Vykos:
Spoiler:Regarding Identify and Detect Magic. In other games I have been handling it that as long as you are touching the item, you can attempt an Appraise check the round after determining if an item is magic. If you already know it is magic, you may attempt the check as soon as you cast the spell.For example:
Round 1: Pick up item.
Round 2: Cast Identify, detect the presence of magic.
Round 3: Number and strength of auras.
Round 4: Location of aura, Appraise check.Or, for something you know is magic:
Round 1: Pick up item.
Round 2: Cast Identify, Appraise check.
DM Drax:
OK, just so I am 100% clear on this:
Because I am level 2, the spell lasts for 6 rounds.
Does that mean:
Round 1: Pick up item.
Round 2: Cast Identify, Appraise Check.
Round 3: Pick up item, Appraise Check.
Round 4: Pick up item, Appraise Check.
Round 5: Pick up item, Appraise Check.
Round 6: Pick up item, Appraise Check.
Round 7: Pick up item, Appraise Check.
OR
Round 1: Pick up item.
Round 2: Cast Identify, Appraise Check.
Round 3: Pick up item.
Round 4: Appraise Check.
Round 5: Pick up item.
Round 6: Appraise Check.
Round 7: Pick up item.
OR
Round 1: Pick up item.
Round 2: Cast Identify, Appraise Check.
Round 3-7: Spell is still active, but can only Appraise one item per casting.
Vykos grabs the Short Swords, the Banded Mail and the remaining Potion. He is visibly straining under the weight of the Banded Mail as he follows Alexi around to the small house.
Kin Lur: Before Alexei moves up to assist, you notice through a hole in the east wall what appear to be three humanoids sitting on the ground, backs leaning against the north wall. They do not appear to notice your approach.
Kin Lur draws Fourthea to the side so she is not visible through the hole, dismounts carefully, and whispers "Fourthea, stay" in her ear as he strokes her head. She nuzzles his shoulder, but sits back on her haunches.
He signals to those following that he's seen three. Hand signals being what they are, that's about all he can do. If he detects Alexei and Vykos, he will signal to them, also. If he can, he will try to get Vykos to stop where he is so as not to forewarn what might be more foes.
Then he will continue, bow readied, to approach the hole from the side, watching for a lookout and using all the cover he has available.
His intent is to get close enough to listen before making any assumptions about who they are. He does speak Goblin, if that helps.
Vykos:
I am bringing up the need for clarity on this when the playtest gets to spells. I hate referencing the skill.
Kin Lur:
You do not hear any signs of activity inside the building.
Once he reaches the wall of the building (hopefully unseen), Kin Lur motions to those following to continue their slow approach. He will sneak up as close to the aforementioned hole as close as he dares and listen intently before risking a quick look inside.
Stealth; Perception (auditory) (1d20 14=17, 1d20 10=13)
Kin Lur: You are looking at early evening, the sun still fading on the horizon. The result of your closer inspection:
Kin Lur, bow ready but directed at the ground, takes a quick peak around the wall into the building.
Kin Lur, back to the wall and arrow nocked, quickly swings his head around to look over his shoulder through the hole in the broken wall.
Kin Lur:
The three figures are all you can see in the room. You can clearly make out two humanoids, clad in black leather armor and cloaks. Their heads are down, chins on their chest. Between these two figures is a woman, similarly positioned, clad in brilliant white robes, including a veil and silk gloves. Deep red stains blot the front of her garments.
OK, this time Kin Lur takes a longer look. Can he see the entire room? If he feels like he can see everything, he will wave the others to approach and will move a step into the room, bow pointing at the floor, but in the area if the three humanoids. Can he see if they are breathing? He's guessing the woman, at least, is dead at this point.
He will stay in the hole in the wall until the dwarves (he wants Mijanor's opinion of the bodies) have reached him.
Ergrin calmly and quietly joins Vykos and Alexei. Stealth (1d20+8=14)
Mijanor approaches at Kin Lur's request and in a rumbling that can barely be classified as a whisper, "What is it lad?" As Kin Lur indicates the hole in the wall he takes a look in to see what's in there.
Kin Lur:
With a longer look, putting your head into the hole (which is about 3x3 feet) you can indeed see the entire room. You do not see any other creatures. You are not close enough to determine if the humanoids are alive or not.
As nothing has happened to Kin Lur, the rest of the party may approach as desired.
Mijanor approaches at Kin Lur's request and in a rumbling that can barely be classified as a whisper, "What is it lad?" As Kin Lur indicates the hole in the wall he takes a look in to see what's in there.
"I cannot tell if they're alive or dead -- or maybe they are living dead. Can you tell?"
Kin Lur will move farther into the room to allow the dwarf to enter and be able to cover him if any of the three make a hostile move.
