Gahad

[Ezeze]

Danim of the House of Ezekial
(http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=293872)
Geopolitical Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/Map.gif

Palace Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/PalaceMap.gif

Kings of Gahad
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/RoyalSuccession.gif

Mayhay's Family Tree
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MayhaysFamily.gif

Heirs to the Throne of Gahad
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/HeirstotheThroneofGahad.gif

Currently Gahad is allied with the kingdom to the South West called Damoab, along with Urmay and Lehi, against Hazael to the East. Hazael has been trying to conquer Gahad for some time, and has made some limited territorial acquisitions.

King Joshua is currently away at war. The task of basic administration has been left to a man named Meryel son of Jaryel.

Ahaziah is Joshua's mother, and also the sister of Damoab's current king Gregory of the house of Richard. She still uses the title "of the house of Richard" which is seen as a grave insult to the house of Danahel.

It's not uncommon for Kings to take multiple wives to cement diplomatic ties or ensure the loyalty of important nobles and ensure an heir to the throne, and it's not uncommon for noble men to take multiple wives to mimic the king. Joshua's wives include Othilia, a princess from the kingdom of Urmay to the north. Tatian, the sister of the current king of Lehi which boarders the sea to the south. Mayhay, who is the widow of Chein who was the last living member of the house of Pai and Jessie, the daughter of Heb son of Francis who is the head general of Joshua's forces.

Joshua has a great number of children from his numerous wives. The crown prince, Chasen, is Tatian's son. He was recently married to Rue, who is the daughter of King Muryah of Urmay (who is also Othilia's brother).

[Zaydos]

Okay.

Also that sounds awesome by the way.

I was thinking maybe I could be related to, revised after having read the above, one of the queens, most likely Mayhay. It would give me a reason to be visiting the king, a reason to have loyalty to the kingdom but still allow for a conflict of loyalty between loyalty to my sovereign-liege and loyalty to my blood (as in royal houses, especially those with polygyny what's good for the king is not always good for the queen).

Would crusader from ToB be okay?

[Ezeze]

Crusader is fine, being related to Mayhay would actually be perfect.

While this will be a politics heavy-game, know that I plan to kill off a lot of the characters I just introduced and kick you out of the castle almost right off the bat :smallbiggrin:

[Zaydos]

Well doesn't that define politics :smallbiggrin:

Okay I've been watching HBO's Rome, and my main idea of politics as a child came from I, Claudius so maybe it's just that in both politics involves a fair bit of murder and exile.

How should I determine stats? What level? How much money?

[Ezeze]

Oh yeah, I didn't tell you any of that, did I? :smallredface:

32 point buy, level 1, take as much mundane gear as you want. You have your own room in the building set aside for Mayhay and her children.

the palace isn't one building so much as a complex. The wives are kept separate from one another with their children. Administrators have their own building, servants have a separate building as well though some stay with their masters if they're not directly in the service of the king. Then there are the stables, a large dining hall connected to the Kitchen and store room, a temple to Imhotep, who is considered Gahad's patron, two shrines - one to Re-Horakhty and one to Isis who are the patron deities of Damoab and Lhei respectively (Ahaziah is from Damoab, Tatian is from Lhei, hence the shrines), and a grand hall where important visitors are received. Connected to that are a few spare rooms. The king does not have his own room - he is expected to share one of his wives' beds every night.

(I decided to use the Egyptian pantheon because while the Greyhawk pantheon wouldn't work I didn't want to make one from scratch...)

Worship of Set (patron deity of Hazael) or of Sobek are punishable by death.

Worship of Thoth is discouraged, but his worshipers are not actively perused as those of Set or Sobek are. As a result, a secret cult centered around Thoth thrives - its members offering sacrifices to Imhotep during the day and meeting to practice Thoth's teachings at night.

Mayhay has two children - Matthew son of Chein and Joseph son of Joshua. (which, I guess, would make Chein not the last living member of the house of Pai. But, you know, roll with it :smallcool:) The two are fast friends.

Matthew is thirteen, Joseph is eight. Although Joseph is, in theory, much more powerful than Matthew because of the status of his father the two behave much like any other pair of brothers do.

[Zaydos]

So I'd probably worship Imhotep.

My gear will probably be Mw longsword, Mw lance, Mw full-plate, heavy warhorse with chainmail barding, and I'll have to look through the basic gear of the PHB but probably something like some paper, quill pen, quill, signet ring, noble's outfit, bedroll, backpack, sack, winewaterskin, and maybe a day's rations.

I'm mostly making this post to apologize for not having the character done but I've been rahter bad with actual rules today (head-ache; think I had a 24 hour bug).

[Ezeze]

I updated the first post with some more information, like giving Mayhay a brother and telling you her mother and fathers' names. You are probably best off being either her cousin, a son of one of her cousins or her nephew if you want to be related to her in any significant way.

[Zaydos]

Sorry it took me so long to respond I was out of it Saturday and must have forgotten you posted.

sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=293872) I need a good idea for a name that would work in setting because the best I can think of is Uther. I'd say I'd probably be Mayhay's nephew so Luke's son.

[Ezeze]

The "open a bible to a random page" method has informed me that your name is Daniel. However, the name "Daniel" is a derivative of "El" which was one of the Hebrew names for god. Therefore, your name is Danim :smallbiggrin:

Are you ready to get the IC stuff started? My posting might be a little sporadic for a few weeks with final exams approaching and applications to Graduate school going out this fall and all....

[Zaydos]

Just two quick questions first:

Would I have any gold in addition to starting gear?

What languages are there/would I know? Normally I'd know Common + 1 other but I don't even know if Common exists in this world.

[Ezeze]

You have 15 gold, which is quite a lot when you realize the average peasant makes about a gold a year.

All the normal languages exist - there are dwarfs, elves, halflings etc. They just tend not to bother humans and most certainly would not marry into the royal family. Half-Elves and half-orcs are very uncommon.

Incidentally, you would not be "of the House of Danahel." Your aunt married into that line, but you have no claim on the title. Instead you would be "of the House of Ezekial." Matthew is "of the House of Pai." Joshua and his mother are both "of the House of Danahel."

[Ezeze]

Did I loose you or are you waiting for me to start?

[Zaydos]

Did I loose you or are you waiting for me to start?

Waiting for you to start... I thought I had posted as much oops :smallredface:

[Ezeze]

It seems like Mayhay has been happier since King Joshua has been absent, off with his soldiers on the boarders of Hazael. It's not that she doesn't love her husband - she is as dutiful a wife as any man could ask for and is raising their son to be an honorable man. You think it has more to do with how much better his wives get along when he is not around to be fought over.

Mayhay is five years Joshua's senior and the eldest of his wives. It is very likely that young Matthew will be the last child she will ever bear, but he is growing up well and gets along with his older brother Joseph as well as any two brothers living in the same building can get along.

Tatian is the mother of the crown prince, which gives her favorable treatment among Joshua's wives and a considerable amount of status, neither of which she is bashful about rubbing in her peers' faces. She clashes frequently with Ahaziah, Joshua's mother, who is the last of the late King Michael's wives alive.

Othilia is quiet and mostly keeps to herself. You don't know much about her and suspect that no one else does either.

Jessie is Joshua's youngest wife and from by far the humblest origins. Her father, Heb, was born a peasant but rose in status by being a fierce and skillful warrior. You've met him, fought beside him even, and while he can be crude in his speech he is an honorable and courageous ally - and just a little scary, which has earned him the admiration and loyalty of many soldiers. That is the precise reason, you believe, that Jessie is among Joshua's wives - to keep Heb, and through him the soldiers loyal to him, in line.

