You do spot several frogs around the vicinity, quietly croaking and hunting for flies and other bugs...
Parsifal:
Despite your keen eye, you are unable to find anything inside the burnt husk - Anen was right, whatever was once there is there no longer...
Jasper:
You are unable to find any significant tracks in the swamp - the passage of time must have long since removed all traces of the visitors that came by...
Without any difficulty, Thaddeus tears off the great star from the husk. It is heavy and beautifully carved, though rather weathered by the harsh hand of time. The sky is slowly growing darker above the great mist."Maybe we should head back,"Walthus suggests, pointing at a star up on the great sky."When you can see the first star on the sky, it's likely best to get back home."
I wish to apologise for my lacklustre participation the last two weeks - which does not help since I'm supposed to be the DM.
I am physically not doing very well and am perpetually exhausted. I am mentally stressed. I don't know when this will subside. I want to be more active but I have a lot of commitments IRL as well: studies, pets, ect. I know I said I would be returning earlier, but then I got sick. I'm sorry.
Having said that, I will try to participate more. You deserve that.
You aren't sure of the exact year the Kaijitsu family arrived in Sandpoint, though you think it was near 4660AR - nearly fifty years ago...
"Oh, of course! Well, unless you've been in the marsh for a while I doubt you'll be able to discern the difference between touched and untouched land... there's some basics, though. Footprints in the mud, crushed foliage... if there's an unusual lack of insects, that could mean there's some sort of predator nearby - and if there's an unusual quantity of them, something might be hiding."Walthus continues explaining basics to you, pointing around and flaunting his knowledge.
Inside the husk, there is nothing but rotten pieces of what looks like furniture...
Anen:
There are traces of dust - or lack thereof - that leads you to believe that there was more inside the burnt wreck...
You do not spot anything in the vicinity that is out of the order, no sudden movement as if motivated by hostility. You are very aware of the number of inhabitants in the marsh, from frogs to insects to tadpoles and smallfish in the ponds...
"It's been here for a while, if I remember correctly,"Walthus says as he approaches the ship with reckless abandon."The ship was here when I first arrived in the marsh. It was only recently burnt down, though..."
He is close enough to touch the barge when he turns to you."Well, what are you worried about? Traps? Evil lurkers in the mud? The marsh is peaceful right now, there's no danger. I'd have alerted you if there were."
He seems obviously proud of his knowledge of the marshes, a great smile on his face...
Walthus doesn't spot anything, his small brown eyes busily studying the ground. The marsh across the river is a tangle of foliage, and wading through it looks to be difficult."I didn't see anything," he tells you, confused, when you finally make your way across the bridge.[/i] "Going to be a stride going through here, looks like the old path is almost completely gone."
As you follow Walthus through the thick of the marsh, the presence of mud becomes very noticeable as it finds its way into and under your clothes. Bugs of all kinds are swarming around you, and as the light of the sun grows dimmer, a soft mist slowly starts to embrace you...
"There it is!"
The small wreck of a ship is all but a now-burnt husk. A long log that was likely the mast is visibly overgrown with fungi, half-buried in thick mud. Only the barge bears a resemblance of repair, and upon it is a great star of wood, its colours long since faded away, stating the name of the ship: Kaijitsu Star.
I should have mentioned this in my previous in-character post: the cloak is a Cloak of Resistance +1.
I apologise for my slow posting still. I woke up today with an aching shoulder, and have been subdued by painkillers to maintain my concentration. I also have a RL Pathfinder game tomorrow, but I will try to squeeze in a post tonight (no promises) and a post tomorrow afternoon after uni.
"Oh, no need to return it to me, it's yet another gift for saving my life. I have little need of it."He hands it over to Kili."Let us be off. Follow me."
He leads you along the pathway from which you came, and you follow the crooked road for ten minutes. As it looks as though you're about to head north, back towards Sandpoint, Walthus makes his stride right into the foliage and overgrowth southwards. At first glance it appears as madness, though when he calls out to you you can spot the path."Bit of an old road this! Only way to where the shipwreck is that doesn't require half a day, though!"
The trail is difficult to navigate. Walthus is quick to fetch you all when the pace goes slowly, though surely you arrive at the river. An old bridge, weary of age and overgrown with fungi and moss, is the only way to cross the deep, rushing river."I know it looks old, but it should be able to support you. Just to be sure, though..."