As nothing has happened to Kin Lur, the rest of the party may approach as desired.
"I cannot tell if they're alive or dead -- or maybe they are living dead. Can you tell?"
Kin Lur will move farther into the room to allow the dwarf to enter and be able to cover him if any of the three make a hostile move.
Mijanor casts protection from evil on himself and then steps into the building saying "They're probably victims o the gobbos" over his shoulder as he enters to take a closer look at the bodies.
Mijanor:
Nothing happens as you enter the building. You reach the humanoids, and can clearly tell that they are dead. Numerous stab wounds and bite marks are evident on the torso and limbs of each body.
Drax:
Then he says loudly and knocks one of the bodies over by pushing it with his hammer, "They be dead. Looks like gobbos and dogs got 'em maybe."
"Booo!" says Ergrin, standing at the door with a grin.
Mijanor:
You cannot find any specific evidence, there is a lot of variation and tearing in the bites. But you can discover that the clothing and skin is indeed burned around the bite marks.
By this point it is quite obvious no living creature is laying in wait for the party. You may resume acting freely.
[8]
When the sense of tension fades from the other members of the group, Augrok walks Ur around the house, checking for scents before looking in the doorway, the muscles of his jaw flexing as they did when his temper was working on something. Many of them would know that the druid's sense of the natural was a very touchy thing, and oftentimes, them coming across something unnatural was usually followed by a request from the large half orc to track it down, identify it, and destroy it. He made no secret of his distaste for the presence of the unnatural things, but thus far, was disinclined to go haring directly off after the hounds.
"Vermin dare claim territory?" The his voice heated a bit with his rising anger, eyes narrowed as he thought, jaw muscles flexing faster from the repeated clenching of his teeth. He was getting closer to the tone of voice they had heard him speak with that one time he beat a great deal of sense into that trapper that had been slaughtering animals for the fun of it. "...Who were they?"
Kin Lur will scout around the building, looking for fields of fire, etc. in case they camp hear and need to make a stand.
Seeing everyone's tensions abate, Vykos resumes his journey to Alexi, puffing from the exertion. He drops the Weapons and Armour on the ground and pulls out the Vial, placing it next to them.
He then sits down in front of them and mutters to himself unintelligibly.
He picks up one of the Short Swords and starts to examine it, runing his hands over the blade and testing the grip.
Appraise Check using Identify. (1d20+4+10=31)
He sets the Sword aside with a smile and picks up the other blade, repeating his previous action of examining it.
Appraise Check using Identify. (1d20+4+10=19)
His expression is unreadable as he places this Sword seperate from the other.
Once complete, he again mutters to himself while casting his spell.
He picks up the Armour next, feeling the joins and seals of the armour, before giving a lopsided grin and placing the Armour on the ground between the Swords.
Appraise Check using Identify. (1d20+4+10=24)
Lastly, he picks up the Potion Vial and unstoppers it, giving it a quick smell and swirling it around in the vial.
Appraise Check using Identify. (1d20+4+10=22)
This he places next to the Armour, on the side of the first Short Sword.
He then stands and prepares to announce his findings to the party.
DM Drax:
Augrok: Ur is not able to determine anything special by scent, there appears to have been a good deal of activity here recently.
Kin Lur: You can make a Knowledge (warfare) check to determine the quality of this position (maximum DC 10 result for untrained). Alexei may also attempt this check as a follow-up if he likes.
Vykos: You are correct, if no gp cost is listed it falls under Eschew Materials. Your Appraisals reveal the following:
+1 short sword (glowing)
+1 short sword
+1 banded mail
potion of cure light wounds
Mijanor will cast detect magic on the bodies and search them for equipment or items that may identify who they were. Taking a closer look at the bite marks, "See 'ere. The bites 'ave burns around em. Those dogs and vermin did a number on these travelers. I say we take em out and bury em. Only fittin. Anyone 'ave a spade?" With that he will try and get Ergrin's help carrying the bodies out to a good grave site. Since we have no shovel among us he'll collect rocks and make a cairn gathering everyone for last rites and blessings by Torag.
Mijanor:
You may also attempt a Knowledge (religion) check (not spoiling why).
Alexei: When you see the bodies you may make another Knowledge (warfare) check regarding their equipment.
Drax:
After holding up and admiring the stones in the fading light Mijanor Tosses the pouch and it's contents to Vykos to take a look at, "Looks like the gobbos missed that." Inside you find 55 gold pieces, a rose-coloured translucent gem, and a white pearl. There are also two nonmagical crossbows and longswords against the wall he points out.
Mijanor:
You identify the clothing of the woman; it marks her as a merchant lord and "prophet" of the Prophecies of Kalistrade.
Mijanor looks to the others, "This woman be a merchant lord and prophet of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. They be all over Druma."
