"You should gather your folks together then. They'll likely want to hear what that young man has to say." says Artur. "The creatures are dead, but we have bigger fish to fry, as the saying goes. While you're doing that, I'm going to go make a map of the area. I'll be back shortly."
As he goes out, Artur slides a rectangle of metal from one of the side compartments of his pack. it has an odd metal "stick" attached to it. Detaching the stick, Artur starts heading towards the best vantage point to get a good view of the city. He then proceeds to wave the stick around above one side of the metal plate with motions that match his view of the terrain.
When he is finished, he dusts himself off, reattaches the metal stick, and walks purposefully back into town.
Action 1:
Veratash accepted the healing anyone offered, but he felt proud enough not to ask for some.
Action 2:
Replying to Nyd, Veratash nodded at his comment. Maybe we talk more tomorrow, when I have had some sleep., he said, still feeling his head pounding as though it had served as an orc tribe percussion instrument. He continues the walk trying his best to keep up, since he didn't want to be left behind.
Action 3:
Veratash ignored the talk about hunting. For some reason he hated the word now.
Action 4:
Veratash took a quick liking of Sandar's initiative. He could not even imagine what a hot bath would feel like. When he asked what he wanted to eat, he could not imagine himself hungry. He had been searching for food out of habit alone and did not even remember what hunger felt like. He accepted the cheese with bread while the bath was being prepared.
Being tended to made Veratash let his guard down. Out of his own character, when Anna asked him about his origin, he just started talking.
I am originally from Adar in Sarlona. I left my family of gem cutters and jewelers hoping to find an Eberron Dragonshard, which would be very valuable to me., he said in a torrent of words. I joined an expedition which two scholars, Sorashana and Thakashtai, who had similar goals as mine. We left Sharn with the destination of a mansion in Zarash'ak, in order to meet someone. That's the last I properly remember before being chased by some bad people., he finishes realizing he said much more than the girl had originally asked. He didn't wait whether she would ask another question.
After eating the cheese and bread, he got into his bath. The hot water relaxed his muscles so much that he quickly fell asleep. Waking up with his head submerged, he finished his bath and rented a room. He tossed 1 gold piece to Sandar and refused to take any change. After being assigned a room, Veratash sank deep into sleep. For the first time in two weeks, the kalashtar enjoyed a sleep with peaceful memories of his quori spirit.
"You should gather your folks together then. They'll likely want to hear what that young man has to say." says Artur. "The creatures are dead, but we have bigger fish to fry, as the saying goes. While you're doing that, I'm going to go make a map of the area. I'll be back shortly."
Sandar cocked his head, "OK, I see that you are all worried here but getting the folks together is not that easy. It's not like we have a Sivis messaging system or anything like that."
He thought for a moment, "Maybe a few of the farmhands will show up here tonight so we'll let them know. I'll send out a rider in the morning to let the rest of them know so everyone can meet here tomorrow night."
I'll keep track of your HP. Just assume that you're still hurt.
I'll give the rest of the crew time to post before moving things forward but I have nothing planned for this evening so you will all wake up tomorrow morning fully rested.
Questions?
Game on!
MECHANICS
Everyone is doing good job remembering to write in past tense so thanks.
@Veratash: please use 'quotes' around your speech. Thanks.
While we wait on others to post...
Any thoughts on Inspiration for the last scene?
Any nominations?
Nyd frowned and shook his head, a gesture learned from early trainers.
"If necessary, I volunteer myself to pass messages to the outing farmers. I suspect, however, that we would get a stronger response if we had more certain information."
"Sounds good Sandar. I've drawn up a map of the valley here and I'll explain some things when we get everyone together, but for now we should have some sort of patrols in the area. Preferably someone who knows how to track and is good with spotting unusual signs of passage."
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm still fairly hurt and down on resources. I am going to sleep shortly, but first let me give you this:" with that, Artur withdraws the rectangle from his pack and shows Sandar how to turn it on.
When it is activated, it projects a 3d holographic topographical map of the valley, drawn by someone who clearly has experience with terrain maps.
Having presented Sandar with his gift, Artur says "I'm going to sleep now. Wake me if anything happens." Artur then goes up to his room, removes his boots, belt, pack, and jacket, and then immediately goes to sleep.
