Southern Comfort OOC

[Marlowe]

DM makes a will save against suspense: DC 15
[roll0]

OK, you guys get off easy.

[stanleyindraven]

we almost didnt

[mattie_p]

Does Gregor's torch go out as well?

[Marlowe]

Everything went out.

[Linguz]

I'm sure something's turned on, though.

[u-b]

Anyone wants to play a hard and serious game of Red Hand of Doom? We are currently doing chapter 2 of 5 and having some vacancy. As a downside game's on rpol.net and I'm afraid no easy-going in there (so far we average 1.7 dead per fight).

[Linguz]

1.7 dead per fight? Damn.

[u-b]

So far we're bringing everyone back (it's level 7, so fancy stuff and "oh my god" all around), but people still seem to drop off... :smallfrown: Not sure why, I like the game.

[Linguz]

You're all cats with 20 lives. :3

[mattie_p]

I really don't have the time to get into another game at this point, but thanks for the offer.

[RaggedAngel]

Anyone wants to play a hard and serious game of Red Hand of Doom? We are currently doing chapter 2 of 5 and having some vacancy. As a downside game's on rpol.net and I'm afraid no easy-going in there (so far we average 1.7 dead per fight).

I'd love to, but I don't like to play games places other than OotS; I find that if they're not on here, I completely forget to check them. :smallfrown:

[stanleyindraven]

me too. plus i will have a job change soon so i may only truly contribute to this game because it is so damned awesom and marlow is the bomb. plus i love the chemistry we all have

[mattie_p]

i may only truly contribute to this game because it is so damned awesom and marlow is the bomb. plus i love the chemistry we all have

This. So much this. Marlowe, sig this, it is true.

[mattie_p]

And, congratulations to RaggedAngel and u-b for splitting the party voluntarily! Three cheers!

[Linguz]

How did the party get split?

[mattie_p]

They went ahead while we waited with Bethlen. In a place where gravity and light are subject to the whims of magic, that is splitting the party.

[Marlowe]

The DM apologises for some aspects of this situation being a little more SF than classic fantasy. However, that's because it's the work of one civilization. The DM promises that the rest of the world is mostly not like this. You're in a strange place, built by strange people.

There's always The Republic. It's a walking cliche of Sweat, Slaughter, Sodomy, Slavery, Civil War and Corruption. Should appeal to the martial characters.

OK, I'll sig that. Even though the misspelling makes me sound like a cheap brand of convenience food in mine own country.

[u-b]

I like the place. Reminds me of Might and Magic.

[mattie_p]

That's taking me back, I haven't played Might and Magic since MM2 on my parent's ancient 386 computer back in the early 90s.

[Marlowe]

I've got MM3 on dosbox on my (mostly dead) laptop, but I never found it much more than an exercise in frustration. I used to play X-com, Iron Seed, and Princess Maker 2 instead.:smalleek:

My daughters always became dancers or writers. My girlfriend cheated like nobodies business (thanks to me looking up the cheat codes) and made it to royal combubine. I once got the prince to marry mine out of her sheer badassery, so I won. Once.

[Marlowe]

I've got MM3 on dosbox on my (mostly dead) laptop, but I never found it much more than an exercise in frustration. I used to play X-com, Iron Seed, and Princess Maker 2 instead.:smalleek:

My daughters always became dancers or writers. My girlfriend cheated like nobodies business (thanks to me looking up the cheat codes) and made it to royal concubine. I once got the prince to marry mine out of her sheer badassery, so I won. Once.

EDIT: Somehow I've managed to get this far in life without knowing how to spell "concubine".:smallmad:

[mattie_p]

I still play x-com now and then. I look forward to the new one coming out soon.

[u-b]

I din not have much of a computer at the time of MM2, so first one I played was 5th, soon followed by 6th.

Anyway, what's with the illumination? Plain old burning torches? Any guess of when they were last replaced?

[Marlowe]

I put it in IC, but I'll say it again.

They're Everburning Torches. At least the ones that aren't simply illusions.

And I look forward to the first person that tries to strip Administrate material for money. I imagine they look down upon that sort of thing.

And the lighting conditions will change.

[mattie_p]

Isn't ripping out the adamantine doors and re-selling them standard operating procedures for a group of adventurers?

[RaggedAngel]

Isn't ripping out the adamantine doors and re-selling them standard operating procedures for a group of adventurers?

I had a DM one time that thought he was being really smart, and he made sure to note that his adamantine doors were set into adamantine frames.

Poor Charles. We just took the frames as well. :smallamused:

[stanleyindraven]

thats the point of a crowbar, or kender

[Marlowe]

Incidentally, Bethlen is referring to the custom of sharing out a characters equipment amongst her friends should she die. What else could she be referring to? Certainly not Delphi's taut, tight, well-rounded little class features.

[RaggedAngel]

Incidentally, Bethlen is referring to the custom of sharing out a characters equipment amongst her friends should she die. What else could she be referring to? Certainly not Delphi's taut, tight, well-rounded little class features.

Hey, scouts have to do a lot of running to stay in shape. And swimming, after the run, to cool down. Except she doesn't have a bathing suit. But, then again, swimming is fun. I suppose she just has to go without the bathing suit?

[mattie_p]

Grath can swim. He could be a lifeguard. You know, if you need it.

[RaggedAngel]

Grath can swim. He could be a lifeguard. You know, if you need it.

Delphi might need several life guards. Just in case.

[Linguz]

Delphi might need several life guards. Just in case.

Dardiana calls rear life guard duty.

[AshesOfOld]

As long as Thorwald gets to run in slow-mo to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuYrRebvFHc) tune, he'll be happy.

[mattie_p]

He hangs back for a while, not really feeling like he can contribute.

I feel your pain. There is nothing for Grath to hit harder at this point, so other than cough up items that every party needs, there is little for him to do.

[RaggedAngel]

I feel your pain. There is nothing for Grath to hit harder at this point, so other than cough up items that every party needs, there is little for him to do.

Delphi might want him to hit her pretty hard.

I mean, uh, thank you for the rope. Everyone needs rope.

No wait I mean uh

[Marlowe]

[Slightly paraphasing some character that you'll probably recognise]]

Tell you what, when I'm done with what I have planned, and what I'll be throwing you into after that, we can have a beach episode, or a hotspings episode, and Bethlen will wear a pretty bikini, at first, and a magical scource of lubrication will be found for social and physical issues, everyone will become more experienced, and Delphi can have all the bonding she wants.:smalleek:

[Linguz]

Mind if I ask how many turns from its first appearance it'd take to arrive at our position?

And here's 2 rolls to know what it is:
Arcana: [roll0]
Religion: [roll1]

[Marlowe]

I'd give the first one at least another few rounds to get within contact range. It should be able to move faster, but the conditions of the dungeon are not helping and it's not smart enough to figure out what's going on.

You saw the human skeletons. This is the Troll version. They don't inspire me to write dialog for them.

Yes, they are skeletal Trolls.

[Linguz]

Maybe we should wait to see what the others do too... stones would probably be helpful. And a holy symbol too.

[u-b]

Yeah, I think so. They would have six rounds of actions, no one would want to waste that.

[Linguz]

Wow. She can do 6d6 damage. :/

And I think we can take the second!

[Marlowe]

Her 6d6 damage with a fingersnap is extremely circumstantial.

Also, I missed one of Dardiana's hits. I don't think it makes a major difference. As in, it wouldn't still have quite gone down without the fingersnap.

[Linguz]

Well, if Bethlen attacked soon after being told to do crap, the second spear (and third and fourth) would have flown to the 2nd skeleton instead of attacking the skeleton that Bethlen destroyed (on the round with the first spear).

[Marlowe]

Also, pretty sure I missed one crunch there on the second skeleton.

Yeah, I don't think the party is in serious danger.

[stanleyindraven]

doesnt seem so. I am working on chapter 6, the combat scenes take the longest to orchestrate correctly and get written out right. Almost done with the boar thing, then on to trammleburg

[stanleyindraven]

re rolling attack [roll0]

[Marlowe]

Sorry. Missed that.

How could I have gotten this far without noticing that Tumble is Trained Only:smalleek:. Well, mostly when you're using that skill you have to be pretty good at it or you just get yourself killed, so I'll just let you use it untrained if you like. This is an odd situation. And no, I don't think "jump" really covers it.

[Linguz]

If the DC is 10... take 10?

[Marlowe]

I'd like to say Yes, but you can't take 10 on tumble.

***** it. Forget Tumble. Straight dex check, AC Penalty applies, to get from one floor to the other without taking damage. If you fail you get a reflex save, also DC 10, to halve the damage and turn it non-lethal. I should have just realised that there really isn't a skill for this one.

Wait, that's not fair on the people who do have Tumble.

[Sigh] OK, as long as gravity is changing in mid-air, you can use Tumble untrained.

Also, encumbrance doesn't seem to effect Spiderclimb.

[u-b]

Gregor will follow his plan, like so:

http://roleplayer.narod.ru/img/gravity-trick.png

I guess this would be well below DC5, but whatever. More interesting is how we're to transfer the Pig. I think with dogs Grath would do the catching just fine, not so sure about much heavier piggy.

[u-b]

Tumbles, just in case, with buckler thrown ahead each time: [roll0], [roll1], [roll2], [roll3], [roll4], [roll5], [roll6], [roll7]

[mattie_p]

How much does the piggy weigh? Grath can probably handle 500 pounds (max load) long enough to put it down safely and wait for the next one to be tossed/jump.

[AshesOfOld]

How do we use the rope? Is it an assisted climbing/tumbling check or what?

[Marlowe]

Nuisance is a Druid's animal companion. I'm pretty sure that Gretchen (who has a decent dex and no armour) should be able to get him across by encouragement. Although, be obviously better if she just owned a cat.

[stanleyindraven]

Since you're on. how far across are the dark places? like could a long jump work?

[Marlowe]

...Well no. Unless you want your head smashed into the ceiling on a regular basis. It's 30 ft between the zones. And regular jumping is going to be difficult when the gravity keeps changing.

What kind of helmet is Horbin wearing?

[Linguz]

Does the gravity shift instantly and in the entire thing above it?

########################
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
########################

The arrows are the direction of the gravity, each one is 5 feet. The pounds are ground.

Is it like that?

[stanleyindraven]

helmet nothing. he was thinking of doing a long jump straight across. the differential gravity could allow for him to achieve a distance of 30 feet if it pulls and he has enough momentum to clear the zone before hitting the floor. But I think dex checks it is.

Rolls [roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3] [roll4] [roll5] [roll6] [roll7]


EDIT: Well, I suck.

EDIT II: wait, if i have the jump skill cant i just use it as a high jump and use it to land on my feet when i get in the other zone. jump skill does cover landing prone/on feet without taking damage. guess that may be a bit of stretch.

[u-b]

If I get it right, not so high. More like the following (assuming it changes instantly):

########################
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
########################

Can attach both ends of rope to torches on the walls, that would be of some use.

[mattie_p]

So corridors are 15 feet wide? Can we confirm? Also, is it strictly 180 degree changes in gravity? Or does it do 90 degree changes?

[Marlowe]

Another good idea. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this to be a serious challenge.

Updates will continue later, when Dm is not still seething over a suggestion to recruit his friends and little sisters to work in China. There's no tactful way to say to your boss "My little sister would never work in China".