[8]
Augrok always hated it when religion became involved. He had nothing against the gods themselves, as they tended to serve as a focal point for concepts that would otherwise be scattered far and wide. It made association pretty easy. It was when conflicting religions came into play that it tended to spill over into something far less clean. Territory, food, and mates he could understand. Religion... bah. At least the sun was setting.
"Who?" was Augrok's response to his question, knowing nothing about the various religions, save that the good ones tended to be bright and shiny, while the bad ones tended to be dark and dirty.
Kin Lur: You can make a Knowledge (warfare) check to determine the quality of this position (maximum DC 10 result for untrained). Alexei may also attempt this check as a follow-up if he likes.
"Are we interested in camping here tonight? Alexei, do you think we would have a defensible position if those hobgoblins get their nerve back and return?"
"Who?" was Augrok's response to his question, knowing nothing about the various religions, save that the good ones tended to be bright and shiny, while the bad ones tended to be dark and dirty.
Mijanor shrugs, "They be amassin as much wealth as they can, thinkin they will own the world should they succeed." He then chuckles, "An if that bein the case than us dwarves woulda owned the world many times over by now."
Kin Lur:
You are confident you could use this building as an effective campsite. The trees provide good aerial cover and slow approach through the forest. The hole in the wall provides a good view of the road, but could be covered if needed. The roof is mostly open and a fire could be started within, in fact it appears it has been done so recently. The building will fit all of your companions as necessary.
More detail on the defensive positioning would require a Warfare check.
If I missed anything let me know, your result of 27 will tell you pretty much everything.
He then stands and prepares to announce his findings to the party.
"Well both of these Swords have minor enchantments placed on them (both +1 Short Swords, one is glowing, the other not) as does this suit of Armour (+1 Banded Mail). Is it Strip Mail? I don't know the names of these different types I'm sorry. The Potion however is a minor Healing Draught (Potion of Cure Light Wounds), similar to the one that Mijanor found. Unfortunately none of it will do me any good. If anyone wishes to lay claim then do so, otherwise we will see what we can get for them in the next town".
Vykos catches the bag thrown by Mijanor and opens it up. The gold is fairly self explainitory, but the gems are the real trick. He pulls each one out in turn and goes over it, looking at the facets and holding them up to the light to look through. Once done he announces that the gems appear to be common gems not worth much.
Appraise Check. (1d20+4=7)
Appraise Check. (1d20+4=10)
That done, he finally gets a chance to return to the sight of the battle and retrieve his belongings. He walks over to where Reaper is calmly eating some of the brush and pats him. Good boy, I thought I had lost you there then. He walks over and collects his Scythe from where he dropped it once the battle commenced and places it in it's mount on Reaper's saddle. He then leads Reaper back over to the House and ties him up outside in good reach of something to eat. He unpacks his gear and walks back inside to the others. "I assume that we will be setting up camp here after our encounter, to rest and examine our spoils more closely."
With that, he goes about setting up his bedroll and organising his sleeping arrangements near one of the walls. He sets everything out nice and neatly, as you have all by now become accustomed to, quite differently from the random jumble more commonly attributed to the Varisian people.
Mijanor starts setting up an area for him to rest, "I can be takin the first watch. Ergrin and Augrok should be takin one o the other watches each as we can all see in the dark." After he gets his sleeping area ready he sits at the best vantage point to guard the area.
I'll take the final watch. That will allow me to get a full night's rest so I can pray for my spells in the morning after we all wake up."
"I'd recommend that Kin Lur, if he's not too tired, take first watch somewhere outside the building, while we rest within. That way he can ambush anyone who approaches, firing his bow from the trees. I'll do the same afterwards. By the way, if anyone can heal this fool up to consciousness," motioning the inert hobgolblin leader, "I'd like a word with him as well, to let us know how many of his friends to expect tonight."
Drax:
"By the way, if no one has claimed the non-glowing sword, it might make a better replacement for this one I nearly lost on the ridge earlier."
To Vykos:
Alexei:
1) The camp appears to have been used by single raiding unit, a common strategy among hobgoblins, comprised of a dozen men, their sergeant, and this other leader. The dogs you are not as sure of, but you note their presence everywhere.
2) They appear to have been here several days, possibly a week, judging by the amount of discarded rations and the size of the cess pits nearby. Apparently they have been raiding merchant wagons for supplies.
3) Of the merchant you are not so sure, but the humans clad in black studded leather you recognize on sight - they are Blackjackets, your comrades in arms in the Mercenary League. You do not recognize these two individuals, but based on their equipment and the relatively small wealth discovered nearby they were not extraordinarily important (of course, importance of a merchant is a relative thing in Druma).
