Brogann's page

Brogann is leveled up.

Sometimes it can be interesting to not play the super-confident and super-effective PC, but to play someone with flaws or who has trouble with stressful situations.

I think Brogann is going to go 1-for-2 on that. Super-confident but probably not so effective. We'll see.

Brogann awakens with a start. He curses. Sooner than I thought, he thinks to himself. Did us catching Daktani have something to do with this?

He casts Mage Armor.

Of all those in Trunau, he feels the closest kinship to Agrit Staginsdar (who also blends martial and magical skill), and he is friendly with her wife Sara Morninghawk. He also likes Brantos Calderon, and regards the Iomedans as solid allies to have (even if a bit stuff).

After debating in his head for a brief moment, he heads towards the Sanctuary.
This is a metagaming decision to have less splitting of the party; because the Sanctuary had one of the graffiti swords, it is plausible that Gabsen might be there. If Brogann were to go to find Sara and Agrit, it seems like he would be on a solo adventure.

Brogann stayed at the Ramblehouse when he first moved to Trunau, but everything seemed too small for him.

These days he lives at the Longhouse barracks with some other militia members.

He will go to the Ramblehouse for a drink of course.

Brogann has nothing else to do during the day (the funeral is at sundown) so he will paint what he can before the funeral.

Glad everyone liked my idea!

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
"There's something alchemical about that paint. Won't be easy to remove. But if we can't remove their symbols, let's confound them."

Brogann ask Kurst or Omast for permission before attempting this plan. The idea is to get as many militia members as he can to spend the whole day painting similar white swords on many more locations - boulders and stone walls all over town.

"The Twisted Nail thinks they can use these markings to coordinate their attacks somehow. Well I will call it the Sword of Gorum, and you can call it the Sword of Iomedae if you like. We will paint this symbol all over town, confuse the orcs, and honor our own gods. Mimic their style as best as you can."

Brogann will return Rodrik's Hopeknife to Brinya. "I am sorry that he was treacherously slain and denied the chance to die a warrior. He was a good man. His death was not in vain. His efforts led to us discovering an imminent orc attack on Trunau. Should this attack happen, I pray to Gorum that I may kill many orcs in Rodrik's name."
It is perhaps not the most comforting way to speak to one grieving the loss of a loved one, but it is from the heart.

At the funeral, he will stand near Katrezra and try to keep a lookout for anyone eyeing the elderly half-orc. Katrezra feared for his life; I don't know if that threat has passed.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"We should check out the rooms where they stayed. They might have left some clue about what they were after.
And we can see if Sara Morninghawk knows of half-orcs that recently arrived in town."
It looks like Sigrún had some conversations on that topic that might be relevant, but I don't think Brogann knows about those.

"Sara Morninghawk is a trusted ally," Brogann says curtly. "And both Katreza and Brinya were friends to Rodrik. So I do not cast suspicion on all half-orcs. But outsiders from the Twisted Nail tribe? We will find them and deal with them."

"I will be there as well tomorrow night. I can fill you in at the Longhouse tomorrow, but I would wish to get a good night's sleep first."
Wizards need those 8 hours!

Brogann actually stays at the Longhouse, but will be annoyed if someone wakes him at dawn.

"They were looking for something in town. Digging. I don't think they found it, but I also don't think they'll hold off their attack just to find it first. Would be much easier to do an excavation if they took over the town, right?"

Brogann paces. "I am sorry, Sigrún. I spoke out of turn. It is naturally your right to kill the one you bested in battle if you so choose."

"That dead orc with the holy symbol was in the room with the picks and shovels. If we want to find out what they were looking for, maybe we can get one of the priests in town to try Speak with Dead on him. His spirit might not be cooperative but we might still learn something.
I could carry the corpse, but it reeks bad. So we wrap him up in one of those moth-eaten bedrolls in that room, tie the rope around his feet, and drag him back."

"Or... Daktani said 'Skreed had infiltrated the town with a group of half-orcs about two weeks ago and was searching for something important in the town.' So maybe we try to figure out where a new band of half-orcs, arrived two weeks ago, might have been seen."

