Darkmeer's Shackled City PBP

[Darkmeer]

Welcome all to the campaign!

Some notes on formatting for the adventures and how I will be rolling. The way I will be doing things is as follows

This text will be what creatures/characters are doing.

"This, will be what they say"

Rolls:

Spoiler:

Rolled xdx+modifier=number

Character/Player Name/DM:

Spoiler:

This is where you put private information, with either actions or rolls. This is also how we will be keeping notes if the group splits up, such as placing the names of the characters you wish to speak with prior to the spoiler, so that some information is available to the other players, but not for all of them.

There are secret rolls in this campaign, so what I will do for this is ask at the beginning of an adventure for 5 search, 5 perception, and, in the case of trapfinders, 5 disable device rolls, and 5 Attack of opportunity rolls (to help speed things along) and 5 attack rolls. Once you run out, I'll ask for 5 more. This allows me to use the rolls effectively, and I will use them in the order you post them. So, let's say you have 5 perception rolls of 15, 22, 8, 6, 18, I'll use them in that order. So the first 2 look pretty good, and the next 2 would be weaker, and the last one is pretty good. I really want to save time rolling dice, so that's my solution.

As I trust all of you, I will allow the dice to be rolled @ home. I'll be doing the same, and adjucating as necessary. I would like to see around 1-2 posts per week per person, but I realize that not always will this be possible, so I won't hold anyone to that. Inactivity for 3 weeks will get your character controlled by me for 2 weeks, and I will post in the discussion thread to insure you don't want out of the campaign.

As to the combat and attacks of opportunity. Forget about them for movement and successful attacks. It's going to be hard enough describing where everyone is (I'll be keeping track on my own map). In the event of a FAILED roll for something such as a trip, sunder, grapple, or unarmed attack (without the "Improved" feat), expect that there will be an attack of opportunity. Only a creature with Combat Reflexes will be able to make an attack of opportunity for any attempt without the "Improved x (Trip, Sunder, Unarmed Strike, Grapple)" feat.

I hope you all enjoy this, and feel free to post in a spoiler in the discussion thread if you would like out of the game or are going to be unavailable (even posting that is fine). It takes 1 million XP to reach 20th level, and I fully expect every character will reach that level. Obviously, this means that this is a 1-20 campaign, and it will include the following:

Investigation,
Dungeon Crawls (I will simplify them, as the campaign has many)
Heavy RP interaction with a number of characters.

I hope that we all have fun with this, and here we go!.

[Darkmeer]

1 Kythorn, 1372 DR.

You all have come to the city of Tashluta, for various reasons. There, you have found work guarding a caravan owned by Balthasar Malveen, a human of Tashalan origin, to the border city of Cauldron, in the Delphim Mountains. It will be a long journey, taking about 7 weeks, and with that there is a pay scale that is at 150gp once the caravan has arrived in Cauldron. Balthasar has many friends along the way, and has many guards due to the fact that you will all be going through the Black Jungles and across the Tashan Gap, reputed to be filled with the vile scaled folk known as Yuan-Ti, let alone the carniverous apes, plants, and dinosaurs you may encounter along the way. All food and lodging expenses while with the caravan are covered, and you will provide some light guard duties as the caravan will stop every few days to hold open-air markets in some of the smaller towns.

Balthasar brings each of you together in the early evening (5pm):
"Welcome friends and adventurers, I believe that our caravan will be leaving tomorrow morning. I have set up watches with everyone, and you four have been drawn together by the will of Savras" He taps on a talis deck, and he introduces each of you
"This fine scaled creature has only told me his name is Kustaa. While I bear no particular fondness for the scaled ones, Kustaa here has proven quite adept at dissuading some of the raids as we've come back from our last route."

Kystaa is lizardfolk without a tail, wearing scale mail and toting both a dagger and a longsword. Given the typical reception scaled races receive throughout the Tashalar, it is odd to see one working with a caravan, especially one bound for the border region near the Black Jungles. And yes, Balthasar, try as he might, cannot pronounce Kystaa.

"This is Thammarazs Haversack, from across the seas, although I can't tell you where from, as I tend to travel merely along the Chultan Penninsula myself. He seems nice enough, and he has told me he knows how to use that dreadful looking blade he calls a 'Pata.'"

Thammarazs Havaraszk, a human with a paler skin tone than most you see this far south, stands before you with a furtive look about hiim. He carries at his side a strange, gauntlet-like contraption with a shortsword strapped to the end that you can only guess is the Pata. Otherwise, he seems unassuming.

"This is Dreav Mistcaller, Master of the Lady of Illusion. I believe that his nature as deflective of the true nature of things will come in quite handy, as we do want to avoid conflicts where we can.