[Linguz]

If I get it right, not so high. More like the following (assuming it changes instantly):

########################
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
vvvvvv^^^^^^vvvvvv^^^^^^
########################

Can attach both ends of rope to torches on the walls, that would be of some use.

I was more asking about how the gravity changed than the size of the changes, but yea, it'd be 15 feet if it didn't change hole-size ever.

And if someone lifts him up 6 feet up and then puts him though the gravity, it would work.

Tie the rope around him, hand it to the whole group on the other side, pull him up a bit while someone on the other side keeps him on the correct side of the gravity. When he's 6 feet up, pass him through the side.

Edit: I just realized this would probably be simpler if done the other way around. Even more so if both ends of the rope are held.

[mattie_p]

And if someone Grath lifts him up 6 feet up and then puts him though the gravity, it would work.

Fixed that for you.

If it is 15 feet, Grath can lift anyone in the party 6 feet, easily. More like 8 feet, as found in the jump skill, of all places.

Party member gets pushed by Grath into new gravity and falls down (up?).

Any fall less than 10 feet does no damage, RAW.

Bam. Problem solved.

[Linguz]

You're looking at Vertical Reach. That's how high you can reach. Which is important when it comes to terms of jumping up and grabbing onto a ledge.

But yea, if you can lift him (and all his gear) up, you should be able to do that without a rope at all.

...

Just don't throw him up/down.

[mattie_p]

I don't have the fling ally feat (yeah, that's a thing) so we're good. (Also, RAW, Ally always includes self, unless specified otherwise... yeah).

Alternate method:

Individual goes halfway across the barrier and stops. Gravity on both sides cancels out. Gentle push will get then across. Or they go slightly over the line and gently levitate across to the other wall/floor.

[AshesOfOld]

Did you miss my question about the rope thing, Marlowe? Or am I just stupid/blind?

[Marlowe]

The answer is that I don't know how you're using the rope, since nobody has posted specifics of how it's used and none of the specific methods listed uses it. So, sorry, give me more information as to how you want to use the rope and I might be able to tell you.

Somewhat more importantly, the pit the Skrolls came from is a regular corridor. The greenish light is on a straight line through darkness in the line of the corridor you're currently in.

[Marlowe]

Snarky, uppity, nightmare fuel station attendant NPCs: Keeping the thread going when nothings going on since...oh, a couple of months ago.:smallsmile:

EDIT: And duh. Seems I'm stupid and blind. About a couple of posts. Using the rope would be assisted climb.

All the corridors have been 15ft square so far, including the one the Gregor just moved into. As for how the gravity can change....well, that's something I'm not going to reveal right now.

[u-b]

So, really, does Gregor see anything inside that "broader area"? If not, he'll take some measures, like illuminating it or some such.

[mattie_p]

And/or Grath will check out the hallway beyond the pit using darkvision, 60 feet. But we don't want to get too clustered up waiting, that's just asking for a fireball or something.

[RaggedAngel]

And/or Grath will check out the hallway beyond the pit using darkvision, 60 feet. But we don't want to get too clustered up waiting, that's just asking for a fireball or something.

Oh god, you're giving him ideas. Delphi doesn't have Evasion yet; don't give him any more ideas.

[Linguz]

Oh god, you're giving him ideas. Delphi doesn't have Evasion yet; don't give him any more ideas.

Him? Are you saying Grath is getting ideas, Delphi has a third leg actually, or did you mean her?

[RaggedAngel]

Him? Are you saying Grath is getting ideas, Delphi has a third leg actually, or did you mean her?

Don't give Marlowe ideas about Fireballs.

[Linguz]

Don't give Marlowe ideas about Fireballs.

Ah, that makes sense. A lot more sense than any of my conclusions. Sorry.

[mattie_p]

Sorry. I retract anything I said about fireballs. Besides, we always know when combat is coming because Marlowe draws a tacmap.

[Marlowe]

I didn't for the Skrolls, but honestly.

Grath, the darkvision reveals that the dark section of corridor is just another corridor, only dark. 15x15, even bricks. The green glow seems to be coming from the floor level and is at least a hundred feet away. Something, like a wooden pedestal, is standing on the right wall about 30 feet from the further edge of the pit, which for those "in" it is effectively the ceiling.

Gregor, sorry for godmodding you into setting something off. Delphi's still scouting Dardiana's virgin territory or I'd have had her do it. As it was it was random.

The open space beyond appears to be a large hall. Amongst the black bricks the floor features a dense scattering of white ones, seemingly at random, but never more than four feet apart. Until half-way across the hall when the default floor brick colour changes to white and the random scattered ones to black.

The ceiling is the disturbing thing. It's much higher than the corridors you've been in right now, and seems to consist entirely of large, vicious looking, triangular blades, their points aiming straight down.

And reposting the relevant above into IC.

[mattie_p]

u-b, record that pole on the treasure chart, once we know the value of the metal we can demand payment.

[Marlowe]

Dammit, now I have to figure out what that metal actually is!:smallfurious: It's almost certainly not bronze.

[mattie_p]

The poor life of the DM. Always working, seldom appreciated.

EDIT: ohh, the old summon X / bag of tricks trick to set off traps. Good thinking.

[Marlowe]

Well, I know what it is. It's just boring. Which makes it embarrassing.

[mattie_p]

Umm, shouldn't gretchen be summoning nature's allies right about now?

[Marlowe]

Oh yeah, let the NPCs do everything!:smallbiggrin:

[RaggedAngel]

Oh yeah, let the NPCs do everything!:smallbiggrin:

Sounds about right.

[mattie_p]

There's a reason we want the NPCs to do everything, they are expendable.

[Marlowe]

Ah...Not to give away what should be apparent. But these NPCs have friends, allies, lovers. All of whom are more powerful than you right now, and won't like it if you use their loved ones as cannon-fodder.:smalleek:

I said it was a sandbox game. A sandbox game requires a world that's already running before the PCs turn up. So, I'm sorry if the NPCs are assertive, snarky, and inclined to put you in your place. It's not done to railroad you. They're people with their own interests.

[Linguz]

Which makes them much more real than Mr. I-stand-here-24/7-and-sell-ale.

[mattie_p]

I really want to have Grath poke his head through the bricks and make Marlowe come up with whatever it is, but I'll refrain.

[Marlowe]

That would be hilarious. Bethlen would actually try to stop you.

[Linguz]

Hmm... how do the walls of this place look?

[AshesOfOld]

Alright, Thorwald will need some knowledge checks now.

The Iron rider
The Knight of the Healing Wind
The Abberancy and its Parts.

Are those three different knowledge checks? If so:
knowledge (religion): Iron [roll0], Wind [roll1], Abberancy [roll2].

[Linguz]

Dardiana'll roll too!

Religion:
Iron Rider: [roll0]
Knight of the Healing Wind: [roll1]
Abberancy and its Parts: [roll2]

Arcana:
Iron Rider: [roll3]
Knight of the Healing Wind: [roll4]
Abberancy and its Parts: [roll5]

Comment: Seems we've worked together, Ashes, and covered all three of them. :smallbiggrin:

[stanleyindraven]

Didnt think anyone would ask did you?

[Marlowe]

Thorwald:
A voice like the popping of boiling sap in burning wood comes into your head. "You want to know about the Crimson Iron Rider. I'll tell you one thing. That she's standing right behind me. Right now. Looking at me funny. And fingering her Maul. So excuse me if I'm feeling a bit circumspect right now, dude".

Dardiana:
Your fey whispers to you (because there's not really any other way it makes sense for you to know this:)"The Iron Rider: An Administrate goddess associated with direct and deadly violence. Wearing red, fighting with a Maul, and having the words "There's nothing I can't destroy"

The Knight of the Healing Wind: Yet another Administrate goddess. Associated with healing, protection, misdirection, illusion, and having the ability to put her hands wherever she wants. Including inside someone's body to remove things they really wish weren't removed. Also, associated with green and being a terrible cook.

The Abberancy and it's Parts: I don't know. I really don't. I know that something came into this world, long ago. Something that had no body, and made people its body. And it seemed to work on everything.Except for the strongest. And that it hated everyone. And it was defeated. I'm not sure how. My kind spent most of that time hiding. "

EDIT: By now, no. But I'm thanking any powers you might care to name that somebody did. Having Bethlen explain everything is boring for you and me.

[Linguz]

That way of succeeding on checks works. :smallbiggrin:

Also, what of the walls?

[RaggedAngel]

Still trapfinding, by the way. Delphi may be getting a bit bored, but she's way the hell too paranoid to stop now.

[AshesOfOld]

Comment: Seems we've worked together, Ashes, and covered all three of them. :smallbiggrin:

Yay, teamwork! :smallsmile:

[Linguz]

Dardiana says what she knows to clarify what someone else said all the time, by the way. unless everyone knows and the like.

[mattie_p]

Grath doesn't need any knowledge, just something to smash!

And someone should spellcraft those wands. You know, out of curiosity.

[Linguz]

Knowledge will reveal the enemies and the smashee!

Also, okay: [roll0]

[Marlowe]

Two Wands Lesser Vigour, [roll0] and [roll1] charges remaining.

One wand Sheild [roll2] charges remaining.

And I think I'll get you out of this MC Escher-with-spikes area soon as poss because it's not playing to the strengths of the party and obviously some people are getting frustrated.

[Linguz]

Also, what of the walls?

How are the walls?

[Marlowe]

The walls appear to be straight, even structures of black stonewear brick, feeling smooth and cool to the touch, exactly like the corridors you've been moving through thus far. Why someone would use stonewear in a mountainous region with Granite, Marble and Quarzite in good supply (but the right types of clay to make stonewear not) is a mystery.

The hall with the spikes is 120 feet long and 60 feet broad and high.

[stanleyindraven]

have you not figured out, there are no walls, lol

[Marlowe]

There might not be.:smallamused:

And I hope nobody was standing in the hall when the change was triggered, if you were, then you grabbed hold of the pole.

[stanleyindraven]

well, you said this wasn't playing to the strengths of the party, so far i think we are getting somewhere. it is taking us a while, but we are moving along.

