GM Ridge's page

Folks, I first attempted this at request of someone, and what the heck, I like dwarves.
Unfortunately, RL combined with a lack of discipline on my part and had me run it at a very slow pace. Others had their troubles too. A major player had to drop out, and just when I thought I could get this going again, things kept either myself or others from posting.

After a month break, I've found out that yet more stuff is coming my way. GMing requires a certain level of organization skill and effort that I do not at this time have, at least not for a 'build a kingdom ' game. Maybe I'll try to GM again, but it will likely be much something more linear if I do.

To say you've all been incredibly patient would be the understatement of the year. I'm very sorry I overpromised and under delivered, and hope I haven't burnt any bridges on this site. I can't in good conscience keep saying "Okay NOW we're going to get going..." every two weeks or more only to have some other family/health/work/etc thing pop up.

You're all great players and I want to thank you for your understanding.

So we're closing up officially. In the next day or two, I'll set the game to inactive so it won't clog your listings.

My apologies, and , once again, my thanks.

*L*
Ok. Yes, very unlikely at this point.
I have family in this part of the state and maybe dropping by so I'm kind of on a weird stand by in RL right now

I'm thinking of closing this game up. I'm not doing a very good job with it, and long pauses on my part didn't help maintain interest for folks, or so it seems.

So, thoughts on this before I decide for sure whether to pull the plug? I feel a bit like a jerk for considering it given more than one of you took a chance on me as a kindness.

Normally Anka's blade would have common, but I figured this being a dwarven group, the default to dwarven would be best.

NP. I'm obviously behind myself again :( And yes, Dolgrin is in NPC mode and I'll keep him as the homeguard so to speak

Tuvix greets Anka, "One is told you impressed our leader. She is not so easily impressed."

The ax in Anka's hand almost seems to hum for a moment, and then it speaks in Dwarvish, an older more formal dialect "Thy companions are not just of the people of the stone then, my wielder? So be it."

The kobold is so startled it scurries behind Ulfgar again, a default move.

Sounds like Miku, Tuvix and Runt are all coming along if I'm reading Ulfgar's post right.
Hannar's droopy gnome style cap Which I'm now picturing looking like the hat Jayne's mother sent him in Firefly, but that's not a requirement certainly caught the eyes of some deep gnomes as he went by. Younger sniverneblin were surprised, Older ones gave some pleased looks.

"I do nothing!" Runt lies, but puts things back.

Miku observes the handling of Runt with some amusement, and says to Ulfgar, "You are are good hunter, yet folks keep expecting you to herd."
Even Tuvix snickers at that.

Looking ahead as the caravan set out he noticed the presence of a solitary figure entering the mushroom fields near the ring of defensice lights on the outskirts of the city. Pointing them out to the others it wasn't long before he recognized the figure as Anka. Moving forward he called out to her. By Zuth's full cups I thought you lost. When the others came back without you I assumed the worse. Perfect timeing as we are just ready to head out again. Come join us as there will be refreshment with the caravan and you can ease yourself and fill us in on your adventures.

Kragg then takes the opportunity to check her over for wounds and prepares to aid her if necessary calling on Zuth's blessings to fill his stein to give to her.

And that one is for Anka, not me

Others look up as Kragg announces the return of one of your own

Sounds good to me.

It's very well done. Though I hadn't exactly intended the 'now' to be when Anka was vanished so much as having her back by the time the group was ready to leave. :o Which means I should have clarified.

But we can do it however Anka's player prefers

Modnar finishes his stew. "Excellent as always, my lady. And I promise you now that any academy founded by Archmage Modnar of Clan Goldrune will welcome all with the wherewithal to learn!" He winks as he rises from the table.

Miatha smiles at that and wishes you well.

...............

"Too true, yet the quiet times like this are when you need to get to know the 'people' who will be coming to these diplomatic meetings, both the Xan and Skis'raal scouts here will talk with you, as you have skills with which they are accustomed. Get to know them now and later when the talks are in progress you may notice if they are uncomfortable with some situation, or hiding something as well. You should talk with Hannarr, he is better at the diplomacy stuff, Kneecapper handles most of my diplomacy needs." He ends with a grin.

"I'll let you have the last baked lizard tongue then whenever delicacies are served," Ivy says eying the weapon, "Some debates aren't worth it." An amused look.

