Southern Comfort OOC

[mattie_p]

So the map can be used for two-way commo? Hah! Grath is going to continue to make assumptions about magic that turn out to be right after all.

[RaggedAngel]

And an odd [email protected] Angel: Are you an Elfquest fan? 'cause Delphi's sure acting like an Elfquest character, and she looks like one as well.:smalleek:

Never heard of it, sadly, and I got her picture after a long and tedious Google search. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?

[AshesOfOld]

Never heard of it, sadly, and I got her picture after a long and tedious Google search. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?

Ooh, I love elfquest! Haven't read it since I was a preteen but it was amazing. Definitely a comic that's worth a library trip.
So I'm guessing it's a good thing, though I can't figure out which character Marlowe is talking about.

[Marlowe]

She doesn't seem like any particular one, but she's got certain characteristics common to lots of them. If I had to choose one character I'd go with Tyleet.

For the record and for anyone interested, Elfquest is free to read online. Bare in mind its writing style is more earnest than clever, and that in my opinion it went downhill rather sharply as the franchise progressed. Just my opinion.:smallfrown: judge for yourself. (http://www.elfquest.com/gallery/OnlineComics3.html)

And using the map for 2-way communciation was not something I originally intended, but it's a clever idea and should work.

Just don't expect Ingva to be able to turn up with a small army everytime you get into a jam.

[mattie_p]

I thought we were Ingva's small army?

And sorry, not reading 30 years worth of stuff, even with breaks. I'll take your word for it.

[Marlowe]

I'd just read the "original quest" (a mere 21 months worth of stuff:smallbiggrin:) and pretend the rest never existed.

Right, Trammelburgh it is then? I have to figure out what Kresta's build actually is. My original idea required a feat that I have since discovered she's not technically eligible for.

EDIT: And it occurs to me that I've been ignoring that rule that says characters lacking BAB +1 have to use a full move action to draw a weapon. Because that rule completely screws over level 1 thrown-weapon Scouts, to the extent that it looks like they forgot it when they designed the class.

So if we continue to pretend that rule doesn't exist, then a variation on the original idea could work.

In case anyone's wondering how ten redcloaks were able to beat the caravan in the first place, the answer was Kresta chose exactly the wrong moment to sneakthieve the serpent amulet, Bethlen caught her at it, the Guards and the merchant were watching the hijinks and laughing instead of paying attention, and then the redcloak archers got some lucky criticals on the greataxe-wielder.

[RaggedAngel]

EDIT: And it occurs to me that I've been ignoring that rule that says characters lacking BAB +1 have to use a full move action to draw a weapon. Because that rule completely screws over level 1 thrown-weapon Scouts, to the extent that it looks like they forgot it when they designed the class.

So if we continue to pretend that rule doesn't exist, then a variation on the original idea could work.

:smallredface: Oh my. I really should have noticed that, but it's been so long since I've played a level 1 character that actually bothered drawing weapons during a fight that it had slipped by me.

...how's about we pretend that doesn't exist? :smallwink:

[Linguz]

I agree. That rule only applies during the first level and doesn't make all that much sense, in my opinion. If you're proficient with a weapon, you should be able to draw it while moving, as that would, hopefully, be taught.

-This was me posting for the sake of it... ignore this post or read it, not really that important.

[Linguz]

@AshesofOld: If Delphi doesn't position herself somewhere in the middle of the party, Dardiana will be going next to him. Or if it's all single file, then nevermind. Since she doesn't have a preference over who else, it's randomized.

[RaggedAngel]

@AshesofOld: If Delphi doesn't position herself somewhere in the middle of the party, Dardiana will be going next to him. Or if it's all single file, then nevermind. Since she doesn't have a preference over who else, it's randomized.

Yes, next too. I just finished writing what happened, and I sent it to you. It was, er, a rather emotional and, in my biased opinion, lovely piece of writing. If anyone cares to see it, I'd be happy to PM it to you; I just don't want to post it here until I get agreement from Linguz that it sounds like something Dardiana would do. I took the admittedly controversial path by writing it from Dardiana's point of view; that's partially why it took so long.

[Linguz]

I have read it (twice) and agree with Ragged. If she wants to post it here, by all means, go ahead.

[RaggedAngel]

So, yeah. Nothing that breaks forum rules, nothing especially explicit, and it's something I'm a bit proud of. I recommend getting cozy before reading it.


Have you ever gone camping with someone that you found attractive, but were unsure if they had any sort of feelings for you? Or, had a sleepover with the same person? I'm going to assume not, for the sake of things, but if you have it should just help set the scene.

It's been a really long day, and you're tired. You've worked hard, met new people, and hiked for a few hours; your feet hurt, and now that you're off of them the lack of pressure is bliss. You've just eaten, and while the food isn't especially good you were hungry enough to make it taste wonderful, and your full stomach is comfortable and pleasant; not enough to feel stuffed, but enough to feel strong and healthy.

The sun has just gone down over the horizon, and the evening's chill has begun to set in, a relief after the warm day. The crickets in the nearby forest creak cheerfully, but quietly, and the occasional toad from the nearby stream does little more than sleepily acknowledge the waning moon. The moon and the stars have begun to stretch out over you, and though you will be going without a tent tonight you can tell that the air will be clear and dry; nearly perfect conditions.

You've settled in a few feet from everyone else, giving you privacy while still remaining more than close enough to feel safe and to share in the vestiges of the friendships you began to form throughout the evening. Your feet are to the fire, and the low-burning scraps of scorched wood and coals hold the night's chill at bay, at least for your lower extremities. Your arms and face feel a bit cold, but it's bracing, and you settle down to sleep, laying your head on your pack; not the most comfortable of pillows, but far better than the ground or a stone.

And the a little shape walks over to you, moving slowly and quietly, but just as clearly not sneaking. You can tell after a moment that it's Delphi; you recognize the halfling more by her scent than anything else. She smells like pine needles and hay and fresh water; the smell of forest air and leaves. She lays her pack down a foot or two from yours, and with gentle, quiet movements she removes the various and sundry weapons from her belt, back, and bandolier; and a few more from her boots and decolletage that you hadn't known about.

Then she undoes her leather armor, taking it off and laying it over her pack; she's wearing little more than a cloth wrapping underneath, though she leaves her breeches on. She lays out her cloak, and you note with interest that she's put it out right next to you. She lays down, still quiet enough to pass for silent, only a handful of inches from you, her head level with yours.

She breaths out a word, so quiet that you can barely hear it. "Hey." You can't say anything back; your mind was halfway to sleep before she came, and now you struggle to think of an appropriate response. She seems to understand, however, and she moves a bit closer; without thinking about it, without really meaning to, you put your arm around her. She is warm, much warmer than a human would be, and her shoulders and back are firm with lean, tight muscle. She lets out a heavy breath with the touch, and she moves a bit closer, until only a bare inch separate your faces. Your eyes.

She has beautiful eyes, you decide; they're deep, calm, and heavily dilated in the dark. You can almost see yourself in her eyes, though the light from the dying fire isn't quiet enough to make it so. You stare for what seems like hours and seconds all at once; lost in her eyes, time seems to lose meaning and purpose. You become exquisitely aware of the heat of her body, the feeling of her breath on your neck and your lips; and you notice that you've drawn closer to her still, and she to you, staring into each other's eyes.

The day was long, you might say later. You were tired, and half asleep, barely able to separate dream from reality. You had fought, and killed, and the adrenaline from that was still coursing through your veins.

But there, in that moment, you thought of none of that. There were no excuses, no reasons. Just her eyes, and then her lips, and then you lost yourself in the heat of that kiss, the warmth of her touch and her arms. When you awoke, you were no further from her than you had been at the last; your clothes intact, and your skin unmarred by any amorous marks. All you had was the memory of that kiss, the long, beautiful kiss that took you both to sleep.

[Marlowe]

Sweet. I certainly wasn't expecting any of this to happen. I can't say I'm displeased even Yuri WAFF isn't something I was expecting.

Consider that idiotic weapon-drawing rule ignored. The only time it's been relevant to anyone but Delphi was that the Maroons might have been able to spread out a bit more during the fight. Which might have met one or two of them lived for another turn.

Hopefully we can all go up levels soon, and really forget about it. If I'd known a bit more when I put up the big 16, I'd have dropped the +1 BAB prereq from Quickdraw and Weapon Finesse as well.

[Linguz]

Didn't Delphi take, and put on, those gloves of dex +2? I don't see them in her inventory 's why I'm asking.

[mattie_p]

Why are you reading through her inventory, oh wait, Dardania had a long look at her, didn't she? :smallwink:

[Linguz]

:smallwink:

Maybe.

[Marlowe]

Bad Players! Stop checking out each other's inventories! :smallbiggrin:

[RaggedAngel]

Bad Players! Stop checking out each other's inventories! :smallbiggrin:

It was a good thing in this case; I had added in the gloves and then accidentally failed to save my sheet properly. :smallredface:

But you can check out my inventory any day. Baby.

[Marlowe]

You only get away with this stuff because of your nice round perky dex bonus, you know.

There was going to be a white Tiger here. Then I checked stats and realised that a Tiger is essentially a dead level 1 PC per round. Not on negatives. Dead.

[RaggedAngel]

You only get away with this stuff because of your nice round perky dex bonus, you know.

There was going to be a white Tiger here. Then I checked stats and realised that a Tiger is essentially a dead level 1 PC per round. Not on negatives. Dead.
I can't help it that my characters are as sexy as I am. :smallwink:

Yeah, Tiger's are TPK for low level parties. I'm a bit nervous to see what you've put in its place, to be honest.

[Linguz]

Another wolf, obviously.

You could always have put a white tiger in there with the wolf stats. Maybe bumped it up a bit, to reflect that it's at the top.

And I would say go with group initiatives, so that after the people before the wolves go, everyone else can go all at once, so we don't have to wait for one specific person, then for another person, and so on.

[u-b]

Also, a faster way is doing it yourself, like so:
...
Apologies to anyone who would prefer to roll on their own.
+1, no problem there.

Later on, when paople will have magical means to boost their initiative (like Nerveskitter and such), they'll have to actually write their modus operandi sections, but even then I would prefer DM rolls for everyone, just for sheer speed.

[Linguz]

If there are any modifiers to initiative being taken, they should be taken note of in the character sheet. If it's a temporary improvement and is taken each time before battle, still.

Therefore, the DM should just have to look at the proper section to see the total initiative modifier.

Oh yea...
But you can check out my inventory any day. Baby.
I forgot to mention that this made my day.

[AshesOfOld]

That method is fine by me.
By the way, am I the only one that feels a little silly everytime I use an exclamation mark?



Oh yea...
I forgot to mention that this made my day.

I think it made everyone's day :smallsmile:.

[u-b]

A gigantic boar appears at L11.

--abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKL
-3~~.................T..TT.T...T.T...T.&
..
11....................T..T..TC.T..T..T..

L3? Or what's this?

[Marlowe]

L3 is right. L11 was a rather strange typo. Fixed.

[RaggedAngel]

L3 is right. L11 was a rather strange typo. Fixed.

It isn't strange for a computer or a programmer.

[u-b]

There was going to be a white Tiger here. Then I checked stats and realised that a Tiger is essentially a dead level 1 PC per round. Not on negatives. Dead.

Getting to the stats and checking that tiger. Not all that much hp compared to our warrior boyz damage per round, so could be reasonably easy if it could not charge through the shallow water, or with careful positioning behind the trees... but really, one mistake and we would be having a lot of dead people. Not sure if dire boar is any less lethal "in general", but at least one can expect to have a chance of surviving standing in its way.

[Linguz]

It isn't strange for a computer or a programmer.

I did some programming, but I don't understand what you mean.


Getting to the stats and checking that tiger. Not all that much hp compared to our warrior boyz damage per round, so could be reasonably easy if it could not charge through the shallow water, or with careful positioning behind the trees... but really, one mistake and we would be having a lot of dead people. Not sure if dire boar is any less lethal "in general", but at least one can expect to have a chance of surviving standing in its way.

It could just be a normal boar.

[stanleyindraven]

11 in binary is 3

[RaggedAngel]

I did some programming, but I don't understand what you mean.

0, 1, 2, 3.

00, 01, 10, 11.

[Linguz]

Ah, binary. Alright.

[u-b]

It could just be a normal boar.

Against 4+ wolves? He should be advanced, or there's something chasing after HIM.

[RaggedAngel]

Against 4+ wolves? He should be advanced, or there's something chasing after HIM.

That would be hilarious. Just sayin'.

[Linguz]

It would be, but based on what it's saying, I don't think so.

[mattie_p]

Anyway, whose turn is it? Who's on first? I don't know? Third base!

By the way, I have no problems with someone rolling initiative for the group, just whoever it is next time, roll better. All those single digit initiatives... Linguz, your forum dice are unlucky!

[stanleyindraven]

not sure what a stoat is but guess it shouldnt have been sleeping there.

[u-b]

Anyway, whose turn is it? Who's on first?
Wolves and boar acted in post #379. So, it's everyone, except Gregor, Dardiana and Bethlen (these are already posted). Any order.

P.S. Those who took readied actions are technically on initiative 7, but since they are still before the opponents (as by the rules (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialInitiativeActions.htm)) and we're acting in free order, they act as well as anybody else.


Horbin will move again to S4.
This is a single move, so anything for another half of your action this turn? Like a readied attack or defense or both?


Grath shoots...
(+3 normal, -1 for range, -1 for daylight)
Range increments are usualy at -2 per increment. Something fancy involved?

[Linguz]

By the way, I have no problems with someone rolling initiative for the group, just whoever it is next time, roll better. All those single digit initiatives... Linguz, your forum dice are unlucky!

[roll0]

Or really? See that wasn't so bad? :smallbiggrin:

Yea, those were really bad rolls. :smallredface:

[mattie_p]

Range increments are usualy at -2 per increment. Something fancy involved?

Nothing fancy, just being my normal forgetful self and didn't look up the rule before I posted. Should be lucky I put it in there at all, same with my -1 for daylight. So Grath hits AC 14, not 15.

[u-b]

Boar moves to w5 and charges the exhausted wolf at w6
That's interesting and means we better clarify some things about forest warfare up front. Does that boar charges the wolf as by charge (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#charge) action? To my understanding that's all sorts of impossible, so I'd like to know where exactly I am getting it wrong. Straight distance is 16 squares (80 feet), which seems about right if the boar either does not dodge the trees and moves right through them or has basic move above 40. But then if he dodges the trees, he cannot charge. If he ignores them, he still has to move the shortest path, which would mean attacking from x6. On the other hand, if this is just a move and then an attack, that seems like a whole lot of move...

Since it comes to Gregor's turn now and I am to rewrite #380 to reflect the boar acted ahead of Gregor, I'd like to know what its actions tell about its capabilities so that Gregor will or will not try to hide behind a tree etc.

[Marlowe]

:smallredface:You are entirely correct. That couldn't have happened. That's what you get when your DM has spent most of his adventuring career having encounters on evenly-floored dungeon rooms with no furniture and or on gold courses.

Boar makes a double move as stated, but can't attack this round.

Oh, and you want it to actually be a Dire Boar? Really?

[mattie_p]

Assuming it can't charge Grath, he might be able to take it out in one round. Might. With a little help, he can. Unless you (Marlowe) roll badly for damage (1-3, or 37.5% chance), Grath will be knocked down to 0 or fewer hp by a single blow of the dire boar.

[u-b]

Oh, and you want it to actually be a Dire Boar? Really?
Not really. Just that it is the same CR as a tiger and is more controllably deadly (like you MAY survive a charge and you CAN actually withdraw). I guess without some proper tactical training and one level up we're not prepared to confidently take on a dire boar.

upd: fixed #380.

[Corsair420]

lets not forget people that he is the DM and if he wants something to happen he can make it happen and say screw us all... plus there is always the rule of cool to consider

[mattie_p]

It could be an advanced boar...

[Marlowe]

It is a normal boar, but elite array rather than standard. I'll start throwing "Dire" stuff at you when you have more than 1-2 hit dice each.

And I don't see anything unusually in 4 wolves running from a determined opponent that can potentially one-shot them in a single hit, and which keeps fighting at -9 hp.

[mattie_p]

So how (is/did) everyone (enjoying/enjoy) this (Sunday/weekend)?

[Linguz]

Lol.

Linguz circles [is], [enjoying], and [weekend].

It's pretty good so far.

[mattie_p]

Good to hear. Sunday is good, Saturday I was traveling to pick up my children from their grandparents, and bringing them home. Wife and I enjoyed our time to ourselves, but it is good to have them with us. Everyone missed everyone (two weeks apart). Only problem is, the character concepts they were developing (with my assistance) for a family 3.5 campaign have all changed. Back to the drawing board.

[AshesOfOld]

Had a decent weekend.

I saw The Ides of March with my girlfriend on a big screen in the botanical gardens. T'was a good movie. And the trees looked beautiful at night.
Then followed two days of horizontal time-wasting.

[Marlowe]

Well, that's nice. Monday was my day off, and of course, this being China, everything was broken. Including the only internet cafe in town. And my sort-of girlfriend.

Maybe I should have made this a Dire Boar. Bethlen's already thrown herself in as a meatshield.

[stanleyindraven]

can we get updated map?

[Marlowe]

Can be done. Has been done. Unless I missed somebody.

And Kresta really should do something, but she's got no motivation to do so. I need an infinite supply of inept goblins.

[mattie_p]

Marlowe, you broke your sort-of-girlfriend? If you can remain pg, how did that happen? Or do you mean you broke up with your sort-of-girlfriend? Or did she break something, like a lamp or a leg?

Or is she broke, like has no money? We really need to explore this brokenness thoroughly.

[Marlowe]

Long story short, she had a cold. And other complicated stuff.

[u-b]

I don't care about what the wolves do. Do you?
Gregor will hunt them all, starting with those to the south, just not yet.