In strange contrast to Heb's ferocity Jessie is a docile and gentle woman. Recently, she and Mayhay have become exceedingly close. Your aunt treats her more like a daughter than a co-wife and has spent a great deal of time teaching her the finer points of embroidery and painting. The affection is not one-sided; Jessie is very fond of your aunt.

Today, Mayhay and Jessie are in town - escorted by palace guards - to purchase cloth and thread. Joshua has asked them before to send the guards to fetch what they need, certain the two are putting themselves in danger. Mayhay, however, complains that the guards have all the artistic sense of blind squirrels and never get the right colors. So clearly, she and Jessie have to accompany them.

As a result, you are babysitting. In front of Mayhay's compound is a vibrant garden, with a lovely fountain and well-maintained flower beds which Joseph and Matthew are currently in the process of crawling through, playing at being soldiers. The groundskeeper is probably going to blame you for that - last night they kept pestering you for a story about your time away at war until you finally broke down and obliged them.

Your thoughts are interrupted by a servant girl - one of Jessie's, you think - running frantically towards the garden.

[/walloftext]

[Zaydos]

Danim moves towards the maid, wondering what could be the matter. He keeps an eye on the children, even as he attempts to see if anything is pursuing the maid; a vague memory of night attacks in the back of his head.

[Ezeze]

No one seems to be pursuing the servant. Matthew looks up at you and the maid, clearly aware that this is out of the ordinary. With his playmate distracted Joseph alternates between watching you and toying absentmindedly with his wooden sword.

The maid executes a quick and sloppy bow. "Excuse me, master. Have you seen my mistress?"

[Zaydos]

"Isn't she in town, on errands?" Danim says, worry growing. Surely the maid should know where her mistress is better than he would.

[Ezeze]

The maid nods "yes but sometimes she comes back here with Mistress Mayhay before she retires and I had hoped I might find her..." She stops a second and inhales deeply. "The messenger just arrived - King Joshua" she pauses a moment and glances at the boys, then continues "fell in battle."

[Zaydos]

"What?" Danim says momentarily shocked. The import of this event begins to run through his head. Every noble house will scramble for power. The best case scenario is that the crown prince ascends to the throne without problem, but it could easily end in a civil war.

[Ezeze]

(OOC: A civil war is unlikely - The House of Danahel has ruled for generations and Chasen, who has been prince for a long time, already has a wife and child of his own. However...)

"Prince Chasen has already been informed. Guardsmen have been sent to collect the Queens and their children and bring them to the Grand Hall. I believe the Prince intends to take the crown now and have a more formal ceremony later, but, sir, if it's not above my station - servants hear things, sir, and my mistress would be cross if I did not warn you. The Grand Hall is not safe, not for anyone. Please - keep the young masters away from it. I must find Mistress Jessie's children. By your leave."

She bows deeply again and unless you stop her hurries off in the general direction of Jessie's abode.

(OOC: The vast majority of the army is away fighting Hazael. The House of Danahel has long standing relationships with Lehi and Urmay, but the alliance with Damoab is a new one, only two generations old, born out of necessity when Hazael began growing in power.)

[Zaydos]

(OOC: Would I have my armor on at the moment? Also would I have my weapons on me?)

Danim wonders momentarily about the veracity of the servant's words. If they are true then that means treachery is afoot. On the other hand if treachery is afoot then her words could easily be false.

[Ezeze]

(ooc: It's unlikely that you either have your armor on or are wearing your sword - however the furthest they would be from you is in your room in the building a few feet behind you. It would be easy to grab a bag and stuff some essentials in it.

edit: It's bed time for me! You'll have to wait for morning for a reply :smallsmile:)

[Zaydos]

Signalling the children to follow him Danim moves to gather his stuff, if there is the possibility of a battle he wants to be ready to protect his charges with his life.

[Ezeze]

The boys follow you inside. If you get on your armor, Matthew helps you with it. He doesn't speak unless you talk to him - in this he seems much older than he actually is. Joseph seems to be taking his cues from his older brother and doesn't speak either.

(OOC: Good night for real this time! :smalltongue:)

[Zaydos]

With his armor on, Danim feels much more prepared should something happen. Even so he decides to go to the boys' room(s) and fetch simple bags of essentials. Should the need arise, it would be best for them to be able to flee quickly.

(OOC: If I don't respond now I'll forget; also I feel like I'm the mentor at the start of a game/story)

[Ezeze]

also I feel like I'm the mentor at the start of a game/story

Is that bad?

The house is a lovely two-story place with large, open spaces and five bedrooms - one for Mayhay, one each for her boys, one currently occupied by you and one set aside for guests. There is no kitchen or larder; your meals are usually eaten in the dining hall, although on occasion you can have them delivered here. All the floors are wooden except in the bathroom, where they are stone. The bathroom is on the ground floor (the easier to make carrying water to it - there is no running water, after all!) in it is a tub sunken half-way into the floor, small but comfortable. There are also a plethora of towels, and jars full of the strange perfumes and skin treatments Mayhay uses.

There is a luxuriously appointed sitting-room with a puffy couch big enough to seat four or five, as well as three matching arm chairs, a fire pit in the middle for cold nights and a skylight for hot days. There is also a little space reserved on the side where Mayhay does her embroidery.

The stairs are set to the side and go up to a balcony that circles the sitting room in a spiral. From there, you can enter any of the bedrooms or look down on those in the sitting room.

I can post a map later today if you are planning on staying here for a while - are you?

[Zaydos]

(it's not bad; just feels like I'm going to be the guy that puts the hero on a horse, strikes it with the flat of my blade to make it run, and then dies buying them time to flee. Says more about Danim than anything)

Where would the stables be? And how easily could I get horses for the young masters in the case of an emergency without going to the great hall?

[Ezeze]

If you look wayyy back at my first post, I gave you a map of the palace compound. The stables are actually on the opposite side of the Great Hall - oops. Normally you'd be able to take horses that belong to the palace but not ones belonging to individuals residing in the palace. With everyone gathered in the Great Hall, however, who knows if anyone is guarding the stables?

Incidentally, while you most often use the Main Gate, there are multiple side entrances that are used for deliveries and such. They lock, but from the inside.

The boys you are watching are 13 and 8, both of them have spent most of their lives in the palace, and neither has any allies that they know of outside. Putting them on a horse alone would be disastrous.

[Zaydos]

What's the scale. If I left the boys at a side gate and then went to the Great Hall to investigate (not smart, but honor and duty compels me to make sure something is actually happening) could they hear me if I screamed out a code word/phrase to signal "Bad stuff is happening, flee!"

[Ezeze]

Only if you were loud. It'd be the equivalent of yelling down an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

[Zaydos]

So it would be difficult but not impossible. Danim takes the two boys to a side entrance, and as Danim is preparing to unlock the gate a thought occurs to him and he stops to see if the gate is actually locked.

[Ezeze]

There is a heavy wooden beam held by two iron rods keeping the door from swinging outwards, which is the only direction in which it will open. It's very easy to open from the inside.

[Zaydos]

Danim steels his nerves for the possible battle ahead. He unlocks the gates, and looks at the two boys. If I call out, "In the name of Imhotep" that means that it is dangerous here, and for you to go into hiding because the castle is likely to fall. You two remain here, in hiding. I'm going to go see what is happening in the great hall.

Danim sets out to go around the dining hall to get a glimpse of events at the Great Hall.

