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Still here. Was traveling but back home for a few weeks. I did look at the NPC list.... Why are all of the clerics evil? Can I just write up a couple simple NPCs? With Barbarian, Bard, Slayer and Investigator added, how about a Cleric of the Light (trainee from Father Eislar) and a witch?
"Hmm.... Perhaps the good Vicar can help there as well." "Father Eislar? When we accepted the mission for the... Crown, we had additional companions. There was an encounter on the way here. I'll spare the details, but some of the less duty inclined departed for 'greener pastures'. ?? Now we lack the manpower that we had and our quest might be in peril. In most of the towns that I've been in, a man such as yourself would know of the, attitudes and abilities' of the locals, and perhaps of any strangers? Rather than spending time at your 'local watering hole', would you know of any good prospects, and how to locate them?" "We really shouldn't delay. Those critters didn't look extremely active, but they might be able to scratch their way through the door if given too much time."
Shawn waits for Algrim, then adds "And her assistance is needed to make her special stew so the bugbears won't restart their war. Speed is somewhat critical as the bugbear chief's ceremony is only days away."
As they ride into the town Shawn is immediately concerned. The town, and even the temple show obvious signs of need. How could they find help here? Was their mission doomed to failure? "I hope we can convince the Vicar Haman to leave these people for the short ride to Rudwilla's hut. Let's just go straight to the temple and explain the danger. Maybe they know her?"
Shawn glances at the door to the building,but is fine with getting a professional that can better handle the undead. He gets back in the wagon and relaxes. "Off to Hartgrove then. Hopefully we'll be able to get that stew made and to where it needs to go, in time."
Shawn looks up at the window and slowly nods acceptance. "I hope one of you is a climber. I'm not. But I can hold the other end of the rope on the other side of the building, if it's long enough."
"I don't have any rope.: "Well, Luke doesn't want to be anywhere near the undead and I agree. Not sure I even want to be inside the building if they are here.... But what about my other idea? I've got a longbow and twenty arrows, and I can cast the mage cantrip Acid Splash. The cantrip is for short range but the longbow is good at a pretty good range. Whoever doesn't have missiles can drive the wagon and the other two ride the back shooting at the monsters as the wagon rolls away, just keeping ahead of them far enough that they can't attack."
Shawn pauses and glances back at Luke. "Orbit? But good luck finding a powerful and helpful wizard. I think we'll have to handle this one." He continues walking to check the whole building. "If there's another way in I'm for trying that. If not, maybe we could create a wedge to keep the door from opening fully? Then we could stand back and hit them with missiles as they try to force their way out?" He pauses for a moment and directs a question at Algrim since the man recognized the monsters. "Do missiles, arrows and such, harm them? I remember hearing that some undead have to be bashed apart and some chopped apart. I've got a couple daggers for slashing, my longbow and my staff. And I can use magic to hit them with small splashes of acid. If we have to put them back in the dirt I just want to be using the right weapon!"
Shawn is quite glad to have Algrim jump in front of him to slam the door shut. He considers what he knows of undead, and comes up with nothing useful. "What sort of zombies were those? And what do we do now? If those things have killed the hag there won't be any stew for the bugbears. Do we head back to town and tell Jelmark and the Duke to prepare for war?" He glances to either side and starts to circle the building. "Maybe there's another way in? And maybe those things didn't get past the entryway. With luck Rudwilla's in a safer room and just needs help escaping!"
Are we looking for new players to join? Or going the route of controlled NPCs? I'd prefer the first, but I'm not sure how either would be brought in. Will we be passing through any towns soon?
Seeing the door slightly open Shawn casts his light orison on the tip of his staff as he approaches the door. "This doesn't look good. Something might have attacked. Everyone ready to enter?" Unless someone directs otherwise Shawn uses his staff to open the door and leads with the glowing tip.
Shawn hears Luke's words and turns to him. "If Alexandria's not already dead she will be before we could get to where that bird and ogre are flying. And trying to follow them to rescue her is going to take time that we don't have and risk the deaths of several more of us. The ogre decided not to continue the fight, we should accept the chance that we were given and continue our contract." He tenses up for the moment that Algrim starts the wagon moving. "If our next encounter takes me, don't risk the job and war with the bugbears to rescue me."
