Fergus looks around the place and seeing that all the buildings are no longer burning it appears it has been days since this happened.
"I doubt we can catch them even with wagons and it is almost night fall. This appears to have happened days ago. As Hawthrone stated...in moonlight, dusk, dawn I can fight and hold my own. I have the means to gain the ability to see better in darkness but I would need a morning of prayers to do so. Traveling by darkness is fine as long as I have someone to guide me."
He looks around the sky..."Darkness will be upon us soon so best we check this place and move on before nightfall."
"I agree, Rommin's strategy is sound. Especially if we can take prisoners for interrogation. But it hinges on a being able to catch them before they get back to the lair...It all rests on can we catch them - and don't forget they will probably be marching at night and camping in the day, for they sake of their eyes....Also, who here is comfortable fighting in the dark? Yes Fergus, this question is really for you and your human eyes. A light will make you a pure target, and alert those we will be chasing long before we can hope to see them...
If the trackers need support, I can cast Commune With Birds and ask the local birds for answers.
** spoiler omitted **
I overlooked the warhorse. I saw riding dog and some how it clicked that they were riding horse.
EDIT TO LAST POST ABOUT CAMP:
Fergus will focus on training the riding dogs for combat.
We are making a lot of assumptions until we know how old this raid was on this village. Which is why I asked the questions I did prior to jumping to conclusions that it was fresh. I would assume that if it was fresh or recent we would have seen smoke rising (even just grey or white smoke meaning the remnants of a fire... Right now I just want to figure out how long ago this happened and then base our next move after we figure that out.
This comment by the DM: "find your first village that has been burnt out. Any survivors have left days ago. Ther are many dead bodies, the people here did not go down without a ferocious fight." Leads me to believe it happened at least a few days ago if not more. Which means trying to catch them is pointless. The burnt out part means past tense...
Unless there is anything else, you mount up and ride.
You head south-west along the river, which guides your path for a few days. The first villagers you pass seem like armed camps. With the royal passport, you are accepted, but little information is available beyond greater danger to the south. Near the end of the first day, you find your first village that has been burnt out. Any survivors have left days ago. Ther are many dead bodies, the people here did not go down without a ferocious fight. Apart from the villagers, local militia, orcs and a couple of ogres lie dead, stripped of useful gear.
** spoiler omitted **
It is getting dark, in perhaps a half an hour.
Fergus spends those first few days when time allows tending to the parties mounts. Brushing them down, checking their hooves/paws and tending to them if needed. He ensures they have food and takes the time to gather additional grass/water for them and any scraps left over from hunting gives to the dogs. He spends time training them to GUARD working with the dogs first and then Vakmu's horse as he is a rider. 1 week to train. DC20
Fergus prays each morning and spends a few moments tending to his gear and helping out in the camp where he can.
When the see the burned out village Fergus notes if there is still smoke rising from the village How recent is this attack? Hours, Days, Weeks?
When he enters the town he dismounts and keeps an eye on what is going on around him and the party.
perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
He inspects a few of the bodies...1) the condition of the bodies to tell how long they have been in this state. 2) Have scavengers touched the bodies...what type of scavengers?
Takes 10 > 10+9=19
"We should move away from here before nightfall. It is not wise to sleep amongst the dead...scavengers and worse will be upon this place."
He says a prayer to Bahamut and asks him to watch over their souls as they pass to the land of the dead. Each body he inspects he prays quietly over but lets the bodies lay where they are. They fought here and they died here...best they rest here.
He turns to his elven companion. "Rommin any idea how big of a force left the village and how far ahead they are? We can track this group I suspect...They are probably heading to the Steading of this chieftain. We need to be cautious of rear guards and scouts but my guess is these wagons they have will leave nice tracks."
After eating he thanks Master Algorthas. When they walk out into the yard Fergus walks up to his mount and the other horse and checks their saddles for fit like he normally does.
He then walks to the table. He selects cold weather gear that will fit him. He also grabs five or six candles, hemp rope, and extra blanket, and then grabs ten days of trail rations.
