This game has been resurrected as a private game with a select few. Thanks.
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I started this AP with great intentions, however RL had other ideas and threw some unexpected curveballs my way. The poor health of close family members and then myself has meant that my free time has been whittled down significantly and my energy levels are at an all time low. I'm finding it harder to be motivated to get online these days and this has impacted the game and for that I am sincerely sorry. Regrettably, I am going to go ahead and close this game. My apologies to all, and to our newest player, Rasvan, who recently joined us. I appreciate everyone's work in game. I hope you'll find another Jade Regent game to be a part of until the very end. I'll keep the game open/active until all players have seen this message and then I'll inactivate it so your current game play pages are kept clean. I wish you all the best on the boards and in real life. Thanks for sticking with me to this point - you really are terrific. :) Best Regards,
Thanks, Dargu. I hope things are going well with the baby. Unfortunately, RL responsibilities are taking up more of my time at the moment. I won't be able to post on the boards until Monday, 9th November. I do appreciate your continued patience. Kind Regards,
Hello, everyone. Currently RL is kicking my butt - and I'm having to deal with unwell parents who need tests, scans, specialist appointments etc (not to mention a very stubborn mother who doesn't like going to see doctors). I will not be able to post any game updates until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. I appreciate your understanding and patience at this time. ~ Chesca.
GM screen:
Dargu and Akatsu with weapns and alike in hand took lead as they moved toward the tower-like building joined to the first wooden walkway into the buildings of the goblin fort. Dominic remained in the rear, bow at the ready. Akatu's footfalls were light and he moved with a certain practiced quietness through the muddy courtyard. Dargu's and Dominic's movements were not as discreet and the slosh of their boots in the wet mud could be heard. The men moved to the short, wooden stairs leading up to the wooden walkway. Keenly surveying the bridge and buildings and seeing no sign of obvious threat, they climbed up and walked along the walkway to the closed door leading into the building they wished to investigate (H4). Those with a keener eye for traps looked over the door and could not discern any mechanical traps. Akatsu carefully opened the door and he and Dargu slipped inside; Dominic following their lead in the rear. The group had entered a ten-foot-square hut - very sparse in furnishing with only a few overturned wooden chairs and no goblins or bones. The hut had numerous small windows placed all around the walls, affording the goblins with excellent views of the surrounding area. You would suppose the purpose of this hut was as a watchtower for its excellent vantage, and, the other similar-looking structure/hut across the way - appeared to be identical from the outside, making you believe that that too was a watchtower in this goblin fort. There's another closed door in the back corner of the hut.
You may have forgotten but Ameiko did say this when the Sheriff was hiring you:
The initial party was informed/warned. :)
Please let me know which area/s you mean to explore and we can go from there. Toss up any accompanying checks such as perception and/or stealth as you’re searching the village. Thanks,
Radjiik Local Knowledge 23:
Several merchant caravans and travellers on the Lone Coast Road have been attacked by the pyrotechnic-wielding Licktoads - horses panicked, trading goods and trinkets raided, wagons broken/upturned. The last few attacks resulted in severe injuries to three unfortunate travellers however there have been no actual deaths. To keep these threat from escalating, Sandpoint's leaders put out the call for goblin exterminators and that's why you are here in the goblin village - to ensure the Licktoads don't escalate their chaos into true violence and murder. You do recollect that a few local adventurer-volunteers have come to the notorious local wetland falls before you, looking for the Licktoads, however nothing has been heard of them three days since they entered Brinestump Marsh. Their disappearance is a mystery. The swamp is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and no one can say with any certainty it was the Licktoads who caused them true harm. For now, these three volunteers are considered "missing" or hopefully busy exploring the wetlands.
