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Hey everyone. I am sorry that I have been MIA. Things have been crazy with my job with things reopening and starting to close down again for us. I am going to need to take an indefinite hiatus from this game, and one more than I am running. "I'm sorry" isn't really good enough, but I am. I hope you all stay healthy. I would love to see me returning to running all of my games ones things acclimate as they return to normal.
After downing a large bear like creature, the gnome Findal tells everyone that this beast is something created by a powerful wizard. It is an Owlbear. Ercio goes to look and see if there are any cubs back where it came from, but its den was empty. Mezdav, being the alchemist that he is, begins to part out what he could use in alchemical ingredients. With your skill roll you are able to collect both eyes, and as big of a bag full of feathers that Mezdav would like to pluck. Mezdav and Yalyaane work together to skin the Owlbear. They are able to get a decent sized area of the creatures skin, but it does look rough due to Bumi snacking on it. Now all that is left is finding a way for the tanning process to take place on the road.
This has been one month long morning, but the group is able to catch up with the caravan as it is already making its way down the road. The people on the caravan are talking and many of them are on edge. First a Worg attacked and killed one of the travelers, then this ‘Owlbear’ creature comes out of the woods after being stuck in the water previously. You all get the sense of unrest in this caravan.
Hey all, wanted to give an update. I will have a post going up tonight for you all. I am in the middle of reopening phase for us to have meetings/services at our church. So needless to say this week has been busy. I apologize for the delay on my end. I wanted to do a roll call checkin and make sure we still have everyone here. I look forward to continuing this adventure.
Pash I am happy to hear that things have reached a positive conclusion. I will have this game up and running again in the next day or so. Thanks to everyone for putting the game on pause. Looking forward to continuing.
Duke that is great to hear! Since I am still in the midst of finals, I am going to hold off posting in the gameplay until next week. No rush on your real life situation, that is clearly more important. I sent you a PM and would love to sidebar convo with you.
I am so sorry to hear that. No apology needed. I am sorry to hear about the problems at home. I am going to shoot you a PM
Ercio takes off into the woods. Track are easy to follow as the Owlbear was dragging its paws as it was making its way into the clearing. You follow the tracks to a burrow that is under some large rocks that is being taken over by the underbrush of this forest. Listening from the outside, you do not hear anything within. The opening is large enough that you can get into, but you would be hunched over not quite crawling. Going in?:
You make your way into the burrow and it opens up into a rough dug out dirt packed cave. It isn’t large enough for the Owlbear to have had cubs, and there is no sign of this being the home to more than one Owlbear. Pash catches up to the caravan with ease. Loaded crossbow in hand, he continues to keep an eye out for what could attack the caravan Mezdav and Yalyaane begin to examine the Owlbear that is currently being eaten on by Bumi. Mezdav knows that he could use things like the owlbears feathers, whole and the ash from them, and the eyes of the creature in different alchemical recipes. The claws of this creature are large and could be fashioned into handheld claws that one could use in hand to hand combat. The last thing that could be used is the hide, but currently Bumi is digging into. The meaty part of the creature which is not good if you want to try to skin it and save the hide.
Hey all! I wanted to give you a heads up. This week and next week are the last two weeks in this semester for my Seminary. I might not be able to post daily as I would like to as I am finishing up assignments and papers. Once this semester is over things will be back going 100% again. Sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding!
Adir, in one fowl swoop, slices out at the creature that has its attention dead set on Mezdav. Adir's blade slices into the neck and shoulder of the creature and passes through and stops in its chest. The beast falls dead to the ground. The sound of battle falls and you hear the sound of the caravan's wheels creaking away, and your fast breaths due to adrenaline. Slowly walking up from behind the party, Findal speaks up; "Well done! I am not sure what all we will face out here, but if you can handle an Owlbear like that we are in good hands." Kneeling down examining the strange creature; Findal speaks under his breath not really for anyone in particular. "They say these creatures were made by a powerful wizard that bred a giant owl and a bear. Finding a young one could yield a small fortune, they can be trained over time..." Standing up a look of shock comes over his face; "Oh my, it looks as if we are being left behind." as he says that, Findal begins to take off towards the caravan.
Correct, but when in stealth the creature is unaware of you and is denied its DEX to you.
Lets move Q&A over to discussion not to bog down the gameplay thread. On Monday April 20th Adir readied an attack for a charge and rolled the attack and damage. Did 5 damage.