[AshesOfOld]

Man that guy must really hate wolves.
And I'm glad that I got premium insurance on my girlfriend.

[RaggedAngel]

Man that guy must really hate wolves.
And I'm glad that I got premium insurance on my girlfriend.

Ooh, you sprung for premium? She's a lucky girl. I usually only get standard insurance on me.

[Marlowe]

Mine's Usbekistani. The rates for those are appalling.

[mattie_p]

I believe the ethnic group is called Uzbek (or Usbek, whatever).

[u-b]

Survival (hunting wolves): [roll0]

upd: Just noticed that Gregor does not have a knife. Will have to fix that.

[Marlowe]

I believe the ethnic group is called Uzbek (or Usbek, whatever).

Usbekistani, but ethnically Russian. Hence, not Uzbek.

And yeah, three dead wolves. Might take you all of half an hour to chase down the last.

[u-b]

So, are girls cooking? Will post IC about dragging and gutting the wolves.

[stanleyindraven]

meh, i dont have insurance, she got it on me instead

[mattie_p]

That battle was relatively underwhelming, for now. Meh, can't win them all, I guess. Grath really should have saved his rage for later.

[Corsair420]

that's why I just readied an action that I never used, a pack of wolves is not a good expenditure of magic first thing in the morning, and the boar was dropped fairly quickly.

[mattie_p]

I'll have to deal with any further battles conventionally. I'll deal.

[stanleyindraven]

marlowe may now rethink the tiger

[Linguz]

So, are girls cooking? Will post IC about dragging and gutting the wolves.

Sorry, Dardiana isn't trained at Craft (Cooking).

[RaggedAngel]

Sorry, Dardiana isn't trained at Craft (Cooking).

That would actually be either Survival or Profession (Cook/Chef). Not that it really matters, but still.

[Linguz]

That would actually be either Survival or Profession (Cook/Chef). Not that it really matters, but still.

Actually, no. Because something is created:


A Craft skill is specifically focused on creating something. If nothing is created by the endeavor, it probably falls under the heading of a Profession skill.

See? Profession skills are when something isn't created, so while Profession (Cook/Chef) is viable, it's their craft that determines how well they cook.

[AshesOfOld]

that's why I just readied an action that I never used, a pack of wolves is not a good expenditure of magic first thing in the morning, and the boar was dropped fairly quickly.

I'm glad it's not all level-appropriate. Level-appropriateness is so last year.

Thorwald will have to rest 8 hours now as well, so he can set fire to himself some more.

[Marlowe]

Sometimes a pleasant walk in the woods is just a pleasant walk in the woods.

And hey, free food! And 100xp for everyone! (probably a bit more than that, I'll work it out later.)

Thorwalt, you can ignite yurself again today just by burning two turning checks.

[AshesOfOld]

Sometimes a pleasant walk in the woods is just a pleasant walk in the woods.

And hey, free food! And 100xp for everyone! (probably a bit more than that, I'll work it out later.)

Thorwalt, you can ignite yurself again today just by burning two turning checks.

Right, I totally forgot. Thorwald will be happy to hear that!

[Marlowe]

I'm an English teacher in Asia. If I worked myself into a frenzy over voiced vs unvoiced consonants, I'd be dead already. Sorry for using the old English form over the modern German form of the same component.

[mattie_p]

And you're apparently drunk. So who cares if you mis-spell a fictional name? Or the word ensue? Let's ensure the DM stays drunk, so that madness can ensue!

[Marlowe]

Who told you I was drunk? Aside from the bloody obvious?

[mattie_p]

Who told you I was drunk? Aside from the bloody obvious?

Umm, you in the other thread?


It's a little before noon. And DM is drunk right now.

Further plot complications will ensure when DM isn't drunk.

[Marlowe]

You remember my own words? You must die!

I'm terribly sorry.

[RaggedAngel]

You remember my own words? You must die!

I'm terribly sorry.

You're adorable when you're tipsy. As an Irish woman/girl (I'm nineteen, not sure where I fall) I'm curious as to how much it takes to get you there. :smallwink:

[Marlowe]

I feel like making it a running gag that everywhere you go that Korgoth's been before, they'll hate you because of him.

But then again, I was going to make it a running gag that NPCs would find Grath inexplicably likable. You saw where that idea ended up.

Oh well. Could be worse. Could be in the clutches of a total maniac who'll disappear at any moment.

[Marlowe]

Also, I'm still figuring out what I can and can't get away with in China. Does, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oRNgVvrUw0) link work? I remember if it's the one I think it is I used to find it quite relaxing.

[RaggedAngel]

Also, I'm still figuring out what I can and can't get away with in China. Does, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oRNgVvrUw0) link work? I remember if it's the one I think it is I used to find it quite relaxing.

That was a link to YouTube, to some kind of music. I'm sorry that you can't get it; to be honest, I'm terrified of China, and you couldn't pay me to go there. No government should have that much censorship and power over their media and people.

EDIT- I actually watched it; it was creepy as hell, but nice. Sorry again. :smallfrown:

[Marlowe]

This may sound shallow, but I could live with the censorship if everything wasn't constantly a broken mess. You seriously can't tell the censorship and oppression from the horrible unbridled ineptitude.

China; making the Japanese look humble, the Koreans look efficient, and the Vietnamese look altruistic.

Sorry, rant over.

[mattie_p]

So, in the event that I or anyone else happens to visit China, what should we order to drink? What is good there to get you plastered?

[Linguz]

And what's your address, so we could go get you before we go drinking. Not that I'm of age yet. >_>

[stanleyindraven]

Just pop over to russian territory and get some real vodka.

[mattie_p]

Legal drinking age in China is 18, just wait until your next birthday, Linguz.

[Corsair420]

so I've been a little preoccupied lately and have really half assed reading whats been said... so the DM is(was) drunk and you are slaughtering a boar except no one actually knows how to do it? more or less?

[RaggedAngel]

so I've been a little preoccupied lately and have really half assed reading whats been said... so the DM is(was) drunk and you are slaughtering a boar except no one actually knows how to do it? more or less?

That seems about right, and he's probably sober by now, since that was posted a few hours ago. I don't think we're doing a terrible job with the boar, either; we're just not as efficient as we could be.

[mattie_p]

Kinda sounds like a good summary. Can we use that as a spoiler if we need new players?


Players needed for sandbox campaign! The DM is drunk and we are slaughtering a boar except no one actually knows how to do it!

Sign up now!

[mattie_p]

RaggedAngel, have you read The Name of the Wind (by Patrick Rothfuss)? I recommend the series if you have not, and if you have, awesome.

What Delphi just said seems like an odd thing to say if you (the player) haven't read it.

[RaggedAngel]

RaggedAngel, have you read The Name of the Wind (by Patrick Rothfuss)? I recommend the series if you have not, and if you have, awesome.

What Delphi just said seems like an odd thing to say if you (the player) haven't read it.

:smallredface: My oh my, sir, you've caught me. That book was indeed the inspiration of Delphi's words, and I happen to be rereading The Wise Man's Fear as we speak. Have you heard when the third book is coming out? The second book leaves so many questions unanswered.

[mattie_p]

Unfortunately I do not. I have the bad habit to be reading about 2 dozen series simultaneously and I tend to lose track of which books are coming out when until I am reminded or see them in the library or bookstore. Sometimes both.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, reading books, that is. My family has a combined library of at least a thousand, if not more. We haven't counted.

[RaggedAngel]

Unfortunately I do not. I have the bad habit to be reading about 2 dozen series simultaneously and I tend to lose track of which books are coming out when until I am reminded or see them in the library or bookstore. Sometimes both.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, reading books, that is. My family has a combined library of at least a thousand, if not more. We haven't counted.

Mmm, reading. I mean, it's not exactly a strange hobby for a D&D player, but it's still nice to talk with people that read a lot. Literacy is awesome and wonderful, and I really wish that my parents had loved learning and reading more; I can only imagine what I would be like now, considering the sheer volume that I read.

[mattie_p]

Books I bought today: Year's Best Science Fiction 17. Yes, I've read 1-16. So I know what is going on. Except it is an anthology of short stories, but I still know what is going on. James S. A. Corey's (pen name) next novel Caliban's War. The Lost Fleet: Invincible by Jack Campbell (book 8 in an ongoing series). A Just Determination by John Hemry (aka Jack Campbell).

That is just today, I'm glad I have a good job that pays well so I can support my habit. Fortunately we have libraries so I can read for free, otherwise I seriously might go broke.

[Marlowe]

Lucky, lucky people. You can read books. All I bought with me was a couple of Fritz Leibers that I first read at 12.

Hisvet keeps getting funnier and more annoying every time I read her.

[u-b]

I used to read a lot of fiction (first paper books, then electronic), fun days. Now still do that from time to time, but mostly read nonfiction (now halfway through Hitler, next, with mattie_p's hint, will be Xenophon).

[Marlowe]

Ah...Hitler. Such a stylist.

there's an alternate history piece out there involving earth getting attacked by a Xenomorph/Tyrannid style alien swarm. In 1916. In the middle of the first world war. Hitler is a crazy German private who is regarded as being an embarrassing nutcase by his his side, but very good at killing bugs. He is also in Rommel's unit. The Germans stage an aerial evacuation from the flaming, bug-infested ruins of Brussels by Zeppelin, with Rommel being almost the last man left. Annoyingly, nobody shouts "Spiel ende, mensch! Spiel ende!".

Oh look, if it exists it apparently has a tvtropes page. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SwarmOnTheSomme)

EDIT:Edited in the blue of sarcasm, just in case anyone thought I was being serious.

[mattie_p]

By the laws of the internet, and specifically Godwin's law, I hereby declare this thread closed. You may open a new thread at any time.

[Marlowe]

And I'd push things on but I'm rather enjoying the conversation people are having.

[RaggedAngel]

And I'd push things on but I'm rather enjoying the conversation people are having.

You're just hoping we all end up seducing each other, thereby obviating any need to plan new fights.

[stanleyindraven]

wish i had more time to read, instead i am constricted just to writing in the few moments i have where i am not on here. Game over would have been funny. But i regress.

[Marlowe]

Bethlen's such a drama queen.:smallbiggrin:

I do apologise. I'm trying to keep her quiet.

[stanleyindraven]

it is rather entertaining.

[Marlowe]

I just know you all get together on the Google docs page I can't view to talk about what an idiot I am and point out all the things I'm ripping off.:smallbiggrin:

[Linguz]

I don't do things around places often enough to notice any of them.

[stanleyindraven]

lol, well i cant access google docs so thats outta the question

[Marlowe]

What? How's a campaign suppose to function without a place for the players to complain about the DM?

[AshesOfOld]

We can always start twittering about it. And then you can accidentally find out, and we'll be all like "Oh, I didn't think EVERYone could just go and see it", and then we'd have a really ugly divorce and end up on Jerry Springer where Marlowe beats the crap out of everybody.

EDIT: I apologize for that IC post just now :smallsmile: I simply couldn't help myself.

[stanleyindraven]

i thought we were supposed to complain here.

[Corsair420]

when I play if there is something I don't like usually I'll make something happen in the game that the DM has to account for and adapt too, like completely and utterly destroying the 2nd largest city in his world... which including salting the earth for miles around and dumping bodies down every well I could find...

But that was an evil campaign

[Linguz]

What? How's a campaign suppose to function without a place for the players to complain about the DM?

Like this, since this one is the longest campaign I'm currently in.

[RaggedAngel]

Like this, since this one is the longest campaign I'm currently in.

That really sucks. I'm in three multi-year games right now, in addition to a few month-long ones like this one. You'll find that if a game lasts six months, it's going to keep chugging for quite a long time.

[Linguz]

That really sucks. I'm in three multi-year games right now, in addition to a few month-long ones like this one. You'll find that if a game lasts six months, it's going to keep chugging for quite a long time.

I've only recently gotten into D&D. I didn't think I'd ever be playing it less than a year ago. So it's fine for me.

[RaggedAngel]

I've only recently gotten into D&D. I didn't think I'd ever be playing it less than a year ago. So it's fine for me.

I'm glad to hear it; it's a wonderful, complicated, intricate, and deep game with endless possibilities for awesome. It almost transcends what a 'game' really is, and becomes more of a complex and interactive mythology with very clean-cut rules. :smallsmile:

[Linguz]

I stopped playing video games because of it. You can't do anywhere near enough things in those games. At least, I stopped playing them for the most part.

I just wish I could find a game of it IRL, but being in Venezuela... yea, not gonna happen.

[AshesOfOld]

I stopped playing video games because of it. You can't do anywhere near enough things in those games. At least, I stopped playing them for the most part.

I just wish I could find a game of it IRL, but being in Venezuela... yea, not gonna happen.

I haven't stopped playing video games. I've always played rpgs and that's what I still do. But I have less time now. One of the sucky things about getting older is that I have a lot less free time and I can't just keep playing all night like I used to.

But I feel you man. Tabletop has been some of the best evenings I can recall. I'm so sad that my old group got split up. I can't imagine finding a new group of equal-minded players my age, but maybe I'm just lazy :smallredface:

[Linguz]

I'm doing a D&D solo campaign with my friend over Skype, and that basically eats away at all my time. From the time we're both awake to around 5 in the morning, we post.

I like being able to stay up late and then waking up 4-8 hours later and feeling fine. :3

[AshesOfOld]

Damn you! I'm a B-man. If I don't go to sleep late at night and sleep till way past everyone else, my day is basically ruined.

Back in my day I used to take allnighters like they were lollies.

Back in my day I would never use the expression "back in my day". Sigh.

[Marlowe]

Well, unless Delphi wants to put her moneymaker where her mouth is and seduce everyone in a pork-grease lubricated orgy, everyone up for moving on?

[Linguz]

I'd very much like to see that. :3

But if it doesn't happen, Dardiana's got nothing else to do around there.

[Marlowe]

Here's a fun game for those stuck in the People's Republic of Things Not Working Properly;

1, Go to The Worm Ouroboros. (http://www.sacred-texts.com/ring/two/index.htm)
2, Click on a chapter or page at random
3, Find a quote you like and try to work it into your characters dialog.

Bethlen's (or Kresta's) next lines has to use the phrase "And thou turnest politician to-night, my little puss-cat?":smallbiggrin:

EDIT: OK, so I wimped out. I'll find a use for it later.

[mattie_p]

Man it has been a long time since I read that book. I only have vague recollections of how it goes.

[Marlowe]

Wait a minute. Corsus called his teenage daughter a "puss-cat". While she's sitting on his knee. In a vernacular where both those components have commonly understood sexual implications. How dodgy is Corsus?:smalleek:

[mattie_p]

So, I guess you are reading through it now? Or are you just selecting a page at random for dialogue as you suggested earlier?

[Corsair420]

I've never been in a DND campaign that lasted more then maybe 3 months, but I have been in a homebrew world my friend made for years, probably 6 or 7 campaigns over the last 6 years... (we go through bouts where everyone is together and we can game, then people will disappear for work or move away etc)

I am however in a GURPS campaign that has lasted... going on 3 years now I think, there have been a few hiatuses because certain party members have **** come up, right now we are on a 4 month hiatus(so far) but we all want to get back to it, just haven't found a moment when we are all around and want to play that particular campaign...

In total right now I am in... 9 campaigns? maybe 10, hard to keep track when 6 of em are the same group of people, just different GMs and settings

[Marlowe]

So, I guess you are reading through it now? Or are you just selecting a page at random for dialogue as you suggested earlier?

I first read it at 14, but my own copy was stolen years ago and I've never seen another. It's just I never twigged to how dodgy Corsus actually is.

[mattie_p]

I first read it at 14, but my own copy was stolen years ago and I've never seen another. It's just I never twigged to how dodgy Corsus actually is.

My parents had a copy in their "library," which was actually just a bunch of books that they kept in the basement until mildew overran each one, at which point they were tossed. They kept, among other things, their Xanth books, the Belgariad, actually, all of their sci-fi and fantasy books were there. Were they embarrassed? Who knows? Probably.

I read it around the same age, because I was reading everything that wasn't nailed down. Still do, actually.

[mattie_p]

Umm, wow, yeah. 1 klick wide. That might be difficult.

[Linguz]

Not if you fly. Gimme your XPs and I might reach that point.:smallbiggrin:

[RaggedAngel]

Well, unless Delphi wants to put her moneymaker where her mouth is and seduce everyone in a pork-grease lubricated orgy, everyone up for moving on?

Challenge accepted.

To the men: Everything is half-sized, and therefore twice as tight.

To the women: That includes her hands. Her entire hand, if you get my drift.

To the moderators: Please, please do not read this right now. I've spent way too long as RaggedAngel to get banned now.

[Marlowe]

Challenge accepted.

To the men: Everything is half-sized, and therefore twice as tight.

To the women: That includes her hands. Her entire hand, if you get my drift.

To the moderators: Please, please do not read this right now. I've spent way too long as RaggedAngel to get banned now.

Why would you get banned?

1, Nobody fits your clothes.
2, so you can't give anyone else the gloves of dexterity anymore.

What's bad about saying that?:smallconfused:

Anyway guys:-
1, if there is a big river
2, There is a settlement marked on the map as being in the middle of that river
3, You are already on your way to that said settlement.
4, In the company of people that know something about the area.

-then there is probably no reason to start building a raft.

[Marlowe]

In the interests of fair representation, introducing Quattro Vierzehn. Or first MALE bisexual character. Unless you count Korgoth.

Don't say I don't try to keep things balanced. Horbin is apparently more perceptive than he looks. And yes, this is a planned plot point, if a minor one.

[stanleyindraven]

accidental stumbling upon that fact

[Marlowe]

And no, he and Trent the Half-Ogre are not actually an item because firstly that would be unprofessional and secondly ew.

[AshesOfOld]

Aww, I think it would be kinda sweet.

Also, my first 20! Woot!

[Linguz]

In the interests of fair representation, introducing Quattro Vierzehn. Or first MALE bisexual character. Unless you count Korgoth.