"I still think it's important to notify the Council of an impending attack as soon as possible. But there are more leads we could follow after we do that."

Does somebody want to be in charge of tracking the loot?

I see there is a loot tracker that GM R0B0GEISHA set up. Things not included on there:

From the dead half-orc in the rubble: suit of sturdy chainmail, Wand of CLW (8 charges, Sky Voice has it), a fine silver dagger, a red gold holy symbol depicting a bloody double axe, and six gems of polished black onyx.

From Daktani: four different magical potions (CLW, 2x Pass Without Trace, Vanish), smoke pellets (2), tangleburn bag, leather armor, 5 daggers (some well-concealed on his body), a masterwork morningstar and short sword at his hip, a magical belt, a few pieces of alchemically treated coal, a crowbar, thieves' tools, a key, a garnet (worth 50 gp), and 30 gp in a coin purse.

I would rather not do the tracking but I will if nobody else wants to.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11
It seems somewhat implausible to Brogann - it takes only a few seconds to kill somebody - but he assumes that the half-orc at least believes what he is saying.

"Sky Voice and Gabsen are right. We should go to the Council right away, tell them what we have learned, and hand over Daktani. We can also tell them that it was Rodrik's investigating the Plague House that got him murdered. His investigation led us to conduct our own here, and thereby catch this conspirator. His efforts were not in vain, though he paid the price for them."

"Ghaer didn't mention the name of the orc tribe?
Look at her earring. Twisted Nail.
They would eat you for breakfast, Daktani, not out of hunger but because they like the taste of orc flesh. That's the fate that awaits you after they overrun Trunau."

"This Skreed... his name was in Orc runes in the Plague House." Here.

"If Daktani here didn't even kill a farmboy who was poking around, then I doubt he killed Rodrik. Isn't that right?
Must have been this Skreed. Who, I guess, has some skill with poisons."

Brogann considers the local orc tribes, considering the flood troll's earring a possible clue.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"When and where are you to next meet Skreed?"

Brogann will let someone else take the lead on interrogation. He is not squeamish about it, just lacking in skill and aware of that fact. Not good at Intimidate or Sense Motive.

"We could bring him to the militia when we are done. They should have ways of getting information from traitors. Maybe not like Kuthite ways, but still not soft."

Brogann casts Detect Magic and examines the items.
Spellcraft potion #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Spellcraft potion #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Spellcraft potion #3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Spellcraft potion #4: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Spellcraft pellets: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Spellcraft belt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"Daktani. People of this town trusted him. I'm sure he thinks he had good reason but I don't care. He is defeated at Sigrún's hands. Gorum has spoken. Now Sigrún can do as she wishes with his fate."

Brogann stays around a bit to watch Gabsen finish off the troll and ensure that it is dead. Then he heads up the ladder following Sky Voice.

No, not climbing the ladder. I guess just Total Defense.

Was waiting for someone more tactical to decide what to do... done waiting!

Brogann moves up and throws his sword blindly, targeting the square at the top of the ladder.

Attack, PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
01-50 Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 54
Damage, PBS: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 + 1 = 16

As the foe is now illuminated, Brogann tries to identify it.
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
"A flood troll!"
Special defenses, please.

The wizard then hurls his greatsword.
Sword of the Mage, PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + 1 = 13

The blade probably misses, and comes whirling back to his hand.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Hearing Gabsen's armor, Brogann suggests "Attack as soon as they open the door."

I'm waiting to hear from at least one more player before I move everyone down to the "sword chamber" and continue.

I don't really want to be taking on the tactician role in this game (although I will offer some suggestions now and again), but if it will help move things along then I will give a +1 to this plan.

I had originally identified the sword chamber as a potential ambush spot due to its size - I preferred the upper floor due to less chances for the enemy to notice our disturbances. But if there is no good spot above, then here it is.

Ah. That was quite a while ago IRL and very underplayed at the time. Still, I should have gone back and read it.