The creature is bombarded with a flurry of attacks in all directions and doesn't know where it needs to turn its attention.... Until Mezdav lands his attack. The beast looks as if it is about to lunge at Mezdav.
Once the creature fully wakes up it charges the closest thing it sees, Adir. Adir's readied action goes off and he flings a stone with his halfling sling staff. It lands square between the creatures eyes and continues to charge. It wipes out with a claws that look like they are built to grab ahold of its prey, fortunately for Adir the creature misses.
DMs Stuff:
Sorry for the delay. I was thinking I was still waiting for someone else to act. I will have a post up shortly.
Waiting to see what everyone else does.... This Owlbear has specific rules in this module so it isn't exactly by the books
The wagons continue to move along the trail, slowly gaining speed. The creature begins to notice the movement of the wagons and the five of you forming a half circle around it. It lands back on all fours and starts moving more purposeful along the tree line, keeping its keen eyes on you all.
Come on, can't you read my mind? (sarcasm totally joking) I also went back and reread it, I need to be more descriptive. This medium thrives on the details.
The creature begins to scratch its body against the tree it is next to. Stands on its hind legs and scratches its back on the tree. That is exactly what it is doing.
Go back and reread all that your character has seen of this creature up to this point. I would be curious if you still feel the same reading it all at once. Side-note: I was looking over your character sheet and I do not see Wild Empathy, am I missing it?
Ercio looks at the creature position aggressively and says "It looks unhappy! I'll delay its approach. Don't try to get to it, better let it come out of position." hummm.... I would be curious what would make Ercio believe this.
The creature begins to scratch its body against the tree it is next to. Stands on its hind legs and scratches its back on the tree. Initiative
DMs Stuff:
I figured out something that will work for now, that is also easy for me to edit on the fly
I have used Roll20, but don't we have to be online actively using it? Can I add a link for it and people to do moves as they log in and make post?
I typically just use theater of the mind when it comes combats, but that is only because I do not know how to make an interactive grid. Does anyone know how to do this and would like to share the info? Otherwise I am not 100% sure on how to make it where you can move your tokens. I will post a gameplay post soon.
Shortly after Dugals call to head out the caravan begins to slowly creak onward. Pash and Ercio emerge from the tree line describing the creature, when moments later the Groggy Beast itself comes into view. The creature is lumbering from side to side as if it still coming to.
DMs Stuff:
Hearing Pash talk about something possibly sneaking up to the group, Ercio goes to with Pash to take a look. Pash & Ercio: The two of you walk just into the wood line when you see coming out from under a bush a large bear like creature. You pause for fear of it noticing you. Thankfully it hasn’t noticed you, yet. It appears as if it is groggy from sleep.
Ercio:
The Pixie flies towards you and grabs the bottle, and smiles; “It’s a deal!” She continues to fly, but seems to be struggling while carrying the vial. “Now that that is complete… the forest? There is something wrong, something killing off the creatures of the forest, and those that travel it. I have yet to see what it is, but I stay hidden to stay alive.” The Pixie flies around and disappears into the Glimmerberry Bush. When she appears again the vial is gone. “Worgs are strong, but even they hunt while keeping a watchful eye out from becoming pray.” As quick as the Pixie appeared, she lets out another tiny high-pitched giggle and disappears.
Working together, with some ingenuity, the party is able to work to get the wagons across the mud. Thankful Dugal approaches; "That was some great work. Adir, even though us dwarves are known for being stout and strong I think you might fit right in with my kin." giving him a look up and down; "Are you sure you don't have some Dwarven blood flowing in those veins?" laughing, Dugal turns his attention to the rest of the group; "That could have been worse. Nothing slows down a caravan like being stuck in the mud... other than breaking a wheel or axle I suppose." turning back towards his wagon and shouts; "Lets get back on it!" Pash: As Pash keeps watch, he thinks he hears something sleeping in the brush just off the road. Keeping an eye out for what it might be, nothing happens... that is until Dugal shouts Lets get back on it! It is at this point Pash hears whatever it is beginning to stir. what do you do?
Ercio:
The Pixie smiles “I know what they do, and I know what good they could do in your hands.” she flies around the bush examining it muttering to herself, glimmering dust covers the bush as she flies around it. “You have already picked them so they are yours. But you must trade for them. What are you going to give me for the berries?”