...............

Okay, waited for input and hope I didn't miss anything, but it sounds like you guys are ready to move out again. Correct me if I'm wrong on that.

A day or two to rest and do your council duties passes, and a new morning, if this roofed world can be said to have a morning, arrives as you gather ready to begin your exploration.

Ok. Anka's player has sent a pM to me letting me know he plans to be back... We were just sorting out things. I hope we shall see an Anka post soon

Nothing comes to mind, Kragg, but thank you. I'll play the NPC progression by ear and try to stay consistent in characterization for them

At the Blue Bat

"Lady Miatha, it appears that my colleagues and I will be heading back to the Fungal Jungle soon. During my absence, I will prepare my students accordingly, but I wanted to mention something about their upcoming lessons.

"Certainly, good sir," Miatha gets you a drink as you talk.

"A couple of the apprentices are, in my estimation, ready to move beyond the study of cantrips and attempt more complicated spells. I just wanted to give someone respected advance notice should clouds of mist begin emerging from the lecture hall without warning. Obscuring mist is the least hazardous spell I could come up with for their first attempt."

"Oh my, already?" Miatha is impressed, "Your own prowess must be growing then. I know you worry about your being new to the craft, but I predict at this rate you maybe become quite the force within magical circles. Just promise me if you ever found an academy that deep gnomes will have a chance to attend side by side with the dwarven wizards in training." She smiles, "In the mean time, I'll keep an eye open."

Ulfgar
Ivy chuckles as you lead her off on a patrol, "Well, the big news is like what you heard no doubt... High Priest Kragg came home to find a deep gnome preaching 'the jeweled glory's way' . Stranger was getting quite a cult going until Kragg revealed it was some mad dwarven god the fellow worshiped and exactly how full of Roth chips the fellow was. I'll give your oldest member credit, he can spin a shaming sermon but good. Now..." She scratches her chin, "One of Modnar's apprentices was using magic to discourage trouble makers, funny as he's a bit of a trouble maker himself. But I suppose they can tell you more of that," Ivy seems in a better mood than she was as the bitter outcast you first , "How are we adjusting? Mmm, pretty well, actually. Our last king may have died a hero, but he was, mother cave rest his soul, stupid. He was not a good leader. More work has been getting done with even half the council than ever was while he was here playing with toys. Folks know who to complain to. They know who handles what, and they realize it will get seen to, eventually. The dwarven way is working...which maybe why some of our youngsters seem eager to become as Dwarvish as possible much to the vexation of some elders. I know I'm acting as sort of the 'spy' for the council, but truth? There's not too much to spy on that I think you should worry about now. Not yet. I'm more worried for when trade and peace talks start. You can bet I'll be on my toes then."
It looks like recent construction and recent renewal, if anything, has driven wild animals further back. Tracking on stone is near impossible, but there are no signs of drow activity today. Despite her full opinion, Ivy knows how to gauge her voice and moves like a shadow. If there's anything around her to disturb, she wouldn't be the one to trouble it and you're no slouch yourself.
"The Kobold may yet be trouble, nobody trusts his people... they're some of our oldest enemies even if 'Runt' doesn't remember. I don't mean to be rude, but if you liberate the dwarven slaves from the drow...which you should, what are you going to do with any kobold slaves? They breed like cragvoles. Set em loose, and within twenty years we'll have an army of the evil bastards."

Dolgrin nods, "It sounds as if your plans are made. I will make sure resupplies for the caravan is ready, and keep an eye out for any troubles here."

Dolgrin fumes, then speaks, "Then... " His teeth grit, "Perhaps I should remain here. I'll attend to council needs within that plan. I fear if I go with you, I may not be able to merely restrict myself to scouting."

Thanks for chiming in so quickly, guys. I appreciate it.

Well, Anka's player actually posted for the first time in many weeks yesterday if I read right, but only once. So not sure if he's back on the boards period or not.

Good point about the maps. I'm terrible at managing computer files so I'm at a bit of a loss.

Let's see who is still among us before I decide whether or not to open recruitment.

Dolgrin nods, at Hannar's evaluation, though he raises a brow should the suggestion of Fort Diamondhart come up, "Stoneheart's suggestion to leave standing orders for the remainder of the council while we go again seems prudent. And your path seems well thought out," Clearly the paladin seethes still with a desire to learn all they can about the missing dwarves.