[Ezeze]

The sight of guards at the entrance to the Great Hall is not a strange one, but in your time living here you have never seen quite so many. Inside, various administrators, noblemen and members of the royal family - whoever could be found, it seems, and sitting according to when they arrived - are gathered, chatting among themselves and watching a large podium that must have recently been set up. A crown is sitting on it and the high priest of Imhotep - Harold, son of Peter - is standing near it. Chasen is no where to be seen, but he may be just waiting for more people to gather.

[Zaydos]

Do I see my aunt?

[Ezeze]

After a few moments of searching you spot Mayhay in the crowd - sitting near the front, next to Jessie.

[Zaydos]

I will make my way to her to tell her what the maid said.

[Ezeze]

"Dangerous? Don't be silly, we're surrounded by guards." A quick look around you confirms this - there must be three or four dozen armed men at least. Four stand at attention at the door while the others stand in positions around the two hundred or so odd important guests, high ranking administrators and members of the royal family.

[Zaydos]

Danim nods, Even so I have a bad feeling. I'll go get the children, though.

He goes to fetch his cousins, stopping by the stables on the way. If he sees the grooms there he will order them to prepare his warhorse and if there is a horse belonging to the palace available it as well.

[Ezeze]

There are no grooms present in the stable, which is strange. When you go to get him, Matthew asks "are you sure? That maid seemed pretty sure we shouldn't be there..."

[Zaydos]

I'm not Danim admits, First let us stop at the stables and prepare three horses for flight if necessary.

Danim will actually look for light warhorses if available; as sad as it will be to leave his heavy warhorse they might need the extra speed. If they are not he will settle for whatever he has to prefering warhorses over riding horses of the same category.

[Ezeze]

(OOC: That is strange, I thought I posted...
Anyways, I'm talking to a RL friend about jumping in further on down the road. You know. If you survive this.)

Most of the horses in the stables are not trained for war. The few you manage to find are privately owned. You can prepare them to ride and hope either that you wont need them, or that if you do need them they wont be missed.

[Zaydos]

I'll take my warhorse and riding horses then. ((Lawful Good)). Afterwards I'll proceed towards the great hall with the children close behind, but stay near the exit far from the front.

[Ezeze]

(OOC: Give me just a moment)

[Ezeze]

Okay, here is a map


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall.gif

You are the turquoise "D"
Jo - Joseph
Mt - Matthew
My - Mayhay
Je - Jessie
H - Harold
black circle - guest
red circle - soldier
Also marked on the map are a stage area (2D-6L)
Stairs up to the stage (2-3 C)
The stairs to the second floor (1N-40)
several side doors (4A, 15 A, 10O, 19)
And the main entrance (22G-J)

Is anything unclear? Is that where you want to be?

[Zaydos]

Looks good.

[Ezeze]

The crowd goes silent as Prince Chasen walks out of a side room dressed in full regalia, his queen Rue on his arm. They approach the stage, but before anyone knows what has happened the soldiers surge forward. Two grab the high priest and four the Prince. Rue screams before two more grab her, one clamping his hand over her mouth.

The soldiers at the sides of the room step forward and simultaneously draw their blades, plunging it into those of the crowd nearest them. The four near the door close it with an ominous "thud" then move to block the way of anyone trying to force their way out.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall2.gif

That was their surprise round. It is now your initiative.

[Zaydos]

Rolling to determine maneuvers granted.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

1 Crusader's Strike
2 Stone Bones
3 Douse the Flames
4 Charging Minotaur Strike
5 Leading the Attack

Once a number is rolled everything with a higher number than it has their number reduced by one.

[Zaydos]

Both of you behind me, Danim says, gently pushing Joseph towards his brother.

Can I get Joseph to move (5-ft step) to take his place?

If not I'll 5-ft step to L-21 and either way I'll draw my sword and make an attack on the guard in M-21.

Longsword: [roll0]; if I hit [roll1]. My Martial Spirit stance will heal the closest stab victim 2 points if I hit.

I assume I have my shield on, if not my AC is 19 but the damage is increased by 1.

[Ezeze]

(OOC:

I assume I have my shield on, if not my AC is 19 but the damage is increased by 1. Not unless you were standing in the middle of a crowded hall with it strapped to your fore arm. As a move action, you can pull out your sword. Then you can either use your standard to attack and use your move action next turn to grab your shield (which is what I personally recommend) or you can use both your move and standard actions to get out your sword and shield.)

[Zaydos]

(OOC: Not unless you were standing in the middle of a crowded hall with it strapped to your fore arm. As a move action, you can pull out your sword. Then you can either use your standard to attack and use your move action next turn to grab your shield (which is what I personally recommend) or you can use both your move and standard actions to get out your sword and shield.)

I was attacking regardless, which is why I included the AC and damage change. I think I missed, though.

[Ezeze]

Rolls

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]
Edit: Well... ****.

[Ezeze]

Joseph tries to step behind you, but on the stage the soldiers brutally stab their weapons through Chasen's stomach, leaving splatters of blood on the floor. Another slits Rue's throat, and a third decapitates Harold.

The crowd panics and surges towards the door. You hear Mayhay scream as she is pushed along with the people around her - you can no longer see Jessie. Joseph and Matthew are both pushed forward, towards the doors. The soldiers move inwards from the sides, funneling the crowd into a tighter space, continuing to hack at them with their blades.

Your weapon skitters across the armor of the soldier in front of you - not hurting him, but getting his attention.


[roll0]
[roll1]

He attacks you but swings wide as someone else pushes him in the fray. The soldier behind him stabs at Joseph, but the boy throws himself to the side just in time and all he hits is air.


Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall3.gif

[Zaydos]

Manuever granted roll: [roll0]
1. Stone Bones
2. Charging Minotaur Strike

Don shield (move action), and attack J21.

If I roll a 1 on the above roll it's Stone Bones, if not it's Leading the Attack.

Attack: [roll1]; damage [roll2] if I hit. If that is enough to drop my opponent 5-ft step into his space.

We must remain calm, Danim screams over the crowd, As long as we draw breath we must fight!

[Ezeze]

(ooc: Do you want to back that statement up with a Diplomacy or Intimidate check of some sort?)

[Zaydos]

Well normally those are actions, but if you want me to roll. [roll0] I'll go for diplomacy.

[Ezeze]

Rolls!

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]

[roll5]
[roll6]

[roll7]
[roll8]

[Ezeze]

Finished with their grim deed the soldiers on the stage either hop down or descend the stairs to the fray. The press of bodies - and the slaughter - only seem to intensify. Matthew is almost pushed down, but Josha grabs his younger brother by the arm and holds him upright, doing his best to stay near you.

Mayhay is forced to move with the crowd, but keeps her feet.

Jostled to and fro, you can't seem to land a decent blow. Your fight with the first has attracted the attention of another. They both swing at you - but you manage to parry the first and block the other with your shield.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall4.gif

[Zaydos]

Danim swings his sword at the enemy on L-21 using Crusader's Strike.

[roll0] to hit, and [roll1] damage. If I hit one of the wounded heal 2 hit points and if they are not Lawful Good another of the wounded within 10-ft heals [roll2] damage because I think they count as allies.

[Ezeze]

(OOC: Stop rolling poorly! :smalleek:)


[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]

Your sword clatters across the guard's armor without hurting him - you are unused to fighting in an unruly crowd. The good news is, the guards appear to be as well. They both swing at you, and you catch both attacks on your shield.

But there now seem to be almost as many bodies as there are living people - and the guards from the stage have joined the fray. The noose is tightening around your neck. You can fight two, maybe even three guards - but not three dozen.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall5.gif

[Zaydos]

Rolling to determine maneuvers granted.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

1 Crusader's Strike
2 Stone Bones
3 Douse the Flames
4 Charging Minotaur Strike
5 Leading the Attack

Once a number is rolled everything with a higher number than it has their number reduced by one.