Dreav is draped in light green robes with a silver lined green cloak. The robes extend over Dreav's head and the full mask with green tinted glass eye sockets conceals all of Dreav's features. All in all, the only thing that makes Dreav stand out against any other cleric of Leira is the scimitar. Dreav keeps his ancestral scimitar on his belt at all times.
"And, finally, we have Borden Alhurst, who comes with high recommendations from a Calishite friend of mine. Apparently, his father is quite reputable, and I hope his son has followed suit."
Of average height, Borden's blond hair hides his slightly pointed ears, signs of his mixed heritage. His face is clean and fair skinned. He wears dark, finely-crafted studded leather armor and keeps a shortsword strapped at his belt. He almost constantly wears a smile on his face and his stance is one of a man who is ready to back his smooth words with force if need be.
"I thank all of you for coming for this wonderful opportunity, and I do hope that we can find amicable profits among each other in the near future. I bid thee a good evening, as I have many things to prepare, and you should all get to know one another this evening, as we leave at first light." Balthasar, bows graciously, and heads to the first wagon of the caravan, ostensibly to finalize the inventory and insure that all the proper trade paperwork is in order.
All in all, the caravan is 12 wagons long, with 4 guards per wagon, and 12 mounted wandering guards. There are some passengers in 2 of the wagons, one Ikiel of Savras, as well as a few other commoners and other porters who will help get the goods to Cauldron once the roads become less than passable.
All
[spoiler]There we go folks, please introduce yourselves and provide any other details that I've missed also, provide your rolls in a spoiler at the END of your personal intro. At the end of Balthasar's introductions, which take a while for the caravanner, the time is about 6 PM. There are several taverns and inns, but the one that the caravan is using is the "Lucky Lizard," just inside the outer wall of the city.

[Dreav Mistcaller]

"As the honored employer has stated, I am Dreav Mistcaller, servant of Leira." Dreav's gloved hands leave the confines of his robe and he traces his left hand over the side of his mask while the right absently strokes his scimitar. "While our employer has stated that I am a master of deception and illusion, I assure you that I am a honest and reliable woman."
DM

Spoiler:

Clerics of Leira are called to never speak the exact truth; hence, the many inconsistencies between what my character said and the description. As another step, I will include five Bluff roles within this spoiler. Also, you might allow the other players a know(religion) check, maybe dc 15, to know this about Leiran clerics.
5 Bluff Checks: 1d20+9=13, 1d20+9=18, 1d20+9=21, 1d20+9=21, 1d20+9=21

5 Initiative checks:

Spoiler:

1d20+2=6, 1d20+2=16, 1d20+2=14, 1d20+2=22, 1d20+2=7

5 Perception checks:

Spoiler:

1d20+3=16, 1d20+3=4, 1d20+3=11, 1d20+3=23, 1d20+3=14

5 AoO w/ Scimitar:

Spoiler:

1d20+1=10, 1d20+1=15, 1d20+1=16, 1d20+1=19, 1d20+1=3

5 Ranged Touch Attacks:

Spoiler:

1d20+2=7, 1d20+2=18, 1d20+2=16, 1d20+2=8, 1d20+2=13

[Borden Alhurst]

Borden had come a long ways from is home in Calimshan and while he had taken a few jobs, each one ended with little coin in his coin pouch. The job that Balthasar was offering would put him far ahead of his current financial situation. No matter that he would be working with a scaled folk, he had met and dealt with worse in his short 30 years of life. When you come from a city that is the home of a few tieflings and efreeti, a scaled lizardman seems almost meek in comparison.

Sipping his ale as he listens to Balthasar's introduction, he gives a cheerful smile and nod as his name is mentioned. When Balthasar takes his leave, Borden leans forward slightly as says, "A pleasure to meet you all and a fine evening it is turning out to be. Don't fret if this is the first caravan job for any of you, I have done a couple of these before and if this is like any of the others...then there is nothing to worry about. An occasional animal to scare away, or brigand to deal with, but nothing to cause any serious harm."

The young, lightly muscled half-elf finishes off his greeting with a smile as he leans back in his seat and stretches his legs under the table. Any who look at Borden can tell by his thin frame that he dresses for efficient movement over rugged protection. The finely crafted studded leather is well kept and the shortsword and quiver of javalins resting in the seat next to him shows he prefers to travel light. His blue eyes have a keen, hawk-like appearance that emphasizes his elfish heritage.

Spoiler:

Search:1d20+8 rolled 5 times (16, 11, 13, 21, 22)
Perception:1d20+8 rolled 5 times (23, 20, 19, 13, 11)
Disable Device:1d20+7 rolled 5 times (18, 24, 13, 9, 10)
Intiative:1d20+3 rolled 5 times (19, 12, 15, 15, 15)
AOO: 1d20+1 rolled 5 times (8, 4, 15, 4, 6)
Attack melee:1d20+1 rolled 5 times (9, 12, 3, 11, 8)
Attack ranged:1d20+3 rolled 5 times (23, 8, 5, 9, 23)
Confirm Critical:1d20+3 rolled 2 times (7, 17)

[Kysstaa]

Kysstaa takes a long drink from his drink before speaking, "This must be your first caravan through the Black Jungles then, Borden Alhurst. While I do not doubt our employer's ability to hire competent help, it would be wise for us not to underestimate what we will be protecting the caravan from.

"The jungle is where I grew up and used to call home, I suspect that is part of the reason why Belthapar," the hint of sarcasm on Balthasar's name makes you think that Kysstaa's mispronunciation of his name is intentional, "has decided to employ me. I appreciate his ability to look past my appearance and hope that virtue is passed along while we work together." He raises his glass for a quick cheers while maintaining a watchful eye on the room around him.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Thammarazs holds his gauntlet-shortsword, inspects it, then takes it off. He keeps his gaze low, looks across the assembled, and looks up for a moment, without directly making eye contact with anyone.

"I am Thammarazs, although you may feel free to call me Tham. I hail from Telflamm, in Thesk, and I travel as I am moved, and thus am here. I know how to use a blade, so I should be useful to you all in that regard, though I prefer to be able to move rather than being boxed in during a fight."

