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My apartment flooded at 2 AM this morning...I'm beyond overwhelmed right now :'( Please don't expect anything of me today and possibly tomorrow. I will get back up to speed ASAP.
Rory keeps focusing on it, smiling in excitement. "There's definitely a magical aura on this shield. Not surprising, considering where it came from..." Detect Magic:
DESCRIPTION
You detect magical auras. The amount of information revealed depends on how long you study a particular area or subject. 1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras. 2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the power of the most potent aura. 3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. If the items or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make Knowledge (arcana) skill checks to determine the school of magic involved in each. (Make one check per aura: DC 15 + spell level, or 15 + 1/2 caster level for a nonspell effect.) If the aura emanates from a magic item, you can attempt to identify its properties (see Spellcraft).
Rory nods. "Agreed. Perhaps we can find a master thief to pick the lock for us later, at a fee." He smiles. "Or perhaps there's a spell in this book that will allow me to unlock it. When we're at rest I will study its contents."
The mayor accepts the gear and supplies that Bannock hands over. "We'll crack open this lock yet," he promises, with a smile. He's still under the effects of his Detect Magic cantrip, and he trains his eyes on Bannock's shield, studying it for auras. Also, if Dylan makes it known that the writings are of an arcane nature, Rory's eyes will twinkle with excitement. "Arcane writing, you say? Highly unlikely one of these bandits used it - probably stolen off of some hapless hedge wizard or other. May I see?"
"Sound logic, Bannock. Having seen a sample of their population already, I agree that the surrounding region would be better off without them. I'm willing to make the small delay in our journey...hopefully we can wrap up our business with these ruffians quickly."
"What could have caused them to flee like this? This shaving-knife looks like it would be a treasured possession, and it's lying forgotten here on the ground." the Mayor picks up the straight razor, considering the gold-inlaid patterns on the handle thoughtfully. He doesn't think the trunk is likely to be trapped, but he keeps his opinion to himself in case he's wrong. Prudence was key. The mayor focuses his senses, casting Detect Magic upon himself. Perhaps that was the secret that led to the bandits' mysterious disappearance.
Despite the grim feeling of adrenaline from telling off the bandit, Rory has to smile at Bannock's unflinching zeal. It scared him a little sometimes, but it also carried a certain charm. To the newcomers; "Bannock's words may sound grandiose, but he's telling the truth. I am Rory, Mayor of the town of Valen. You fought like enraged ogres, which, as it happens, we've had recent experience with. Join us and we'll be off!"
Rory stares at the bandit, eye to eye, reading the man carefully.
"Fine. Be off. We never want to see your face again."
"Wait. Before you go..." Rory approaches the brusque bandit, narrowing his eyes and pointing at him. "You've lost your weapon privileges, mister. I know you've got a dagger of some kind hidden on you; let's see it. You're leaving these woods unarmed or you aren't leaving them at all."
Rory was shocked into silence by Bannock's demand that he make the next kill in his lady's name. When he sees that mercy is being granted, he sags a little with relief. "I think we're making the right choice, letting this one live," he comments, gazing at the remaining bandit. "Everyone deserves a second chance. That being said, those bandits at that base camp are preying on travelers just like us probably every day. I say...we take them out." he punches his palm with his fist.
Rory gapes in open shock at the brutality he just witnessed. "The strength of an ogre..." he mutters to himself, amazed. He turns to Bannock. "The man's surrendered, can't you see that Bannock? It's one thing to strike as they are attacking us...does your Lady smile on killing in cold blood?"
Rory briefly considers yelling at them to wait, to let them go, they'd obviously given up the fight. These bandits might regroup and come at us again later, while we sleep, the ugly thought came unbidden to his mind. He remains silent.
Rory's first spell missed, but it's still the best option he has against these ruffians. He isn't as strong as he was when he was younger...better to stick to magic than wading in with just his fists. He aims his attack at the archer that Kenna's firing at, hoping that focused fire would bring the brute down. Telekenetic fist strike!
Silver bludgeoning mug...very classy. I like it.
Howdy!
Smart enough to join us is smart enough for me.
Yay! Beating things! I can't wait to start :)
Sick. I can't wait for the wild screams to start.
Dylan would certainly get along well with Rodar Meadsmouth...
That sounds like fun! I like his character anyway.
Agreed. It's alright if we take along someone who is a little unsure of themselves, though - the important thing is activity and interest.