Rasvan Local Knowledge 25: Several merchant caravans and travellers on the Lone Coast Road have been attacked by the pyrotechnic-wielding Licktoads - horses panicked, trading goods and trinkets raided, wagons broken/upturned. The last few attacks resulted in severe injuries to three unfortunate travellers however there have been no actual deaths. To keep these threat from escalating, Sandpoint's leaders put out the call for goblin exterminators and that's why you are here in the goblin village - to ensure the Licktoads don't escalate their chaos into true violence and murder. You do recollect that a few local adventurer-volunteers have come to the notorious local wetland falls before you, looking for the Licktoads, however nothing has been heard of them three days since they entered Brinestump Marsh. Their disappearance is a mystery. The swamp is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and no one can say with any certainty it was the Licktoads who caused them true harm. For now, these three volunteers are considered "missing" or hopefully busy exploring the wetlands. Old, local Sandpoint fishermen have told tales of Vorka, the ravenous cannibal gobliness living in Brinestump Marsh; who would like nothing better than a few tasty visitors. However, due to her peculiar culinary habits, it's been said that she is not very popular among the local Licktoad goblin tribe, although other tribes generally hold her in high regard.
Did everyone get busy at the same time? ;) lol
Dargu:
There are no traps by the pit or in the courtyard. Drawing nearer to the pit, you catch a strong, unpleasant odour - like burnt/charred meat. Peering down into the pit, you can see a trough partially filled with what looks like the remains of pig slop; leaving you to believe this pit was once used as a pig pen by the goblins. There is no pig in there now; only what appears to be the gruesome, partially-cremated bodies of a dozen goblins.
If anyone attempts to fish the bones out of the pool near Radjiik at H2: There is more than a bone or two in the murky pool of water. For anyone trying to fish out the bones, they discover numerous bones - definitely more than one creature's worth. There are no bits of flesh, hair or skin on the bones (they are perfectly clean) and on closer inspection they appear to be human in shape and size.
The enthusiasm behind the bard's words spoken in goblin echoed somewhat across the empty courtyard as he entered through the gate with little concern for stealth. Two egrets disturbed in their scavenging, squawked in surprise and flapping their great wings slowly drew up into the air and flew deeper into the reedy swamplands. The goblin fort remained silent and still - no reply given to Rasvan's open words. Standing closer to the medium sized pit, which was only a few feet from him, Rasvan noticed a most unpleasant smell coming from its direction - more displeasing than the usual goblin smells.
GM screen:
==== Radjiik:
You do not hear any sounds (signs of life) coming from the interior of the fort/village from your current position. You find it strange that the fort seems so still, empty and silent at this time of morning - as the sounds of the swamp around you continue on as normal. There isn't any smoke (physical sign of or smell of) on the air to suggest the goblins are active or even in the village. You move to the pool of water at H2 on the map. You surmise it most likely provides the drinking water for the goblins and is currently filled with bright green algae. With your sight, you gauge the depth of the semi-murky water and put it at 10ft at its deepest point. Across the pool from where you're standing you can see what appears to be a rickety wooden pier projecting a few feet into the pool. Something catches your eye beyond the algae, at the bottom of the pool, something white and solid. Whatever it is, it isn't moving, just laying at the bottom of the pool. You draw nearer to the water - to see past the algae. Without any follow-up action at this time, you believe the objects to be bones of some kind.
Dargu: You ponder the state of disrepair of the village. If indeed the Licktoad tribe lived here, then why was the village in such a horrible state? Looking through the opening that once housed a sturdy wooden gate, you notice a medium sized pit in the yard. There is wet mud all around it, possibly suggesting it may have been used as a pen to house an animal. You cannot see any animal now, though. Although, the pit does seem to be filled with something else - yet there is no movement from whatever it is. You quickly scan the interior and from you can see/tell, the village buildings are connected by wooden walkways and stand five feet above the muddy ground on stilts. You do not see any goblins in the yard and beyond the opening in the palisade. Everything is still, except the sounds of swamp around you.