And this is delayed but here is chapter 6
Chapter 6
A quest to be had


Early in the morning Gregor fed the dogs, took a short refreshing bath in the stream, refreshed his water supply, and then went back to the camp to wake up anybody who was still sleeping. "Marn do you have a sheet of paper and some ink? I'd like to write a letter to Ingva.”
Grath stripped down to a loincloth and took a swim, not only to cleanse himself but to refresh himself as well. He made sure not to disturb Vaelva. He packed up his tent with a strange smile on his face, which he tried to hide. He was careful to try to treat everyone with indifference, but cannot take his eyes off of Bethlen, which he also tried to hide. He did not do a good job of hiding either the smile nor his watching of Bethlen.
Dardiana plainly saw what happened the previous night between Grath and Bethlen. When Gregor attempted to wake the sleeping Delphi, she made him go away and did it herself, trying to wake her up calmly instead of abruptly.
Marn had woken up, early in the morning, usually shortly after the birds and other animals wake up, he had been keeping an eye on things while studying his spell book and preparing his spells for the day. "No, I don't have any paper or ink, I didn't think I'd need it, but once we get to the next town I'll be sure to pick some up"
Thorwald jumped out of sleep with a loud snort, his jaw completely asleep and drooling slightly from hanging down against his chest all night. He wiped the spit from his chin, and moved raggedly to the bushes to do his business. A minute later he came back with a big grin on his face. "Ah, a good piss after a long day of slaughter. What else does a man need?" He looks around, and noticed both Grath's obvious staring and the girls laying close to each other. “Ah, well. There is that."
Thorwald prepared his spells, and subsequently healed the lone wound he got the day before. "Good as new. So, are we following the weird chicks with the necklace and the bird fetish? They look like trouble, and boy, do I like trouble." He flashed a flashing smile while opening his pack to get a ration.
Delphi woke up like a cat, stretching with remarkable flexibility given how early it was. Her hair was only a bit rumpled, though she had a pink tint to her cheeks when she noticed who she was curled up beside. If she was bothered, however, she said nothing, and indeed she seemed to be in quite a good mood. She mentioned something about looking for food before trundling off into the woods, a slight bounce in her step. Delphi tripped in the woods onto an oddly diurnal rabbit, accidentally but cleanly breaking its neck shortly after entering the woods.
Bethlen stirred, absently tweaked Kresta's nose to wake her, and pulled herself to her feet. She ran a hand through her black, damp hair to straighten some knots. "You're drooling, Tiger," she remarked to Grath, then looked at the sky, the clouds, and the veiled sun. "Give us an hour to repack the cargo, and we will be bound for Trammelburgh, which we could make a little after noon. I'm not taking the Razor, overloaded as we are, and Ethandun's further still.
If you ladies and gentlemen would be kind enough to accompany us, it may be to your benefit as regards supplies, disposal of recently acquired goods, and making yourselves known to those that might otherwise find you suspicious. And if you should decide to go and meet this blonde gentleman in red after, I'll be coming with you."
"Well, I would rather take right for the menace, but I guess town is a good stop on the way," Horbin said as he stretched in the morning sun. Thorwald packed his things in silence, letting the others make a decision. While he went about his way he hummed a happy tune and smiled his nice smile.
To Gregor, going Ajneguhs via Trammelburgh was the preferred plan since yesterday. As long as the consensus was that way, he was not going to discuss the matter. He prepared the dogs and weapons, then, having some more time before departure, ate some dried partridge and practiced tricks with the dogs.
Dardiana watched Delphi go off on her own, searching for food, and waved a goodbye. Once she was out of sight, she pulled herself up and stretched. She took the time while everyone else was getting ready to put on her studded leather armor but she did not eat a trail ration as Delphi may be bringing all the food they would need. She replenished her hand's invisible, intangible webbing and packed up the rest of her items. "Beth, I can help repack the mules if you'd like it."
After Grath packed up his belongings, he ate a trail ration, then attempted to help whoever seemed to need help. All of the extra belongings from the deceased he packed up on his rigged sled, ready to be dragged into the town. Delphi trundled back into camp with a rabbit, which she quickly and cleaned, skinned and began to roast over the hot coals of the previous night's fire. The rabbit wasn't enough to feed everyone, of course, but she offered it to supplement everyone's less-than-appetizing trail rations. She gave Dardiana a few oddly bashful looks, but she otherwise acted quite normal. "So," she questioned after a few bites of rabbit, "What exactly are we setting out to do? I was a bit distracted by the large and oddly articulate monster, even after the enormous batch of killing we all did." Dardiana took the piece of rabbit, thanking her, and pulled out one of her own trail rations to begin eating.
Bethlen was cramming a set of breastplates into an oddly spacious bag. She answered Dardania. "It would be appreciated. I don't enjoy heavy work. Most of the time," and actually darted a glance at Grath, the little witch. "Anyone looking after the Half-Orc girl? We going to let her go, feed her, kill her, paint her pink and call her Molly? Any decisions? I would not have bothered to save her. Although it may come in useful that you did." For her part, Kresta was snapping together a light crossbow with an oddly determined expression.
Gregor looked to the half-orc. "Hey, you, big lucky girl! You are well advised to keep a low profile for some time before spreading your impressions about how clement or sadistic we are. Now get lost!"
Kresta dodged past Gregor, and threw a light crossbow and a stack of bolts at the half-orc’s feet. "That might get you home. If you're careful. If you're not, I won't cry. Consider it a gift from the ginger bitch you should have fed to the watermonster." She raised her voice, "Bethlen! We're packed! Let's get moving! North-east, and hew close to the Stahlmund! Coming then, new friends?" She seemed to be recovering from the previous day’s ordeal rather quickly.
When Kresta spoke, Dardiana commented to whoever was nearest, "She recovers pretty quickly, huh?"
"Indeed it appears that we are," Horbin replied as he hefted his blade onto his shoulder again.
"If I ever see you again-" the Half-Orc began. Then seemed to notice how everyone was studiously pretending not to pay her any attention, while holding weapons, and turned toward the stream without finishing. She then jumped into the water and swam to the opposing shore.
Dardiana stopped the half-orc girl in her tracks, since she had been paying attention, she was not holding any weapon, they were all sheathed. "If you ever see her again, I hope for your sake you don't do anything rash or the rest of your family might not be around for you to take care of." She stepped to the side, allowing her to continue on her way.
There was a jingle of harness and creaking of leather as Bethlen and Kresta got the mules moving, heading north and slightly east, parallel to Vaelva's stream. Kresta was in the lead with a mule and Bethlen shortly behind leading Spike. Dardiana followed after the other two, taking a spot beside Delphi, in the middle of the pack.
Horbin fell in just behind the mules. Grath moved towards the front of the group. As usual, he had his bow out, arrow knocked but not drawn. But he was ready to drop it in favor of his axe should he feel the need. Gregor rode in front, just as usual, a little ways before Bethlen and Kresta. Being in the forest the smaller dogs saw, heard and smelled lots of interesting things around, so were usually somewhere in the woods, to the side or catching up from behind. They barked at any small game they encountered. Thorwald walked near the back, but in front of Marn, whistling a jaunty yet slightly disturbing tune, while picking imaginary pieces of matter off his morning star.
Marn was at the back as usual so he could keep a wary eye on everyone, still not fully trusting of the people he had only met the day before. He took out the leather bound book again and studied it some more, trying to determine anything more about it. As Marn read the book he thought to himself, ‘If this book is any kind of magic tome, I’d hate to imagine what it does’. It seemed to consist entirely of vignettes of a psychotic couple named "Beryl" and "Darien" engaging in clichéd vaguely erotic role-playing, quite often breaking character out of the absurdity of the premise, and occasionally resorting to violence.
There was a handwritten dedication on the inside of the front cover, written in oddly spiky common. It read "So you won't get bored and do something lacking Charisma: Love, Lotus", followed by a slightly insane number of little crosses and circles.
About a mile to the north, Vaelva's stream broadened and swallowed into a wide area of sparkling, clear water not more than a foot deep. The current was spread out and mild, the rocky bottom was clearly seen through the water, and large boulders broke the surface everywhere they looked. Kresta lead them straight in. The water was chill and tugged at thier feet, but there was nothing to stop thier progress. Bethlen muttered something about quaint, unspoiled scenery.
Kresta started speaking abruptly. "This is a safe crossing. Above here, the stream and its valley have a spooky reputation. At least, father told me never to go higher. I've been this way a couple of times before, from the other direction. Father sometimes found it convenient to kick a caravan off from Trammelburgh. It is no city like Ethandun, but it is a cheap and easy place to muster goods from Jelenarch and the central provinces."
As they approached the eastern bank, they were conscious of a distant howling and baying from deep in the trees. Gregor raised a hand, the left one, with the shield, as the other was occupied by a lance which was resting upon a stirrup and pointing up in the sky. He listened to the sounds for about half a minute and then rode forward to investigate.
Dardiana called out to Gregor, "Those your dogs or something we might need to worry about?"
"Wolves. That's kind of unusual, so you better get ready. This side, I guess," he responded.
"Pride, come here, hush up! Follow me!"
Gregor tried to position himself downwind of the incoming wolf howls. Luckily the mountain spurs to the west blocked the wind coming off the sea. The dogs looked around like dumb animals, then perked up as he used an ability. With an ‘Oh, you meant NOW’ set of expressions, and they then accompanied him. He didn’t get far out of the stream before he realized, from the approaching howling, that the pack was coming at them fast. There was another sound as well, a deeper-pitched growling.
"Well, unless they are lead by magic or men they shouldn't bother us at this time. Unless they are more than wolves," Horbin said as he tromped through the water.
"Unless they're starved or these wolves hunt with daylight." Dardiana said as she watched Gregor go off on his own and she kept on going through the water.
Grath crossed the stream and took up a position on the other side, looking for the approaching wolves. The rest of the party reached the bank. There was a long section of rocky flat there before the trees started. Roughly seventy feet open between the water and forest. Gregor disappeared into the tree line to the east. Kresta produced a clutch of shortspears and balanced one in her left hand. Bethlen took three long steps forward and placed herself in front of her and the little clutch of mules, her hands held out from her sides.
Gregor made sure he was positioned away from the direct path the wolves were headed. He rested his lance against a tree and drew a javelin, waiting for whatever came. Grath gripped his bow hard, ready to loose an arrow at the first wolf he saw. Dardiana waited next to the mules, expecting the beasts at any moment. Horbin moved to assume the front of the assault line.
Delphi took out her sling and she loaded it with a single smooth bullet. She bounced the leather strip a bit to relax her hand and become accustomed to its weight. She took a throwing axe into her other hand, and then she moved into the woods, cautiously, remaining near Gregor for better protection. "If these are just animals, a little pain should be enough to scare them off. If we drop one of them, or hurt them quickly, they'll probably scatter. Wolves are intelligent, not suicidal."
Marn and Thorwald stood close to the mules and Dardiana at the edge of the stream. Thorwald looked around with a slight frown. "I don't mind killing animals, but this is really strange. I've never heard of wolves attacking large groups of people before. And especially in a place where you can trip over your food," he said to the others. Still, Thorwald took his shield down from his back and strapped it to his arm, ready for combat if need be. Gregor, could hear something else coming from behind the wolves, growling and smashing through the underbrush.
Delphi looked at the open ground between her and the forest, then to the others. She thought for a moment, and then she moved forward, growing closer to the edge of the forest by about twenty feet. She began to whirl her sling overhead, prepared to loose it at the first wolf to appear from the trees. Gregor rode a bit forward and to the right, positioning himself behind a tree, ready to strike at whatever wolf would be heading at him, but he was not very interested in dealing with wolves passing by, he was interested in what was behind them.
Gregor tried to use his ‘Speak with Animals’ ability while it was still active, listening to anything comprehensible, including birds, the wolves themselves and whatever was behind them. The wolves baying translated into, "It's coming, it's coming, it's coming, run run runrun run run run--AAAAK! Not these stupid two legged things."
The thing behind them was saying,"Now dogs! Time to scream, LIKE PIGS! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
The birds nearby were saying, "I'm a bird I'm a bird I'm a bird Aren't I pretty? I'm a bird. Have I mentioned I'm a bird?"
Thorwald centered himself, spread his feet and blessed his allies in the name of Loki! After the short prayer a silvery shimmer sparked from his hands and exploded nearby in a gigantic, almost invisible, silvery shimmering sphere that was gone as soon as it happened. In it's place, a feeling was left inside of everyone, a cool steely hardness and resolve.
"Rabies, they look rabid," Horbin shouted as he hefted his blade into striking position. He will then advanced toward the trees.
The wolves came weaving through the trees. One ran smack into Gregor's and Cherry's attacks and failed to survive them. The wolves appeared to be exhausted. None cleared the tree line, but Delphi saw a flash of movement and sent a stone spinning to the closest one, wounding it. Then Gregor was able to see a gigantic boar crashing after the wolves, apparently chasing them.
"Three wolves, running from a VERY LARGE piggy. Horbin, it's moving at you!" Too late to intercept the boar moving toward the group, Gregor decided to cut off its retreat. Moving from behind a tree, he threw a javelin and gave some commands in doggish. All of the dogs, including Abyss, readied action to move away from the boar if it turned on them.
Dardiana ran forward and to her right, she stopped after going about thirty feet and chucked a magical blast at the nearest wolf. Bethlen moved past her and threw a shadowy blast at the same target, missing by far, incinerating a sleeping stoat. Horbin moved forward again, to the tree line. Grath shot an arrow at the same wolf targeted by Delphi. He then dropped his bow to the ground and moves to toward the woods, drawing his battle axe as he advanced, and entered into a rage.
Marn readied to cast magic missile at the first enemy to clear the tree line heading toward them. Thorwald moved forward a step and ignited in holy flame. He readied his morning star, if the boar came trampling his way. The large swine barreled through the underbrush and made its way nearly straight at Horbin.
Delphi darted forward as quickly as she could, headed toward the boar, ignoring the wolves. Indeed, she was sorry that she had hurt them at all, though her stone had not been very accurate or powerful; the wolves were clearly not the problem here. "Focus on the boar," she shouted as she ran; "leave the wolves alone!" The boar howled in fury, and its blazing red eyes turned toward the she-hobbit, then, Gregor's Javelin lodged in its side.
Bethlen moved closer to the squealing hog, muttered "Fleur de mal", and suddenly a mass of black-and-purple blossoms were swirling around the boar and the two closest wolves, raking them with barbed thorns. The wolves ran away, retreating to the north or south and away from the group. The boar looked quite annoyed by the party’s interference. Bethlen remarked, to the world in general, "That frelling poison never works on what you want it too."