"Grab extra trail rations if you have room and a blanket. If we run across refugees or stragglers we can use the food and blankets to help them and gain additional information about what lies ahead. An extended hand in giving gains more than a closed fist..."
Fergus will load the gear on to the spare horse. "Thank you Master Algorthas!" He mounts his charger and secures the second horse with an extended length of rope and bring them around to his companions and faces the gate.
He looks around the yard for a guide aftr Vakmu asks.
Cold weather outfit (7lbs), 50ft of hemp rope (10lbs), blanket (3lbs), 5 candles, 10 days trail rations (10lbs)
So just to clarify that map we are looking at on the table is a map you are linking to on this link. Excluding the marker for the Steading which is unknown. Which means the fort we want to first check and then base out of is Blackbridge, correct?
It's either Blackbridge, Headwater, or that unnamed little grey fort between them at the intersection of the roads.
It is, however, a really nice map!
Agree on all accounts. I was basing this off of the hex count Chillblame gave us in OOC.
"I hope that my mount is a devout follower of Charmalaine, or at least one that is religiously flexible. You know, some dogs simply refuse to listen to reason when it comes to matters of theology."
K (Religion):1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Fergus grins and turns to Hawthrone.
"I am sure Master Hawthorne that the "Lucky Ghost" would be pleased by your vigilance over our mount's religious beliefs. One can't take those things for granted. Let us hope while she watches over our mounts she warns us of any impending dangers we might come upon during this journey. I look forward to our many discussions on the theological points of Charmalaine's teachings." He pats the halfling on the shoulder. "Let us get something to eat with Master Algorthas!"
Algorthas watches Lashton leave and mutters something
** spoiler omitted **
He turns back to you
Well I hope I can help you.
perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
chillblame wrote:
Algorthas watches Lashton leave and mutters something
** spoiler omitted **
He turns back to you
Well I hope I can help you.
perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
He turns to the remaining companions once Vakmu leaves and lets the air clear a bit once the King's Agent is gone.
"Master Algorthas. "If there is anything I can do for you personally to help I am at your disposal. Something appears to weigh heavily on your mind...I fear you might be the one thing holding this together so if there is something I can do to assist you please don't hesitate to ask."
He lets that sit for moment. "If we can get a guide that knows this area, the locals, ways around the main road to get to the here. It would be a big help." He runs his finger down the Davish river from Istivan to the mouth of the river at the Joten's."[/b] He then looks to his companions "If we can pull supplies, food, winter gear, and such that would help us. And finally, as my companions stated my two companions don't care for their horses provided by the crown for our journey here. Riding dogs would help them and our party if we need to pick the pace up at all."
I didn’t set up Fergus for range. He does have throwing axes for near range. My plan is for him to take two weapon fighting but with sword and shield. I can grab a light crossbow.
My spells are built around enhancing him in combat or supporting another team member.
Fergus smiles as both his smaller companions discuss mounts for themselves. ”I believe we should be able to find riding dogs or even a ram or hog. I would also guess hill land ponies might be an option as well. I will do my best to accommodate your requests.”
I grew up on a horse ranch that my grandfather owned so I have been around them all my life. Often times you put mules or horses with cattle to keep them calm and alert the cattle to coyotes or wolves (predators). I also had the chance to go through Mountain Warfare school and having trained with both horses and mules I would say both are pretty much the same. The benefit of the horse is they move faster on good ground, mules do better on rough trails and such but a horse can handle it just as well and often can carry a bit more gear. Both are smart. I had the chance to use horses while in Turkey and northern Iraq on a few occasions to pack gear and never had an issue with them on rough terrain. Actually was glad we had them.
Fergus turns to Algorthas as they look at the map. In a lowered voice he addresses the wise old man. "I am truly sorry for the losses you have suffered mastered Algorthas. I will do my best to make this right by you and yours. If you know someone that knows these lands and you trust I would be most grateful to you if you put us in contact with them."
