A) 4
B) 6
C) 10
D) 2
Some family health issues going on, and while distractions are welcome, I don't know how much time I have to use just now...
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With his slower spells cast, the druid began moving closer towards the battle, gesturing with one hand at the axe-wielding maniac to conjure down a bolt of lightning from the sky to strike at her before turning his attention to the archers on their tower. Their location made them difficult to reach… but also turned them into great targets for spells, the druid thought as he launched into another incantation that ended moments later in a burst of blindingly bright energy that engulfed the two who had been peppering him with arrows. While Matheus was busy with his spellcasting, his two conjured allies kept harassing the axe-wielding woman, although their jaws managed only to tear her clothes.
Matheus grunted in pain as the arrows struck his arm and shoulder but his concentration held, and two gigantic wolves blinked into existence between him and the enemy forces. ”The first card – the Cyclone. Destructive forced unleashed intentionally, not by accident. And second card – the Lost. Insanity, emptiness of spirit. One who has lost everything they once held dear and thus his own life holds him no value. Grim, but suitable to a good brawl,” he murmured, watching with narrowed eyes as the two massive but gaunt lupines joined the battle, immediately charging towards the enemy forces, their long legs carrying them effortlessly, swiftly. They dodged past the clansmen lines and threw themselves at the enemy, the axe-wielding woman who had just proved her mettle by downing her first target with a single toss of the magical axe.
Heedless to the danger, the wolves leapt at the axe-wielding woman, one going high while the other low, and while a quick swipe of the fiery axe kept the first attacker at bay, the second sunk its jaws into Melkorka’s tight and tried its level best to yank the woman off-balance.
So it sounds like everybody wants to keep playing in some form or another. If Corey is up for GMing something in Aerde, I'd be down to play it. I'm playing another of his Aerde games, and it's great. The amount of detail he's put into his homebrew world is truly awesome. Corey's own world seems rather interesting as well. I'm up for a game there if Corey wants to run one!
As a personal preference, I really like the sound of this adventure path if someone'd want to try their hands at GMing a game on these forums... ;^)
Everything except number 1 goes for me. As long as we keep the pace of the came relaxed - running one game and playing two is right about my limit. Might be a treat to experience Ner's GM:ing! As for option 3... I enjoy playing Matheus, but wouldn't mind rerolling to try something else - still tons of builds in PF1 I'm itching to experiment with ;^)
Matheus ignored the taunt - words were cheap, and the enemy had yet to show if she could back them up with force. Besides, he had more important things to do. Taking out his Harrow deck, the druid started an incantation of summoning, calling forth warriors of nature to join them on the field of battle.
Another birthday? Happy birthday, in that case. And may we all have a bit more normal year coming our way. This one has had enough excitement to last me the rest of the decade.
"If you would help us, to allow us to help you keep the axe of your ancestor from the hands of those who would use its power to their own benefit, we would be honored," the druid said, bowing his head slightly to the elder - it was, after all, fine to show respect but if these people had retained more of the Ulfen ways, they might not take kindly to too over-the-top attempts to curry their favor. "My blood may be from the South, but I was raised in the Linnorm Lands, and it'd be an honor to fight shoulder to shoulder with people who have kept their tribe's ancient traditions alive for all these passings of seasons."
She looked over at their translator before addressing the elder who had spoken, "I know thst it's unwise to assume your help but I would gather from this meeting that you won't actively work against us? We have to stop the Shadow Lodge but I would rather not have to fight any of the Snowmask Clan in the process." "We would rather the axe of your ancestors didn't fall into the hands of our wayward kin," Matheus added. "In that, at least, it would seem our interest align."