Grath roared in frustration that the boar was still in the woods. He made himself more and more angry while waiting for it to leave the woods and get within his range. Marn kept his spell ready to use on whichever enemy left the woods first.
Thorwald moved forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Grath, ready to charge the boar once it cleared the woods. "That's it, lad! Show it your teeth. We're gonna hold a nice barbeque tonight, hahah!"
Attempting to force the boar in the direction of his companions, Horbin launched forward around the trees and swung at the wild beast with his mighty blade. The boar's eyes lit with fury as the blade sunk in, but Horbin had cut too deep. Its entrails, a gory mass, splattered against the rough bark of the wildwood, it sprawled in death. "Well," said Bethlen as she sashayed over to cut its throat with her sickle. "That's lunch sorted. If we want."
"Cook the liver, it's totally fresh and would be delicious! Also very quick to cook!" Wasting no time after the boar is killed, Gregor turned to chase the wolves.
"That went down easily enough," Horbin said as he dislodged his blade.
After some time spent chasing the last wolf, Gregor returned from the north, accompanied by Abyss, loaded with a dead wolf, and his two other. No one seemed hurt. Gregor unloaded the wolf and then brought three others in a similar manner, them being nearer, took much less time. Going to gut the trophy, Gregor reached into his boot only to discover that his knife was nowhere to be found. He then vaguely remembered some activities back in town, like betting, throwing, winning, drinking and, well, apparently leaving the knife where it hit. So, Gregor started to gut the wolves using one of the redcloaks' shortswords.
Delphi frowned at Gregor, but she didn't voice any real objection to the hunting. Instead she looked the boar over, curious. "I wonder why it was so enraged. I mean, are they usually like that? I wouldn't know, I suppose. It just sucks for the wolves that they were driven to such a bad place at a bad time; they never really stood a chance against a boar that size or our group."
"They might have attempted to prey on his piglings, maybe even eating some... that would be no wonder." Gregor shrugged. As reasonable as the hypothesis might have been, it had no solid base whatsoever.
"I'm fine with eating boar...or wolf." Dardiana walked over to Gregor, who she saw cutting them up with shortswords, and pulled out her dagger, holding it out to him. "Here, use this."
Delphi pulled out a dagger, casually lobbing it through the air to stick in the carcass next to Gregor. She only glanced over her shoulder for a second to throw, and she looked back to the forest before it hit its mark. "Use mine; it'll fit your hand better, since it was actually made for a person of proper size instead of a clumsy, lumbering," she paused, and looked to Dardiana, blushing a bit and obviously abashed. "Er, that is to say, a tallfolk."
Thorwald, still ablaze and looking thoroughly disappointed, sheathed his morningstar and found a huge piece of wood to lean on. "Clumsy and lumbering, hmm? You know, you may be right, Delphi. If we ever go dancing, I could perhaps prove you wrong. But then, you might have to stand on my feet!" Thorwald chuckled heartily at his own joke and smiled his big smile. In the meantime the log was very much in flames and Thorwald jumped up, surprised. "Well, it seems I made a fire... I could go for some early dinner."
Kresta looked at the group a little uncertainly. "Trammelburgh is only a few hours away-" She looked to Bethlen for guidance.
Bethlen was slicing into the boar's flesh with her sickle, preparing to flay, but looked up at Kresta with an inscrutable expression. "Early afternoon, early evening" she said gnomically. "The boys and girls deserve some flesh. Trammelburgh will abide, and Quattro Vierzehn too." That thought seemed to trigger something, and she abruptly stood up and scanned the tree line. "They'll see our smoke from Trammelburgh from here."
That does click something in Kresta. "This is Redside. Not Ashdown territory. Vierzehn would think twice."
"He would. And then he'd do it anyway. Especially if he's got wind of redcloaked thugs skulking around." She addressed the group. "Let's be a bit cautious about shooting at people we don't know from now on. Agreed? Kresta, could you help me with this slab of fat--"
As Kresta moved over, there's a quiet interchange. "When have you ever been to Trammelburgh? Or met Vierzehn?"
"I haven't done either. I have sources."
Dardiana looked at the tree and the flames that were on it. After a few seconds of watching them, she turned to Delphi. "I don't mind being called clumsy, as some of us are, just like some of your race. But please don't say that I'm not a 'proper person'." When Kresta and Bethlen began to talk, she shut up and listened. "Got it, diplomacy first, shooting second. Let's hope they do the same if they come to us."
Gregor thanked Dardiana and Delphi for the knives, he used Delphi's to gut the wolves, then cut some sticks and helped with cooking choice-parts-of-trophy-on-a-stick for everyone. It soon emerged that neither Bethlen nor Kresta had any real skill at butchering, but it was a big animal, and they managed to hack off some decent bits regardless. The mules seemed to welcome the chance for a rest.
Grath shrugged, his eyes focused, and he seemed to shrink within himself, shoulders sagging as if exhausted. He knelt and took a moment to recover. Rising, he removed his pack and ruffled through the contents, removing an item, adjusting, and repacking. He filled a small iron pot with water from the creek and set it to boil over the fire, adding some black powder to the water. He patrolled around for a few minutes, standing guard over the group while waiting for his coffee to be ready.
Horbin looked up and was able to tell is was around midday. "We should eat lunch then move on. Would we arrive before dark," Horbin asked the two women.
Bethlen and Kresta looked at each other and then laughed in a rather annoying way. "Oh, big man does talk!" Kresta said.
"Shut up. We're only a few hours from Trammelburgh. Like I have said. It is not a major town. As I have implied. However, it is closest, has the requirements to dispose of your loot, and the contacts to allow us to get our requirements fulfilled."
"Speak when I feel I need to, and this is that time," Horbin retorted. "Trammelburg seems like a good place to try bedding for the night, much better than this spot."
Grath returned from his patrol, apparently seeing or hearing nothing. He grabbed his mug from his pack and grabbed a cup of coffee, asking around, "Coffee?" Seeing the attempts at butchering the boar, he decided to offer his assistance, not shying away from the blood. Apparently Grath would just have get in the way, so he offered coffee to the butchers instead.
Delphi perked up, excited. "Coffee? Really? 'S been years since anyone's let me get within ten feet of the stuff; something about over-excitability or some silly gibberish like that. If only we had chocolate to go with it; that really puts me in a mood." She grinned and looked first to Dardiana, then Gregor while speaking, before glancing back up to Grath. She was rocking up onto the balls of her feet, holding her arms together in a gesture of supplication. "So, ah, right. I'm little, so I won't ask for much. Please?"
Grath willingly offered some coffee to Delphi. "No chocolate, do not know what that is. But coffee Grath has for little Delphi." She proffered a small cup and he poured some coffee into it, and handed back it to her. He seemed bemused by the stimulated halfling, and unconcerned that she might get over-active. "Grath got a taste of coffee through Empire traders coming through town. Grath really likes coffee."
Delphi held the little cup, and she sipped the coffee happily, skipping around a bit as she did so, still a bit wired up from the fight. She looked over all the wolves' carcasses, as well as the progress on the boar. She then began picking up small, loose stones, whipping them into trees with her sling, uncannily accurate, and the sound of stone meeting tree came with steady regularity. "This is nice, you guys. Our People may not be very creative namers, but we sure do make for good company. So, tell me," she paused to sling another stone, "what do you all want out of life? What are you hoping to get out of our journey?"
Dardiana approached Grath and asked, "You mind if I have some to? I've only got wine with me and that makes for a poor drink sometimes." After she got her coffee she began to make a game out of Delphi's stones being thrown, trying to knock them out of the sky with her blasts before they hit the tree. "Well, I'm hoping to become stronger by the end of this journey, so that I can live on my own and travel the world. But, what about you?"
"Grath is looking for strength. Strength to do what want without interference. Too many bothersome orcs in home village try to interfere with Grath. Grath wants to...to learn. To be free. Not sure what free is, but trying to learn."
Delphi laughed as Dardiana joined her, though she watched the warlock's hands with great interest as she fired her bolts of power. Delphi, not one to be shown up, began to move as she slung her bolts, and the movement resulted in a dramatic increase in the speed and power of her shots. She raised her own voice after a moment, slightly wistful. "I want to learn the name of the wind, see the face of the sky, and speak with the forest like a friend. I want to fell a giant with a sling, ride a dragon, and make a wish upon a star. I want to be a legend and a myth and a hero. I want to live until the day I die."
Bethlen looked up briefly from her inexpert butchering. "Then it's a pity you weren't born somewhere else." Then immediately looked like she regreted the statement. "...nothing."
Delphi slipped over to Bethlen, a curious look on her face. She laid a hand on her shoulder, and when Bethlen looked up she found Delphi's eyes to be large, green, and kind. "You've spoken so little about yourself. Please, go on. It wasn't nothing."
"Sounds like she feels either you could never be greater than you are, or that this world does not allow for you to reach such lofty goals," Horbin chimed in.
Bethlen's eyes didn't change at all. Still as cold and dark as ravens sipping coffee from a black-iron pot at the bottom of a coal mine at midnight in winter, but she looked away and focused on butchering the act of butchering. "You could have been something else," she said, quietly. "Just something else. That might have made your dreams easier for you. But everything costs. And you may not have enjoyed it as much," and then she made eye contact again. "You'll do fine. You'll have your own power and dignity. One you make for yourself. Mine is written for me. In shadow and lightning flash. And letters in iron. And early mornings. I'm not a morning person."
She stood up; a random piece of pig fell off her sickle. "Everybody full and fed? If Ashdown comes upon us, I'd rather they found us on the path, alert and ready, rather than feeding our faces. They're not foes, neither are they yet your friends. You only get one chance to make a first impression. You know."
Thorwald listened in on the conversations with a bemused look on his face, but decided to keep his dreams to himself for now. After Bethlen's speech, however, he couldn't help but chime in. "Must everything be so dark and grim always, Bethlen? There is great beauty in the lightning storms and even in the shadows of the night. None can say what truly lies over the horizon, indeed I'd call any famous diviner either a great liar or a very lucky fellow." He picked up one of the raw pieces of meat and chewed it, still talking.
"Its in our nature to be violent. Not just humans, but all beings. So I dare say we haven't chosen a bad path at all. Oh, and if I do get ambushed and murdered, I'd rather do it on a full stomach, thank you very much." At no point having stopped either smiling or chewing, Thorwald took another piece of meat and leaned on a rock next to the fire.
"Beauty? Yes. There is that. Where I spring from we respect power, for we'd be dead without it, and beauty, for without it we'd have nothing to live. You can call me grim, but I know what I know. And I know you're going to get Trichinosis if you keep eating that raw. Good thing you're a Cleric."
Thorwald started laughing, so hard, in fact, that he choked on his meat, and with tears rolling down his cheek he slapped Bethlen hard on the back with his armored mitt,
"Oho.. ha... Yes, good thing indeed! *cough* I'm getting more and more thrilled that I met the lot of you free-spirited fellows. These are glorious days, my newfound friends. We are jolly green giants walking the earth, with swords. Good thing, indeed."
"Glory is good," said Grath. "Sounds good, anyway. Glory of dying young? Not so much. Grath wants to live a long life, with lots of children and grandchildren on his knees. Before that, though, there is much to see and experience. Most orcs just live day to day, but not Grath."
Gregor did not participate in the talks. He eventually finished cooking, then finished eating, then put down the fire. "Hey, Grath, will you transport the trophies?" - scratches his head - "If not, I'll have to organize something."
Kresta, once they all wipe the grease off their faces and got moving, lead them into the trees and then north, parallel to the stream on their left. Beneath the trees it's cool and dim, but there was only limited underbrush. The mules, carrying more than their intended weight, were making slow going but were plainly much the better for the rest. It was less than an hour before they came again to the banks of the wide, dark river flowing strongly from east to west. Its opposite bank, nearly a thousand yards off, was lined with dark forest, with distant hills showing blued out in the background. The opposite bank was the Empire. So far, it looked much like anywhere else.
Bethlen moved up next to Kresta, leading Spike. Kresta spoke to her expositionally. "East of here. Along the Stahlmund as I said," and more loudly to all, “and everybody keep eyes and ears open."
Marn kept his eyes and ears peeled for anything. ‘I may be quiet but sometimes you have to be quiet to know something is there,’ he thought to himself.
"Wherever, whenever...just consider it done." Gregor was looking around as usual. "So, east now, not going to that side?"
"I didn't bring a boat big enough to take three mules, some shaggy beasts, and your dogs. You could trying swimming it, if you like, but the current would put you several miles downstream by the time you reached the bank." Kresta seemed to enjoy her jovial jab at the barbarians.
Dardiana kept an eye on the trees and the rest of the places. "Anyone want to make a raft?" asked Grath. He took a look around for wood and other materials to make a raft. "Grath can swim across with no problem, but all the extra stuff will weigh down the group."
"A raft?" Thorwald looked at Grath quizzically. "We don't actually need to cross the river, my friend, just go alongside it. But be my guest. Just notice that the river flows in the wrong direction, so unless you've had a really healthy breakfast, I doubt you'll catch up to us by water."
"We can cross at Trammelburgh, if you so desire. It's what the place is for," said Kresta with a hint of irritation.
Bethlen gave her a long steady look, then turned to the party and added, "Do what you will, do what you want, but I remind you that this...Ajneguhs is based on this side of the river."
Cherry abruptly bounded out of the undergrowth, a strip of maroon cloth clutched in her teeth. "So, we are not only ones who prefers riverside to going through the forest..." When Cherry came closer, Gregor pet her and took the piece of maroon cloth. "Good girl, good girl. Now show where you found it. Where you found it? Let's go."
It doesn't take long, only a few yards into the surrounding trees, to hear the croaking of the ravens. And only a few dozen yards beyond that to find the body of the Half-Orc they let go that morning. Her maroon cloak, for some reason, had been shredded, and its shreds littered the forest floor and wave forlornly in the underbrush. She had two arrow wounds, but the arrows that made them had been neatly pulled.
"So, that was a waste of a crossbow." Gregor checked the body in case he was wrong, then looked around and tried to determine exactly what happened.
The Half-Orc's tracks came from the direct south. Looking around revealed the tracks of four humanoids, an iron-shod horse and a couple of large dogs, who appeared to have come from the east and moved off south, apparently following the Half-Orc’s trail back from where she came. He also found a light crossbow and a set of ten bolts in the hollow of a tree. Neatly wrapped in a dark grey cloak with red trim.
Gregor unwraped the package found in the hollow of the tree and scratched his head. "Four guys, a horse and a bunch of large dogs. No idea why they left it here, but I, for one, do not want to mess with them. This might be..." he took another look at half-orc “...counterproductive." With those words he repacked the package, in some clearly different fashion, and put it back. "Let's go?"
"I would have to agree with you," Thorwald said, scratching himself on the head a bit. "I like my ambushes one-sided."