Should have actually done this at the end of my last turn.

[Zaydos]

Forum messed up with the new page and I can't see results of roll.

Either way I'll attack the guard in L-21. I'll use Stone Bones if I have it, and Leading the Attack if I don't. If I have neither I'll save my maneuvers.

Attack: [roll0]; damage [roll1]; Martial Stance will heal somebody 2 if I hit, and if I have Stone Bones I get DR 5/adamantine on a hit (Leading the Attack just gives other people a bonus to hit so it shouldn't actually do anything useful).

Edit: Got the 3 maneuvers I absolutely didn't want and minimum damage; but I might have hit for a change :smallsigh:

[Ezeze]

(ooc: The first time you hit and you roll minimum damage :smallmad: If these dice kill you I will be very upset with them.)

For the first time, your sword draws blood. But so does the man you stabbed. In his fury he lashes out at you. hitting more out of luck than skill.

(take 5 damage)

Rolls

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]


Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall6.gif

[Zaydos]

Manuever granted: [roll0]

1 Crusader's Strike.
2. Stone Bones.

Danim snarls a bit, but he doesn't so much feel the pain yet as a surging anger as he counter-attacks, attacking the same foe as he had before.

(ooc: Hey I get a +1 to hit and damage for 1 round now, and have a descent chance of healing 2 or more damage)

[roll1] if hit [roll2] damage and I heal 2 damage from Martial Spirit Stance. I'll use whichever maneuver I managed to get granted this round. Either healing [roll3] additional damage (assuming he's not LG) from Crusader's Strike or gaining DR 5/adamantine for 1 round.

[Ezeze]

Your blow runs the guard clean through. The first guard you were facing grits his teeth and swings at you again, but all the others seem to distracted with the surging crowd to notice.

Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall7.gif

[Zaydos]

Danim steps aside; it's his first duty to get a doorway open so that people can escape and that will be easier at a side-door. (5-ft step to L-19).

Moving towards his next target Danim strikes out with his sword (Crusader's Strike) [roll0]; if I hit [roll1] damage and I heal 2 from martial spirit and 1d6+1 from Crusader's Strike unless they are Lawful Good.

Maneuvers for next round (technically I should always roll at the end of turns :smallredface:; until I only have 1 option that is)

[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

1 Crusader's Strike
2 Stone Bones
3 Douse the Flames
4 Charging Minotaur Strike
5 Leading the Attack

[Ezeze]

You step and with a graceful turn lop the guard's head clean off. Matthew and Joseph, smart boys that they are, take your queue and run through the door into the adjacent room.

One soldier realizes too late that there is now an opening and steps in to block your way. He swings, but hits only air.

You hear a horribly familiar scream and Mayhay disappears from view.

Rolls

[roll0]
[roll1]


Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall8.gif

That's a desk, three chairs, a couch and a row of windows.

[Zaydos]

Can I heal her with Martial Spirit? It says ally within 30-ft, but without Line of Sight. If so I'll heal her, if not I'll just heal somebody I can see.

Regardless use Douse the Flames on the guard in M-18
[roll0] and [roll1] damage on a hit. If I hit he can't make attacks of opportunity for 1 round.

I'll then move to O-19.

Cowards, is this how you fight! Danim shouts, brandishing sword and shield. Intimidate [roll2]

[Zaydos]

Crit confirmation :smalleek: [roll0]

[Ezeze]

(OOC: You could heal her - creatures don't block mechanical line of sight - but even if you did you wouldn't be able to get to her in time for it to mean anything. You could gamble everything and try to safe her against staggering odds, or you could hedge your bets and save her sons who were the world to her...)

Your sword leaves a long, deep gash along the guard's chest and he falls to the ground, bleeding profusely.

Members of the crowd try to follow Joseph and Matthew. Two succeed - a clearly shaken young lady in well cared for but inexpensive clothing, perhaps a clerks daughter, and a man much older than you who you have seen working in the temple.

(ooc: I am assuming that you let them though without fuss)

Others, however, are not so lucky. Guards move quickly back into formation, closing the opening they left.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall9.gif

[Zaydos]

[roll0]
1. Stone Bones
2. Charging Minotaur Strike.

Sorry I need to remember to do this at the end of my turns :smallsigh: Haven't played a crusader before if you couldn't tell.

[Zaydos]

5-ft step into the room so that I can't get flanked.

Can you climb through the windows? Danim asks the people in the room, keeping his eyes upon the enemies in front of him. Honorless dogs! Come, see if your steel can stand against one who knows the meaning of courage! Danim shouts at the soldiers trying to draw their attention towards him and away from the people in the room (Diplomacy or Intimidate, they're the same? [roll0]) his sword ready to strike any enemy that gives him a clean shot (ready an action to use Stone Bones on any of the soldiers who move into a square I threaten and do not have cover).

Rolls for the attack if needed:
[roll1] and [roll2] damage on a hit, gaining DR 5/adamantine for 1 round.

[Ezeze]

From the main hall you hear a masculine voice - you can't place the speaker, but they apparently have some authority because when they yell "leave him, we'll clean up stragglers later!" the other guards listen.

The girl runs to the windows and exclaims "they don't open!"

The older man grunts "move" as he hefts one of the chairs and tosses it through the window with the loud sound of breaking glass. Looking outside he mutters "it's a bit of a drop. I'll go first. You, boy" he points at Matthew "can you help the lady and the boy from this side?"

Matthew nods in the affirmative and the man prepares to hoist himself through.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall10.gif

[Zaydos]

I'll stand in P-19 with stone bones readied until the others are out or a soldier makes a move to leave.

Or till it gets to my turn again.

[Ezeze]

The soldiers finish off the remaining members of the crowd. The floor is slick with blood and barely visible beneath the bodies.

The older man lets himself down out of the window. Matthew moves next to it and first helps the young lady, passing her to the man outside, and then does the same with Joseph before lowering himself by his arms as well. "Hurry, Uncle!" he calls before he drops out of sight through the window.

[Zaydos]

Danim backs up to the window, spitting at the nearest soldier even as he does so.

((double move to window))

[Ezeze]

As you head for the window several of the closest guardsmen turn and chase you. You hear the sound of the front doors slamming open and know others are headed in that direction.

Map
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f89/ChainDrizzle/MainHall12.gif

[Zaydos]

What check/roll would be required to climb out the window? I'm assuming it'll provoke AoOs, but that's a risk I'll have to take.

[Ezeze]

Climb. It's a low DC and you have a +2 from the older man helping you down, but you will provoke an AoO.

I've been playing a little fast and loose with the rules because I didn't want to actually keep track of the HP of 200+ party guests. In more traditional fights I will stick closer to RAW.

[Zaydos]

Understandable.

Climb [roll0] (+2 included).

[Ezeze]

You slip backwards out of the window and fall, hard, on your back. Thankfully the drop is short enough that the only thing really hurt is your pride.

The guards in the room slash at you, but don't properly take your momentum into account and miss by inches.

You are now prone on the ground, looking up at four guardsmen on the floor above. Shouts come form the front gate and Matthew tries to help you to your feet "come on, we've got to go."

Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Zaydos]

I'll try and lead the way towards the stable looking for the guards, sword and shield readied. I will also see if I know who the other survivors are (Knowledge Nobiity? [roll0]), if not I will introduce myself.

[Ezeze]

At this point, if you want to check the palace map I printed way back in the first post, you are on the East side of the Grand Hall, closest to the Dining Hall and not far from the Servants Quarter and the Temple. Getting to the stables will require you cross directly in front of the Grand Hall entrance, which is a flat lawn with a lake which provides little mobility and no cover - are you certain you want to go that way?

