The sun breaks over the hill illuminating the entrance of Kaer Tsennan. A month ago the seals to the Kaer were broken, the Scourge was over, an expedition from the Kingdom of Throal had arrived...
For the Tsennites:
Your kaer of Tsennan, Named for the town whose residents built and settled it, recently opened when its locked doors were discovered by a Throalic expedition. Far to the North of Barsaive, your kaer feels that the threat of Theran fortress of Triumph is far away, and rebuilding your community outside the Kaer is the most pressing challenge at hand. The proximity of the Scythan Mountains, home once to another mighty dwarf kingdom struck early, and completely destroyed by the Horrors, has led many of your people to move to one of the larger cities. The neighboring Blood Wood sends shivers down your spine at night. The Blood Elves dwelling there underwent a ritual that left thorns sprouting from their skin, causing them to live in constant self-inflicted agony to make themselves uninteresting to the Horrors. The elves among you say this self-mutilation may be worse than anything the Horros could have done. Out here in the hinterlands, with most of your people still living in tents and makeshift wooden shelters, there are no high walls or Throalic soldiers to protect you; and Horrors, undead, feral beasts and bandits still roam the land. Fortunately, there are some among the Tsennites who walk the adept's path-you are one of those. You use magic to achieve what others only learn after years of training, and to perform feats that can not ever be performed by someone relying on mundane means alone, you are only initiates but if you follow the paths of your disciplines you can become legends!
For those in the expedition:
You were dispatched from Haven after news had arrived that a scout had found an unopened Kaer, being sealed for so long after the Throal had opened, it was a momentous occasion. Most sealed Kaers that are found today have been long destroyed, long corrupted by Horrors, thus the reason adepts were part of the expedition. Now, a month after the seals were broken, New Tsennan is be constructed for those that wish to stay. Lumberjacks have been felling trees, a trading post has been set-up inside the Kaer, a long house has been built and the beginnings of a fort wall have begun. Everyone is a flurry of activity, the days are long, the nights are cold...
As adepts your daily chores differ from the others. Your duties consist of protecting the others, using your magical talents to fight off any threats. Your Kaer was nestled in the face of the foothills in this valley. A rivulet runs nearby, and beyond there the forest. Luckily no horrors or horror constructs have assaulted since the Kaer was opened. It took you years to learn the disciplines of magic, and while your mystical abilities are no trade-off for the experience of a veteran mundane, your abilities will surpass any mundanes as you grow in experience, that is the Adept's way.
You watch the townspeople working on their new homes, some working to break the lumber from yesterday into usable boards, splitting the wood, sanding it, you've watched them relearn how to deal with wood; they had small quantities of wood to work in the Kaer, and none of it was green wood. An ancient elf was the head of the woodworkers, his memories of the old days were used to reteach them.
Every namegiver in the new town of Tsennan was special, to hide away almost 1000 namegivers for over 400 years in such a small space requires special people. A community.
As night falls, Elder Fennon gathers you together, "Friends, as you know, our lumberjacks are overdue. They should have been back before sundown. For the woods are no place for us at night. Your masters will stay here to protect us, but I need you to attempt to find them. Quickly go see Genna and collect our friends...I implore you."
You know the lumberjacks, three humans [Galeem and the brothers Kentram & Mantek], two young orks [Tartuk & his lover, Lintak] and the dwarf Gram Strongbrow.
[Garrett]You helped scout the location for the lumber camp, so finding it won't be too difficult, it's about a half mile into the woods, while the woods are about an hour's walk away from the Longhouse.
At the words of Elder Fennon, a cold chill of fear washed over Solonchak. Not fear for himself - a month from the liferock had blunted the anxiety he had first felt as he and the others had left on this expedition - but for those who had not returned from the day's labour. The orks he knew not, nor the human brothers, but he had provided a poultice for the blisters Galeem had suffered from dragging logs across the rough ground outside the settlement, and spent some time answering the young man's question about life beyond the kaer.
