice, apple cider, apple pie, apple butter, apple crisp, cinnamon apples, apple bread, apple muffins, apple tarts, apple fritters, apple soda, the list goes on. Maybe I’ll look into buying the orchard with the rewards we get. They’d probably sell it cheap if we save the day here. So let’s get to it!”

The group proceeds cautiously, searching for any signs of what caused the destruction at the entrance of the orchard. You find more signs of a struggle until you find something lying on the ground - a sap! But then something else catches the group's ears - especially Cannoli's - there's something in the trees.
In fact there are five 'somethings' in the trees!

Knowledge (Nature) checks please.