[D&D 4e] Piercing the Mists (IC)

[Storm Vermin]

Our story begins in Loom Keep, a small stronghold on the border between Karrnath and the Mournland, and the civilized settlement closest to the Glowing Chasm. Since the end of the Last War, the keep was all but abandoned by the Karrnathi military, and a small town sprouted around it, which became a haven for scavengers, looters and small groups of Cyre refugees. Since the recent attacks from the Chasm, many residents left the hold for greener, less monster-infested pastures. However, some stubborn individuals still cling to their homes, waiting for better times. And, a few days ago, they got a new reason to be hopeful.

The heroes of this tale arrived to the Loom Keep recently, as a final stop on their way to the Mournland. Even if they had to travel from the farthest reaches of Khorvaire to the tiny settlement, it would be more expedient to circumvent the Mournland, as travelling through a mile of the mist-covered wasteland could very well take more time and effort than covering 100 miles over more civilized lands. These new arrivals were the talk of the town at the moment – a travelling merchant was gossiped about in the keep, let alone such famous adventurers. The heroes soon found out that they had the same goal and were sitting in the mess hall of the old stronghold, planning out their expedition, when they were approached by three men. They were dressed in the red and black Karrnathi uniforms, and looked like they’d rather had been somewhere else. One of them – a sergeant, judging by his insignia – stood in front of the group with his helmet in hands, and, after a clearing his throat a few times, spoke:

"Good sirs, uh, could I have a moment of your time? You see, we heard rumors that you are heading off to the Chasm, and we are very thankful to you for that, indeed, but the monsters have done something else besides just attacking our town. They had kidnapped a few people from the Keep recently, and from some surrounding towns as well. If you happen to have time and will to do so, we would be extremely grateful. The crown can offer a bounty for whoever you manage to save, and the good people here have chipped in as well. Yes. What do you say, m’lords?"

The sergeant ended his somewhat rambling plea and looked at the adventurers with a mix of hope and wariness.

[Chambers]

Covane Kai'lanis

The eladrin glances up from his untouched mug of ale. He'd ordered a drink, as is customary when staying at a common lodgehouse - even one as rundown as this - but he was in no way obligated to actually drink it. "You offer coin and favors to do the work that your lord has commanded you to do. Maybe you judge that you don't have the strength of numbers to rescue these townspeople and still maintain what guard the keep has. Maybe you're right."

"I won't take farmers coin. Your lords though, I will. If he is uncaring enough to not supply enough men-at-arms for you, he can buy my sword. Do you have ideas as to where they've been taken?"

[Creed]

Salvage

The hulking brass warforged growls at the assembled guards.
"Too scared to go do it yourself, eh? Typical for you lot. I'll bring back whoever I find, but for the coin, not for your sake. And unlike the elf, I don't care who it comes from."

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Sitting with the others and drinking his strong ale, Ardon looked over the maps, discussing the best course of action to take on their newly found quest. Never before had the General traveled with such a diverse group of races. Not being like many of his kin, the fact that they didn't like anyone but dwarves, Ardon found this very interesting and a great opportunity to learn more of the other races, esp the mechanical man that was traveling with them, Salvage it called itself. Three, total, elves were in the expedition with him and even though elves and dwarves tended to differ on many things, he knew they were loyal friends once they trusted you, and were hard and fast fighters....much like the dwarves (though don't say that to a dwarf other than Ardon, for you might get punched).

Then the sheepish trio happened upon them. Noticing how scared they were, and their lower ranks, Ardon's General side of the brain kicked in immediately and speaks after his comrade, slamming down his mug, "Son, ye are addressin' a General and ye better salute and shape up and stop actin' such a fool. Yer commander can't be protectin' his own people, so he 'spects us to clean up his mess now, it is? Well, if he be willin' to pay us then I'll go clean up his mess. Though I be havin' one condition. He give back the farmers their contribution, and substitute that contribution for his own coin. I won' be takin' suffering people's money. Now, where are these captives being held, Sergent?"

[Chambers]

Covane Kai'lanis

Covane narrows his eyes at the warforged and glares at him. "I am not an elf, machine. I am eladrin, and unlike my unfortunate brothers and sisters that were trapped here millennial ago, I was born in the Wild." He offers a sympathetic, if not slightly patronizing nod towards Kael and completely ignores Rafe. "If you require an education as to the difference I would be more than happy to provide one for you." Covane says while he rests one hand on the hilt of his sword.

