It's the subliminal messages in the original post that causes the O and M to be so much more disturbing :-).
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Ack and I missed the power one! I should have been more careful when I saw the first one.
Son of a poor branch of House Medvyed, Jonas grew up training for the knighthood. He squired with an older knight , Malorian Lebeda, who was commander of a borderland fort on the border with the Stolen Lands. Jonas served his lord well for many years on the border, where his family's words "Endurance Over All" served him very well. He earned his spurs fighting bandits in the wild, saving his lord's life while in battle. Jonas' love for his country and his faith in the eventual reclamation of the Stolen Lands led him to join the Order of the Lion. Hearing that Swordlords were looking for capable men and women to help settle these lands, Malorian suggested to his former squire that he travel to volunteer for the task. With his stead Maelstrom as his only companion, Jonas traveled across the kingdom to join in this quest. This is a character I had made for another game that didn't make it. There is crunch in the profile, but I can redo it for new stats.
Jonas nods at both Gathien and Kragath. Well if the halfling doesn't see anything wrong. Jonas takes a step forward into the entrance. "That door seemed to leap from my hand, so keep an eye out for our trickster friend." If the others follow him in, then Jonas moves forward until he sees ot hears something of note.
Jonas nods at the others as he sees them prepare. He pulls his sword and tests the grip for a moment before reaching for the door cautiously.He turns his head to Kragath and smiles, "Here we go."
Jonas shrugs and looks around at the others. He walks over to the door, avoiding the pile of leaves. "I'm just going to try to open this, unless anyone has a better idea?" He pauses and waits for any suggestions.
Jonas leaves Maelstrom untethered a few hundred feet from the strange overgrowth. Giving Gathien a chance to hide, Jonas says quietly "I don't think that anyone else should hide. Caution is good, but we don't want to appear dishonest if someone see's others hiding." Jonas then approaches the overgrowth slowly. As he approaches he is careful to avoid the spot that Gaithen pointed out, to keep himself in the open, and to keep his hands at his sides and open. He calls out loudly,
Jonas nods at Kragath, "I think so too, although I feel like this may not be the Kobold's den. I would expect it to be a little more....disorganized....and I would expect them to have some guards or scouts out. "
Jonas seems to get a little restless while waiting for Gaithen, and his misstep on the twig makes it more evident. He pulls Maelstrom in a small circle taking a look all around the rest of the party. "Scouting was the right thing to do, but I hate having any of us separate from the rest."
Jonas chuckles and pats his mount on the neck, "Well, either way and Maelstrom and I will be there like a flash. The others will catch up as soon as they can, I'm sure." He smiles widely at Ingle, "Don't expect a quick response from Ingle though, I can't see him getting that mare up to a gallop just yet."
Jonas swings Maelstrom around and stands on his stirrups trying to use the height to get a better view of the overgrowth. "I think you are right Gathien, a little scouting is in order. Do you have any way to signal us if you get in trouble? A whistle or something? I would give you my signal whistle, but I made a gift of it."
Jonas listens carefully to Peregrine and Rorgrym's concerns, "I agree with both of you that caution is definitely merited, but we would be exploring the area to the southwest soon in any case. We will just explore it sooner than we had planned, and if we find signs of their warren we will scout it before making a decision to approach it. Additionally, I would like to get the kobolds to move on without violence, if possible."
When Jonas hears of Kragath's plan to continue to head in the direction which the trail was going he nods and scratches his cheek. "I think that is a sound plan. I don't want to just leave a mark on the map, I want to solve the problem."
ACK!! That was supposed to be my HP roll.
Same difference I suppose :-)!
I will go with A. I guess I get 9 (6+3) with the average + 1 rule
The disappearance of the kobold leaves Jonas quietly reflective. Is the fey protecting the kobold or just continuing to tease us? I suppose it is the continuing that is the answer. It was playing tricks on us before we came upon the kobold, and I assume it will continue to do so regardless of whether we go to their den. Finally, he rouses himself and nods at Rorgrym's words, "Good idea, Rorgrym. I will try again. When we return to Oleg's we should pick up some shiny costume jewelry or such, and perhaps some sweets if he has any." Jonas walks fifteen or twenty steps away from the rest of the group. He goes through his pouches and backpack and finally produces his signal whistle. He buffs it on his surcoat to get it shiny as possible, "I wish I had something more grand to give you, but unfortunately we were not prepared to give out gifts. My family, the Medvyeds, have always dealt honorably with your kind up in north, and I would like to continue that relationship here. We find most of your tricks funny, but we don't understand why you have taken the kobold. In any case, take this whistle as a gift. We hope you like it."