Shawn glances at Algrim and agrees. "Shale indeed, if it means what I think it does. Let's get moving. We've gotta hag to find so we can help her make stew. We're doing nothing but delaying here. Those that want to chase after the bird.... Well, maybe they can catch up. The horses can move a bit faster than this wagon."
Alexandria's twin brother Alex?
Seeing and hearing Zephira Shawn curses. "Zephira! Stop! She's dead already. There's no way for us to get her back. But provoking that ogre will likely end our contract in failure and start a full scale war with the bugbear army. We can get vengeance after we avoid the war. That tower will still be there and we can go in with stealth and destroy any ogres living there!"
Shawn knocks and arrow and pulls back, carefully aiming at the giant bird and the nasty ogre.... The slowly releases the tension and puts his arrow back into the quiver. Even if he miraculously hit it wouldn't kill the bird. More likely it would anger the ogre and it would return to kill a couple more. "Right now we've got a mission, to stop a war from starting. But when that's done I think we might have some time for revenge." With that he ties his horse to the back of the wagon and climbs in. Glancing at Algrim he nods, "I was serious about riding in the wagon. That bag of bones has my backside sore like I'd fallen down a half-mile rock slide. I do want to learn to ride the nag, but maybe just a little at a time!"
If my responding to the ogre scream by tying my horse off and grabbing my bow was last round?: Destruction Judgement chosen to increase damage.
I can log in but don't see much.
Thanks Zephira!
Shawn sets his saddle in the wagon and glances around. He'd probably have to pull the nag over near the ogre and giant bird but isn't sure that the group isn't pulling for a fight. He is just about to speak when he hears the roar from the ogre. He quickly ties the bridle to the wagon and grabs his bow and arrows. The ogre wants to fight? "Put a couple arrows into the bird. It might throw the ogre off of it and fly away!"
Shawn nods at the man on the boar, then starts loosening the saddle from the horse he'd been riding. Quietly he responds.... "I like the way you think. We've a task to work, for now. And perhaps other injustices to resolve later, on our terms.
Shawn listens as the group talks to the.... ogre. "So. Big bird and a hungry ogre want a big meal. We give up a horse and nobody has to get killed? I'm pretty sure we'd win. But, some of us would probably get hurt or maybe killed, and we've got a mission not related to fighting here." "Let me take the saddle and gear off and you can take my horse. I think I've learned all I can for now about riding. I'll take a seat in the wagon...." "And if Jelmark's got any complaints, we can tell him where to find his horse!"
Not wanting to try and fight from the back of a non-combat trained mount Shawn quickly dismounts grabbing his weapons. Touching his holy symbol he calls out a prayer, "Nethys, Bless me and my allies in the battle that we have come upon!"
Shawn mounts his light horse and rides out, leading the team.
Shawn happily accepts a light horse and saddle. He had wanted to learn to ride but hadn't access to an animal.
"Well, good to have the coin to buy a mount then. Just a light horse for me, I'm not a knight or anything...."
Shawn glances at the map once it is unrolled. "Excellent. Looks like we'd better get moving then!" Shawn hopes that somebody in the party knows how to actually read a map!
Yep. Opens fine. I think you might want to move the pin for Rudwilla's hut then. If it's only a couple of hours up the road, the distance from it to the mountains looks to be about twice the distance from the town to the hut. ?? Unless Rudwilla will be sending us all over the Duchy for her ingredients....
We've gathered together and accepted the quest. That's not nothing! Create the shopping list.
Recovering from the surprise of how much money will be advanced Shawn pauses to hear the threat following it. "May Nethys strip me of my magic if I betray my sworn word. I accept the terms of the contract." "Hmm.... Rather short time allowed. I guess we won't be participating in the archery contest. No matter. I'll save arrows for any enemies that we face! How will we recognize Rudwilla's home? You mentioned that it is several miles up the north road? Do you have a map of the area? Having a good map might help when going to wherever she directs for the missing ingredients, as well as delivering the stew to the right location."