Don't say I don't try to keep things balanced. Horbin is apparently more perceptive than he looks. And yes, this is a planned plot point, if a minor one.

Will there be a full-lesbian and full-gay as well? :smallbiggrin:

[Marlowe]

I was going to make him full-gay, then thought of some interesting twists that wouldn't have worked that way.

Let's just say I have no plot points planned around anyone being completely gay. Yet. Some NPCs might be gay in their spare time.

[Linguz]

Did you previously give us the XP for the wolves or boar?

[mattie_p]

I'm pretty sure he gave us 100 for the boar

EDIT: Looks like just check the IC thread for quest and battle exp

[u-b]

Level up: ranger 2
Hitpoints: +4(.5) class +2 con
BAB: +1
Saves: +1/+1/+0
Skillpoints: handle animal, hide, move silently, ride, spot, survival (6 total)
Class Features: combat style (archery) => rapid shot

[Linguz]

I'm pretty sure he gave us 100 for the boar

EDIT: Looks like just check the IC thread for quest and battle exp

I'm asking because I'm too lazy to go back to see if he did previously hand out that 100 boar xp.

[Marlowe]

I did, but in the OOC thread. I'll double-bracket that stuff in the IC in future.

And it's good Brunswick got Lotus and Bethlen out of there because having those three in the same scene as Vierzehn would achieve some sort of Ham critical mass and everyone would die of colesterol poisoning.

[stanleyindraven]

well, 55 from level isnt bad

[Linguz]

Alright. Removed the 100 I counted twice, still at level 2.

And damn, they have a lot of effects on them, huh?

[stanleyindraven]

So, I get bored. Looks at this if you want if not whatever.

Southern Comfort:
A Collaboration



Prologue
The morning is as clear as could be wished for. The sun is shining, the birds are singing like the silly young fools they are, the dew has not yet faded from the leaves. The mountains to the north shine like ivory. It is the last week of spring.
Standing in the sacred grove of Whitewater Rip, which, against the urges of barbarian cliche, is actually a quite well-built, if largely wooden, and permanent town which would not disgrace a small trading town anywhere. Amongst the oaks and ashes are the carven images of the gods of the tribes people. Thor has a comradely arm on Loki's shoulder. Loki looks embarrassed. Sif is staring at the pair of them with the expression of one who's not going to say what she's thinking. In a well-meaning and totally misguided attempt at religious open-mindedness, images of the Imperial gods have been added to the grove. Odin and Fharlanghen appear to be glaring at each other suspiciously, Wee Jas looks bored, and someone appears to have recently used the image of Hextar as a urinal.
Freya and Hel are absent from the grove. Their images guard the north gate of the town with their signature longswords. Freya looks as though she hasn't had time to find a decent robe. Hel is presenting, as people who think they're funny say, her Good Side.
The town is prosperous from trading with the Imperials to the north, and is an easy day’s travel to the mountainous, fjord-cut coast to the west. This is as close to civilization as the party has ever been. Their heads still a little fuzzy from the previous night's feasting, they await the arrival of the town's shaman to present the traditional farewell. Which usually takes the form of "Are you STILL here?"

***
Grath mostly stayed out of the way during the festivities of the night. Knowing his temper, he kept himself to only a gallon of freely flowing ale during the feasting. He awoke at dawn in his tent just outside of town and donned his clothing and armor. In a practiced manner he dropped his tent, folded and packed his gear, and prepared for the day. He wandered into the sacred grove, knelt at the feet of Kord, and waited for inspiration to see what the day would bring. Grath felt warm and got the feeling that Kord really likes it here. Then he heard a voice ring out behind him. It formed words.

***
Marn Ortul stayed out of most of the festivities, sticking to water to drink and eating his fill but avoiding social situations as best he could. He takes a walk around town to see what’s going on in the aftermath and see who or what he encounters. The town is collectively still nursing its hangover for the most part, but some citizens are up early and preparing for the day’s more family-friendly celebrations. Today is officially the day the Whitewater stops becoming a roaring torrent of meltwater and becomes a broad highway to and from the north, and citizens are looking forward to traders so they can get rid of all this useless gold dust and amber and gems and valuable hides and junk and buy something useful.
Some maidens, young women, girls and adolescent females of various races are chattering together in the town square. Occasionally they practice dance steps, wearing neck to knee-length dresses somewhat rudely dyed with wode and plant juices. Next to them, some men are assembling a wooden platform while trying to make as little noise as possible.

***
Horbin, had partaken in the drinks and food as well as any others. He can hold his own but does get rather sloppy in the late hours. His hangover pushing him to hate the morning he would look around at the others with a blurry haze. A six-foot tall, black-skinned, white haired woman wearing clothing apparently looted from every battlefield in the last forty years steps by and shouts something at the halfling lying on the ground. He doesn’t really register what she says, he just knows it hurts.

***
Lying down in the grove and looking up at the sky Gregor was contemplating about past and future activities in addition to his main current activity of lying down enjoying the place, the weather and all that, with his dogs doing mainly the same. Most of yesterday's party time Gregor considers well-spent, especially the time spent ogling, winking and otherwise making passes at Delphi, but pissing on that Hextor... with all of the dogs following the lead... well, he would agree that was a bit too much and hoped no one will fix onto the issue.
"Well, I'm glad one of you has some sense to get some proper rest before the big adventure," says a voice like a scourge hitting chain mail, "some of you have already wandered off. Well, we'll start the moot without them." The voice apparently belongs to a tall, dark-skinned woman, elderly but still quite spry, dressed like a vengeful ghost and casually bearing a shortbow.
He is not so full of admiration with the setting that he doesn’t recognize the town's head shaman, of the spirit variety. Her name is Olga or Ilga or something like that.

***
The sun shined upon the sleeping brow of mighty Korgoth causing him to stir from his dreams. Opening his eyes he soon realized that he could not move either of his arms, and as he looked to both sides, discovered that two women lay atop of his arms. He smiled to himself thinking, ‘Ah, last night was a feast to remember, praise Thor in all of his splendor and glory! Hey one of them even has all of her teeth, truly an auspicious and kingly gift granted by Thor!’
Still groggy from the massive intake of mead, Korgoth tried to ponder a solution to release him from his situation. Amidst his thinking he remembers that he hasn't seen Skuz yet and so using his limited vision his searched for his companion. Luckily the party animal was passed out just slightly over to the side. Korgoth recollected his friend also getting drunk and also him giving a piggy back ride to Skuz... wow what a party. Not wanting to disturb the lovely sleeping damsels, Korgoth spat out a mighty loogy that raced out and struck its target. Skuz stired and looked up irritably to find Korgoth motioning him over with that thick skull of his.
Skuz slowly got up and walked over to his friend to better evaluate the conundrum Korgoth had gotten himself into. The mule then proceeds to move to the lady on the left and gently nuzzle her arm which successfully caused her to roll over and away from Korgoth. With one of his massive arms free, Korgoth himself rolled the other one over carefully and soon freed his other arm. Standing up he felt a cool breeze on his body, thinking it odd he looked down and discovered he had no pants. Frowning, he tried to remember where they were but it was a futile attempt. As if reading his mind, Skuz walked away and came back, bearing the man's pants in his mouth as well as his tunic. Offering thanks to his most loyal companion, Korgoth dressed and exited the barn he was sleeping in.
As he departed, one of the maidens sat up and yawned hugely, letting the blankets fall to her waist. In the light of the morning she's definitely a little orcish around the eyes and jaw, and chest, not that there is anything to complain about. She looks at him a little blearily.
"Hey, you know to get to the sacred grove? Ingva Soulflayer wants to have a little chat with you and your party before you leave," she says to him.

***
Grath, startled by the unexpected noise, quickly looked around without saying anything or moving. He was still trying to maintain a calm, cool demeanor in this town. He is used to prejudice based on his race. ‘I didn't hear anything approaching,’ he thought to himself. ‘I still need to maintain a low profile, people might be grumpy with their hangovers, last thing I want right now is an incident to occur.’
Grath pushed aside the moist leaves and saw a tall, dark, white-haired woman dressed in shreds of armor and cloaks addressing, in a voice like mangled iron, the party gathered in the grove, which consisted of Gregor, Horbin, and himself, as far as he could see. He had the feeling that the others couldn’t be far.
"Listen well, all of you. That includes the orc in the bushes, thank you. I am Ingva Soulflayer, the Ghost-hound of Whitewater, and I come to give you counsel and advice before your speedy departure. Here we stand in the north-west corner of the People's domain. To the north is the Empire, to the west the sea. Some of you have already travelled long from the south and the east, so I'm going to assume you're not heading in either of those directions." She spread her arms hieratically. "Any questions so far?"

***
Korgoth winced as the maiden spoke after he tried to not so stealthly sneak away. Scratching his head he replied hurriedly, "Ugh... sure, I will get on that... definitely could have done better last night. Oh well, right Skuz?” Moving quickly he found his belongings and made his way to the grove, as he approached he heard "Do you have any questions so far?" and without giving much thought, he swaggered out into the open and proclaimed, "Yes I have a question, do you have breakfast ready because I am famished. I could also use a breakfast brewskie if you have one love." He gave a winning smile and hoped that the ghost hound found his antics charming or at the very least mildly amusing. As he waited for a reply he began to put on his armor.
While Gregor did have a question of why the woman is telling the "news", he decided it would be for the better not to ask it instead he just lay where he was, expressing undeniable interest all over his face. The dogs seemed to listen too. "Thats a big woman," Horbin let out, "perhaps she could shut her trap!"
The self-declared Soulflayer dipped into her haversack with a flick of her wrist and a slight rattle of bone on metal. She then threw Korgoth a travel ration and a wineskin, probably not containing wine. "For future reference, you should arm yourself more quickly on these mornings. Your longspear is suffering weapon shrinkage. Now," she sat cross legged between Baldur and Heironymous, who appear to be ignoring each other.
"As you might know, I got around a bit when I was younger. Also I travelled. To the south you might seek adventure, if you feel like fighting Orca to become kings and queens of the Penguin people. To the east there’s a thousand leagues of back-the-way-you-came to enter the steppes of the Dog People. No. They aren't called that because they ride dogs, are half-dog, or keep dogs. They're called that because they won't shut up, they smell, and they suffer from fleas. To the north of the steppes there's the Plateau of Yamigul, said to be Demon-Haunted. I have it on good authority the Demons resent this insinuation bitterly and avoid going near the place.
If you head west, you come to the sea, before nightfall if you move quickly, and should be able to take passage on a trading dragonship. Maybe even charter one yourselves. If you do this, be wary not to stray too far into the western ocean. The Nicely-Painted Fleet of the Administrate patrols the outer ocean as far south as the polar ice, and is very particular about protecting their territory. Which they appear to define as anything they're looking at at the time. Do not under any circumstances stray within site of their towers. Landing on their soil would be...ill-advised."
Korgoth smiled broadly at the mention of his 'longspear' and gingerly caught the trail ration and wine skin. He listened to the droning of the woman and he indulged himself in his morning meal. After finishing he looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Excuse me, do you have a point to this story or did you just bring us here to spin a yarn about your travelling days? As for getting around... that's a matter best kept to yourself milady. If you want us to randomly select where we go, then my vote is north or south. The dog people are rather mangy for my liking and there isn't a lot of women and mead at sea..."
"Yammering on, Yamigul sounds like a good a place as any," Horbin says holding his head with one hand.
Ingva pulls out a pipe while Korgoth spoke, stuffed it with something you hope is tobacco, and lit it with a sudden flash of flame. She held it in her left hand, keeping the flame burning in her right. "Ah, the young Korgoth. Not Odin's Favored Soul, I see", she breathed through blue smoke. Her eyes narrow as she leaned forward. "This is the bit where you get to ask questions."
Grath stepped out of the bushes slowly and approached those gathered. "What can you tell us about the Empire? Grath's village did not speak of them. Grath only hear rumors and murmurs."
Ingva nods politely to Grath. "The Empire is a glorious tangled mess. There has not actually been an Emperor for two hundred seasons, and those for a thousand before that were wandering pretenders, adventurers and warlords who used a faintly justified title to put a bit of legitimacy to their reaving. Still, the states that make it up can stick together against the outside. The Republic threatens, and The Adminstrate...abides. We profit by providing convenient heroes. And not attracting attention. I sometimes wonder how long this can last. I've seen things, read things, talked to things-" she broke off smoking.
"If you're after local specifics, the Imperial State directly to the north of us is the Margravate of Ashdown. We have good relations. We give them gold and things they think precious, they give us strong steel and workmanship. They are also often at war with their other neighbors, so they have a constant demand for people who are good at bashing skulls. I was a cornet-captain in their military, at one point. If you go along the border to the east, things between The People and the Empire are not so...convivial." As she finished her speech, the flame in her right hand died.
"So, no robbing of Ashdowners. Got that. How much do they pay to their mercs? Is not it better to work for their private employers,” Gregor questioned.
Marn stepped out from the behind the bushes where he had been listening to the conversation. "I'm not picky as to where we go, I'm just exploring the world that is open to me, I'm here for the journey not the destination."
Korgoth shook his head, "Either you're hard of hearing or just dense. I did ask a question to which you didn't respond. You are right, I do not serve the one eyed god but my god is just as wise and noble as any other. If you insult him again you will be treading on dangerous ground. My question was a simple one, you called us here, what was your purpose other than wasting our time?"
"Hey, you! More respect to Shaman! I mean it," Gregor shouted in response to Korgoth. Gregor stood up and his dogs followed suit.
"Ashdown's standard rates, in my time, weren't anything to write home about. Although they gave you fifty percent on looted items which was where all the money is. And proper military support as long as you swallowed their line of duty-and-honor-and-tactical-co-ordination-and never give the enemy a sporting-chance aesthetic. They were reliable. Almost tediously so. They still send me fifty-one gold pieces and a masterwork dagger every third summer.
Private employers, well, up to your own judgment there. You can catch a windfall job, or you can get suckered into a death-trap for a fee they won't even honor. Or, you can find yourself tools of some plot. I do fear sometimes that there are certain people out there that find us somewhat predictable.” Ingva stood up and put out a still flaming hand while breathing on her pipe, mismatched bits of torn martial array jingling. "Sacred Grove, fellows. I don't work through the gods, but I won't dishonor the house of my hosts. If Korgoth sees no value in my presence or words, that is his choice."
Dardiana sat down on the grass, her head still a bit fuzzy from the drinking that she had done. It hadn't been much, as she always watched how much she drank, but it had been a decent amount. She spoke up, "I really don't care where we go. I'm fine with anywhere, as long as it's not back home."
Ingva took the pipe out of her mouth and gave Dardiana a look at the last words out of her mouth, but seemed to decide to say nothing. "Well, then, my people," she turned to the north and held her pipe out to that direction. "The Imperial way, if you want, goes through the valley of the Whitewater. At this time of year it is as good as a highway, at others, it's a roaring death trap or frozen, treacherous ice. The river cuts right through the mountains. The mountains themselves are dangerous even in the height of summer. Once through the gorges, it remains Our People's territory until it reaches the conflux with the Stahlmund, which marks Imperial territory. Or, maybe I should say, Ashdown.
The land south of the mountains and north of the Stahlmund is technically ours, although it is damned difficult for us to get to for much of the year. Ashdown does not persistently intrude upon it. It is called Redside and is a no-mans land. The nearest Imperial town is two days from here. It is called Ethandun and can be reached easily by following the Whitewater, then the Stahlmund. Further questions that deserve an answer?"
"A cure for the hangover," Horbin chimed in before hefting his oversized blade onto his shoulder.
"Ice water" says Soulflayer. "If that doesn't work, then a steam-bath, then a flogging with birch-twigs, then then ice-water."
Grath hesitated, then blurted out, "Will Grath be ... welcome at Ashdown? Grath is not often welcomed."
Ingva Soulflayer turned around breathing out smoke, and answered. "I fail to see why. I have known monsters, young Orc, and I don't think you are one. Maintain this level of behavior and I don't think Ashdown will care.”
“And if they do, just give them a, 'I will eat you' look and they should leave you alone," Horbin added.
Korgoth looked to the massive orc with an appraising eye, he was big and would more than likely be useful down the road. He offered a grin, "No worries Grath, your in company with one of the finest smooth talkers in the land, stick with me and your bed will never be cold again!" Ingva Soulflayer took the pipe out of her mouth. She looked at Korgoth, looked at Grath, the looked at Korgoth again. Then she apparently decided whatever she was going to say would be much too easy and chomped down on scrimshaw.
Gregor sat back on the grass, not unlike as if struck, and tried his best to keep a poker face as Ingva collected her fallen down jaw. "I guess I'll start with Ashdown military. It should be good to know their ways and get their training, at the very least. While I am not a big fan of duty and discipline, having proper support and reliable guys around is a great deal. Boys, girls... who's going north with me?"
"Seems like a good start to me," Horbin replied. “Name's Horbin, this is Glenda," he continued as he readjusted the sword on his shoulder.
Korgoth shrugged "I'm fine with it, it's better than east or west but careful those imperials have stiff necks I hear." He lifted his hammer and rested it on his shoulder then proceeded to walk back to collect the remainder of his property.
"Well, young people, it's good to see you are thinking about this,” Ingva exhaled blue smoke. "Unless there's any further questions, from the young ladies perhaps? If not, I had best be on my way. Town to run, patrols to arrange, people to shout at. We are expecting traders soon."
"Gregor McAlister," pointing at the dogs, starting with big one, which is fully equipped with a halfling-sized saddle, bags and leather barding, "Abyss, Barry and Cherry." The dogs lazily wagged their tails. "Hey, Horbin, they seem to like you!"
Marn walked up and gave the dogs a pat on the head. "I've always loved animals... I think this will be a fun adventure. By the way, it's a pleasure to meet you all."
There is a rustling of bushes, and a slight halfling in hunting leathers burst out of one side of the clearing, with leaves in her hair and bloodshot eyes. She seemed to have dressed herself rather haphazardly, and a variety of weapons were precariously attached to her hips, back, and bandolier. "Wait wait wait! Can anyone tell me what's going on? I woke up in a barn, sore absolutely everywhere, smelling of animals, and you're all gone. I managed to follow the bellowing noises here, and now here I am." She spoke quickly and it seemed that she may still be a bit tipsy; not unusual, of course, considering both her size and the extremely late hour at which she stopped drinking.
The halfling took a moment to gather her thoughts, during which she noticed the shaman. "Oh, right. Hi there. My name's Delphi, Delphi Fallios, master tracker and ranger, and mercenary." She grinned broadly, and it looked good on her. "Well, I'm still working on the "master" part of it. So, where are you all going? I came late to the party, so you can fill me in on the details later."
"Somewhere north. I'll explain later. I'm Dardiana, by the way." The elf shook her head at Ingva's question. "I have no questions. Thank you and good luck with everything." She turned back towards Delphi and let out a sigh. "I'm glad you're coming. There were too many men, not enough females before."
"Well, then," Ingva stepped forward with a jingle of mismatched mithral mail against bronze dastana, notched spaulders, and black iron gorget. She shifted the scrimshaw pipe to her flaming hand and passed a scroll to, after a moment of looking around the party, Gregor. "Here is a blank piece of parchment. Which is astrally linked to a scroll in my quarters," she said. "It shall at some point become a world map, when I've had time to scribe one. I was never quick or clever at that sort of thing. But I've been around. I shall be able to alter it as things go on and if I should need to send you a message, it shall serve as that as well.
Go with bravery and wisdom. Remember you carry our name wherever you go. Even if it is unimaginative. And try not to get into a fight with any teenage Administrate Tourist in a dark basement. The gods speed you well, and all that." She turns, and walks off torwards the town square, giving Nerull an old-fashioned look as she goes.