GM screen:
With Dargu leading and Radjiik protecting the rear, the males set down the Old Fish Trail, keeping to the centre and away from the edges and the soft, boggy ground/pools on either side of the winding five foot wide trail. Dargu keenly scanned the surrounds, however it was Radjiik from the back instructing the party where and how to move for his expert navigating and soundless movement. Akatsu kept his focus on the trail and the marshes, hoping to give his companions prompt warnings or helpful advice. Dominic and Rasvan followed the others' lead as best as they could along the wet, muddy trail. Reaching a soggy wooden bridge over the present section of the Soggy River, Dargu tested the weathered boards covered in moss; noting the missing planks. The wood did not give under his weight and so he led the party steadily across; Dargu, Akatsu and Radjiik glanced over the sides/edges of the short bridge and could not see any predator lurking beneath or nearby. Large, eager mosquitoes flew about the group; their whining loud enough to hear as they drew too near a face or ear. Rustling in the tall reeds and a splash in the small pools of water or creeks was noted; yet nothing flew out or up to attack the moving men. The lingering misty tendrils played along the trail and over the marshland. For the four males who experienced the previous trail, this older trail was more overgrown and slippery making it easier to trip, slip or turn an ankle. There were a number of hazardous sections along the muddy path; yet with expert instruction from Radjiik, all the men stayed upright and escaped/travelled without incident. The walk/trudge down the winding trail was both tedious and long - yet the end finally came into view within two hours from the starting point. Fifteen feet before the party was a filthy village-fort surrounded by a crude wooden palisade sitting atop a low hummock of solid ground. The wooden gate in the north wall of the palisade lay in shambles on the ground; allowing someone a chance to peer inside the entrance. Nearby sat a large, algae-filled pool ; its northeastern side breaking the palisade and allowing a clearer view into the village's interior. This was certainly the Licktoad's village, however no goblins could be seen and only silence greeted them from the interior.
Apologies - busy days and RL responsibilities. I will update the game tomorrow morning my time. I appreciate your patience. Kind Regards,
With the arrival of the Varisian bard known to be close friend to Ameiko, particulars were exchanged and room was made for him around the campfire. The fresh roasted meat was shared and the group chatted and then readied themselves for the rainy night ahead - setting up watches and taking turns resting/sleeping. The night passed without incident - the rain started as soon as dusk gave way to night and continued steadily as the group sheltered as best as they could in a makeshift lean-to between two large canopied trees. The fire was banked, yet provided some light and heat to those on watch (who also kept the leafy branch cover over the pit so that falling rain could not put out the burning embers). The haunting sounds of the night creatures occasionally broke the silence of the surrounds; yet nothing ventured close to the men camped overnight in the clearing.
The dawn was shrouded in gauzy fog and eventually the familiar rain ceased and gave way a cloudy early morning. The Old Fish Trail was now wet and soggy; the mud slippery under foot. Some of the meat left over from the previous night was unwrapped from its cloth covering and cut and consumed cold. Ablution, prayer and preparations were undertaken and completed and what remained of the fire was extinguished. Most of the fog had lifted by this time, yet tendrils of mist remained across the wetland and trail.
===
I was giving the group time to get in a little social rp with our new player, however there have been no new posts for most of the day. I will move the game forward to the morning, then. I’ll have a post up by late tonight my time. I suppose there’s time for further rp as you explore the trail or when you return to town. Thanks,
With Dominic's warning regarding the dander, Akatsu and Dargu began to crudely clean the goblin dogs' blood off their weapons. With Dargu's instruction to push the corpses into the boggy wetland on the side of the trail; the section thickly set with tall reeds and gnarled trees, Radjiik used the sole of his boots to carefully move the bloodied goblin dogs into the wet earth, watching as they began to slip down into the muddy water. The Shoanti rogue kicked dirt over the blood on the trail to stop scavengers being drawn by the scent of death. He then cleaned his boots across the river stones and on the long, curving grasses at the sides of the trail, hoping to spend more time cleaning them once they settled in for the night, back at their makeshift camp. Returning to the clearing and the abandoned deer and grouse meat they were preparing before the creatures came upon them, two of males finished the cleaning and disposing of the offal and inedible parts of the game animals and two continued to keep watch, scouring the surrounds for encroaching threats. None could be seen or heard. A fire was started in the small constructed pit and the meat was placed on long thin branches and cooked over it. The sun dropped lower in the sky, changing its colours and gently muting the landscape. The light would remain for two more hours gauging by the sun's current position, although shadowed clouds had already begun to gather across the once clear blue expanse. The heat had started to ease and the chirping of the swamp bugs and croaking of frogs, coming from a little ways down the trail, grew in pitch and frequency. The reeds swayed and rustled a little from the growing breeze; the sound was soothing after the events of the afternoon. As the meat finished cooking and was cut and apportioned among the four males (with spare meat left to continue to slowly cook/keep warm on the spit), Akatsu noticed a lone figure in the distance, walking toward them on the main road. The figure appeared male - tallish in stature, dark golden curls bobbing under a jaunty feathered hat. He seemed cheery as he strolled, humming a traditional Varisian tune, gauging by the melody wafting on the breeze. The form and stride of the man seemed familiar to Akatsu; as did the melody upon the man's lips.
