Machines of War II

[madtinker]

A continuation of MoW (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222556)

[Manwhoisthisman]

DMKeiji, who cannot see the die roll, suspects a fluke. Let's give'em one more roof. [roll0]

[madtinker]

DM only[roll0]

@KeijiYou clear the ten foot gap between the roofs by a hair's breadth. Casey easily makes the jump and continues to follow.

@JasterSearching the bodies will take two rounds. Do you want to take that time?

[Manwhoisthisman]

DMKeiji stops running, and turns to face Casey. Tumble to avoid him if he doesn't stop [roll0], and go total defensive (+6 AC).

[curf06]

DM

I search in the city district of the capitol.

[INWranger]

DM
The last time Jaster rushed off he lost a camp and a chance to gather clues. He won't make that same mistake again, even if they are flunkies. Yes, take two rounds. They may have healing potions too.

[madtinker]

@keiji He attempts to grab you in a bear hug. Take your AoO. [roll0], [roll1], if successful [roll2]

@JasterThe first body has a purse of coins and a gold ring.

@CurfYou hear shouting and people running away from a disturbance.

[curf06]

DM

I head towards the disturbance

[madtinker]

@Jaster/CurfCurf, you see Jaster bending over two bodies, rummaging through their pockets. Jaster, you see Curf coming up the street towards you.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DMUnfortunately, "You can’t make attacks of opportunity while using total defense. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm#totalDefense)"
Opposed Grapple Check [roll0].

[INWranger]

DM
Oh goody. I will split it with Kieji when I find him.
DM/Curf
Kieji may need our help. We need to catch up as soon as I finish looting. Red Raven has it out for us.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou twist out of his deathly embrace. He heaves a few great breaths, and passes out from apparent exhaustion.

@JasterMake a fortitude save

@Jaster/CurfThe second body has a similar purse and a very nice dagger.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I let Jaster have the spoils from his battle.
"Jaster I've an interesting piece of info that I overheard from Luther's meeting with a man that looks similar to Luther. This is what I overheard, “...'like it. Your thugs are making mistakes. the trail can't lead back to me. That was the deal from the beginning. I warn you Lexus, I'm out of this whole thing if that guy isn't put down hard. If he has friends, this is all over.'

'Luthor, don't worry, this is what Scruff is good at. By morning he'll be just another DFD (drunk found dead). Now, have a drink and calm yourself, there's no need to do anything rash.'”

[INWranger]

DM
Fortitude
[roll0]
DM/Curf
Like it or not we have a job to do. Now that I have finished looting (unless I am incapacitated) lets help Kieji out of his jam, finish our job for Red and disappear. We may have a way to bring RR down without doing anything more.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"Ok, let's do it."

[madtinker]

@Jastertake another d6 constitution damage

@Jaster/curfThe second body has a similar purse of coins and a very well made dagger. People are starting to crowd around you, buzzing with questions.

[INWranger]

DM
[roll0]
fortitude (If I need it) [roll1]
DM/Curf
Self Defense. Now excuse me. Climb up [roll2] and see if I can spot [roll3] Kieji, or track Casey. He should be trailing blood.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DMI'll head back two roofs checking to see if I can see Jaster on the street. If not, I'll return to the inn for now.
Jumping as needed
[roll0]
[roll1]

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I also climb to help Jaster spot Keiji.

Climb
[roll0]

Spot
[roll1]

[madtinker]

You both meet keiji on the roof. All together again!

[INWranger]

Offer Kieji his half of the loot. Carefully examine the dagger. It may be a fine dagger, or it could be special made.
I still have something to check out. We have stirred up something big. We should probably leave as soon as we can. Whatever that list is, its big.

[madtinker]

The dagger is masterwork, and the coins total 45 gold.

All take 400 xp

[INWranger]

Give Kieji his share and ask him if he is interested in the dagger. He can have the ring. I still have some something to check out. I may know just the person to turn that list over to.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll take the ring, and the money, and put them in my pack. "It might be a good idea to establish a new place to meet. I was found by an urchin who knew we were connected and that you were in trouble. If news travels that quickly here, we'll need to be more careful."

[madtinker]

From the street below, you all hear shouting "They went up there!"

[INWranger]

Run away. It might be the fuzz, but I don't have time for them. If it is more thugs, I don't know if I can kill them all. Quietly, but so Curf and Kieji can hear.If we get split up, meet at #5 Swan Creek. Unless either of you have a better idea.

[curf06]

I peek over the edge to see who is after us.

Hide
[roll0]

Spot
[roll1]

[Manwhoisthisman]

"That sounds like a good idea." Keiji heads for a roof not in the direction of the voices.
Jumping away [roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[madtinker]

Curf sees that there is a squad of city watchmen armed with swords and truncheons. One man is pointing up at the roof you just climbed up. Keiji bounds away without apparent effort, leaving Jaster and Curf to make their own escapes.

[INWranger]

Also run away in a direction away from the guards. Running and jumping to the next roof.
[roll0]

[curf06]

I run and jump from roof to roof in a different direction of: the guards, Jaster, and Keiji.

Jump
[roll0]

[madtinker]

You hear the guards shouting and surrounding the building, but luckily here the roofs are close together and it isn't hard to make clean getaways.

[curf06]

I run and jump across 2 more roofs to get a safe distance away.

Jump
[roll0]
[roll1]

[INWranger]

DM
Make another jump [roll0] and then jump to street level using my awesome ring of feather fall to land safely and get lost in the crowd. See if I can find a potions vendor or a cleric to heal me and get my constitution score back up.

[madtinker]

@jasteryou find an apothecary with the needed options, pay the price in the srd.

@keijionce you get away from the crowd everything calms down, and you are able to slip away undetected.

@curfyou have no trouble navigating.the rooftops and escaping notice.

[curf06]

DM

I climb down the building and then make a wide loop around to #5 Swan Creek and wait for the others.

Climb
[roll0]

[INWranger]

DM
Buy: two lesser restoration, 3 cure moderate wounds, 1 invisibility.
restoration [roll0]
cure moderate wounds [roll1]

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM
I'll take a little time to check whether a roof route to Luther's estate exists and is feasible.

[madtinker]

@jasteryou feel your wounds close and your strength returns.

@keijias you get out of the business district the buildings get farther apart and it becomes very dangerous to jump between them.

@curfyou arrive before the others.

