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Oh, and though it really goes against verisimilitude, I'd like to put the masterwork studded leather back into the Loot pile. That way, Ulfrik isn't taking away any of the valuable treasure other than the masterwork throwing axe. (Hard to believe that Ulfrik can find armor that happens to fit being a Tall build!)
I enjoy the rp. But the pace of PbP is just too slow for what I was hoping to get out of it. It's not anyone's fault. I'd never done PbP before, and this seems to be the nature of it. Shawn already knew I was contemplating discontinuing. I wanted to at least complete saving Lady Argentea so that there would be something of a natural resolution. I know Shawn used the Yuln character to tie into mine and kick the adventure off, but I don't think that makes it Ulfrik-based. Otherwise, it seems to me that returning Lady Argentea would have happened without pulling teeth like it did. Yuln says: "bring her back," and we bring her back. On the way we discover this whole other, BIGGER issue that needs solving. Not so immediate that we can't return to town to complete the first objective, nor prevent us from gearing up, etc. As for the group composition: any GM has to adjust the encounters based on what players have brought to the table. Lacking a martial character shouldn't be too much of a problem, especially as oracles can be rather versatile and you have 2 in the party. (Some groups do all oracle builds.) Your gunslinger is coming into her own, now, and Khaleesi's dragon-blooded sorcerer as a melee-gish can serve more front line duties as well. Sionna has some melee ability, though as secondary. (Flank, flank, flank, Sionna!) Otherwise, primarily what you all are doing is rp-ing, which doesn't require anything. You could be playing a deaf and blind beggar and it would still be just as fun and viable. It's like doing a "round robin" story. All well and good, but not what I'm looking for. Peace.
Ulfrik is leaving the party. I mention this because I don't wish to split up the party with some going back to Heldren and some going on to the 'X'. Not sure how Sly wants to handle this. My thought was: Ulfrik accompanies Lady Argentea back, completing that quest line. The rest can go on as that seems to be the bent of the story. It made the most sense to me this way, which is largely why I had Ulfrik be so unyielding on this. (That, and it just made more sense to me rp-wise considering what we went through to get to her.) Have fun! I think Shawn's doing a great job.
It's an argument a man wouldn't understand. The lady said she didn't want or need it. At that point, it's actually offensive to insist. Just like a woman to make a sexist - .... D-OH!!
"The protective part of me feels we should escort Lady Argentea and Ha'Penny. Clearly there are dangers about. We risked so much to rescue them and it seems cavalier to have them wander back alone. I don't think the couple days delay will be significant in the fight ahead. If there are enough horses for you and Ulfrik, I'd be fine with just you two escorting her. That way we lose as little time as possible. " Yes! Finally someone else who gets it! "Oh, uh - hey! Glad we finally found you! And alive!! So, uh - well, uhm - I guess you'll be perfectly fine on your own traveling back through winter-touched woods while we go on toward gods only know what. You will, won't you? Be alright, I mean? After all, you are the GM and a NPC, so I guess we really shouldn't worry about you. And clearly the next plot point is the center of the Map..." I was beginning to think I was the only one who saw reason here. I mean, the woods are safe enough, right? We only encountered: zombies; a tatzlwyrm; a talking Elk; a talking snowman and two water sprites on our way here! What's to worry about? Obviously we cleared out anything dangerous. Surely there wouldn't be anything else of danger a mere day's ride from Heldren. Southerners. Pfah!
Ulfrik, son of Ulfred, aka Robb Roy.
Seeing the dark half-elf's gesture, Ulfrik grins faintly. "Clearly you have not seen what these maids are capable of." He gazes at Euclid. "My uncle's geas does not lay upon them. Though they came in support of me and mine without hesitation, this task is mine to fulfill as it was his. Believe me, I have no small cause to HATE the Witches and the evil folk who ally with them! And were I free to choose otherwise, I would. But my uncle's honor will not allow it. An Ulfen's word is his bond, and he will see his promises kept, or die in the attempt. It is that which you would have me break, upon surmises of safety between here and Heldren. He looks to Sionna and finally to Sidhe. "I have come to - value - the courage and bravery you all possess," he says, "and I do not doubt but that you will fare well should you proceed on. But I must see Lady Argentea to her destination, or face my uncle's disappointment in my failure to do so. That being done, I am then free to return and aid you, should you require it." He looks long at Sidhe, his eyes trying to speak of how he must do this or lose face with himself and his people.
