Miss Mattie's page

Hi everyone. Spring is here and the kids are staying up later. I'm out for longer hours. I am finding it very difficult to keep up with posting in so many threads and I have to cut down. If it's OK with all of you, Mattie will settle down in Sandpoint for a while. Keep up the good work everyone. It is a fine adventure so far. Perhaps she can step in one day an ally for the group in the Sandpoint area. I can see her becoming a horse trader and resourceful contact or something like that. She will drop in from time to time at the Rusty Dragon...if that's OK. Thanks AJD!

Mattie sees the altercation between Aldern and the bald- headed man. Suddenly a little curious. She hitches her pony and slips into the inn on the bald man's tail.

Brankh approaches the first stalactite to inspect it.

Miss Mattie's eyes light up at the sight of the gemstone in Ezren's hand.

"Whats that you got there, Wizard? Ain't that a pretty thing? Heck there could be more where that came from! Woohoo! Now I'm really thinkin' we shoulda staked the place out for a bit before ridin' back! We gotta be prepared...is all I'm sayin'. Old man, yer gonna have to lay out the plan with us over a dram and a smoke tonight."

When the cloud crosses the sky Mattie sees it. Just a cloud. She looks at Galstock. She rides up to him and nods. "It's all right friend. Not every cloud means trouble. Ye just finished a great hunt! Now we're goin' back to feed our new folks in town. It's still a fine day. And I gotta thank ye fer showin' me the right way to honour the kill."

Well...was this place...like...just a mound? Or was it a building? Were there doors or windows? Stables? Did anyone go around it? I guess I'm thinkin' about how we're gonna prepare. Where do we leave our horses?

Did ye fellers see any tracks around the ruin? Any signs of people? Is there a way to ride in?

Naw. Thanks. But I see you've got some sweet leaf in that pipe. It smells fine. Could I trouble you for a puff, dear?

"Oh I'm girl from the city. From the stockyards ,sir. But if yer folks keep a fine stable then your Dad might have known mine...Barlo Leatherstockings was his name. He warn't a man of noble circles like yourself of course - but he was the best farrier in the city. Your stable masters would surely have known him. He was popular and well loved among the teamsters and drovers. Anyhow...he was killed....

Well now I'm here in town lookin' for a man who left Magnimar a few nights back. From what I hear he came to Sandpoint. Perhaps you've heard of him. He goes by the name of Vankaskerkin. Orik Vankaskerkin."

Mattie watches Galstock as he makes work of the carcass and follows with her own neat knifework.

"So. Mr. Foxglove. Your name is known back in the city. I take it you are from there and and make trade in the markets there? Ye'v probably got the low down on the comings and goings with that town, eh?"

As Mattie assists Galstock she takes the opportunity to talk business with Aldern. Perhaps he knows where to find the rascal Vankaskerkin.

Gather info:diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
knowledge:local 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Willing to role play this as much as you like.

As Kendrick walks away he turns back briefly at the sound of miss Mattie crying. He thinks about it for a moment, and then says, "don't worry little lady, I'm sure it'll taste better once it's cooked." He then turns and continues towards the ruin.

lol

Miss Mattie is dying to see the ruins.
But the sight of Galstock ritually butchering the animal fascinates her more. She stands by and watches intently....offering to help and making an effort to learn the skill.

She takes the morsel which he has selected for her.... which piece is that Galstock? .

She eats....and she feels something she has never felt before...a powerful sense of place - of purpose - of connectedness with her own body and the forest around her. Amazing!

She touches the head of the animal....looks in the lifeless eyes. A beautiful beast. Without realizing it she is crying...overcome with powerful emotions, which she is at a loss for words to describe.

"I'm for explorin as much as y'all are. But that there's one friggin huge pig. We cain't just leave it here fer the vultures. Those rooins ain't goin' nowheres. Cain't we jis come back in the morn's early light?"

From her perch on the rock Mattie looks to the ruins.

"Hey Mister! Spear!" yells Mattie....and she aims her shortspear at the ground right before Foxglove's feet.