[INWranger]

DM
Drink my other lesser restoration potion [roll0]. Then, check out the area that the prince generally hunts. Spot for tails [roll1]

[curf06]

DM

I wait, while trying not to bring any attention to myself.

[madtinker]

@jasteryou don't are anyone following you, and reach the woods in short order.

[INWranger]

DM
Do a spot check to see if anyone is around [roll0] and then start checking the area out, looking for places where boars would be and what the princes most likely plan would be. survival [roll1] .

[madtinker]

@jasteryou think the prince willuse hounds to track the boars.

[INWranger]

DM
Go back and get a sack or a couple jugs, 100 feet of coarse rope, and meet up with Kieji and Curf.

[madtinker]

You all finally arrive at #5 Swan Creek.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Any luck with the list?"

[INWranger]

Not yet. Luther definitely has connections to Red Raven. I know someone who may be very interested in that list. The problem is that they are probably pretty angry at me by now.

[curf06]

"So what's the plan Jaster?"

[INWranger]

My idea is to turn the list in to the someone with the resources to investigate it. It should be more than sufficient to cause them problems, though we will probably be stabbing unfriendly former employees for the next ten years. Then we skip town and Curf and I don't come back for about 10 years if we can avoid it.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMWhat time of day is it?

[madtinker]

By the way, it is getting on towards nightfall.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"How could there possibly be anyone in this city you can trust that has sufficient resources to do the job and will be able to withstand all of the former employees that stop by to stab them before they visit us?"

[INWranger]

Because there is someone who different goals that can meet our objectives. There was a border skirmish recently that the list we have now could implicate certain nobles, which this contact has the resources to investigate. It may also answer some security concerns within the country. I told him I would get back to him in 24 hours, and that was almost 3 weeks ago. The question is how hard you want to bring Red Raven down. If we turn this in tonight and then skip town right after we can head to the Red River Valley, or your monastery or wherever. It will take some time to put the pieces together and give us a decent head start.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"I say that is a decent idea, though I have some unfinished business with Luther first. If you would like, I can see to that and return here, or meet you someplace outside of town."

[INWranger]

watch yourself. He has some serious muscle watching his back. Just say the word if you need some backup. If not, lets set a place to meet outside of town.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"I think I will be alright, so lets plan on meeting someplace outside of town."

[INWranger]

How about the monastery of the Burning Stones? They might have something for us to do and can help us hide from the potential fall out.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"At the monastery then." Keiji nods and heads out into the night.

@DM
I'll sneak over to the estate as best I can. I imagine it is past sundown, so that'll help hopefully.
hide [roll0]
move silently [roll1]

[madtinker]

@Keijiyou arrive at Luther's estate without notice.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMAlright, I understand there is this wall business. Are there any buildings close to but on the outside of Luther's estate?

If so, I'll take a little time to stealthily climb the building to see if I can see where guards are posted and how to best sneak into the main estate building proper.

If not, I'll go ahead and pick a point close to the side of the house and lift my head just over the wall to see what I can see.

moving silently [roll0]
climbing [roll1]

[INWranger]

Curf/DM
Well Curf, we have a job to do. Lets go, I will explain it on the way. Get out of earshot of the house. Our target will be hunting boars with dogs. Boars are mean and nasty. If we can capture a boar, get the dogs to run past it and then loose it on the prince then the boar will do the work and make it look like a hunting accident. The first step is catching a boar. Then we put down enough false scent that the dogs follow it instead of finding our boar. The hard part is catching a boar without us getting maimed or killed. When the time comes we stay in the trees and make sure the job is done. Afterwards, we tie the list through a rock and throw it at the house and skip town. A couple days delay will not be missed by Kieji.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I nod my head in approval and follow Jaster.

[madtinker]

@Keijithe neighboring estate has a convenient entry arch that gives an excellent view over the wall, and you easily scale it. From this vantage point, it is clear that these guards are not expecting visitors this late. The archer on the roof is warming his hands by a fire, and the guards st the gate seem to be playing cards. Most of the house windows are dark; they may be asleep or put at a party, its hard to know.

[madtinker]

DM onlycurf is sneak attacked by a gang of Red Raven.

@Jaster/CurfAs you prepare to slink away into darkness, you hear a chorus of twangs, whistles, and wet, sucking thuds as three crossbow bolts plant themselves in Curf's chest, while others clatter and spark off the cobbles.

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

[curf06]

DM

Set 1:[roll0] [roll1] [roll2] [roll3]
Set 2:[roll4] [roll5] [roll6] [roll7]
Set 3:[roll8] [roll9] [roll10] [roll11]
Set 4:[roll12] [roll13] [roll14] [roll15]
Set 5:[roll16] [roll17] [roll18] [roll19]
Set 6:[roll20] [roll21] [roll22] [roll23]

[INWranger]

DM/Curf
Curf is dead, dead dead. Make sure I am not being flanked. Spot [roll0] . Get out of there and hide in the woods.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYour monk intuition tells you that Curf has perished.

@JasterThere are several assassins in the shadows and on rooftops. Roll initiative.

OOC: Since Curf the character is dead, curf06 will be playing a new character, to be introduced as soon as is convenient in the storyline.

Also, you may notice I have a new avatar. I recently started playing with Inkscape for figures for my technical papers, and realized it is very similar to what the Giant uses for his comics. So, I made an avatar. I was thinking if ya'll want custom avatars I'd be happy to make them for you, since you've been such a good group. I can base them on your characters or on something else, just let me know what you want.

[curf06]

DM

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

[INWranger]

DM
Initiative [roll0]. They will probably have to wait for another round before they can attack as they are most likely using heavy cross bows, but I don't know if my movement speed is enough to get out of range. Try to get to cover and pick off at least one with my bow.

[madtinker]

@JasterYou win initiative. Because of the walled and gated estates, the street is mostly one long killing field. The nearest unoccupied cover is an overlarge gatehouse about 100 feet away.

@Curf Wow, it really wants you to have those nines. Go ahead and re-roll again. You can use 4d6b3 in your [roll] tags and it will do the adding for you with one dice roll.

[Manwhoisthisman]

Sorry for the delay in posting, been a little busy. Awesome avatar business though. I'll be thinking about it.

