Jaunter's page

There was something in Jaunter that wanted to smile, but that desire was driven down by the grisly scene before the company. Arrayed about them were the dead, dying and wounded, many on both sides of the conflict... many slain by the companions themselves. Though the outcome was the best to be hoped for, still they were dark deeds, and this was a dark day.

Solemnly, Jaunter clasped Hobwise's arm in a warrior's embrace, nodding down towards the Hobbit.

"True did your arrows fly, and bravely did you stand when many more seasoned may have proven themselves craven and false. Never doubt the strength of you heart, Master Hobwise, for today, in my eyes, you stood as tall as Beorn himself. Truly, the honor of friendship is mine, for so courageous and cunning a person is no ordinary thing, be they of the race of Halflings, Men, Elves or Dwarves."

Breaking the clasp after a few moments, Jaunter rolled his shoulders, examining the areas where he had been wounded and finding them to be merely scratches. He set about cleaning and binding the wounds, speaking as he did and addressing the company as a whole.

"Our efforts here will not prove vain. We have helped defend the Beornings, and thus, all of Wilderland. You have all proven yourselves, and I am glad to be counted as your ally."

Jaunter had slain many enemies in his years on the Earth. He had taken the lives of Orcs, and Goblins, and Trolls, and other foul beings bred to make war on the world of Men. It was, thankfully, only rarely that Jaunter had to bring his skill to bear on a fellow member of the Free Folk.

Until this day, he had never enjoyed it.

Jaunter had killed other Men, but it had always been a grim necessity, a duty. While his heart did not stir to joy at the work he was doing this day, nonetheless he felt a grim sense of satisfaction at shattering the night of this would-be petty king.

”USURPER! BETRAYER! Your end is nigh!”

Jaunter ran at Valter, not content to allow the man to slip away. Jaunter refuses to allow him a chance to rebuild. No, he would have an end to it, today. As he closed, this time he jumped forward, swiping horizontally, aiming for lethality in his stroke, to end the conflict once and for all.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 + Warden’s Gift: 1d6 ⇒ 4 = 16

Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 +2 if Valter is a servant of shadow

Jaunter presses forward. He sees, now, an end to this conflict. Without Valter, the bandits will be leaderless, in disarray and vulnerable. This could end the threat of banditry to Rhovanion for years to come. With little heed for his own safety, Jaunter rushes forward, intent on attempting to bring this battle to an end as swiftly as possible.

Valter is attempting to rally his men, but Jaunter will not let that occur.

"Fool! False-tongued pretender! Bringer of woe and folly! Every death on this field, I lay at your feet! I will have you pay that balance, here and now!"

Jaunter sped toward Valter, utilizing his quickness and sliding on the ground, hacking at the would-be outlaw king's legs as he slid. Jaunter used his momentum and sprang up, shield pressed toward the bandit in a defensive posture.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Damange: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 +2 if Valter is considered a servant of the Enemy

Jaunter grunts as he takes another wound, yet the doughty Man is undaunted. He presses forward, surging with speed and closing with the enemy. He engages the archer that strives against Hobwise. Jaunter feints with a thrust, then turns his stroke into a wicked slash that is sure to leave his enemy badly injured.

"VALTER!", Jaunter bellows, voice carrying through the din of combat.
"You hide behind your men! Face us, craven! We are no easy prey, asleep or frail or weak or untrained! We are mighty Men and Women, Dwarves and Elves! The Free Folk of Rhovanion say thee NAY!"

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 CRIT!
Damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (2, 2) + 12 = 16

HP 25/33

Fantastic I'll go kill some!

Apologies friends, work was nuts; implemented a new software and that took up a huge chunk of my last week. Do I have an action right now or was that botted?

”Forward! Cut the head off the serpent, and the body will die!”
Jaunter punctuates his words with deeds, attacking the nearest enemy. He moves to aid his allies; once they are free of immediate threat they can get to Valter, together.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

DM- we see Valter. Do we have a way to get to him? Is he in range of our bows?

Jaunter grunted when the arrow struck him, but it was merely a glancing shot, not enough to truly injure the ranger.

Jaunter sees the danger that Anar is in, and in a surge of motion, closes the distance, moving to assist the beleaguered Dwarf.
”Get thee back! You face Jaunter, now, and thy lives are forfeit if you press forward! Face me, and face doom!”

His sudden assault and declaration is designed to call the attention from Anar’s foes to himself. As he closes the distance he slips forward and hacks at one of his foe’s legs, trying to put him off balance.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

HP 29/33

Jaunter shouts out to his companions, continuing to move as he does so.
”Thorgrim and I will handle these! Archers, assist Findegil! Forward!”

As he spoke, Jaunter seized the initiative, slashing at the foe that Thorgrim had injured in an attempt to finish off the outlaw.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Nice!