Not sure if I need to roll for this. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23. Can she get a spear to him in time for him to meet the charge?

Mattie - perched on one of the rocks - levels her bow and fires a shot

Ranged Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

If she is within 30' and flanks the boar at any time - she waits for the right time to try and get sneaky damage as well.
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

init 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8[/dice]

Mattie had ensured that the horses are safe and watered, with a place to graze in the glade. Mattie was climbing up a tree or onto a rock or high point to where she could look down on a wide area of the forest floor...

At some point during this time something crashed through the left side of the trail. Mattie quickly scrambles to her perch to get a good view.

Mattie looks up to the trees. Is there any high ground or place she can perch herself where she can look over the undergrowth of the woods?

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"There 'aint nothin wrong with a good ride, now and then. But I'm startin' to get a little itch in the saddle. I wonder when we're gonna see some action out here? Where is this Foxglove takin' us anyways?"

I just put 7.14 gp into Mattie's purse. Assume she distributed and made change fairly this time. She was just showing off her streetwise money handling skills.

In a flash the little halfling is in the saddle and the pony responds to her urgent request with damn near telepathic speed, bursting forth into a gallop! They thunder ecstatically after the big barbarian and his horse....

Ride 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"Hiyah! Ye'aint gettin' away from Istiqlal, ye big oaf!! Yeehaw!!"

Mattie trots up to the resting point and sees the concern on some her comrade's faces as they discuss the merits of the hunt.

"Meh. Who cares? We're here now. We're havin' fun. We're gonna have us some bacon with our beer tonight. The ticks ain't so bad yet...and the butterflies are mighty pretty. What more do y 'all want?"

She pulls out a bunch of dried fruit she nabbed for a handful of coppers at the market. She slices 'em up deftly with a sharp dagger and feeds them to horses and ponies.

She doffs her sombrero, shakes out her locks and sweeps the stray locks from her tanning face.

Kendrick clears his throat and begins,

"Today is a good day for hunting
The sun is bright in the sky
Giddyup now!!

And nothing on our minds but one thing
That today a hog shall die

Die Hog!

There's a wild hog in this wood
And sharp his tusks they do be

Darn toothy, y'all!

But roasted boar does taste good
And me and my friends are hungry

Hmmm That`s right!

We are hunting boar with spears and bows
And cunning and skill a plenty

Go Get 'em boys!

We go to where the wild boar roams
Today we shall take a trophy

Wooohoo!

We'll follow the boar to his den
And witness his might shall we

Big Piggy y'all!

Among the bones of a dozen men
He will fight his last fight bravely

Oink oink oink!

Tonight once we can eat no more
And dogs are gnawing on bones

Darn toothy, y'all!

We'll remember the mighty old boar
And know his spirit still roams"

Give it up Yeah!

eh! I never said she was a bard, alright?!

Mattie returns to the stables and prepares Istiqlal for the hunt. She inspects her new shortbow with concern, cleaning the goblin filth off of it and fitting it. "Not quite a sling...but these arrows'll pack a punch - I reckon"

She sees Gallus, Galstock and Foxglove by the troughs...

"Why Mr. Foxglove. Here ye are! Miss Mattie Leathersoles and Istiqlal are here and ready for the hunt! Now it seems ye ain't worried about no gooblins anymore are ye? Its 'cause ye've got the Watchful Eye and the Shreeky-Craw here to take care of business. Waddya say boys - ye ready to wrastle some boars? Yeehaw! Good mornin fellas! "

Mattie wishes to pass the hour browsing the market...she looks for "business opportunities" (SoH only low-risk targets: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 - "just testing the waters") and observes how the townsfolk transact their affairs. If she can find find out where in town Foxglove does his business she'll snoop around there as well. Preferably she 'll do this while casually quetsching with Bethana - assuming the Sandpoint halfling was at the Inn and accepted her offer. Any gossip is welcome.

Mattie calls on Bethana to wish her a fair morning.