To the DM:

Spoiler:

I'm making a perception check to look everyone over. I'm especially keeping an eye out for any markings that might remind me of either the Church of Mask or the House Extaminos, and so I'm especially lingering on the Leiran and the Lizardfolk as I'm making my assessment.

I'm not really expecting anything, but in character, I'm still a bit paranoid about potential past issues coming back on me.

Perception d20 roll 5 + 5 (skill) = 10

Knowledge, Local d20 roll 14 + 5 (skill) = 19

I'm also carefully listening to each person's comments to pick up on any inflections they might not have intended to make, so I'm making a Sense Motive on each as they speak.

Sense Motive, Dreav, d20 roll 12 + 6 (skill) = 18

Sense Motive, Borden, d20 roll 15 + 6 (skill) = 21

Sense Motive, Kysstaa, d20 roll 9 + 6 (skill) = 15

And with that I'll stop being a dice rolling pain ;)

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Five "searching" perception checks:

Spoiler:

d20 roll 1 + 5 (skill) = 6

d20 roll 3 + 5 (skill) = 8

d20 roll 16 + 5 (skill) = 21

d20 roll 9 + 5 (skill) = 14

d20 roll 8 + 5 (skill) = 13

Five "normal" perception rolls:

Spoiler:

d20 roll 11 + 5 = 16

d20 roll 5 + 5 = 10

d20 roll 15 + 5 = 20

d20 roll 14 + 5 = 19

d20 roll 6 + 5 = 11

Five AoO rolls

Spoiler:

d20 roll 14 + 3 = 17

d20 roll 18 + 3 = 21

d20 roll 17 + 3 = 20

d20 roll 5 + 3 = 8

d20 roll 11 + 3 = 14

Five attack rolls

Spoiler:

d20 roll 16 + 3 = 19

d20 roll 12 + 3 = 15

d20 roll 14 + 3 = 17

d20 roll 17 + 3 = 20

d20 roll 17 + 3 = 20

[Borden Alhurst]

"Not to worry my scaled friend, I'm sure Balthasar is the type to hire men who are at least tolerant, if not accepting, of other races. You can rest easy that I will treat you as I would any other whom I deal with, with respect and courtesy...as long as I have the same in return" Borden says before taking a long draw from his ale. Placing his tankard on the table, Borden then says, "As for me, I prefer diplomacy over a direct fight. But I am also willing to draw steel when needed. In those cases, I am much like Tham, in that I prefer to stick to the shadows, and not to be 'boxed in'. My origins are rather boring compared to our scaled friend, I was born and raised in Calimshan, the son of a respected investigator for the city. Though I have learned much from my father, I have taken up caravan duty until I can find a place to settle down and ply my intended trade. How about you all, How did you all make your living before Balthasar came calling?"

[Darkmeer]

Dreav

Spoiler:

Looking at your companions, it seems that none have any formal religious training, even the Lizardfolk looks oblivious.

Thammarazs

Spoiler:

Well, you got something amiss from Dreav. That whole "woman" thing sounds way off, other than that you're okay with everyone else's stories. You don't sense anything malicious in Dreav's story, but it is odd for him to be calling himself a "she." Nobody you see is wearing anything of the nature you are trying to avoid. It is strange for you to see a lizardfolk, or any scaled one, for that matter, in the city limits.

Kysstaa

Spoiler:

If you'd post up your 5 rolls for me, that would be great

Borden

Spoiler:

Make a Knowledge (Local) roll for me, as a verification for Kyssta's story.

You all hear various comments from the other patrons in the bar about Kysstaa's appearance and how much trouble that having a scaled one is going to cause for business. They don't seem nearly as enthused as you all to be working with one such as Kysstaa. Nobody is doing anything outright threatening, you just see some of them tipping the priestess of Waukeen a little more (perhaps in hopes of making this trip more profitable).

Finally, one of the other caravanners comes to your table. He's a tall Tashalan human, by his appearance. He wears a chain shirt, and wears a longsword comfortably by his side. He has a couple of scars across his neck, and a arrow-hole looking scar in his right hand. At his table, you see his shield.

"I hope Balthasar chose well with this new bunch. Scaley, you keep to yerself and do your job, and I won't care about who you are. You slack off, and you're gonna be the one hurtin. We found you in those Black Jungles, don't think for a second that I think you're not in cahoots with the Yuan-Ti. Heck, for all I know you ARE a Yuan-Ti mutation of some kind. I'm Reave, and I run the guards for Balthasar and his father, Maavu. You all are going to be mid-guards, for the 5th wagon in the caravan. You'll be on foot, as most of you all are. and I'll be checking in with the rest of the fitters to make sure you all think you can make it."
He seems snide, and quite suspicious of everyone at your table. He is, however telling the truth about being in charge of the whole caravan.
"I'll remind you that we leave at first light, so don't overindulge, k? I don't plan on bringing anyone who's not fit to make the trip from the start on this journey. We got seven weeks and some of the most treacherous territory across the Tashan Gap to go through, and I plan on all of us making it."

[Dreav Mistcaller]

Darkmeer wrote:

you see his shield.

"I hope Balthasar chose well with this new bunch. Scaley, you keep to yerself and do your job, and I won't care about who you are. You slack off, and you're gonna be the one hurtin. We found you in those Black Jungles, don't think for a second that I think you're not in cahoots with the Yuan-Ti. Heck, for all I know you ARE a Yuan-Ti mutation of some kind. I'm Reave, and I run the guards for Balthasar and his father, Maavu. You all are going...

