Right here we are. Awaiting arrivals...
(OOC: I'm sorry but I will read up on the message board mechanics or make a new login w/ correct name and avatar later but for now.)
Hi. I am Otto. Otto Ringus, see here you must r-r-roll the r-r-r's. Anyhow there's a few things you need to know about me straight off.
First. I dont crave power, it craves me, it is drawn to me the same way you all were. My spear always hits its target, my magic (insert prestidigiatation where I take a draw on my long pipe, exhume a waft of smoke in the form of a skeletel dragon and snap my finger under it where the smoke flashes in blue flame and vanishes...) My magic is powerful as well...
Second, I am honest, as you can tell by now, otherwise you strangers (whom I all claim as boon companions from this moment on!) gather around, you can tell I speak true, and so I must inform you that my mere presence draws power to me like a moth to flame. And you frinds, halfling, good Osric, Nurain, Alajos, and you too, half-elf, you are drawn too, or maybe it is this amulet (draws it forth)
Yes, I am neither smart nor wise, but that is why you shall help me, right comrades? For I know we are bound for greatness together, and honestly, I don't think I could make it alone!
Oh, my, what an interesting group!
You have headed East and traveled four days from Reme with your
newfound companions. Rain and cloudy weather have
marred your travels since you left, slowing your pace
and forcing you to keep off the main road and travel
under the eaves of the light woods to the north of the
tradeway.This detour forced you to miss the small hamlet of Fairhill, perhaps the one chance you may have had for a warm bed. Yes, it seems very odd at this time of year to have such strange weather. Many mile beyond the woods you have occasionaly caught a glimpse of the Stoneheart Mountains whilst verdant grassland stretches away in a sea of hills to the South. Sunshine can be seen on the far Eastern horizon, but you all have a feeling that something is amiss,
as if a dark cloud is following you from Reme. Each of
you thinks back to the Starving Stirge—the Inn where
you formed your fellowship. You shift your packs,
which seem even heavier in the rain, and recall Otto’s
notice: “Seeking Fellow Adventurers,” it read.
“Companions to share in glory and gold and adventures
unnumbered.” As you look down at your muddy
boots, you think to yourself that you would gladly trade
Otto's promises of gold for dry clothes and a warm
fire.
While at the Stirge:
"Chin up comrades! I'm sure things will set them selves right once we get to our destination!"
((Whilst travelling, Otto will keep his eye out for a suitable animal to train as a hunting pet, e.g. wolf, dog, lynx, ferret, whatever is available. In fact, he will eventually want to gather an animal for his familiar as well. Otto is a big animal lover. As it is, he has a pair of mice (2 silver) that he keeps as pets in his tunic pocket.))
DM, do we use standard familiar rules from the PHB? If so, I am saving money till I get the 100 gp for components.
"Chin up comrades! I'm sure things will set them selves right once we get to our destination!"
((Whilst travelling, Otto will keep his eye out for a suitable animal to train as a hunting pet, e.g. wolf, dog, lynx, ferret, whatever is available. In fact, he will eventually want to gather an animal for his familiar as well. Otto is a big animal lover. As it is, he has a pair of mice (2 silver) that he keeps as pets in his tunic pocket.))
DM, do we use standard familiar rules from the PHB? If so, I am saving money till I get the 100 gp for components.
While at the Stirge:
Taking a calloused, fair-skinned hand, he combs out the loose water in his short, blond hair. Candle light turns his pupils to sapphires, as he moves to a vacant table. Looking around he catches sight of the barmaid. He lifts his arm to catch her attention, and, at that moment, a painful look contorts her pretty features. She hobbles over, making a valiant effort to continue her duties. Alajos quickly stands and helps her to a chair. He looks over the wound and sighs, “It is bruised. You should stay off it for at least tonight and go home and rest. Here, this will cover your wages for the night.” Alajos reaches into a pouch on his belt, produces a gold piece, and presses it into her hand. “My name is Alajos. May Muir protect you tonight so you can face this battle again tomorrow.” He gives a handsome smile, rises, and scans the area where the barmaid was originally injured. Moving in that direction, the Paladin finds a wild looking dwarf seemingly deep in his drink. Judging his character and finding no obvious source of malice in the Dwarf, Alajos frowns. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “My Lady, teach me humility and guide my understanding. For this environment is new to me,” he whispers to himself. Opening his eyes, he walks up and takes a seat next the ‘foot-stumper’. “Greetings, I am Alajos of Muir. You drink hard. You also walk hard. There is a young lady sitting at my table injured by your heavy feet. If I did such a think, I would offer an apology.” Alajos smiles but also stares hard at the Dwarf.
"Chin up comrades! I'm sure things will set them selves right once we get to our destination!"
Alajos looks to the sky through the loose covering of trees. "My Lady shines on me whether sun or cloud. My chin will always be raised. But never in pride, only reverence."
The rain and cold could do nothing to help this Burly Half-Orc. Though large, it is obvious that he is neither as strong, nor as quick, as he would other-wise appear. He seems in many ways, unsure of how to even walk right, let alone muddle around during the downpour. It is quite noticeable that there are few smells in life quite as bad, as wet orc and Osric it seems is no exception.