The older man is Gage son of James. He is a commoner by birth, but a highly respected priest in Imhotep's service whose opinion is often sought in spiritual or scriptural matters. His talents are made all the more extraordinary by the poverty of his fathers - he never had a tutor, and instead gathered all of his learning from consistent attendance of religious services and close readings of the texts themselves.

The young lady is named Sarah of the House of Jobe. Her father is, as you initially suspected, a clerk for the royal household - a position he was given shortly after his family's lands were lost to the fighting with Hazael, which threw them into abrupt poverty some ten years back. The lady, you are aware, has suffered her turn of fortune with bravery and grace but has remained unmarried for lack of dowry.

"I must warn the priesthood" Gage states. It carries the tone of an apology. "Get these youngsters out of here. Keep your heads down - we don't know how far this treason goes." He shakes your hand firmly, then leads off in the direction of the temple.

[Zaydos]

It will be safest to stick together. Danim says, his thoughts racing. Getting away from the castle on foot was going to be dangerous, if possible at all, but to reach the stables would mean passing through the entire enemy force. While Danim had no doubt he could, hold them all off if he could face them one, or even two, at a time but he doubts there is a way to force them to fight him in such a way.

Can I see the front lawn? I will move to where I can see if there are soldiers in front of the building.

[Ezeze]

"No" Gage says "I have a duty to the church, you have a duty to those children. Get them out. Go that way." He points towards the East "use one of the side doors. Hopefully they are not being watched yet, but they will be soon."

You can't see the front lawn very well, but you aren't so far away that you can't hear the sounds of many pairs of heavy boots on grass and the orders "stick to the plan! Cover the exits!"

[Zaydos]

I head towards the eastern exit.

[Ezeze]

Matthew and Joseph follow you at once. Sarah seems more hesitant, but finally follows you after Gage runs off towards the temple.

You get to the far exit - still unbolted, as you left it - before any of the guards do. But just as you are about to go through it you hear someone shout "Hey! You there!" and turn around to see two guards, swords drawn, running towards you.

[Zaydos]

Go, Danim says turning and raising his sword and shield. He doesn't doubt he can handle 2 guards on his own, he just hopes that he can do so quickly.

Rolls that might be needed
Initiative: [roll0]
Maneuvers Granted:
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Ezeze]

Sarah leads the boys through the door and down the steps, getting them out of your way as you turn and face down the guards. One charges forward, sword in hand.

Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]


His sword clangs harmlessly off of your armor and his momentum leaves him open to a strike.

[Zaydos]

Danim raises his sword and slashes quickly.

Use Stone Bones. [roll0] if hit [roll1] and gain DR 5/adamantine.

Move action: Move to block the door. (if only 5-ft away, 5-ft step instead)

[Zaydos]

Crit confirmation [roll0]

[Ezeze]

Your sword strikes home what would have been a mortal wound were it not for a few well-placed rings in the guardsmen's armor. He steps to the side and the second guard moves up to flank you, forcing you to split your attention between them.

Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]


Again the injured guardsmen's blow bounces harmlessly off your armor, but the second, clearly more skilled guard lands a blow down your side. Thankfully your training has prepared you to take such blows, and it is not as severe as it would have been.

7 damage, so 2 pierce your DR.

[Zaydos]

If that second one is a crit I might be done for.

[Ezeze]

Crit confirmation

[roll0]

It's not, just a hit.

[Zaydos]

Danim swings his sword at the injured warrior

Crusader's Strike [roll0]; if hit [roll1] damage and heals [roll2] unless target is LG and heals another 2 hp from Martial Spirit.

Also forgot to roll for maneuver at the end of last turn but didn't matter.

[Zaydos]

Crit confirmation: [roll0]

1) I think I'm back at full health. Crusaders are kind of awesome in that way.

2) I think the dice roller hates this guy.

3) I forgot to 5-ft through the door so it would be harder to flank me again.

[Ezeze]

Roll for crit again

I think the dice are trying to apologize for how hard they boned you during the main hall encounter :smalltongue:

Edit: Beat me to it.

A second strike at the injured man hits him in the same spot but this time your sword drives its way through his armor and lodges in his side. He falls to the ground, obviously dead and you take a neat step back.

The second guard is smarter than the first. He turns and runs, calling for help as loudly as he can.

[Zaydos]

Danim turns to the boys. We must hurry, but we must be careful. They may very easily decide to come upon us on horseback.

What's the terrain like?

[Ezeze]

The palace is on a man-made hill both buttressed and set apart by a wall thick enough to walk across. Closing the door behind you, you need only descend the stairs and cross a street to find yourself amid the city of Gerosh.

Near the palace the streets are wide and lined with various shops and places of business - a few are beginning to shut down for the night, as the sun is just now considering setting behind the Western horizon. It has, after all, been less than half an hour since the young maid warned you of danger and it could not be later than seven in the evening.

[Zaydos]

Do I know of a place to take the boys that ought to be safe?

[Ezeze]

You've spent nearly all of your time in Gerosh within the palace - you know very little of the city. But surely a city of this size that thrives, as it does, on trade would have a place to rest for travelers. You have some money on you. If you found an inn you could get some dinner and some sleep in relative safety - as long as you remained anonymous. Another option might be a local temple. Your brothers would not turn you away.

[Zaydos]

How broad are the streets? And how far before they get narrower?

Danim's thoughts right now: Why can't there be two of me.

[Ezeze]

The streets are broad enough for three large or four small carriages to use it simultaneously. You can't see very far in any one direction - shops or the palace are in the way - so you don't know how far you'd have to go until the streets narrowed.

[Zaydos]

Cursing silently beneath his breath, Danim sets out in the direction of the temple, if he knows it (otherwise he sets out towards the area with the best natural defenses around the wall). He'll look for an inn as he travels, or a weapon shop.

[Ezeze]

You've never been to the public temple - there is a smaller, private one within the palace - but it's a good bet it's the structure near the center of the city which juts above the surrounding rooftops. Temples to Imhotep are inevitably tall, reaching towards the sun.

It's not long at all before you pass a blacksmiths' shop. Anything of the quality you are carrying would need to be commissioned, but you can probably get a less expensive weapon for Matthew, and possibly lighter ones for Joseph and Sarah.

[Zaydos]

My thoughts were actually selling my lance. Without a horse it's not useful and we'll need the money. Even so I'd probably do better to barter it.

I'll enter the shop, pulling out my lance, and inquire how much they are willing to give me for the weapon.

[Ezeze]

The Blacksmith looks the weapon over, then glances at your armor. He seems about to say something, then changes his mind. "Sir. In all honesty. So well made is this weapon that you could trade it for the entire contents of my shop and have been fair to do so. I am a humble shoe-er of horses and craft-er of house hold wares, and while I do dabble in weaponry from time to time, I have nothing of this caliber."

The quality of your armor and clothing, it seems, give you away as a wealthy and powerful man.

[Zaydos]

As I expected.

With the children do they need shortsword or would they use Small Longswords or regular Longswords?

[Ezeze]

Matthew and Sarah could use medium sized weapons, but you might want to stick to small or light weapons for Joseph. I'd let him use either without penalty, though right now all three only have a single level in Aristocrat and about average ability scores...

[Zaydos]

What about armor? Does the shop even have armor?

[Ezeze]

No - that too would have to be ordered.

[Zaydos]

I have no need for all the wares in your shop, but could I exchange this weapon for two longswords, and a pair of shortswords?

[Ezeze]

The blacksmith looks confused for a moment. "Yes, sir. Of course."