I quite like the way you're organising this, makes it easier to reference, and the multi action updates keep things moving.
Action 1
”We’d best head back to Bull’s Hollow. I’m sure Veratash will be more able to answer questions once he’s rested.”
Kela keeps a silent watch as the group returns to Bull’s Hollow, wary of any more threats given the injured state of their party.
Kela sighed as she took a seat in the inn and laid her weapons down. With Artur gone to create his map she explained to Sandar ”The man we brought back with us seems to be in some trouble of his own. He thinks he lost those chasing him, but I don’t think he has enough skill to say for sure. Honestly as concerned as Artur is, I don’t think this a matter that requires a gathering. There’s nothing that indicates these hunter’s would have any interest in Bull’s Hollow, just Veratash. Ask folk to be more alert to strangers passing through, and pass word onto me. “ and then very quietly ”I’d actually encourage folk to talk about where Veratash is, that way trouble will come directly to me.” then Kela returned to her normal speech with a groan ”I’m going to have go all the way out there again tomorrow and see if I can backtrack were Veratash came from, and if there are any signs of those hunter’s who are after him.”
Kela stopped Veratash before he made it to his room ”Sandar, he’s getting a secure room right? One or no windows, not on the ground floor. Veratash, is it alright if I double check it before you go to sleep? I’ll be right outside in case anything happens”
Kela will sleep out the front of Veratash’s room. If able she’ll use her immovable rod to block up the window (possibly using it brace a table up against it).
Tharivol looked relieved after Kela spoke. "Thanks Kela. I thought I missed something. Artur is the smart one, so I usually defer to his judgment. But, I didn't hear anything that would warrant a village gathering either."
Flashing a winning smile, "...unless of course everyone wants to hear me perform. That would warrant a village gathering. Right Anne? Where should be have the concert?"
Action 4
As the group prepares to sleep for the night, Nyd notes Kela's intentions. "Kela, I do not have the observation skills you undoubtedly have, as they were not in my purview, but I have the advantage of not sleeping as you no doubt have to do."
Nyd pauses and considers how he should be phrasing things. "What I am trying to say is that I will be available if you need me. Too many guards might be unwise, but I will be alert if you need assistance."
Action 4:
Veratash replied to Kela with a grunt. Unable to discern what it meant, she realized that he had gotten in and left his door open and by the time she went in to confirm whether she could check his room, he had already fallen asleep with one foot still hanging out of the bed.
[OOC]Double posting is what happens when I forget to refresh the page before updating.
I quite like the way you're organising this, makes it easier to reference, and the multi action updates keep things moving.
No worries; things like double posting happens. We all just need to be flexible enough to fix things and move the game along.
I'm glad the pace of the game seems adequate and that the 'multiple actions' is not confusing, which it can be at first. However, as you pointed out, it is a very good tool to keep 'things happening'.
Artur, take inspiration for that last scene! Good job on 'Iron Man' / 'Batman'. :)
I'll be recapping and moving things along later today.
Questions?
Game on!
Great RP guys! Let's do it again!
Turn 011 - Who is your Leader?
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
"Ten days? Sorry, honey. I cannot commit to that. I'll play tonight and tomorrow night. Then, we'll see. And, you're always welcome to dance while I play." The minstrel replied to the eager girl.
In the evening, Tharivol entertained the inn with a low key performance. Mostly, he tried out some of his new material that he's been working on.
OOC: My post got deleted. I'll rewrite it in a bit...
OOC: My post got deleted. I'll rewrite it in a bit...
Game on!
Action 4:
Veratash wakes up well rested, although still aching all over his body. The gentle sound of rain made him lazy, but his father had trained him to always get up when waking up. A worker man must always be on his feet if he can., he remembered hearing. Before anything, the young kalashtar made his bed and organized his things. It was only then that he remembered where he was and how he had gotten there.
Sitting on his now made bed, Veratash started putting together the pieces of his mind. , he exclaimed unwillingly. Making plans to go back to Zarash’ak, he decided he would need to resupply before going. But first, breakfast. Getting up, he saw a floating bar at the window, but paid it no mind. He set out to fill his stomach until it couldn't fit anything anymore.