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Hearing the Eladrin's words, Ardon remembered how pretentious the Eladrin could be about their heritage. "Ack! Calm down there, Covane. He di'nt mean nothin' by it. Ye elves are all so touchy about your different types. Ye should be proud of bein' a pointy ear......no matter where ye be from......the fey or here. We dwarves are all proud and loyal to our kin, no matter where they be from."

[Storm Vermin]

The sergeant’s face went red with shame and anger at Covane’s and Ardon’s remarks.
“Sirs, general, the attackers fled towards the Mournland. We have four dozen soldiers here, and even if we received reinforcements, a military expedition into the Mourn’ would be highly suspicious. As for the payment, I’m sure captain Pyren –“ he spat out the name with disgust “- will be glad to discuss the details with you after he returns from… ah, wherever he rode off to.” He collects himself for a while before continuing. “Either way, the monsters were heading straight on south, and as far as we could see in this gods-forsaken fog, they went straight for the Chasm.”

[Creed]

Salvage

The warforged leans back and lets out what must be a grunt, or a scoff.
"Watch it with that sword, ears. We wouldn't want anyone to cut themselves. And elf or eladrin, I care not. Our origins are irrelevant, it doesn't change that we fight the same enemy."
The machine focuses his gaze on the eladrin across from him,
"At least, for the time being."

[PChubby]

Harlan "Grim" Grimsley

Harlan scratched his beard in though as he looked over one of the maps the Dwarf had set aside. He watched the exchange with curiosity. These "civilized" folks were an odd lot. The sergeant's request seemed reasonable but in a matter of seconds it spured offense in the dwarf and sparked tension between the eladrin and the metal man. They seemed more concerned with the coin or where it came from than saving lives. Civilized people indeed!

"Gentlemen, where the money comes from or who failed to address who properly should be the least of our concerns. Getting those kidnapped people back is what's important."

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Ardon looks over at the shifter. "Aye, tis true it don't matter where the coin comes from lad, and the people be what's important. But the world ain't free, and I got t'be helping my people somehow. It do matter, though, that the coin be comin' from the citizen's who be breakin' their backs workin' and survivin', and not from the man who suppos'd be protectin' them." Ardon looks back at the Sergent and replies, "Aye, we will do this task your Capt'n be wating us to do, but I would have words with him first."

[Chambers]

Covane Kai'lanus

He leans back in his chair and relaxes, smiling at the warforged. "You speak true words. The future is always an interesting possibility." He turns towards the guard. "I meant no blame for your own actions; you are doing your duty as best you can. There is no shame in that."

"Can you track them through the fog?" He ask Harlan. "By your accouterments you seem to be a fieldguild. I wonder if traditional woodcraft will be enough in the Mournelands."

[Silver Coin]

Alain Feldren (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=440351), Ranger

Alain watched the words fly thick and fast between his companions, quietly nursing his drink. It actually wasn't bad, a little on the thin side but it went down easily enough. After repeated incorrect references to his race, he felt a slight urge to correct them, but let the matter slide for the moment. Just because he's a ranger didn't mean he was an elf. Elves use bows for starters. Still, it wasn't that big of a deal.

As his "companions" spoke, Alain finished his first drink and surreptitiously ordered another. It was tiresome to watch then quibble, but he needed to get a pulse on these strange people that surrounded him at the moment. The majority decision usually serves him well enough, and he felt no compulsion to speak.

[PChubby]

Harlan "Grim" Grimsley

"Oh you'd be suprized at what can be done with woodcraft. Never underestimate what a determined woodsman can do Eladrin." Harlan says with a grin. "As far as tracking them, it may be slow going since I've never dealt with this fog but I'm sure it can be dealt with."

The shifter turns to the sergeant "Did the missing people leave behind any items or possessions I might be able to get a scent from? And can you point out on these maps what other towns had kidnappings? It might help narrow where's they're raiding from."

[Infernally Clay]

Rafe Visari, a Bard with an electric personality (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438544).

"You're going to sniff them out?" the Half-Elf finally piped up, "I know you're a bit hairier than most, but I didn't know you doubled as a bloodhound. Either way, sitting around and talking about what we're going to do is hardly going to get us anywhere.

"The monsters went south, right? So we go south. If any of you want to sit around and wait for the Captain to return, be my guest. I'm not the kind to sit around and twiddle my thumbs waiting for someone with authority to get off his arse - when monsters bring guests home for dinner, it's usually the guest that's on the menu. And I'd snatch the meal from their jaws."