[Marlowe]

Also, I messed up. I made the very common mistake of thinking a very popular spell is Transmutation when it's actually Conjuration. And no, I wasn't tipsy when I wrote that. Fixing.

Also, Hopbing gets 60xp for being polite and having excellent gaydar. This is not a joke.

[Linguz]

Mage Armor, huh? Got it. :smallbiggrin:

At least, that's my guess.

[Marlowe]

Nope. None of those effects are boosts, buffs, or any practical benefit to them whatsoever under any circumstances they'd like to be in.

But if somebody had tried to put on Bethlen's medallion, things would have got very medical for them.

[stanleyindraven]

horray! +1 level fighter
four points to concentration
one point to ride
Bonus Feat: Combat Expertise
+1 fort save
+1 bab
[roll0] to hp

BTW ne1 look at the recap i posted?

[mattie_p]

I leveled up too, just need to sit down for more than a few minutes to do it. Incidentally, are we rolling for hp or doing average hp per level?

[Marlowe]

I said average back in the old recruiting thread, but please yourselves.

[Linguz]

I rolled for it. Got above average. :3

[Marlowe]

I may have to find a different font for Astra.

[Linguz]

I read her as basically screaming. :/

[stanleyindraven]

it is easy to read and i know who is talking.

[Corsair420]

Sorry to say it, but I think I need to drop from the campaign, I seem to really just be along for the ride more then contributing, some stuff going on for me irl and I'm just kinda glancing over posts, not actually reading them.... Sorry guys, but good luck with the rest of the campaign, feel free to doll my items out to who wants them

[stanleyindraven]

I am sorry to hear that, Marn will be missed.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, sorry to hear about that, Corsair. Be well.

[RaggedAngel]

We'll miss you, and I look forward to gaming with you in the future. :smallsmile:

[Linguz]

What people said above. I'm sure we'll let you back in once you can get back into it, though, if you want to.

[AshesOfOld]

What these guys said. Sorry to see you go. Good luck with your stuff, whatever it is.

[Marlowe]

Dang. I'm sorry. It's not the game is it? I know I've got a lot of NPCs stomping around chewing the scenery.

Also, I'm having trouble connecting to giantitp.com over the last few days. SIte problem or local, I don't know. Just letting you know I'm trying.

Changed Astra's font.

We'll run MArn as an NPC until a suitably heroic death can be arranged, if that should suit you.

[stanleyindraven]

Why not let marn sign on here with ashdown and we may be able to meet up later if corsair wants to come back, or he can be an NPC contact for us in the future?

[Corsair420]

no its not the game, I've got a lot of ridiculous drama in my life atm and I just haven't been able to give much attention to the game, like I said i'm seeing the post but i'm not actually reading them so I have no clue whats actually happened then yall tried to slaughter that boar...

Whatever you guys want to do with my character is fine, I don't know when or if I'll come back to the campaign.... Sorry

[Marlowe]

Actually, letting Marn sign up with Ashdown is a good plan. Trammelburgh doesn't have a dedicated wizard.

Got a Bard and a Druid though. Guess who.

[u-b]

Regerding selling the loot, which will have to be done, eventually:
1. Will it be roleplayed or I just list the stuff to dump?
2. Standart rates?
3. Will Gregor be told correct prices or have I to roll Appraise?

[Linguz]

How is that Delphi if she's heterosexual...?

[Marlowe]

Regarding selling the loot. Somebody make a list of all the stuff you want to sell, then make a diplomacy check. A low diplomacy check will be half-price (this is standard in every game I've ever been in). A higher one is a bonus.

That's stuff we can do between scenes. Because it's dull. So I'm quite happy to deal with it OOC unless you really want to do it another way.

And regarding preferences, presumably these people care more about approach than they do about orientation.

[Linguz]

Does anyone have a list of all the loot we got? All I know is the masterwork dagger that Dardiana has.

[u-b]

Ok. The diplomacy roll is [roll0], most probably at +2 (at -1 if done personally by Gregor).

The same about buying. OOC? Will we have a list of what is for sale or will we request individual items and check if they are available?

upd: List is in here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ozXa3X2qtv7Uou6QZA738sYJwprsGErAEt3jKKRofUM/edit?pli=1), you can change what's taken/not taken (what's taken will be counted against your share at sell price*), I'm working on a table, will post a link.
*Might vary.

[Linguz]

Dardiana'll keep the dagger (which nobody knows is Masterwork as of yet) and get whatever gold is left in her share.

Or maybe we should do this some other way:

Step 1) Each person gets anything which they might actually use (combat or RP wise).
Step 2) Separate things that might possibly be used.
Step 3) Sell everything else.
Step 4) Evenly divide any left over gold.

To save the hassle of figuring out completely even shares.

[Marlowe]

Guys, please don't post Google.docs link. Because I can't view them. I had a horrible scare yesterday when I thought I was out of this site for good.

"Chinese People Like to do things a certain way". If there's a Chinese site that does something that an international site can do, even if it's in Chinese, is riddled with porn ads, and is useless to non-Chinese, then they block the international site so people have to use theirs.

[u-b]

(which nobody knows is Masterwork as of yet)
Does she want it to remain this way?
No problems with dividing and accounting. That is what Gregor's here for. And yes, yo're welcome! :smallbiggrin:

upd: Will repost all accounting here.

[Linguz]

She doesn't know it's masterwork either.

And got it, Mar. Precede every link with the link's destination and, if possible, put the text here instead. Correct?

[Marlowe]

And for that Dipl. roll, I'll give you 80% list price, instead of the base 50%.

Thanks. Don't assume I can view everything you can. They block youtube.

[Marlowe]

Also, I also apologise for Lotus. In case anyone's wondering, she has 15 Chr and 15 Con. Her Dexterity is higher than either.

[u-b]

Loot as spreadsheet screenshot on my site (http://roleplayer.narod.ru/files/sc-loot-1.png) or live at google docs (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArecYaJ8hhFRdHBDV0pQMXNQS2MxejcwZ2V3RWFRQ 2c#gid=0)

Plain text:

Stuff Qty Price Rate Total Sold
gold 224 1 1.0 224.41 224.41
gloves of dex +2 1 4000 0.8 3,200.00
masterwork composite shortbow +1 str 1 475 0.8 380.00
masterwork greataxe 1 320 0.8 256.00
masterwork dagger* 1 302 0.8 0.00
composite shortbow +2 str 1 275 0.8 220.00
masterwork shortsword 2 320 0.8 512.00 512.00
composite shortbows +1 str 2 175 0.8 280.00 280.00
shortbow 4 30 0.8 96.00 96.00
alchemical silver shortspear 1 91 0.8 72.80 72.80
shortsword 4 10 0.8 32.00 32.00
shortspear 9 1 0.8 7.20 7.20
mail shirt 3 100 0.8 240.00 240.00
studded leather armor x5 5 25 0.8 100.00 100.00
leather armor 7 10 0.8 56.00 56.00
heavy wooden shield 4 7 0.8 22.40 22.40
buckler 1 15 0.8 12.00 12.00
5710.81 1654.81
Participants 7 7
Nominal share 815.83 236.40


Dardiana Delphi Grath Gregor Horbin Marn Thorwald Total
Loot distributed
3200 380 220
256
0 3200 636 220 0 0 0 4,056.00
Gold distributed
374.96 0.00 0.00 154.96 374.96 374.96 374.96 1,654.80
Wealth distributed
374.96 3,200.00 636.00 374.96 374.96 374.96 374.96 5,710.80
Debt outstanding
0 2825.04 261.04 0 0 0 0 3,086.08

Things under 2gp taken for personal use are not counted. If anyone wants to argue any evaluation or sell some more, do it now.

[Linguz]

Marlowe! Stop apologizing for entertaining characters.

[stanleyindraven]

that is probably \the most beautiful thing i have ever seen ub

[mattie_p]

Looks good, concur with assessment so far. If we are paid in advance, Grath will keep 50 gp nothing for local expenses and advance the rest to pay down his debt towards the party. (I'll use personally owned goods, resold for fun and profit, for local expenses).

Shopping list to follow. What is the gp limit of trammelburgh? Can we assume they have PHB items plus selected other items?

EDIT:

Selling the following items which were replaced en-route:

greatsword (sorry, sword, I'll get a new one soon, I promise) 80% = 40 gp
shotbow 80% = 24 gp

Total 64 gp for me.

Since it looks 200 gp upfront from these guys, I'll forward all that towards the party fund to pay down my debt.

[Linguz]

So, Dardiana gets 374 gold pieces, 9 silver pieces, and 6 copper pieces? Just making sure I'm reading this right.

[u-b]

So, Dardiana gets 374 gold pieces, 9 silver pieces, and 6 copper pieces? Just making sure I'm reading this right.
Correct. Or 370 gold 45 silver 46 copper etc.

[mattie_p]

Please note Grath's payment towards debt and update the sheet. Everyone should get a little more (I'll just assume that we get payment now for convenience)

[RaggedAngel]

And Delphi gets nothing, ever, because her loot is waaaaay more expensive than anything she should have. :smallredface:

[mattie_p]

Awww. Poor Delphi. But she gets to have the most fun. At least, I'm assuming that she plans on having fun, based on the thread so far...

I'm inappropriate.

I'm wrong.

Spank me.

Nope. That's inappropriate too.

Let's just stop.

[Malak'ai]

Hey guys,
I just got a message from Marlowe. For some unknown reason he can't log into the forums. He's tried using multiple computers and it still hasn't worked.
He asks that you be patient while he tries to get this sorted out, and that hopefully wont take forever.

[RaggedAngel]

Hey guys,
I just got a message from Marlowe. For some unknown reason he can't log into the forums. He's tried using multiple computers and it still hasn't worked.
He asks that you be patient while he tries to get this sorted out, and that hopefully wont take forever.

:smalleek::smallfrown: I've been dreading this day. I've heard horror stories about Chinese internet, and China in general. I had a friend go there for the summer for an internship, and she completely dropped off the grid for two months, despite her best efforts.

I hope we can get Marlowe back.

[mattie_p]

That's because he is in China, the best country in the world. They are totally going to dominate the Olympics this year, because their training programs are awesome and China RuleZ!

So anyway, I think we can sort out everything we need to do in the next day or two. Grath is going to want to refresh his equipment. Dardiana, say you are going to do a detect magic on all the equipment before we officially sell, just in case there is something hidden.

For example, the masterwork axe Grath picked up had the half-orc previous owner talk to him. This might be magic, might be fluff. Anyway, now that you can detect at will, we need you to detect at will.

What else needs to be sorted out? Is anyone missing level 2 yet? Let's pick a bar fight tonight and get it for you! After we've already been hired, I hope they won't throw us in jail!

[Linguz]

Hmm true. I'll just detect magic everything 24/7.

[Marlowe]

Things seem to be fine, and thnaks Malak'ai. I couldn't get to the site at all for 24 hrs and got really worried. It looks like that was actual tech difficulties with here and not with the usual

On the other hand, the website we use for our children's activities and flashgames is now abruptly inaccessible. Tomorrow's going to be very interesting.

So, wait. Dardiana want to be carried all the way there, with company?:smalleek:

[mattie_p]

Welcome back. And what website is that for your flashgames, out of curiosity?

[Linguz]

Dardiana want to be carried all the way there, with company?:smalleek:

Yes. [Extra characters]

[Marlowe]

etyyy.com. It's not the best but it's in Mandarin, which makes the Chinese teachers feel nice and safe. Seems to be working again now.

what extra characters does Dardiana want to be carried with? :smallbiggrin: You want more oversexed snarky NPCs?

[Linguz]

Anyone, really. :smalltongue:

[mattie_p]

etyyy.com. It's not the best but it's in Mandarin, which makes the Chinese teachers feel nice and safe. Seems to be working again now.

Just went. Google offered to translate the site to english. I say yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! Total win.

Example english translations of links:


With the United States children learn letters

This phenomenon was language

The owner cover: Updated a lot of new songs!

Quiet, little baby hush little baby

Excellent English learning materials recommended

I suspect google just does not know how to translate Chinese (han) to English. Marlowe, if you offer a better translation through Chrome enough, will they pay you? How well do you know Han, or for that matter, any chinese?

[RaggedAngel]

Am I seriously the only PC that isn't level 2? I think I may have missed a chunk of XP somewhere, or perhaps I'm just not as cool as you all. :smallfrown:

[Linguz]

Can sleeping with someone else give 65 XP? :smallredface:

[RaggedAngel]

Can sleeping with someone else give 65 XP? :smallredface:

XP for sex?

...hm.

*finger pyramid of evil contemplation*

[Linguz]

Sex is a very good experience after all. And if you give her those gloves, she'll be even more deft. :smallwink:

[Marlowe]

I'm wondering about why you're not level 2 as well. Obviously the plan was to get you all to level 2 on arrival here.

We'll roleplay the night, and see what happens.

Out of interest, the texts used in Chinese schools obviously how to be Chinese as well, becaue we can't have English textbooks written by people who can write English, so todays lesson featured gems like "Yahoo. My hamburger is so big! How fun." and "Ouch, my sweater!".

Not so much wrong as....just plain wrong.

[mattie_p]

I really need to know in what context the phrase, "Ouch, my sweater," came up in the textbook. This is important.

[u-b]

With Grath's payment of 150gp everyone else gets an extra 25gp.

[mattie_p]

200. He'll pay the whole 200 we're getting in advance. He might be an orc, but he's not cruel. Well, he might be cruel, but not to the party.

[Linguz]

Lotus disregarded Dardiana's question... and this is serious business!

[Marlowe]

That's because I'm trying not to think about what Lotus would do with such equipment. I'm trying to block it out by wondering if Astra likes it on top. And that is not helping much.

Context of "ouch, my sweater". Little girl carrying a hamburger runs into someone in a hallway, getting mustard and ketchup on his clothes. Hence "Ouch, my sweater."

Maybe I should just assume everyone's stoned.

[u-b]

Ok. Grath pays 200, not 150, so everyone else gets 33.33 gp.

[Linguz]

That's because I'm trying not to think about what Lotus would do with such equipment. I'm trying to block it out by wondering if Astra likes it on top. And that is not helping much.

Too late, it's been brought up. You'll have to live with it, so might as well answer.

On another note, what are the chances of purchasing one such equipment around the base?

[Marlowe]

Depends on who you ask...hint. As above, so below.

[Linguz]

Gather info check? :smallbiggrin:

[Marlowe]

As above, so below.

And the word you're looking rhymes with "corny". And starts with an 'H"

[Linguz]

Okay...?

Linguz is confused as to what you're meaning, but not as to the work that he's looking for.

*Shrug*

[Marlowe]

I mean talk to the Tiefling. Who is off getting you a guide right now.

[Linguz]

Honestly, I've got no idea what a Tiefling is at all.

[Marlowe]

The one on the left:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG209.jpg
Lieutenant Larissa Lasalle is one.

[Linguz]

Linguz looked it up...

So they've got fiendish blood, nice. Anyway, I'll wait to see Delphi's reaction before Dardiana does anything else related to said item.

[Marlowe]

...and apparently they now block English Wikipedia if you turn to the page on their own country.

[Linguz]

Of course. They don't want you reading stuff about China is English.

[Marlowe]

Farewell Marn Ortul.

Of course, if we did share out his possessions. Bethlen would get suspicious anyway.

Wonder how Korgoth's getting on?

[mattie_p]

Need to update your signature, Marlowe, now that Marn is out. And why is Thorwald lacking in the explanation point department?

So... was anything else magical besides the gloves? My axe, perhaps? Or was the whole talking to me thing fluff?

[AshesOfOld]

Whew, did I miss out or what? You guys write faster than the 20-odd monkeys trying to randomly write out Shakespeare's collective works! And those are some fast typers, I hear.

Raggedangel: I haven't levelled either. But I did start later than you guys.

mattie_p: Maybe Thorwald is just underwhelmed by all the eccentricity :smallamused:. Naw, he's just being the little emo firestarter he is.