Finding a clear space at a table, Mattie sets down the sack and shows her empty palms. Then with incredibly deft fingers she opens the bag, counts and then distributes the contents in accordance with the ancient rituals of Varisian street kids when they're teiling out baubles and swag in the alley. Then shows her empty palms again to settle the transaction.

had to be fancy! Lol.

" You can count me in mister. " says Mattie, the money pouch is already in hand. She looks at Foxglove carefully. "I'll just divvy this up with my pardners here"

Does Mattie recognize this man or knowwho he is? Know: local take 10+4=14

"Istiqlal. That sounds right. Thank you, Galstock. You already have helped me. That'll be his name. And I think it fits him. Freedom for the open skys, and in Shoanti 'cause he's a great warrior - like you.

Sadly, I've been left to carry out the burden of vengeance on my own. I don't think its normal....or it shouldn't be. Same with all the cowerin' we seen in this town. It ain't healthy. I think we could all learn a thing or two from the Shreeky-Craw about standin' up and fightin' for your own."

Anyways. I'm aheadin' out to see whats up. And just so you know...I got yer back. Sleepy tight, now."

Mattie exits the stable into the evening air. She'll spend some time exploring the environs through the shadows. Then she'll join in on any festivities at the Inn to gather some news for a short time...and have a sip of something strong to help her sleep the night before the slipping quietly back into the stable for bed.

Being especially watchful, her professional skills may come in handy for the next bit of roleplay.
Gather information: Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Mattie takes the time to bring her pony to the stable and wipe him down, give him some fresh water and hay. The smells in here remind her of home.

She looks around for a shelf to lay down some hay and make a bed for herself. She's so tiny its not hard to find a nook under the rafters to make a bed.

"Well, pony. Before I join ye for a snooze I guess I've got to go into Dragon place an' see what all the commotion is about in there. And I sure could use a dram o' somethin' stiff"

She washes her face, tidies her things and ties up her hair. Suddenly the stable door opens and in walks the huge Barbarian Galstok.

"Mercy! What the heck you doin' out here! There's a party in our honour and they've opened the taps. We oughta be celebratin' Hey - you feelin' all right? Listen if ye need some quiet I can leave ye here for some peace. Ye know ye may talk to my little hoss here. He'll listen to ye...and he don't yammer like I do. I've been thinkin of a name for him....

You know, I grew up in a big city...in a big stable actually. It was a busy, bustlin place all the time. We was always runnin' around causin' trouble. But we always had to watch eachothers' backs ye know? There was always someone to watch for. Well, today...ridin' along the road and into Sandpoint ....I experienced somethin' I never truly experienced before. I don't know. I've never felt so free in my life. I love that feelin'. The feelin' of freedom. I think you know what I mean Wildman. Tell me. What's your folk's word for "free"?

"This town ain't no metropolis. But whoever sent these varmints ought to have known that it'd take more to bring this place to its knees. Don't ye think?"

Ensu doles out her portion of the spoils...

"Why thank ye Ensu, darlin'. That's right fair 'of ye to share the booty. Right fair, I say" She shakes the coins in her hand and chuckles..."I could get used to this adventurin'"...she says. And she stashes the money in her purse.

"Yaa! Lez go my sweet!"

With a whoop Mattie and the roan take off at a gallop looking for action, when she sees the mounted goblin killing that poor hound!

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Seeing Ensu run off with spoils, Mattie also sees the shortbow he left behind. She rides up, dismounts quickly, and snatches up the bow and quiver. Then she hops on her pony and prepares to gallop off when she sees the stablemaster.

"Mr. Hosk. Are the stables secure?"

Matty reigns in to 50' range. Seeing the cackling she-goblin with the bow she says, "I'll make your day, little fathead b@#~@!", and launches a bullet right to her big noggin!

If Matty is within 50' before her move action she shoots first before moving. If not she will try to ride to flanking position within range behind some cover if possible. Then she will reign in and shoot from there (trying to get within 30' for the sneak attack if at all possible).