DMKeiji, sensing Curf's death, takes a moment to meditate to clear his mind to know what to do.
concentration [roll0]
Provided he feels no foreboding, he knows that he must move cautiously, but quickly. Keiji quietly lets himself down from the wall, sneaks to the house, and scales walls to get to the roof, preferably in an area less visible to the archers. Look for an open/open-able window to a dark room and head inside.

move silently [roll1]
climb [roll2]

[curf06]

DM

thank you

[roll0]
[roll1]

[INWranger]

DM
fire an arrow at my nearest assailant [roll0] [roll1], then run to the gatehouse.

[madtinker]

@keijiThere is nothing to do for Curf but finish your mission. You find a shady, ivy covered nook near the main chimney and easily scale the house. The first floor windows are securely latched and barred, but the second floor windows are less secure, with a simple latch on the inside of the window, and no bars. You find what might be a bedroom or study window that is all dark within.

@Jastera man cries out in the darkness, and when you reach the gatehouse all you hear is the creak of flexing wood and the clicking of winches.

[INWranger]

DM
Shoot another arrow from cover at my assailants. [roll0] [roll1]

[madtinker]

@JasterFrom the sound of it, you score a flesh wound. A volley of bolts flies in from most directions.

[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5]
[roll6][roll7]
[roll8][roll9]

[INWranger]

DM
Loving thins gatehouse. Fire two shots at the same target.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI think the best tool for this job would probably be the kama. I would have a +3 for dex and a penalty appropriate for using a kama for the job on either open lock or disable device. However, both are trained only skills that I do not have =(
In this case, it seems like it should be sufficiently obvious to do, just let me know what you want me to roll to try to flip the latch. Also, if the kama is too think, then I could use shuriken instead. The shuriken would be thinner, though more difficult to use for the job.

[madtinker]

@Jaster
Your arrows finally down one of the crossbowmen. You hear the creak of winches as they reload.

[roll0][roll1] a jar of fire explodes nearby. Take 1 point of fire damage.

@KeijiThis window isn't so much locked as latched, so you can use open lock untrained, with your shuriken as an improvised tool. Take -2 for the check.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMopen lock [roll0]
Provided successful, I'll open the window, slip inside, and close but not latch the window. I'll take a moment for my eyes to acclimate to the dark and see if I cannot make out any features of the room.

[INWranger]

DM
Shouldn't there have been some crossbow shots in there too?Is there a window or another door out the other side of this gatehouse?
fire another two arrows if I have time before their next turn.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[madtinker]

@Keiji The latch lifts and the window swings open. In the dim light from the window you see that this is a bedroom. There is a large four poster bed with drawn curtains, a dressing table, a few chairs, a wardrobe, and various sundry items.

@JasterWere your two arrows fired in consecutive rounds? Then yes, there was a volley of bolts in there.

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

Your arrows hit, but it doesn't diminish the shower of bolts.

[roll8][roll9]
[roll10][roll11]
[roll12][roll13]
[roll14][roll15]

[INWranger]

DM
I am firing in two rounds. Down a cure moderate wounds potion [roll0] and fire again. again, is there another way out of this gatehouse?
[roll1]
[roll2]

[madtinker]

@JasterThe gate is shut and has a big heavy chain. After a round of reloading the crossbowmen fire again.
[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5]
[roll6][roll]1d10[/roll

[madtinker]

@Jaster messed up a roll. [roll0], and crit confirm:
[roll1][roll2]

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll step out of view of the window and remove the sash in my monk's outfit, and pull out the everburning stone, covered by my hand, from my pocket. Slip the stone into the sash and position it so that it can be used as a much dimmer, but still useful light source. Sneak over to the four poster and listen for any signs of life.
move silently [roll0]
listen [roll1]

[INWranger]

DM
Take a shot [roll0] at one of the windows in the princes manor, or really any manor, but preferably his, and then get to total cover. An important place like his should be warded and the resulting activity should get rid of my attackers.

[madtinker]

@KeijiThere is definitely someone asleep in there. You can hear their breathing.

@JasterYour arrow goes awry. Noone seems to have noticed. You hear a woman's voice chanting, and what appear to be three bright blue fireflies streak toward you. Take [roll0] damage.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll part the curtains enough to peek through. Can I make out any details of the sleeping person?

[madtinker]

@KeijiIt's an older woman, maybe in her late forties. Probably Luther's wife.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMAh, nothing is ever so easy. I'll creep away from the four poster and look around the room. How many doors are attached to this room, and where are they relative to the window I entered?

[INWranger]

DM
That puts me at -7 hp. Fortitude save [roll0].

[madtinker]

@KeijiThe only door is on the far side of the bed from your window in the corner. It's a rectangular room about 15'x20'. The window you came in is on the short wall.

@JasterYou are unconscious but stable. You hear muffled voices on the edge of your consciousness.

[INWranger]

DM
Start using that part of my brain that still works to pray to Giggles for the ability to spread chaos and serve as an equalizer using unconventional methods. Then try to listen. Then hope Jaster wakes up without enemies all around.

[madtinker]

@JasterMake a couple fortitude saves.

[INWranger]

DM
How about three.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[madtinker]

Dm1d100[/rollknobby knobs will bring help for jaster as soon as the gang is done looting his body.

@jasteryou wake up in a dimly lit room. A small man with some kind of lense over his eyes is bending over you. "ah, you are awake. Please lie still while I finish your bandages."

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll go ahead and sneak over to the door and listen to hear anything outside the door. If it sounds clear, I'll open the door, step out, and look around.
listen [roll0]

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou don't hear anything. The hallway is dimly lit, with lamps turned low. Rich carpet covers the floor. On your left is another door, and there the hall ends. To the right the hall continues with several doors and then an open area near the other end of the house.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMDo any of the rooms in the hall appear to have light coming from under the doors? If so, I'll avoid those ones as best I can. I'll sneak over and take a listen at the door to the left at the end of the hall.
listen [roll0]

[madtinker]

@Keijithe rooms seem to be mostly dark. You hear snoring from the room at the end of the hall.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMAnd let's sneak into the room at the end of the hall and see who's home.

[INWranger]

DM
As you are not trying to stab me, very well. By the way, where is my gear? Why are you helping me? Make no mistake, I do appreciate it.

[madtinker]

@KeijiSprawled on a giant mattress you find Luther himself, a bottle of something strong still clutched in his fat hand.

@JasterThe man expertly finishes your stitching and then answers as he washes his hands in a nearby basin. I call myself a doctor. My name is Igor. I don't know where your gear is; you were naked when I found you. The lad who summoned me might be able to answer that a bit better than I can.