[Linguz]

Thorwald takes in Lotus' affections with little interest and tries gently to push her off his lap.
"Yes, I do follow the Lord of Fire. This particular fire does not hold much interest. I am interested in a horse, though." at this Thorwald quickly points with his finger at the surrounding people. "Don't even start! Not what I meant!"
"Say, Astra. If I can get this vixen off my lap, how about we share some mugs? Or maybe even a little contest?"

OOC: What can I say? Apparantly, Thorwald likes them big :smallsmile:.

Totally what you meant.

Hey, Ragged, how 'bout we get him in the cart and you can show him to love them small? :smallwink:

I swear I'm loving this game. Mar, thanks for having us.

[Marlowe]

Thorwald's lacking an explanation point because I copy/pasted from the recruiting thread, where I was being dramatic. Throwad joined later, so no exclamation.

Yeah, feels a shame to drop somebody. Especially as I having little games going along with Marn that he so wasn't getting. I need space in my sig, however.

And Thorwald, you just missed out on a chance to gain experience and level up.

Mattie, I'll get to the axe at the right time. Someone's noticed something.

[AshesOfOld]

@Marlowe No, cruel god! Harsh master of life and death! Why does't thou taunteth me so, with these, thine lustrous treasures of my heart's desire? Thine gold and thine experience points are all that mine soul seeketh.

Naw, its alright. Freaky though it may sound, I like my character concept, and I'm sticking with it in spite of lustrous allure and stuff.

[Marlowe]

Don't explain yourself to me, explain yourself to your master.

And on a lighter note; poor Horbin. Logging on and seeing his position.

[RaggedAngel]

Don't explain yourself to me, explain yourself to your master.

And on a lighter note; poor Horbin. Logging on and seeing his position.

Gods, you're evil. Why is that so attractive? I demand you stop at once, lest I think unladylike thoughts.

[stanleyindraven]

i will read the 1-2 pages that have been written since friday tomorrow morning. unfortunately i have no free time when everyone else seems to.

[stanleyindraven]

Now that I have seen and read, it is a good thing Horbin is a good sport. But yes, like the others, I enjoy this game emensley and am having fun with the characters.

[Marlowe]

And the words you're looking for are either "yes" or "no".

[stanleyindraven]

if i must in so many words, it has been added

[mattie_p]

Marlowe, are you this pimptastic in real life, or is this just coincidence that almost all of the NPCs we've encountered are interested in only one (or two) things?

"Don't worry baby, it is only tasteful nudity"

[u-b]

Any hope buying anything? Specifically:
1. Well-used wand of cure light (up to 20 charges)
2. Small buckler
3. Small knife

Also, Gregor would like to have some trail rations or such in exchange for the wolves, if there is interest. Otherwise, he'll donate the wolves to local kitchen and just buy some rations for cash.

[Marlowe]

U-B, all those things should be easy enough to buy.

"Pimptastic?":smalleek:

[Marlowe]

Oh, and feel free to read Horbin's spoilers. I hope.

[stanleyindraven]

good jesus, thank god i didnt want to have to repost that as i told the rest of the party. but yeah, i think horbin might actually be a believer in a god now.

[Marlowe]

About time Horbin got some attention.

[stanleyindraven]

about time Horbin got to post and actually get more into the story, I have been trying since we met Vierzehn, but my weekends are basically tech free.

[stanleyindraven]

Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Trail of Blood


The party departed the town by the north gate, Freya on their left hand, Hel upon their right. To the north the mountains known as the Godspine rise in an almost sheer wall of granite, cut with a vicious cleft through which flows the Whitewater. It is called Starlight's Razor, for some reason.
The river was almost at a trickle, broad and swift, but very shallow with the snowmelt of spring having subsided. Much of the water had receded from the bed, leaving the river flowing in winding, cross-connecting braids. The bed and banks were made of white, metamorphic stone worn smooth by the floods of autumn and spring. Their feet made loud crunching sounds as they proceed.
As they entered the Razor, the walls towered up to a frightening height, blocking out the morning sun. The sound of boots on stone echoed before and behind them. In the blue strip of sky above them between the granite cliffs, hawks were circling.
Korgoth took the lead bellowing out a loud drinking song and his donkey even accompanied him at times during the chorus. He preferred walking it basically forced him to stay sober or sobered him up if he decided to dip into the mead early. The others seemed shaky or sullen, so Korgoth thought he would cheer up the group with a song it, was unfortunate that no one else sang along, though they were from different tribes. He stared at the scenery dully, not overly caring about his surroundings. People interested him because inanimate objects didn't do much of interest. As Korgoth looked around at the walls of the canyon he noticed that the cliffs had a smooth, half-melted look.
Horbin will moved to take up next to Korgoth in the lead. Grath adjusted the heavy pack on his back and walked near the end of the party. He had his sword sheathed, but his bow was in hand, arrow notched but not drawn back. He looked a little nervous, his eyes and head darted too and fro as he tried to watch everywhere and everyone at once, it seemed.
Gregor was riding on Abyss, carrying his lance, rested on a stirrup and wishing there would be better ways of carrying a lance. Delphi was invited to ride with him, allegedly to speed up party movement. With a generally relaxed attitude, Gregor enjoys the ride, the company, and the nature, doing his job of moving up into the front ranks and being aware of surroundings in some consistent manner.
Delphi gladly accepted the offer to ride atop the bulky riding dog, and she seemed excited to have the chance, scratching the powerful animal's ears with great enthusiasm. The big dog initially attempted to play the same, ‘I am demonstratively ignoring such a familiarity,’ attitude as it did with Marn Ortul before, but soon gives up and is visibly enjoying the scratching.
Delphi kept her scout's eyes and ears perked up and attentive, but otherwise she enjoyed the chance to get off of her feet. She occasionally muttered off-color jokes to Gregor in Halfling, occasionally poking lighthearted fun at the ranger and his beasts.
The smaller dogs generally moved ahead, to the sides or wherever they decided was more interesting. Since the dogs considered the canyon itself rather uninteresting and seldom delayed to investigate the things they liked to do in forests. Most of the time they are thirty to a hundred feet ahead of the group.
"Anyone know any songs that can be sung quietly, in case someone comes along to take our heads," Horbin asked with a smile.
Grath shook his head and simply said, "No."
Dardiana walked near the back, not at the back in case of an assault from behind. Marn stuck near the back of the group, he didn’t trust humanoids very much after the way he was treated growing up. He basically fell into the same condition as the others, admiring the scenery. Marn noted to himself that the canyon seemed to have had a very powerful evocation spell pushed through it with little regards to the lasting effects. Fortunately, it looked like it happened a long time ago. As he thought about it, the land around Whitewater Rip did have a reclaimed lakebed feel to it.
Shortly after noon, Gregor's dogs started barking up ahead, and a flight of ravens, and hawks took off into the sky in a flutter of unnecessary gothic imagery. There was a brown hump on the riverbed, like a large, possibly dead, animal, from which the kites flew. Gregor let Delphi walk for a while and rode forward, ready to charge any sort of large predator or whatever might pose a danger to his dogs with the intent to eventually examine whatever is there and ride a bit past it.
"Dead stuff up ahead," Horbin called to the others.
Korgoth lowered his voice to a gentle hum as he drew his warhammer, his spirits were high and he was hoping for some type of scrap. He was a reasonable man that usually used more diplomatic means to solve problems, but he always felt true joy at more 'aggressive diplomatic solutions' where his hammer did the talking. He generally ignored any negative comments directed toward him, but he stored away the odd image of the hills for later discussion. The brown hump on the bank separated from the surrounding of rock and resolved into a mule, lying on its side. Its mouth was flecked with red foam. There was a packsaddle on its back and two red-feathered arrows in its side.
Grath allowed others to investigate the animal, maintaining his position. He lifted and drew the bow, looking around him intently for any danger. As Grath looked around it seemed like the cliffs were beginning to lower where they were. He thought they were reaching the end of the Razor. Korgoth examined the mule to determine how long it had been dead, to determine whether or not the party was still in danger and whether or not the meat was still fresh for eating. The blood trail on the white quartzite riverbed lead north from where the mule laid. Ravens were screaming overhead.
The mule, notwithstanding the efforts of the carrion-fowl, was not, in fact, dead. It was still breathing shallowly. As Korgoth watched, fresh tinctures of red bleed into the foam around its mouth and nostrils. Gregor rode up two-hundred feet past the corpse, checking for any dangers anywhere and taking note at what the dogs were barking at. Then Gregor could determine that the mule's blood trail extended quite a bit to the north, beyond his present sight, and also that the cliffs were starting to give way to lower, more accessible slopes. Horbin looked in the direction the arrows appeared to have come from and then scanned around. He could see a massive, towering, but not immediately, threatening cliff of rock. Aside from the birds overhead, it was pretty quiet.
Marn started to examine the pack and its wares for clues. The packsaddle contained a large quantity of dyed fabrics, silks, cotton, and linen. There were about twenty-four gold worth of coins with an eagle on one side and a head on the other stamped "Ashdown Markgrafen", a smattering of smaller copper pieces, and a black, leather-bound book bound with a red ribbon and a simple clasp in a copper alloy showing a scythe crossed with a lightning bolt. The mule wheezed through punctured lungs.
Delphi rushed to the mule's side as soon as she spotted it, and she knelt down, and brushed its ears gently. "There now, hard worker. There now," her voice was soft and sad, a stark reversal from her previous demeanor. "Can anyone heal," she looked to the others, worried and afraid for the poor animal. She took out a small vial, filled with a gleaming pinkish-white liquid. "This stuff is expensive, but a life is worth more."
Korgoth waved at Delphi, “I can help him without using that.” Korgoth did his best to patch the wound of the mule and take out the arrows.
After a short time Gregor rode back. "Whoever shot this animal did it quite a way north of here. I guess we should try to keep it alive if able, then check what has happened. Robbing robbers might be a good business, right?"
Dardiana had stayed quiet when they found the mule and, seeing her group handle things there, eventually said, "I'm going to go up the walls and see if I can see anything better from above." With that, she began to climb the walls like a spider, going up them quite easily unless.
"Whoa! You see that," Gregor said surprised at how Dardiana climbed the cliff.
"Looks like it was a merchants mule, the pack is filled with dyed fabrics mostly...some coins..." Marn spoke. He then pulled the leather bound book out of the pack and stepped away from the mule into an open space, set it down and began casting a spell.
"Ingva said a merchant was coming in. Mule belonged that merchant, bet," Grath said as he still scanned for any danger in all directions, including behind.
Delphi and Gregor were intently watching the mule until it coughed up blood, then staggered to its feet. To restore the indignity the crows had done to its eyes required magic. The mule licked Delphi across the face in gratitude.
Marn detected a roil of differing varieties of magic about the book, but nothing strongly focused from it. Though he didn’t let on to its suspicious nature.
Dardiana, from her perch in the cliffs, looked out recalling that this is the Starlight's Razor and it ends in a large, circular depression called the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, though no one explained why for some reason. As she looked around from the cliff top, to the north side of the Godspine, which was a lot gentler than the south. Only sharp ridges of rock descending to the north between dark vales of coniferous forest, instead of a blank wall of rock.
She then turned north, to the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, it was a teardrop-shaped depression, oddly regular, at least a mile across. Its broad end faced north, suspiciously deeper than its southern end. The Whitewater, took advantage of a chance gap in the terrain and forced its way through the north side, before disappearing beyond. The depression was oddly lacking in trees and there was not enough soil. It appeared that something drove a fist through the mountains and impacted with something about eight-hundred meters from where she was standing.
Marn finished his divinations on the book then attempted to open it. Once open he began to read some of its contents;
[Maeve put her back to the wall, her bodice heaving in a moonlit majesty of silk, leather, studs and perfumed, lubricative, oils. He could not find her here. He could not! Or else-
The window to her left shattered in a convenient fashion, and through he stepped. His marble features glimmering in the torch light, the sparkles on his skin twinkling like stars.
"No!", she screamed. While her heaving costumage whispered oh hell yes. "No, you can't! Just because we're not blood-siblings-"
He tore the mask off with a jerk. "Beryl", he said. "This is just stupid! It's not working for me at all."]
It continued in this way for the entire book. One fantasy involved the couple killing themselves in a pistol duel on a blasted heath over a disagreement about coffee. Another involved them poisoning each other over a hiccup in the mail system. Yet another ended with the phrase "here's your handkerchief, Othello!"
Marn looked up obviously confused about the book but decided to hold onto it for awhile, and study it later, for there are more important things to do at that moment. He put the book in his bag and went back to the rest of the group.
Korgoth frowned at the poor creature. “Such a noble beast should not be left here to die, you shall make a fine companion for Skuz... Now are you female,” he said to the mule. As he worked his fingers he said sacred words of power and a pattern formed in his mind that his fingers unconsciously began tracing. Warmth flooded through Korgoth and light flared from his body. The light and warmth moved from his core and flowed out from his hands, into the hurt mule. The mule’s eyes were restored and Korgoth was relieved.
"So, what should we do? Try to find the merchant? or continue on our way,” Marn asked the others as he walked up.
Delphi gave the mule a hug, which looked a bit ridiculous due to their difference in size. She then turned to the others, drawing out her sling and a smooth stone. "I have an archer to kill. You can go on if you want to, but I may be a while." Her mouth was set in an angry line and her eyes were filled with a fire they hadn't seen in her before. "I intend to leave him just alive enough to feel the crows, if I can manage it, which may take a while. I would appreciate any help I can get, though." Her voice was filled with a cold anger and they got the strong feeling that the little woman could and would do exactly as she said, despite her usually jovial nature.
"I'll go with you, leaving an animal to die a slow agonizing death like that is just cruel, and someone needs to pay,” Marn replied.
Dardiana climbed back down the wall and told the group what she saw and knew about the area.
"Enemies cannot be behind us. Merchant cannot be behind us. Only one way to go, unless rather go back to Ingva," said Grath.
Before them lay a blood trail over the white rock. Horbin followed the obvious trail to it's end. Korgoth, pleased with his work, announced, "Skuz come here and greet your new friend! Now don't be shy, now you can have someone to lay with at night. I suppose we have an animal shooter to hunt." They followed the blood trail down the Razor. The mule was obviously a tough beast, even bleeding a good rate and with a perforated lung it managed a decent distance.
After an hour, the walls of the Razor finally gave way and they emerged into sunlight, at the southern end of the Fall of the Fourth Daughter. The Whitewater pooled into a small lake at the deeper northern end, then broke through a flaw in the rim of the Fall to flow on to meet the Stahlmund to the north. The blood trail continued to follow the Whitewater, leading towards the lake about half a mile away. There seemed to be a lot of birds wheeling over the lake today, for some reason.
Grath peered down at the lake from his position near the tail of the party. Keeping his bow ready, he said, "Shall all go down? More bird mean more bodies, yes?" Nodding at Korgoth he asks, "Can bring back from dead others?" Grath saw that there were seven black, unmoving shapes by the shores of the lake, birds clustering around them. They stood out really well against the quartzite and gabbros. "Grath sees seven still shapes lying on the white rocks, with birds all around. Danger is very close now."
Korgoth heard the words of the orc and sadly shook his head, "Nay, I have yet to be granted that kind of power by Thor, it requires a heavy price to bring back someone from the dead. Aye we should use caution I don't like the smell of this place, perhaps we should take a look around in the surrounding area before approaching the lake?"
"Something tells me there is more death to come," Horbin said as he looked at the birds overhead. "Let us advance as a group but everyone keep your eyes peeled."
Gregor stopped and took his time looking at the lake, the area around the lake, the area around the area around the lake. He generally tried to guess what could have happened and how to most safely approach whoever made it happen. Gregor could tell the area was a teardrop shaped crater about a mile across. The floor was largely devoid of topsoil and supported only some scrubby plants. The rim of the crater, on all sides bar the northern breach through which flows the Whitewater and, to the south, the Razor from which you've come, was fused stone slightly elevated above the dark, surrounding forest. The Lake of the Whitewater would provide a convenient water source but it also cut down movement options.
He feels he wouldn't camp there, it's a perfect place for an ambush. The rim of the crater made a perfect hiding spot for any ambush and it's a little large. They'd have some time of warning, but what would they do with it? He also noticed that the blood trail is more spread out here. The mule still had the strength or the terror to run.
Marn began looking around see what he could, and also thought hard to try remembering anything he may have heard about the lake. Not a place to linger in was everyone's judgment. Of course, Whitewater Rip and Ashdown were at peace, so maybe people were a little more careless than might be considered normal. Also, bypassing the area would have, by the look of things, lead to wasting several hours moving through the surrounding forest.
Gregor decided on what he thought was the best way to approach a place where he would camp if he were to set an ambush and proposed to go that way. He'd liked to either ambush the ambushers or see them from afar. Delphi moved about ten yards away from the main group, her sling out and her movements soft and quiet. She tried to think like an ambusher, imagining how she would slip through the low-lying cover and attack unsuspecting prey. She looked around the rim of the crater, attempting to spot anything moving.
While the troupe crept along trying to stay hidden, nothing moved by the lake, except the wings of ravens. The only sound was the rustle of leaves in the wind and cries of the ravens which were barely audible from where they were. The lake abutted the crater rim very close on the west side, so the way around was to the east of the lake. Unsurprisingly, that's where the shapes were still and the birds were circling.
"I doubt it now, but they may still be alive," Horbin said as he started toward the figures.
"Wait, Horbin. Whoever is there, they'll wait a bit more. I guess we take a bit east, moving on the outer side of the rim with Dardiana and Delphi leading the way. I do not want to get to the position of ambushee before I visit the position of ambusher. Let's play it safe," Gregor said to the fighter.
Grath pointed toward the forest and whispered quietly, "Grath can't help hurt creatures like Korgoth can anyway, but can fight ambushers who want to kill."
The worked their way around the rim taking a while, but it all seemed quiet and it’s good to be cautious. The trees there were the same as south of the mountains, tall, brown, and spiky.
They worked their way around the rim of the fall until they approached the north-eastern "corner". Then, they saw bloodstains and drag marks across their path. The tracks of men and mules. They also found a copy of "Half-Orcettes Half-Dressed" monthly. Which somebody appeared to have left there. Grath couldn’t read, but noticed there was a picture on the cover and he picked it up without thinking through the situation. Upon opening it, it was rather graphic. The "Half-dressed" part of the title was technically accurate.
Grath was very embarrassed at seeing the graphic imagery, snapped it closed, and put it away in his pack for later review. He muttered, "I always wondered what the fuss was about. I'm starting to get an idea."
Gregor wanted first to check possible observation points that ambushers might leave on the ridge, then he followed the trail. Delphi did mostly of stealth mode while Gregor rode at a recommended distance behind and to the side. He did not ride directly on the trail as long as the trail was obvious to the others.
"Mind if I see what’s there," Horbin questioned Gregor as he gestured to the 'site'.
Dardiana sighs and says, "I'm going to check what's down there." She then proceeds to do exactly as she said with Horbin in tow.