"It is a matter of honor," Ulfrik replies evenly. "My uncle was serving as her bodyguard when Lady Argentea was abducted, and barely survived his wounds by the winter-touched fey when he went in pursuit of her. HE laid that charge upon me, to see her safely returned. And so I shall, even if she were to ride off and leave me on foot. I MUST follow. Until such time as she is safely delivered, or my uncle's service is fulfilled." He sighs, seeing that the others do not understand. "Maybe it is an Ulfen thing..."
Huh... Maybe I should have played a Paladin? I'm finding Ulfrik's personal sense of family honor much deeper than I thought, almost samurai but with that "individual vs societal" bent that marks the Celts and Norse peoples.
"Allow me? You do not allow me anything. While you have my gratitude for defeating Rohkar, that gratitude has its limits. Do not presume, I go where I will." Oh, Uncle Yuln... I can see why you respected her. But how in the blazes did you MANAGE her? Ulfrik says simply: Nor do I seek to stay you. We are a proud and independent people, Lady Argentea, and valued for our loyalty and courage, as you well know from my Uncle Yuln. We do not serve out of habit or duty, but out of respect and choice. My Uncle Yuln swore to protect you, and laid that geas upon me. I am, therefore, honor bound to accompany you until that is discharged.
This is not 'Ulfen stubbornness' as some would deem it, Ulfrik says. But I must do as my uncle would do until such time as his commitments have been fulfilled or you discharge his services. Only then am I free to pursue other endeavors. He waits, sinking into that inner stillness that immured him to his father's rages, impassive and patient.
Who has the loots? I am unclear as to who has it so I don't know how to go about getting my grubby hands on what I want =) I thought you wanted Sidhe's grubby hands on your loot!
Just spotted this under our LOOT spoiler:
LOL I guess it might be for someone! Where did the +1 composite longbow come from? Was that here in the Lodge?
I do not doubt her spirit, but my uncle was not helpless and yet look at what befell him. And I would be loath to face him even with allies such as you! My people have fought the winter-touched, and we know them to be formidable foes despite their size. My father is like a grizzly, yet even a bear will be driven off by a swarm of bees! The winter-touched are like that - aggressive and relentless. Ulfrik stares at Lady Argentea, unmoved by her attitude or tone. We cannot spare anyone to remain here with you, nor allow you to trek back to Heldren alone. Any danger posed by this - this 'X' on the map - must wait until we can see you safely returned. Then we can come back and investigate what witchery may be brewing here, properly outfitted for such a venture. He looks at the others, especially their boots. Snow shoes, for one, if the weather is colder, and snowier, the further in we go - as I suspect it will be. Ulfrik draws his great sword and slaps the flat of the blade. This, too! I have cold iron, which the fey are vulnerable to. We encountered none on our way here. That does not mean they are not about, and a threat, to us or to Lady Argentea here! Are any of you prepared to go up against the fey? Would you leave her to fend for herself - with a stick of wood?
I would see you safely back to Hedlren, my lady, before investigating this unnatural winter that has descended on the wilds here. My Uncle Yuln will be most pleased to know that you are alive, for one thing. And that I have fulfilled his charge. Plus, I believe it will hearten him to see you safely back, and so speed his recovery! Ulfrik touches Sidhe's head in an unconscious caress and then shifts into motion, moving closer to the noblewoman and the map. We still need to check the rest of this lodge before we depart, in case there are other captives trapped here. And for any supplies that we may need. Once that is done, with your permission, Lady Argentea, I would like to take you and Ha'Penny back to Heldren.
Les'see... Ulfrik is 6' 9" tall... Sidhe is 4' 7"... I think that puts her head at about navel level? :)
Just wondering out loud: we've wandered outside and come back in, and there is an Ice Mephit (?) guarding the bridge, and the bridge is only like 25' from the front porch of the lodge... Obviously I didn't notice this creature when I went to the door and had the encounter with Euclid. But that does mean there's still a potential enemy nearby! I just got a feeling we should close the doors behind us...
Ah! And we discovered this fellow hanging out in the stable, Ulfrik says, noticing that the dark half-elf has followed him upstairs. It seems this lodge is a popular location, what with all the brigands, winter-touched, and the rest of us who find ourselves gathered here! Ulfrik can't help but laugh at the situation. Having turned to see Euclid enter, he notices Sidhe trying to remain hidden behind him and he gives her a reassuring wink.