" Grrrrr...."
"Now now my good ...er man. Lets keep plodding along, I am sure we will reach our destination soon. Once at this ruined tower, I'm sure the biggest complaint wil be having to lug heaping bags of gold back to town, eh friend?"
(Otto is attempting to bluff the charaters into a good mood, though he is completely lost and has no idea how to get to this tower. He is sure things will sort themselves out. He spends his idle moment polishing and testing the amulet in an effort to see if it has magic. He also casts detect magic on it art his earliest opportunity.)
Ah-choo "Osric .....hate water." Sniffles
Otto
Lightning flashes across the sky, closely followed by the crack of thunder. The incessant downpour seems to show no sign of abating.
"Weary from the long walk, you finally find a nice sheltered
area and build your campfire. One of your scouts
makes a quick catch of a small brace of conies and
soon the smell of roasting rabbit wafts through the air.
Each of you feels as if you can finally relax, rest your
sore feet and change into dry clothing. It appears your
luck may be changing."
The fire burns, sending some welcome warmth through Alajos's chainshirt. The tantalizing smell of rabbit permeates the air, and the Paladin takes in a deep breath.
Turning to his companions, "We should rest up tonight. This natural shelter," looking around at the light canopy, "will provide an easier night. We have left quite a trail through the muddy ground though, and evil is always about. I will take first watch. Whom shall I wake next?"
Lyssa is reasonably cheery during the miserable day's walk. She finds it hard to complain about her namesake after all.
When camp is made, she assists in the pitching of tents, doing the best her stature permits. "Well, I've slept in worse beds," she grins.
Turning to his companions, "We should rest up tonight. This natural shelter," looking around at the light canopy, "will provide an easier night. We have left quite a trail through the muddy ground though, and evil is always about. I will take first watch. Whom shall I wake next?"
"My vision in the dark is not as good as some," Lyssa answers with glances at the half-orc and the dwarf. "Perhaps I should take the morning watch."
"Though I still feel strong enough to take an orc one-handed... still, I need my rest. I will take watch if I must..."
Otto yawns and unrolls his bedroll. "Be sure to wake me if there be action, never too tired for that. Oh and thanks for the sup Lyssa, never has rabbit tasted so well!"
With that Otto lies back, semi-dry thanks to his voluminous cloak spread overhead, and plays with his pet mice, named Thing 1 and Thing 2. His iron-bladed trio of spears, sharpened to a fine hone are propped next to him, with-in easy reach.
Equipment list
3 Spears (6gp) (18lb)
3 Daggers (6gp) (3lb)
Backpack (2gp) (2 lb)
Bedroll (1sp) (5lb)
Rations, trail (7 day) (4gp) (4lb)
Rope, silk (50 ft.) (10gp (5lb)
Total cost: 30gp remaining: 45gp
Total weight carried: 37lb (Light Load)
Darkness falls, and the fire begins to die down. As Otto and Lyssa
drift off to sleep, or doze restlessly Alajos carefuly marks out the perimeter of the camp, watching and listening.
Suddenly you stop. What was that? Surely not. You are certain you can hear a child’s voice crying softly, out in the darkness beyond the firelight.
Alajos cranes his neck to no avail against the blanket of darkness. Moving around to his companions, he shakes them awake and whispers. "Hear that? Osric, good Dwarf, what do your eyes see?” As the Paladin speaks, he takes a torch from his pack, preparing to light it.
"Though I still feel strong enough to take an orc one-handed... still, I need my rest. I will take watch if I must..."
Raises eyebrow and stares hard.
"May the light and power of Thyr watch over and protect us."
.... falls alseep with his back to the fire staring out into the darkness.
After Osric waves his hand as if to say, "There's nothing to see", Alajos slowly moves forward toward the tree line. Insects buzz around the burning torch brand as bits of it fall like tiny shooting stars to impact and sizzle on the damp earth.
The light from Alajos's torch fades as he moves away from the camp.
Suddenly you sense movement and the low underbrush rustles as something leaps onto the trail behind you and barrells past in a blur of movement. It's ill timed attack is all that saved you fromm being face down in the dirt with it's teeth burried in your flesh! In front of you a hideous stag-like creature with the head of a badger, large, yellowish-gray fangs and demonic red glowing eyes lets out a low pitched growl. The beast smells of rotting corpses. As you stare in horror at it you see another one about twenty feet away, much larger than the first, crying in the voice that you thought was the child’s.
You are stunned that such a beautiful and innocent sound could come from so demonic looking a beast.
Listen check 4 (-1) = 3 fail (lol)
Initiative: 10 (+3) = 13
I am the type to spring into action relishing the chance to show off my combat power. My first goal will be to launch a spear at the smaller creature who attacked Alajos: rolling 11 (+3, +1) = 14 to hit. If I hit then I will do (1d8+2) = 8 hp damage. (I am assuming I am within 30' for point-blank-shot to take affect.)