When you mention the rules for social skills, Diplomacy and/or Intimidate, what about the Feats like Antagonize? or Dazzling Display? I've always considered someone using Diplomacy to get someone to do something that they normally wouldn't like a salesman making a pitch. The more outlandish the pitch the higher the DC, and a failed "push" should have the chance of a reverse affect. As far as the feats I listed, Antagonize has a common language requirement and Dazzling Display requires a full round "bewildering show of prowess". In either case, if the roll isn't high enough the response is a "Meh". A bad fail could have the targets laughing at you!
Shawn listens with growing interest. Standard government intrigue and perhaps nonsense, but if it stopped a bloody war.... "I thought we'd be hunting goblins for some bounty. But the big ones? Well, that's an interesting offer. How much of the pay is available in advance?" "And it sounds like there is a time limit? The bugbear chief's birthday celebration. When is that?"
Shawn is a bit surprised but intrigued by the man's words. When he also motions for Saphira to join he lowers his voice to reply. "Yes sir. My name is Shawn Ashler and this is Zephira. We're adventurers, having recently come to this town. A discussion last night indicated that there might be difficult travels in the area, possibly goblins or brigands and we were going to address the issue with the local officials. See if we could get official permission and possibly a bit of coin to take care of the problem. Of course if you have a, sensitive matter that we might assist you with, we're certainly interested." Remembering that he wasn't alone he turns to his new friends for introductions, "Zephira, Alexandria, Algrim, Arrock, Luke and Ali, this is Jelmark, an emissary of His Estimable Grace Duke Grenwald of the Grand Duchy of Mulcrow. Sir? Should we move to a more private location?"
Shawn grins at Arrock's wording. "Like myself then. I don't carry this longbow just because it looks similar to my staff but with cord attached. It works quite well to shoot these arrows much farther and faster than I can throw them...."
Shawn follows Zephira at the sign-up for the archery contest. "While these things should always go to the one with the greatest skill, luck does have a way of playing in. I don't see any cost to sign up...." Once done he looks around someone that looked like an official for the town. He approaches the loiterer.... "Excuse me sir. We're looking for an official of this town. Someone from the town counsel or perhaps the Mayor. Do you happen to know where we need to look?"
Shawn considers Zephira's comment about shopping. He really didn't need anything and didn't want to spend any of his remaining gold before knowing where he might get more. "Sounds good. We meet here first thing in the morning, have a quick breakfast and then head out for the town hall. And those so inclined can check out any vendor stalls on the way."
"He who guides all wanderers? So you revere Ng? I hadn't thought to find another human that even knew much of the Eldest, let alone spoke such of him. But who is this Hermes that you mention?"
He pauses for a thought, then shakes his head. "Wait. Sorry. Just ignore that. You consider your Hermes to be your guide. Another social faux pas for me I guess. But you say that you were beset by goblin-kin? I'd heard that the roads here were safe. Perhaps that's the adventure we should seek? Either speak with the authorities here... or perhaps take the battle to the goblins. After all, if they're fertilizer they can't be attacking peaceful travelers!"
Shawn eyes Zephira with concern, turning to curiosity when she relaxes. "Enemies? Well, then its a good thing you have new friends. Of course if you see any of the Fey searching around I'd appreciate a heads up on that." He grins and takes a drink, not really concerned. He'd failed them but surely they didn't kill.... But he did remember some silly tail about a Count Ranalc? But he'd been really young and was sure it was just to scare him! When the.... Hmm. Elven looking male joined them and appeared interested in Zephira he replied, "Adventure? Well yes. We're looking for something interesting that might provide a bit of coin in reward. I think someone said that this inn was the best place in town to find such." "Pardon my rudeness, but.... You appear elven, and yet not completely. I was raised, elsewhere, and I'm still learning the basics of, well, a lot of things. This drink for example, mulled wine. At first I thought it similar to a Fey cider, but it's much heavier on the tongue. Still delicious though." "Oh, but I did learn manners. Just don't always understand or remember. My given name is Shawn Ashler." He holds his hand out, "And you are?"