That’s universal, unfortunately. Unless you catch it within a certain time the post locks.

Now that the distance has closed, Jaunter, in one fluid motion, showed his bow and brought to bear his shield and broad sword. As his allies were swarmed by foes, Jaunter saw an opening at the flank of one of the foes engaged with Thorgrim, and his voice rang forth, clear and true, uttering a battle cry in the Elven tongue;

”Si ath thûr! Maetho!”

At that, he came forward, point of his blade streaking forth in a blindly quick thrust.

Broad Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
GM, if these guys count as servants of the Enemy, my attacks do +2 damage

As he began his deadly dance, Jaunter kept an eye on the battle, ever watchful for a hint of Valter, that his company might in earnest face down the would-be bandit king.

*blinks*

Thank you so much for pointing that my way. I'm absolutely going to check that out.

Jaunter spends the night before the battle speaking with Oderic, attempting to make sure the lad is in the right mindset. He can win much honor back for himself, but Jaunter does not wish to see Oderic foolishly spend his life. Caution, a steady hand and a clear head are how to win the day.

Jaunter spends the night before the battle tending to his gear, ensuring that his weapons and armour are ready for the dark work of the day to come. It gives him little joy, wielding his armaments against other Men, but he knows that it is necessary. At night, alone, he looks to the sky and turns to the West, and his thoughts drift through time, wondering how his people came from such might to a such a place as this... wondering if the powers that rest in the West yet have a purpose for them.

Come the morning, Jaunter puts all such thoughts aside. It is time for battle, and focus, and survival. He will not meet his end in such a place as this.

As the battle is joined, Jaunter advances aside Thorgrim, keeping pace with the doughty warrior. As he does, he takes aim with his Great Bow, calmly walking and firing as they march forward. He selects as his target the same one that Amalina fired at, and as battle is joined, he calls out to his allies.

"Wake, now, to battle! To arms! To stand against this foe of the Free Folk! Let us show him that there is yet strength in us, that against the Free Folk united, no petty band of Outlaws can hope to triumph!"

Great Bow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Aye, and much gratitude towards DM Jubal for keeping this going in the first place!

Passive Perception 16

Jaunter notices Hobwise leave the table, but says nothing. He trusts that his newfound ally will return shortly, and in a few minutes, his faith is rewarded.

Jaunter eyed Cereidh, respect and agreement writ on his face.

”Aye, we of the race of Men are all as youths to the Firstborn, yet there is wisdom there we should heed. In that youth, there is the chance to change, to grow. My counsel would be to nourish what we may, while we may.”

Persuasion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
”Peace, Oderic. It is a plan, something to discuss, nothing more. I’d not force you to do this, nor, I’m sure, would any of us here.

If I could buy their trust with my pain, or trust for you by facing torment, I would do so. The simple fact of the matter is that Valter did not trust me. I was not well known to him, else I would do that myself.”

Noting Oderic’s reaction, Jaunter packed a spare pipe full of Halfling leaf and offered it to the young man.
”Here, this will help cool our hearts.”

”I, also,” ventured Jaunter, ”Could accompany Oderic. Tell a tale of how I rescued him from those that took him for Beorn, and we made our way back to Valter. I, got my part, think you may misjudge the temper of Beorn when it comes to this matter... but we shall see.”

DM, I would like to spend Inspiration and use Foresight of my Kindred, to gain a glimpse of the events to come.

"Aye," said Jaunter, "Battle. It is... well. It is a many headed beast. It is terrible. It is frightening and chaotic and violent, and far too often, far too many lives are lost for far too poor a reason. It is terrible, yes... but in battle, much of great worth may be revealed in a person. Valour. Honor. Righteousness. Fellowship. Mercy. Aye... and hidden beyond that is the battle-lust that can take over the hearts of warriors. The thrill of victory, of testing yourself against a worthy foe, of vanquishing those that cannot stand against your might.

And yet, Master Hobwise, I think that you will see that a cunning mind and a resourceful person may find as much success as even the mightiest sword arm."

Jaunter paused, removing his pipe from his pack and packing it. He lit it with a match, then took a slow drag, and exhaled the smoke, savoring the flavor. He turned cunning eyes towards his companions, then continued.

"I've a plan in mind.

What say you, friends? And what say you, Oderic? This path is most perilous to you, yet would surely prove to your Lord your intentions."

Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

The boy’s thoughts and feelings could not be concealed from the discerning eye of Jaunter. The Ranger purses his lips, listening to Amalina, then spoke in a soft voice.

”I see now how all of this occurred. Oderic, in this, you are not blameless, but neither are you fully at fault... nor are you irredeemable. It may be that you can yet do much to change the outcome of what must now surely come to pass.., the attack by Oderic against the Beornings. Indeed, should you prove your mettle in such a contest, it might be that your actions can be forgiven, and that your honor can be restored. Tell me, if such a Chance was given you... would you seize it? Would you make things right?”