Rafe stood up, moving towards the door before turning to the sergeant, "Get some of your men ready. It'll be safer for the people we're going to save if they have an armed escort back here and there's no guarantee we won't have to hold the monsters off to buy them some time to escape."

He wouldn't admit it, but Rafe was actually worried. He had seen many times what state innocent people are left in when monsters decide they're hungry. It wasn't a pretty sight.

They had to move fast if they were going to save the civilians.

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Ardon nods in agreement with Rafe, "Well, let's quit jabber-jawin' then and be gettin' on with it. Them people ain't gonna save 'emselves. And we be here to look at the Chasm anyway, so lets get goin'!" With that, the dwarf finishes off his mug of ale, lets out a large burp, and hops out of his seat, grabbing his axe, and shield that is pretty much as big as he is, motioning all of you to follow.

[Creed]

Salvage

The warforged grunts in agreement and hefts its massive greataxe.
"I agree with the dwarf, it's time to handle this."

[Storm Vermin]

"The captain went off to the region’s capital to ask for reinforcements in person. I hope he has some success, but he won’t be back before tomorrow, at best.” The sergeant said. “As for the scent… I think we could find some spare clothes or some such, but I have no idea whether they will still smell right. The kidnappings happened here, and in a couple of settlements close by. There were some halfling merchants from Talenta Plains in town last week, shared some rumors about similar kidnappings. Hopefully, captain Pyren will have some better information.” The soldier concluded before leaving to find what the heroes asked for. After obtaining the best available material from which to catch the trail, the adventurers left the Loom Keep, heading south.

The trails left behind by whatever captured the townsfolk were clear – the monsters obviously didn’t bother with stealth – on the stretch of land before the Mournland. The rangers could tell that about a dozen two-legged creatures, their feet equipped with claws and a few quadrupeds passed there less than two days ago. The creatures were herding around twenty humans. The trails became much less clear, however, on the edge of the Mournland, where the stifling, almost viscous grey mist was beginning to condense. Following the invaders in such conditions would take an extraordinary tracker, and the thick fumes seemed to reach for the rescue party, their touch bringing weariness and despair.

[Creed]

Salvage

The warforged stumbles behind its compatriots, not very adept at finding the trail, but bearing the environment with stoicism, despite any discomfort it feels.


Nature Check: [roll0]
Endurance Check: [roll1]

[Chambers]

Covane Kai'lanis

"I've never seen the fogs this close before." He says as he tries to follow the tracks. "I've heard the stories and rumors, of course. Grotesque creatures that seek living creatures to prey upon, wild magic that roams without master." Covane wraps part of his scarf around his mouth and nose in an effort to filter the mist. "Let's hope we do not end up as another tale of warning."

Endurance [roll0]
Perception to aid Nature [roll1]

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Ardon marched on with the others, tirelessly keeping them up, helping them move along with his "inspirational" words. "Hmmph," se says when they reach the fog, "Seems a bit unnat'tral to me. Auch, won't be botherin' me none. Us dwarves be havin' a nat'tral defense to poison.....that be includin' gasses!" He continues on, trying to make sense of what this fog is made of.

Endurance - [roll0]
Heal, obviously a negative gas of some sort, trying to figure out if I can make any sense of it healing-wise. [roll1]

[Silver Coin]

Alain Feldren (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=440351), Ranger

Alain quietly watched the fog. It was unnatural, but that was obvious. As sinister as it was, the ranger was more worried about what it could be hiding. His companions were capable undoubtedly, but this was a dangerous land. Despite their somewhat pointless banter, he was sure they were on the lookout...or maybe they weren't, but that was fine as well.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Infernally Clay]

"Trust me, I know some people whose gasses would knock out even a Dwarf," Rafe laughed, "If you guys would prefer, I can break up the fog a little."

Rafe was referring to the Summon Winds ritual, which would at least lift a portion of the gas away.

Endurance: [roll0]

[PChubby]

Harlan "Grim" Grimsley

Harlan felt a bit foolish as they followed the trail. His preparations must have come off a bit primitive but he was used to tracking things that didn't want to be tracked. These kidnappers didn't seem to care.

As they party entered the fog, Harlan steeled himself against it's effects and kept his eyes peeled for anything that would keep them on trail.