[INWranger]

DM
Very well. Gear can be recovered. I have no money, but I settle my debts. What can I do for you? What day is it?
OOC Where are my hit points at and how long do I have to kill the prince?

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll draw my kama as I sneak over, verify that it is indeed Luther, and if so coup de grace.
move silently[roll0]
coup de grace [roll1] -- if this amount doesn't kill Luther he'll need to make a fort save vs. (10+ the above damage amount).

[madtinker]

Dm only[roll0]save for Luther

@jasterI shall think of some task for you. Today is vodensday. You are still very weak.
You have 1 hp. You have one day before your deadline.

@keijiyour blade plunges into his chest, but it must have missed the vital organs because hluther sits bolt upright and screams. Roll initiative.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMInitiative [roll0]

[madtinker]

DM only[roll0]

@KeijiLuther screams "Guards, guards!. Get back you scum!" He rolls his bulk out of bed to stand up, but he trips on the wine bottle and falls to the floor.

[INWranger]

DM
Sense motive (probably should have done it earlier) [roll0] If I can get to my horse I still have a short bow and a long sword. I can probably sell the long sword and get some arrows, basic armor, and a couple short swords or daggers. That doesn't eliminate the need to get my hit points up. Where can I go so that I won't pass out if I trip? Also, do you have some clothes I can borrow? make sure I can get a mask for myself. Did they take my ring of feather fall as well?

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll go ahead and give him a flurry of kicks while he's down.
[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]

[madtinker]

@jasterhe has the best of intentions. you can stay here until you are well enough to travel. In my care that should be only a few days.
Your ring is also gone.

@keijiyour second kick finishes him off. As his body crumples to the floor your hear a woman's scream and Luther's wife appears in the doorway.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Sorry madam, you're husband was a very wicked man." And with that I'll bolt for the door, tumble past her, into her room, close the door and run for the window.
tumble[roll0]

[INWranger]

DM
Do you know the lad that found me? If so, could you have him run an errand for me?I need him to go to the inn and get my horse and the stuff I have with it. If he needs to the blanket and sword can be sold to pay expenses. Make sure he gets the best price possible for the sword.

[madtinker]

@KeijiNo good. She blocks your exit.

@JasterOh yes, he comes around here regularly. But I wouldn't know where to find him until he comes 'round again.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI guess it is out this room's window then. If possible, I'll unlatch it, open it, and jump out.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou easily open it from the inside and slow fall the twenty feet to the ground.

[INWranger]

DM
Anyone else around here that could be trusted to run that small errand?

[madtinker]

@JasterOh, I wouldn't say Nobby is trustworthy. The best course of action for you is to remain here and regain your strength. From the look of things, the people who tried to kill you only stopped attacking because they believed you to be dead. I almost believed it myself. For now, let them continue to believe it.

OOC: New avatar for Manwhoisthisman:Choose which you like better. I can also adjust colors or add stuff pretty easily.http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/madtinker_2009/keiji2.pnghttp://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/madtinker_2009/keiji1.png.
To use this as your avatar, use the menu (near where it says Welcome (screenname) -> quick links -> edit options. Scroll all the way down to miscellaneous options, choose the radio button for custom avatar, and copy the url of the image into the field for custom avatar url. or, if you have something you want me to change let me know.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC
Thanks for the avatar, it is awesome! I decided to go with the dragon tattoo for now =)

@DMOk, I think I'll probably need to take a moment to hide and look around to see who might be shooting at me very soon.
hide [roll0]
spot [roll1]

[INWranger]

DM
I am glad you did not. Very well then. Do you know anything about magic? I have some questions about what could be a very specific spell.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou fade into the shadows without a trace. You are at the rear of the house. Back here there is a garden with winding paths and shrubbery, shrouded in darkness. If there were any guards back here they have gone inside when they heard the shouting.

@JasterI have collected some rudimentary trivia, but am by no means an expert.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMOk, I'll go ahead and sneak into the shadows of the garden and make my way to the edge of the estate. I'll scale whatever wall and head out of town by night and travel toward the farm south of the monastery.

[madtinker]

@KeijiAs chaos spreads behind you, you easily evade notice in the garden. As the sun creeps over the horizon, you begin to feel the strain of the last 24 hours.

OOC: I believe I have been neglectful of awarding XP. For the scuffle with the farmers, orcs, assassination, breaking and entering, among other things, take 1600 xp.

OOC: And Curf06's avatarhttp://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/madtinker_2009/clyde.pngAgain, if you want any changes made, just let me know.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMKeiji, weary from a night of staying up quite late, finds a nice tree to sleep under for a couple hours once he hits the woods outside of town.

OOC: Yay XP!

[INWranger]

DM
It may help anyway. Describe the ritual that Red performed but don't go in to detail. Hopefully he has an idea.

[madtinker]

@KeijiWhat languages does Keiji speak?

@JasterIgor chuckles. I'm sorry my friend, it sounds like you've been had. Most magical spells are not so showy. If this woman had the power to bind you to her will, she would do so with a word and a gesture. I would bet gold that she uses ceremonies like that to frighten you into obedience. Of course, the blood she took would be useful for scrying on you. Probably they thought you betrayed them and attempted to exact vengeance.

@ClydeIt's night. You're asleep. Your dreams gradually drift to another place. It's night there too, and you are standing on a dark street. Three figures converse hurriedly ahead of you. One of them leaves, the others continue talking. Suddenly the air is thick with crossbow bolts. One of the figures is struck three times in the back. The impact spins him around to face you. As he falls to the ground, You recognize his face. It is your brother, Curf. As more bolts rain down, a black raven alights on Curf's chest, cawing triumphantly. Somewhere outside your vision, a torch appears, and the raven shines blood-red in the dark. Then you wake up, back in your small church in Bushton.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMYeah, I've never been able to get that part of the character sheet to work. He speaks Common and Elven.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou wake from your rest to the sound of gruff voices.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM I'll try to look around as much as I can without moving. If I don't see anything, I'll try to quietly stand and look around. If I still don't see the source of the voices, I'll try to quietly climb the tree I'm next to.
spot [roll0]
move silently [roll1]
climb [roll2]

[INWranger]

DM
That would explain a lot. Thank you. I will spend some time recovering, settle my affairs here and leave town. I am in your debt. The prince can live as far as Jaster is concerned. Unless there really is a nasty curse, but he doubts it. Bed rest for a couple days, then see about getting my gear back. If that is a no go, it is only gear. Red Raven will pay, but maybe not today.