Walthus pulls out some rope from his backpack, which he ties to the trunk of a young tree near the river."Those of you of a bigger frame might want to hold onto this, just in case."
He crosses the bridge with no fear. As you prepare to cross the bridge, you spot something a bit ahead alongside the river; a tall creature full of sinew and muscle with strange humanoid features. It catches a glimpse of you and vanishes almost immediately before you can get a better look...
"Oh!"Walthus abruptly exclaims as you all prepare to leave."Wait for me outside, I have something for you! Well, one of you."
He dashes up the stairs and you can hear his footsteps ever so faintly. Outside the weather is warm and gentle. The swamp has an odd and gentle scent to it. The myriad of insects that have awakened in the wake of sunset is buzzing all around, great swarms of fireflies and shockbugs and mosquitos.
Walthus returns shortly after. He has donned armour and strapped axe and bow to his side and back. In his hands is a bundle of a cloak."I thought maybe one of you could use this. It's a protective cloak. Looks very plain, but that might be for the better. It does size itself to fit the wearer."
Walthus looks thoughtful though a smile slowly forms on his freckled face."I do believe we should be able to make the trip, though we might not be back before twilight."
"Well, you decide on what course of action you think you'll be taking. I'll go prepare your beds. They aren't fantastic, but I think you should be able to get a night's rest on them."
You can hear Walthus's footsteps vanish up the stairs. Within a quarter he's returned, with quite a lot of dust on his clothes."Might be a bit...bedraggled up there, so I opened the windows and fluffed the pillows. It's still a little too early to hit the hay, though, I'd say."
Walthus chuckles as he settles down behind the table to feast himself."Well, there's a bit of oldroot, mint, tomato, potatoes and carrots, snake gall, squirrel heart, tongue-of-fire, radish, leek and red onion... yes, there is sorrel in there too, and crushed snake skin. I don't have flour and my arrowroot supplies ran out..."
"I never truly thought of that connection,"he adds to Kili when she mentions the burned ship and fireworks."It was a bit of a recent fire, though I saw or heard no fireworks in the vicinity."
Walthus smiles as he guides you inside."I'd be happy to offer you a place for the night to go with the food! And yes, the goblins are numerous, though maybe you're lucky and might catch a patrol unawares? Sandpoint restored the bounty, by the sound of it."
"My snakes are just pets. I won't let them out of the vicinity, not after that creature... I have no greater bond with them."
"Well, after a day's proper rest I think I can aid you with the goblins. I'd be happy to. I'm not good at explanations, but with my bow and person I'll guide you through the marsh. If you want me to."He smiles and starts administering the stove. He gestures for you to sit down behind the small-sized table. While rather uncomfortable, Walthus distracts you from the annoyance with an impressive cooking speed. Within a quarter he slams a large kettle on the table, filled with a questionable-looking stew. The smell seems pleasant enough.
"I'm a fast cook. Might be the quality could suffer slightly but it should fill your bellies all the same, right?"He hands you all bowls that are rather neatly washed, and shoves a ladle into the kettle. The food itself has a pleasant taste, despite its questionable texture...
Walthus looks slightly confused as he glances up at the great sky. The view from the garden is very different from the atmosphere of the marsh."Did something happen in Sandpoint? Why do you need to assault the Licktoads tonight? Don't get me wrong, if you wish to go I won't stop you. I must just be missing something with your urgency."
"Judging the sky, there's another four hours or so before sunset, and from what I know of the old fishing trail, you would spend two and a half making your way from here to their village... I try to stay away from the goblins - they want to kill me as much as I want to kill them. I've spotten them of, though. If I were to hazard a guess I would say their numbers is up on four or five dozens."
Walthus is slightly overwhelmed by the different requests."Why don't you come inside first? I apologise for the mess, but after yesterday's fight..."
He leads you into his home. The house itself looks to be old and comely, and scarcely decorated."I wouldn't be surprised if the creature grew to loathe snakes. My pets have sharp fangs and powerful venom. No doubt they made a number on him. In all my years in the swamp, though, I have never seen such a creature like that. Goblins, oh yes, but none of... those."