Not to discourage anyone, but here's a new wrinkle in our situation.
I got a PM from Dolgrin's player that he would not be able to continue
in the Throne of Night game. I don't know the full story, but I suspect something has come up in Real Life for him, and if so I completely understand that.

Exactly what I will do with Dolgrin the character, I'm not sure.

Part of that might be on my own less than sterling example.

Lately I've been trying a 'I'm still here' post in either the discussion or gameplay threads even when I'm waiting on others. It's my hope that it lets folks know I'm still around even if I'm not sure it's ' my turn'.

Ulfgar certainly draws the eyes of many of the local deep gnomes. It appears some find dwarven men 'exotic', and others are impressed with dwarven heroism.

The mill has gotten restored, and some bitter looks from the owner pass on for the earlier damage. Keeping track of Runt proves to be eventful. He does have to be told not to steal, he doesn't seem to have a sense of right or wrong as dwarves know them to be sure, but he does defer to Ulfgar or any dwarf if caught.

"Runt has no place to go. Gnomes nasty , but not killing me. So is better here? Yes. Maybe if I hear of other free kobolds I find them. Until then. Runt stay."

bump, anyone out there? Dolgrin, Modnar, its been 2 weeks?

Good question. I'm trying to give everyone a chance to regroup and chat before I push one way or another.

BTW Ridge quit using my dice roller that was a horrible roll for Runt, use the one Niles does when trying to kill Jarreck it works way too well ;)

Oh, I'm sure twenties will come... probably the next time you guys fight drow :)

Huh. No reason you can't take 20 if I'm reading the rules right, and we do want to give the archaeologist a chance to shine.
With the help of new ally Miku, Runt (Sort of) Ulfgar, and some old notes in the former King's home, Hannarr pieces out that there is reference to a three headed statue and where it is located. Further north of that should be some way to get to Vothys or at least to a path to it.

Hex 806, two hexes south of the X is the location of the statue

Runt's story, and the confirmation from allies indicate that there are frequent dark elf patrols there. Thick.

Runt roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Everyone gets settled in, and most of the sniverniblin shoot the kobold suspicious or even violent looks, but tolerate him

Despite Ulfgar's attempts, Runt has a hard time remembering things, "Well, there was lots of mushrooms big ones...." Which does not help as it was called the Fungal Jungle after all, "There was Rothe, but stampede moved on....." At least you know there are cattle somewhere, but again, their movements mean his idea of where would be useless.... "I saw statue, but not sure where it is... three heads it had."

Knowledge Geography coupled with this gibberish might yet salvage it, but as you can see Runt's intelligence roll for memory was not the best.

Just posting to let you know I'm still paying attention. ;)

The Guard has lowered his weapon, but not put it away. "But sirs, It is a kobold! Once they swarmed these lands and attempted to forge an empire. Every deep gnome they found they tortured or sacrificed to their dragon gods. It was only until we were able to commit a purge of our own that their threat was finally ended because 'they' were finally ended."

Runt seems surprised, "we tried for empire? Huh. Dragon gods?" it as if he doesn't know much about his own culture. Doesn't stop him from hiding behind Dolgrin though.

Deputy Xath-Doesn't-Need-to-Look-Good-To-Get-The-Job-Done has arrived and snaps at the first guard who seems very badly tempted to ignore orders and slay the kobold, "You heard Councilman Tarnhammer, leave off."

"But..."
"I don't like the scaled scum either, but either we trust in the dwarves and council as we swore to, or we resign. Are you resigning?" Xath scratches at the side of his warted nose and gives the younger fellow a deep look.

"No, Deputy," The weapon is put back.

"Then go cool off," Deputy Xath orders, "I'll see someone covers your shift."
Grumbing the guard bows to the council members here, and then departs.

Xath looks at you all, "Sorry about that. Afraid you've brought an ancesteral enemy in our midst. It's going to be tricky to bury that much hate. Heck," the deputy's ugly face breaks into a grin, "I'd gladly carve him open myself if you folks weren't vouching for him. I'll put word out to the sheriff and others folks aren't touch him. The guard at least will obey. Not sure about every citizen." He looks at Runt, "Keep your wits about you, scaly. And don't betray the trust you've been shown or I'll break you over the stone myself."