Dugal calls for the caravan to move on. The wagons creek into motion with a tug from the draft horses. You all begin to move into your new positions to guard as the caravan moves on. As the day goes on you hit a part in the road where the trail begins to descend a slight hill. At the bottom of the hill the group catches up to Ercio who is stopped as the trail descends into a gully where a stream has overflowed its banks. The entire path has become marshy and soft. The muck here is going to be difficult to travel through. “We’ve got to press on through, the water doesn’t seem high enough to wash the wagons away. Take it slow.” Dugal shouts back as he begins to move his wagon forward slowly. The mud sticks to the wagon’s wheels but Dugals wagon makes it through. Followed by the Pharasma marked wagon and the bard’s wagon. By the time it makes it to Amara’s wagon the ruts in the mud are deep and her wheels get stuck. Dugal groans and wipes his face with his hand. Waving over the group of you; “We are going to need the group of you to help push the wagon as I hitch my horses up to this wagon and we can pull it free.”
DMs Stuff:
Ercio:
K-Nature Check rolled 10+11 skill = 21 You know how to harvest these berries properly; you are able to harvest 4 Glimmerberries. But, as you are harvesting, you are interrupted. You hear a high pitched, but gentle, female voice; “What are you doing? Hehehe, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Those are mine” When suddenly right before your eyes hovering over the bush is tiny elven looking creature, roughly a foot tall, with what looks to be butterfly wings that contain an explosion of color with a vivid trail of glimmering dust coming off of her as they flutter in the air. You easily recognize this creature to be a fey, better yet, it is a pixie.
DMs Stuff:
*Insert Oprah giving away stuff meme*
But for real, has anyone ever had a character that acquired a vorpal blade?
@Ercio thanks! I emailed you the link to be an editor. Like I said, feel free to go crazy with however you'd like to use the loot sheet.
Hey all, hope all is going well. Two questions for you all. 1) I wanted to check in and see if anyone would like to take control of the loot sheet? I would love to give access to someone if they would like to have control over it. We haven't really come across anything yet, but when we do it would be one thing less that I would need to control. I currently have it set with Item I Value I Who Has It I Location Found I Category rows, but you could totally customize it as you see fit. If you would like to control it let me know and either put your email address on here or PM me your email address. I'll give you access to the Google Doc. 2) I am always open to constructive criticism when it comes to how I am running the game. I want it to be ran in a way that the party finds enjoyable. If you ever have concern, or need something to change so you are having more fun, please feel free to either post it on here or send me a PM. I want to be able to run the game so all are having fun.
As you go around asking for steel bowls, you find that most people have some form of a steel bowl or metal mug as part of their mess kit. A few of the people look at you oddly when you tell them you are going to give them a small fire with such damp twigs, but when you light the fires their demeaners quickly seems a step lighter in such a rainy day. Then they quickly realize that the fire heats up their bowl/mug and use part of their cloak to withstand the heat.
As you venture into the woods looking for food you come across something rare and unexpected, a bush with glimmering silver berries that is protected by long thorns. You think about all the different types of berries that you have seen on your journeys and those you have learned about from the Elders when it hits you. This is a Glimmerberry Bush. You know that if harvested properly, the Glimmerberries have curative properties by themselves, or could be used to enhance curative potions as an ingredient.
Pash:
The dreams you have are filled with the possibilities of what all could be in those woods. What is it that is taking out all the game? Shambling Mounds? Centaurs? Werewolves? Dragons? Undead Liches creating a vast undead army waiting to strike down upon the caravan? Morning thankfully comes as you stir yourself awake before your mind goes down any darker of a path.
Yalyaane checks in with Dugal. "Do you think we are watching the supply wagons sufficiently? The perfumist's wagon, the Pharasmins, and so forth, they are occupied, but they others are not," she says thoughtfully. Dugal nods, pointing around to the five of you; “You’re right Yalyaane, if each of you take portion of the caravan instead of two up front and two at the rear and a scout, I think we would have better eyes and ears around the perimeter. If each of you took two wagons starting from the rear we would have eight of the wagons covered, that would still allow Ercio and Bumi to scout.”
An hour or so passes before Dugal blows his signal whistle, signaling that the caravan in coming to a halt. Dugal begins to walk down the line; “It looks like this rain isn’t going to be stopping anytime soon but we have to make camp and let the horses rest. Make what room you can for everyone to sleep in or under the wagons.” This evening there is no warm fire for everyone to surround and to talk taking their mind off of the long days walk. People crowd under wagons to keep the rain off of them, others adjust what is within their wagon to invite the walkers out of the rain for the evening.