Fergus turns back to the map and to the group he would be traveling with.
Vakmu considers Vrianna's suggestion and replies: "I would be hesitant to bring a wagon; armies need them to carry the supplies, but we simply aren't a big enough band to need that kind of drayage. Wagons are limited to roads - which are going to be in short supply in the foothills of the Jotens - and they can't do stealth, as Rommin suggests, nor can they run, even from infantry. I think we should be able to travel lightly enough not to need one.
Casually tapping the map with the point of his dagger, Vakmu continues : Ok, we want to be on the road to engage the hill giants as soon as possible. We could debate strategy all week, so let us make a decision. I think we are best operating as a small band on foot, but it is 30 or so leagues (90 miles) to their area of operations – 2 ½ days mounted, 6 days on foot. I propose we take up the crown's offer of mounts and ride to the local fort (the one they have had no messages from for over a week)
Lord Lashton, if we can bring a small squad of troops with us, they can act as local guides on the way out. When we arrive, we will find out the status of the fort. Once there, we will send the squad back, which will either get you the confirmation the fort has fallen, or a report on what is going on there... ”If the fort has not fallen, it will become our local base, and we will stable the mounts there; if it has fallen, we will send the mounts back with the squad, as we will not have the capability to care for a full set of mounts without support. Either way, the next day, we will then venture forth as a band, to find this hill giant and his demesne.” ”I think Rommin’s point about supplies is well taken – let us gather them swiftly – this is a significant city where we should be able to find much of what we will need quickly.” ”One or two reliable pack animals suitable for rough terrain, awful conditions – mules, or perhaps there is something better available locally – they need to be war-trained...
Fergus listens, nods a few times and at other points doesn't appear to agree.
"I agree we should gather supplies quickly. Food, winter clothing. extra supplies in the way of arrows, bolts, and such. I would not take a squad of men with us. It will attract as much attention as a wagon would. The larger our band the more attention we will attract. There very well might be scouts eyes for the other side watching this encampment or at the very least the roads going into it. We want to move fast and soldiers don't move fast.
We will need one good guide, one specific to our destination. Someone that is wise to the lands of Sterich and to the Jotens. Let's keep our band small so we can reduce our footprint. If we can get a guide here that would be great otherwise we should look to retain one while we make our way to the mouth of the Davish at the foot of the Joten's."
He looks at the map for a bit of time running his fingers down the river to the Joten's.
"I suggest we take all seven horses. My mount is battle-trained and is used to privation in times of having to move fast. I can see if I can get more mounts that are combat trained but in our current circumstances, I doubt they will be on hand. These forces will want to keep any trained horses or animals. If we take the mounts we have now mine will help to calm the other horses as well. I choose to take the commander's offer of the mount at the village to use it to carry supplies.
I also suggest we stay off the roads. You want to get ambushed, robbed, or attacked stay on a road... We keep the Davish River to one side and the road to the other side. Once we get to the fort as you said Vakmu we find out what the condition of the fort and its forces. If there is still a force there we can base out of it and resupply. If it has fallen we bypass it and move on. Once to the foothills we send the guide back with half our mounts. The rest we use to carry our supplies. That will include my mount and two or three more. The calmest ones in the bunch. Of course this is all based on us finding a guide. If you like I and Rommin can work on getting us a guide. If Algorthas has any suggestions on guides I will seek them out. If not I and Rommin will work the taverns and barracks to find one if he is up for it."
Fergus ignores all the back and forth. Focusing on the matter at hand.
Fergus nods his head in agreement to the Prefect's orders.
"Prefect, I will gladly strike towards the south and will go with whoever else will go as well. Do you have any additional news on the route there? If memory serves it is nearly 60 leagues to the mouth of the Dayish River that sits at the Joten's. Is there any forts or holds that you are communicating with that we can seek shelter and rest at before we strike into surrounding areas to find this steading." He follows that up with one additional question. "Is it possible to also work with Alogorthas to gain additional knowledge of the local nobles and lords in that area near the Joten's. It will allow us to get a clearer picture of who could assist us as well as allow us to confirm if they are still providing some resistance against these forces when we arrive."