Half seeems a reasonable way to go to me

Fastervault
Kragg, your followers seem to take your lesson to heart, and throw themselves with renewed interest into theological study and smithing....
Luwida is quite proud as she gets her tasks done with quality. Deep gnomes and dwarves share pride in their craftsmanship it seems, or at least the ones of this town do.
Sure, let's go with your math on days and gold

The wizard sighs a bit before continuing. "I know I often seem harder on you than your classmates, Frelin. While part of that stems from your behavior, I also see a great amount of potential in you. The ability to use both mage hand and ghost sound so well is proof of that. Your talents may be necessary one day to aid in the defense of your home and your family, and proper discipline is paramount to effective mastery of the Art. I hope you understand that."

Frelin seems surprised and humbled by your praise, "I... whatever magic I learn, I will try to use more wisely in the future, master Modnar. But... it is hard not to enjoy the feel of it. It's like nothing I ever really experienced before. We snivernibelin have innate magic, but this... this is different. I won it, earned it...thanks to your teaching of course, and I feel very alive when I get to use it." he admits, "But I'll try to be more prudent." There's an unspoken 'no promises' in his tone.

"Well that's settled then. Lets be off"

Hannar offers trust, but not foolishly so. Still, the offer itself seems to confused Runt.

Ulfgar moves out to return to job of making their way back to Fastervault. "Runt, walk with me. I may be the only one in the group to speak your native tongue. Do you speak other languages as well? Perhaps as we walk you can tell me of the things you saw while you made your escape. Those places that stick out in your mind may help others point us to the Drow's location." Thinking that the scouts from the gnomes, skis'raal, and xan could well piece together where the kobold had come from. A long shot but still not out of the realm of possibilities.

"Learned some dwarf from dwarf slaves, I not sound as smart when use" He says in thick accent.

Runt does cause SOME problems. He tends to run behind Ulfgar or Dolgrin for protection at the slightest sound. He stuffs his face, and you catch him trying to steal food from the packs. It's obvious he is afraid of starvation. In those rare moments he does feel safe, he does sing... badly (Sounds like a bag pipe full of rusted metal)

Still, time passes, and nine days later....

Reunion!
Modnar and Kragg hear the cry, "The other dwarves have returned, the others have returned!"

The diplomacy party enters town, noting work under way going strong. A guard yells about their arrival and comes up to greet them. As soon as he sees runt, he draws his short sword and hisses and oath "Dragon Licking Perversion" It's clear deep gnomes, like surface gnomes, are not fans of Kobolds

The diplomacy group
Runt almost bolts at Dolgrin's initial outrage. But others seem calmer, and he soon realizes Dolgrin is not made at HIM....
"Vothys" He shivers, "I never go back there. Never ever. New Baroness is cruel. All drow are. But she even more. Would torture me to near death to make show none escape, then if I live, if I heal, would start again."
At questions if he knows, he scratches the side of his head, "Not sure, I just run hide, go many places. Sometimes circles. Never been free before. Lucky I wasn't eaten."

At their offers to take him with them, Runt seems surprised he had a choice, "I go with you for now. You no make me go back to Vothys. I will not go back. I'd kill myself first."

taking a deep breath, Runt adds "Not as many dwarves as kobolds. That's why we have to be culled drow say. Dwarves say they sent to explore, long ago."

Some of you may recall that efforts in the past were made to return to Dammerhall, they failed, the parties lost. Perhaps this is one of those lost parties, or maybe even the children of them.

"Heard dwarves sing it, sing it many times, but never where dark elves hear them if they smart." He answers

"Me" Runt says, holding up one finger.

Modnar, thank you very much for the names.
And I think I have Kragg's acolytes basic names as well thanks to a recent post.

I appreciate everyone jumping back on the bandwagon so quickly again despite constant lengthy delays on my part.