Downstairs, he saw people gathered around what looked like a miniature town. He helped himself to porridge, bread and butter. He also asked Anna whether they had any ham leftover from last night.
Action 5:
Hearing the talk of birds, Veratash looked warily to the skies. All the color of his face vanished as he realized what they meant. All the people in town were in danger. He decided to leave immediately, to draw the hunters away from that friendly village. He immediately asked where he could buy some clothes and asked for travel rations. He looked for Kela and said "I thank you for your help yesterday. But I must be on the move. Can you tell me the safest road to Zarash’ak?"
"You are most than welcome to keep it, but I can't promise that it will always work." offered Artur with a weary wave before heading to his room.
As Veritash stands up to begin to excuse himself, Artur places his hand gently yet firmly on Veritash's shoulder and says quietly to him "Do you really think that people that would keep you the way they did would just ignore the people who helped you? When you're ready to talk, I'm here to listen, but you need to man the f*** up and face your fears. Running and hiding means you'll only die tired."
Removing his hand, Artur adds "You're in a war now, whether you like it or not. Your only choices are fight or die. Me, I'd recommend fighting."
Without waiting for a response, Artur turns to Sandar and asks at a normal tone "What's for breakfast? I'm famished." and leaves Veritash to consider things.
Action 5:
Veratash replied to Artur saying "I am not afraid to fight. But I cannot make this decision for the good people in this village.".
Kela rolled her eyes, given Tharivol’s preoccupation with himself it’s no wonder he needs another to do his thinking for him. ”Her name’s Anna Tharivol”[B]
[B]”That is a useful ability Nyd, I will be sure to call for your aid in the unlikely case of trouble during the night.” Kela replied in a friendly manner.
Kela had enough sleep that night to be better prepared for the day. She did have to spend some time to stretch out the stiffness that came with sleeping in the hall. She responded to Sandar’s comment with mild curiosity, the map is pretty enough certainly. But Kela’s walked all of it after all these years, and knows more than any map can. ”It’s not bad at all”
Anna’s words pull Kela’s attention, and she responded with surprise ”Those sound like black herons! What could they be doing out here?” But her attention switched as Veratash stated his intentions to leave, and Artur’s intense reaction.
”I appreciate the thanks Veratash, but my duty is not yet done. I can aid you in reaching Zarash’ak, but I need the full story of your hunter’s first and a chance to deal with them before they cause more problems.” Assuming Veratash is willing to talk Kela mostly listens. She is particular in asking questions about the number of hunters, their weaponry, how close he believes they are, do they carry any recognizable symbols to identify their tribe.
A little later (assuming nothing really bad is revealed in her chat with Veratash) Kela caught Artur after his breakfast for a talk. ”Artur, could I have a word? It sounds like you’re seeing a greater threat here than I am. There’s definitely something unusual here, but a group of hunter’s after one person does not sound like a war to me, nor a great threat to Bull’s Hollow. What here has you so concerned?”
Action 5:
Hearing Kela, Veratash took a step back shaking his head. "You don't understand...", he said. Clearly nervous, he completed "When these birds appear, they are not far behind. We have one hour at the best and a day at the worst."
The kalashtar was clearly distressed. He unconsciously reached inside his pocket and seemed to be clenching something.
"Sure Kela. Let's go talk." Leading her outside, Artur says "I'm concerned that no one else here is worried. Here is what I see: you have an undefended settlement with no trained guardians, except for you."
Exhaling, Artur continues "The people who took that boy did so for a specific purpose. They didn't immediately kill him, but instead tortured him, unless I miss my mark. He then escaped somehow, assuming they didn't intentionally let him go. They then tracked and stalked him for days without rest. Does that really sound like a group that lacks either organization or the will to engage a small settlement like yours? I'm guessing that we have a day or two at most, before they arrive in force to take him back, and they won't be asking."
Artur again pauses and then says "There's a less than 0 percentage chance that they'll just take everyone here, and I want everyone to understand and be ready for that."
"In that case we should begin immediate preparations."
Suiting actions to words, Nyd immediately casts Mage Armor on himself.