Chapter 2
Chapter 2: An Ambush



At the "site" on the shore of the lake they found a dead mule with no packsaddle and a dead human female, with arrow and slashing wounds. Her had dark skin and looked a little like Ingva's by-blow daughter. She also had tattoos up both arms and no weapons, even in the shortspear quiver on her back. A half-orc man with blonde hair lay murdered on the stone nearby. He had an old scar over his left eye and was still gripping his great axe. Both wore mail shirts and a bronze gorget bearing the words "REICH CAVARANIENSTAFFL.” An older human with a full beard and expensive clothing laid out on the hot stone. His fingers showed signs of having his rings pulled free and a dagger was still clutched in his other hand.
Two more humans in leather armor and red cloaks were littered about, both holding short swords with discarded shields nearby. One had a cut splitting his head apart, plus multiple bite marks as if from small animals. The other looked like he got a critical eldritch blast to the face, after getting chewed on by small animals.
The last body they found belonged to a half-elven female in leather armor and red cloak. She was lying a bit apart from the others, like she was sniping from the rim. She had a shortbow, but he quiver was empty. She obviously suffered a short spear to the gut. Ravens still picked at the carrion and continued to squawk.
Marn approached cautiously, keeping an eye on his surroundings and began searching the area for any missed loot or clues. Dardiana went to each corpse in turn and looked them over. When she was done with that, she spoke up, "There was a battle here. Redcloaks versus the merchant and his guards, most likely. The older male would most likely be the trader." She looked around, trying to find the tracks of more men having moved around this place. On a closer inspection, she noticed an odd pattern to things. Some things of value had been looted and others, like the mail shirts of the guards, not.
She did find an amulet behind a rock. It took the form of twelve snakes curving counter-clockwise outward from a central hub, which itself took the form of a vertical-pupil eye. The whole amulet had the look of copper, but the iris of the eye was set with some kind of greenish stone. It was bound by a fine chain of steel links.
Dardiana went back to the corpses and checked the valuable items that were left behind, particularly, what the general weight of the valuable items left behind was. The merchant's clothes might have been worth a bit and his dagger was masterwork. As was the half-orc guard’s battleaxe. Then there were the mail shirts of average quality and some short spears lying around. The heavy stuff was left while the lighter stuff was taken. The Ambushers didn't collect the weapons of their own fallen.
Everyone, even in the thin soil of the Fall, could spot the bloodstains, drag-marks, hoof-prints, and footprints leading to the north-east, past Gregor's position. Grath, who stayed above the "crater," followed the blood stains, toward the woods, or away from the crater, at least. He didn’t go too far, maybe fifty feet or so to the edge of the woods. He was trying to move slowly and silently, but was ready to shout for help if he was attacked and still had his bow ready and knocked. The trail leaving the ambush was fairly obvious, and included drag marks, but Grath didn't have the knowledge to put it all together.
Korgoth kept a weary eye with a weapon drawn. His instincts were screaming at him to leave that place but he was torn because he believed the dead deserved a proper send off. With stern resolution he spoke to the crowd, "We should not leave these bodies to the ravens, we should build a pyre so they may go to Valhalla with all of their possessions!"
Grath returned from his short expedition. "Let the dead bury the dead. Dead need nothing, possessions are for the living. Grath see nothing near, but let all follow trail and kill enemies."
Dardiana took the merchant's dagger. "Exactly as you said,” she addressed Grath. “He won't need this. And we'll bury or burn them after the guilty have fallen. That is, unless, we want to announce our presence."
“Animals need to eat too, we have no right to deny them their feast, leave them,” Marn added in.
Keeping his watch on the rim and watching both directions, Gregor noticed there were quite an amount of heavy trophies left and that generally these redcloaks screwed up heavily, losing three of their own. ‘Good for us,’ he thought. "Grath is right, I guess we better pack the stuff on our mules before it gets taken by some other band of passers-by. The chase could take some time, but we better not waste our time dealing with the bodies. Maybe on our way back. Check the lake, just in case, search the bodies real good, pack, and let's go," Gregor chimed in with definitive resolve.
Gregor and Delphi could see that there were some patches of sand next to the lake where they found the trail left by the caravan as it entered the Fall from the north. At that point it consisted of four mules and five humanoids. The much messier trail leaving the scene to the north east had the markings of two mules much more heavily loaded, two dragged bodies or objects, and six humanoids. It appeared to be aiming for the end of the first mountain spur to the east.
Korgoth fowns and is saddened by the lack of respect for the dead, "I told you to LEAVE their possessions, if any of you steal there weapons or armor you will deal with ME. Take the perishables and money but leave their equipment." Narrowing his eyes, Korgoth looked angrily at the halfling.
Dardiana glared at Korgoth as she took the sheath from the merchant and put it at her own waist. "Feel free to follow your own ideals, but the ideals of others should be up to them. Just like I won't push you until you take something, you shouldn't push us until we don't."
The male halfling looked at Korgoth from the ridge. “I suggest you openly state you are not joining Ashdown or any other of this world's military. Also, I suggest you not attempt to hurt anyone, or we, indeed, might deal with you. In that case, I'll try to make sure you'll live," Gregor responds to the man’s threat.
Korgoth glared around, looking for a moment like he was tensed to attack. Then turned, shouldered his hammer, and walked off without a word. Heading for the north, and Ethandun. As the party watched him disappear through the breach in the Fall rim, some of them thought they could hear the sound of hurried horse's hooves echoing down from Starlight's Razor.
"So what’s the next move? If there was to be an ambush I'm sure we'd have heard something by now," Marn questioned.
Delphi came back to the group, having lost patience with her shadowy stalking. She watched as Korgoth left, and she snorted quietly, "One down, before the raiders even show up? Well, maybe they'll see that as a sign of weakness and finally pounce." She shrugged then requested the saddle pack they had found with the mule, intent on searching it more carefully. She then spent a minute looking it over, careful to not miss a thing. The search confirmed Mart Ortul's story about bolts of dyed cloth.
Delphi also made a search of the site to ensure they wouldn’t miss anything before moving on. Looking around, she did find the amulet behind the rock as well. She moved over to the rock, and she very carefully picked up a strange amulet. She lifted it, careful not to touch the actual face of the amulet. "This looks really expensive, or important. Or, you know, cursed. What do you all make of it? I don't, uh, have much education to speak of." She blushed a bit at her last statement, clearly embarrassed.
"Grath did not see ambush either. Perhaps no ambush? Perhaps ambush ambushers? Ambushers not expect ambush! Also, write on paper and tell Ingva trader not coming and why!" Grath spoke enthusiastically, though they did not know if it was because he wasn’t getting ambushed or because he may be the one ambushing soon.
"I'm afraid the paper Ingva gave me is one-way only, we cannot write on it for her to know. In case I get it wrong though..." Gregor took a small splinter, tipped it in one of redcloaks' blood and put a small mark on the map. "I am done checking the rim and it all seems to be deserted. Whoever did it, did not leave here any rearguard so they are probably marching to some distant site.” Based on general spore, discarded trail ration wrappers, and the remains of a campfire a little further into the forest to the north-east, Gregor surmised that the ambushes were at least ten in number, and were in position at least from the previous night.
Gregor started searching all of the bodies for hidden pockets and such, evaluating everything that might be valuable. He then rinsed and packed the mail shirts, great axe, short spears and other valuables, not including the merchant’s pants and shirt, but possibly boots, belt etc. if of sufficient value. Gregor will end up packing six short spears, two short swords, a short bow, two mail shirts, three sets of leather armor, two heavy wooden shields and a buckler. He was also able to find seventeen gold, three silver and 6 copper pieces between them, and a length of string.
He then dragged all the bodies next to each other and away from the road, covered them with red cloaks then suddenly stopped, looking at the large spot of red on white he had just assembled. "I wonder if these red cloaks should mean something. They are extremely non-practical for any sort of forest warfare."
Upon seeing the amulet as Delphi held it aloft, Gregor responded. “Snakey, hmm...either it's magical or it's a symbol...or both. No idea what it could mean."
"I already used my detect magic spell for the day but I'll see what I can tell from it, if you don't mind.” Marn then held out his hand for the amulet.
Delphi offered it gladly, clearly not trusting the amulet. "It's odd, and it seems strange that the bandits or raiders or what have you would just leave it. I suppose they may not have noticed it, but it seemed to leap out at my eyes." She looked at the taller folk around her, and she smiled. "Then again, perspective accounts for a lot."
Marn started to examine the amulet trying to determine if any of his lessons would help in identifying its nature. The amulet was definitely magical in nature. It was not made of any natural element he had seen before. It had the weight and color of copper, but none of the softness, as a sharp rap with a rock attested. The greenish, iridescent iris appeared to have been achieved using polished mollusk shell, cut to precision. The chain was finely-tooled steel of masterwork quality.
As Gregor looked around at the ambush site he found a faint set of humanoid footprints that came around from the north side of the Fall and followed the departing trail. It looked like somebody with good dexterity trying to be cautious but with no woodscraft whatsoever. The tracks were light and quick, but whoever it is kept stepping in all the wrong places. It appeared to be somebody shadowing the departing ambush party rather than joining them.
"Have got what is needed from here? Grath will carry whatever the mule cannot. Follow trail, or not? More stuff if find end of trail," Grath said as he looked almost bored.
"Do you mind if I hold on to this for awhile? I'd like to run some more tests later,” Marn asked Delphi. And thinking about it, he pulled out the leather book and opened it again and cast Read Magic to see if anything became clear since he had detected magic before. The spell did not reveal any hidden information. However, the scythe and lightning-bolt clasp appeared to be the same alloy as the amulet.
Grath took the masterwork great axe and helped to load the mule with the rest of the salvaged equipment. He also took a long look at the half-orc.
Horbin silently took the length of string. "Well, looks like we best not be standing here when someone arrives, especially if they are lawmen," Horbin said plainly as he made a path to the wooded area.
"I am not afraid of any lawmen, so far. But indeed, nothing to do here unless we want to waste some time. Speaking of which, I propose we hustle for an hour to catch up with cloaks' lead. This could be dangerous, but I guess they are farther away," Gregor addressed the group.
With Gregor and Delphi leading the way, they moved at double speed through the forest along the trail of the ambushers. The lighter members of the party hitched rides at times on the back of the mules. Delphi's pet, though not in the best of health still, seemed quite keen to follow. In spite of its really bad day, it was still a strong animal, obviously well kept.
It was obvious the two mules the raiders were driving were overloaded, and not helping their pace. After a short distance the two sets of drag marks vanished, but the mule prints became deeper and more labored. The lighter trail of the shadower winded along, almost invisible at times, but remained around the raiders’ main trail. The trail appeared to be heading for the end of the nearest of the jagged spurs reaching north from the Godspine. Near the end of their hustle they stepped around some rock and found themselves between the towering knife-edge of the spurs end and a deep, broad, swift river running from east to west. The redcloak's trail, having moved around the end of the spur, now turned south-east.
They noticed at that point a body lying against a tree. He wore a red cloak and held no weapons, his body covered in small animal bites. Clutching at a bloody wound to its stomach seemed futile due to the somewhat more fatal, missing half of his head.
"Looks like someone got angry," Horbin said as he looked at the man. At that point, from some bushes to their right, in the shadow of the rocky spur, they all heard the sound of somebody not moving silently.
[SNAP] "frell..." in a woman’s voice rang out as the twig broke under foot.
Delphi was moving before she consciously thought to do so, darting around the sound at a full sprint to get into a flanking position. She also wanted to see if she could spot the clumsy bigfolk before they had a chance to hide again. She saw the female human rising, with a disgusted expression, from the pitfall that a poorly chosen foothold had dumped her in. Her black-leather-with-brazen-studs armor, while it might be quite the thing for a very exclusive sort of party, was not well chosen for concealment around a lot of green and brown. Although at least she had found a green cloak from somewhere. Her skin tone reminded Delphi a little of Dardiana.
Gregor guided his big dog forward and right, attempting to cut off the "silent"-mover from a route to escape. He dropped his lance and drew a javelin. The smaller dogs moved straight right, loosely following Delphi and barked, at first loud and active, then, just to make sure everyone was aware that they had barked. Gregor saw her about the same time as Delphi, she wasn't far off at all. She was rising stiffly and slowly to her feet, facing Delphi. Her eyes were downcast and she had a notable jaw, that was set very firmly.
Grath drew and knocked an arrow, getting ready to loose it at a sign of danger. He growled, "Shut up, dogs! Too loud!" He peered around intently elsewhere looking for a threat, confident the group could handle one woman for the time being.
The woman rose to full height, still moving slowly, and raised her head to Delphi. She had large, heavily-lidded, very cold eyes and her hands slowly moved to hang by either side. "You throw anything at me, pretty little she-hobbit, and I will do things to you that you may not be old enough to have heard done." She took a step back and to the side, giving Gregor a sidelong look, and crossed her arms over her chest gunbuster-style. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen,” her voice low and deep. "What happens next?"
Delphi frowned at the vague insult, but she held her tongue and her sling until after the woman stopped speaking. The little scout moved a bit more, to put herself in a good position to give chase should the woman take off, before replying. "You could tell us who you are and what you're doing. We've just come across several bodies, and we're awfully interested in finding the people responsible."
The woman closed her eyes to slits, her head back. "Bethlen Gabriel, textiles merchant, journeyman." She shifted her position, as if to keep both Gregor and Delphi in her field of vision. "I was heading up to Whitewater Rip to sell some silk and linen, and study Your People's dressmaking styles. Then circumstances altered. Now," her eyes opened a little, "I am looking at making more bodies. And rescuing Tharholt's thieving little whore of a daughter."
"So what, you want to kill us? You think you, alone, a trader, can take out a group," Dardiana took a look around where the girl was, to see just how surrounded she was. "I think you might want to think again. You're surrounded and don't know what each of us is capable of." She walked back a bit, to a tree, and began to climb it while keeping her eyes on the girl. She leaned back and practically sat down on the tree's side. "So, who's this... Tharholt, hmm? And what was that about rescuing his daughter?"
"Ladies, is this really necessary? I think we have similar interests, though she seems more skillful than her profession would give. Besides, this must be yours," Horbin tried to resolve the scuffle diplomatically as he gestured to the new beast of burden.
"I said nothing of fighting you" she said, giving the word peculiar emphasis. “Although I suppose if you give me no option you could enforce my consent.” Her arms uncrossed, and returned to her sides. "Tharholt was a merchant, nice man, fought well. Should have worn armor. Currently feeding ravens on the fall. His daughter was accompanying him to learn his trade, although I fear she has acquired some rather different professional skills-" she broke off when she saw the animal. "Spike!" she said, much breathier than her tone up until that point. The mule wandered up and licked her across the face.
"So, how far behind them are we now," Horbin asked Bethlen.
She gave the mule a rub on the head. "Not long. I only waited until they were just out of earshot before finishing their friend, whom they had decided was slowing them down. Then I heard you coming, and waited to see what you were."
Grath asked, "How far out of earshot, will hear thrice damned barking? Find secure spot to talk."
"I doubt they are looking for another fight.", said Bethlen. "But I did hear them talking about ‘meeting up with the Trammelburgh look-out party’, if you find that cause to feel any urgency."
Something with hooves neared behind them. They all heard the sound of hooves before they saw, atop a light horse, a heavily armored man riding. His face is rugged, and aside from the armor, he wore a large shield on his back and a heavy morningstar by his belt. After quickly taking in the scene, he slid off the horse inelegantly and sent it on its way with a hard slap over its back.
"You must be Ingva's adventurers," he said matter-of-factly, with unexpected warmth in his voice that contrasted his hard appearance. "This is good. I'm here to join you. And I'm sorry if I'm late to the party, but I had business to take care of first." He looks around with a big smile on his face. "And what a party you've had. Hahah! So... who are we hunting?"
"Six bandits or some such. Follow me...cancel, follow HER." Gregor pointed his javelin at Delphi. He then turned away from the insolent woman, took the javelin away, rode back to his lance to pick it up. Then he called the dogs, who immediately ceased barking and followed him along the trails. He then barked, in dogs' tongue, "Silent. Sniff. Stalk. Do as I do," to his furry companions.
Grath looked at the approaching stranger. "Who this guy? How know Ingva? Grath not remember stranger. First Korgoth resurrect mule, then mule follow to dead guys, then Korgoth leave because could not raise dead any more, and mad no funeral pyre started. Hunting bandits. Maybe stranger bandit?"
"I never saw a bandit who was so quick to give up a good horse," said the merchant, studying the newcomer without emotion. "Still, they are getting further away. And so is your impetuous friend and his My-Little-Wolfpack starter set. Shall we go? If you are not going to detain me, I am going anyway." She moved off, down the trail.
Dardiana slid off the trunk of the tree and followed after the similarly-colored girl. It was the bandit's freedom to kill, but it was anyone else's freedom to hunt them down for the deed. Delphi continued scouting just ahead of the group, taking her direction from the others but relying on her own stealth and skill to remain unharmed. She took careful watch of the new woman; though she seemed innocent enough, looks could be extremely deceiving. And if the woman tried anything, she would find out exactly how deceiving Delphi's appearance truly was.
Gregor followed the trail as it dropped downhill through forest and bush. Relieved of the need to let the others keep up, he made swift and silent movement. The redcloak's trail was a little less labored now, but they were still plainly stumbling about in the forest.