And Gram and he had become friends in the short time they had been together. The dwarf had not only been fascinated by the 'stone man', but had been delighted to learn that it had been one of his kind who had taught the Talent to Solonchak. In turn, the young obsidiman had listened long into the night about life in kaer Tsennan, and shown his new friend the best way to keep his axe blade keen, the better to cut through the tough outer bark of the trees they now harvested.
With a voice like thick soil being turned by the plough, he said:
'Let us quickly retrieve what we need and be on our way. Elder, may we take rope and torches from your store?'
DM
The Obsidman steps into the longhouse, the others follow into the longhouse, a fire burning in the center. The longhouse of Tsennan is a multi purpose building, a plank house, that runs 300 feet in length and 100 feet in width, it is the town hall, theatre and temporary lodging for the entire community. It took 3 week to construct, but it's the most important building in town. Genna is sitting near the fire, talking to another of the elders.
The venerable ork, in mid her mid thirties looks haggard, worry etched upon her brow.
"Ah, the young adepts have arrived. Greetings young ones, we don't have much time, I have prepared a satchel of potions for you. And of course, you're welcome to whatever you need that we can supply, ropes and torches."
"Thank you Genna," Garrett replied respectfully. He felt his own sense of dread start to rise as his eyes fell on the torches, but he kept his anxiety in check. There was no point in worrying the non-adepts; he just hated the thought of having to rely on torches.
Even so, the situation was what it was. The sun was going down, and there's wasn't an adept among the lumberjacks. If they didn't go soon..
Garrett glanced at Solonchak. The obsidiman had been making friends, and Garrett suspected his colleague was holding his own worst fears inside. The scout felt a twinge of guilt at that; he hadn't made as many friends among the Tsennites. History had shown that the first few months out of the kaer could be unpredictable times for any community. Garrett wasn't sure if he'd wanted to get all that attached to anybody just yet.
He reached for some of the torches and stowed them in his pack. With a hand on Solonchak's shoulder he murmured, "Let's get moving to their camp, so I can start tracking where they went.. and uh.. if something found them. The quicker we start the better."
He left the part about time 'not being their friend' unspoken.
He'll wait with a bit of suppressed impatience for the others, and then lead the way to the lumber camp. Shortly before arriving at the camp, he'll start watching for tracks (not wanting to assume what direction the lumberjacks headed off in). Once at the camp he'll definitely trying tracking their last known steps; while also being quite mindful for any 'unidentified tracks' that might have crossed theirs..
Track Talent:
Solonchak inclined his head respectfully as he accepted the bag from the aged Ork, then slung it over his right shoulder.
Acknowledging the touch of the human, he turned and followed the Scout from the long hut.
'At least' he thought 'Garrett is here with us'.
In the short time they had known each other, the two had become, if not firm friends, at least comfortable companions, and although the Scout was clearly happy in his own company, the pair occasionally shared a meal together at the settlement.
This was his environment now, the great wild outdoors, and Solonchak had marvelled how quickly he had adapted to it since returning to the surface. If they were to find the woodsmen and return them safely, much would depend on Garrett's expertise.
Making sure the potion bag was securely fastened, Solonchak secretly hoped that his skills, and the contents of the pack, might be entirely redundant...
Well the time was really here. For years Izen had never dreamed of a greater world being open to him. Since the opening however he had had this strange desire to see what was out there. He hadn't strayed more than a couple hundred feat away from the Kaer before now, but it was time. Not only did he wish to see the wood-cutters return, he needed to see what was out there. After loading a couple of Matrix with his spirit Dart spell, he rushed to join the departing party.
"Wait! Wait"! "I'm coming Izen yelled to the party, hastily still stuffing his belongings into a sack".
"Thank you young adepts, may Garlen watch over you, and may you return all of our missing people back to the hearth. Quickly now, get the other supplies you think you may need and hurry along." Genna says with her raspy voice; the orks are tough but they age rapidly, Genna in her mid thirties is the oldest ork any of you have met.
Feeling far from comfortable in the great outdoors, Aarakin knows that there is a job to do. He had heard of the sky but couldn't really imagine the lack of an upper bound. It is quite disconcerting, this "sky". The path before him he recognizes is long, both in reality and metaphorically. At least there are some familiar faces. Life is changing rapidly.