Jaunter’s eyes burned with an inner fire as a plan began to take shape in his mind.

Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Insight Advantage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Hobwise, does that apply to rolls like Persuasion or other interactions as well?

”It is as she says,” Jaunter says gently to Oderic. ”I know how you must feel, Oderic. You were captured. Bound. Some of the bandits were advising you be put to death. And then.. Valter. Not only does spare your life, he treats you with respect. Speaks with fair seeming words. He, it seems, is a man with eyes that can perceive the true heart of others, and he deems you worthy.

So please, Oderic, tell me what happened. I met this group the same time you did. I know not what brought you here. But I sense that there is yet much valour in you, much honor. I want to help you face this.”

Should I roll Persuasion?

Jaunter's hand unconsciously drifted towards his pouch. He hadn't smoked in weeks... it would not have done to become relaxed or let his guard down among that camp of outlaws. He had some Old Toby still, if he recalled rightly.

Jaunter smirks.

"I would say, 'You are going to flay me.' You will only flay me if I speak a lie... but were you to flay me, it would be the truth."

Jaunter chuckled softly. This was clearly a curious little Hobbit. Then he turned back towards Oderic as the Hobbit left.

"Well, lad? Care to share your story?"

So no Embarkation roll is required?

Good stuff. DM, is this a Journey?

Jaunter nods respectfully.
"Never had I had cause to visit the White City, but the valour of it's Knights is known and respected in all Middle-Earth. Well met to you, Findegil! Should we e'er journey to your homeland, greatly would I wish to gaze upon it's majesty, and would beg of you to serve as guide through Gondor.

"There is no reason to keep ourselves quiet while we travel. Yours is, truly, an interesting group. It is not often that Men, Naugrim and the Eldar travel as one Company. Rarer still is such a group in the company of a Hobbit, for as far as I know, they do not often venture far from their homes. Surely the tale of your coming together must be an intriguing one!"

Whoops realized it's better to ask this here.

So the impression I'm getting is that the Company's objective is to return Oderic to Beorn for judgment. I assume that's going to take a Journey. Do y'all want me to act as Guide?

Also if we're traveling any distance it's going to be a Journey. Does the Company wish me to act as a Guide? I am fine adopting another role, or no role, for roleplay reasons.

Jaunter purses his lips. He takes a bit of time to scan the area and ensure they are not being followed, but moves with the group. As they get a distance away from the camp, Jaunter speaks a bit of freely.

"It's quite simple. I've been watching them. They are a troupe with eyes bent towards treasure and conquest. They are a danger to the folk of Rhovanion. I wished to keep track of them, and the only way to ensure I was not discovered was to make them think I already had been, as one of them."

DM, I would like to make an Investigation roll to see what I may have learned of their plans, either in general or regarding Oderic, in my time at the camp.

Investigation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

As the group moves away from the bandit camp, and they are out of earshot, Jaunter will also remove the gag from Oderic, assuming none of the Company attempts to stop him.

"There, now, lad. It seems that this lot knows what has chased you to so desperate a place... but I know not. I'd like to hear your tale from your own lips, if you would gift me with it. Might be I can do something to help. Might be I'm just a sympathetic ear... but I think you could use that, as well."

Jaunter noted the man's name, then gave a nod to the bowwoman.
"Likely not at all, at least as far as I go. I was never truly one of them, of course. I merely infiltrated their group and have been keeping watch, as best I could. I did little, as I've not the stomach for dark deeds against my fellows for my own gain, and am not a trusted member of this band. Now, Master Hobwise, here, has the Halfling gift with salt and spice... come their mealtime they will surely miss his hand at their cookpots! Indeed, a bit of haste at this moment would not go awry."

Jaunter nodded at the men that spoke, though he noted that neither gave their name. It was, all things considered, a wise practice; were Jaunter not merely a name that Calmacil had conjured, a mask to wear for the folk of Rhovanion, he would never have so freely offered it.

Jaunter couldn't help but turn a smile on the Hobbit that had emerged from the woods. Even as perceptive as a Ranger was, the halfling had been nigh undetectable.
"Why, Master Hobwise! I did not think to meet you here, but happy is that chance, indeed. The only thing I should have been quite sad to leave behind from that place is your fine cooking. I must be grateful that it seems I shan't be parted from it!"

Jaunter's eyes turned towards Thorgrim, and they became slightly harder; Jaunter did not like that he was threatening what was, in his eyes, a defenseless boy. Yet Jaunter was not hasty, and he hearkened well to Thorgrim's words about taking the boy to Beorn's court. That meant that Oderic had done wrong... or, at least, that that was what Beorn or other Beornings thought.