4) You concur with Kin Lur in assessing the camp and its defensive quality. The hobgoblins chose their position well to assault the road and defend if necessary.
"I'd recommend that Kin Lur, if he's not too tired, take first watch somewhere outside the building, while we rest within. That way he can ambush anyone who approaches, firing his bow from the trees. I'll do the same afterwards.
"Makes sense to me. I was fortunate in our skirmish -- even though Torag's blessing has healed the wounds, I'm sure the bodies need rest."
He takes time to refill his primary quiver from the spare he carries and seeks out a spot in the trees - preferably up in a tree - where he can keep an eye on the area. If he can get high enough to see over their little shelter, even better. He will bring Fourthea to the base of the tree and instruct her with, "Fourthea, guard."
Drax:
Thanks for rolling for me. Since the rest had proceeded to set up camp before I was back online, I didn't see a need to comment on it.
Unrelated, what's your thoughts on characters using equipment not made for their size? I still do the "it will work, but it's a category larger for you" so a medium short sword is a small longsword, for example. Just wondering if there's any point in considering the magical sword.
"I'll not be usin Torag's blessins lightly and especially not on a stinkin gobbo but I be seein chur point on findin out about 'is friends. Just make sure chur ready to finish the job once chur done talkin. Keep in mind chur not likely to get much other than lies and threats." Making sure everyone (especially Augrok) is in the effect Mijanor uses his last channel energy for the day.
Kin Lur:
Regarding weapon sizes, I keep it to the standard -4 penalty. I think for realism it represents that using a short sword that is the same size as a longsword is not the same as using a longsword, they are wielded differently. So unless someone pulls a reduce item spell out, you would take penalties wielding the new sword.
Mijanor:
The hobgoblin fails to stir as a result of the healing. On closer inspection, he appears to have died sometime recently.
It is clear to all observers that a less hardened soldier than Alexei would snap at this point and attack his comrades. Instead, he settles for destroying a nearby chair. Eyeing one of the two captured short swords, it's hard to tell whether he's considering sheathing it in his belt... or in his own heart.
(spoiler omitted)
Drax:
Thought that might be the case. That's why I asked before I got my heart set on something really cool.
Before heading out to the trees, Kin Lur picks up one of the magical swords and tentatively gives it a couple of swings. However, the grip is obviously unwieldy, even using both hands. He shrugs, puts the sword back, and heads outside without a word.
It is clear to all observers that a less hardened soldier than Alexei would snap at this point and attack his comrades. Instead, he settles for destroying a nearby chair. Eyeing one of the two captured short swords, it's hard to tell whether he's considering sheathing it in his belt... or in his own heart.
Mijanor walks over to the hobgoblin after he channels and gives him a swift kick, "Yep, he be dead. Don't cha know a dead gobbo when chur carryin one?" He looks toward Alexei apparently unfazed in the least by the wood chips flying by his head, "T'was meant to be lad. Torag woulda probably caved me 'ead in personally for 'ealin 'is ilk. Save chur wrath for the rest o 'em when we find 'em"
With a cold, steady gaze, Alexei replies, "We may be dead next time. Intelligence is the key to warfare. This was an opportunity to learn about the next ambush before walking into it." Shaking his head as if to clear it, he relies, "Sorry, Brother Mijanor. I forget that not all of you were born in the saddle, as it were. But you fight well, that I'll never deny! Here, there's still a bit of brandy in my flask."
I'll take the final watch. That will allow me to get a full night's rest so I can pray for my spells in the morning after we all wake up."
Ergrin happily agrees to take the middle watch. He says little but cares for his equipment and helps anyone who seems to need it.
"I'll shave me beard off before I turn down such o offer." He happily takes a swig from Alexei's flask. "I like chur fire lad! I be guessin if we 'ave better tactics when we first be gettin ambushed than we pull through better, knowin it was comin or no. I know chur 'ead is good with these sorts o things so just let me be knowin where to put meself and I'll oblige." He leans over and rumbles quietly so only Alexei can hear, "Best be keepin me close to Ergrin and Vykos as they seem to take a likin to jumpin on the enemies blades." With that he takes another swig from the flask and hands it back. Smacking Alexei on the back, "Now get churself some rest as chur watch be comin soon enough."
Okay, so final watch order is:
Kin Lur
Alexei
Mijanor
Ergrin
Augrok
Vykos
Make your final preparations and I will announce the results of your nights rest.
Vykos makes sure his little section is neatly arranged before he wishes everyone a good night and settles down on his bedroll with his back against the wall, pulling his blanket up around him. He is quickly asleep after the days exertions. Anyone watching him will occasionally see around his eyes twitch occasionaly.
[8]
Augrok does not speak much, if all. Instead, as soon as everyone is settled, he props himself against Ur, and settles off to sleep with the bear following soon after.