”True, but sometimes meaning can be lost in a flood of words. But if you want a story a skald might sing…” Matheus shrugged, cleared his throat and began again. ”Harken, then, to the tale of our wrought journey to this land of winter winds from the lands to the south. Our roads were brought together in the fair city of Absalom, the City at the Center of the World, where an elder of our Order called upon us, to send us on a quest that seemed both easy and simple yet proved to be neither...” Matheus was no bard but he did have a way with words and he had heard more than his fair share of tales in many an inn, some of them old, well-known legends told by master wordsmiths. So he had some idea how to weave their tale into a similar form. ”There were four of us brought together by the quest, as there are here, now, before you, but only three of us were there in the beginning, walking the marbled halls of the Grand Lodge of the Pathfinders, to meet an aging Venture-Captain, a well respected veteran of many a harrowed journey into the bowels of this world and perhaps many others in the days of his youth, to uncover secrets frozen in time as ages passed. Can you imagine our pride and joy at being singled out and called forth by such a person? To be trusted to go where his aged bones could no longer carry his own person?” ”When we heard of the mission, to carry a mysterious chest to the Lands of the Linnorm Kings we did not hesitate. The first leg of our journey was to be by the seas, carried by a skilled veteran of the blue waters, an Ulfen Captain of the Froth Wolf. Have you ever seen the sea? A vast, boundless field of blue, an expanse that can turn from glass smooth to towering waves that seem to reach for the very heavens in mere hours! A place of power and elemental violence, a place that can crush the greatest of ships into kindling if one dares take its mercy for granted. Now, we were spared the worst of the storms on our journey, no doubt in large part thanks to the skill of our Captain, who seemed to be able to whisper to the winds themselves, and glean truths about the future from the movements of the sea birds. But the journey was not without its dangers – oh no. Mere days after leaving the Inner Sea behind and reaching the Arcadian Ocean, we sprung a trap laid by hags of the deep seas! A body of one of their earlier victims, tied to a piece of flotsam to spur us into attempting to rescue the poor wretch – and what sailor would leave one of his own kind behind, lost to the high seas? If one does not offer help, one has no right to expect to receive it were one in the need for rescue in the future! But ships are victims of the very winds they rely on to move around, and not easy things to turn around in a hurry, so I took it upon myself to dive into the seas – I had little fear of sinking, since I always carry my own life preserver wherever I go,” the druid went on, taking a swing from his waterskin to whet his throat while rubbing his impressive, bare stomach with the other hand, inviting the audience to join him in laughter. He told the tale simply but truthfully, from his conjuration of the aquatic cavalry of hippocampi to revealing the ambush to their combined efforts to dive the hags trying to board the ship back under the waves. ”… and then, finally, we reached our destination. Trollheim, the kingless city ruled by Castellan Freyr Darkwine, mighty commander of the Blackravens who patrol the border between the Ulfen lands and those of the Irrisen. Weary of our long journey, we hoped to deliver our mysterious burden into the hands of the famed historian, only to find his home burned to the ground, enemies lurking in every shadow to slay anyone who tried to seek the man out, and fell plots abound, to turn the good people of the Linnorm lands against our very own Society!” He went on with his story, telling the clanspeople about their various encounters with the fallen Pathfinders and their minions, the occasionally humorous run-ins with the local City Watch and their habit of keeping to find themselves in ever deeper trouble – but also of their talent of clawing their way over every obstacle throw in their path. He told how they parted ways with one of their companions, but picked up an Irrisen Witch to take his place almost immediately, and of their frantic battle against the Shadow Lodge members and their local agents as they sought to send the Castellan and his forces against the Pathfinders by assaulting the local armory, intending to leave behind only corpses and proof that pointed in the Society’s direction. ”Finally, our enemies we overpowered and surrendered or slain outright, and we had a chance to have some questions answered,” the druid went on, ”but rather than an end to our travels we realized we had only been given another task – the scholar we were seeking was alive, but under thrall of the Shadow Lodge members in Irrisen, in the land of the White Witches, in the home to the children of the witch-mother itself!”
”For the intrusion, we apologize,” Matheus began, now quite knowing whether to smile or wince at Ner’s… compact version of the events. ”As you know, we have crossed blades with the people of your lands several times now. You should also know we have fought back only reluctantly, to protect ourselves. For we have been given a quest, and we are honor-bound to finish it or die trying.” The druid rather hoped these tribespeople had been influenced by the Ulfen not only in their choice of weaponry – the people of his adopted homeland were big believers in words of honor and quests, after all. ”We seek the Keep of the Huscarl King and the great weapon hidden there, according to ancient legends,” the druid went on, eyes open for any reaction to his words from the people in the room. ”Not to claim it, nor to use it, but to prevent lost brothers and sisters of our Society from stealing it for their own fell purposes. We have already foiled their plans to sow discord in the Ulfen lands, and rescued our imprisoned friend from their stronghold, only to learn their ambition had driven them to your lands, robbing us from a chance to deal with the oathbreakers. And thus, we give chase. Again, I apologize trekking through lands of you and your ancestors without leave, but our quest and our honor compels us. We would have peace with you, but we cannot turn back with our task unfinished.”