He leads you through another door; there is a ten foot brick wall surrounding the garden, and it is open to the sky. There are several torn-apart snakes scattered around. Blood is sprayed across multiple plants. There is a hiss, and something darts towards you all from the grass. Walthus kneels down and picks up a tiny viper, and sighs quietly."Only three alive..."
After he has recovered from the initial shock, he turns to you."The swamp has few places of interest. There's a shack somewhere south-west of here, supposedly belonging to some hag. I've only been there twice, never really dared go closer. There was a shipwreck south of here, but it's burnt-down. I don't really remember its name... Kiutsu Star or something like that. The goblins... they have a village south-east of here. I have had a few run-ins with them... and they've been braver as of late too."
"Are you hungry? I'd be happy to cook for you, as thanks for saving me."
Walthus rubs the back of his head."Well, I was in my garden feeding my snakes when that... thing attacked me. It climbed over the wall, trying to pin me to the ground. I only barely managed to get a hold of my weapons. My poison, and my snakes managed to distract the creature long enough for me to get into a hidden room in this house. I fell unconscious, though... I didn't dare leave the room. Then you came along. I wonder how many of my snakes he killed..."
He glances at the armour the headless creature is wearing."That's not mine, no."
He seems earnest with his story, and you cannot sense any malicious intent in the little halfling...
As soon as you reply you can hear sobbing. It seems to come from above."Oh, thank the gods, someone came..."
You can hear the sniffling and then you feel it, a soft tremor as something - or somebody - is descending down some stairs. The halfling that nervously peers out the front door looks rather wound-up and shaken. The sniffling has stopped, though you can see the faint remains of tears under his eyes. At the sight of the decapitated creature, he lets out a sigh of relief."Ah, it really is dead...! Thank the gods..."
The necessary knowledge skill to identify the creature is Dungeoneering.
Ceru:
It is most certainly dead. Its only possession is a piece of leather armour, for someone of your size. If it once belonged to the halfling, you cannot tell.
The creature's head is cut off without difficulties. The blood is black and leaves the most putrid stench on the stairwell up to the front door. Right inside the door you see a settle and several damaged potted plants... and then you hear a voice."H...hello? Who...who's there?"
As you advance upon the creature, he only barely dodges Thaddeus's slash, though Jasper's fist hits him right in what seems to be his heat. Slightly stunned, he turns to Parsifal, only letting out a shriek of desperation as the blade sinks into his flesh, through his upper body... collapsing the creature twitches once and twice, and then it stops...
I'd assume it would return to its former position. That wouldn't necessarily mean Thaddeus would be there to be clung on, though, so it would likely fall - so yes, it probably would break the grapple.
The creature clings to Thaddeus with extreme fervour as Ceru and Parsifal both get into position; the half-elf's attack leaves the creature screaming. A ghastly wail. Its black blood litters the ground. Anen's spell covers Thaddeus' clothes and armour in thick grease and he successfully wrestles free from the creature's grasp - though not without invoking a parting gift. The removal of its tendrils on his neck is vexing, blood spraying out from his neck.
Damage:2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Now no longer clinging to Thaddeus, the creature slips up the stairs in a quick guarded stance, lashing at Parsifal with his blunt fist. It lets out a hiss of pain as it successfully smashes its fist into his armour.
Notes:
Thaddeus, you suffer 2 more points of damage. You are no longer grappled. You are covered in grease (red diamond on portrait).
You are all affected by bless. (red dot on portrait).
I apologise for my infrequent posting and my slow pace of this game. I am currently overburdened by real life, and it won't quiet down until next weekend. I will do my best to respond to your posts - and I will resolve this fight and take care of the aftermath. But my pace will be slower, and as a result I ask that you compensate and maintain momentum with character interaction.
The halfling fidgets with his hands, looking nervously at you all."Uh, I'm tired, that's all, honest."He turns his gaze away, his eyes darting nervously around everywhere...
Parsifal & Ceru:
The halfling fidgets when you notice a ripple that runs across his hands and his face... And he is gauging you both...
"Sso, leave me alone..."he continues. Something is off."I'll make your dead bodies leave me alone!"
His body changes as he leaps on top of Thaddeus. Strange slithering tendrils attach to his bare skin and you can see blood being drained as the creature clings to Thaddeus' head...
With his bumbling exterior, you are fairly certain he is only nervous and not hiding anything...