He steps out of your way to allow you a fuller view of his shop. It mostly contains various household wares best made out of metal - cooking utensils, tools for handling hot items, chains and the such - as he said, he only dabbles in weaponry, so your choice is limited. But you can find the swords you are looking for, and if they are not as well crafted as your lance, they at least look like they can keep an edge and wont shatter.

[Zaydos]

I think him and return to my search for an inn.

[Ezeze]

An inn is not hard to find; Gerosh is a major trade city, after all, and providing for travelers can be a lucrative business.

The first you find is a modest looking establishment, but clean with a warm fire illuminating small windows.

[Zaydos]

Before entering I look around to see if there are any apparent escape routs.

[Ezeze]

This close to the city center the buildings are built close to one another. The alleyways between the inn and the buildings on either side of it - one a tailor's shop, the other a scribe's - would be large enough for two men to walk abreast, if they weren't full of clutter and trash. Around the back you find another alleyway running behind the backs of various businesses. There a door and small stoop lead into the inn, probably into the kitchen.

[Zaydos]

Are the windows large enough to climb out of if needed? And does it look like the individual rooms have windows?

[Ezeze]

There are windows in the rooms, but they are small and would probably be hard to crawl out of - windows, like anything else made of glass, tend to be very expensive. It's not surprising that they should be smaller than the ones at the palace.

[Zaydos]

How close to the center of town is it?

[Ezeze]

The inn is about three blocks from Kings Square - a square big enough for about four buildings kept deliberately clear for the making of announcements and royal proclamations that is often thought of as the middle of the city.

You're not in a town - you are in the capital city of one of the most prosperous nations known to man. More like being in New York City than Nebraska.

Edit: Except, you know, there isn't technology to make buildings more than 4 stories or so tall...

[Zaydos]

So close to the center of the city. I'm going to get further from the center of the city, not all the way to the outskirts but not at the heart of the city.

[Ezeze]

As you get further from the center of the city the buildings become less well-appointed and cared for. You do manage to find several more inns.

Another you find a good deal further from the center of town is less welcoming, with small windows only on the bottom floor. It has a large stable on one side and an empty lot on the other.

[Zaydos]

In world how common is it for travelers to stay in the common room of an inn (sleeping on mats on the floor)?

I know in the middle-ages it was the cheap way to travel, but normally in D&D it doesn't happen, so thought I would ask that one.

[Ezeze]

It happens more frequently in the less costly inns. Some high-quality ones will flat out refuse to let anyone sleep on the floor, but this one doesn't look like one of those.

[Zaydos]

I will go a ways (more than a block), and find somewhere relatively secluded to remove my armor. Then I will go back to the inn, with my armor in my pack. I should have taken it off long ago.

[Ezeze]

The inn is dingy and a little crowded, but not overly so. A plump, scowling man seems to be the innkeeper. There are a few servants moving between the patrons with ale and food - more of the former than latter, it seems.

[Zaydos]

I walk up to the innkeeper.

Hello, good sir. Am I correct in believing this is your establishment?

[Ezeze]

He shoots you a quizzical look. "It is."

[Zaydos]

I would like meals for four, and a roof for the night for the same.

[Ezeze]

He nods gruffly "the common room or a private one? The first is a copper a night per head, the second is a silver and I don't care how many people sleep in it. Dinner is two copper a head as well - we've got vegetable soup, a side of beef and bread. Ale costs a bit more."

[Zaydos]

The common room will do.

You said I had a few gold pieces, how many would that be though? (also :smalleek: I forgot I should probably have gone and split a gold somewhere before coming; not a good idea to be spending gold pieces here).

[Ezeze]

Did I give you a number for how much gold you have? I forget :smallconfused: It should have been a fair amount.

A gold is 10 silver, a silver is 10 copper, so a gold is about 100 copper. Note that there is a huge disparity between the upper and lower classes. A peasant might make a gold in a year - to you (or another member of your family) that is pocket change.

Because coinage is so rare among peasants barter of both goods and services is not at all uncommon (though you run the risk of the person you are trying to barter with simply not needing whatever it is you have to offer).

Edit: Also, the price of just about anything is negotiable.
Edit 2: It's completely possible that you carry some of your coinage in smaller coins, but you wont carry all of it that way and asking someone to "make change" for a larger coin is bound to draw some attention.

[Zaydos]

(checked back it was 15)

Yes I know how much copper a gold piece is worth, hence I wish I had broken it before coming here because it will look extremely suspicious. Too late now.

On second thought a private room, and four meals Danim says pulling out a gold piece.

[Ezeze]

The flash of gold catches the innkeepers attention immediately. His demeanor becomes more amiable and he nods "if you'll come this way, sir." He gestures you to a back room - probably a records room of some sort. "How long will you be staying with us, sir? If you don't mind me asking?"

[Zaydos]

I have not yet decided. I believe this will pay for a fair number of meals and a few nights at the minimum.

Danim doesn't like this, within his own head he berates himself for having not broken the gold somewhere else while still in armor.

[Ezeze]

"If you don't take offense, sir, I can charge you in advance for three days - or whatever period of time seems fair to you - and merely refund you if you find you must leave early. It would be easier for the both of us, I believe, than updating your account on a daily basis."

[Zaydos]

I agree, Danim says with a faint smile. If this man thinks that they will stay for an extended period then he's less likely to expect them to leave early in the morning.

[Ezeze]

Rolls
[roll0]
[roll1]

The man quickly opens a safe and graciously hands you your change - 5 silver, 8 copper. Then he withdraws a quill, a small pot of ink and a ledger which he opens to a half-filled page "your name, sir?"

If you lie, include a bluff roll :smallamused:

[Zaydos]

Do they names include house/family or just surnames? If the latter I'll just say Danim, if the former Danim son of Lamech.

Bluff if needed: [roll0]

[Ezeze]

The innkeeper's face flashes a moment of suspicion, but he dutifully writes "Danim son of Lamech" in his book along with a note that you have paid for three days along with the dates.

After that, he shows you up to your room.

[Zaydos]

I take the boys and Sarah to the room, and inspect the number of beds and such.

I also check to make sure no suspicious people are hanging in the hall or listening before I'll say anything of import.

[Ezeze]

(OOC: Gah! I would have sworn I posted!)

There are two beds, big enough for two people each, and a screen against the far wall providing some measure of privacy for anyone behind it. There are no windows and the hall you came down was long and empty. Unless someone is hiding behind the screen it's just you, the boys, Sarah and the innkeeper.

[Zaydos]

I thank the innkeeper for the room, and wait till he's left. Then I will check the screen, and after double checking to make sure he's not lingering in the hall say, I don't trust the man.

[Ezeze]

Matthew quips back "I don't think he trusted you either."

Sarah sinks slowly onto the bed, pain and confusion on her face. "What just happened?"

[Zaydos]

An attack. Betrayal somewhere within the castle, and an attack by the enemies of the country.

[Ezeze]

Sarah shakes her head 'no' "those were guards from the castle. I recognized some of them." She sobs quietly into her arms. Joseph puts a hand on her shoulder.

[Zaydos]

Then betrayal. Either somebody within the country wants power or someone outside of it bribed them.

[Ezeze]

After a few moments, Sarah manages to stop crying. The boys - especially Matthew - seem to be watching you for cues, and as you appear calm they are trying to be as well.

Although you can't see outside you know that by now the sun has set and night has fallen. You've spent about two hours in the city, and though there is still noise coming from the common room Joseph in particular looks tired. That's not surprising; the boy is only eight years old and needs his sleep.