"Well met Reave. I am Dreav Mistcaller, cleric and soothesayer. I appreciate your concerns and assure you that there will be no surprises on this journey."

DM

Spoiler:

Is there any insignia or anything on the shield?
Lie: Dreav is not a soothesayer and is pretty sure that at least one surprise will come about on this trip; after all, it is through the Tashan Gap.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Tham looks at Borden.

"I made my living by killing people. The only change in my career at this point is that I get paid to potentially kill people instead of definitely doing so."

Tham turns towards Reave.

"You'll have no problems from me. I do my job, and I fulfill my obligations, as long as you keep out of my way and let me do my job the way I see fit to do so."

To the DM:

Spoiler:

Between the fact that Kysstaa doesn't look like a 100% standard lizardfolk, and because of Reave's comment about Yuan-ti, I take a look at Kysstaa to see if I can identify him as a specific species of lizardfolk, using my knowledge (local) skill (assuming he's a humanoid as far as type goes).

d20 roll 8 + 5 (skill) = 13

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

To the DM:

Spoiler:

Tham looks around the bar for some strapping lad in the bar that might be looking for some companionship . . . I'm thinking of taking him aside and telling him that my friend, a priestess of Leira and a trained Tashlutan temple dancer (with everything that would entail), is looking for someone to keep her company tonight, but that she wishes to have me introduce her, so that I can find someone "safe" for her to spend time with.

Perception check to look around the bar for a suitable candidate:

d20 roll 13 + 5 (skill) = 18

If I find someone that fits the bill, I'm going to watch him for a few moments to make sure he doesn't seem too dangerous or violent, or without humor, so after I watch him for a few moments, I'd like to make a sense motive roll on him.

d20 roll 10 + 6 (skill) = 16

[Borden Alhurst]

Looking up at the rather intimidating Guard Captain, Borden listens to the man's words and Tham's response. Relaxing once the man leaves, the half-elf slows how quickly he drinks as he says, "Well, he is certainly a charming fellow, though with those scars, I can understand why he might be a tad uptight. If we are to moderate, then I feel it only proper to follow Kysstaa's lead in offering up a toast." With that, Borden stands and raises his half tankard of ale. Letting out a loud cough to get everyone's attention, he says, "Now that I have everyone's attention, I'd like to offer up a toast...to a sucessful caravan trip and may all of us be breathing with pockets lined with well-earned gold when this job is through...Cheers!"

For DM

Spoiler:

Knowledge Local:1d20+6 (13)
Diplomacy check to help ease everyone's tenseness just a bit about the trip for tomorrow.
Diplomacy:1d20+10 (19)

[Dreav Mistcaller]

"Cheers Imperial." Tipping his mask up ever so slightly so that he can drink. "This drink is not so strong as the ale of Kara-Tur but will do for this toaste of kinship."

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Tham keeps looking around the bar, but absently tips his drink as the others toast. He continues to drink very little.

[Darkmeer]

Dreav

Spoiler:

The only insignia on the shield is that of the Malveen family crest, which shows his loyalty to the caravan and the noble merchant family that supports him. No knowledge check required on that one, as you've seen the crest on everything the caravan has loaded so far.
Also, tham
I am thoroughly enjoying the minor lies, keep them up! :)
[/ooc]

Tham
[spoiler]Unfortunately, nobody seems willing to entertain the young Miss Mistcaller, and finds your proposition a wee bit on the odd side. One of the three lads you pick out goes so far as to say "If you really want to assist Miss Mistcaller, then assist her yerself, unless you're short something in your manhood..." He laughs and slaps you on the back to show it was meant as a jibe rather than an insult. There are no takers. Although, you didn't say you did this terribly discreetly, therefore the party is going to get a very interesting opinion of you... see below.evil DM laugh
As to Kysstaa, you really don't know what kind of lizardfolk he is, as there are several subspecies in the area. There are no yuan-ti patterns on his scales, that you can see.

Borden

Spoiler:

Kysstaa's story holds true, now that you think about it. The Black Jungles are well-known for being frought with Dinosaurs, Yuan-Ti raiders, and, more recently, Gnolls that seem to be pilgrims of some kind rather than raiders.

The rest of the caravanners toast the journey ahead, and several add to it "May Waukeen help the profits and the prophets!" Reave even toasts to that, and lets his guard down just enough to flash a smile at the wisdom of breaking the ice.

The room is slightly more at ease, but the rest of the caravanners are holding both excitement and fear at the journey that lays ahead. Tham wanders the room for awhile, apparently hitting on several young men around the room, with one laughing hard and slapping him on the back. He returns to the table, a little dejected, but otherwise in the same dour looking mood.

In one corner of the room, there sits a man with a Talis deck, apparently giving fortunes to the various caravanners.
Knowledge:Religion check or Knowledge: Local check for all those interested

All:

Spoiler:

If each of you would like to finish up any other introductions and just ooc say ready so that I can end the evening and begin the journey, that would be great.

[Dreav Mistcaller]

Know(religion): 1d20+5=25
I'm done with introductions unless the check reveals something interesting.