Regarding the Venom-drenched trait, are we hand-waving prerequisites (like race or deity) for traits, feats, etc...? As long as it's reasonable?I'm okay with doing that if everyone else is, but that seems self-interested for me to just decide that to facilitate something for a DM-pc, so I don't want to just make a unilateral decision about it. Considering the cost of poisons I don't see this as an over-powered trait. Just my two coppers....
Shawn looks up and hears Algrim's question. He grins and stands giving a polite nod. "The lass is a Sylph Algrim. She has some ancestry with the plane of air. And she's quite attractive don't you think?" "My given name is Shawn Ashler. I'm not sure about ancient tombs or such brimming with valuable treasures, but the inn here has some excellent food and drink. And we have a vacant seat right here beside me if you'd like?" "As far as evil to be destroyed, I agree with Algrim. Some more coin is always a good thing. There's always a cost."
Combat Stamina rules. BAB + Con bonus
Shawn smiles at the explanation. It was far more than he had expected and he appreciated the detail. "That sounds.... wonderful. Hot or cold, whichever you think is better will be perfect I'm sure. I've never had it before so the experience will be appreciated. That one had a whipped topping. Would that be hot or cold?" The grin on his face is wide enough to almost seem painful. He seems almost unnaturally innocent.
Shawn glances up and notices the dwarven bar maid, and her beard. He grins thinking about Algrim's comment. That dwarven lady didn't look bitter, but definitely looked stronger than Shawn was.... He waves to get her attention. "This ale is excellent, but maybe I could try another drink. What is that?" He points over to the mulled wine drink topped with whipped cream that the halfling barkeep had delivered to Arrock Ghosteye. "It looks, and smells.... very interesting, possibly like a Fey cider?" The look on his face is distant, and a bit wistful. Perhaps he's drank enough to be lost in his memories.
Shawn turns to the dwarf, somewhat surprised by the comment. "A name? Oh, of course. I was given the name Shawn Ashler by.... the people that raised me. Not, parents exactly. But that doesn't matter. As to a good judge of brew? Well, I find this ale to be really good. I wasn't quite so fond of it when I took my first sip, but each taste got better and better." He takes a much larger than sip pull from the mug. "Is it the same with your dwarven stout? I'd ask the same about your dwarven women, but I'd suppose that topic shouldn't be mentioned. ??" Shawn looks like a pretty average human. His staff and daggers mark him as possibly a mage, but the unstrung longbow would make that questionable.
Shawn had enjoyed the couple of days in the town, getting to know where things were and how regular people acted. Faegan had been friendly and hadn't pressed him for answers about where he came from or any of his history. He'd given him a curious glance when Shawn had asked strange questions. But Shawn honestly didn't know some of the basics. What ingredients went into stew? And what was ale made of? He didn't have any experience with such details and they didn't feel.... trivial? Shawn really enjoyed watching the patrons at the Telltale Tavern. He knew that some of them were locals. But many of them were visitors to the town. They all had different ways of interacting with each other. Some were jovial, extroverts, enjoying the company of strangers. Others? They seemed to just want a quiet meal, washed down with ale. He enjoyed Faegan's tall tale about bugbears. He watched the people listening rather than the teller of the tale. Many were smiling. Some looked incredulous. Some looked like they believed the story.... Shawn finished of his meal and sipped the last of his mug of ale. He would quit to his room just a little later. At the barmaid's words Shawn tips up his mug and holds the empty up. "I find your ale to be quite good. One more would be appreciated."
Shawn enters the inn, glancing around at the people within. He notices that some are staring at him and he realizes that he had forgotten to remove his helm/mask. The item is the holy symbol of his Deity, Nethys, but the Fey had told him it would draw attention in public places. Sadly he removes it and tucks it into his pack for now. With his face exposed he moves up to the bar and takes a seat. Pausing again to remember social convention he pulls a coin from his pouch and requests food and drink. "What food is available here? And I'd like to try an.... ale I believe it is called." Glancing at the coin he had pulled he realizes it is gold. How much did things cost here?
All sounds good. How about Gerard's idea of a Session 0 thing? Open a game & discussion thread with a meet and greet to start the game, and give possible ideas for fine tuning the builds?
The list so far: Gerard Nisroc: Ali ibn Sabbah: Barbarian 1/uRogue 1
Albion, The Eye: bowed out
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