[Zaydos]

The three of you rest for now Danim says, gesturing towards the bed. I'll keep an eye out for danger for the moment.

What would be the effects of missing a night's sleep?

[Ezeze]

After 24 hours without sleep (which would come in the morning) you'd have to make a DC 10 Fortitude save. Every hour there after, you'd have to roll a new save with the DC increased by one. One failed save would make you fatigued, another exhausted, and on the third you'd fall asleep for a number of hours equal to the DC of the failed save - this would be treated like normal sleep and loud noises and the such would have a chance to wake you up at which time the DC would be reduced by the number of hours slept, unless you'd slept enough to drop the DC below 10 in which case you wouldn't have to make saves until another 24 hours had passed.

The rules are specifically designed to make it so that you can stay up a few extra hours pretty easily, but to make it really unattractive to go for long periods without sleep.

[Zaydos]

What if I got less than a full night's sleep? Say 2 to 4 hours?

[Ezeze]

Huh :smallconfused:

I can't find any rules for that. I guess it would take less than 24 hours for you to get tired again?

[Zaydos]

I don't like my current plan.

I'll wait 4 hours and then, if nothing has happened, wake the elder boy.

[Ezeze]

Matthew awakes groggily and asks "what's happened?"

[Zaydos]

We're leaving in four hours, but if I'm going to take care of all of you, I'll need some sleep myself as well so I need you to keep watch, Danim says taking off his armor, Can you wake me in three to four hours?

[Ezeze]

Matthew stops rubbing his eyes and nods. He moves to the foot of the bed, crosses his legs and looks at the door. Before you head off to sleep he mummers "I hope mom is okay."

[Zaydos]

Danim nods solemnly, We can only pray, he says silently.

He strips and packs his full-plate before going to sleep.

[Ezeze]

You sleep soundly enough until Matthew shakes you gently. "I think it's been four hours, it's hard to tell without a window. It's all clear and I would have let you sleep longer, but you did say..."

[Zaydos]

Thank you, Danim says rising. Help me with my armor.

[Ezeze]

Matthew assists in putting your armor back on. The noise wakes Sarah who sits up in bed, but Joseph continues to sleep soundly.

[Zaydos]

It's time to leave, Danim says, We can't trust this innkeeper any more than we have to.

How far would it be to get to Mayhay's father's estates? Or anywhere we could get in easy contact with one of the head generals of Gahad?

[Ezeze]

All of House Ezekial's estates passed to your father upon your Grandfather's death. They are in the North of Gahad, more than two months journey on horseback from where you are now - longer on foot.

Generals are often large landholders, but they are required to spend at least two months every year either under the direct command of the King or else at court at Gerosh. This means that most are either on the front lines with Hazael to the East, at their personal estates, or were at the palace last night and therefore it is unclear if they are alive.

If you want the Head General, that would be Heb - the father of Jessie, Mayhays best friend and co-wife, who almost certiantly died with your aunt last night. You have fought with him before, and there is a chance he would remember you specifically.
He would be somewhere at the front lines, anywhere from two-weeks to four months march away (again, on horseback), depending on where along the boarder with Hazael he is. You do technically have military standing, although it's as an independent knight and not enlisted, and therefore you have no direct commander (you would be, however, expected to take orders from a superior officer during a battle).

Your rank does entitle you to lead an army, but as your father is still alive and of able body he mostly handles the men that fly your Houses' banner and you have only rarely done so.

If you want to know which General's estate is the closest and the likelihood of them being there, that would require a Knowledge (nobility) roll.

In fact, you might want to give me a Knowledge (nobility) roll no matter what course of action you decide to take. You will naturally have a huge circumstance bonus for use on your own family.

[Zaydos]

Knowledge (Nobility): [roll0]

Which estate is closest and 2nd closest.

[Ezeze]

Time for a quick review of the Feudal System!

Technically, the King owns all lands and "leases" huge tracks to Noble lords in return for taxes and men during times of war (such as now). The only land not leased in this way is the city of Gerosh its self which belongs directly to the King. That is part of why the Capitol City is so opulent and such an important trading city - its citizens and its trade are not taxed.

At this time Gerosh directly boarders three fiefdoms, that of Shiloh III of the House of Bramia to the South, Vassir of the House of Esau to the North and West, and Cal of the House of Luca to the North and East.

Of the three, the easiest estate to get to would be that of Cal of the House of Luca. The roads to and from Gerosh are kept in good repair and relatively bandit-free, but also taxed heavily unless you can prove you are either on a religious pilgrimage or in the employ of the army. You could probably cross the distance to the Luca estate on horseback in two to three days.

Second closest is Shiloh III of the House of Bramia. Anyone wishing to get from Gerosh to Lehi or Damoab must inevitably pass through those lands and it's not uncommon to see travelers from distant parts. It would take five to six days.

You know little about Vassir of the House of Esau, the third closest, or how he keeps his lands. Your travels have not yet taken you in that direction. But judging from maps, it would probably take a little more than a week.

[Zaydos]

We head towards Cal of the House of Luca's estates towards the North-East, Danim says, We must contact the generals, and get the boys to safety and I believe that is our best bet. We leave as soon as we can ready ourselves. His voice is that of a whisper, And we do so as quietly as we can.

[Ezeze]

This will be interesting.

Do you go to the innkeeper to get the coinage you left with him?

[Zaydos]

Nope, if possible we will leave without being noticed. There's a slim hope that will buy his silence, if it doesn't then it probably wouldn't have stopped his betrayal (or maybe I've read too many fantasy stories with greedy innkeepers).

[Ezeze]

The Innkeeper doesn't bother you on your way out. The common room seems much quieter in the morning - the sun rose only recently, it couldn't be later than six.

There seems to be some commotion in the street, crowds moving frantically towards the center of the town.

[Zaydos]

I scan the crowds carefully even as I move towards the outside of the city. If I come across someone seperated from the rest I will ask him what the commotion is about.

[Ezeze]

You come across one such man who tells you while keeping his face carefully blank "something has happened, up at the palace. The people who were in charge aren't anymore, and the people who are in charge now are making sure everyone knows it."

[Zaydos]

I thank him and carry on my way.

Edit: Going to be without internet till Monday.

[Ezeze]

Sarah touches your arm for your attention and hisses into your ear "how can you not want to know who was responsible for all those murders?"

[Zaydos]

Because I can't put the children in danger by going back. News such as this will travel faster than we do anyway.

[Ezeze]

Sarah looks flustered and glances back over her shoulder, but doesn't say anything else.

How are you planning to get to House Luca's estates?

[Zaydos]

First I'm planning to reach the edge of town, keeping my ears open and eyes peeled for any proclamations about the new regime. News should spread fairly quickly.

[Ezeze]

There are massive amounts of people moving towards the center of the city, but no written proclamations - most of the population is illiterate. In order to make it to the North Eastern edge of town you either have to swing through an unsavory district or pass quite close to the castle.

[Zaydos]

I look at the older boy, I plan to go to the estate of Cal of the house Luca, but to go straight we must either pass through a seedy area or close to the castle; neither a place where your royal blood if recognized is likely to be anything other than a warrant for your death. We could also circumvent them by exiting the town in a different direction and circling around. Since the burden of rule may soon be upon your shoulders, it would be best for you to get used to giving counsel and making judgment. Therefore, before I make my own decision I would like your opinion.

Honestly Danim is just thinking that the boy needs to learn to rule. I'm currently thinking about just going around exiting the town and circling back, but how much extra time would that add and what would be the safest seeming way to go round?