The sun is out, and the birds are chirping. Instantly everyone seems to be a lot more chipper than they were the day before. Even the troupe of bards are out playing instruments along with one narrating a tale of springs first light. Dugal gives everyone a bit of extra time to get things collected and set up before heading out for the day.
DMs Stuff:
Ercio and Bumi take the lead scouting ahead of the caravan, which might be best as Findal is looking for Ercio due to him still being stuck behind Amara. The day trudges on slowly. The rain begins to pickup, and at points is just short of a torrential downpour. Everyone who has a wagon stays within trying to steer the horses the best they can. Those who are unfortunate enough to walk use soaked through cloaks to try and keep as much rain off of them as possible. A few have hitched rides on the back of the wagons that offer a lip to sit on, huddled together under cloaks sharing body heat to keep warm. Thankfully it isn't cold out, but being soaked to the core can leave a person with a cold.
DMs Stuff:
Amara smiles when you mention her perfume. “I did. You know, it is kind of funny. Working with all of the fragrances that I do leaves my nose partially paralyzed. I know what aroma specific flowers and oils have and know which do and do not work well together, but unfortunately I have not fully smelled one of my perfumes in a really long time.” It appears as if Amara is about to continue when something behind you catcher her attention. Dugal approaches; “Medav, we need to meet at my wagon. I’ gathering the others.” without waiting for a response he continues on his way without missing a step. “You best be on your way Mezdav. I’m sure we will have an opportunity to talk again on our journey.” with that Amara smiles while giving a slight nod and walks towards her wagon.
As Adir brings up the rules Dugal nods; “You’re right. We already have everything we need right here. If we need more provisions of water or food we could send a small party to hunt and gather for it. I will be sure to make everyone in the caravan and the walkers know that if you want to go out that they need to go in groups. 2… 3… 4 maybe? We will circle the wagons up to form a perimeter.” When Ercio brings up scouting ahead Dugal nods until he hears Mezdav mention the spacing; “I do think a scout would be good and I don’t want to discredit your abilities, but are you comfortable being that far ahead? I won’t make that choice for you.” "I do believe that we should have the trade supplies in the rear, but master Findazzle had made the request to have his wagon last. Maybe coming from you all he might change his mind?" “I do believe those will help keep us a bit safer along the way. Any more thoughts?” Erico: With your nature check you would easily think what Findal is thinking. Why would a predatory creature attack a large caravan? Especially one that has some kind of intelligence as a worg does. The only answer is that game is thin for some reason, but what could be killing off enough game to cause a worg to take a risk and attack the caravan…
Once again I want to apologize for the laps in posting. The basement was a bit more of a blunder than I thought it would be. Dealing with insurance companies can always be interesting to say the least. But we are back at it. Another note, as we are not really in "normal times" right now, I am going to be more lax in my expectations of postings. If you are able to post daily that is also, if you are not because of life situations due to quarantine that is perfectly fine. Things will eventually return to normal.
“Never the less, if you need anything else I am here.” if nothing else is said Findal returns to the business he was on before you arrived.
“We are only two days into this journey, it typically takes 20 days to travel between Mara and Grayhaven.” Patting an inner pocket of his vest you hear the clinking of coins. “If we are able to arrive without losing anymore members of the caravan, paid or otherwise, I will double your payment upon arrival to Grayhaven. I don’t know what you need to do about that, just make it so.” “I know you might have opinions, state them now and then we will move on from there.” DMs Stuff:
Hey all! How is life doing? Me? Oh not to bad. Came home Thursday night and started to put away groceries. Went to take some stuff downstairs to our freezer when I noticed our basement was completely flooded, then the nightmare hit.... I saw the toilet paper and crap floating. The sewer backed up into our basement.... Finally got the proper team out to clean/sanitize/clean/sanitize it this morning and now it is drying out.... Thats all from me. Expect a real post soon enough...
Yalyaane: This is the same boy that you were talking to before, Bren. The call you would instantly recognize as one of yours that had somehow gone missing and replaced with a skipping stone.
@Mezdav I must say thank you for sharing this song. I clicked play on it and it has been playing his tracks for quite some time. He has that North Mississippi All-Star kind of vibe.