Welcome Rasvan! Thank you for joining us. :) I admit I had a chuckle reading Rasvan’s weaknesses. ;) Thanks for adding those.
With one mighty thrust of the gladius, Dargu struck the remaining goblin dog hard in the forechest; deeply piercing through to the bone and killing it.
Straight Wisdom check (DC 11): Do not touch/move goblin dog bodies with bare hands or come into contact with their skin as a goblin dog's dander is highly irritating to all creatures except goblins. If one does come into contact with the dander, Fort Save is required (DC 12) to not break out in an itching rash. An infected creature takes a -2 penalty to Dexterity and Charisma for 1 day. Remove disease or any magical healing removes the rash instantly.
Flanking with Dargu, Akatsu swung his sledgehammer in the Shikigami style at the large, injured rodent before him. The fury of the first blow instantly killed it.
Dominic loaded a new bolt into his crossbow and fired at the second (and remaining) goblin dog. The bolt's path was true and pierced through the rodent's mangy hide, wounding it deeply.
===
As Dargu moved around the goblin dog, its teeth could not find quarry in the fighter's flesh as he positioned himself to flank it. As he swung his long sword at the creature (dog #1), it went wide and struck the ground and dropped to the ground by the fighter's feet. Akatsu could not see any other goblin dogs approaching the group and his attention certainly waivered and he failed to hit his mark. Dominic loaded a new bolt, took a step and shot and the creature across from him. However, the second goblin dog's position/cover and its mangy hide unfortunately left the attack unsuccessful.
Radjiik, taking the advantage to move downward, onto the trail itself, aimed and shot at goblin dog #2. Unfortunately, the attack missed.
=== Round 2: Goblin Dogs Goblin Dog #1 opened its mouth and attempted to bite at Akatsu, again.
However, the monk's honed body prevented its teeth from piercing flesh. Goblin Dog #2 opened its mouth and attempted to bite Dargu.
It, too, could not draw blood as its teeth struck the fighter's armour and found no purchase. ===
@Akatsu: Excellent. I'll tuck that detail away in my memory. :)
Just for clarification sake, Akatsu, are you currently wearing the cloak of resistance +1 or did you pack it away?
Dargu threw the javelin at goblin dog #1, however the sudden pick up of wind ensured the throwing spear moved slightly to the left and slid off the mangy hide of the creature without injuring it. . === Round 1: Goblin Dogs' turn Goblin Dog #1 moved over the littered trail, reaching Akatsu's side. The monk's readied attack was triggered, yet Akatsu could not find quarry in its mangy hide. It opens its dirty maw and tries to bite him,
Unfortunately, its teeth could not pierce Akatsu's honed flesh and muscle and the monk remained unscathed. Goblin Dog # 2 made a double move to stand beside its companion, protecting its side from attack. ===
It’s fine - I’m okay with considering them returned to Sandpoint once you left the New Fish Trail. (Using your idea Akatsu, Flori was still feeling unwell even with Dom’s healing and Zyren returned to town with her - I’ll fill in the gaps in the story later on). So currently, there’s just the four of you. Akatsu, I’ll be sending you that PM at some point today. Thanks!