If nothing immediately happens, Jonas turns around and returns to the group. "Well, let's see if that helps. In any case, we should move on."
"I think if possible we should follow the tracks to find their lair. When we get there we can try to talk them into moving on. Hopefully we won't have to fight whatever ones are left."
I had pretty similar thoughts to Rorgrym. If we run into their den, I would rather try to talk them into leaving, rather than immediately attacking. We should have had Gaithen and maybe Ingle get into position and then tried to talk before attacking. Hindsight is 20/20 though :-).
Jonas sighs and looks at the ground for a moment. "If we can't let it go and it has not cooperated, then I suppose it must be taken care of. Not a pleasant task, but necessary. I will take care of it." After a moment he looks up at the group. "Their preoccupation with radishes seems to be unnaturally strong. Perhaps Peregrine and Rorgrym could examine the area for traces of some kind of magical influence?"
Jonas walks over to the struggling kobold and thoughtfully watches him struggle for a few moments. He listen's to Rorgrym and Peregrine's speculations before turning to Ingle, "Well Master Farwen, if you speak their language, then I guess it is up to you to ask him the questions. I don't know much about these creatures, but hopefully seening what happened to it's companions will loosen it's tongue a bit."
Jonas nods as the group gathers after the fight and everyone agrees that it went well. "Gathien certainly handled himself particularly well that time." Jonas frowns at Rorgrym's assertion that something seems "off". He looks around at the radish patch that the kobold's were gathered in. "What were they yelling when we came up? Could anyone understand them?
After seeing the pile of bodies surrounding Gaithien, Jonas turns and attacks the last standing kobold.
Jonas can't help but step back as the kobolds in front of him burst into flames. The poor little bastards. He looks up and sees Ingle unleash another fiery hell and Peregrin's bolt fly true. Seeing Kragath still engaged with one of the creatures, Jonas moves towards Gathien in case he needs support. I thought I saw him surrounded by a gaggle of them at one point.
Jonas smiles grimly as the kobolds ineffectively charge at him. There's an opening low. He spins his large blade around, bending his knees and sweeping it low, hoping to hit both creatures.
As he recovers from tripping and hears the kobolds yelling, Jonas rolls his eyes. Well, at least they won't be aiming at the casters
Jonas leaves Maelstrom behind as he moves up with Kragath and Rorgrym. He grips his sword tightly with both hands and cranes his neck trying to keep Gathien in sight if possible.
Patcher, is the terrain clear enough for me to charge on Maelstrom?
Jonas nods, "I think it is a good idea." If it looks like the forest is going to be difficult terrain for Maelstrom, Jonas slips off the horse and pulls out his sword.
Jonas looks a little disappointed at the lack of response, but smiles at Gathien's joke. He says quietly to whoever is listening, "Well that is too bad. Fey are somewhat common where I come from and there are several stories in my family of my forebearers befriending them. They indicated that flattery is often helpful with them, but I guess that is not enough with this particular fey." Jonas goes about setting up camp and preparing for the next day.
Jonas chuckles as the shower of acorns turns from a few to a bushel, but his chuckle pauses when Ingle mentions fey. Then his laughter becomes deep and loud, perhaps too deep and too loud. He wipes his eye and with a further chuckle announces loudly to no one in particular, Well that truly was a fine jest. I can't help but admire it's creativity. I would certainly enjoy meeting the author of such a jest. I have heard that there are fey in this area. I also heard that they are more beautiful than the fairest maid and more intelligent than a wizard. I don't know if I believe that though." He looks around expectantly.
Jonas smiles at the thought of a fire and begins to help collecting firewood.
Jonas slides off of Maelstrom looking miserable. "Well, this seems as good a place as any. It will be a wonder if you can get a fire started this evening, Gathien. With all of this cursed mist everything is bound to be sopping wet."
Jonas' first goal was to get us to move SW, because it was closer to the bandits, which seemed to be a bone of contention at one point. He is happy that someone else has mentioned it instead.
After a bite of breakfast Jonas asks to see the developing map. I think we should head southwest check some of this forest area and try to find the river. Then head northeast, circle back to the northwest and finally pay a visit to Oleg's, just to check on them and make sure everything is fine there. Like yesterday it will probably take us a day to explore a decent area of land, so in three or four days we will be back at Oleg's, barring the unforeseen delays that will obviously occur. He smiles at the last statement.
Ok, so I am now officially back from my vacation time. The good news (to most ;-) ) is that I will be posting more regularly during weekdays. The bad news is that I am back at work, which is just bad news.
Jonas studies the camp site. An early rest sounds like a good idea. It would also be good if Rorgrym used whatever healing abilities he has for the day, so that tomorrow maybe we may start out at our full capacities.