[Marlowe]

Thanks for putting these together BTW Stanley. We should probably sort out the paragraph breaks and post them somewhere else at some point, at least, if we think this campaigns good enough.

On a lighter note, I had to tell my boss today that she just didn't understand Dr Suess. And I'm going to have to find a way to get it through to my other campaign players that they shouldn't try to kill the people that just turned up with the same enemy and the same objective just because they're snarky. That sounds really familiar.

[u-b]

What would be the roll(s) to hop the black bricks all the way along the pole?

[stanleyindraven]

How would everyone like to see the story get published after it is complete? With appropriate credits all around.

[Linguz]

Would I get moneys?

[stanleyindraven]

Possibly, it kind of depends on if it sells. publishing is a bitsh of an industry

[Linguz]

Now I'm even more interested. I expected you to say something like no, and then I could reply with "I'm in!"

I'm fine with the idea.

[stanleyindraven]

yeah, after reading about it, first novels if sold to a publishing house make little to no money as in profit if the advance is actually used to promote the book so that a second and any others may sell better by the author.

[Linguz]

So we won't get much profit until we run a second campaign?

[stanleyindraven]

That is if the first sells well. of course all of this i am basing off the rates that a standard novel gets, like a 25$ on the rack type like stephen king or something. for people writing something like this idk, it may end up being a type of harry potter-ish thing where it could be a real hard back or just pocket reader like most fantasy novels. This is shaping up to be a rather long book, maybe even two-three.

[Linguz]

Though, if it is going to be a book, methinks it'll need plenty more editing than what I believe you're doing, which is pasting the posts one after the other (in chronological order).

[stanleyindraven]

i have moved some posts around to make it more cohesive, also i have edited for tense and spelling errors. though everything that is in quotes is word for word i am trying to keep it as true to the story as possible. combat does take forever to get put together correctly though.

[AshesOfOld]

*snip* And I'm going to have to find a way to get it through to my other campaign players that they shouldn't try to kill the people that just turned up with the same enemy and the same objective just because they're snarky. That sounds really familiar.

Now, I have no idea what you could be referring to.

@stanley: I'm down with that. Those chapters are pretty cool. I forget to thank you for them, even though I've read all of them :smallredface:. Thank you!

EDIT: I tried to find a way to make Thorwald more annoying, and I think I succeeded: Correcting people! Yay :smallsmile:

[stanleyindraven]

That works, lol.

It is nice to know that even though you guys have written it you are willing to read what i have put together. I am trying to make sure it is well put together and entertaining.

[Marlowe]

Damn, now I'm going to have to come up with a Plot! In a Sandbox game! Not that I didn't already have things in mind.

And I have no idea, honestly, why a set of bow ammunition designed for use against skeles is just sitting around here. Put it down to some hyperparanoid crazy-prepared ancient civilization reason. But the important thing is that now every member of the party can get past skele DR5/Bludgeoning without compromising their combat style. Delphi's still getting the shaft, since they're immune to crits and there's not really been any real traps so far, but I'll try to make for that later.

And jumping the black bricks without touching the white would be really easy. None of them ae more than four feet apar. The longer-legged people in the party would just need to make long, careful steps.

[Linguz]

Mar, there are blunt arrows in this game. And arrows that do slashing.

Blunt arrows do nonlethal, at half the range. For undeads, I allow them to do lethal.

Just in case you didn't know. They are in the Races of the Wild.

[stanleyindraven]

Change nothing, of the treatment the first few chapters make, people who do not normally read this genre are enjoying what we do. I am hoping that will extend to an agent and publishing house.

[Marlowe]

Sorry, I didn't know that. Because the books I listed in the old recruiting thread? Those were the books I had. I've never seen a copy of Races of the Wild. I come from New Zealand and I work in China.

Technically, I should be letting you make will saves against Illusions constantly. BUT with the amount of illusions everywhere, that wouldn't help you and would slow everything down. Because there's multiple layers of Illusions on Illusions. But you've probably figured that out by now.

[Linguz]

And I live in Venezuela. I have my books as PDFs. Still, it was just something that I wanted to say. Nothing more than that, to be true. I have no problem with a homebrewed arrow.

[Marlowe]

I know you're in Venezuela, and my books are PDFs too. And my computer is dead. (Well, deadish. The indigities the Chinese put it through finally broke something and I need to find a way to buy a new computer here that doesn't have a Mandarin operating system). But still, I never read Races of the Wild.

[Linguz]

I've got a pretty decent collection of PDFs. While your computer's dead, if you want me to copy something word for word from a book. I might've offered already, and this assumes you didn't stuff them all into an external/pendrive. Oh, and to maybe interest you: there's also arrows that alight in midair and arrows made to snipe people far away.

[Marlowe]

I did stuff them onto a pendrive. And it took buying three to get one that actually worked here. But I need to buy a new computer to look at them again. And I don't want to pay real money for a comp with a Chinese operating system.

Also:
Change nothing, of the treatment the first few chapters make, people who do not normally read this genre are enjoying what we do. I am hoping that will extend to an agent and publishing house.


You've been posting these things somewhere else? While that's flattering, someone's eventually going to spot all the stuff I'm ripping off, and the in-jokes, fourth wall breaking and the sexual stuff (which Ragged Angel started, but which I jumped into gleefully) is going to be a problem.:smalleek:

[stanleyindraven]

actually, i have not posted it anywhere. i have a friend that i ask to proofread the work to make sure it is decently put together, they think it is awesome.

[Linguz]

That's pretty awesome.

Now I'm curious what are his thoughts on all the characters.

[mattie_p]

Drat, Grath wanted to poke his head through the floor, and now he can't poke his head through the wall either.

[stanleyindraven]

Well, my proofreading person says they love the story as a whole but feel the women are a little 2d in the begining but i assured her that they develope much more in chapters 7 and on. basically because we were hammering out the troupe's friendship and comradery in the beinging and at Trammelburgh we finally had time to sit and put thoughts to the characters. but otherwise she said it was an awesome story. Btw, prologue through to the part where we came up on trammelburgh at the end of chapter 6 is about 134 pages, and we have about 200+ pages of posts i havent edited yet.