Good. Good to see my...that royal priorities are respected. As to news on the road... He looks at Algorthas
The news south is grim. Villages have been sacked, though some still stand. There is a fort near there, but we have had no messages from them for over a week. Travel is difficult. Thus far we have good reports of Bandits, Orcs, Gnolls, Bugbears, Svarts, Goblins, Ogres, Trolls and hill giants. Less reliable reports have frost and fire giants
He looks sad
The nobles in the region have either fled, have been killed or taken, or are in hiding or resisting. We have no way to know, and not enough forces to counter the threat. The King's southern adventures...
He cuts himself off. Lashton turns red and is about to say something cutting when Randos raises his hand. Lashton subsides immediately.
Randos puts a sympathetic hand on Algorthas's shoulder.
Your land is suffering, my friend. I'm certain the King is responding to this crisis. It is unfortunate that this happened when it happened, but we must deal with what is.
Algorthas nods
I will be happy to...
"I don't know that our spending time investigating the sphere will be of much value if we cannot go inside. And any delay we make here just means more raids at the southern border."
He leans over the map. "Perhaps we can take horses to the furthest south outpost that is still manned. That could speed us up by days. Once we go into the wilderness beyond, it might be best to go on foot. Unless any of you are master horsemen; the steeds might be a liability to stealth."
He pauses, then nods. "We should store up on food. If we find their base of operations, we may have to watch it for a way to breach it. Or it may take several incursions to topple their strength."
I don't mean to undercut anyone who wants to examine to sphere; as a player, I know that might have value to it. As a character though, Rommin is more eager to get to the battle than ponder the more esoteric threat.
Fergus listens to the wise council of Rommin. "I am used to fighting mounted and can handle the horses. I agree with you that once we go into the less forgiving terrain their benefit becomes a liability. However, we could use them to carry gear while we walk. It would benefit us to have a few horses for supplies and in the event we need to bring a member back that is severely wounded or worse."
Fergus in this regard would simply address the orders given. At this point he would suspect any attempt on his part to push an alternative agenda on the agent will meet with limited success. And there is not much he can do with a magical solid black crystal sphere engulfing an entire city that a wizard (self-inflated or otherwise) couldn't handle :)
Also I wouldn't have taken the horse that was offered in the village as I have a mount. However if the group opted to have an extra horse to carry gear we can do that in lieu of not taking it.
"My Lord Lashton, it is perhaps my professional paranoia, but I think your assumption that Sterich's two problems are linked is wise; an attack on a land's leadership can be an extremely effective measure in a time of war. However, I would beg your leave to spend a day in Istivin, to investigate this black sphere; the spirits I can contact are wise and ancient - they can offer extraordinary insight..."
[Dice= Diplomacy Check] D20 + 13
Looking at the map, what kind of travel time/distances are we looking at to get to Nosnra's region? Are there Sterichian outposts in the region that we could use for basing/support? Is he going to give us some sort of identifying document/travel token/whatever indicating that we work for the crown (and should be supported, or at least not opposed)?
I believe we have a King's Token given to us in Garethsford before we left.
Fergus nods his head in agreement to the Prefect's orders.
"Prefect, I will gladly strike towards the south and will go with whoever else will go as well. Do you have any additional news on the route there? If memory serves it is nearly 60 leagues to the mouth of the Dayish River that sits at the Joten's. Is there any forts or holds that you are communicating with that we can seek shelter and rest at before we strike into surrounding areas to find this steading." He follows that up with one additional question. "Is it possible to also work with Alogorthas to gain additional knowledge of the local nobles and lords in that area near the Joten's. It will allow us to get a clearer picture of who could assist us as well as allow us to confirm if they are still providing some resistance against these forces when we arrive."
1) Are we running a "party" fund for treasure, as opposed to simple splits? I say yes; I think that there are things the whole party should be contributing too.