"Vertash, I noticed a lack of armor on yourself. If you wish I can use magic to armor you as well."
"Would you know the nature of your hunters? More beast such as those yesterday, or something different?"
OOC: My combat philosophy
Combat to me is only there to present the PCs with an interesting and 'challenging' scene.
I'm not out to kill PCs but it has happened in some of my previous games. I will almost always allow the player to prepare a new PC and continue with the game if he/she so desires.
There are also combats which are just too much for the PCs at a particular time and the best course of action is to flee, surrender, or something other than fight. There's usually another chance after you are better prepared (more experience (levels), additional equipment, different circumstances, etc.). Hopefully, my descriptions of how the combat is evolving will be enough for you guys to reconsider a straight out fight but you can always ask OOC. Again, I have no story if you guys are dead. :)
For what it's worth I have never had a TPK in my PBP games.
Another thing I do is that if an encounter 'calls' for a mummy but you guys are level 7th then I will just upgrade the mummy (normally CR 3) to a 'better mummy'.
Questions? Thoughts?
Game on!
While Veratash didn't object to Nyd's offer of protective spell, he still felt very uncomfortable. "Thank you very much for wanting to stand with me. But the people in this village didn't ask for any of this. We should move to another place so they are safe when the hunters come.", he said, relieved he wasn't alone.
"The creatures are following me. So if I move somewhere else, then the village should be safe.", he said a little unsure. Remembering the questionings about the hunters themselves, Veratash said "Well, I didn't see anything in particular, except maybe a tattoo?", he said making an effort. "I didn't understand what they were saying.", he finished.
I reordered some of the conversations so they would make more sense.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 3:
"Thank you, Sandar", Veratash replied the compliment. Unwililng to tell his whole life story, he just added "I didn't do anything to them... I think. My memory of the last few weeks are not very clear to me. Some parts feel like a dream. But I do know I escaped some underground laboratory where they were doing.... experiments to me. I was with an expedition when I was captured, and I don't know their whereabouts.", he finished with a sad face.
One thing didn't make sense to him, though. How was the owner of a mansion in a capital city related to a tribe of near savage huntsmen? That was a question for another time. For now, he waited eagerly for his saviors to agree to fight outside of town. He had never realized that he had no problem putting his own life in front of others'. Maybe he was worthy of the kalashtar Path of Light, after all.
Action 5:
Veratash was eager to draw the attention of the hunters away from the village, and went for the door as soon as he heard the birds croaking.
Artur began to answer Sandar's question when he heard the birds begin making noise outside.
"I thought we'd have more time" muttered Artur quietly to himself before then turning to the people gathered. "If you have any weapons, you should get them." said Artur as he stood up and walked upstairs to get his gear. Tromping back down moments later, Artur said. "Well, let's go outside and hear them demand to return Veritash."
Kela replied to Artur “Just because they are determined, and have a mean streak, doesn’t mean they’re stupid. A band of hunter’s, likely five or six people, are not going to attack an unfamiliar settlement of over two hundred people. Their determination makes that even less likely as they would significantly delay their hunt, and possibly lose Veratash completely.” Kela finished the short conversation still confident in her own reading of the situation ”Sure there’s a chance that they’ll still do it, but the best way to avoid that is get get Veratash out of here, and draw the hunter’s out before they reach Bull’s Hollow. I can’t support remaining here to fight, that will only guarantee that everyone here will be in danger. Veratash will have more information, let’s hear his story properly for now.” Kela returned inside the inn and her seat at the table.
“Alright, given the short amount of time we have, I’ll take Veratash and head out out now. If any of you are willing to come along I’d welcome the aid. There’s a defensible position not far, and back the way Veratash came from, so we should draw the hunter’s out before they reach Bull’s Hollow.” With a better understanding of the current situation Kela laid out her plan confidently. Her gear still with her from yesterday she is ready to move in moments and sticks close to Veratash as he walked out of the inn.
”If some of those heron’s remain behind, you might see some trouble from these hunters. But I expect they’ll find us first and we should be able to handle it just fine.” Kela said reassuringly to Sandar as she leaves. ”Keeping weapons close would indeed be wise, just in case the worst should happen.”
OOC: I'll wait a bit to give everyone a chance to post.