[curf06]

DM

OOC:
The avatar looks good to me. Thanks.

In Character:
I awaken from my sleep with a start. I then begin packing my belongings in preparation to leave. I consult with the head of the parish for his blessing then leave for where I last heard of my brother working the Capitol.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou crane your neck around but don't see anything. The trees here don't have any low hanging branches, and you are unable to climb anything. The voices stop, probably alerted to your presence by all the noise you're making.

@JasterUnder Igor's watchful care you recover quickly. By the end of the third day you are completely mended (full HP and 14 CON). That evening, Igor introduces you to Nobby, the small boy who apparently found you.

And take 800 xp.

@ClydeIts two days' journey to Laffierre. Father Feodor advises you to not advertise that you are from the Red Valley: since the skirmish six weeks ago, things have been tense between the two countries. You are stopped at the border by several large men in uniform. "State your business"

[INWranger]

DM
To Nobby.So you are the one that found me almost dead and stripped naked? You have my thanks. If I had my gear I would give you a large reward for saving my life. You wouldn't know who took it so I can get it and thank you properly? Sense motive [roll0]

[curf06]

DM

"I am but a humble clergy man traveling to visit my brother. He lives within your borders."

[madtinker]

@JasterThem as tried to smack you took most of it. T'other lads did the rest. Buggrit mister, where'd your bald friend get off to? He'd o'showed them a proper smacking.

@ClydeThe guard scrutinizes you carefully and decides to let you pass.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll start walking, watchfully, away in the direction of the farm, while still looking for the source of the voices.

[madtinker]

@KeijiOn your left you spot a group of dwarves seated around a campfire. One of them watches you with beady eyes.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Goodday," I'll say, and keep walking.

[INWranger]

DM
Well thank you. Do you know where the "other lads" live. I get my gear back, you get something. Get back to the inn and get my horse and the last of my gear. Then see what price I can get for the long sword.

[curf06]

DM

I continue on to the Laffierre.

[madtinker]

DM only[roll0], [roll1]

@KeijiThe one dwarf continues to give you an evil look, but they don't confront you. After a few tense moments they are out of sight in the trees.

@JasterThey din't get nothin but scraps o' clothes. The Ravens got all the good stuff. (He's not telling the truth).

@ClydeYou arrive in the city without further confrontation.

[curf06]

DM

I attempt to find the place from my vision of where Curf was killed.

[INWranger]

DM
I can over look some looting when you thought I was dead, but lying to me will make it hard for you. Now, if you and "the other boys" produce my gear, or can tell me where it is I will over look the theft and make sure there is something in it for you. diplomacy [roll0] sense motive [roll1]

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMOOC: I think here my character's incuriosity at this moment beats my own curiosity.

Keiji keeps walking... alertly.

[madtinker]

@ClydeAs you wander the streets, details from the dream begin to jump out. You definitely remember a street sign that reads "Swan Creek"

@JasterNobby glances at his feet. Only, you had this ring on, see? When I got it off your finger your hand moved. That's when I knowed you's alive. That's all I took, honest.

This time, you don't detect any deceit. The ring is your feather fall ring.

@KeijiYou don't see anything else unusual for the rest of the day.

[curf06]

DM

I search for "Swan Creek"

[INWranger]

DM
Do you still have the ring? If you sold it, do you still have the gold?If he still has it, ask for it back. sense motive [roll0]

[madtinker]

@ClydeYou eventually find a street called Swan Creek. It's in a wealthy neighborhood with large townhouses.

@JasterHey! You'd be six under if it weren't fo' me. How 'bout this ring is just ma reward?

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMCool, I'll keep heading to the farm, see if the old guy is still around, and relatively unmolested.

[INWranger]

DM
I am grateful to both of you. The ring has special value to me. How much would that same reward in gold be worth?

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou journey to within a half day of the farm when you begin to encounter what seem to be refugees heading southwest towards Laffierre.

Edit: what does Keiji want (as treasure/reward for completing his mission)?

@JasterNobby looks at you reproachfully, then blurts out, Twenty suns! (a sun is street slang for gold piece).

[INWranger]

DM
Done. I just need to get your 20 suns. Try to get back to the inn and retrieve the longsword and sell it for at least 20 gp if I can find a buyer for it.

[curf06]

DM

I start searching the area for either my brother's body or blood smears.

[madtinker]

@ClydeYou find several bloody smears on the cobbles. Three are in doorways or otherwise near cover, but the fourth is out in the open, and probably is your brother. As you stand contemplating, a slip of paper is carried by a breeze and lands at your feet.

@JasterNobby's eyes go wide, and he nods enthusiastically.

The innkeeper is not happy to see you. He was beginning to think you would not return. He wants three gold for boarding your horse.

[curf06]

DM

I reach down and pick up the paper, and then read it.

[INWranger]

DM
Jaster will double it if the inn keeper is willing to let him get and sell the sword first. diplomacy [roll0]

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll approach a group of refugees and say, "You look like you've gone through a lot, do you have some place safe to travel to?"

OOC: Ok, so it has taken a while for me to think of something, but I have the following reward ideas:

Special training? (Because non-treasure rewards are always the coolest)
Magic Fang + Permanency (the monastery probably has scrolls, and may even have someone that can use them)
Something that buffs AC (Sometimes I feel like Keiji'll break if I drop his AC)
Something that buffs skills (Climb, Jump, Listen, Spot, Move Silently, Hide, and Tumble seem to be my go to skills)

[madtinker]

@ClydeIt's a message, apparently written in code. After a few moments you recognize it as the code you and Curf used as boys. It reads "I am dead. Red Raven is behind my death. Look to Jaster who worships chuckles and is a ranger/rogue. My gold can be found where I first mt Jaster. The symbol to look is our family crest."

@JasterThe innkeeper agrees without argument. You are able to sell the sword for about 140 gp. The horse seems glad to see you.

@KeijiThe leader, a small wirey man, nods. My cousin is just downriver. We're heading there until the orc tribes are dealt with.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"That may be trouble, I've seen orcs not half a day away from here, though not as recently. Where are you coming from that has been attacked by orcs?"