I worry we may have lost Anka. It looks like the player hasn't posted in any of his games in quite awhile if I'm reading things right, well, not since mid January. I hope all is well

Fastervault
Modnar's words seem to reassure Miatha, and he heads off looking for an apprentice to strangle.
"But Master Goldrune!" Frelin-Sits-in-Back tried to explain, "you said we should find creative ways to hone our skills! And they're not hurt.... by the beard of my fathers, they might even behave better. Tiski and Landi are real brats, always stealing pies out of windows."
The fact that he just used 'By the beard of my fathers' a dwarven expression, in his defense certainly shows that dwarven culture is getting popular with the young.
.........
For Kragg, the council went well, though obviously there is only so much that can be made offcial with so many of them away. Not only did Luwida and Greip have things well in hand, they had put new touches around the forge, using beer steins and flasks as decorations dedicated to Zuth. Hardly smith work, but a nice homage.
As always, they were full of curiousity about their god, "Zuth learned a hard lesson in his imprissonment," Luwida said stating what she knew to be obvious to get to a deeper point, "but is there a morale to learn from your follies and become stronger for it? Or is it more about humility?"
Greip scratched his chin as he worked on a new piece, the mix of smithing and theology coming more easily to them now, "Can't it be both?"
..........................
The Diplomatic Group

"Seems like the Drow have made friends of everyone down here. How many more of your clan are slaves to the Drow?"

"Don't know. Maybe thousands, but at where me run from? Were near hundred, probably mostly dead. Only a two dozen will be spared," The Kobold shivers at something, " Sacrifice ritual. Bone head snake god gets every time we get too many."

What is your name Kobold? Dolgrin asks, his manners returning

"Masters call me Runt. Not allowed Kobold name. Don't know what Kobold name would sound like. Many gen-er-rations slave" Runt explains. "Not live long, like dwarves."

To his Dwarven compatriots I think we can put our weapons away, a lone kobold, however mighty, is not much of a threat to the Heirs of Dammerhall. Dolgrin says with a grin

Runt seems to overheard, and at the word Dammerhall, he recites a poem

So please, oh spirit of our fathers
show us where our place is."

The kobold shivers, "Dark Elves... they slaves for dark elves."

"I flee," The kobold surprises you by speaking rough dwarvish as he hears Dolgrin speak in it "Flee the elves of shadow, the snake favored."

I believe the only apprentice I named was Frelin-sits-in-back. I goofed at one point and shifted his name to Fralin, if I remember right.

Would you like more names?

If you have another apprentice, I'd like his/her name too :) Thanks

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
The Diplomatic party

The Reed slowly wavers, as if it might launch backwards any moment. Then, finally, it seems to decide , and a kobold rises from the shallows bit by bit. You've all seen kobolds, of course, Dwarven opinion on them varies but many would classify them as dangerous pests with delusions of dragonhood.

Said kobold comes out with one fish lodged in his bedraggled clothing. Paler than most kobolds, he is a very pale gray except for the scales along his back and the top of his scalp which are almost jet black.

He holds his clawed hands up in the almost universal gesture of surrender.

Modnar and Krag- I have a favor to ask you both. If I ever had the names or descriptions of your apprentices/noviates I lost them. Could you post those here so I can put them in the list of natives for the town?

The Diplomacy Group:
Mostly retracing your steps on the Xan side of the lack, progress has been good, good enough to even do a bit of exploring in those few miles that you missed.

Ulfgar stumbles onto something in that area that surprises him. He knows them from the surface, he didn't know they would be down here.

Kobold tracks. Probably 'A' kobold, to be fair.

And, as he peeks near the shore, he sees a straw sticking out of the gray water, a hollow reed.
Hannarr sees it as well

The Wandering/Diplomatic Party The tale of how Anka retrieved her axe will be one for the ages...
but as they move on, the diplomatic party has much on its mind. With new masterwork bone crafted gear in hand, more than one of the party has a new weapon to practice with.

Ulfgar takes the lead scouting.... Correct me if I'm wrong on that but does not get too far ahead entirely. Travel is going briskly, and your guides have been of assistance. Fastervault awaits you all, and you can only hope that seeds of peace you've helped sow between two races will take root and flourish...

Perception and survival skill checks from any who have them and want to make them

Ok. I've waited for Anka's player, and sent her a PM. I hope everything is okay, but I'm going to have to just assume the weapon for Anka is found 'off panel' and continue with the wandering group for now.