Kili & Anen:
Something is very wrong with this halfling, and you are very certain he is not telling the truth.
"Uh, yes, thank you very much, uh. The goblins have been very, very, uh, active lately so I've stayed in my home and kept to myself, I, uh, I think the snakes keep them away, yes, that's it, of course! But they did attack with fireworks, and I think they might be preparing to launch an attack against Sandpoint, so maybe you should, uh, um, take care of that I'd accompany you, but I don't feel too well."
The halfling looks back into his home and then at you, twiddling his fingers. He seems very anxious to get back inside...
"Oh, uh, yes, you woke me up, but that's ... that's fine, the marsh! Uh, I was just thinking about the marsh, dangerous place, really, especially the river. Licktoads? The goblins, oh, right, I don't know much about them but their village is to the south-east, there's an old fishing trail that leads right to their village."
At first there appears to be no reaction from your calls, yet within some minutes you hear some commotion behind the front door. As it creaks open, a halfling peers out at you. His expression is one of exhaustion and he looks a little wobbly."Uh, yes? I, uh, how can I help?"
Thaddeus, Jasper & Kili:
You do spot anything unusual in the foliage nearby.
The walk back to the first trail is a short one, though the sun is already turning up on the great blue sky. It is well past midday. When you find the pathway, you find that it is of crude construction. Bbranches and bushes, nettles and reeds, and other plants all obstruct your way forward.
Movement along trails is at 3/4 speed. Movement through undergrowth is at 1/4 speed.
You spend well over an hour making out the trail, crossing three makeshift bridges along the way. The pathway curls around bushes and great oaks, with thorny, prickly plants all around. A soft fog is creeping in from the river, and after having crossed the third bridge, you swear you saw something slithering...
You eventually come to a muddy trail, which leads up to a swampy lagoon. The open ocean is visible just beyond these shallow waters, while an old two-story building, its walls soggy with moss and its roof sagging with age, sits on the lagoon’s eastern shore. No doubt this is Warden Proudstump's home...
While the swamp is an overgrown mess of vegetation, you somehow manage to spot two significant areas - buildings - through the tangle thanks to Persifal's keen eyes. You aren't quite sure what building is which, though through Shalelu's explanation, one spot seems to fit the location of the Licktoad village, and the other one ... could possibly be the witch of the marsh's hut?
"Sounds like you got it covered. I'll be on my way then, as should you. Good luck."She gives you a smile and a bow before she heads into the town of Sandpoint...
The road ahead offers a pleasant walk. You walk south past the Pyre and the Cougar Creek, following the main road for an hour when you finally arrive at the Ashen Moor, Brinestump Marsh in plain sight. The first fishing trail that Shalelu spoke of is quite visible, a pathway that leads straight into the overgrowth, through a soft path. You can't see the cliffs Shalelu mentioned from here, the marsh and its growth and trees obstructing your view - though a little further ahead, the road starts to elevate.
On the map, you should see three dotted trails from the main road into Brinestump Marsh. There is a link in my profile. These are the pathways I'm referring to, in clockwise order.
As you carry on, you eventually come to another pathway into the marsh - the old fishing trail Shalelu mentioned. It looks less used than the new trail. The main road is starting to elevate, and the cliffs are in plain sight.
It has been another half hour since you entered the Ashen Moors and, just as quickly, departed, yet the view of the marsh is spectacular. You can barely see the ocean over the thicket of oaks, cypresses and willows that cast a leafy blanket over the swamp. Seeing anything else underneath proves to be exceptionally difficult. The rivers are impossible to spot, and if there are any buildings, you aren't sure where they could be found...
The smile on Shalelu's face shifts into a more serious frown when Kili asks for help. She rubs her chin and sets to gaze to the sky for a few moments."I'll be honest with you, I prefer others get to know how difficult life can be on their own... I can appreciate your sentiment, though."
She turns to look at all of you, gauging you carefully."It isn't ill meant, but I had to fight for what I know with blood and toil. I feel you would have to do the same to appreciate the life of a warrior, of a defender. Having said that..."
"Goblins are sadistic of nature. They revel in the misery and misfortune of others. Their hatred also runs deep... they loathe gnomes. So I wish for you two to be very careful,"she looks at Kili and Ceru with stern eyes."Lastly, they have great love of fire-"
"This is a rarity. You dispensing advice, Shalelu?"