[RaggedAngel]

Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Trail of Blood


The party departed the town by the north gate, Freya on their left hand, Hel upon their right. To the north the mountains known as the Godspine rise in an almost sheer wall of granite, cut with a vicious cleft through which flows the Whitewater. It is called Starlight's Razor, for some reason.
The river was almost at a trickle, broad and swift, but very shallow with the snowmelt of spring having subsided. Much of the water had receded from the bed, leaving the river flowing in winding, cross-connecting braids. The bed and banks were made of white, metamorphic stone worn smooth by the floods of autumn and spring. Their feet made loud crunching sounds as they proceed.
As they entered the Razor, the walls towered up to a frightening height, blocking out the morning sun. The sound of boots on stone echoed before and behind them. In the blue strip of sky above them between the granite cliffs, hawks were circling.
Korgoth took the lead bellowing out a loud drinking song and his donkey even accompanied him at times during the chorus. He preferred walking it basically forced him to stay sober or sobered him up if he decided to dip into the mead early. The others seemed shaky or sullen, so Korgoth thought he would cheer up the group with a song it, was unfortunate that no one else sang along, though they were from different tribes. He stared at the scenery dully, not overly caring about his surroundings. People interested him because inanimate objects didn't do much of interest. As Korgoth looked around at the walls of the canyon he noticed that the cliffs had a smooth, half-melted look.
Horbin will moved to take up next to Korgoth in the lead. Grath adjusted the heavy pack on his back and walked near the end of the party. He had his sword sheathed, but his bow was in hand, arrow notched but not drawn back. He looked a little nervous, his eyes and head darted too and fro as he tried to watch everywhere and everyone at once, it seemed.
Gregor was riding on Abyss, carrying his lance, rested on a stirrup and wishing there would be better ways of carrying a lance. Delphi was invited to ride with him, allegedly to speed up party movement. With a generally relaxed attitude, Gregor enjoys the ride, the company, and the nature, doing his job of moving up into the front ranks and being aware of surroundings in some consistent manner.
Delphi gladly accepted the offer to ride atop the bulky riding dog, and she seemed excited to have the chance, scratching the powerful animal's ears with great enthusiasm. The big dog initially attempted to play the same, ‘I am demonstratively ignoring such a familiarity,’ attitude as it did with Marn Ortul before, but soon gives up and is visibly enjoying the scratching.
Delphi kept her scout's eyes and ears perked up and attentive, but otherwise she enjoyed the chance to get off of her feet. She occasionally muttered off-color jokes to Gregor in Halfling, occasionally poking lighthearted fun at the ranger and his beasts.
The smaller dogs generally moved ahead, to the sides or wherever they decided was more interesting. Since the dogs considered the canyon itself rather uninteresting and seldom delayed to investigate the things they liked to do in forests. Most of the time they are thirty to a hundred feet ahead of the group.
"Anyone know any songs that can be sung quietly, in case someone comes along to take our heads," Horbin asked with a smile.
Grath shook his head and simply said, "No."
Dardiana walked near the back, not at the back in case of an assault from behind. Marn stuck near the back of the group, he didn’t trust humanoids very much after the way he was treated growing up. He basically fell into the same condition as the others, admiring the scenery. Marn noted to himself that the canyon seemed to have had a very powerful evocation spell pushed through it with little regards to the lasting effects. Fortunately, it looked like it happened a long time ago. As he thought about it, the land around Whitewater Rip did have a reclaimed lakebed feel to it.
Shortly after noon, Gregor's dogs started barking up ahead, and a flight of ravens, and hawks took off into the sky in a flutter of unnecessary gothic imagery. There was a brown hump on the riverbed, like a large, possibly dead, animal, from which the kites flew. Gregor let Delphi walk for a while and rode forward, ready to charge any sort of large predator or whatever might pose a danger to his dogs with the intent to eventually examine whatever is there and ride a bit past it.
"Dead stuff up ahead," Horbin called to the others.
Korgoth lowered his voice to a gentle hum as he drew his warhammer, his spirits were high and he was hoping for some type of scrap. He was a reasonable man that usually used more diplomatic means to solve problems, but he always felt true joy at more 'aggressive diplomatic solutions' where his hammer did the talking. He generally ignored any negative comments directed toward him, but he stored away the odd image of the hills for later discussion. The brown hump on the bank separated from the surrounding of rock and resolved into a mule, lying on its side. Its mouth was flecked with red foam. There was a packsaddle on its back and two red-feathered arrows in its side.
Grath allowed others to investigate the animal, maintaining his position. He lifted and drew the bow, looking around him intently for any danger. As Grath looked around it seemed like the cliffs were beginning to lower where they were. He thought they were reaching the end of the Razor. Korgoth examined the mule to determine how long it had been dead, to determine whether or not the party was still in danger and whether or not the meat was still fresh for eating. The blood trail on the white quartzite riverbed lead north from where the mule laid. Ravens were screaming overhead.
The mule, notwithstanding the efforts of the carrion-fowl, was not, in fact, dead. It was still breathing shallowly. As Korgoth watched, fresh tinctures of red bleed into the foam around its mouth and nostrils. Gregor rode up two-hundred feet past the corpse, checking for any dangers anywhere and taking note at what the dogs were barking at. Then Gregor could determine that the mule's blood trail extended quite a bit to the north, beyond his present sight, and also that the cliffs were starting to give way to lower, more accessible slopes. Horbin looked in the direction the arrows appeared to have come from and then scanned around. He could see a massive, towering, but not immediately, threatening cliff of rock. Aside from the birds overhead, it was pretty quiet.
Marn started to examine the pack and its wares for clues. The packsaddle contained a large quantity of dyed fabrics, silks, cotton, and linen. There were about twenty-four gold worth of coins with an eagle on one side and a head on the other stamped "Ashdown Markgrafen", a smattering of smaller copper pieces, and a black, leather-bound book bound with a red ribbon and a simple clasp in a copper alloy showing a scythe crossed with a lightning bolt. The mule wheezed through punctured lungs.
Delphi rushed to the mule's side as soon as she spotted it, and she knelt down, and brushed its ears gently. "There now, hard worker. There now," her voice was soft and sad, a stark reversal from her previous demeanor. "Can anyone heal," she looked to the others, worried and afraid for the poor animal. She took out a small vial, filled with a gleaming pinkish-white liquid. "This stuff is expensive, but a life is worth more."
Korgoth waved at Delphi, “I can help him without using that.” Korgoth did his best to patch the wound of the mule and take out the arrows.
After a short time Gregor rode back. "Whoever shot this animal did it quite a way north of here. I guess we should try to keep it alive if able, then check what has happened. Robbing robbers might be a good business, right?"
Dardiana had stayed quiet when they found the mule and, seeing her group handle things there, eventually said, "I'm going to go up the walls and see if I can see anything better from above." With that, she began to climb the walls like a spider, going up them quite easily unless.
"Whoa! You see that," Gregor said surprised at how Dardiana climbed the cliff.
"Looks like it was a merchants mule, the pack is filled with dyed fabrics mostly...some coins..." Marn spoke. He then pulled the leather bound book out of the pack and stepped away from the mule into an open space, set it down and began casting a spell.
"Ingva said a merchant was coming in. Mule belonged that merchant, bet," Grath said as he still scanned for any danger in all directions, including behind.
Delphi and Gregor were intently watching the mule until it coughed up blood, then staggered to its feet. To restore the indignity the crows had done to its eyes required magic. The mule licked Delphi across the face in gratitude.
Marn detected a roil of differing varieties of magic about the book, but nothing strongly focused from it. Though he didn’t let on to its suspicious nature.
Dardiana, from her perch in the cliffs, looked out recalling that this is the Starlight's Razor and it ends in a large, circular depression called the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, though no one explained why for some reason. As she looked around from the cliff top, to the north side of the Godspine, which was a lot gentler than the south. Only sharp ridges of rock descending to the north between dark vales of coniferous forest, instead of a blank wall of rock.
She then turned north, to the Fall of the Fourth Daughter, it was a teardrop-shaped depression, oddly regular, at least a mile across. Its broad end faced north, suspiciously deeper than its southern end. The Whitewater, took advantage of a chance gap in the terrain and forced its way through the north side, before disappearing beyond. The depression was oddly lacking in trees and there was not enough soil. It appeared that something drove a fist through the mountains and impacted with something about eight-hundred meters from where she was standing.
Marn finished his divinations on the book then attempted to open it. Once open he began to read some of its contents;
[Maeve put her back to the wall, her bodice heaving in a moonlit majesty of silk, leather, studs and perfumed, lubricative, oils. He could not find her here. He could not! Or else-
The window to her left shattered in a convenient fashion, and through he stepped. His marble features glimmering in the torch light, the sparkles on his skin twinkling like stars.
"No!", she screamed. While her heaving costumage whispered oh hell yes. "No, you can't! Just because we're not blood-siblings-"
He tore the mask off with a jerk. "Beryl", he said. "This is just stupid! It's not working for me at all."]
It continued in this way for the entire book. One fantasy involved the couple killing themselves in a pistol duel on a blasted heath over a disagreement about coffee. Another involved them poisoning each other over a hiccup in the mail system. Yet another ended with the phrase "here's your handkerchief, Othello!"
Marn looked up obviously confused about the book but decided to hold onto it for awhile, and study it later, for there are more important things to do at that moment. He put the book in his bag and went back to the rest of the group.
Korgoth frowned at the poor creature. “Such a noble beast should not be left here to die, you shall make a fine companion for Skuz... Now are you female,” he said to the mule. As he worked his fingers he said sacred words of power and a pattern formed in his mind that his fingers unconsciously began tracing. Warmth flooded through Korgoth and light flared from his body. The light and warmth moved from his core and flowed out from his hands, into the hurt mule. The mule’s eyes were restored and Korgoth was relieved.
"So, what should we do? Try to find the merchant? or continue on our way,” Marn asked the others as he walked up.
Delphi gave the mule a hug, which looked a bit ridiculous due to their difference in size. She then turned to the others, drawing out her sling and a smooth stone. "I have an archer to kill. You can go on if you want to, but I may be a while." Her mouth was set in an angry line and her eyes were filled with a fire they hadn't seen in her before. "I intend to leave him just alive enough to feel the crows, if I can manage it, which may take a while. I would appreciate any help I can get, though." Her voice was filled with a cold anger and they got the strong feeling that the little woman could and would do exactly as she said, despite her usually jovial nature.
"I'll go with you, leaving an animal to die a slow agonizing death like that is just cruel, and someone needs to pay,” Marn replied.
Dardiana climbed back down the wall and told the group what she saw and knew about the area.
"Enemies cannot be behind us. Merchant cannot be behind us. Only one way to go, unless rather go back to Ingva," said Grath.
Before them lay a blood trail over the white rock. Horbin followed the obvious trail to it's end. Korgoth, pleased with his work, announced, "Skuz come here and greet your new friend! Now don't be shy, now you can have someone to lay with at night. I suppose we have an animal shooter to hunt." They followed the blood trail down the Razor. The mule was obviously a tough beast, even bleeding a good rate and with a perforated lung it managed a decent distance.
After an hour, the walls of the Razor finally gave way and they emerged into sunlight, at the southern end of the Fall of the Fourth Daughter. The Whitewater pooled into a small lake at the deeper northern end, then broke through a flaw in the rim of the Fall to flow on to meet the Stahlmund to the north. The blood trail continued to follow the Whitewater, leading towards the lake about half a mile away. There seemed to be a lot of birds wheeling over the lake today, for some reason.
Grath peered down at the lake from his position near the tail of the party. Keeping his bow ready, he said, "Shall all go down? More bird mean more bodies, yes?" Nodding at Korgoth he asks, "Can bring back from dead others?" Grath saw that there were seven black, unmoving shapes by the shores of the lake, birds clustering around them. They stood out really well against the quartzite and gabbros. "Grath sees seven still shapes lying on the white rocks, with birds all around. Danger is very close now."
Korgoth heard the words of the orc and sadly shook his head, "Nay, I have yet to be granted that kind of power by Thor, it requires a heavy price to bring back someone from the dead. Aye we should use caution I don't like the smell of this place, perhaps we should take a look around in the surrounding area before approaching the lake?"
"Something tells me there is more death to come," Horbin said as he looked at the birds overhead. "Let us advance as a group but everyone keep your eyes peeled."
Gregor stopped and took his time looking at the lake, the area around the lake, the area around the area around the lake. He generally tried to guess what could have happened and how to most safely approach whoever made it happen. Gregor could tell the area was a teardrop shaped crater about a mile across. The floor was largely devoid of topsoil and supported only some scrubby plants. The rim of the crater, on all sides bar the northern breach through which flows the Whitewater and, to the south, the Razor from which you've come, was fused stone slightly elevated above the dark, surrounding forest. The Lake of the Whitewater would provide a convenient water source but it also cut down movement options.
He feels he wouldn't camp there, it's a perfect place for an ambush. The rim of the crater made a perfect hiding spot for any ambush and it's a little large. They'd have some time of warning, but what would they do with it? He also noticed that the blood trail is more spread out here. The mule still had the strength or the terror to run.
Marn began looking around see what he could, and also thought hard to try remembering anything he may have heard about the lake. Not a place to linger in was everyone's judgment. Of course, Whitewater Rip and Ashdown were at peace, so maybe people were a little more careless than might be considered normal. Also, bypassing the area would have, by the look of things, lead to wasting several hours moving through the surrounding forest.
Gregor decided on what he thought was the best way to approach a place where he would camp if he were to set an ambush and proposed to go that way. He'd liked to either ambush the ambushers or see them from afar. Delphi moved about ten yards away from the main group, her sling out and her movements soft and quiet. She tried to think like an ambusher, imagining how she would slip through the low-lying cover and attack unsuspecting prey. She looked around the rim of the crater, attempting to spot anything moving.
While the troupe crept along trying to stay hidden, nothing moved by the lake, except the wings of ravens. The only sound was the rustle of leaves in the wind and cries of the ravens which were barely audible from where they were. The lake abutted the crater rim very close on the west side, so the way around was to the east of the lake. Unsurprisingly, that's where the shapes were still and the birds were circling.
"I doubt it now, but they may still be alive," Horbin said as he started toward the figures.
"Wait, Horbin. Whoever is there, they'll wait a bit more. I guess we take a bit east, moving on the outer side of the rim with Dardiana and Delphi leading the way. I do not want to get to the position of ambushee before I visit the position of ambusher. Let's play it safe," Gregor said to the fighter.
Grath pointed toward the forest and whispered quietly, "Grath can't help hurt creatures like Korgoth can anyway, but can fight ambushers who want to kill."
The worked their way around the rim taking a while, but it all seemed quiet and it’s good to be cautious. The trees there were the same as south of the mountains, tall, brown, and spiky.
They worked their way around the rim of the fall until they approached the north-eastern "corner". Then, they saw bloodstains and drag marks across their path. The tracks of men and mules. They also found a copy of "Half-Orcettes Half-Dressed" monthly. Which somebody appeared to have left there. Grath couldn’t read, but noticed there was a picture on the cover and he picked it up without thinking through the situation. Upon opening it, it was rather graphic. The "Half-dressed" part of the title was technically accurate.
Grath was very embarrassed at seeing the graphic imagery, snapped it closed, and put it away in his pack for later review. He muttered, "I always wondered what the fuss was about. I'm starting to get an idea."
Gregor wanted first to check possible observation points that ambushers might leave on the ridge, then he followed the trail. Delphi did mostly of stealth mode while Gregor rode at a recommended distance behind and to the side. He did not ride directly on the trail as long as the trail was obvious to the others.
"Mind if I see what’s there," Horbin questioned Gregor as he gestured to the 'site'.
Dardiana sighs and says, "I'm going to check what's down there." She then proceeds to do exactly as she said with Horbin in tow.