@Kela: where are you going? Where/what is this 'defensible position'? Like I said, it's your world so feel free to 'invent' something that makes sense and is nearby.
Questions?
Game on!
Nyd has already gotten his gear together and is ready to follow Kela.
"A defensible position. Sounds like a better start then our battle outside of...Artur, the name of that town was never reported to me. The one where that...classified event happened."
"You're assuming that there are only five or six." says Artur. "I'm pretty sure that these" Artur gestures at the herons "are all either familiars or animal companions; I will admit, however, that this is my assumption. I would ask you though: Which of our suppositions will keep the most people safe?"
Veratash, realizing he wasn't being brave, but rather childish, stopped to hear the planning talk. He commented "Artur, sir. Being our strategical leader, I should tell you how I can help.".
He concentrated on a nearby spoon and made it hover over his hand.
He finally said "Every kalashtar is a psychic, but my abilities are somewhat unique. In short, I have some mild telekinetic abilities, but my strongest suit is that I can mess with others' minds.". He tried to say it in a friendly voice.
After breakfast, Tharivol pulled out his lute to tune and plucked random melodies. Good ears heard similar phrases from last night. These are not the dramas that the minstrel enjoyed, so he feigned disinterest and absentmindedly played his lute for himself.
Between explosive dialogue in the inn, the dragonmarked elf reminisced about the several reasons which caused him to accept Artur's offer. Each of his melodies in progress were written to describe a different lover. One was smoldering. One was hopping and frenetic. Another was relentless repetitions of crescendos.
OOC: I would love to send out another turn recap and move this along today but I really don't want to overstep my boundaries and answer for Kela.
If Kela can give us a response (even a short OOC response) about the 'defensible position' in the next few hours that would be great...
Questions?
Game on!
"Choosing to fight here guarantees that Bull's Hollow will be involved. Drawing the hunter's out before they reach here has a far better chance of preventing that, regardless of the size of the force. The birds are a gift, if they don't follow Veratash out, then we'll know Bull's Hollow is their current target. But we need to leave first to know that for sure." Kela clearly wants Artur on side, and to trust her assessment, but she has little time to waste "If you still feel that Bull's Hollow is too much at risk, then please stay and defend then while I'm gone."
"Veratash, let's get moving. I'm glad to hear you have some means of defense against them."
When she leaves the village Kela makes sure to walk Veratash right in front of the birds and if they don't follow him out the village she'll turn right around and begin setting up defenses with Artur.
Kela leads whoever is coming back out along the road they traveled yesterday before turning off it and heading up a steep, narrow track. It opens up along the top of the ridge to an overgrown field and a burnt out farmhouse. The low vegetation grants good sightlines, while the ridge limits access and the remains of the stone walls provide cover.
Veratash led the way as Kela proposed, showing no emotion.
OOC: yeah, send me what map you have and I'll see what I can get.
Thanks!
recapping...
Turn 013 – Defensible Position
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Tharivol hummed the tunes that he was developing. He examined every inch of the farmhouse making several elf size bolt holes. When that was done, he struck up a conversation with the psychic. "So, you really don't remember why they're hunting you? No clue? Are you a fugitive of justice? Did you murder someone?"
When the noise indicated imminent danger, Tharivol wiped his eyes with a pinch of talc and a small sprinkling of powdered silver. And, with a Elven trigger word, he could see invisible. He gripped his longbow and nocked an arrow.
He readied to release the arrow when his Elven eyes fixed a target.
As the Herons began diving towards Artur took a shot a one of them. Let's see how they react.
Once they arrived at Kela's defensible position, Artur pulled the device he had worked on this morning off his belt and began shoring up breaks in the walls of their position by creating pits slightly in front of them.
While he was doing that, he called out to the group "Can one of you see about knocking down any interior walls? We'll want an open area inside to let my turret cover the entire room."
Having created his fortifications, Artur activated his spider turret with the command word "Defend." As he does, each member of the group is covered in a forcefield. "As long as you stay in the building, my turret will protect you."
[dice=Perception]1d20+4
If something to be seen is beyond your 60' of darkvision, why would you not roll with disadvantage?
Am I missing something?
Game on!