We can either continue in this encounter without including Zyren or Flori (act as if they have already left the story) or they can be botted. If you’d rather they are botted for the time being, can I have volunteers to run/act for their characters? Thanks!
I’m good with that. :) Unfortunately, I won’t be able to post in game until tomorrow as I’m currently back in the hospital with my mum whose taken another turn for the worse with her health and is waiting to be examined/scanned. Apologies to all.
Thank you for your decision, Zyren. I appreciate your character development and contribution to the game. Please take care and best of luck on and off the boards. === The game is on temporary hold until we can figure out the party and their needs. So, the party is now four: We have a monk, cleric, fighter and rogue. If you're happy to continue on as four, I'm good with that. If you wish to bring in a fifth, I am open to that as well and will consider a full arcane character to join the ranks. There's no one with diplomacy at the moment with Zyren's departure, yet we have two characters with decent CHA in Dominic and Radjiik. If they put ranks into diplomacy as they level, you should be covered. I leave the decision to the players. Firstly, though, I wish to ask if the remaining four players are happy to continue on in game? Akatsu has said he is, so before I make any decisions, I'd like to hear from Dom, Radjiik and Dargu. Feel free to answer on discussion or via PM. Thanks kindly,
Discord was just a suggestion, certainly. :) I don’t think I’ll go ahead with it and we’ll just continue using the discussion thread and PMs for any ooc chatter. This way, all the chatter is kept to one place/site. I appreciate hearing people’s thoughts on it. Thank you. :) Akatsu, I truly appreciate what you’ve said. I’ll send you a PM later today. Thanks. :)
Zyren, I appreciate your willingness to uphold a commitment, both short term and long term. However, respectfully, I’m not comfortable with holding a player in a game they aren’t enjoying and /or invested in. That would be unfair to all involved. So, if you would like to leave now, no hard feelings. I’ll be sorry to see you go, but I will respect your decision and wish you well in your other games. Please let me know. Thank you,
The game would play out on here; nothing would change in how we’re undertaking the pbp. Discord was just an idea for another place to chat and discuss things in a more informal way. Zyren, do you wish to leave the game?
I'm very sorry to see you go, Flori. Thank you for your PM and discussion post. I have sent you a reply PM. I sincerely wish you the best. As requested, I will remove you from the active players. At this time, I won't be filling Flori's spot in game as we have five remaining players. Flori has given permission for her character to be botted in the meantime. I will find a good place to write her out of game. If someone wishes to bot her in this current situation with the goblin dogs, then please go right head. If no one wishes to do so, then I will bot her character. Would the remaining players be interested in me setting up a Discord channel for players to informally discuss game OOC stuff, issues, general tactics/plans, concerns? It doesn't have to be in voice - it can be done via text messages there, if people feel more comfortable with that. Just let me know what you think about this. Also, if any of the remaining players have concerns about the game, please feel free to drop me a PM and we can talk about it. Thank you kindly,
Akatsu, I've moved your token now and hope the new position is better for you. Sorry, when you mentioned the step back I assumed you wanted to build more distance between you and them while remaining readied for an attack. Thanks re the map. I put it together quickly this morning. :) This goes to all players - you may move your tokens to a place where you feel you would have first seen the goblin dogs or been sitting/standing in camp. Just make sure you keep the specified distance from the goblin dogs. Thanks! (I forgot to change the settings earlier, but now you may edit the map. Apologies.)
Rough Visual for you guys, in case it's helpful. Your camp is in a clearing to the side of the entrance to the trail, however to reach the goblin dogs you will need to use the trail path and vice versa for them to physically reach you. Around the edges of the trail (on each side of it) is boggy territory and filled with reeds and other swamp flora and fauna. Keep to the trail and you should be okay. Remember: Movement is 3/4 speed along the trail (at this point).