Chapter 2
Chapter 2: An Ambush



At the "site" on the shore of the lake they found a dead mule with no packsaddle and a dead human female, with arrow and slashing wounds. Her had dark skin and looked a little like Ingva's by-blow daughter. She also had tattoos up both arms and no weapons, even in the shortspear quiver on her back. A half-orc man with blonde hair lay murdered on the stone nearby. He had an old scar over his left eye and was still gripping his great axe. Both wore mail shirts and a bronze gorget bearing the words "REICH CAVARANIENSTAFFL.” An older human with a full beard and expensive clothing laid out on the hot stone. His fingers showed signs of having his rings pulled free and a dagger was still clutched in his other hand.
Two more humans in leather armor and red cloaks were littered about, both holding short swords with discarded shields nearby. One had a cut splitting his head apart, plus multiple bite marks as if from small animals. The other looked like he got a critical eldritch blast to the face, after getting chewed on by small animals.
The last body they found belonged to a half-elven female in leather armor and red cloak. She was lying a bit apart from the others, like she was sniping from the rim. She had a shortbow, but he quiver was empty. She obviously suffered a short spear to the gut. Ravens still picked at the carrion and continued to squawk.
Marn approached cautiously, keeping an eye on his surroundings and began searching the area for any missed loot or clues. Dardiana went to each corpse in turn and looked them over. When she was done with that, she spoke up, "There was a battle here. Redcloaks versus the merchant and his guards, most likely. The older male would most likely be the trader." She looked around, trying to find the tracks of more men having moved around this place. On a closer inspection, she noticed an odd pattern to things. Some things of value had been looted and others, like the mail shirts of the guards, not.
She did find an amulet behind a rock. It took the form of twelve snakes curving counter-clockwise outward from a central hub, which itself took the form of a vertical-pupil eye. The whole amulet had the look of copper, but the iris of the eye was set with some kind of greenish stone. It was bound by a fine chain of steel links.
Dardiana went back to the corpses and checked the valuable items that were left behind, particularly, what the general weight of the valuable items left behind was. The merchant's clothes might have been worth a bit and his dagger was masterwork. As was the half-orc guard’s battleaxe. Then there were the mail shirts of average quality and some short spears lying around. The heavy stuff was left while the lighter stuff was taken. The Ambushers didn't collect the weapons of their own fallen.
Everyone, even in the thin soil of the Fall, could spot the bloodstains, drag-marks, hoof-prints, and footprints leading to the north-east, past Gregor's position. Grath, who stayed above the "crater," followed the blood stains, toward the woods, or away from the crater, at least. He didn’t go too far, maybe fifty feet or so to the edge of the woods. He was trying to move slowly and silently, but was ready to shout for help if he was attacked and still had his bow ready and knocked. The trail leaving the ambush was fairly obvious, and included drag marks, but Grath didn't have the knowledge to put it all together.
Korgoth kept a weary eye with a weapon drawn. His instincts were screaming at him to leave that place but he was torn because he believed the dead deserved a proper send off. With stern resolution he spoke to the crowd, "We should not leave these bodies to the ravens, we should build a pyre so they may go to Valhalla with all of their possessions!"
Grath returned from his short expedition. "Let the dead bury the dead. Dead need nothing, possessions are for the living. Grath see nothing near, but let all follow trail and kill enemies."
Dardiana took the merchant's dagger. "Exactly as you said,” she addressed Grath. “He won't need this. And we'll bury or burn them after the guilty have fallen. That is, unless, we want to announce our presence."
“Animals need to eat too, we have no right to deny them their feast, leave them,” Marn added in.
Keeping his watch on the rim and watching both directions, Gregor noticed there were quite an amount of heavy trophies left and that generally these redcloaks screwed up heavily, losing three of their own. ‘Good for us,’ he thought. "Grath is right, I guess we better pack the stuff on our mules before it gets taken by some other band of passers-by. The chase could take some time, but we better not waste our time dealing with the bodies. Maybe on our way back. Check the lake, just in case, search the bodies real good, pack, and let's go," Gregor chimed in with definitive resolve.
Gregor and Delphi could see that there were some patches of sand next to the lake where they found the trail left by the caravan as it entered the Fall from the north. At that point it consisted of four mules and five humanoids. The much messier trail leaving the scene to the north east had the markings of two mules much more heavily loaded, two dragged bodies or objects, and six humanoids. It appeared to be aiming for the end of the first mountain spur to the east.
Korgoth fowns and is saddened by the lack of respect for the dead, "I told you to LEAVE their possessions, if any of you steal there weapons or armor you will deal with ME. Take the perishables and money but leave their equipment." Narrowing his eyes, Korgoth looked angrily at the halfling.
Dardiana glared at Korgoth as she took the sheath from the merchant and put it at her own waist. "Feel free to follow your own ideals, but the ideals of others should be up to them. Just like I won't push you until you take something, you shouldn't push us until we don't."
The male halfling looked at Korgoth from the ridge. “I suggest you openly state you are not joining Ashdown or any other of this world's military. Also, I suggest you not attempt to hurt anyone, or we, indeed, might deal with you. In that case, I'll try to make sure you'll live," Gregor responds to the man’s threat.
Korgoth glared around, looking for a moment like he was tensed to attack. Then turned, shouldered his hammer, and walked off without a word. Heading for the north, and Ethandun. As the party watched him disappear through the breach in the Fall rim, some of them thought they could hear the sound of hurried horse's hooves echoing down from Starlight's Razor.
"So what’s the next move? If there was to be an ambush I'm sure we'd have heard something by now," Marn questioned.
Delphi came back to the group, having lost patience with her shadowy stalking. She watched as Korgoth left, and she snorted quietly, "One down, before the raiders even show up? Well, maybe they'll see that as a sign of weakness and finally pounce." She shrugged then requested the saddle pack they had found with the mule, intent on searching it more carefully. She then spent a minute looking it over, careful to not miss a thing. The search confirmed Mart Ortul's story about bolts of dyed cloth.
Delphi also made a search of the site to ensure they wouldn’t miss anything before moving on. Looking around, she did find the amulet behind the rock as well. She moved over to the rock, and she very carefully picked up a strange amulet. She lifted it, careful not to touch the actual face of the amulet. "This looks really expensive, or important. Or, you know, cursed. What do you all make of it? I don't, uh, have much education to speak of." She blushed a bit at her last statement, clearly embarrassed.
"Grath did not see ambush either. Perhaps no ambush? Perhaps ambush ambushers? Ambushers not expect ambush! Also, write on paper and tell Ingva trader not coming and why!" Grath spoke enthusiastically, though they did not know if it was because he wasn’t getting ambushed or because he may be the one ambushing soon.
"I'm afraid the paper Ingva gave me is one-way only, we cannot write on it for her to know. In case I get it wrong though..." Gregor took a small splinter, tipped it in one of redcloaks' blood and put a small mark on the map. "I am done checking the rim and it all seems to be deserted. Whoever did it, did not leave here any rearguard so they are probably marching to some distant site.” Based on general spore, discarded trail ration wrappers, and the remains of a campfire a little further into the forest to the north-east, Gregor surmised that the ambushes were at least ten in number, and were in position at least from the previous night.
Gregor started searching all of the bodies for hidden pockets and such, evaluating everything that might be valuable. He then rinsed and packed the mail shirts, great axe, short spears and other valuables, not including the merchant’s pants and shirt, but possibly boots, belt etc. if of sufficient value. Gregor will end up packing six short spears, two short swords, a short bow, two mail shirts, three sets of leather armor, two heavy wooden shields and a buckler. He was also able to find seventeen gold, three silver and 6 copper pieces between them, and a length of string.
He then dragged all the bodies next to each other and away from the road, covered them with red cloaks then suddenly stopped, looking at the large spot of red on white he had just assembled. "I wonder if these red cloaks should mean something. They are extremely non-practical for any sort of forest warfare."
Upon seeing the amulet as Delphi held it aloft, Gregor responded. “Snakey, hmm...either it's magical or it's a symbol...or both. No idea what it could mean."
"I already used my detect magic spell for the day but I'll see what I can tell from it, if you don't mind.” Marn then held out his hand for the amulet.
Delphi offered it gladly, clearly not trusting the amulet. "It's odd, and it seems strange that the bandits or raiders or what have you would just leave it. I suppose they may not have noticed it, but it seemed to leap out at my eyes." She looked at the taller folk around her, and she smiled. "Then again, perspective accounts for a lot."
Marn started to examine the amulet trying to determine if any of his lessons would help in identifying its nature. The amulet was definitely magical in nature. It was not made of any natural element he had seen before. It had the weight and color of copper, but none of the softness, as a sharp rap with a rock attested. The greenish, iridescent iris appeared to have been achieved using polished mollusk shell, cut to precision. The chain was finely-tooled steel of masterwork quality.
As Gregor looked around at the ambush site he found a faint set of humanoid footprints that came around from the north side of the Fall and followed the departing trail. It looked like somebody with good dexterity trying to be cautious but with no woodscraft whatsoever. The tracks were light and quick, but whoever it is kept stepping in all the wrong places. It appeared to be somebody shadowing the departing ambush party rather than joining them.
"Have got what is needed from here? Grath will carry whatever the mule cannot. Follow trail, or not? More stuff if find end of trail," Grath said as he looked almost bored.
"Do you mind if I hold on to this for awhile? I'd like to run some more tests later,” Marn asked Delphi. And thinking about it, he pulled out the leather book and opened it again and cast Read Magic to see if anything became clear since he had detected magic before. The spell did not reveal any hidden information. However, the scythe and lightning-bolt clasp appeared to be the same alloy as the amulet.
Grath took the masterwork great axe and helped to load the mule with the rest of the salvaged equipment. He also took a long look at the half-orc.
Horbin silently took the length of string. "Well, looks like we best not be standing here when someone arrives, especially if they are lawmen," Horbin said plainly as he made a path to the wooded area.
"I am not afraid of any lawmen, so far. But indeed, nothing to do here unless we want to waste some time. Speaking of which, I propose we hustle for an hour to catch up with cloaks' lead. This could be dangerous, but I guess they are farther away," Gregor addressed the group.
With Gregor and Delphi leading the way, they moved at double speed through the forest along the trail of the ambushers. The lighter members of the party hitched rides at times on the back of the mules. Delphi's pet, though not in the best of health still, seemed quite keen to follow. In spite of its really bad day, it was still a strong animal, obviously well kept.
It was obvious the two mules the raiders were driving were overloaded, and not helping their pace. After a short distance the two sets of drag marks vanished, but the mule prints became deeper and more labored. The lighter trail of the shadower winded along, almost invisible at times, but remained around the raiders’ main trail. The trail appeared to be heading for the end of the nearest of the jagged spurs reaching north from the Godspine. Near the end of their hustle they stepped around some rock and found themselves between the towering knife-edge of the spurs end and a deep, broad, swift river running from east to west. The redcloak's trail, having moved around the end of the spur, now turned south-east.
They noticed at that point a body lying against a tree. He wore a red cloak and held no weapons, his body covered in small animal bites. Clutching at a bloody wound to its stomach seemed futile due to the somewhat more fatal, missing half of his head.
"Looks like someone got angry," Horbin said as he looked at the man. At that point, from some bushes to their right, in the shadow of the rocky spur, they all heard the sound of somebody not moving silently.
[SNAP] "frell..." in a woman’s voice rang out as the twig broke under foot.
Delphi was moving before she consciously thought to do so, darting around the sound at a full sprint to get into a flanking position. She also wanted to see if she could spot the clumsy bigfolk before they had a chance to hide again. She saw the female human rising, with a disgusted expression, from the pitfall that a poorly chosen foothold had dumped her in. Her black-leather-with-brazen-studs armor, while it might be quite the thing for a very exclusive sort of party, was not well chosen for concealment around a lot of green and brown. Although at least she had found a green cloak from somewhere. Her skin tone reminded Delphi a little of Dardiana.
Gregor guided his big dog forward and right, attempting to cut off the "silent"-mover from a route to escape. He dropped his lance and drew a javelin. The smaller dogs moved straight right, loosely following Delphi and barked, at first loud and active, then, just to make sure everyone was aware that they had barked. Gregor saw her about the same time as Delphi, she wasn't far off at all. She was rising stiffly and slowly to her feet, facing Delphi. Her eyes were downcast and she had a notable jaw, that was set very firmly.
Grath drew and knocked an arrow, getting ready to loose it at a sign of danger. He growled, "Shut up, dogs! Too loud!" He peered around intently elsewhere looking for a threat, confident the group could handle one woman for the time being.
The woman rose to full height, still moving slowly, and raised her head to Delphi. She had large, heavily-lidded, very cold eyes and her hands slowly moved to hang by either side. "You throw anything at me, pretty little she-hobbit, and I will do things to you that you may not be old enough to have heard done." She took a step back and to the side, giving Gregor a sidelong look, and crossed her arms over her chest gunbuster-style. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen,” her voice low and deep. "What happens next?"
Delphi frowned at the vague insult, but she held her tongue and her sling until after the woman stopped speaking. The little scout moved a bit more, to put herself in a good position to give chase should the woman take off, before replying. "You could tell us who you are and what you're doing. We've just come across several bodies, and we're awfully interested in finding the people responsible."
The woman closed her eyes to slits, her head back. "Bethlen Gabriel, textiles merchant, journeyman." She shifted her position, as if to keep both Gregor and Delphi in her field of vision. "I was heading up to Whitewater Rip to sell some silk and linen, and study Your People's dressmaking styles. Then circumstances altered. Now," her eyes opened a little, "I am looking at making more bodies. And rescuing Tharholt's thieving little whore of a daughter."
"So what, you want to kill us? You think you, alone, a trader, can take out a group," Dardiana took a look around where the girl was, to see just how surrounded she was. "I think you might want to think again. You're surrounded and don't know what each of us is capable of." She walked back a bit, to a tree, and began to climb it while keeping her eyes on the girl. She leaned back and practically sat down on the tree's side. "So, who's this... Tharholt, hmm? And what was that about rescuing his daughter?"
"Ladies, is this really necessary? I think we have similar interests, though she seems more skillful than her profession would give. Besides, this must be yours," Horbin tried to resolve the scuffle diplomatically as he gestured to the new beast of burden.
"I said nothing of fighting you" she said, giving the word peculiar emphasis. “Although I suppose if you give me no option you could enforce my consent.” Her arms uncrossed, and returned to her sides. "Tharholt was a merchant, nice man, fought well. Should have worn armor. Currently feeding ravens on the fall. His daughter was accompanying him to learn his trade, although I fear she has acquired some rather different professional skills-" she broke off when she saw the animal. "Spike!" she said, much breathier than her tone up until that point. The mule wandered up and licked her across the face.
"So, how far behind them are we now," Horbin asked Bethlen.
She gave the mule a rub on the head. "Not long. I only waited until they were just out of earshot before finishing their friend, whom they had decided was slowing them down. Then I heard you coming, and waited to see what you were."
Grath asked, "How far out of earshot, will hear thrice damned barking? Find secure spot to talk."
"I doubt they are looking for another fight.", said Bethlen. "But I did hear them talking about ‘meeting up with the Trammelburgh look-out party’, if you find that cause to feel any urgency."
Something with hooves neared behind them. They all heard the sound of hooves before they saw, atop a light horse, a heavily armored man riding. His face is rugged, and aside from the armor, he wore a large shield on his back and a heavy morningstar by his belt. After quickly taking in the scene, he slid off the horse inelegantly and sent it on its way with a hard slap over its back.
"You must be Ingva's adventurers," he said matter-of-factly, with unexpected warmth in his voice that contrasted his hard appearance. "This is good. I'm here to join you. And I'm sorry if I'm late to the party, but I had business to take care of first." He looks around with a big smile on his face. "And what a party you've had. Hahah! So... who are we hunting?"
"Six bandits or some such. Follow me...cancel, follow HER." Gregor pointed his javelin at Delphi. He then turned away from the insolent woman, took the javelin away, rode back to his lance to pick it up. Then he called the dogs, who immediately ceased barking and followed him along the trails. He then barked, in dogs' tongue, "Silent. Sniff. Stalk. Do as I do," to his furry companions.
Grath looked at the approaching stranger. "Who this guy? How know Ingva? Grath not remember stranger. First Korgoth resurrect mule, then mule follow to dead guys, then Korgoth leave because could not raise dead any more, and mad no funeral pyre started. Hunting bandits. Maybe stranger bandit?"
"I never saw a bandit who was so quick to give up a good horse," said the merchant, studying the newcomer without emotion. "Still, they are getting further away. And so is your impetuous friend and his My-Little-Wolfpack starter set. Shall we go? If you are not going to detain me, I am going anyway." She moved off, down the trail.
Dardiana slid off the trunk of the tree and followed after the similarly-colored girl. It was the bandit's freedom to kill, but it was anyone else's freedom to hunt them down for the deed. Delphi continued scouting just ahead of the group, taking her direction from the others but relying on her own stealth and skill to remain unharmed. She took careful watch of the new woman; though she seemed innocent enough, looks could be extremely deceiving. And if the woman tried anything, she would find out exactly how deceiving Delphi's appearance truly was.
Gregor followed the trail as it dropped downhill through forest and bush. Relieved of the need to let the others keep up, he made swift and silent movement. The redcloak's trail was a little less labored now, but they were still plainly stumbling about in the forest.


That was extremely helpful. This game is, ah, hectic at times.

[Marlowe]

Not to confuse everyone:

Lotus and Horbin got to work a little around 8:15 pm
Dardiana went to the library at about 8:30pm
The party in general were shown to their rooms at about 9:00pm.
Astra and Brunswick left the library at about 11:30 pm
Horbin's visitation, and the arrivals and departures in Lotus's room occurred at about 3:00am


We can roleplay some stuff tonight, starting at bedding down at around nine, but I'd appreciate it if nobody does anything that makes the scene in Lotus's room impossible.:smallbiggrin:

[stanleyindraven]

K, when morning comes there will be some things to go over with the party. Yeah, i do get bored at work and making a real story out of this helps me out, though i end up moving posts around so they correspond with each other. oh, and i guess we'll see how far sex-perience goes, lol

[Marlowe]

Oh, Dardiana, in case it's not clear, you can spend as much time in the library as you like. Somebody will show you your room.

So, allowing for getting the disposal of goods done off-stage, let's figure out who's doing what.

PCs
Grath: Drinking and going to bed.
Thorwalt: Drinking and going to bed.
Dardiana: Visits the library. Planning on going to bed, but that might change.
Marn Ortul: Probably shopping for a new cloak.
Horbin: Busy.
Delphi and Gregor: Unknown?

NPCs
Vierzehn, Larissa:Busy.
Brunswick: In the Library until 11:30, then Busy until 3:00am
Astra: In the Library until 11:30. Apparently got into Lotus's room around 1:00 am. Whereabouts unknown for the the missing 90 minutes.
Bethlen: Turned up in Lotus's room at 3:00am. Unknown otherwise.
Lotus: Busy
Gretchen: Probably sleeping, blissfully unaware of everything.

[Linguz]

Yep. She spent several hours there before going to her room.

She find anything new about the place?

[u-b]

Gregor is sleeping since #546. Have no plans for anything until after the breakfast.

[Marlowe]

'K, so it's just Delphi. And Dardiana's reaction to what she just found.

[stanleyindraven]

so....thumbs are a twiddling

[Marlowe]

Anyone want to guess Dardiana won't share what she found?

Anyway, I'm still seething over "Pimptastic".

[RaggedAngel]

'K, so it's just Delphi. And Dardiana's reaction to what she just found.

Blarg. I'm really, really sorry about holding things up a bit. IC post is incoming.