Not knowing quite where things are going to fall, Aarakin decides it is best to keep his silence. At least for the time being.
Feeling far from comfortable in the great outdoors, Aarakin knows that there is a job to do. He had heard of the sky but couldn't really imagine the lack of an upper bound. It is quite disconcerting, this "sky". The path before him he recognizes is long, both in reality and metaphorically. At least there are some familiar faces. Life is changing rapidly.
Not knowing quite where things are going to fall, Aarakin decides it is best to keep his silence. At least for the time being.
You quickly gather the bag as a couple of the younger children of the village scurry to bring you rope and torches. Their eyes shining as they look up to the adepts (the super heroes of Barsaive). You step out of the Longhouse as the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the foothills of the distant mountains.
Izen flits about curiously from one thing to another. Soon he will see parts of the area he has never seen.
With a glance over his shoulder at those hurrying to catch up, Solonchak strode after Garrett. Although most of them knew the way to the logging camp, Garrett would lead them there most quickly and safely now that the night was approaching.
Struggling to keep up with the pace set by the Scout, Solonchak followed doggedly in his wake, grateful of the occasional stops his companion made to examine traces in the earth, or glance around in the dim light. When they did break, he found himself nervously adjusting the weight of the shield on his arm, attempting to work some saliva into his dry mouth.
Gratz, I didn't have time to read all the prior submissions, so while I think mine was better written, I ended up with an item similar to a 2008 top32.
Gratz, I didn't have time to read all the prior submissions, so while I think mine was better written, I ended up with an item similar to a 2008 top32.
I just re-read that, I wasn't saying it was written better than yours, but the 2008 submission heh.
He already said what he was doing in his OP. Then it all went quiet while we waited for other players to show up...
The four adepts arrive at the edge of the forest as the last rays of sunlight disappear. Darkness falls. An ominous feeling sinks into you, you don't know what evil lurks in the forest, but you know your fellow townsfolk (and new found friends) need your help...
Garrett you wil need to make a Perception or tracking skill check
+=3
Garrett you wil need to make a Perception or tracking skill check
1d6+1d6=3
Will update more tonight.
Garrett is able to easily track the to the camp, even in the darkness the ruts from the felled trees make the camp easy to find. You occasionally spot gleaming red eyes peering at you from the depth of the forest. If something has harmed the lumberjacks , it might be waiting for you right behind those trees...
Already the clearing is up ahead, where the first tree stumps used as stools and tables for the worker's meals. Indeed, plates, bowls and cutlery are still laid out on several of them. You noticed there are still large portions left out, after quickly surveying the stumps you realize a cup and flask are tipped over as well, their contents spilled on the stumps.
Perception (2)
Perception (4)
Perception (6)
Perception (8)
Knowledge (wild animals) (4)
Tracking (4)
Tracking (5)
Tracking (6)
Tracking (8)
Garrett is able to easily track the to the camp, even in the darkness the ruts from the felled trees make the camp easy to find. You occasionally spot gleaming red eyes peering at you from the depth of the forest. If something has harmed the lumberjacks , it might be waiting for you right behind those trees...
Already the clearing is up ahead, where the first tree stumps used as stools and tables for the worker's meals. Indeed, plates, bowls and cutlery are still laid out on several of them. You noticed there are still large portions left out, after quickly surveying the stumps you realize a cup and flask are tipped over as well, their contents spilled on the stumps.
Perception (2) ** spoiler omitted **
Perception (4) ** spoiler omitted **
Perception (6) ** spoiler omitted **
Perception (8) ** spoiler omitted **
Knowledge (wild animals) (4) ** spoiler omitted **
Tracking (4) ** spoiler omitted **
Tracking (5) ** spoiler omitted **
Tracking (6) ** spoiler omitted **
Tracking (8) ** spoiler omitted **
bump
Izen flits about the camp looking at everything. He will invoke his Astral Sight as well to see if anything jumps out.'
Looking around, Garrett quietly and calmly unslings his longbow. He does his best to be as nonchalant about this as possible.
If he can catch the eyes of Izen and his other companions, he'll look out into the woods and nod his head slightly. All to communicate, 'We're being watched.'