Would you guys like a simple combat map for this scuffle with the goblin dogs or are you okay simply playing it by my narrative?
GM screen:
With warnings given to Dargu and Flori on the creature's sudden presence (and smell) on the trail hear the camp, Zyren placed her bow in her lap in ready, as did Radjiik with his bow and Dominic with his crossbow. Akatsu, took a step back, sledgehmamer in hand and focused for impending attack, and Flori and Dargu stood up from the meat preparation, with weapons in hand; Flori pronouncing the creatures to be goblin dogs and warning of their mange. The goblin dogs continue to stand still, watch and sniff at the air. ====
==== Round 1: PCS
Radjiik and Zyren nocked their arrows and shot at the nearest goblin dog (#1) and unfortunately missed their mark. Dominic loaded a bolt into his crossbow and fired at the nearest goblin dog (#1) and it hit true, wounding the creature in its forechest for 3 pts of damage. Akatsu readied his stance and weapon for when the creatures drew nearer to make their own attack.
Time zone differences seem to an obstacle to a proper flow of actions etc in this game. Most players post when I'm sleeping and I post during my day when it seems players are busy with work/life to post. So, I've been trying to move the game forward by posting checks for people to save time so the wait time isn't any longer than it has to be. At times, I will ask for specific checks/rolls. Generally, though, I am hoping to see detailed descriptions/posts via what each player wishes to do (whether narrative or dialogue - or both - with accompanying checks for what each character wishes to accomplish). This will help me when I'm back on the boards get a better feel of what is going on and give the necessary responses without second guessing any player's thoughts or actions or causing further delays as I ask for corresponding checks. (I have taken to rolling for players in my GM screens so I don't hold up the game any further than it has to, but I'd rather not continue having to do this indefinitely). This will certainly help with the rhythm and flow in game being time zones aren't making for smooth transitions between GM and players posts. I will also make my posts more explicit (both narrative and OOC) as I want players to have a clearer picture of what I'm hoping to see from each of them. Is there anything more you need from me in my posts? I'd appreciate the feedback as this will help me better help you. :)
Safe travels, Akatsu. I appreciate the heads up. Thank you. :)
GM screen:
==
== vs Akatsu's Perception of 20
Having setup a makeshift camp in a shaded clearing several feet from the entrance to the Old Fish Trail, Dominic, Dargu and Radjiik set out to hunt/forage for some extra/fresh food for the party. Zyren, with her trusted archery talent, also joined them. Flori stayed behind at the camp, for her thoughts were preoccupied with other matters and her concentration was scattered to be useful for tracking in tis moment. The small hunting party concentrated on the edges of the swampland and across the other side of the Lone Coast Road - moving into the fringes of the hinterland searching for quarry. Within two hours of keen tracking, the foursome managed to find and successfully take down one fat grouse and a white-tailed deer/buck before returning to their camp. Leaving the others to hunt, Akatsu began to scout the surrounding area and fringes of the swampland - keenly surveilling the long grasses and muddy ground, as well as the general landscape. He also kept an ear out for any unusual sounds coming from deeper in the swampland. After thirty minutes, Akatsu managed to find a group of small footprints in the wet ground on the edges of Brinestump - animal tracks - small heel pads with three toed impressions - and more than one set - making him believe there may be a pack of these animals somewhere nearby. Akatsu continued scouting - endeavouring to ensure the area was safe for he and his fellow adventurers. His own undertakings brought him to his hunting companions and together they returned to camp. The smell of fresh kill was in the air, especially as the hunters began preparing/cleaning/quartering the meat for cooking. Akatsu, Zyren, Dominic, Radjiik only:
You notice two creatures/animals (mangy canines - around 5 feet long, weighing more than 70 pounds - their face has the same flat nose, beady eyes, and protruding teeth as a rat grown grotesquely large) twenty feet down the Old Fish Trail. They see you, as well. You believe the smell of fresh kill has drawn them. They don't move, although they sniff at the air now. Then you catch a horrendous, sickly scent in the air - coming as the breeze picks up and from the direction of the trail.