As the party prepares the body for the pyre you go through the man’s pockets. Within them you find a folding pocket knife, a small pouch with 2 silver and 5 copper, a handkerchief, and an iron key. When he was pulled away by the beast his pack fell off and he dropped his walking staff, those are back by the caravan. Man’s Backpack:
Standard Backpack 4x trail rations Change of clothing Wooden pipe Pouch with tobacco Small wooden box with 10 tendertwigs As Mazdav and Ercio begin looking over the beast, there is nothing that would make them believe that the meat from the creature would make them ill. Seems like it would be perfectly safe to eat, though maybe a bit gamey. Ercio takes some of the meat to Findal and the gnome raises an eyebrow; “A wolf you say? How big was it? Black fur? Humm..." Findal scratches his beard; "Well I could be wrong without seeing the creature, but a wolf is not what I believe attacked the caravan. I believe that it was a Worg... it is unfortunate that we could not capture the creature. It is said they they have the intelligence to allow them to speak. That being said, the meat is perfectly fine to eat. Though it might need to be a stew or something to help soften the meat up." He smiles at Ercio; "I am here to help as needed."
Dugal is easily seen making his way up and down the caravan line checking on everyone that he comes across. He spends a few moments calming the nerves of everyone and assuring that the hired guards have everything under control. Once he makes his rounds he lets out a loud shout; "We're going to be on now. Lets set some ground between us and this place before we rest for the night." The rest of this day is rather uneventful until the party begins to make camp. The mood is somber, word travels fast and everyone knows of the attack on the caravan and the death of the man. Tales span from a wolf pup attack all the way to Hellhounds attacking, and everything in-between. Mezdav is getting his belongings set up for the evening when he smells something, an overwhelming perfume aroma. Turning, Mezdav meets the eyes of the tall slender elven woman, the perfumist. "I heard the song you were humming. Was it some kind of tribal burial song? It was nice." As Yalyaane seeks out Bren she hears a familiar sound before she is able to see the boy. It is the sound of someone trying to figure out how to use an animal call. Rounding Dugal's wagon she see the boy sitting on the ground trying to figure the thing out.
Hey all, sorry for the delay. Things here at my work are getting kind of hectic. Short-term/long-term shut downs, staffing needs, meetings, etc... Please be gracious with giving me time during this whole uncertain time in the states. I will be posting. Thank you for understanding.
Hey all. sorry about last week. Everything around us is closing due to the coronavirus and my family was scrambling to figure out what we were going to be doing with our kids. I will be getting a post going today. I hope all of you are doing well through this whole coronavirus whatnot.
Erico sets to skin the pelt from the creature and does so with ease. There is still more to be done with the skin before it is fully useable, but this is the start. You are able to collect some meat from the creature. This whole process does take a fair amount of time, but the wolf pelt will be worth it. Dugal turns towards Yalyaane: "The man was not a paying member of the caravan, a tagalong who met an unfortunate end. If you feel the need to burn or bury the remains you can, but watch the fire and the underbrush. The elves already hold a grudge against those who travel these roads." Dugal smiles at Yalyaane; "I don't want anything to happen to my caravan or those traveling with it. From what I have seen in the past are wolves, bandits, and goblins. Nothing like that creature that you all took care of, I am thankful that you handled it so quickly." Dugal lowers his voice and takes a step towards you; "If you don't mind, please keep the death a little under wraps. I don't need more panic than there already has been."
Those who are knowledgeable of nature would know that this is not just a wolf, that it is indeed something else. Looking over the body of the fallen man, you all recognize them as one of the travelers that was walking besides the caravan. Even though there is safety in numbers when traveling these roads this man was not as fortunate as most. Ercio:
You cast detect magic and survey the creature and you detect nothing magical. You might catch any faint lingering magics on the other guards if they have anything like potions or scrolls, but nothing rom the creature.
Sorry all, March is a crazy month for me and work. I have conference every weekend and I mentally tell myself I will have time to post but realistically I do not. Until further notice it might be best to say that I will not be posting on weekends, but always feel free to RP moments.
With your perception check you do see Dugal just at the edge of the woods where the guards went to retrieve the man. He is standing besides Bren, pointing to where you could only assume the battle is taking place. Bren is fidgeting with a dagger, Dugal has his hand gripping a hammer.
With the sound of battle behind you, you can still hear the people trying to reign in the horses that were spooked by the fast attack of this creature. Ercio:
With your knowledge nature check you believe that this is some kind of oversized wolf. Must be very old to have grown this large, yet no gray mar the deep black fur. It truly is a beautiful specimen once you have a chance to look it over.
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