Endurance: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Storm Vermin]

The grey mists had little effects on the adventurers, partially thanks to the breeze called upon by Rafe. Ironically, only the half-elf stayed in the haze long enough to feel its insidious influence as sudden overwhelming doubt and hopelessness tired his mind and body.

Nice thinking, Clay. The wind gives +2 bonus to Endurance rolls, meaning that only Rafe loses a healing surge.

The heroes didn’t lose the trail of their quarry upon entering the Mournlands and could easily follow it. After about an hour of tracking down the kidnappers, the group spotted a huge silhouette in the distance. After a few more minutes, it became apparent that it was a ruin of some sort, perhaps a long-abandoned fort or a ruined villa. The trails led to it, but it seemed abandoned at first. However, Alain and Harlan spotted a humanoid figure standing in remains of a watch-tower in the structure, and four or five more milling about what looked like the front entrance. They apparently haven’t spotted the intruders just yet.

The structure they occupied was roughly square-shaped, with each side being about fifty feet long and almost twenty feet high, but the wall collapsed in several places, leaving small holes in the building. From their vantage point the party could only see two sides of the structure, and all breach points seemed to be well guarded. In distance, to south-west, the adventurers could make out the light of the glowing Chasm.

[Chambers]

Covane Kai'lanis

"Let's go around the side, opposite the chasm. They'll likely have less guards there, as any danger would likely come from the chasm." Covane says quietly. He draws his sword and grimaces as he readies his shield as well. Not much to hide behind out here except the fog.

Right. Trying to sneak around the other side and keep an eye out for sentries.
Stealth [roll0]
Perception [roll1]

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Ardon looks at Covane, "HA! Sneak? Didja just tell a Dwarf to sneak? Ye be a crazy elf! We dunna sneak! We be chargin' right in the middle and knock them in the heads!!" With that, Ardon unstraps his hammer, and looks toward the ruins, trying to see if he sees any skulls he can bash in. Ardon is usually pretty level-headed.....but it has been some time since his axe has tasted blood.

Perception for seeing any enemies - [roll0]

[Infernally Clay]

"Woah, woah, little guy, hold your beard," Callan said, putting one hand in front of Ardon while pointing towards the wandering guards with the other, "We need to reclaim this place, right? So the civilians have somewhere to run to. Somewhere safe... Ish."

"But if we're going to take them, we'll have to be quick and quiet. While sneaking around isn't ezackly my idea of fun, either, we can't let them alert the guys in the Chasm of our arrival. I'll admit, my style of fighting isn't the most stealthy... So I think we should leave it to Harlan and Alain, since they're the ones with the crossbows. If they can take out the guy in the watchtower without making a sound and flank the front entrance, they can take care of half the guards before they even know what happened."

Giving Ardon a wink, Callan continued, "Then we make sure the rest drop before they know what happened."

OOC:
Acting the leader, ho! :smallbiggrin:

[Irish Musician]

Ardon Axeshield (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=438721), General of the House Kundarak
Ardon's listen's to the bard's words, and doesn't much like it at all. But, for the rest of the soft group's sake, he won't charge in. "Ack, fine. I won't be chargin' in.....but tha second they be startin' to shoot, me legs and me will be runnin' towards tha tower," he ends with a snort, gripping his axe a little more and seeming to stand so he could take off at a moment's notice.

[Silver Coin]

Alain Feldren (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=440351), Ranger

Alain quietly loaded a clip onto his crossbow with a cocky grin on his face. Maybe he could take out a few of those before they sounded the alarm.

[roll0]
Are those minions? Can I reasonably take out the one on top of the tower in one turn?

[Creed]

Salvage

The warforged nods.
"Personally, I'd appreciate it if you missed those shots. I'd prefer for things to get violent this day. I didn't walk through that blasted waste to stand here and do nothing."
The metal man takes out its massive weapon and stands near the dwarf, at the ready.

[Storm Vermin]

Covane easily blended into his surroundings and slowly made his way around the structure ahead. To his surprise, he found out that the guards were positioned contrary to his expectations – the side facing the Chasm was lightly guarded – the eladrin noticed only a single sentinel – whilst the other sides of it were more heavily guarded, with a total of eight figures wandering around the other three walls. No one appeared to notice him while he scouted.

Kael judged the range between him and the sentry and himself. It would be a difficult shot, and the mist certainly wouldn’t help, but not anything impossible. With some luck, he could drop the watchman without alerting anyone else.

That will be a long range shot (-2 penalty) against a target in a lightly obscured area (another -2). This guy is probably a minion, but who knows?