He takes no aggressive posture, but doesn't want whatever is out there to take them by surprise.
Focusing on the task at hand, he looks around the campsite to reconstruct what might have happened.
Perception:
Tracking: +
"Interesting," Garrett remarks grimly to his companions.
"The food is untouched. Still hanging in the trees. They weren't attacked by wild animals, or by anything that had an appetite for rations." He'll point to the tarp. "All of the axes are gone too."
Crouching down on the earth he'll start pointing out the various tracks. "There was a horse here. And about 10 people." Pointing west he adds, "They went that way, some of them were injured. You can tell the way their footsteps drag. Like here... and here.."
Rising to his feet, Garrett nods over at a stump. "Blood over there. Either someone got hurt, or there was a fight. I'm betting on a fight. Too many people look like they were injured."
"We better get going if we're going to try to catch up with them, or whoever took them. The fire is cold, so this didn't happen just an hour or two ago."
He looks around to his companions to see if they agree.
Solonchak lays a large hand on Garrett's shoulder.
"Well spotted" he rumbles, "I'll follow your lead".
He hefts his shield once more, checking the bindings to make sure it is securely fastened - the 4th or 5th time he has done so since leaving the settlement...
Stepping out from the cover a bush pulls himself up to his full 16 inches and with great bravado announces himself.
"Stand fast bandits for you are facing the arcane power of Fenswalder Twoflowers."
“I shall not let you prosper from the violence you committed on this camp today."
Fenwalder stands 16 inches high with a slight physique even for a windling. Spiky blue hair tops an aqua green skin tone and his travel robe bears the intricate embroidery common to magic wielders.
Sytåz steps forward, one hand on the dagger tucked in his belt.
"We are no bandits. Perhaps it was you who frightened away our friends with magic. What brings you to this precise camp in the woods?"
Garrett nearly jumps a foot when when the windling pops out from behind a bush. Sytåz and Solonchak know that the wary scout is seldom surprised, ever. So it stands to reason his reaction is even more pronounced when he is taken off guard.
Fortunately the quick witted Sytåz steps forward and speaks, which prompts Garrett to slow down.. even as he was reaching for an arrow.
"We're a rescue party," he grunts. "If we were prospering from violence there's be some dead bodies and something worth taking other than cold food. These were our people."
"So Fenswalder Twoflowers," Garrett adds. "You're alone. In the woods. After nightfall. Wizard though you may be, that not only makes you a stranger, but quite possibly strange."
He nods towards Sytåz, indicating that Fenswalder should answer the tskrang's question.
“I am not alone I have a couple of companions about (speaking for the other new guys, hope they don't mind).”
“We were exploring the region and came across the camp and began looking for the ones responsible for the violence. I heard you coming and figured you for the bandits but you don’t look like slavers and normal bandits wouldn’t have left the equipment lying about."
”I am not strange I am a hero" he says with pride.
“I have answered your questions, now who are you and why are you here?”
Izen flies closer to the other Windling and throws out his hand.
"Hi I'm Izen". "You're very shiny". "Have you seen our loggers"?
Astral Sight (2d6=8) For looking around the camp.
Perception (1d12=2) Just for normal sight looking around the camp (for above perception post" Obviously distracted by all the stuff and being on his first adventure, and of course looking around for strange bones to add to his collection.
Izen flies closer to the other Windling and throws out his hand.
"Hi I'm Izen". "You're very shiny". "Have you seen our loggers"?
Astral Sight (2d6=8) For looking around the camp.
Perception (1d12=2) Just for normal sight looking around the camp (for above perception post" Obviously distracted by all the stuff and being on his first adventure, and of course looking around for strange bones to add to his collection.
Izen flies closer to the other Windling and throws out his hand.
"Hi I'm Izen". "You're very shiny". "Have you seen our loggers"?
Astral Sight (2d6=8) For looking around the camp.
Perception (1d12=2) Just for normal sight looking around the camp (for above perception post" Obviously distracted by all the stuff and being on his first adventure, and of course looking around for strange bones to add to his collection.
"Thank you, I feel shiny".
"No loggers just bloodstains".