Ranged attack Sling: +3 (+0BaB+3Dx+1small+1mounted/high ground -2 mounted penalty)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage 1d4 ⇒ 3
Sneak attack (if applicable) 1d6 ⇒ 2

DC5 Ride Check for mounted combat 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Initiative 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Miss Mattie takes off towards the fire, but will seek to reign in and approach cautiously when she gets closer to the commotion.

"Looks like we got some slingin' to do. Let's git these varmints. Yaa!"

Seeing as the first wave of goblins has struck, she hears the song of further goblins. Mattie sets out onto ther streets on her mount. Her sling is whirring, ready to fling out a headcracker on the next little bugger she sees.

"I knew it! No sly devil worth his salt'd pass up an opportunity for mischief on a day like this."

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Gallus looks at Mattie his face somber in the midday sun. "What kind of 'justice' are you looking for Mattie? Is it the kind of justice to make someone atone for their actions? Or, is it the kind where you will make them pay a price for their actions? I only ask because I have done both and seen both. It is my experience that the second type is more akin to vengeance and often does not satisfy the way one might expect it to."...

"I hear what yer sayin' Gallus. But it ain't just about vengeance. The slayin' was a big hurt on our community. My Daddy was a great man. He built bridges and worked wonders. He worked with the law, with the guild and with the common folk so to keep a watchful eye, keep the peace and make sure that the business runs for everyone. After he was taken down, they had a chance to nab that bastard and hang 'im high for all to see. But they let 'im go. That sent a message to all of us. And now things are changin' for the worse. Times are gettin' tougher for my folks. I 'aint welcome in my own court. So now I seek my fortune here. But bye 'n bye I'm gonna send a message back. He and his posse have got to answer for what he did'. If not for me...then for the kids in my 'hood. But...for me..well...yeah...it's about vengeance. Atonement is 'aright. But Payback. Yeah. Payback `ll be sweet"

"Hey dudes! I reckon its a good time to down a swig o' draught.
Why its good to see ye again Dwarf. Man, we're livin' in the land o' giants! Another big stranger, yikes. If ye bite me you'll get a hoof in the teeth Mister!....Naw, this handsome hoss ain't gotta name yet. At least none that I give 'im. But he's my beauty.

To answer your question Mr. Dwarf. I'm in town lookin' fer someone. Someone who has it comin'. His name's Orik Vankaskerkin - a lyin' Riddleport scumbag . He's a yella-bellied, no-good, murderin' outlaw. He killed my Pa in cold blood. That's why I'm here. Justice."

"Ye know. This town is awful pleasant and peaceful, today. But I can't imagine a proper workin' town without no dirty dealin's on the side. Even the thieves are on holiday...so it seems. It makes me feel uneasy."

Mattie and her mount scoot around the perimeter of the town square taking in the scene. Everyone is out here, so she lowers her sombrero to cover her eyes a little. Its not likely that Vankaskerkin would recognise her....there were so many little brats in the Magnimar stockyards in those days. But best not take a chance. She could drift among the crowd more stealthily without the pony she realizes....but she also has a higher vantage point from the saddle.

She stops to get some food and some fruit to share with the pony. Are there any town rascals messin' about?

Perception and Knowledge checks: Does she see anything interesting?
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Knowledge Local 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Miss Mattie continues to make small talk with the poeple in the room for a while. As people start getting up to join festivities she says.

"Well that booze went straight to my head. I really need some grub and fresh air. I'll see y'all outside."

"Ye can call me Mattie, just Mattie. I'm a simple gal with a simple name. From Magnimar. I've heard about you Westcrowners. Those ever watchful eyes ain't as welcome in Magnimar, I can tell you. But I guess there's always watchful eyes in any place. Anyhow, the way I sees it....it's hard enough to know a feller without askin' questions of 'im. Even if he lies ...his lies teach us somethin' about him. And when he tells the truth...he might tell us somethin' he didn't think to tell. Its sometimes not so easy to tell the truth of a man just from his actions...or the bull-shit he speaks. But sometimes ye got to ask to find out anyways, right? Well its nice to meet ye, big guy."

"Thank you darlin'" Mattie says to Bethana, paying and tipping when she brings her beer. "Do y'all have accommodations more suitable for smaller folk? I'd prefer to be near to the stables...and..."