Brogann doesn't know if the prior event in this place will recur, or how long it would take, or where exactly is the trigger point. He just remains on guard and listens for movement in the hallway.

Cetan "The Dark Wind" wrote:

I could... plunge the back section of the room into darkness for a time. Those with darksight could join me and attack from this cover.

He can cast darkness as a SLA, duration 2 minutes.

Any takers? Good idea, bad idea?

I think it's not likely to be very useful, but as long as it isn't where I am, go for it.

Brogann does not really consider the scorch marks important. This place did burn down, after all. And as to the holy figures being less scorched than everything else, he figures that has to do with stained glass being different than stone and iron. Or maybe some lingering holy blessing.

He has a marked lack of curiosity as Cetan investigates.

I believe commoners are normally only proficient in one simple weapon, and I'd guess the dagger, club or quarterstaff to be the most likely ones for any given commoner. But I don't know for sure.

Brogann has no idea why Sky Voice is so intent on protecting the pig-keeper boy. He looks a bit confused, then looks around.

"Okay, I saw a lot of tracks around that back door in the northeast. Coming in there you'd have a good view of most of this floor, except the closed room with the beds.
So I'd say we make the area around that entrance look the way it was when we found it - "
meaning a Survival check from whoever is best
" - and hide in the room with the beds. We keep our ears open. We have Sigrún and Gabsen up against the doors. I'll have a Light on my sword from Sky Voice, but keep it sheathed.
When we hear something, we burst out and attack. I'll draw my sword and cast Open/Close on the doors.
Othdan can hide in the back corner of this room.
Sky Voice, Towering Brother, and Cetan can come out the other doors to cut off escape.
What do you all think?"

I placed us on the map, just to try to nudge things along, but am happy to do any other plan.

I'm fine with Against the Giants Redux.

Can we see the 1st-floor map to decide where to be positioned?

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
"We should try to cover our tracks upstairs. I think that there were some good spaces upstairs, if we want to assemble there. Engaging them upstairs would also mean less time for them to notice anything is amiss."

As I recall, there was a pretty big open area upstairs where we could bring our numbers to bear. Down here, there are some okay spaces, like the room in the middle with the Iomedae symbol.

"I am pretty sure that whoever comes here uses the back door upstairs, not the main doors."
Based on this post.

Brogann is sorely tempted to use the hapless pig-farmer as bait to lure the captors into an ambush, but decides the poor young man has suffered enough.

"Yes, Cetan, attack them outside before they see signs of our presence. Just as they go to open the door. Sorry if I was unclear.
I can't see in the dark, nor do I have Light prepared. Sky Voice, can you cast that spell? If Cetan can spot them and open fire, then you illuminate our area if they come after us... but then they might not come after us...."

Isn't Darkvision normally 60'? Outside at night is a case where Low-Light Vision is better, but I think none of us have that.

"I don't know. I'm not great at tactics. Maybe we should wait just inside the door. That way we can have light, and we don't have to count on them doing exactly what we expect."

"I think that's the whole of this place. Whoever took Othdan isn't here now. So let's get outside. Maybe in the woods nearby.
As soon as they come in, they will see signs of us being in here and be on their guard. Better to catch them unawares."

Brogann, while always down for a good fight, is not totally stupid. With the only information about the captors being that they speak Giant, he could well be facing a battle with an ogre or something equally formidable.

Not sure of the layout above-ground, but some woods maybe 60-100' from the exterior door might be good. Enough distance to give a decent bonus to Stealth, but close enough that we can hit them with ranged attacks when they show up. At least, that is my suggestion.

Brogann nods as Cetan relays the plan to Othdan, but he is distracted.

"Something over there."

Brogann goes over and pokes at the pile of coal with his sword, trying to uncover the burlap.

A sack, maybe?

"I think there's also a secret door in this wall. Everyone stand back."

When everyone is a safe distance away, he will cast Open/Close on the door.

That is going to be my preferred option for doors, if they are within the weight limit of the spell. It is never good to open a door and immediately be within full-attack range of a powerful enemy.