[Linguz]

We have over 200+ pages of posts since then? :smalleek:

I'll have to work harder and get more of a solid character now!

[Linguz]

Religion: [roll0]

Rolling it here.

[stanleyindraven]

Actually i think that everyone has a really good path of personal development going as the characters are starting to progress into in depth people and the pacing of the game allows for an easy transition of people into legends.

[Linguz]

I'm still gonna try putting more and contributing more. I feel that I don't do that enough.

And oops, forgot to say that she's going back through the wall (to the party) after seeing what type of skeletons they are.

[Marlowe]

Well, at least I can promise that this is NOT a postapocalyptic earth, that that if you ever find the buried head of the statue of liberty it'll be surrounded by annoyed wizards saying "Frigging random dimension rips! Anyone know how to put this thing back wherever it came from?", and that Bethlen's lietmotif and Larissa's last name will be the only Macross references in it UNLESS somebody thinks it would be really cool to end the campaign with an high-speed atmospheric re-entry against the Administrate orbital defenses to the tune of "Information High".

Note to self; figure out if the Administrate has orbital defenses.

[Linguz]

I'd be fine with that. I'd be just as interested in how we got into that situation. :smallbiggrin:

[u-b]

What's the sense of gravity inside the sphere? I was assuming it's "to the outside", but please confirm.

[Marlowe]

It is to the "outside" (the strictly theoretical outside), toward the internal surface of the sphere. The main Spherical chanmber that is the room, not the smaller sphere apparently suspended within it.

You can tell this because of the way the Skrolls are moving. Now and then, one has an odd bounce to it's step.

[u-b]

Spot rolls regarding details of the "bounce" (time, place, mechanics etc. - spending some time to look): [roll0], [roll1], [roll2]

[mattie_p]

Is abyss in the cave with the rest of us or did he get left on the surface?

Look, for two skeletons, we don't need a plan. We need to smash them. I'll help get Abyss up in there, me and Horbin will follow immediately, then anyone else who wants to smash or turn skeletons.

[u-b]

Abyss, Barry and Cherry are all down here with us. I'm not writing much about them because a) to prevent any trap-springing and such they just "Sit!" then "Come!" and b) I thought they would be frightened, but as per Marlowe, they are instead having some fun being down here, so whatever.

Keep in mind, though, that these are Troll skeletons, so someone might get hurt. At least using the wand would be cheaper than magical arrows, so no objections if you melee guys are all brave enough.

[mattie_p]

Wanding us up with lesser vigor after the battle is plenty good for most of us. Getting hurt is part of the game, after all.

Who is holding the wands? I think Thorwald is the only one with lesser vigor on the spell list.

Speaking of that... we're kind of short on magic users.... anyone want to think of multiclassing later?

EDIT: Also - surprise round... let's use it effectively

[u-b]

Gregor bought one Cure Light (he cannot use Vigor series). And if our "pro druid" has something, probably Lesser Vigor it is.

About more magic: Delphi is a good candidate to eventually UMD, so primary arcane is the only thing we're lacking. Can deal with that, might be even more fun.

[mattie_p]

Lesser vigor is cleric/druid 1, so Thorwald is good to go, Bethlen can probably UMD it as a warlock if she was built even halfway intelligently, is Gretchen a druid or a ranger? I thought she was a ranger for some reason.

EDIT: Dardiana with the UMD. duh. She's a warlock. Can't believe I forgot her. Need some coffee.

Double Edit: Can't wait to see the tactical map for this one... Good luck, Marlowe!

[Linguz]

EDIT: Dardiana with the UMD. duh. She's a warlock. Can't believe I forgot her. Need some coffee.

Dardiana has yet to take any ranks in UMD, but she's planning to. I just didn't expect to find magic items this early. And I wanted 5 ranks in Arcana. So from next level on, she'll be slowly getting better at UMD.

[Marlowe]

Forum ate all my posts last night, so sorry if I missed anyone's questions.

Yes, Bethlen has UMD, and a pretty much maxed-out Bluff skill she's never once used.:smalleek:

Also, STanleyindraven, it occurs to me it might be a good idea to put these coalated posts in the 3.5 forum as a campaign journal. See if we can get more than one person's feedback.

And tell your proofreader that I apologise for Lotus in advance.:smallwink:

Yikes. How am I going to do the tacmap?

[u-b]

You do a small tacmap around our pole and do everything else as text/vectors. I doubt most of the people will move much.

[stanleyindraven]

It would be easiest to make them come to us, also that would make it possible to surprise them by dropping them out the room.

[mattie_p]

Easiest yes, but we have a surprise round which we should take advantage of...

[Marlowe]

Also:
I'd be fine with that. I'd be just as interested in how we got into that situation. :smallbiggrin:

I have a few ideas.

[Linguz]

W Dardiana
N Bethlen
! Gretchen
* Nuisance
H Horbin
G Gregor
# Grath
D Delphi
$ Thorwalt

These were the symbols and the character, correct?

[Marlowe]

Correct. However inconvenient that Grath happened to chose for his character the trad Roguelike symbol for "wall".

But if we were all the same, we might as well be dead.

[Linguz]

Could just use another filling symbol. @ or % would work fine, don't you think?

Edit: I'll wait for everyone to choose their position before attacking.

[Marlowe]

"@" is trad Roguelike for YOU. THE PC. I would never use it for scenery. % would be appropriate enough.

[Linguz]

In a roguelike, there's only one player.

In D&D with roguelike maps, there are many players. Using @ for all of them would make them all the same.
But if we were all the same, we might as well be dead. :smalltongue:

Anyway, yea. As I stated in my edit, I'll be waiting for others to do things. I restate it because I see that you tend to not reply to edited in questions. My hypothesis is because you don't see 'em because you don't scroll up. Unsure how correct that is.

On another note: I'm playing Paper Mario, the Thousand-Year Old Door.

[mattie_p]

If I need to change for the good of the group, I will be the letter "A." Since that apparently makes walls easier to form.

Grath appears at Z-27

EDIT: Is it just me, or is the map Linguz made a lot larger than the one Marlowe made? Now I won't be able to charge the skeletroll in the first full round of combat....

[RaggedAngel]

If I need to change for the good of the group, I will be the letter "A." Since that apparently makes walls easier to form.

Grath appears at Z-27

EDIT: Is it just me, or is the map Linguz made a lot larger than the one Marlowe made? Now I won't be able to charge the skeletroll in the first full round of combat....

Marlowe said that ever square on his map was equal to 10 feet.

[Linguz]

Yep. The map is the true size of the area. Twice as big as Marlowe's, as Ragged pointed out.

Ragged, you better be telling me where you'll be appearing soon!

Just do it in a timely manner and it's all fine. :P

[RaggedAngel]

Yep. The map is the true size of the area. Twice as big as Marlowe's, as Ragged pointed out.

Ragged, you better be telling me where you'll be appearing soon!

Just do it in a timely manner and it's all fine. :P

Right next to you.

[Linguz]

Alright. That leaves...

Marlowe with Gretchen and Nuisance
Horbin
Gregor and
Thorwalt

before Dardiana starts to attack the skeletroll.

[mattie_p]

Marlowe said that ever square on his map was equal to 10 feet.


Yep. The map is the true size of the area. Twice as big as Marlowe's, as Ragged pointed out. [/COLOR]

Missed that. Thanks. Change of strategy, Grath was counting on running surprise round and charging 1st round, beating initiative. Now he has to think, which is never a good thing when an orc thinks.

He should have grabbed some of the blunted arrows. He'll grab some after the battle.

EDIT: Time to start planning ahead. Grath is planning to multiclass fighter next 2 levels for feats, to pick up (lv 3: extra rage, imp bull rush; lv 4: leap attack). Not worried about literacy, he'll probably remain illiterate despite RAW. Moving into bear warrior for 5 levels, then getting 3 levels of warshaper. How about everyone else?

[stanleyindraven]

Horbin is last so L15 would be good.

[Linguz]

Do you mind turning that into real-map coordinates? Marlowe's map has 4 squares for every one of her squares, so you could have said any of 4 of the real map.

5x5 squares map: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiZcaAqLuX0TdEhJSExnUl9uZnpBV0VpS0R5cG1GM Hc&pli=1#gid=0

[mattie_p]

Hey, for anyone who likes making characters, the new Zinc Saucier competition is posted. Point of the competition is to act like the selected class without actually taking levels in it. This competition is warblade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256004), for those interested.

Please disregard if you have no interest in making a 20 level build for the competition.

[RaggedAngel]

EDIT: Time to start planning ahead. Grath is planning to multiclass fighter next 2 levels for feats, to pick up (lv 3: extra rage, imp bull rush; lv 4: leap attack). Not worried about literacy, he'll probably remain illiterate despite RAW. Moving into bear warrior for 5 levels, then getting 3 levels of warshaper. How about everyone else?

I'm having to put a ton of thought into Delphi, because she's the lowest tier-ed character that I've played in a reeeeally long time, and I'm admittedly chafing a bit at the lack of variety and versatility she has; skill points are nice, yes, but when I come from playing a lot of casters and martial adepts and then play a Scout...

So I'm thinking about builds that'll give her a little more freedom. Some martial adept levels into Bloodstorm Blade, some Rogue levels for Sneak Attack and then Invisible Blade or Master Thrower, Ranger levels and the Swift Hunter feat, etc.

Any thoughts? What do we need more? What fits the group better? I really want your opinion on this, please.

[u-b]

Funny thing, I've seen this game as exactly the opportunyty to play a lower-tier character, and so far I like how it turned out - lots of things to do and a "that's none of my busines" type of guy for a chenge. I'm trying to keep him from thinking too much as long as things are going ahead on their own, but so far not as much success there as I originally intended... anyway, the plan... I think I'll keep him ranger/beastmaster, but mostly ranger, riding and shooting. The downside of 3.5 compared to Pathfinder here is that the Animal Companion is at half level, instead of at plain -3, so this will eventually get me and will cost an extra feat along the way, but until level 14 or so (i.e. for a looong time) this would be just fine.

[AshesOfOld]

Horbin is last so L15 would be good.

Actually, Thorwald is last, with his amazing 2 in initiative. He will emerge last, at V27.

And I'm thinking that Thorwald will keep clericking his clerickiness all over the place.

@Ragged: I've almost never gone beyond the core classes. I find variation in the roleplaying instead. For example, in one game, I'm playing a stuck-up arrogant jerk, instead of my usual kind and loving self.
But I can't really help you with choosing, although they all sound like a lot of fun.

[Linguz]

I'm debating between picking up and going sorcerer or staying warlock. Leaning more on going full warlock.

Edit:
Waiting on Horbin's selection (he selected on the small map, meaning 4 squares on the big map) and on Gretchen and the pig.

[Marlowe]

The DM would formally like to apologise for being hopelessly drunk right now, so will update when he's not. Because he doesn't want to make a horrible mistake.

And yes, I do tend to not scroll up. Bad me.

[Linguz]

The DM is drunk. Everyone, buckle down.

[RaggedAngel]

The DM is drunk. Everyone, buckle down.

"Did he say strap in, or strap-on?"

Or at least, that's what I immediately thought of.

[Linguz]

For you, either. Maybe even both. :smalltongue:

[Marlowe]

Ragged, I am ashamed of my dirty mind, but you really do encourage me.