We're having fun, just waiting on your updates, Rorek.
I've messaged two people I've played with on these boards before. Let me give them a ping again. That being said, we've also been on like, the first round of combat for about a week...
It's a boy! Due date 4/20
"You won't see a coin from me or any of us!" Rory says, masking his fear with bravado. "Hi-yah!" Rory makes a punching motion at the air in front of him, and the air around the lead bandit's face, 30 feet away, obeys the wizard's spell.
Mayor Bronson nods. "That's a wise first step to provision ourselves. This trek is of obvious importance to the safety of our town. Prepare yourselves to depart, those of you who are accompanying Bannock. I will settle arrangements here, with the deputy mayor."
Would that be a knowledge local to find the appropriate clothier to help us, or do I just know? :)
"Charles, are you responsible for this...this tapestry? I have never seen the like..." the Mayor comments, leaning in closer to examine the detail of the fabric. "Frost giants...the Bandit King..." he mutters to himself, under his breath, pointing to the mountains and then the spot where the keep would be.
Rory does detect magic.
If recruitment does open, I know a player from a game I was DMing recently that ended that would be a good fit. I agree with Bannock that turning to the recruitment forum will not be necessary, if we go that route. I've never been in a small PbP party of players, though. If we're all consistent and active, I could easily see this party working out fine by itself.
I like your optimism, Kenna, but I think they may have stopped paying attention. :)
"I've been curious about the phenomenon that saved our town myself, and it seems to have some sort of special connection to you. If you hadn't proposed going yourself I would've suggested it to you. I'm in."
He ignores the ogre's question about his own magical abilities. "How far from here is your cave home?" the Mayor wants to know.
Rory blinks a few times, staring in blank astonishment when the ogre reveals himself to be a wizard. He approaches...Charles. "Sir ogre, how did you come to be enthralled by that dark rider? Obviously wanton destruction isn't your normal MO."
Yeah, I haven't updated my character sheet yet, but we did.
Rory holds up a placating hand. "The other townsfolk may not be so willing to immediately accept help from an ogre that was trying to eat them moments ago. I believe I can get them to understand - but for now, Charles, please be seated so that I can assure them that you are no threat." Assuming Charles agrees to do so, Rory will turn to the other townsfolk, after Kenna retrieves them. "IT IS A MIRACLE!" he cries at the top of his voice, using his best mayoral carrying tone. "The dark rider has been vanquished and this ogre is free from the mental control that drove him to attack us!" He gestures sweepingly behind him with one arm. "This is Charles! He wishes to make restitution for the damage he unwittingly caused! He means us no harm!"
Congratulations on the kid's being born!
"Sir...ogre," the Mayor begins cautiously, "Please be seated over there, against that wall. I do not doubt your good intentions, but we will have guardsmen standing at the ready, just to be safe." he motions to the guards to make it so, then continues; "Beyond that, the enemies that were destroying our town have been routed! It's a miracle! Someone fetch the others in the church!"
Rory marvels at the shield for a moment along with everyone else. Then, he sees that the ogre looks confused, as if it were recovering from an enchantment. "Men! Swords up!" he shouts at the guards, demanding that they not engage the ogre and enrage it again. Approaching the confused ogre, the slightly portly man waves his arms over his head wildly, as if he were trying to scare off a large bear. "Go on, git!" he shouts at the ogre. "Leave! There's nothing for you here! Get out of here!"
"Fall back! STAY AWAY FROM THE BLACK DUST! KEEP IT AWAY FROM YOU!" Rory shouts, as he lets loose another bolt, desperately trying to bring the ogre down.
"DON'T LET THE OGRE GET THE ROOM HE NEEDS FOR A FULL SWING! RETREAT FROM THE SQUARE! FALL BACK!" the mayor bellows, letting off a meager crossbow shot at the massive ogre.
Do I recognize the leader on the horse?
"No!" the Mayor says immediately, as soon as Bannock's suggestion is put forward. He pauses after his outburst, staring down at his light crossbow. Just when you're about to assume he's done talking and are about to turn away, he speaks up again, more quietly. "If...we have to abandon the town, follow my lead. I can lead us where that giant abomination would have trouble following."
"Steady...steady..." the Mayor cautions.
Bannock, you feel a hand clap on your shoulder. "Glad you made it," the Mayor comments.
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