1a) What should the party fund be paying for? I say
I) raise dead and other major healing (restorations or stone to flesh for example)
II) Major party buffs.
For example, Vakmu currently has a set of pre-made symbols, they are :
Vakmu's Equipment wrote:
"5 planchettes with pre-cast symbols of mirroring on them, programmed to only affect those displaying the same 3 symbol combination. – 500 gp
1 planchette with a pre-cast Symbol of Laughter on it, programme not to effect anyone/anything displaying all 3 of the following symbols:. – 1000 gp
Planchettes are kept individually wrapped in sheets of paper, which are labelled.
Spirit gum to stick planchettes to surfaces, for example, a breastplate.
A set of 12 necklaces (fits up to large creatures, can be multiply looped to fit smaller creatures), that display the aforementioned 3 symbol combination (Arcane Mark, symbol of Boccob, symbol of Farlaghan)"
Thus, he can pull out symbol of mirroring that won't affect anyone not wearing a necklace (or symbol of slowing that will affect anyone not wearing a necklace), and attach it to a helmet, breastplate or a shield (inside or outside...). The symbol will stay active for 70 minutes, giving a either a mirror image or a slow effect to those who are within 60ft and meet the programmed criteria. This is, of course, a huge combat effect, that can last for most of a raid. But a symbol of slowing costs 1000 gp a pop. ( I'll eat the first one, it's already paid for, but I'm not sure I should be eating all the costs in the future...).
III) Other party expenses? Eg buying a ship...
2) Roles
Vakmu, as mentioned in his appplication for this PBP, is intended as a battlefield control and save or suck caster. He can be very flexible - for example, he can select...
When you say party funds...you mean everything goes into a party pool? I am not for that.
If you mean placing shares of treasure into a party fund I am for that. That would include party funded disposable magic items (healing/whatnot). I don't think casters should bear the burden of eating the cost in casting to support the party.
My suggestion would be since we have six people in the party one way to this is take all monetary funds and split them twelve ways. One share to each party member and 6 shares to the party fund. That fund covers company travel/healing/support costs. Magic items (non-disposable) we divvy up into equal lots. In the same manner above but anything left over/not wanted by a party member goes into the party fund to be sold/traded for what we need. Any disposable items we place into party support and divvy them out amongst the group.
Fergus can be a front line martial but he can also do healing support and buffing when needed. I can also act as the face of the party in diplomatic affairs if that is needed. Whatever the party needs him to do.
He has the ability to give party members around him +1 bonus to AC/CMD/SAving throws as well if needed. That will bump up to +2 at 9th level for four rounds.
Is it possible to have a separate discussion thread for Table Two? Having both tables in the same discussion is going to create a lot of confusion...
I'm not certain how to do that. Sorry
Well, the simplest trick that I can think of would be to create a whole new campaign, "GDQ Table 2", starting with a closed recruitment thread - which will auto-generate the other threads (gameplay, discussion, etc). You will end up posting the campaign materials up twice, but I expect the 2 tables to diverge enough that you will end up with separate maps anyways... If we do that now, it won't much of an issue to repost everyone's stuff posted so far.
This is the route that would probably be the best. We can cut and paste our posts from here to there. As of right now the discussion thread is turning into a mess and it will not get any better. I also think for our DM it will create additional problems when the two games merge on a similar plot line at different times. My personal preference is we have a unique discussion thread so that our group can chat .
Fergus lets Hawthorne speak and watches the reactions of the nobleman and the man behind him. Is he in fact the King's Agent or simply a nobleman taking advantage of being the King's Agent... I hope the first is true but at present I doubt it. He inspects the man just behind him...the preist of Pelor. He might be the man to best work if his sense of things plays out.
He steps forward, his shield is on his back and his sword is at his side. He gives a knight's bow out of respect to a lord with his hands below his head and open to the lord to show good will.