[Borden Alhurst]

Taking Rieve's warning to heart, Borden passes the rest of the evening sober, though he enjoys the company of the other's, even the rather somber Tham. Taking note of the fortune-teller, Borden spents a few moments pondering the legitimacy of fortune telling as the night passes. After having a few laughs and telling a few jokes, he bids good night to his new traveling companions as he heads off to bed to get a good night's sleep.

Knowledge Local:1d20+6 (9)
Perform Comedy:1d20+5 (12)

[Darkmeer]

Dreav:

Spoiler:

Upon further inspection, the person doing the Talis readings is Ikiel of Savras. Many adherents to Savras' faith use a Talis deck for reassurance of a course of action. If you were to guess, he is using the "Tri-Card" method (draw 3 cards and make an interpretation). It is good to note that Savras and Waukeen are the two primary deities throughout the Tashalar.

Borden

Spoiler:

The person doing the Talis readings is Ikiel of Savras, and it is customary for the people of the Tashalar to pay their respects to the Lord of Divination and hopefully garner a good fortune every day. Savras is respected throughout the Tashalar. (DC 8)

awaiting responses from Tham and Kysstaa.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Tham is ready to move on when everyone else is.

[Kysstaa]

Kysstaa visibly tenses up at Raeve's comments associating him with the Yuan-Ti, but remains silent through his speech. After Borden's toast, he finishes his drink and leaves the table without excusing himself or saying good night to the rest of you.

He's ready to move on

DM:

Spoiler:

He's gonna want some alone time with Raeve before we get too far into the journey. Nothing hostile, just wants to end the comments that put him and Yuan-Ti in the same sentence. If that doesn't work, he's more than happy to remind Raeve that he's middle management...

And here's those rolls I forgot about, sorry

Five Perception rolls

Spoiler:

1d20= 19, 5, 17, 1, 12

Five Search rolls

Spoiler:

1d20= 17, 11, 12, 6, 18

Five Initiative rolls

Spoiler:

1d20-1= 1, 1, 14, 4, 6

Five AoO rolls

Spoiler:

1d20+4= 14, 20, 10, 16, 19

Five attack rolls

Spoiler:

Longsword or 1 claw or 1 bite attack (1d20+4)=10, 9, 16, 20, 20
2 claw/1 bite attack (1d20+2/1d20+2/1d20-3)= 18/13/3, 22(18)/18/16, 6/19/13, 9/10/14, 10/13/4

The 22 followed by 18 in parenthesis is a crit with the 18 being the confirming roll. I tried to cover as many different angles as possible with the attacks since I have a few options, if that's not how you want it or whatever let me know and we'll do it different for the next 5.

[Darkmeer]

The first week of the journey leads you directly south, and the journey is quiet as you pass through several small hamlets. The open plains begin rising into rolling hills, and the wineries and vineyards are easy to see across many miles. You stop in a small village, Haravana, about 2 days north of the Hazur Mountains. The village is quiet, and the trade brisk, making Balthasar quite happy. The porters and other folk from the caravan begin putting everything back together, and each of you is brought in to help with counting inventory, as you find that a couple of the porters were caught stealing goods.

The porters are detained by Reave, for Balthasar to speak with directly. After the porters are dealt with, you see Kysstaa step aside for a moment with Reave. The two begin a discussion that doesn't look like one Reave wanted to open up.

Kysstaa

Spoiler:

Reave opens with a grouchy "Whaddya want Scaley?"

All

Spoiler:

The laws of the Tashalar do allow for slavery. While most don't particularly need slaves, a few of the larger plantations do occasionally need "free labor." The slaves are treated well, and even educated, as most are freed at some point in their lives (Usually after 15 years). Many choose to stay where they have been working all that time, but some move on to lives of adventuring. There is one law above all, though: No child (under the age of 14) may be held as a slave, for they are to be nurtured. Some slaves are permitted to have children, and care for them in addition to their other duties.
Which leads me to the next point: Most of the time, petty thievery may be punished by 3-6 months of slavery. Many try to run away, but that means the punishment becomes worse, perhaps even removal of a hand.

Awaiting response from Kysstaa, then week 2 and the first adventure begins!

[Kysstaa]

Kysstaa's posture and proximity to Raeve seems to indicate that Kysstaa was never too keen on having this chat either.

DM:

Spoiler:

His lips curl up the tiniest bit at Raeve's apparent choice of a nickname, "I'm glad we don't have to like each other or even really talk to each other during this job, but until I give you a reason to demean me in front of the rest of them, back off. I'm not even asking you to respect me here, I just would prefer you leave me and the Yuan-Ti out of the same sentence unless you're ordering me to kill one, preferably more than that actually. That sound fair to you, sir? Kysstaa does his best not to advance into Raeve's personal space and speak respectfully.

Despite my usual MO's, there is no sarcasm on the 'sir' part of his speech either, trying my hand at an outspoken, brash, yet proper and respectful paladin here.

[Darkmeer]

Kysstaa:

Spoiler:

"Fair enough, Scaley. I don't have to like you, but I've been burned by your kind in the past, handing us right into the Yuan-Ti's waiting arms" He traces a scar across his face, and indicates the arrow-shaped scar also came from that encounter. "Until you prove you ain't one of them, I'm going to watch you. Balthasar may want to believe in the innate goodness of folks, but I sure ain't gonna let my guard down on the count of his charity work. You got spunk, and I like that you're direct, that's one thing in your favor, Scaley. We make it through the Tashan Gap without incident, and I think I might take a shot at trying to pronounce that name of yours."