I don't mind combat; I know it's a significant part of this AP, and done well it can be exciting and dramatic.

But, we have really struggled getting this campaign going and we do need to establish momentum. If those skipped combats don't move the story forward and don't add to the theme or ambience, I'd say drop them.

There was a pretty substantial combat in the opening sequence that I think was an addition of the original GM, so we have had a pretty tense "trial by fire" for bonding as a group.

All looks good to me. I will do my best to abide by the lines and veils in my own posts, and if I err I will try to correct it as soon as possible.

I'd be happy to have you. Thanks for stepping up.

I'd be interested in sticking around if another GM could be found and a faster pace could be maintained.

Thanks for letting us know, GM.

It does seem that this game never got off the ground.

Yes, we want to clear this building, and then wait outside in the woods with a view of the approaches.

You can't Aid on a check that you are not eligible to make yourself; so, if untrained, you can't Aid on a Knowledge check above DC 10. Aiding on Knowledge checks is kind of iffy anyway in some situations - it's not like we are researching in a library.

"We can ask around in town. Priests might know."

Brogann looks at the holy symbol, but does not recognize it.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Not someone I recognize from town. We should bring back the body to see if anyone else knows him."

Brogann is quite understanding of the young man.

"As bad as it seems, the trouble that befell you may be to our advantage.
A half-orc and at least one other talking in an unfamiliar language.
Did it sound like this?"

Brogan speaks a few Giant phrases.

"Or this?"
He speaks a few Orc phrases.

"If they didn't kill you already, then they are keeping you alive. Which means they will come back again to feed you at some point."

He addresses the others.

"We have not exactly been subtle here. When the captor returns to the Plague House, they will see that we have come through.
So I might suggest that we take up position outside; catch them off-guard before they are alerted by the evidence of our visit. We might want to keep searching the building, but when we are done, I'd suggest finding a good ambush spot. Unless anyone else has a better idea."

Brogann will nod to Sky Voice.
"Go ahead and untie him."

"Othdan, is it?
It looks like you were a prisoner here. Can you tell us who captured you, and why?"

Brogann waits while the Aasimar tends to the prisoner.

Is the prisoner anyone that Brogann recognizes? While Brogann is not a native of Truneau, he has been in the town for about six months.

Brogann calls upon his magic to hurl his sword at the ooze.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

The greatsword flies, (presumably) strikes the ooze, and returns to the wizard's hands.

He then moves back, past Cetan.

"I would be fine with destroying it. We would be doing a favor for the Iomedae followers so they can reclaim this place.
I think Gabsen is right. Ranged attacks would be the way to go.
But, that can wait. I imagine we have a more intelligent adversary in here somewhere."

"Ready, Gabsen?"
Standing behind the warrior, Brogann opens the door with his magic.

Brogann smirks and hefts his greatsword.

Ain't that the truth.

He actually likes having Iomedans around - they keep their word and do their duty - but their way isn't for him.

"Same one, Sigrún. Iomedae. Don't they have her in your lands? Maybe not so much."

Brogann takes a closer look at the sword, and sees if it can be removed from the statue's hand and drawn from the sheath.

If successful, he tries to assess its quality.
Untrained Appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Yeah, that probably would make sense.
It can slow things down to wait for everybody to post their Perception checks.

Brogann will also use Detect Magic pretty regularly if we are not just rushing through a place.

Brogann takes a look at the signet ring. Does he recognize the signet?
Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

He then moves up to the alcove and casts Detect Magic on the statue of Iomedae, and in particular the sheathed sword that is askew in her grip.

"Could be a lever for a door. Could just be a nice sword that we could use."

He is not going to touch it just yet.

Brogann casts Detect Magic and looks over the stuff briefly.
Spellcraft DC 18, can't make the 35: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"No idea."
He seems vaguely annoyed at having to be scholarly and a proper wizard.

"Yes, let's go on."

He stands back, greatsword in hand.
I presume that we will at some point get around to counting the coins and maybe setting up a loot tracker...