[madtinker]

@KeijiWell, their raids have increased lately. We have been assured that the military is on their way, so we're getting the women and children out of harm's way. Rumor is they'll be sending troops into the mountains to wipe them out for good.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"You're good men to get everyone out of harms way. I would accompany you to your cousin's but I'm afraid I need to go to the mountains where I'm needed. Travel safe." With that Keiji bows and turns to head for the monastery with all speed.

[curf06]

DM

I spontaneous casting to use Summon Monster 1 so summon a Clelestial Dog.

[INWranger]

DM
Jasters prayers to Chuckles have been answered. Pay Nobby his 20 suns, the inn keeper his 6, and buy a chain shirt, 20 arrows, a short sword, and a dagger. Then start looking for work. Also, try to find some more flowers of living death. Go back to Mount Nebo if I need to.

[madtinker]

@keijiyou arrive without incident, but along the way you smell burning fields

@Clydea wire haired terrier materializes at your side.

@jasterhang tight a bit.

[curf06]

DM

I have the Terrier track Jaster's sent on the note.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll greet whomever the greeter of the day is, and then head to speak with my sensei.

"I'm glad to see the monastery is well, I've heard orcs are in the mountains and soldiers are coming as well. I've finished my assignment with in Lafierre, unless I'm needed urgently, I wish to see to a nearby village."

[madtinker]

@ClydeOOC: what, no surprise at all that I cracked your code?

The terrier snuffles around, then picks up the scent. He leads you several blocks away, out of the expensive townhouses and down a grubby, urine-smelling alley. He stops at a door that reads "Igor, medical doctor and surgeon," then continues through the city, finally arriving at a livery stable. He sits down in front of a man strapping gear to a riding horse. The terrier whimpers a bit, then holds out his paw in greeting.

@JasterAs you are preparing to leave, a wire haired terrier sits down at your feet, starts to whine, then holds out a paw. A man, presumably the dag's master, approaches and asks "Excuse me sir, may I ask which god you happen to worship?" (Include Clyde in your reply)

@KeijiYour sensei pauses in his meditation. I am glad to hear that Keiji. and the Council of Elders is assembling a strike force at this very moment. The orcs have violated the terms of their treaty. You will accompany the strike force into orc territory to ascertain why they have broken the treaty.

[curf06]

DM

OOC: I couldn't remember if I told someone what the message said, anyways I do have to give you props for being able to decode it. It's a variation on a code that some friends and I came up with. If I really wanted to be nasty I could have put the coded message through a matrix, but that would have been pushing things too far.

I approach the man and ask, "Excuse me sir, may I ask which god you happen to worship?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Yes, Sensei. It will be an honor." I bow and awaits any further instruction, and if my sensei returns to meditating, I will depart for the council after a minute or two.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
I worship Chuckles, God of Slapstick. Why does it matter to you who I worship?

[madtinker]

@KeijiHe stands in one fluid motion. "Come, let us speak with the council." He leads you down the now-familiar route to the council chamber. "Wait here." He enters the room, and you hear snatches of discussion until the heavy door swings closed.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI wait. :smalltongue:

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"Your name wouldn't happen to be Jaster would it?"

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
It would, but how do you know it, and who are you?Please be brief as I am not the most popular person in this city.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"I am Clyde, Curf's brother. A night vision brought me to Lafierre, and by divine fortune I found a note that my brother gave to you. It's how I tracked you down with this Terrier. By-the-way, where is my brother?"

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
I hate to tell you this. He is dead. The same ones who got him think they got me. I have multiple issues with them and will not let them get with away with what they have done. There was another in our group, but I am delaying meeting up with him as he would probably object to my current plan.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"Two things, I will help you if it means getting back at Red Raven, and if we get out of this alive I'm going to need your help finding my brother's life savings. I dont know where the location listed on the note is."

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Do you have a mount, or can you purchase one and we can discuss our goals on the way to where he and I met.spot for anyone taking an unusual interest in us [roll0]

[madtinker]

@JasterYou don't notice anyone.

@KeijiYou never know, some people wouldn't have waited.

While you wait about five other young monks queue up outside the chambers with you. After twenty minutes you are all called into the room.

Grandmother addresses you as a group. As you may know, the orcs are extending themselves beyond their bounds. The army of Smirnoff will be here in a few days to drive them out of the wilderness. We do not wish for this to take place. Your mission to convince the orcs it is in their own best interests to withdraw. Do this peacefully if you can, forcefully if you must. Ingram, being the most experienced, will be your leader. We have provided you with a map and supplies for the trail. You will leave at once.

Your destination is on the map "orc camp" at G8, labeled "orc burial grounds." That is where the clan matriarchs gather. The mountains are sheer and high, the best way to get to the burial grounds is follow the river upstream.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll bow with fist in hand, and follow the lead of Ingram.

If the other monks are anything like myself in preferred gear, many will have a ring of sustenance. Aside from removing the need to stop for meals, it also reduces sleep requirements to 2 hours per day. It'll be cold moving through the mountains though.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"I have the means for purchasing a mount. I will meet up with you 1 mile south of the South Gate." I go and purchase a good mount, then head to meet up with Jaster.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Jaster agrees. He goes one mile from the south gate and waits.

[madtinker]

@KeijiThe supplies include warm cloaks and blankets. Ingram grabs a pack and starts walking. The rest of you silently follow. As you look around you recognize most of the faces in your little party. You all grew up together, but haven't seen much of each other for the last five years since you started training with your senseis. There's Bing, who is very athletic and hardly ever walks if he can climb; Chang and Chen, twins that finish each others sentences and are prone to practical jokes; Mara, a firebug that isn't allowed near ceremonial pyres anymore; you; and Ingram, who's mother brought her to the monastery while very young and doesn't talk much.

@Jaster/ClydeYou meet each other at the appointed place after about thirty minutes.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMOOC: Haha, totally missed that Ingram was a girl. That's great.

I'll happily march along. How much do I know about orcs? Also, how much do I know about these orcs? It sounds like there was a treaty in place.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"According to my brother's note he hid a stash of goods where the two of you first met."

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
That is correct. In some ruins on the way to Fort Nebo. Lets get going. I was already going to Mount Nebo for a very special flower that is key to my plan. You wouldn't be able to cast Delay Poison would you?