I do feel sorry for not updating today, but I live and work in a country that is a constant surreal lunacy, and NOT getting drunk would strike me as the suspect approach.

Also, what does that "small tongue" emoticon actually mean?

[Linguz]

No worries, you don't gotta do stuff every day.

And either I'm joking or I want to lick you, I guess. Probably the former.

[mattie_p]

No worries, you don't gotta do stuff every day.

And either I'm joking or I want to lick you, I guess. Probably the former.

I hope it is the former, or you really will encourage him.

[Marlowe]

Bethlen's cover as a merchant and journeyman clothier is fraying badly.

I'd think of more to do with Gretchen, but Bethlen talks enough for three NPCs and Gretchen wasn't even supposed to come in here with you. I decided that she would anyway, just out of pride.

[u-b]

So, what's next? Surprise then skrolls initiative?

Also, there seems to be an error in my last IC post: since you cannot run anywhere during surprise round, that action is invalid, unless he wins the initiative.

[mattie_p]

Yeah, half-action in the surprise round gimps anyone who is not a spellcaster.

[Linguz]

I'm a spellcaster! Let me attem!

Also, from what I see, Delphi lacks an initiative roll.

[mattie_p]

Linguz, Grath rolled a 20 for initiative. Also, if you need the # symbol for walls, switch him over to %.

[Linguz]

Sorry, must've seen someone else's. And no, I don't. I use color. :P

[Linguz]

Thank you for correcting me. Fixed map will be up soon.

[Marlowe]

Out of interest, my friend Malak'ai's campaign "Thorn in the Hand" is down a player (somebody said they were taking a month off...almost two months ago. His character's been getting played by other people but it's getting to be a drag, so it seems we're going to let him off on his own adventure) and needs one new player. There should be a recruiting thread up pretty soon.
The existing characters are(Spoiled for being totally irrelevant here)Drayner-Male Human Warlock. Seems practical, sensible, and cautious.
Halabur-Male Gnomish Illusionist. Nervous fellow. Hardens up when there's an actual fight going on.
Raif Clearsight-Somewhat eccentric Male Human Cleric of Trickery. Somewhat odd personal philosophy. Currently wearing a green woman's dress as "discipline" for some potentially derailing monkeyshines he pulled early in the campaign.
Dame Eleanora-Female Human Knight. The natural combat leader. Seems a little diffident socially.
Verossa-My character. Female Human Hexblade. Optimistic but outspoken. Changes her mind a lot. May not be what you'd call entirely straight. (I blame Ragged Angel:smallsmile:). EDIT: Well, actually I blame Eleanora's player for making a short, cute, Char 17 female martial character and the others players for all building male characters that are shorter than Verossa.:smallredface:

All level 3 currently.

The character we're losing was a pretty well-built combat Bard, but what we're painfully lacking right now (and then) is somebody with wilderness and survival skills. Or a decent spot/Listen check, come to that.

[u-b]

I'm not exactly getting what that "AG46" skroll's location is...

[Marlowe]

On Linguz's big map, in his spoiler. And counting at that again it should have been AE46. Fixed.

That would be p23 on my little map.

[Linguz]

Out of interest, my friend Malak'ai's campaign "Thorn in the Hand" is down a player (somebody said they were taking a month off...almost two months ago. His character's been getting played by other people but it's getting to be a drag, so it seems we're going to let him off on his own adventure) and needs one new player. There should be a recruiting thread up pretty soon.
The existing characters are(Spoiled for being totally irrelevant here)Drayner-Male Human Warlock. Seems practical, sensible, and cautious.
Halabur-Male Gnomish Illusionist. Nervous fellow. Hardens up when there's an actual fight going on.
Raif Clearsight-Somewhat eccentric Male Human Cleric of Trickery. Somewhat odd personal philosophy. Currently wearing a green woman's dress as "discipline" for some potentially derailing monkeyshines he pulled early in the campaign.
Dame Eleanora-Female Human Knight. The natural combat leader. Seems a little diffident socially.
Verossa-My character. Female Human Hexblade. Optimistic but outspoken. Changes her mind a lot. May not be what you'd call entirely straight. (I blame Ragged Angel:smallsmile:). EDIT: Well, actually I blame Eleanora's player for making a short, cute, Char 17 female martial character and the others players for all building male characters that are shorter than Verossa.:smallredface:

All level 3 currently.

The character we're losing was a pretty well-built combat Bard, but what we're painfully lacking right now (and then) is somebody with wilderness and survival skills. Or a decent spot/Listen check, come to that.

I'll look into it and see about making a druid if I am interested. Either halfling or elven. Probably halfling. Maybe not.

[AshesOfOld]

If that amulet has properties like the Amulet of Samarkand (tm), that is so OP! Munckin artifact, oh my godz.

[Marlowe]

You might notice it doesn't seem to be helping her much.

I wanted to put in some lines of dialog back at Trammelburgh where the "others" advise her to ditch the thing and get a newer model, but there was more than enough NPC dialog back there already.

[u-b]

@Linguz: southern skroll has taken some damage too (#968).

[mattie_p]

While I know Delphi has not yet acted, Grath can is posting now, because he needs to act before the Trolls and the DM anyway.

And I want to get things moving.

[Linguz]

@Linguz: southern skroll has taken some damage too (#968).

Oops, thought those were for northern skroll.

[mattie_p]

Bleah! Skroll woulda been dead except for nat 1

[Marlowe]

It is dead. That first blow would have done it.

I will give Delphi one more day before processing the other skroll. Technically, Bethlen is next, but she won't have range to anything.

Also; yay! I figured out a solution to something about the setting that was bothering me (specifically, why out of the three civilisations you've some contact with so far, two are racially mixed out to New York while the third seems to be almost entirely of one species. Especially since the members of the homogenous civ don't seem racist.)

Whether it's ever going to be important for you do know what it is, well...:smallamused:

[mattie_p]

So.... refresh my memory again. Available books are SRD (PHB, DMG, XPH), Complete Adventurer, Divine, Arcane, Mage, Scoundrel?

Bah, I've been doing some digging, turns out you can tumble during a charge. Would have been DC 25, but still, one chance in ten to ignore a single AoO is nothing to sneeze at. Let's see what would have happened:

1d20+6

[mattie_p]

And again because you can't edit a roll into a post...

[roll0]

close but no cigar

[mattie_p]

So... next round? Marlowe, were you caught up in those, umm, disputes at Foxconn? Trying to be generic so as not to get, umm, edited.

[Marlowe]

Our OOC thread seems a little dead lately...

Anyway, I was wondering, just a spark a conversation, whether anyone had any mental ideas of what the NPCs look like that they'd like to share? I ask theis because I have a strong idea in some cases, not so much others, and I know my descriptions have been very sparse.

[Linguz]

I'm a fan of giving small description and letting the players make their looks, unless it's important.

But no, not really. I have an image of them, but I can't bring it to mind.

[mattie_p]

I picture bethlen looking something like this:

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/132268/98010473/stock-photo-lightly-armoured-female-warrior-in-leather-armour-carrying-a-sword-d-digitally-rendered-98010473.jpg

[AshesOfOld]

I picture Bethlen and Gretchen like this:

http://cdn2.mamapop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/shining-twins-525x393.jpg

But that is a vast improvement. This is what Bethlen looked like to me when she was first introduced:

http://cdn3.gossipcenter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_header/photos/lindsay-lohan-ugly-face.jpg

[Marlowe]

Wow, even though she's explicitly got dark hair?:smallbiggrin: Apparently I have a gift for writing creepy twins. Or, maybe I'm just a bad writer that writes multiple characters the same way.:smalleek:

I haven't given Gretchen (or Kresta before her) much development, but there's only so much you can do when the game's about the PCs and none of the PCs ever talks to these characters.

Anyway, not discontinuing this line of conversation, but I want to know why Gregor's getting -3 to damage from his arrows. Was this a typo?

[u-b]

That is for +2 (STR) -5 (DR). Gregor decided not to waste magical, 40 gp a pop, arrows since that skeleton will have it from our girls anyway. He'll switch to magical arrows if this will seem not to be the case.

[RaggedAngel]

That is for +2 (STR) -5 (DR). Gregor decided not to waste magical, 40 gp a pop, arrows since that skeleton will have it from our girls anyway. He'll switch to magical arrows if this will seem not to be the case.

Hurray, a fight in which slings are vaguely useful!

[Marlowe]

That is for +2 (STR) -5 (DR). Gregor decided not to waste magical, 40 gp a pop, arrows since that skeleton will have it from our girls anyway. He'll switch to magical arrows if this will seem not to be the case.

Worked that out myself overnight. It was just strange seeing that without any explanation. And yeah, fair decision.

It makes the most sense for you to be fighting Undead in here, but it screws over Gergor and Delphi too much, so I decided to throw you some bones.:smallsmile:

On the basis of Ashes post, I was going for cold, brusque, and obviously calculating with Bethlen. And lately I've been trying to soften her.

Obviously, I didn't make her cold and calculating enough. Since he apparently just sees her as someone with emotional issues. Well, live and learn.

I must make the next NPC much more of a icy, stone killer.

[AshesOfOld]

I was of course kidding :smallsmile:. I actually like your NPCs a great deal more than most of those my characters have travelled with over the years.

But if Thorwald understood our pop culture references, that's definitely how he would see them.

[Marlowe]

Hmmm....:smallconfused: Thorwalt's not really a people person is he? Explains the drinking.

Sad, really. He's a little young to get caught in that sort of cycle.

[AshesOfOld]

He's had a bad influence. I think he may be a little goth, though the medieval setting seems like it would fit him quite well.

Ah, that's life, I guess. Full of complications.

[Marlowe]

I picture bethlen looking something like this:

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/132268/98010473/stock-photo-lightly-armoured-female-warrior-in-leather-armour-carrying-a-sword-d-digitally-rendered-98010473.jpg

Psst. Brunswick and Astra are the Asian-looking ones (please don't ask me why). Bethlen looks sort of black Irish and Lotus is a redhead.

[AshesOfOld]

Astra is asian? Whut?

[Marlowe]

I told you not to ask me why.

Astra, as Linguz can tell you, is based on a PC I rolled up for another PbP campaign.

Based on her stats, I was stuck for a character picture. So I used a picture of a certain female character from a certain animated series. I apologised for this in the OOC thread and the DM said, roughly; "Based on the statline and being a female warrior Cleric, that's the character I first thought of as well."

Aforesaid character is rather aggressively Northern-Central European. Tall, straight-backed. Unflinchingly formal and hyperpolite. Red hair in a ponytail. Will punch you through a wall before you've even figured out you've said something wrong. A Japanese idea of a Prussian Guardswoman.

So, when I turned her into an NPC in a completely different campaign, I decided she was going to look rather Eurasian. Just to flip things around and because the incogruity amuses me.

I sort of imagine her currently looking like a scaled-up version of Jesse out of "The Sarah Connor Chronicles", if that amuses anyone.

Brunswick looks Asian simply because he's such the Kyon of his group. I imagine he spends a lot of his time mentally facepalming.

[mattie_p]

So, umm, exp for the fray? Gotta love that exp.

[mattie_p]

Well, I'm glad that's all settled, now. Good to be back, I was jonesing.

[RaggedAngel]

Well, I'm glad that's all settled, now. Good to be back, I was jonesing.

Most indeed. I've missed you all endlessly.