Jonas stands chewing on a piece of the bear meat. Well, if we are not searching for the bandit's camp directly, then might I suggest we fully explore this area before moving on? We might as well since we are here.
Jonas sighs in relief when he sees Rorgrym heal both Gathien and Kragath. He slips down from Maelstrom and leads him to the other side of the camp dropping the reigns, confident that Maelstrom will not wander. He helps nods to Ingle, I assure you both Maelstrom and myself are fine. A little singed, but overall in fine health. I do not take a slight missed aim personal in the heat of battle He walks over to the bear to join Gathien and Kragath. He nods in agreement with Gathien and smiles at Kragath. I will bow to your wisdom about the butchering of the beast Gathien, since you are the most experienced woodsman. I was looking forward to that rug, although I fear Master Farwen may have singed the pelt and ruined a full rug for me. I may have to settle for a fine winter cloak. I hope no one minds that I claim the pelt? I have an inkling that others may come available soon. We should probably move camp a ways from the corpse as Gathien is surely correct about it attracting scavengers. He looks around appraisingly, Overall that went well. The strategy was sound Ser Lightbringer, we just needed to carry out your plan better.
Jonas eyes grow wide as his companions drop, Damn beast! Slay him Maelstrom!
I'm fine with the step advancement too, btw. All the cool kids like Sir Elton John.
Jonas grunts in frustration as the bear rushes past him. He raises his lance and brings Maelstrom around. As he lowers the lance, Jonas raises up on his stirrups and charges back into the fray.
Jonas smiles as he swings Maelstrom around, keeping the stallion lined up for a charge. That was quite an explosion for such a little jar Master Farwen.
Jonas turns as the bear charges out of the forrest. This beast will make an excellent rug. He readies his shield and turns Maelstrom to face his foe.
To Gathien from earlier when we were talking at breakfast:
Jonas' face brightens at your response. It is good that somebody has those skills. It is actually a weight off my mind, as gaining intelligence is of great importance in any endeavour. I did not want you to assume that I was asking it because of your stature though. It was because you are more lightly armored. To Ingle about learning to ride.: Jonas smiles and glances around. In a low voice he responds, I would be honored to be able to expand your practical knowledge in this area Master Farwen, and it need not be an obvious lesson either. Just know now that you will be sore for several days. It takes muscles to ride, muscles you are not accustomed to using, and they will scream for a while at the new abuse. For the rest of the day Jonas makes a point of riding in the view of Ingle. He mounts and dismounts slowly and deliberately, showing Ingle by example how to do those tasks. When the group takes a break he quietly takes a moment to show him how to calm his horse enough to check it's hooves for rocks or debris. Horses are smart animals and they are perceptive. They can tell if you are frightened or unsure. It is important that YOU stay calm when handling your mount, that way it will stay calm as well.
With thanks to Svetlana, Jonas digs into a very healthy breakfast. He looks thoughtful as everyone speaks, listening carefully. I wish we had someone more practiced in scouting and stealth than it seems we have. I'm definitely not of the mind that we should ride headlong into this bandit's camp. I am hoping though that we can catch them in a point of weakness, but until we do a bit of scouting this is all conjecture as Master Fletch said. In a perfect world the bandits would send out another party, we would ambush it further weakening them. Only then would we attack the camp. He sighs dramatically, I fear that is a pipe dream though. In any case, Gathien do you have any skills in forestry and stealth that might make you proficient at scouting? You seem like the most likely to have those skills between the three of us who are the more martial sorts.
I'm sorry, I have been busy today and couldn't post. I'm fine with method 3, and I would like the composite bow and 20 arrows if no one objects. I'd like to have a ranged weapon on me just in case.
Jonas lays the remaining thieves across their mounts and gathers two lengths of rope. He turns solemnly to those who remain outside, I will do this in a tree nearby if any wish to witness it. He leads the horses out of the fort and matches his actions to his earlier words.
Jonas glances at his brother for a moment. He would have received five years of labor and then be freed. A mark would have been necessary. I would have preferred a tattoo, but I don't know if that would be possible here. In any case, this couple are still looking for a laborer, although I don't know what kind of pay they can afford right now. I will pass your message to Kragath, Asharien. Jonas looks at the remaining bandits. Will you go back to their camp, or do you have other plans?
Jona goes to blok Ingle from interfering, but finds it unnecessary. He nods to the man as he walks to stand next to Kragath's prone form. Per the terms of the duel, you and your brother are free to go. I hope you will not go back to the bandits, but we will not impede you. These others are sentenced to death by hanging for the crime of banditry. Their body's will be left upon the rope as a warning to others. Jonas nods once more to the man and says, You are more than you appear to be, can I ask your name stranger?
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