"Wooah! Look at these big dudes just came in."

To Gallus:
"Hey, man. That's some freaky tattoo you got...what's it signify anyway?"

Mattie enters the room and starts by scanning the scene as carefully and comprehensively as she can. This is just the sort o' place that !@!#$wipe Orik used to hang out in - she ponders.

Her eyes light upon the bird cage and her face brightens with delight. She stops to visit the birds for a while. "Gorgeous! Do they talk?"

Mattie recites a list of ribald and completely inappropriate words - perhaps the birds know one or two of them? She even inserts some insulting references to that murderin' son-of-a-b%!@% Orik into the profanity.

When Ezren finishes his show she approaches the table.

"My my. I never figgered you for a street magician, old feller. What a charmin' spectacle. I'm impressed!"

Mattie climbs up to the table and sits on the corner. "A half pint o' beer, honey. And somethin' good to eat!" she calls out to the server.

Mattie looks around to check the quality of the stable - in particular how it is secured and the ways in and out. Assuming everything is to her satisfaction she hands a silver over to the grizzled man. She shakes the man's hand in the fashion of Varisian packers, teamsters and muleskinners. And she continues to speak as they take off the saddle...

"The name's Mattie Leathersoles of Magnimar, Mr. Hosk. I'm right pleased to meet ye. I see you keep a clean stable. I trust you have a blanket to wipe 'im down and drape on 'im to keep off the chills. I'll warrant yer a farrier - or ye know one who'll check his feet for me. If you've got a stableboy or girl I'd like to meet 'em bye and bye. Now I'm goin' in to the saloon there for some grub. I'll be back to fetch 'im afterwards."

She finds a basin of fresh water and cleans her self up, grooms out her hair with a brush, ties it up in a bandana and dusts off her poncho. Then she proceeds into the Inn.

"Blessed Bird of Shelyn! Don't they look handsome! I never thought to bring no finery with me. I wasn't spectin' no festival. You fellas go on in. I'm headin' round the place to check the stables. I'll join ye for a cup in a jiffy."

Mattie dismounts and looks over her pony. "How you faring, beautiful feller? I guess I've gotta find a name for ye? But first let's get ye some fresh water 'n some oats and a dress down." She then goes to see the local stable and find out who's running the place.

"You've got grit alright Mr. Dwarf! It's hangin' right there on your shaggy beard. Ye might wanna dunk your head in that there stream before entering. You don't want to go frightenin' the locals on the first day in town. Just sayin'... Now I've gotta find me a good stable. Lets go. Yaa! "

The young halfling lady looks so small and diminutive amid the grandeur of the landscape as she trots her pony along the path. Golden-brown curls peak out from under the brim of her sombrero. She looks around in wide-eyed amazement at the scene..so wide and free. She whispers to the roan affectionately. Any caught staring at her receive a scrutinizing glare in return.

With pluck she addresses the sour dwarf.

"Ye don't like cowards, eh? You talk tuff. But that could just mean yer unsivilized. That don't necessarily mean ye got true grit. Does it?"

But do we still have our wizard and rogue?

We've got one Rogue right here, however I haven't picked a favoured class for her. I see her as a Ranger or perhaps as a Cavalier some day. She will have the riding skills to make a good mounted warrior. Perhaps she will remain a rogue. She is definitely not a warrior at this time.

sorry to do this to ya guys but I think Ill be backing out of this game. the original game I set off to play in is actually going to move forward, I'm running a game over skype and between work and 4 dr. appts per week, I just dont see that I would have the needed time. I apologize and I wish you good luck in moving forward. I figured I'd do this now rather than to let the game start and realize it down the road. sorry.

I suppose I'm not sad to see you go, Thorin because I'm in that other game! But its better not to run with too many things at once..that's understood. I guess AJ's Dad will let us know if we can start the adventure without the warrior. Otherwise I'm sure we can recruit someone.

I made some corrections to Mattie and switched a point over from Charisma to Wisdom. Hopefully I don't have to tool around much more...