"Lord Lashton, I am Fergus DraganCara of Woodsage and Paladin of Bahamut. I am at the King's Service to follow his proclamation and assist the people of Sterich. I am at the King's service." He looks back to the lord. "It is a courageous affair on your part to take on such a noble venture for the king. You honor your position sir. I am here to lend my sword, shield, and my wisdom."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
He bows again while his eyes stay fixed on the two men judging their reaction and demeanor. As he comes up from his bow he steps back and keeps a close eye on both men but paying close attention to the Priest of Pelor. Letting his remaining companions introduce themselves.
Fergus watches as many of the newcomers, like himself, make their way out. He gathers his gear up and leaves. He walks down the stairs and seeks out refugee families in need of assistance. He works with children and the elderly in need first. Using his create water and cure light wounds to tend to the wounded and those that need to have their wounds properly cleaned. He works throughout the night moving to families who need this assistance. Has he does he makes asks them how they received the wounds, where they received them, along with follow up questions on what they heard and saw as they fled. Anything that would help Fergus understand what he and any potential companions could be facing.
Using his healer's skills and lending aid where he can to alleviate the pain and injuries to a few of the refugees who have suffered. Once done he goes back to the stable and finds his horse and offers the stable master a few more coins so that he can bed down with his horse figuring it would be a dry spot and he could tend to this mount in the morning. He pulls off his armor, cleans it, wipes his gear down, and beds down for the night. He has slept in worse places and his mount will help to keep watch throughout the night.
As the sun rises he awakens, folds his bedroll and blanket. He brushes his horse down and then says his morning prayers. Asking for both guidance from Bahamut and Gruemar the Voice. He then prays for:
Once he completes his prayers. He cleans his gear and dons his armor and weapons. He then offers to help the stable hands clean up and tend to the horses. He then pays the stablemaster for one more day of upkeep for his mount. As he is finishing up the Crown Guard approaches him asking him to come to the stockades. He thanks the man makes his way to the stockade.
Fergus listens to the conversation and at times arguing going on around the tavern when he realizes the weather has started to turn sour.
He stands up and pats Alistar on the shoulder. "Be right back." He makes his way to the Crown Guard at the door. "Good day man. It is honor to be among the finest men of the Keoland again."He says with sincerity as he gives the man a confident but friendly smile. He puts out his open hand to shake the guard's hand. "I am Fergus of Woodsage and loyal subject to King Skotti. You have your hands full I see and it looks like bad weather is rolling in. I have had some experience with refugees while on the Wild Coast. I am sure the Guard is up to its neck managing the watch on the border and the peace in the village. Who is in charge of the care of the those fleeing from Sterich? Is there any temple's assisting in their needs?" He looks around the tavern at all the good men and women who have come to lend aid in the fight against whatever lurks beyond the borders of Sterich and back at to the guard. "If there is a need for my assistance I would be willing to offer it to those that are in charge of their care. Is there someone I can speak to about forays across the border as well? I intend on joining up with a company of brave souls to lend whatever assistance I can to help these people."
The crown guard is a little flustered. ah, thank you sir knight. I'm certain people are preparing, but if needed your help would be invaluable.
"You are doing the best you can considering what you face good man. If you could get word to those authorities that you have folk in this tavern prepared to help if called. I, Alistair, and a good many of these brave souls would lend aid where we can." He turns to leave and lets the man go back to his duties and makes his way back to his table.
Watching the man get up, Alistair follows...curious about where he would be going and, truthfully, to get out of the overcrowded room.
He listens to the Paladin offer his services to help the refugees and steps forward to address the guard as well.
"I too would like to help", he says with a sheepish grin towards the holy warrior.
"Sorry, I did not mean to intrude, but it was getting much too crowded in there, and I am sure my skills could be used to help the less fortunate among us. Even if it is only keeping them dry and warm!"
Fergus gives Alistair a nod and an approving grin. "Good deeds need no apology! And two is always better than one." He turns back to the guard..."Make that two of us interested!"
Fergus listens to the conversation and at times arguing going on around the tavern when he realizes the weather has started to turn sour.