Merry Cristmas, one and all! It's the Eve already over here, and in the rural areas of Finland where I'm from, this is the important day of the holidays (even though this weird year has put a different spin on the usual holiday rituals). So have fun and make merry!
"Still an improvement over immediately trying to kill us on sight," Matheus murmured. "Particualrly since we are still going in the right general direction."
'For once, a group of locals who want to talk,' the druid mused, his eyes drawn to the shields whose form reminded him of his adobted homeland. If the wielder of the axe they shought had indeed been an Ulfen, perhaps these ones might be somehow related to him - or some local tribes that that mighty warrior had made allies of... or subjugated.
"Agreed," the druid said, nodding to Petronia as he made his way down with more care than he had displayed during his frantic way up. "If those people drove their herd at us it's pretty good proof they are not interested in talking. If we go to them, we are going to have to fight them, more likely than not. If we continue, they might be satisfied having already shown us we are not welcome."
"Sweet dreasming heavens," Matheus murmured as he realized what was coming their way. He didn't have time to wonder what had driven the herd or whatever beasts these were into headlong panic, but figuring that out could come later - this was the time for some some panic of his own. The druid scampered up the gorge wall with everything he had, thankful that the snow and ice coating the rock at places didn't have much of an effect on his grip, as he was far from a strong climber - his bulk wasn't built for such physical activities in mind.
"Assuming we do go down the gorge," Matheus said, looking up - as Tivli volunteered to scout the druid had taken the opportunity to rest his feet for a bit and had found himself a comfortable rock to sit on. "I suppose there's a reason why the tracks avoidede the gorge - might have something to do with whatever killed that great big cat. On the other hand, that's where the map directs us..."
Petronia draws everyone’s attention to what she spotted in the distance. ”There are people, or what looks like people from this distance, moving among the bison and mammoths. But I can’t tell from their movements what their intentions are. It doesn’t look like they’re trying to hide but I also can’t tell if they’re hostile or even if they know we’re here.” "The people we have met thus far haven't exactly been welcoming to strangers. I wonder if these ones would be any different?" Matheus mused, fighting to suppress his usual urge to just go and meet new people. "Perhaps it'd be wise for us not to risk another encounter. Unless Tivli here recognizes the clan and knows them to be less territorial than the ones we already encountered?" he turned towards the local of the group to ask the question.
"Just, be careful with it, and perhaps when you're done with it I could have it?" "Certainly; or if you have you eye set on it, you can have it right away?" the druid offered, gesturing with the smilodon tooth. "Not a bad spell to invest in a wand, as you can get a lot of mileage out of even a weak version of the enchantment. And little Ner with his short legs will benefit from it greatly, assuming he is ever required to relinquish his perch."
Tivli considers this last question carefully. The next day she brings it to her friends. "What are we going to do with this weapon? Why can't we help the Kellid hide it?" "Personally, I wouldn't mind that for solution - as long as it doesn't fall to the hands of the people we are trying to prevent finding it, I'm happy. I certainly don't want to claim it for myself! Although if the item is as powerful as the stories we were told suggest, it might be best for it to remain unfound for good." "But time enough to think about that after we first secure it," he said, walking over to give the paintings a last look. "I don't suppose the long-negged dragonkin in the first image might be a linnorm," he wondered aloud. "That's the way old Ulfen kings made their mark, you see - killing one. Lands of the Linnorm Kings and all? Take that with the beard, and a long march east - ending up here, so coming from the west, from the direction of the Ulfen lands..."
"The locals that we keep running into, they seem to play a roll in this. Maybe guardians of some sort? It would be best if we could draw them to our side. I'd rather work with them than have to fight them too." "I'd say it's a good chance one of their ancestors once held the weapon," the druid said, coming over the give the paintings a good look. "But by the fact these poor fellows have been left to lie here in the open, might be the current generation has forgot about the legend - otherwise I'd assume there to have been enough traffic here over the years that these people here would have been given a decent burial." "But right now, I'm more interested in these two little darlings here... you know there's some good eating in one of them? What say you I cook up something warm for a change? A good meal or two before he head into danger won't go amiss, right?"
Right you are! Happy birthday!
”Looks like the number of drinks that I owe you once we’re back home is growing.” "Oh, who's counting?" the druid chuckled, ruffling Bubbles's fur as he closed Tivli's little friend's wounds with a touch of his wand. "Some of this seems...special. Matheus, are you able to use your unique gifts to tell us more about them?
