I have enjoyed this game immensely, but I must officially bow out as I do not have the time I need to post.
Drazheek, Gaandik, Charlotte, Indras, and Stigr, You are all great roleplayers and I very much enjoyed playing with you.
My sincere apologies for not keeping up with posting.
Absolute, you are a wonderful GM to play with, and I really enjoyed your game. Hopefully, down the road my work situation will change and I'll be able to get back to a point where I can post and can join a future game. Feel free to use Grayson as an NPC.
I appreciate all the patience and time spent with me. I will definitely be coming back to read of your exploits whenever time allows me to do so.
"I know that we must move cautiously, but if hands are bound properly these men should pose a small threat on the way back to town, and I agree with Gaandik that I would not like to have them with us when we confront Izoze and Teb."
Grayson shuffles around by the bandits, and stares intensely at each.
Grayson deftly stows his bow and as he draws his greatsword, he charges at the nearest enemy.
I can't pull the map up atm, so if this doesn't work, let me know and I'll edit my action.
Gaandik, Grayson will be more of a front-liner, he just usually opens with a salvo from range, before closing in. That tactic may change if we need it to. (though he might need better armor to be a "frontliner")
Grayson takes careful aim with his bow at the target immediately in front of him. His draw is smooth and quick as he knocks and fires the arrow. It flies to his target, its fletchings making only a whisper through the air.
Grayson's face twists for a moment, as Charlotte offloads the serpent head into his arms.
"As a hunter and trapper Charlotte, I know the thrill of the hunt, and the excitement that you speak of. That is all expected in my line of work. However, when I take a stag, or a bobcat for its fur, I end its suffering immediately. I am not one to prolong or linger over pain. I remember as you do. And those are just animals, how much more so should we treat humans? I know that these men are evil, or at least have done evil deeds, but perhaps we should be detaining them, I don't know, maybe that is too much trouble. I know we can't just let them go..." Grayson trails off for a moment to collect his thoughts.
"I understand violence is sometimes a necessity to protect the weak or the people and things we cherish. This just makes me uneasy, I am better though for knowing that no one takes joy in these deeds."
Just so everyone knows, (as things like this often turn into big arguments in some campaigns) I'm not upset at the way this situation has unfolded. I just saw an opportunity for RP, and decided that I wanted Grayson on the more humane Good side of these situations.
Also, Charlotte! I really enjoyed your response post, beautiful imagery. I will hopefully respond in short order.
"I do not like this my friends, this seems much too akin to torture. Nearly killing a man, then letting him come back just so we can ask a question he hardly will recall the answer to after waking up. And then, we nearly kill him again so we can repeat the process? He's a bandit and a low-life sure...but this? I'll not be a part of another beating, what if he doesn't answer this time? Will you then do it again!?" Grayson lets that last question linger in the thin freezing air. His tone as sharp as the biting wind.
The Ranger walks away, and finds Charlotte. "Let's avoid this nasty work together."
Grayson approaches Stigr, and places a hand on his shoulder, he says quietly "Easy friend, Old Deadeye would have us all together as one community, we are stronger for having him with us..."
After saying his brief piece, Grayson resumes his position in the rear of the group and resumes his vigil.
Normally Grayson would be in the runnings to take the bow, but I will need a higher strength bonus on mine, so I'm fine with Indras having it. Especially if that is going to be your combat focus moving forward.
Grayson looks at the Aasimar Cleric,"That's a good bit of preparation Master Fatebound. I will wait here to ensure everyone is across safely, and then I would be glad to use your snowshoes."
The Ranger, points out any visible weakpoints, and offers advice on how to most safely move across the stream.
Survival:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
I know that this may not be necessary at all, but I thought it was fun, and a good bit of roleplay.
"It seems as though that's the only thing it can say. Let me try something..."
Grayson moves to the front of the group and questions the snowman, "It is customary in these parts to welcome travelers and provide them with shelter. Where is your master, good fellow?"
Having staved off the effects of the bright lights, Grayson deftly nocks another cold iron arrow onto his bow, and looses it at the Fey that cast at him.
BTW, I will be out of town most of next week. On the 13-14 for a business trip, and then 15-19 on vacation. I should be able to post at least once a day, though it may be spotty.
Keying in on the unspoken cue from Indras, Grayson follows suit and knocks a cold iron arrow to his longbow. His head is on a swivel as he searches for any living creatures...
Grayson stands his ground essentially back to back with Stigr. Keeping his greatsword up and ready for any unexpected visitors, he moves his eyes across the landscape looking for the source of the voice.
Grayson approaches the shivering woman. Grabbing a handful of snow, he blows into it and mutters a few words, "Erastil.....protect...faithful.....cold...."
The ranger lays his hands on Charlotte's shoulders, and a sudden warmth comes over her. Grayson casts "Endure Elements"
Endure Elements:
Duration 24 hours
A creature protected by endure elements suffers no harm from being in a hot or cold environment. It can exist comfortably in conditions between –50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit without having to make Fortitude saves. The creature's equipment is likewise protected.
Endure elements doesn't provide any protection from fire or cold damage, nor does it protect against other environmental hazards such as smoke, lack of air, and so forth.
"I cannot do this but once today, however if we need to, we can repeat this tomorrow Ms. Greystone."
survival:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Grayson offers the group advice on how to best defend against the harsh weather, attempting to adjust people's cloaks and other garments to maintain body heat.
"Help yourself Charlotte." says the Ranger, tersely.
Grayson, seeming impatient moves to regain the tracks.
survival:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Looking back at the rest of the group Grayson calls out,"Gaandik is right, we should move along, back this way..." his fur-lined cloak waves gently in the soft wind as he turns back to the trail.
"No trouble Ms. Greystone. Drazheek! Come help me dig this out.
Pausing for a moment, Grayson shakes off the cold and then, drawing his dagger from the hidden wrist sheath, he begins digging out around the corners of the chest.
The ice, and hard packed ground make for a difficult time and it takes several minutes before the haphazardly buried container is ready to be removed.
Grayson, having remained typically quiet, sets off with Charlotte, Prophet and the rest of the group. He angles himself away from the wind, and grudgingly turns up the hood of his cloak.
Grayson stows his new equipment, and takes up a spot in the rear of the group. Turning his cloak up close to his face to hold out the cold air, the man steels himself against the weather.
"I will retire here as well. The fire, and a night out of the elements will suit me well. I will see you in the morning, new friends."
Grayson lays out a blanket and tucks his cloak into a neat bundle to be used as his pillow on the hard floor of the Tavern. After making his spot near the fire as comfortable as possible, Grayson settles down for the night.
We shall see what we find in the morning. Hopefully we can put these folks fear to rest.
"I think that Charlotte is right, it may be overwhelming, but I don't see that we have many options. We should get started at first light tomorrow." The man downs the last swallow of his ale.
"By the way, my name is Grayson Thornwarden, and though you can probably tell yourself, I'm a woodsman and a trapper by trade, and a follower of Erastil as well."