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

"That I can do, it should last for about 4 hrs." I spontaneously cast Delay Poison on Jaster.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou recall that most of the orc clans agreed to a division of territory. Since they don't have much interest in farmland they promised to stay out of the valleys and not harass villagers, and the villagers agreed to stay out of the mountains. In the past most orcs have stuck to this agreement because of the security it gives them, but the people of Smirnoff have often grumbled about being kept out of the mountains. Mineral wealth and rich hunting for food and furs have often drawn Smirnoffians to encroach on orc territory. The few brave enough to venture there seldom return. Any orc that returns to the mountains alive after a raid on farmland usually is punished severely by the clan matriarchs for endangering their ancestral homeland.

Ingram tells you that orc behavior lately is unusual because there are gangs of orcs attacking and wearing tribal warpaint, which means the matriarchs have condoned the aggression.


@Jaster/ClydeAs you make your way to the ruins, you notice occasional bands of refugees heading towards the capitol.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Ask a group of refugees where they are from, where the trouble is, and if they know what caused it. See if they might need anything found or retrieved. Then continue on.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Perhaps there is a new matriarch?"

[madtinker]

@KeijiIngram raises her eyebrows. "Possibly. That may make things more difficult."

@Jaster/ClydeOne man reports that the army ordered them out for their own safety, another said he heard rumors of plague, a third claims that undead walk the night. No two stories really agree, except that nobody wants to be anywhere near the border.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Lets press on, find the stuff and then see what is going on. If Red Raven, or any other non-legitimate group is behind this we have to gather information anonymously, or stop them and let no one escape.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Perhaps, but I hope for that rather than that the raids are retaliatory. I suspect it will be easier to renew peace if they don't feel we are the violators of the pact."

[curf06]

DM

Are the refugees fleeing from the border I came across or some other border?

[madtinker]

@Keiji"Perhaps. But matriarchs can be stubborn, so it may go either way. If the raids are retaliatory, we punish the offender and all is back to normal. It's impossible to tell which is the cause until we speak face to face."

@Jaster/ClydeThe refugees are coming from Oldshire, Millshire, and Rockshire.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Agreed," I say with a nod. "Is there a plan for how we'll be seeking an audience?"

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Then after we retrieve the stuff that is our next destination, if for nothing else than some intel to bring back to the capitol. With some official backing we should have all the backup muscle we need, should we need it. See if Jaster can think of a less out of the way place to get some more flowers of living death. Knockout smoke could be critical in the immediate future. survival [roll0]

[madtinker]

@Jaster/ClydeYou don't know where else the flowers might grow, and you're not even sure that they are potent after midsummer.

@Keiji"Orcs are pretty straightforward. Generally you just bring a gift of food. They prefer wild boar, but a buck would do as well. But it must be freshly killed."

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
In that case burglary to get my last two back with be my best option, but they are not important enough for this side quest.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"I guess we'll just need to keep our eyes open for one of those while we travel."

[madtinker]

@Keiji"Yes, quite."

Your group hikes in silence for the rest of the afternoon, carefully ascending the narrow canyon carved by an ice cold stream. Night begins to fall.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"About how much further is it?"

Survival (to spot a critter?) [roll0]

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou're about 3/4 of the way there. Alert to signs of animal life, you spot a hog wallow in a sunny clearing. Probably wild pigs come here frequently.

@Jaster/ClydeYou arrive at the ruins without further conversation.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"It looks like we might be able to catch a boar here," I'll say as I point out the hog wallow.

[madtinker]

@Keiji"Good idea. We're not far from the orc camp. I'd rather not surprise them after dark, so let's camp here tonight, catch a pig in the morning, and head for the burial grounds.

I want at least two of you up watching all night, and no campfire."

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I search for the mark of my family's crest amongst the ruins.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll volunteer to watch for all but 4 hours of the night. During not watch time I'll meditate and sleep.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Find out what the family crest looks like and search the ruins as well, [roll0] but keep an eye and ear out for trouble.

[madtinker]

@Jaster/ClydeIt takes you most of the evening, but you find the crest as night begins to fall.

@KeijiThe others seem grateful for this. They wake you up at about 2 am. Make a spot/listen check.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Stand guard while Clyde digs up the stash. Then camp.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I dig up the stash.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM
spot [roll0]
listen [roll1]

[madtinker]

@KeijiIn the dim light its hard to see anything, but the sounds of the woods surround you. Most of the noises are from small animals or birds. During a lull just before dawn, you notice heavy breathing in the undergrowth across the stream.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll gesture to the other person on watch and anyone else who is awake and start creeping over.

Move Silently [roll0] (I applied no penalty for the sneaking environment, I'll let you do that. "Noisy" undergrowth is typically a -2)

[madtinker]

DMListen for the boar[roll0]

@KeijiBing heard the noise too, and sneaks around to your left to try to catch the thing in a pincer.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI gesture to Bing to indicate stunning fist (yeah, we all remember Hang Feng's exaggerated training gestures) while I sneak over to the edge of the stream. From the near edge of the stream, jump and sprint to strike from wherever I land. Also, if it is an Orc, I'll not follow through on my strike.

move silently [roll0]
jump [roll1]
attack [roll2] ([roll3] + DC 14 Fort save, if successful)

[madtinker]

DM onlyboar initiative 1d20+. [roll0]
@Jaster/ClydeAfter grubbing about in the dirt for some time, you realize a shovel would have been a good idea. In any case, the ground is thick with roots, as if noone has dug here for ages.

@KeijiYou spring like a well oiled trap, landing with ease on the opposite bank and planting a fist in the soft neck of a giant boar. [roll1]. Roll initiative.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMNice, boar is stunned and does nothing until start of my next turn.
initiative [roll0]
I interpret the wording from grappling that I can flurry, as per this snippet (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#ifYoureGrappling)When you are grappling (regardless of who started the grapple), you can perform any of the following actions. Some of these actions take the place of an attack (rather than being a standard action or a move action). If your base attack bonus allows you multiple attacks, you can attempt one of these actions in place of each of your attacks, but at successively lower base attack bonuses.
Unless there are any big surprises, I'll flurry and use my first action to grapple and second action to damage in the grapple (or try grappling again if needed).
touch attack [roll1]
opposed grapple check [roll2] and damage [roll3]
(if necessary, touch attack [roll4])
opposed grapple check [roll5] and damage [roll6]

I forgot to drop my rolls by 2 for flurrying for the opposed grapple checks, please do that when comparing with the piggy's results =P.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Search for another symbol, and some digging implements that might have been left. [roll0]

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I help search for another symbol and a digging implement. [roll0]

[madtinker]

@Keijifirst opposed grapple[roll0], second opposed grapple[roll1].