"Well, I can at least pick out the enchanted items from the mundane, and those potions..." the druid said wasting no time in murmuring the cantrip and sorting out the items into two piles before gingerly beginnign to taste-test the potions by touching the very tip of his little finger into the liquids one bottle at a time.
"Well, that was some warm welcome," the druid murmured as he took out his wand to perform some first aid.
Matheus's eyes widened as large lizards of all things came at them - just how had reptiles of all things made this snowy land their home? Still, it was hardly the time and place to wonder at that particular mystery, he thought, even as he raised an arm to cast nature's fury at the lizard who tried to savage Tivli's badger companion, pelting the dino's head with sleet and rain to confuse its senses.
The warm, humid air was a draw for the brawler until she saw the algae. Eyeing it suspiciously, she asked Matheus and Tivli, "Is that funky growth a danger to us?"
Oh, so she was just being nice? I was wondering what feat you had to allow for such an ability ;^)
"Here's some more from where that came from," the druid said as he took out his own healing wand and dealt with the worst of his own injuries before continuing where Tivli had left off. It seemed more prudent to use up his wand rather than his own magical powers, just in case they were to engage their real enemy before they had a chance to rest.
Tailwind and Nature's Paths. And when we camp at night, Sylvan Hideaway. The two former ones would have been used early on in the day, while the latter is still prepared since we haven't settled down.
Matheus readied a burst of natural energy to defend himself, but hoped Tivli's words would have an effect instead. Now that the clanspeople had seen they were suddenly on the defensive. "I know we are trespassers," the druid said in Hallit, following the ranger's example. "We walk your lands uninvited, and I apologize for that, but we mean no harm to you or yours. We chase other outlanders, criminals who would plunder your land of an ancient treasure. We do not wish to cross blades with you, but we are honor-bound to track down our foes and bring them to justice, no matter what stands to bar our way. If you will lower your weapons you will soon be rid of both of our groups, as we would leave your lands the moment our quest is completed."
Seeing the battle well and truly joined, Matheus began making his way behind friendly lines, as he most certainly wasn't well suited to holding the front. Not without many a protective invocation, at the very least! As he moved easily over the snow, the druid murmured an invocation and waved his hand towards the eastern side of the stone circle, then averted his eyes as a blinding flash of holy light answered his call and assaulted the clansfolk seeking to harm them.
Reminds me of those ye-ol' Batman TV shows, with the comics-style "special effects" for punches ;^)
Matheus staggered back as two javelins hit him - it seems being forewarned didn't quite count for as much as he had hoped it might.
Well, there was something but not what Matheus had hoped to find. "You might as well come out now," the druid said, mixing Hallit and Druidic words on the off-chance that the ambushers would be druids, even though the circle seemed to have been neglected for some time. "We have no quarrel with you, but we have a need to pass." As he spoke he looked back at Petronia and used one hand to first point at his eyes, then at the snow banks under which he believed enemies to await, and then at his belt knife.
As they approached the standing stones and Matheus realized what he was seeing, he raised a hand to urge the others to stop. "A moment, please," he said. "That is a druid's circle, and if there are by brothers and sisters around, they might not take well to intruders. If they are nearby, that is. Give me a moment to approach and see what I may... we don't exactly need more enemies to fight or avoid." Murmuring druidic words under his breath and making the appropriate gestures of appeasement, Matheus slowly approached the circle, paying great attention to any signs that would suggest his local brethren would have been using the Circle of late.
Aye, so far we have always managed with gentleman's (and gentlewoman's of course) agreement, without needing to dust off the good ol' DKPs ;^)
She turns to Petronia and Matheus. "Do you think these defilers have anything to do with... the people we're trying to intercept?" She's still foggy on the details. "Sounds too large a coincidence for them not to be," the druid said, giving the clansman a serious look. "We may be strangers just like them, so judge the weight of our words carefully. But be that as it may, I promise you: if the people who fought you are who we think they are, we will do our best to stop them. We may have once been sworn to the same ideals, but they have strayed far from the path they first set their feet on to become... this. I apologize, but I fear we, too, must walk on your ancestral lands to catch them - as we are sworn to do. I hope that will not make us enemies, but if it will, I apologize. We cannot abandon our hunt."
B-day? Happiness, Angie!
Back pains. Fighting back with many white pills. Please don't expect me to do a lot of sitting by a computer typing text just now.
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