Have you found something, Lady Argentea? Ulfrik asks, indicating the map on the wall. We noticed that earlier, but have not had much chance to study it, what with discovering you in the cellar.
Ulfrik follows the half-orc woman to the upstairs room where Lady Argentea studies the map. He waits for the others who wish to join them to arrive, as well as for the noblewoman to finish.
Lady Argentea? Ulfrik calls out, scenting the air like a wolf to try and catch a trace of either her or Ha'penny. Where are you? I would see you safely to your destination so that my uncle's service may be honorably met, and so discharged.
Ulfrik suppresses a grin. As am I at times. Especially when I've been in my cups too long. But we have need of a healer, and the gods have seen fit to provide us one. I take that as a good sign! He hangs his sword back in its hangar and follows the dark half-elf inside.
Ulfrik nods, satisfied, and shifts his greatsword to his off-hand. Extending his right, he says: I am Ulfrik, son of Ulfred, and I bid you welcome!
Reluctant to drop his guard, Ulfrik says to Dekkembe: Take Rohkar's cloak from off my shoulders and give it to Sionna. It seems to be safe, though I don't know what it does. Keeping his eyes on the stranger (and avoiding staring at Sionna - her fur-covered form being just a little too alien for his tastes), he says to Euclid: A healer? This may be a favorable omen if it's true. We have need of such after our encounter with the brigands and their master who were holed up here. He looks the dark half-elf over with an assessing gaze.
Khaleesi - you discovered him. What is your sense of the man?
Ulfrik scowls down at the dark stranger. His ice blue eyes do not look amused. We just might, unless you tell us who you are and what you are doing here. The tall Ulfen fairly fills the doorway to the lodge, blocking access. His huge great sword adds to his imposing posture.
And furry! But hey! Some people are into that.
Also, it is very cold outside, noticeably colder than earlier in the day. And I assume we can tell this by Sionna's exposed - uh... Y'know - Ulfens can turn quite red! Must be because they have such pale skin to begin with.
If we plan on playing that long, what's the pressure about moving on? I run into this with the live version of the game as well. There are those who want to play (as in roll the dice and do the mechanics of their character) and those who want to role-play. They are not mutually exclusive, I know, but they are different focuses. Speaking for myself, the desire to move on is based on my attempt to use this PbP as a "fix" for getting to play. Since I am otherwise GMing, I don't get a chance to just play a character. This seemed a way to get that opportunity. And I do find myself getting a little frustrated due to the nature of PbP - people can't or won't post as often as I would like in order to keep the game moving forward, and that comes out in how I play. I try to keep things moving on toward the next plot point because that interests me more. Shawn expressing that the rp is more important helps clarify the focus. If people are enjoying interacting as their characters more than the plot, that's great! I may need to accept that this form is not going to meet my desires for playing, and is just a chance to role-play instead.
Thanks, Shawn - that does help. If this is more about the RP experience, then I apologize for trying to get to the next plot point. Though - honestly - that's a very Barbarian approach! LOL I'm more interested in getting to some action! But I'll hold while the three Si's bring in the new guy. ----- Are we there yet? (just kidding)
Um.. as far as I thought the Drow was still on the ground in the barn, and had not been brought out to be seen by anyone beyond Khalessi, and maybe Sidhe who is standing there? Im outside and I don't believe I can see him from where I am. Just saying. Well sure - if you look at a Map! Based on Khaleesi's text, it seemed like she was making him follow her. I wanted to try to bridge the two scenes, not pre-empt anything. And is this going to be like another WEEK in RL just to get Euclid into the lodge?
Peering out the window, Ulfrik spots the three women leading a dark-skinned, elven looking fellow toward the lodge. He goes to the doorway, greatsword in hand, in case he is needed. What have we here? What have you ladies discovered? Ulfrik asks as he assesses the newcomer. Skin as black as night! And here I thought Dekkembe strange and exotic! Ulfrik finds it hard to relax his wariness with the appearance of a stranger to the mix, and he looks to the triad of women for any cues as to the male's level of threat.