@Jaster/ClydeYou find a rusty shovel and pick. It looks like the ground nearby was disturbed several months ago, as evidenced by new growth. Curf wasn't the only one who thought the ruins would be a good spot to bury treasure.

[madtinker]

@KeijiOn your first attempt the boar bucks you off like he was a greased pig. On your second attempt you manage to get a death grip around his fat neck. Bing attempts to break bones by kicking Mr. Pig in the flank [roll0], [roll1], while Mr. Pig attempts to get you in range of his tusks.[roll2][roll3](Read: he is attacking you at -4 penalty)

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Borrow the implements and dig it up, hoping it is Curfs treasure. If not, leave it there and put the dirt back. Then borrow the implements and keep looking for Curfs treasure.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMFlurry/double grapple check to finish it off (I hope).
Grapple check [roll0] damage [roll1]
Grapple check [roll2] damage [roll3]

[madtinker]

@keijiopposed grapple checks [roll0], [roll1]

@Jaster/ClydeYou find a bag of gold coins and assorted gems, but it isn't near anything like the family crest. You don't see any other likely places to dig.

[madtinker]

DMpig is at 8/25

@keijiBing gives the pig another kick [roll0][roll1] that glances off his thick hide, while the pig continues to try goring you from its back.[roll2],[roll3].

[madtinker]

@Keijicrit confirm , [roll]1dd8+3

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMRepeat
grapple check [roll0] [roll1]
grapple check [roll2] [roll3]

[madtinker]

@KeijiYou tighten your death grip and the boar heaves a few times, then expires. You killed a wild boar with your bare hands! Take 150 xp

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMGreat, I'll carry the boar back with the assistance of Bing, and wake up Ingram if she isn't already awake. I'll say with a smile, "We just got ourselves a fresh boar."

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

I grab the spoils and divvy them up evenly between Jaster and I. I then ask, "So, what's next?"

[madtinker]

DM onlythe gold is 50*[roll0] 3*[roll1] jems of 50 gp each.

@KeijiAll the two of you can do is stumble around; the boar is massive. The squeals of the boar woke everyone in camp, and most seem glad to see a gift for the orcs. Ingram is not pleased. Keiji, you are wounded. "Why did you not alert us to your intentions?"

@Jaster/ClydeYou find a leather bag with 550 gold coins and a smaller bag with 18 small gems.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"I am sorry, Ingram. I did not wish to spook the boar, as I was unsure if we'd see another," I utter while bowed.

[madtinker]

@Keiji"Nevertheless, well done securing a gift. Bind your wounds, we must press on."

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll drink a few of my healing potions. [roll0][roll1]

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMand possibly a couple more. [roll0][roll1]

[madtinker]

@KeijiHow do you propose to carry 300 pounds of pork?

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DM"Perhaps we could make a carrying pole from a tree or long branch. If we can find one long enough and straight enough, we can tie the pig to it and carry it with three of four people. If anyone remembered rope that is."

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Split the stuff and then investigate the trouble.

[madtinker]

@KeijiYour pole idea sounds pretty good to the others. Bing has some rope in his pack and one of the others has a hatchet to cut a tree down. Even sharing the load four ways, the hike is slow going and it is getting into the afternoon when Ingram motions for a halt.

"We're getting close to the burial grounds. It would be rude to march into their village all together. I need a volunteer to enter the village and beg an audience with the matriarchs."

@Jaster/ClydeWhere do you go for your investigations?

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMKnowing diplomacy is not my strong suit, I'll look downward, and not volunteer.

[madtinker]

@KeijiMara steps forward. Ingram gives her a nod and she slips through the woods. After thirty minutes or so, you see a party of orcs approaching you, accompanied by Mara.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI'll follow Ingram's lead on how to behave, generally I plan to not speak unless spoken to, and bow when appropriate.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Follow the stream of refugees to its source. Then ask whoever is in charge there what they can tell us is going on and where they need us.

[madtinker]

@KeijiIngram pounds her fist to her chest in an orc salute. The matriarch and assembled party salute likewise.

"We found this boar in your forest this morning. May it please you to feast on him tonight."

A large orc woman, two heads taller than yourself, answers "What a brute. And not a spear or arrow wound on him. Who felled him without weapons?"

Ingram indicates you and Bing. The matriarch gives you a nod. "Respect, humans." Now, let us roast him and feast together."

Two orc warriors heave the pole onto their shoulders, the boar swinging gently between them. At the village, some younger females attend to the cooking preparations.

The matriarch speaks again. "It is tradition that when we meet in friendship that our champion battle your champion, to remind all the of the perils of strife."

Ingram responds "Choose from among us whom your champion shall face; we all are ready to defend the peace."

The matriarch looks you all up and down. "I would have Kurl fight you, boarslayer."

(Keiji knows that this is a friendly match, unarmed strikes and grappling only).

@Jaster/ClydeYou follow the road North and East to Oldshire. The town seems to entirely lack inhabitants.

[INWranger]

DM/Clyde
Check for any clues for anything besides abandonment and then to Fort Nebo and see if I can track down my associate Captain Kairn.

[Manwhoisthisman]

@DMI nod and smile, "I thank you for the honor Matriarch." I'll stand and I assume walk over to some assigned area, bow, and begin the duel.
initiative[roll0]

[madtinker]

DM onlyKeiji's opponent is a lvl 4 Barbarian, Str 16, con 14, dex 13.
unarmed strike, +7, 1d3+3. Grapple +7. HP [roll0] AC 15(+1 dex, +1 am natural armor, +3 hide armor) Touch 1, FF 14.

In a rage this increases to str 20, con 18, US +9, 1d3+5. grapple +9, AC 13 for 7 rounds.

@KeijiYes, there is an open spot of ground that is used for these bouts. Kurl is a large orc with rippling muscles and a great mane of hair. Tattoos stand out from his skin detailing his feats of strength and cunning. [roll1]

@Jaster/ClydeThere are posters on many of the doors in town. They read:

People of Smirnoff

Due to the dire aggression of the Red Valley, including the betrayal by Count Argough and a direct attack on Fort Nebo, King Orion has no choice but to defend the Empire with crushing force. An army marches on the Red Valley. Flee your homes. The Capitol will shelter you.

There is a stamped signature of King Orin, and his seal.