The conversation ends with a firm understanding that you aren't liked, but you aren't going to be called a Yuan-Ti (or ally thereof) in the forseeable future. He does let you know that there was one other person that Balthasar plans on introducing this evening that will be joining your company on guard detail due to the porter's thievery. It's an extra set of eyes, that Reave feels is unnecessary, and Balthasar hired a couple of guards for that reason specifically.

I hope this fits your idea of the conversation here

Now, to the rest of the story

13 Kythorn 1372 DR

Balthasar brings a tall, portly man, of Tashalan heritiage it seems (although he is quite pale), carrying what appears to be a gold, steel and ivory Beer Stein at his belt. He's wearing loose-fitting garb, and sweating a bit in the heat of the early evening. He is wearing a short sword at his side, and is walking with an ironwood cane that appears to have seen much use as a club.

"Friends, it is horrible times like this that bring out the worst in good folk. We have relieved one of the porters for stealing from the caravan, and I truly believe that I'm generous with my pay. This fine man is Moonpate, of Narubel I believe, and he will be adding to your guard. Unfortunately, the porters have become quite upset at the imprisonment of the thief, in the last haeler, working as slave by thievery for the next 6 months. Unfortunately, this means I need extra eyes, as some of them may find darkness in their hearts."

Introduction from Moonpate himself pending, we shall begin week 2.5, and go further into this caravan's journey

Moonpate

Spoiler:

What I'll need from you now is your intro, then in one spoiler tag, please place 5 initiative, 5 attack, 5 Perception checks, and 5 attacks of opportunity rolls, shown as d20 roll + modifier = total please. After you post your intro, the first adventure begins, as I've got that post ready to go :)

[Moonpate]

"Well met, fellow travelers. It is an honor to be counted amongst this group as caravan guards."
Taking out a large cloth, he wipes his sweaty, bald head. "Gods it hot tonight! Name's Moonpate, for obvious reasons I'm told. I've sampled just about every ale and spirit from here to the Spine of the World, but this is my first true sampling of the open road. The wonders that await will be intriguing, no doubt. And I do want to assure you that even though I may be a tender foot on the road of adventure, my master has deemed me ready for the experience. I will be quick with my spells and even quicker with the liquor! With Chauntea's blessings we will eat well each night, never thirst for a good drink, and laugh heartily at our tales of derring-do at the journeys end." He then looks a little skeptical at Dreav and Kysstaa, adding "Well, maybe not all of us for the laughter part, but, hey, I always say joy is as personal as one's taste for ale"

and now for the requested rolls

Spoiler:

Five Perception Rolls:
4+2=6
13+2=15
8+2=10
6+2=8
15+2=17

Five Search Rolls:
2+2=4
18+2=20
2+2=4
13+2=15
11+2=13

Five Initiative Rolls:
11+2=13
1+2=3
19+2=21
7+2=9
17+2=19

Five AoO Rolls:
12
5
17
15
19

Five Attack Rolls:
2
5
4
18
6

[Darkmeer]

18 Kythorn, 1372 DR.

As you all prepare the latest part of the tent city for the caravan this morning, you see a young woman bring a scroll case to Balthasar as he directs the porters, having kept a much more watchful eye on them since the robbery. The two exchange words, quietly, and they embrace and go their separate paths. Nothing else interesting happens during the afternoon, as the trip has been eerily quiet. Reave is about yelling commands to those not following directions, making sure everything is in order, as this is one of the more important stops, and he expects that most of the profit for the journey to Cauldron will be made here, at least as equal to the amount that will be made in Cauldron from the journey.

That evening, after the grueling day of setup, Balthasar approaches your wagon, and smiles.

"Greetings my friends, you have all been doing a marvelous job. Reave even has had to admit that," He chuckles "I have a letter here from two dear friends of mine, Farian Shardbender and Elaron Swiftbrook, have informed me of the possibility of a great profit soon to be coming from Laelont, along the northern edge of the Hazur Mountains." he points out the mountain range you are currently heading towards.

"The news is grand indeed, but I would like to know exactly what this profit is going to be. I would appreciate, and compensate an additional 50 gold each, if you all would be willing to visit the haeler to investigate what this profitable venture would be a little further. We'll be nearing the edge of the Tashan Gap in about a tenday, and Laelont is not near our route. It's about a 3 day trek due west of our next stop, Talavan, which is about 3 days away. We'll be there about 2 days before moving on to Ebynis, which will be about 6 days, and will be at the edge of the Hazur Mountains and Tashan Gap pathway we're going to be using. There's a little inn there, the Osterhausen Inn, which is where we will take three days to rest before going directly into the jungle. I figure that if you left for the Laelont Haeler now, you'd reach it about the same time we reach Ebynis. A couple of days investigation what Farian and Elaron have found out, and you'll be able to help me make a possible great business decision, or avoid an old one."

He looks across you, and rubs his handkerchief across his face from the hard work even he participated in.

"What's great about this is that Raeve is the one who recommended your group. I trust his judgement at people's capabilities, and I hope that you have found him helpful and able to explain what needs done well.

"So, what say you all, are you in or out?"

He looks across the fire to you all, and awaits an answer

All

Spoiler:

Unless otherwise noted, our resident Leiran, Dreav, is being controlled by me until the player is able to come back to the game after he completes his move. I'll post its response once the rest of you have responded.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

"I'm in . . . there's nothing better for me to do at the moment anyway."