Major Kendra Deverin approaches you. She has a faint smile on her lips, though her eyes do not display the same joy."So it's true, you're heading out for bounty hunting right away? I didn't expect it to be such a ... joyous occasion, to be frank with you, though I shouldn't complain. The town's livelier than ever."
"Do you know why we reinstated the bounty?"She doesn't wait for a reply."The goblins have grown braver as of late. They have been harrassing travellers and merchants alike. We've had no reports of deaths yet, but it is a growing nuisance. The source of their bravery... they seem to have acquired a large quantity of fireworks. Pyrotechnics. As Shalelu said before I so rudely interrupted you, goblins are fond of fire. No doubt the ... 'power' of fireworks is giving them an unrivalled boost morale."
"I do not wish to mourn your loss. Please be cautious and return alive, goblin ears be damned."
"Shalelu, when you are done, we await you in the town hall."The mayor bows her head to you all before she takes off again.
"Adventurers? I did see several folks headed east... let's see, this is a good map, I must say. I don't know if anyone told you, but the marsh is dangerous. It slows you down. As for what I wanted to show you..."
She points at three spots on the map."There are three trails. This one here is the new fishing trail. It leads directly to Proudstump's shack. Proudstump is a halfling, a... what was his title again? 'Self-appointed warden of Brinestump marsh!'"Shalelu seems mildly amused."Met him once or twice, good enough fellow."
"This right here is the old fishing trail, might be the one you want to visit. It leads right into Licktoad village. On the other hand, I'd also advice against running headfirst into the lion's den. Even if it has an ugly face and broken teeth."She stops for a second, tilting her head slightly with a puzzled expression. She shakes her head and continues.
"Down here you have a third trail. It's called the Witch's Walk. I've only been at the mouth of it, though I know it is there. Rumour has that it leads to the shack of a witch or a hag. I don't know how true these rumours are, though."
"Lastly, you see this part here?"She trails a finger along part of the southern edge."These are cliffs towering some 30-40 feet above the marshes. If you want to get a lay of the land before you head into it, might be you want to take a moment to get a view."
Shalelu is smiling as she hands the map back to Kili.
"It's good to see you all again. I'd join you but I have quite a lot of business to tend to in Sandpoint. No, Kili, I haven't a clue why they lick toads. Though... I do know the marshes. Do you happen to have a map?"
She leaps down from her mount with exceptional grace, nodding to you all in turn.
The road past the gates of Sandpoint stretches a far distance before it splits; the open plains of the hinterlands are a marvel to behold, and you can see the path south to the Brinestump Marsh without difficulties as it crooks around the small mountainous chain that has no name. You have barely made your first step of your adventure when a figure comes riding towards the city of Sandpoint, astride a familiar steed.
"Well, well, I didn't expect to find you leaving Sandpoint. What's the occasion?"Shalelu is smiling as brightly as she always does, reining her steed in front of you."Or could it be...? They reinstated the goblin bounty?"
I apologise for the slow pace of this campaign. Do you wish to head south to Brinestump Marsh? Possibly give an indication in-character for that, though if you just want to get on with it tell me here.
Arther laughs at Kili's innocent remark."As I said, an initiation gift. Roderic's Cove is well north-east of here, beyond Churlwood and Fogscar mountains, so we won't need a map of the Hinterlands. It's a fitting gift, if I can say so myself."
Arther smiles at Anen's courtesy, and he grasps her slender hand to shake; his hands are big, burly and hairy."Aye, might be we'll meet again. I know I can hope."
From what you can see, there are no other well-equipped folks in the crowd nearby. Arther and his companions all leave the city gates, having mounted their steeds, and they are soon out of sight...
Ceru:
Roderic's Cove is a town situated just north of Churlwood. It is known to being a more peaceful alternative for nervous merchant ships who wish to avoid the dreaded Riddleport. It was founded by emigrants from Magnimar, lead by Ser Roderic, a notorious privateer. Ten years ago, pirates brought the town under their control...
My apologies, truth be told I've been awake for quite some time, I simply found that everything else demanded my attention.
About encumbrance: clothes usually do not have noticeable weight (not for me, at least). I think I will do as Jacobs does and say that one suit of worn clothing does not count for encumbrance.