Just a reminder: it's been about 2 months since we first entered the lodge (in RL time). Ulfrik doesn't know about the - Ice Mephit I think it was? - that Khaleesi spied, aside from a comment by Ha'Penny about someone not allowing people to cross the bridge. I only mention that here because we need to decide what we do at this point: return to town with Lady Argentea? Take care of some immediate threat nearby and then take her back to safety? I know Khaleesi mentioned it to Sidhe pages back, but Ulfrik doesn't know about it. Not sure about Dekkembe. Oh, and now we have this half-breed stranger to deal with... ;)
Preoccupied by finding the object of their quest alive, Ulfrik - as is his somewhat single-minded nature - fails to notice that only he and Dekke remain in the lodge, speaking with Lady Argentea. (Pours himself a cup of wine) This smacks of Witches! He practically spits that last word out. I am heartily glad that we arrived in time to prevent you any more harm! Our next task seems to be to return you to my uncle, and to safety... Ulfrik looks around. Dekkembe - where did the others go? Alarmed by the disappearance of the three Si's - especially Sidhe! Where did she slip off to? - he stands and turns his head, casting about to catch a scent of them. He stays near to Lady Argentea in case this presages renewed danger to her.
Road Apple pie?
MMM! Cake! Wha-??! No cake??! Ulfrik's gettin'angry!!
Honestly, I don't have the slightest notion what extra treasure remained in the jewelry box. Ulfrik isn't that worried about money. Yet. ;) He's more concerned about victory and surviving. I'm sure, though, that it will become a concern before too long in this adventure. (Potions, upgrading equipment, etc.) We do have a haul from Rohkar and his baddies as well!
Ulfrik grins, his affability coming to the fore. My uncle yet lives! It was he who sent us on this quest to rescue you. Or to avenge you. His ice blue eyes shine with Ulfen enthusiasm. We are a hardy people, and not so easily slain! He waits for her to sit, clearing aside some space on the table that is a jumble from their earlier battle. Now tell me, what do you know of this Rohkar, if anything? Was this mere chance that he and his brigands attacked you? And what of this unnatural cold that has seized the southlands - do you know aught of this? Seeing Khaleesi's concerned expression, Ulfrik takes a breath, allowing the poor woman a chance to recover before overwhelming her with questions.
Lady Argentea, Ulfrik says gently, myself and my companions here all have suffered great injury in your service, knowing you were kidnapped and believing you dead. He scans the others before returning his gaze to Lady Agrentea. Rohkar and his men lie dead due to our efforts. Miss Ha'penny was unwittingly injured, but only out of self-defense, and we have done our best to rectify that injury both with skill and healing magic. We have returned to you your possessions. Tell me, what else do you need from us before we return you to safety? My uncle will be most pleased that we have succeeded in rescuing you!
Ulfrik goes to his pack and fetches the small jewelry box. I believe this is yours, he says as he hands it to her. We feared the worst but hoped to avenge you on those who kidnapped you. Ulfrik gazes down at the woman, meeting her eyes, and waits impassively, hardened to her stern looks and tone by years of practice under his father's harsh criticism. I admire her spirit! he muses. After all she's been through, and armed with naught but a sliver of wood, she's ready to scrap with those who might do her or hers wrong. I like her!
"Now, what...in... the... Nine Hells ...happened... to... Miss Ha'Penny? LMAO!
And we still haven't even explored this lodge. That could take us another 2 or 3 weeks in RL time! (Which also leaves room for a new party member to be discovered, trussed up in one of the extra rooms around here...)
Lady Argen-?? Ulfrik looks both confused and relieved. We were told that you were dead!
Ulfrik puts a hand on Sidhe's shoulder and gives her an approving nod. You shot well. And you gave him a clean death, which is the best anyone can hope for - a warrior's death as he was not caged but free. The sprite made his choice. Spying the woman taking care of the half-orc, Ulfrik's eyes widen and he looks to Sionna and Khaleesi for guidance. And who is this? Another victim of this Rokhar? He approaches her with his hands open, sending out his best "I mean you no harm" a blood-spattered and wounded Ulfen can. I am Ulfrik, son of Ulfred. My Uncle Yuln - ...
AH! Very cool, Sly!
Okay to proceed or should I wait for the result of Sidhe's REF save? (I ask because Sidhe is holding Ulfrik's hand. If she's going to trip or something, I'd react.)
"Aren't you a little short for the royal guard?," she asks bemusedly.
Whoa! That certainly helps!
And if we took Power Attack earlier as part of our build?
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