Know. Nature DC 11: These are goblin dogs - ugly, stinking, craven and foul-tempered - and favoured guardians/mounts of goblins. They are afflicted with a species-wide mange exacerbated by prolific dander, making them appear sickly and starved. Goblin dogs are in fact not dogs but a species of rodent grown monstrously large. Their long-legged shape and proclivity to hunt and run in packs has earned them their popular name. Contact with a goblin dog’s infested, mangy hide causes most other creatures to break out into hives, a condition known as “goblin rash.”
The party continued along the Lone Coast Road; their gaze ever-vigilant for possible threats. Apart from a small supply wagon passing them, the road was quiet and clear for the remainder of the way to the Old Fish Trail. The sun was still warm overhead by the end of it. Turning your gaze to the start/top of the old trail, you see that it isn't as well kept as the new trail; it looks quite overgrown with weeds, grass and reeds, yet it is wide enough for a human to move down single file. There is a decent shoulder, broad enough to make a camp just off the main road.
You're very kind, Akatsu - thank you. I'm fine to post, today. My mum took a nasty fall in her garden and since she's made up of a lot of metal replacement parts - it was pretty scary as she couldn't move/get up and my dad was not home at the time. She's hurt and recovering now but not in any danger. They live an hour away, so it isn't easy just to stop over whenever I need/have to.
GM screen:
vs CMD 14 (successful, pushed back 5ft) (fails to hit) (fails to hit) (successful)
(successful)
(successful)
(successful)
vs CMD 19 (fails, remains grappled) Leopard releases its hold via jaw on the boar (free action) and attacks with its bite. (successful)
The bite finishes off the boar and it lies limp beneath the leopard. Grabs the dead boar by the bloody neck and drags it away.
An adult leopard, its steely muscles rippling beneath its spotted fur, charged-pounced on the wild boar; forcefully pushing it back five feet. Then lifting its powerful paws, it began clawing at the creature; yet for all its deadly intention, the claws could not find quarry in its tough hide. Even with such a predator before it, the feral boar lifted its sharp tusks and took the chance to try to gorge the cat; and it proved more fortunate in its endeavour and left a nasty, bleeding gash above the feline's right shoulder. Issuing a hoarse, angry roar, the leopard then lunged, viciously biting at the boar's neck and sinking its sharp teeth into the softer flesh there; wounding and pining the creature to the ground. Then with its razor-sharp claws, it struck once and twice, tearing deeply into the squealing wild boar. Even gravely wounded as it was, the wild boar attempted to break free of the tight grip of the leopard's maw; yet its struggles were in vain and it remained securely grappled. Sensing victory was close at hand, the leopard quickly released its hold on its prey and took one last final bite; so critically injuring the boar that it stopped struggling and lay limp, lifeless and bleeding beneath the cat. Grabbing the boar around the neck, the injured leopard started to drag its kill away. The party silently and keenly watched as the creatures fought one another - taking turns as predator and prey. Yet, the leopard won out and claimed its bloody prize; ignoring the humans on the road, either due to its seeping injury or because it wished to find a secure place to bury its kill and then rest and recover.