If upon springing erect, I deem that the darkness is such to make an accurate throw impossible, I will instead use action to cast cantrip Light on the shaft of said spear prior to hurling it into nearest foe.
I will then prepare for the casting of magic missile into same foe next action. "Try to save the hide!" I shout maniacally, fingertips practically sparking in anticipation.
"snore...."
"snore...."
Lyssa - You hear a shout go up from Alajos some distance away from he camp fire, which awakens you from your doze. Alajos is about 10' away on the very edge of the tree line.
Osric - Lyssa's sudden movement startles you awake. Dreams of ships and pirates flying out of your consiousness as you take in the situation.
Otto - You too spring to your feet as you see the Paladin narrowly avoid being rushed from behind by some beast.
Through discipline of many years of martial training, Alajos’s courage does not waver. The Paladin unsheathes his sword as the beast rushes past, “Back to the Abyss where you belong demon,” he shouts as the monster turns to face him.
Huh .... What?
“By Muir’s will and divine grace, you now forfeit your place in this realm.”
Alajos’s sword pulses a reddish hue as he attacks the foul beast.
Alajo's sword sweeps down, sparkling red motes of light leaving a trail in it's wake. The blade cuts into the hide of the snarling creature, just behind it's shoulder. Bones crunch and blood sprays into the cold night air. The creature staggers from the blow but rights itself and leaps at the Paladins throat.
The beast leaps but Alajos deftly turns to one side and it sails past to crash into the dirt path.
Lyssa stands up from her bunk and grabs up and loads her crossbow, stepping back away from the melee. "By Freya, that thing is ugly!"
Since the beast is in pretty close combat and I dont want to strike the paladin, I will not cast a spear but will fire a magic missile for 4 hp damage. I will use movement to make sure I am approx. 20' from the comabat.
Walk forward to take a place next to Alajos' right side readying my weapons and shield as I go.
"...errr, I've got your back.... oh the smell, its like a field of dead bodies.. Kill it quick...."
The beast tenses as if making ready to leap at Alajos again. The Paladin makes ready his weapon in a defensive position, his eyes staring down the length of the blade. The larger creature, still some distance away lets out an unearthly howl, almost like a human laugh. Suddenly the smaller beast springs into the air, right toward the throat of Alajos. A glowing dart of energy leaps across the gap between it and the outstretched hand of Otto, blasting it out of the air. With the smell of burnt flesh following it, it tumbles to the ground to lie deathly still.
With that the largeer creature howls and takes a step towards it's fallen offspring before turning tail and sloping off into the darkness. It looks back once and flashes yellow eyes at you, eyes that hold a grim promise of death!
The rain continues to fall.
Alajos eyes the larger creature as it disappears into the night. The Paladin is tempted to follow and rid the land of more evil, but he knows that the terrain and environment are ill suited for chase. “Cowardly devil,” he whispers to himself. He turns to regard the body of the smaller beast. “What manner of demon is this?” he asks. Moving over to a tree, he removes some leaves and wipes his blade clean. Satisfied, he sheathes the blade and turns to Otto. “You did well. Thank you. The beast was unrelenting, but in the end, good must prevail. Muir’s will demands it.”
Using the torch he wields in his left hand, he extends it out to the beast to see if the foul thing will burn. Looking back to his companions, he says, “We did well tonight. Our first victory. We coordinated well and saw evil defeated. May our skill together always vanquish evil in our wake as we move ahead on our quest.” The Paladin looks back to the body for a moment, turns his gaze to the rain above, and returns to look at his companions, “I believe it is still my watch. Get some rest.”
"Git som reest, Ah'll giv ya reest paladin! It's taki'n me th' beest part o' a day to catch oop to yous young hot 'eds. 's lucky for yous that I tripp'd over 'dat ambushed farmers cart. Found me 'dis I did too!
"Now where's da food. Dis drop o' Brin Zwiescher won't drink it'sel"
"I like this not. What manner of beast leaves it's offspring to die at our feet like some vile offering?"
Osric kicks it once hard and stares off into the night while it burns, turns to Alajos and says,
"You did well warrior, but don't let it go to your head. I've seen men congratulating themselves one moment only to be swallowed by the waves the next."
Osric looks at War and says "Ale." a Smile appears on his face. after several minutes in deep thought "um ... what ambushed farmer?"
Lyssa lows her crossbow as the fight ends, looking vaguely disappointed, then she brightens. "Excellent work, Otto -- a useful trick, that!"
"Now, War, ale sounds the thing to settle our nerves after a fight," she smiles at the dwarf.
".... Err Come closer stranger, and be seen."
"We fear no man nor beast, step up and let us judge you by the light, stranger. Mayhap we will all count new friends before the night's end!" That said, Otto stomps over to the fire and watches the corpse burn for a moment, then sinks back down to his bedroll with a sigh.
"well a few beasts maybe.... But no men." Osric shows a big goofy grin. Then walks over and starts some coffee.
"Looks like this will be a long night." and with a welcoming gesture offers cups to all.