[u-b]

Good news. We're up to 2.5 dead per fight in my other game and this time won't be bringing everyone back. I'll be posting recruitment tomorrow. Know any GOOD players who might be interested in joining RHoD?

[AshesOfOld]

Great to be back! :smallbiggrin:

[stanleyindraven]

Bout time we can post again

[RaggedAngel]

Good news. We're up to 2.5 dead per fight in my other game and this time won't be bringing everyone back. I'll be posting recruitment tomorrow. Know any GOOD players who might be interested in joining RHoD?

<_<

>_>

I may know one girl who'd be interested.

[mattie_p]

u-b, thanks for the hit from the wand. Incidentally, are you or Thorwald carrying the wands of lesser vigor? Those could be very useful in upcoming battles. I want to know who to stay close to.

[u-b]

Gregor cannot cast Lesser Vigor, so 19 charges of CLW. And I don't think vigors are any good in battles, except for proactive bleeding prevention.

[Marlowe]

Yay! I'm back too. Though internet here remains what it is.

[AshesOfOld]

The thought had crossed my mind. But no, I think we'll have to sleep in this dungeon at some point :smalleek:.
But about healing, I don't think in-combat healing is viable as a combat tactic. It's usually better to dispatch of enemies as quickly as possible and then heal afterwards, IMHO.

@Marlowe: Yay! Good to hear :smallsmile:.

[mattie_p]

I'm not worried about in combat healing, per se. wands of vigor are equal in many ways to wands of CLW, after the battle.

If Grath is really hurting, he has his potions

[stanleyindraven]

at this point in combat healing is more of a necessary evil than it will be later

[AshesOfOld]

In any case, I'll be sure to buy some wands of lesser vigor when we get back to town :smallsmile:.

[Marlowe]

Ragged Angel, I'm sorry if you're finding it confusing. I meant it to be confusing. The whole point in a sandbox game is that there's got to be things going on before the PCs arrive. And people with their own agenda. I may have overdone it a little.

Also, I really should have repeated the opening crawl from the initial recruitment thread somewhere. I wasn't as familiar with the forum rules on recruiting threads as I should have been.

[RaggedAngel]

Ragged Angel, I'm sorry if you're finding it confusing. I meant it to be confusing. The whole point in a sandbox game is that there's got to be things going on before the PCs arrive. And people with their own agenda. I may have overdone it a little.

Also, I really should have repeated the opening crawl from the initial recruitment thread somewhere. I wasn't as familiar with the forum rules on recruiting threads as I should have been.

Don't worry about me, man. I just haven't been reading as carefully as I usually do. I'll admit, playing a character with little versatility has made me pay less attention than usual.

[stanleyindraven]

at this point there is no such thing as little versatility. you can go anywhere from here

[mattie_p]

So stanleyindraven, I've been meaning to ask you, what does this mean in plain English?


Mail Code V2.0 T6.2 R5.6 Eo.p Fbyz MFe.s W$ C$ G0.3-1.6 I1.6-7.9 N19.16 Pc Dacdejtw Xg.2 S01

From my internet research, I know it indicates you make (or have made) chainmail, but all the different variables were way too esoteric for me to follow.

[Marlowe]

at this point there is no such thing as little versatility. you can go anywhere from here

If she goes Cleric of The Midnight Empress then Bethlen and company are going to be in hysterics.

[RaggedAngel]

at this point there is no such thing as little versatility. you can go anywhere from here

I mean mechanically, and I can't really, not without changing who she is. Mechanically, she's trapped in the skillmonkey role, which is turning out to be less than useful. I just need to figure out a way to make her interesting to me again, mechanically, to help renew my focus in this game.

[AshesOfOld]

I'm gonna be ridiculously busy this weekend, so please excuse me if my posting is infrequent/non-existent.
Hugs and have a good weekend :smallsmile:.

[Marlowe]

I mean mechanically, and I can't really, not without changing who she is. Mechanically, she's trapped in the skillmonkey role, which is turning out to be less than useful. I just need to figure out a way to make her interesting to me again, mechanically, to help renew my focus in this game.

The skillmonkey role may be more useful in situations where you're not dealing with an ancient facility built by magitek dimensional warpers for the express purpose of trolling a Far Realms entity.

Hmmm. Wis 12. She could manage 3-4 Cleric levels, as long has she steers clear of spells that allow saves.:smallconfused: Although being a Cleric of one of that lot without being a citizen of the right place would be awkward.

[stanleyindraven]

@Mattie the code is old and needs to be updated but denotes the amount of rings I've worked, which is in the hundred thousands now, the weaves I've mastered and my favorite weaves. Really it is just a way for maillers to identify one another.

@raggedangel do you have a prc picked out? I mean your character could take ranger levels or fighter or even barbarian at this point, remember classes are just names and access to certain abilities, so you make what you want, looks like we are close to a new level.

[Linguz]

Marlowe, do you have the Complete Mage? I can't remember if it was one of the books and the searching thread already disappeared.

[mattie_p]

He, apparently, does not have access to Complete Mage, at least, it is not on his original list in the recruitment thread (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:oQ6nG9J0BOIJ:www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D243536+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us).

(However, he authorized some content from Complete Champion, he may allow content from Complete Mage. I recommend you post/pm exactly what you are looking for.)

Reposting for posterity:
OK boys and girls, seems everyone's looking for a DM to do exactly what THEY want. Well, I won't be that DM, but I'll put up a request for players to do what's in my comfort zone. Please bear in mind I have a big trip coming fairly soon, but I'll looking to kick this off once things settle again.

System: D & D 3.5
Player Count: 4-6.
Style of Play: Sandbox.
Allowed Content:


Core/SRD material minus Domain Wizard variant.
Complete Divine
Complete Arcane
Complete Adventurer
Complete Warrior
Feats and Alternative Class Features from other materials will be permitted as long as you ask me first and provide a reputable link. No homebrew. Please stick to Core Races. I wish I could allow more texts but this is what I have to work with.

Character Creation:
Backstory: Make me laugh. Or cry. Just don't bore me.
Experience: level 1, I'm sorry.
Wealth: Flat 300gp worth of starting equipment, for everyone. Each.
Ability Scores: use 4d6b3 x7(drop lowest), with a 32 point fallback.
Hitpoints/Health: Max at first, then average with level.
Alignment: Any that suit your character class.

Other Notes: Our premise: You are barbarians. Well, no. You're not Barbarian barbarians, but you dwell in a fairly unlettered and uncouth part of the world. A land where nature and geography has tended to inhibit governmental and cultural progress. Trees grow tall, rivers run free, winters are cold and life is a little dull. Well, when it's not exciting and dangerous.

To the south, the forests get darker, the hills get hillier, and the bears are hungry. If you go far enough south, there's lots of ice. To the west is a vast and hungry ocean. To the east is a shockingly boring steppe populated by shockingly boring and unpleasant people. To the north is a settled and somewhat chaotic...civilization you call The Empire. It's not very Imperial. It's basically a Canada-sized mess of late-medieval early-renaissance Duchies, Baronies, Counties and City-States. You know, standard D&D fare. Your people (who we will call Your People) trade pelts, gems, metals, amber and witty local banter with the local Empire towns in exchange for decent manufactured goods and fancy toys. It is extremely common for the more adventurous of Your People to travel north to try to make their fortune here. Hint hint. Sometimes they even come back.

According to those that have, to the north and east of The Empire, beyond a gigantic mountain range, is another civilization called The Republic. It's not well-liked. Chattel slavery is the basis of the economy and nobody wears enough clothing.

North of The Empire and west of The Republic is a tangled mess of minor kingdoms who are always at war. Sometimes with each other. They are sometimes called the Free States, although they are generally quite expensive. North of them, beyond a fair amount of sea, is a desert continent loaded with the ruins of a thousand fallen civilizations. It is called The Union. Its remaining dusty cities keep their economies afloat fleecing visiting adventurers who come to "explore".

On a set of large islands out in the western ocean is another civilization. One with a reputation for secrecy, opportunism, and sorcery (and wizardry, and clerickry, and warlockery, and stuff). It is called The Administrate. If The Republic is not well-liked, the Administrate is feared. They noun your verbs.

Your People worship the Greyhawk and Asgardian pantheons, The Empire the Greyhawk pantheon, The Republic the Olympian Pantheon and The Union the Pharoahic. The Administrate has its own set of gods of whom little is known other than that it seems to consist largely of young women with martial weapons and reassuring titles like The Bringer of Silence.

But, all that is far in your futures, as you band together just outside your village, and debate where to go, what to do, and even who you are.

[Linguz]

It's the invocations that I want. A dark invocation from it. I don't think I want anything else. So I guess I'll just print screen and send him the image or something.

[mattie_p]

Should work. It'll be a while anyway.

[Marlowe]

Complete Mage material is fine as long as I know what it is.

Also, good news everyone! My plans are about to reach fulfillment, and soon my semi-sentient death machines will scour the civilized world and Australia. I promise you all that your deaths shall be relatively merciful I bought a new computer two days ago, which means I have access to my books again. I don't have home internet yet but it's on the way.:smallsmile:

[Linguz]

Awww, no death for everybody?

[Linguz]

She already stepped on the purple tile, so she should be launched already, no?

[Marlowe]

Just stepping won't do it, but something ought to have happened. Editing.

[Marlowe]

And I am really looking forward to Thorwald's reaction to this last event.

[Marlowe]

Well...on the down side you now have to negotiate with a goddess of unknown alignment that can treat Loki like a b***h.

On the plus side, at least Bethlen's shut up.

[AshesOfOld]

Hot damn, this is interesting. And OOC-knowledge of course, but would I be right in assuming that this in fact Hel, daughter of Loki and Mistress of the Dead, according to Norse lore?

[Marlowe]

Ah....Nope. The Administrate pantheon is homebrew. Although this person would prefer you didn't use Hel's name as a curse. She does have family as a portfolio. And Hel is Loki's daughter.

We will not begin the debate over since Hel is supposed to be half-corpse, the big question is which half? It's never explained.

Like, are we talking down the middle, front-or-back, or top and bottom, or what?

I've got an evil mind, so sue me.

[AshesOfOld]

Ok, now I'm confused. Didn't she say that she was my patron's daughter? That would also make her a daughter of Loki, right? Or wasn't she talking about herself?

[RaggedAngel]

Ok, now I'm confused. Didn't she say that she was my patron's daughter? That would also make her a daughter of Loki, right? Or wasn't she talking about herself?

She was saying that you shouldn't take Hel's name in vain, which we do every time we say "damn it to hell" or something similar. She said this because she feels bad for Hel. She is not Hel.

[Marlowe]

I do not have characters that refer to themselves in the third person. When somebody refers to somebody refers to somebody as "she" or "her" or "he" they are specifically and explicitly talking about somebody other than themselvss.

As for why she mentioned Hel in the first place, you made a reference to Hel when Bethlen's amulet started "looking" at you. This is the sort of person to find such a reference disrespectful given the circumstances.

[mattie_p]

Ahh the shenanigans of a sandbox game.

And holy crap, Marlowe, for remembering something from a month ago (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=13884508&postcount=901) and using against a PC! Awesome!

[Marlowe]

It was a question that wasn't answered (deliberately. Bethlen doesn't have a high opinion of Thorwald and was especially not happy with him at that point), but something I kept in mind.

And I'm sorry if people are uninterested in this "gods all around us". Believe it or not, this is corrective surgery to remove Loki from the situation.