Arther laughs. He flexes his shoulders slightly."Seasoned, eh? Yeah, we probably are. And no, we're headed to Roderic's Cove. Sandpoint's a nice and quiet place for a day's respite. We haven't been to the marsh, no,"he adds to Ceru when she pokes her head out.
He starts reaching for something on his back; a difficult task by the looks of it."I, ah, actually had something for you. Consider it a gift, from seasoned adventurers to fledglings."
Eventually the female elf plucks the object off of his back. It is a leather scroll case, which she gives to Anen."Map,"she says curtly.
"Aye, a map of the Hinterlands. Maps tend to be useful - and if you don't need it, well, it's a detailed map, I'm sure you could get a good amount of coin for it." [i]Arther laughs again, a hearty chuckle.[/b]
I apologise for my lack of replies this evening - and I apologise once more for not advancing tonight. I just came home from a night of board games, and I am horrendously tired. I also have a stinging headache. I will advance tomorrow.
I will also give my opinion on clothing and encumbrance tomorrow.
Is it okay if I update Ceru's equipment a little? Wasn't sure what to outfit her for so now that I know we're going on an afternoon jaunt that could, if goes badly, be an overnighter, want to get her some light sources and food/water. I've got the money for it. She could have stopped and bought them on the way to the gate.
Go ahead. As long as I don't find that you spontaneously ended up with a +15 Sword of World Destruction, I'm generally fine with buying stuff now in the beginning phase. Mostly all mundane items are available for sale in Sandpoint - and I will trust that you deduct the right amount of money in turn.
I won't be able to post until later tonight. I apologise for this.
From the small group of armoured folk, it is a man who steps forward; his face is a tangle of beard, his eyes amber with much the resemblance of an eagle. Strapped on his back is a great blade, the hilt sticking out behind his shoulder."Aye, Anen it is. The reputation of your beauty is not exaggerated, I see."
He gestures forward, and he and his group advances yours. There are four of them; besides the leader is female elf whose attire seems to be more daggers and belt than conventional clothing; a half-orc with one eye and half a nose, with two axes dangling from his belt; and a half-elf, with great blond curls and a rapier hanging from his or... her...? belt.
"Name's Arther. These here are my companions,"the man named Arther gestures to the folks beside him."I hear you're heading to Brinestump Marsh? By the looks of it, you're fledgling adventurers, or am I wrong?"
Ameiko nods firmly to all of you as you take your leave.
The city of Sandpoint is joyous today; its wooden houses are bathed in the sun. The market square is filled with people, all discussing the reinstated goblin bounty, braggarts loudly proclaiming how they will bring back the most ears, fishermen trying to sell their fresh fish, farmers selling produce... it is a bright day.
Anen:
You find your father, Elad, in the solar. He looks at you when you enter; and as expected, he sees through your lie. He sighs and gives you 'the look', but before he can say anything, you've rushed off. You can hear him shouting after you, his voice wheezing."Get back here, young lady!"
He doesn't follow, as expected. After you've retrieved your gear, you find Vanyssenta in the back gardens, tending to her garden in her finest silk robes. She smiles at you as you bow, and she bows in turn - and with as much grace as an elf is expected to carry, she leaps forward to embrace you."My sweet Anen. I will trust in your companions, and in you. Return to me and your father safely, that is all I will ask."
There appears to be a small crowd gathered when you meet at the gates of Sandpoint."There they are!""Ameiko says they'll probably succeed.""Sandru did too - he bet thirty gold pieces that they'd bring back at least twenty ears!""Oooh, Jasper is here!""Parsifaaaal!""ANEEEEN I LOVE YOOOOU!"
Despite their fervour, your small group of fans keep their distance - yet you aren't the only ones there. Another group of people, donned in leather and chain-and-mail, with blades on their hips and bows on their backs, are gauging you with some interest...
"Well, you certainly sound ready for the challenge."Ameiko grins and starts collecting your pitchers, indifferent to whether or not you've finished your drinks; Bethana comes running with a platter, on which Ameiko puts the pitchers."I have some business to tend to, sad to say... make sure you draw as much experience from this as you can, alright? Make me proud."
As I mentioned in my intro post, I prefer that you declare and do the roll yourself. And yes, the lack of skill points can be a right pain in the... at low levels. But to quote Ciretose: you're first level. You can't do everything ... yet.