He stands up and pats Alistar on the shoulder. "Be right back." He makes his way to the Crown Guard at the door. "Good day man. It is honor to be among the finest men of the Keoland again."He says with sincerity as he gives the man a confident but friendly smile. He puts out his open hand to shake the guard's hand. "I am Fergus of Woodsage and loyal subject to King Skotti. You have your hands full I see and it looks like bad weather is rolling in. I have had some experience with refugees while on the Wild Coast. I am sure the Guard is up to its neck managing the watch on the border and the peace in the village. Who is in charge of the care of the those fleeing from Sterich? Is there any temple's assisting in their needs?" He looks around the tavern at all the good men and women who have come to lend aid in the fight against whatever lurks beyond the borders of Sterich and back at to the guard. "If there is a need for my assistance I would be willing to offer it to those that are in charge of their care. Is there someone I can speak to about forays across the border as well? I intend on joining up with a company of brave souls to lend whatever assistance I can to help these people."
As the barmaid makes her rounds and drops food and drink off Fergus thanks her for the service. He gives her a two gold coins. "Thank you, kind lady."
He takes a drink of the water-downed ale. Considering he has had spring water and pond water for most of the trip from Woodsage the ale is not that bad. He laps down the stew with as much decorum as a hungry man can after saying a quick prayer of thanks to Bahamut for his safe journey and a meal at the end of it. As he does he listens to Alistar as well as the conversations around him.
His concern at the moment is that the village is overwhelmed and truth be told if something was to come across the river there would be mass chaos. If what I hear is true it would be best to have the refugees located away from the river and the village. Farther east and near a natural water source. Crime is going to become a problem if they don't start giving these people something to do that is meaningful and purposeful. That way the village can deal with incoming refugees and move them on to a more permanent refugee camp.
I have deducted 2 gp for the food in the tavern and 2gp for the stable.
Al perks up when he hears someone speaking about magic and looks over to the elf standing by the dwarf. He then notices the armoured warrior come in and order food and drink.
I've seen him here before...quite a lot actually. Maybe he can give me some direction he thinks looks the fellow over.
Getting up and maneuvering across the crowded room, Alistair approaches the fellow.
"Greetings. I have seen you here a number of time before...are you a local? Regardless, I was wondering if you knew what the plan was to investigate the troubles in Sterich? Sorry, I did not introduce myself...I am Alistair Orm, wizard and adventure."
Fergus removes his gloves and wipes his hand and stands. He shakes the man's hand. "Well met Alistair! Fergus DraganCare of Woodsage at your service. I think you have me mistaken with another I am afraid." He looks around the tavern and then back to Alistair. "I am not from here. I have just arrived a moment ago, long enough to get my horse stabled and walk to this tavern. I traveled from Woodsage." He can see that Alistar doesn't recognize the name and quickly adds. "It's a small town north of the Dread wood and south of the Goodhills. I came to serve the King and offer what I aid I could to the people of Sterich.' You notice the man is in half plate that is well tended to and a tabard covers it in purple with a Silver Dragon emblazoned on it in the center. The shield leaning against the table has the same markings on it. "A bit chaotic at the moment it seems. I am not sure what the plan or if there is any. I have heard rumors and stories on my way here but I have not heard what is actually troubling these people. Once I eat and drink I intend on trying to understand the real threat and what we can do to assist these people."
Fergus spent days on horseback traveling from Woodsage to the village of Garethsford. He had stopped several days ago in Flen to reprovision and get a night's rest under a roof. The news was not good and as he rides into the village on his charger what he sees is even worse.
Bahamut...watch over those that are fleeing from danger. Let them cross without harm or incident. Bless those that offer help and comfort. Bless my hands to do some good this day.
He finds a stable which is overly full and in need of assistance but he offers the man triple the cost to tend to his horse. Asking him to give his old friend extra food and water. He spends time brushing the charger down and tending to him before he makes his way to the tavern with his gear. As he does he takes the time to listen to the folks around him. What they are saying, especially about what lies west in Sterich and what is driving so many into Keoland.