Tham puts his arm on Moonpate's shoulder and vigorously rubs the man's bald head.

"I've always wanted to do that . . . "

[Moonpate]

"And it will bring you good luck Tham, but that will also cost you a pint of ale, my choice, at the next inn! Count me for the extra job. I think this wandering life kind of suits me."

[Kysstaa]

"I'm in. I could do for a change of pace. Watching the same wagons head down the road is starting to make me itchy."

[Borden Alhurst]

Rubbing his chin slightly as he listens to Balthasar's proposition, Borden grins as the others agree to help the caravan trader. "I have to agree with our scaled friend, a nice change of scenery might be just what is needed. I'll go as well, it will be a great experience." Plus the extra coin would really help in the long run "Can you spare any horses, or are we footing it?" Once that is answered, Borden goes about packing his things in preparation for leaving.

[Darkmeer]

DM as DreavDreav "I believe it would be awful if I stayed here, so I shall carry along with the rest of my companions." end of DM as Dreav

Balthasar smiles warmly, and regards each of you, Borden in particular, with his question.
"Unfortunately Borden, I have no extra horses to spare, the time that I gave you is walking. The caravan is using every horse that we have to pull the wagons, and I'd be a poor merchant if I made the porters pull a wagon or two. I do have that reputation to uphold. You will be faster by foot anyways, as the grasses along the route to Laelont tend to wrap around your legs. It's very strange, but it's easy to muster if you merely cut a small path along the way."
Balthasar bids you good evening, and recommends leaving as early as you are able.

19 Kythorn, 1372 DR

The road to Laelont is more of a tall grassy path than anything else. The further you go along, the more the grasses sway, and many of them are taller than even Moonpate or Kysstaa. The whole place has an eerie feeling about it, as the swaying creates a strange swishing sound. By early evening, everyone is ready for a little bit of rest, and you all find a great spot, which appears to be kept by followers of Waukeen or Malar, according to Dreav. It's not much, but a small lean-to, big enough for your group, with a fire pit and some chopped wood. A sign on it states simply that all are welcome, and leave as much as you used.

all

Spoiler:

At this point I'd like to know what your standard watch procedure will be as well as if you would like to use the lean-to for shelter.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

For all:

Spoiler:

Tham's more comfortable at dusk or just before dawn, so either of those options would be his first choice for his watch. Tham would also rather be out under the stars, unless the weather doesn't cooperate.

[Moonpate]

Moonpate always prefers to sleep with some kind of roof over his head, but now that he is a brother of the open road, he wonders if he should be ditching all kinds of long held habits. He will defer to the more seasoned travelers in the group. He is a bit unnerved by the height of the grass if it obstructs the view of his surroundings and he wonders if Kysstaa can smell anything unusual. Otherwise, he would assume the way-stop is safe given no reports of problems in the area. A quick scouting of the surroundings would probably make him feel better, and it looks like we would need to bring in some wood anyway to replace what we might use.
He is used to late night work, so he can take a shift at or after midnight.

[Borden Alhurst]

Borgen sets about setting up some form of camp, going about organizing a fire while Moonpate is off gatehring replacement firewood. Having gotten use to caravan life, he has spent plenty of time out in the open, but likes to take the opportunity for shelter, when it is provided. Moving to the lean to, he sets up some form of sleeping area for himself. All the while, the young investigator provides small chit-chat to his comrades, "Pretty fortunate that we came across this shelter, if I say so myself. Tymora must be looking down on us tonight. We should make sure that our little adventure is exciting enough to keep her attention."

Not one to like being interuppted during his sleep, Borden opts to take the dusk shift when everyone states their preference in shift taking.

[Dreav Mistcaller]

As he slowly paces around the camp site, "This place makes me nervous but they say that goddesses dance in the grasses like this at night." Turning to his companions, "Perhaps it would be best if I took all the shifts since I can't see in the dark."
All

Spoiler:

I'm back. Sorry it took so long but sometimes between moving and a new job, it takes time to get the luxeries.

[Borden Alhurst]

Borden raises an eyebrow at the clerc's odd statement "Crazy woman," he mumbles below his breath as he takes out the last of one day's worth of trail rations and begins to eat.

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

"Heh . . . woman . . . " Tham says, half under his breath . . .

"That's a good one."

[Kysstaa]

Gets his gear organized in a corner of the lean to and puts a hand on Dreav's shoulder, "Nice to see you being a team player there. How about the shift after Borden? Moon should be high enough in the sky to provide you with some kind of light, yeah?" He then turns to address the group, "Then we can have Moonpate relieve you, then I will take my turn, and Tham can watch the sunrise. Sound like a plan to everyone?" The lizardfolk moves about the site, helping prepare everything for what he hopes to be an uneventful evening.

DM:

Spoiler:

Dreav's comment has put Kysstaa on alert. He's going to be watching the cleric the closest for any strange activity from here on out.

[Darkmeer]

The evening begins quietly, with Borden and Dreav's watches going smoothly. Then, inexplicably, a small humanoid, what appears at first to be a child, but with horror realizing it's almost too late to warn his companions, Moonpate lets out a yell that the camp is under attack.

Surprise round!
This small childlike creature stands before you holding a rag doll. It's pale white skin and solid black eyes belie a certain intelligence far beyond its means. The childlike creature is wrapped in palw green robes, and its mouth is far too wide for such a creature. It makes a sad, whimpering sound as it walks, and tears seem to be streaming down its face.