"I assume you are doing your duty to your Lord," Janter began, addressing Thorgrim, voice mild, "But one would assume that in a land so famed for the quality of their bees, that it would be well known that honey is a far more effective lure than vinegar. Nevertheless, you are correct; we must take haste. If you trust me not at this time, I will not take offense... but you will find few better to guide you through Rhovanion. I would be happy to take that role for your company, and consent to whatever strictures you require to feel comfortable until trust is given between us."

Jaunter turned to the boy, face and voice softening.
"Oderic. I know that we are strangers, but I perceive from this man's words, and from your presence among this band of outlaws, that you are... in a bit of a predicament. I can see how taking up with this band must have seemed an attractive alternative, especially if you believed you had no other choice. You may have felt backed into a corner. I don't know the specifics, Oderic... but I know how it feels to want to run from your duty. You see, no matter what happened, you have a responsibility. To your Lord. To your people. It is in these moments that we decide who we are, and who we want to be."

Jaunter gestured to the fallen, arrow-skewered, decapitated form of Faron.
"That man, the one watching you? He was a murderer. A craven. A betrayer. The only time I saw him smile was when he was planning cruelty or violence. You must know that the others in this camp were like unto him, and I do not think that is who you are. You, I think, would not smile when speaking of slashing throats in the night, or burning a home with people trapped inside, as he did. I think you are better than that.

I do not believe you are lost. Not yet. Not like so many of these men. So please, Oderic... let me help you."

Despite Jaunter's worn garb, despite the rough beard on his face, there is an unmistakable air of authority about him as he attempts to persuade Oderic to come peacefully and give his story.

Playing up the Lordly Distinctive Quality.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Jaunter, recognizing the trappings of a man of Gondor, relaxes his draw, then returns the arrow to his quiver. He slings the bow on his back, then readies his shield on his left arm and ensures that his sword is ready to be drawn from his scabbard. After making his way quietly towards the group, he steps from the shadows of the wilderness, hands free of weapons, but not far from them.

"Well," Jaunter began, voice pitched to carry to those nearby but not farther, "That was artfully done! I did not think to encounter so varied and valorous a gathering of folk here at the edges of this camp of bandits... but here we are, I suppose! I'm called Jaunter. I mean you no harm. I had an interest in seeing this lad free of those bandits, and I'd as soon see us not at odds. Assuming you mean him no harm, perhaps we can get a bit free of here and speak of our purposes... perhaps something more than chance has brought us together here tonight, hmm?"

As Jaunter spoke, he pulled down the hood of his cloak, revealing his face. He was a handsome man, though not staggeringly so, and possessed several weeks growth of beard on his face. His dark hair and eyes were not cruel, but they were seldom at rest as he scanned the area for trouble.

GM, I'm assuming that once the party has their surprise round and interacts with Oderic and Faron, they will be visible to me?

Apologies about the misinformation on my part, GM! Been reading on my mobile all day and just have gotten some details confused! In that case, Jaunter’s shot will wait until after the Company makes a move towards Oderic

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Perception for Hobwise: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Jaunter continued on his way, the shadows lengthening around him... as it often seemed they did. He focused, not allowing himself to be distracted by maudlin musings; a distracted Ranger was, quite often, a dead Ranger. His father had taught him that. Jaunter continued upon his way, taking care to continue to move silently.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

As he moved forward, he saw that his moment was now. The ones that had been stalking the bandits themselves seemed ready to make a move, and Jaunter deemed that he would rather be seen as an ally than a foe. Swift as thought, he unlimbered his bow, pulling an arrow from his quiver, nocking it, drawing it back, and took aim, ready for the beginning of what would likely be a brief battle, all in one smooth, efficient, practiced series of motions.

As soon as he drew near enough, Jaunter loosed his arrow towards his target...

GM, if I need more turns to be close enough to do this, disregard that last sentence and this following roll

Great Bow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

At last, an opportunity.

Long had the days grown for the one who gave his name as Jaunter. The road had been bleak and lonely, with few friends or fires to warm Jaunter on the way. The destination had proven no more pleasant than the journey, and the days had stretched as he sat, keeping silent watch on the Outlaws... and waiting.

The arrival of the Beorning had been a new beginning, the glimmerings of an opportunity. Still, though, Jaunter knew that something else needed to happen... there were simply too many men. And the watcher, serpent though he was, was cunning and perceptive. If Jaunter was careless in his approach... no. He had to wait. The time was not yet right to strike.

And now, at last others had arrived. The time to act was drawing near.

Jaunter gathered his cloak, ensuring that he crept towards the boy and the watcher with care. He kept his weapons out of the way but easy to reach, and attempted to move with the utmost silence.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26