Thank you for your patience (Which at this stage should be my voicemail message)

At the council

Kragg listens as the talk develops into economic matters and developmental concerns. This was exactly what he had hoped for. The deep gnomes were looking at growth and expansion even if Knivy was reticent about it. Knivy, what you say may have merit. While we wish to bring other races and people in for trade and growth it would be foolish if we do not protect ourselves as well from treachery and deceit. While we must treat them with the respect that is due them we must also teach them of our ways and laws here. That way they will understand what is expected of them while here yet as strangers we must be ready to forgive small slights.

Ivy smirks at that, "Huh. ME, a promoter of law and order... now that's funny. I'll keep an eye on folks from the shadows for you all. I'm good at it."

The other chortle a bit at Ivy's realization she's on the side of authority for once, and give their own nods at the good cleric's affirmations.

Looking at the group as a whole Kragg finishes it off with a flourish. If you are with us in this endeavor then I propose to send a group to the edge of the mushroom forest to begin work on the outpost immediately. We have a long way to go till we reach our dream and no time like the present to start. All in favor say aye!

Ayes abound, though gentle Miatha reminds, "With so many of the other dwarves away still, there is only so much we can and should decide on. Let's start on this, but be prepared if they bring news of an even greater priority. We may have to change gears."

Assuming the cleric and wizard concede the point, she adds her aye as well.

After the voting on Kragg's motion concludes, Modnar asks, "With that matter settled, have any other matters emerged since our departure into the fungal jungle?"

Harvald answers, "I think the religious matters you just saw were the biggest o the troubles. Now that's been set aright, we're prospering ok.

Miatha says gently, "You two have been teaching folks your faith and magic, or at least a few what have the talent. Some young ones seem to find dwarven culture more interesting than our own, and alarming their parents by embracing 'dwarvenishness' a bit too strongly. I think its harmless myself, but it might bear watching."

Anka, I think it's kind of in your court so to speak on the other side of things

At Fasturvalt

The council listens, and Knivy says, "Well, if you vouch for em, then you vouch for em. Hope they realize a lot of the town will be waiting for a mess up."

Miatha-always-a-song-follows-smiles, "Well, we may need to expand the inn and then some if trade picks up, but I like new people so that's good news for me."
Sheriff Harvald nods, "We should be able to extend a patrol or two to help expansion and trade." He glannces to the guest, "But I do worry about fights between visitors."

Tammar Even-the-Stones-Listen considers, "Well, it would be nice to see our stone work be appreciated and some trade kick in. I am sure the stone cutters will be supportive."

Returning to the false gnome Kragg uses Zuth's power to heat the branding iron red hot. Having 4 gnomes hold the man down Kragg then brands the heretic as he asks Zuth to guide this fallen gnome. Hopefully you see the truth and realize the mistakes you have made. Think well on this day as I hope you come to realize that it is the first day of your new life.

The branded gnome priest mutters a curse, "You're doomed anyway" but goes, what other choice has he?

Kragg then lets the gnome go with the aforementioned supplies to see him off. Once that is done then he looks for Modnar to start the council and relate the news as to what has happened and what must be done to strengthen and build Fasturvalt.

The townsfolk gather as you ready your plans...

"Bone Master Tharbi, watching you has proven educating indeed, I would have never thought that using the steam from spring water; would create the flexibility in the bone to bend it and laminate it to your will and then as it dried back out it would obtain the inherent strength of a much stronger material. You are a true artist and master of your craft. I would like to commission you to create a bow to my specifications. We will be leaving to return to Fasturvault before long; but my position as warden will bring me through here again, and I would pick it up at that time

Thrabi turns out to be a individual of very few words, save when his craft is the subject "The craft has been our way since the time of many tribes.... Bone is the metal and wood of life."[/B]

The weapons are made, by the time they are, it is time to head out....

Travel back, with guides to aid you speeds things up, but a week into the journey, Anka notices something in the distance....
A ring of great and towering red mushrooms, tall as oaks, as red as blood, and oddly familiar...

Ok. Those of you who I play with in other games know my household has had a barrage of troubles since Christmas. One of them has been a game of round robin with health troubles. Fun

However, I'll try to finally get my butt in gear and post sometime tomorrow to resume.

Kragg and Modnar- Forge is ready if you want the Branding iron, but both will work depending on if His-Truth-Shines gets a symbol back and has the nerve to cut himself again and 'heal it right' later. Still, it will send a powerful message.

Ulfgar will be directed to a bonecarver, not as large as some Skis'raal, his many limbs move nimbly.