The creature walks right up to Moonpate and attempts to bite him, barely missing as she attempted what appeared to be an embrace.

The order is as follows starting round 1:
Borden (once awake)
The creature
Moonpate
Tham (once awake)
Dreav (once awake)
Kysstaa (once awake)

Round 1:
The creature attempts to bite you again, looking more feral with such a wide gaping,slathering mouth. The rag doll swings from her hand as she tries to make that bite. This time the bite gets you solidly in your right leg, with pain coursing through your leg you cry out in pain.

Moonpate:

Spoiler:

The creature does 3 points of damage to you. I will also need a fortitude save, in spoiler please.

Tham:

Spoiler:

I went ahead and rolled initiative, rolling an 8, please place 5 initiative rolls into a spoiler for me, many thanks :)

[Moonpate]

Great spawn of the hells! If not for the pain I'm sure Moonpate would be horrified beyond action at the sight before him, but thankfully self-preservation kicks in. He will attempt to bash the creature off of him with his club.

Spoiler:

Fortitude Roll: 20+1 =21 (auspicious start!)
Attack Roll (if necessary): 17+0= 17

[Borden Alhurst]

Borden grumbles as he wakes up to Moonpate's call. "What does the wizard want, making so much racket." The half elf is almost tempted to go back to sleep, when Moonpate's scream of pain registers. Rolling from his place under the lean-to, Borden grabs his blade and takes a look at the strange scene before them.

[Darkmeer]

Round 2:

As you each hear a scream from Moonpate, all of you awaken to see the scene with a very pale looking child latched onto his leg, biting for all she's worth. A rag doll is flopping wildly as she is assaulting Moonpate. Moonpate attempts to swing with his club, but is unable to swing true. His frustrations are equally matched as the creature misses striking him with her second attempt at a bite.

As above, each of you wakes up and is able to wake up grab a weapon or other item (please post), and stand up for round 2, while Moonpate and the creature are enlocked in combat.

Moonpate

Spoiler:

Your roll has been added to your roll queue. The fortitude save was successful.

[Moonpate]

I will keep trying to bash the horror away from me.

[Borden Alhurst]

In the gloom of midnight, Borden easily picks out the small form against the brightness of the small fire. Moving his way over to the cleric, Borden attempts to swing at the small form. Child or not, it was harming his new travelling companion, and he wasn't gonna let that happen. Taking his shortsword, he moves just opposite of Moonpate, setting up a flank and attempts to strike at the base of the strange child's neck.

[Dreav Mistcaller]

Dreav jumps to his feet and unsheaths his scimitar. "What a beautiful little child!"

[Thammarazs Hovaraszk]

Tham stands up, grabs his pata, and concentrates for a moment, causing the shadows around him to swirl.

Move action to stand up, move action to arm himself with the pata, swift action to activate his stance.

For the DM:

Spoiler:

I'll get you the initiatives once I get back to my dice.

[Kysstaa]

Kysstaa wakes up to the very strange scene and grumbles as he wakes up. Seeing that everyone else has already jumped on the strange child-chewy thing, he decides that it wouldn't be fair to let his new companions hog all the fun. He reaches over and grabs his sword in one hand and his sleeping bag in the other.

DM:

Spoiler:

Move action to stand, move action to equip sleeping bag. Also want to sling sword over back to have handy, but not sure how that all works in the grand scheme of actions. Basically, I want to try to scoop that little b+~@@ (hehe, filters) up into my bag and beat her like a pinata.

I've already got the sword in one hand and the bag in the other, if I cannot get the sword on my back I'll just drop it once I get over to her just to have it handy, but I think this qualifies me for my crazy plan of the encounter.

Also, something I should start thinking about is how often do the action dice refresh?

[Darkmeer]

Round 2 results into round 3's actions and the start of round 4:

Borden is able to reach the small creature, but even with the ability to flank, his first attack misses. The small creature lets out a hoarse wail and attacks Borden, turning her attention from Moonpate for a moment. Again, Moonpate misses the small biting monstrous childlike creature, even with the opening provided from the attack on Borden. The small creature misses horribly, leaving yet another opening for Borden and Moonpate, but unfortunately they are unable to capitalize on it.

Shadows begin to flutter around Tham, as if they are living, writhing things themselves, Tham stands for a moment pondering his next action. Dreav stands forward and begins approaching the child.

Kysstaa scoops his sword sheath over his shoulder, and sweeps up his bedroll. He advances to a position near the child, and holds the bag as if he is ready to use it as a bag on the child.

ROUND 4:
Borden swings high yet again, finding this short target quite difficult to hit. The creature connects with its attack biting deeply into Borden's leg. Moonpate strikes true, hitting the creature along its shoulder.

Borden:

Spoiler:

The creature does 3 points of damage to you, and you need to make a Fortitude save, in a spoiler, please.

Moonpate:

Spoiler:

Damage roll with your club, please. Please place in a spoiler, and notate it DM so everyone else gets surprised as well.

Kysstaa:

Spoiler:

Make an attack roll, -4 penalty for improvised weapon, to get the child into the bag, and action dice refresh after an adventure is deemed complete.

Awaiting further actions from everyone.

[Moonpate]

Bite me will you!

For DM:

Spoiler:

Club damage roll = 3

[Borden Alhurst]

Borden yelps as the strange child bites into his calf.

To the DM

Spoiler:

Fort Save 1d20+1=21