I had a family emergency today. Currently out of town and sorting it out. I'll update the game in my morning. Thanks for your understanding. ~ Chesca
GM screen:
Looking about the main road and then eyeing the stretch of rustic road lying southward, the decision was made to continue travelling now while the sun was out and the weather was fine. Dargu and Akatsu led the others down; the Tian monk looking imposing with his sledge in hand as he walked. Dargu made some calculations in his head based on what Walthus had said in regard to the location of the Old Fish Trail. Dargu:
Based on Walthus' simple directions and information he gave re the lay of the land, you believe the Old Fish Trail is around 20 to 30 mins walk from where you exited the New Fish Trail. If the party can keep a steady pace, you will possibly arrive in just over 20 mins. Taking in the sky and noting the clouds and breeze, you believe the good weather will certainly hold until just before sunset. The growing breeze brushed the heated cheeks of all. The only sound, apart from gulls overhead, was the crunch of boots on the sandy, rocky clay road. The sun was warm overhead as the group walked down the road. The party had only been walking for ten minutes before Akatsu, Flori and Zyren quietly signalled/warned them to halt. Akatsu, Flori & Zyren: Even though the Lone Coast Road is clear and deserted (except for your party), your eyes scour the surrounding countryside and beyond into the encroaching hinterland, hoping to spy a threat before it can draw nearer or unexpectedly attack from the nearest bush/scrub. By the edge of the hinterland (to the left of you - around 50 ft away), that is when you see it - a rather large, tusked, black feral hog. Gauging from its steeped forehead, sturdy snout and strong shoulders, it's a male and around 160+ pounds (75 kgs). Lifting its snout into the air, it picks up a/your scent and appears to be looking in your direction. It does not move, however. Then a low growl comes from deeper in the thick, close-knit brush, passed the wild hog, possibly 70 or 80 feet away from you. The wild boar seems to pick up another scent and it appears agitated, yet still does not move.
The cloak was handed to Akatsu as Walthus knows he belongs to one of the town’s noble families and it was done as a show of respect. The cloak is a gift to the party (and not to one individual), so you may all share it during the course of the adventure or a person in the party may officially claim it. That can happen between you via rp.
Thanks, Dargu. I moved you guys forward. You're all now back at the top of the trail, by the marker to the New Fish Trail. Please let me know where you wish to make camp for the night. Thanks!
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"Ah. I haven't seen Koya in a long time. Good to know you, lad, If my children are inside the walled garden, then I will check on them and see how many remain after the monster's attack." Dominic, with the aid of Zyren, got to work on hammering the shutters back into place as best as they could. The task took them an hour in total and even though the shutters weren't entirely even, they were more secure than before. Flori attempted to help outside, yet she grew frustrated and quickly gave it up to go and rest in the living room as Dargu moved to put to right the room by removing the broken pot plants and sweeping the dirt away. Radjiik asked their halfling host for permission to make a sandwich for the road, and Walthus smiled, nodded and said, "Make two sandwiches, in case you are stuck in Brinestump." Akatsu continued his vigilance around the property - ensuring that no threat would approach unawares as the others worked on the shutters and the cleaning up of the living space. Once the work was completed and any food prepared, the party collected their gear and congregated outside, below the porch of Walthus' shack. The dishevelled Walthus came out of his house with something in his hand. Looking about the party, he spoke, "Once, again, you have my gratitude for all you have done this day. I have something to give you in appreciation," then moving toward Akatsu, he extended his hands toward Ameiko's brother, being the Tian man was part of one of the noble families of Sandpoint. The party could see the gift was a beautiful grey-blue cloak with a silver trim. On closer inspection, flecks of steel could be seen amid the fabric of the cloak. "Please accept this enchanted cloak; imbued with protective magic. It's my most valuable possession. May it protect the wearer. Good luck, my friends." Akatsu graciously accepted the gift on behalf of the party, "We will keep it safe and use it well, Walthus. Thank you."
With a final wave of farewell, the party assembled in their travelling order - Flori leading in front and Radjiik protecting the rear and started their long, steady walk back up the New Fish Trail to the Lone Coast Road. Dargu's superior navigating talent supplemented by Flori's knack for travelling in the wilderness in front and Radjiik's from behind, managed to keep them squarely on trail without pitfalls due to wet potholes, slippery mud or venomous swamp creatures. By the time the group reached the top of the trail, the only minor injury/inconvenience came in the form of an itchy mosquito bite to Zyren's face (one pesky vermin managed to draw some blood but it could not properly attach and dropped/flew away. The Samsaran's present state of health managed to stay any accompanying disease. Dominic swiftly cleaned and salved the bite site/welt, helping to reduce its size and general itchiness.)
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