[Ezeze]

(ooc: I think there has been some miscommunication. The older boy - Matthew - has no claim on the throne. He was from Mayhay's first marriage. Only the younger boy - Joseph - is the son of King Joshua and therefore eligible to rule.)

[Zaydos]

oops, should have remembered that.

Then let me ammend that to the younger boy. He's a little young for such responsibilities but if he's going to rule he has to get used to them.

I want to go to the castle and just lay a beatdown on people... too bad that would be a bad idea.

[Ezeze]

The boy looks up at you, then looks to his brother. When no help is fourth coming, he stares directly at the ground and mutters something to his feet.

[Zaydos]

If I were to stick to the middle-class districts of the town while exiting on which side would I exit and how much travel time would it add to circle back around to the north-east?

[Ezeze]

Two to three hours, as opposed to about half an hour going directly.

[Zaydos]

And how about once outside the city, or was that included?

What is the area nearby the city like?

Int check/untrained knowledge check: [roll0]

[Zaydos]

Did it eat a post? My subscriptions say you're the last to post but when I check the thread the last I see is mine.

[Ezeze]

Maybe?

The three hours are for circling around outside of the city. That is how long it would take you to get to the outside of the gate.

It's not uncommon for hangers-on to attach themselves to larger caravans, despite the relative safety of these roads. But even merchants rarely hire guards in these areas, unless they are carrying very precious or expensive cargo.

[Zaydos]

And I'll need to get food.

Even so for now I'll just circle around the city. Hopefully with the recent coup demand for guards will go up because of the instability. Unfortunately the instability is liable to bring out bandits too.

[Ezeze]

Going out of the North West gate it takes a while to loop around outside of the city walls. It's a little strange when just a few feet out the noise level drops significantly. Though the roads are crowded you meet no one at all walking between them.

As you approach the Gate you see a line of carts waiting to enter the city and several soldiers - no more than usual - on guard and asking questions. Your connections to the royal family had previously been able to get you past inspection, but mentioning them now would be stupid.

[Zaydos]

Do I know what kind of questions one is expected to be asked during inspection? And how many is normal?

[Ezeze]

Normally just questions about where you are from, why you are here, how long you'll be here and what you'll be doing. You're dimly aware that there is a more rigorous process for merchants with goods or large groups of people, but you've never handled those.

[Zaydos]

So how many guards are there and would there be any smaller passages out of the city less well guarded, even if they would normally be below a knight's dignity (such as how does the city get rid of waste)?

[Ezeze]

There are five guards in sight, likely more close by.

There are no other passages that you know of. The city was constructed with the expectation of siege warfare and you really haven't spent very much time in the city outside of the palace. The servants take away the "waste." What happens after that, you haven't the foggiest.

But the guards aren't known to be terribly thorough and it's highly unlikely any would recognize you, especially outside of your armor.

Alternatively, you could set out on the road and hope to find a large enough caravan that you could buy supplies off of them.

[Zaydos]

Would they recognize the boys? And how stark is the difference in cleanliness between upper and lower classes in the city?

[Ezeze]

They probably wouldn't, no. You have to remember, there is no such thing as photography - while they might know their names if they heard them, they would not know their faces.

The difference in cleanliness between the highest and lowest classes is pretty large, however there is no difference at all between anyone who has the gold to spend on hygiene. So a rich noble or a merchant who has done well for himself would be just as clean as you are.

[Zaydos]

Do they question peasants as thoroughly as they do merchants?

[Ezeze]

(Sorry my posting suddenly got really sporadic - it's fixed now, honest!)

Unless the merchants are carrying large quantities of goods for sale, peasants and merchants are treated no differently - except that the guards might be a little more polite to the latter.

[Zaydos]

Would a merchant having young children as servants be abnormal?

[Ezeze]

A single man without a caravan traveling with three servants might raise a few questions.

It's pretty typical for successful merchants to take on apprentices - trades are learned through Apprenticeships, including the Merchant trade - but then you'd probably have some goods for sale with you as well. That wouldn't explain why Sarah was there either; it's highly abnormal for a woman to take up a trade.

You could very easily pass off Matthew and Joseph as your sons. There is a strong family resemblance.

Sarah is also old enough - and you are young enough - that it would probably go unremarked upon if you introduced her as your wife.

If you choose a trade other than Merchant you might face fewer questions. You are strong enough and your hands calloused enough to pass for a blacksmith, for example - and that would also explain why you were carrying a bag full of metal armor and a very nice sword.

[Zaydos]

Alright. Is there any particular reason, other than the sudden political upheaval a blacksmith might be leaving the capital city that I would know of?

[Ezeze]

To find more work, to visit relatives, to attend a religious ceremony, to visit a particular noble man who called you to do custom work or any number of other reasons...

[Zaydos]

Who would be a noble whose lands lie in the direction of the exit I intend to use?

[Ezeze]

Cal of the House of Luca is the most obvious choice - and you actually are heading in that direction in any case.

[Zaydos]

I'd prefer one where it's not near my ultimate destination, as it is highly possible that enemies learn where I say I am going.

[Ezeze]

In that direction as well are Ardren of the House of Sophia (which is, indeed, named after a woman. You don't know the story behind that), whose domain is directly East of that of the House of Luca's. The domain of William of the House of Richard is East and slightly North of that, though it would take better than two months to get that far.

(ooc: I am totally just making this up as I go along. If you want to shape your own details of Geography or make up a noble house, as long as it doesn't directly contradict the themes of the game I wont mind :smalltongue:)

[Zaydos]

I tell them that we will be going to the lands of William of the House of Richard.

Also am I exiting directly towards my destination? I thought I was going to have to go out of town from a different direction and circle around to avoid dangerous parts of town?

[Ezeze]

And I'll need to get food.

Even so for now I'll just circle around the city. Hopefully with the recent coup demand for guards will go up because of the instability. Unfortunately the instability is liable to bring out bandits too.


Going out of the North West gate it takes a while to loop around outside of the city walls. It's a little strange when just a few feet out the noise level drops significantly. Though the roads are crowded you meet no one at all walking between them.

As you approach the Gate you see a line of carts waiting to enter the city and several soldiers - no more than usual - on guard and asking questions. Your connections to the royal family had previously been able to get you past inspection, but mentioning them now would be stupid.

You are currently just outside the North-Eastern Gate. I was under the impression that you wanted to get back into the city? :smallconfused:

[Zaydos]

No I was trying to get out of the city without answering a bunch of questions. If I'm out of the city, I'll be heading towards the lord's estates.

[Ezeze]

You travel most of the day without much interference. A little after noon, however, you hear the sound of a wagon being pulled at a steady, unhurried pace coming up behind you.

[Zaydos]

I continue traveling, looking back casually, not truly alarmed yet but still cautious. It's probably a normal wagon, but I do warn the boys to look down, and try to keep their faces from easy view.

[Ezeze]

Matthew does as you ask, as does Joseph - for all of half a minute until his little-boy curiosities get the better of him and he stares, unembarrassed, at the oncoming caravan.

The sound is made by four wooden wagons, pulled by two horses each. The first two are closed wagons, but the second two are open with reems of cloth stacked on a rack upon them.

A plump man with brown whiskers and no other hair holds the reigns of the first closed wagon. Surprisingly, a young woman in a modest dress is driving the second. The third is driven by a man so tall and skinny and the fourth by a man so short and burly that seeing them in such close proximity is almost comical.

They are driving along at a relatively sedate pace and have been in view down the long, straight road for a good while before they come close enough to speak. It's the first man - the plump one with the whiskers - who calls out to you.

"ho there, travelers! There is little enough reason to walk when, for just a few silver, you could ride in our carriages!"

[Ezeze]

(ooc: *poke*)