"Relax Blue...you deserve it. I pushed you hard today to get here before night fall. You did good you deserve the rest." He pats the horse on the neck and scratches his ears. He leans in and whispers in his ear. "I will see if I can round you up some carrots or apples!"
He turns and picks up his gear and heads to the tavern. As he walks in he can see all sorts have answered the call. Willingly and unwillingly. ...
He gives a nod and a smile to the Town Guard. He looks over to the server..."Ale and food if you will!" He says it with a smile as he places his gear against the wall and on the table next the wall and takes a seat.
The tall man of Flan and Oeridian blood with his blonde hair, blue eyes and a week's worth of stumble on his face nods at several people that welcome him. He looks tired but in good spirits and he seems to be taking the measure of all those in the room as he waits for his drink and food.
Fergus is now complete and ready for your review. If I missed anything please let me know. I didn't want to post until I had his background and stats completed.
He is set up to be a frontline martial and/or support/guardian player.
Sorry for the HP confusion, that was my fault. Use the rolled method since some have already. I thought I said one thing and I said another. Apologies.
Nearly finished with Fergus. I have got to finish up buying gear and spin up what spells I want for him.
Will add in some more background to flesh out his ascension to 7th level. As I stated before since he was in the midst of starting Keep on the Borderlands I will probably step through that and the A series as background fluff.
I am building him out as a martial front liner or a guardian type with the ability to support the front liners.
Here is the proposed Paladin of Bahamut. I will be modifying the character for per your character creation guidelines and adjusting/adding to the background. It is still set up for the previous Greyhawk adventure that fell apart.
Since you have opted to not use A series what I might do is build off the conclusion of that for my background if that is acceptable.
Once they find a suitable location that they agree on. He drops his pack and starts clearing the camp of debris. He then gathers firewood and looks over the surrounding area from a tactical perspective...(getting the lay of the land) so that he can better understand where attackers would come if attempting an ambush or raid.
Fergus nods in agreement with his elven companions. "It will be important for us to find a spot that we can defend and can put our back to something to reduce our flanks we have to defend."
He thinks about it a bit more..."I would not suggest for us to sleep by the water... The noise of the moving water masks too many sounds at night. I would also keep Talenvere's mighty steed by us when we bed down. The horse will sense things we can't in the night."
He turns to Reidog and then looks over his shoulders. "Well look at that...fairy wings...color me pink." He smiles and gives Reidog a wink and laughs.
Fergus looks around at the party and then at the stirges. He says a prayer to Bahamut in thanks for their defeat of this enemy and the well being of his companions. He then prays over the stirges bodies...no matter how small or dangerous they were, in the end, they were a living creature.
He then looks up at Talenvere and to Reidog. "On the bright side, we have come across two opponents and bested both. We have worked well together in the face of adversity." He pauses in thought for just a brief moment. " I do tend to agree with Naji that fate seems to be pressing some hint of information upon us..." He looks down the road towards where he believes these caves lie. "I do believe that the gnolls and the stirges are somehow intertwined with these caves...more so the gnolls. I wish we had gotten to parlay with them. There might have been some helpful information to discern from them."
Fergus seeing the stirge press on Reidog he moves up to the opposite side of the Stirge placing himself opposite of the dwarf. He takes a downward swing hoping to swat the thing to the ground if he doesn't kill him.
How many Stirges are left and are they all still buzzing around Talenvere?
Fergus moves in to support Talenvere waiting for one of these over sized pests to sweep down at him and he takes a hard slash at the creature. As he takes his swing he feels the invigorating power of the gods wash over him as well as the inspiring words of the bard as he encourages all of his companions. He drives his sword hard at the creature that falls into his arc of attack.
Fergus seeing the flying creatures rain down on Talenvere takes a position outside the swarm. He draws his longsword and takes a short controlled swing trying to take the nearest creature down. Hrrrah!
