EtCR Control Group (IC) [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Zaydos

2016-09-17, 10:59 PM

Time: Morning. Day: -

Location: Common Room of the Drunken Gargoyle Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBATrLRWySg)

The Drunken Gargoyle has yet to truly wake this morning. A local tavern which doubles on occasion as a traveler's inn, the Drunken Gargoyle is the only, somewhat overpriced, inn within the gnomish township of Hamsil. The food is good, and even if the rooms are low rate it's the only place in town where they've built ones to human scale.

The common room less so. There are two tables for human-sized patrons, reserved and little used, after all few travelers come to the township of Hamsil. Usually one would be in a back room collecting dust and cobwebs, but unusually it is not. In fact one table is occupied by a group of what appears to be merchants, a pair of fat men in silks, a pair of harder, more muscular men in breastplates, and a fifth member, a woman to their group, dressed in much more travel-worn clothes than the two men. Her eyes are cold as they regard the inn, not the eyes of a merchant but of a bodyguard.

Besides these surprise visitors there is little of note in the Drunken Gargoyle on this morning. A series of mirrors brings reflected sunlight down into the cave to supplement its candle light, and two servers are loafing about the common room. The merchants and their guards seem to have already been fed, and as dawn was only recent few others are in the tavern. Behind the counter the proprietor's son, a young whelp of a lad at 36, stands ready to take orders as need be.

Tes sent his message to come quickly only a few days ago, but the seer is impatient at the best of times, and when he's raving that the apocalypse may come if his words aren't heeded. If you stay for breakfast he'll probably be more than a little annoyed with you. At the same time Still it's the seer's own fault that he lives half a day's march from the nearest town.

Metahuman1

2016-09-18, 10:40 PM

Makarov was up early, dressed, packed, and donning his armor, as was his custom. He strapped his shield to his left arm, and took a second, making sure the Rod was accessible with it, his dagger with both hands, and that his other dagger was mounted properly on the sheath built into the users side of the shield to make for quick access in a pinch. He checked his various belongings one final time on his belt pouches and his back pack, and last but most certainly not least, he checked his long sword, rigged for a right handed draw, and made sure nothing interfered with said draw. All of that done he made his way down to the common room.

He noticed the group of humans off at one of the tables, and made it a point to keep the three body guards, he was betting three since obviously neither of the fat merchant types were there own protection and obviously they wouldn't go with out someone who could handle magic in SOME capacity, and that wasn't likely the bigger men in breastplates job, in his field of vision as he moved to the counter.

"Morning, checking in to see if my order from last night is ready? And assuming they are to settle my bill, my employer's in a bit of a rush at the present, you understand how that can be I'm certain." He inquired to the proprietors son in a good natured manner. He was a fair bit broader and denser, even out of armor, then the man, but perhaps an inch or two shorter, being that Makarov was on the short end, even for Gnomes or Halflings. He'd thrown a couple of coin at him for an inexpensive and decent sized flask of tea, mixed with an amount of honey he'd shown him, and to have some fresh bread, some fried eggs over hard, and some bacon cuts cooked and wrapped for the road, along with a couple of apples.

He had also put in a couple of more coins to make sure his mount was cared for, barded, saddled and fed and watered and ready to get moving. He fully intended to at least try and humor the man, after all, he was paying for all this. It was only fair to give at least a reasonably good effort.

Grand Arbiter

2016-09-19, 07:41 PM

Elthias and Yan walked in from outside as Markarov was conversing with the proprietor's son.

"Morning Marakov." Elthias said calmly "Glad to see someone else from our group is up and about. Yan and I just went to go make a few last-minute purchases. Some parchement, ink and a new collar."
"Yow!”
"It does too look good on you. It brings out the blue in your eyes."

Elthias takes a seat at the counter and turns to the proprietor's son. Yan hops up onto the oaken stool to his right."How are you doing this fine morning lad?"

“I’d appreciate it if you could get me a wedge of that fine cheese you had last night and some fresh fruit; on second thought, make it two wedges. I think I’d like one for the road.”
“Meow?”
*Turning to Yan* “Yes, yes, I’ll ask him. Have a little patience.”
*Turning back to the lad* “Would you happen to have any lean scraps of ham or poultry back in the kitchen? Yan would like something to eat as well.” Elthias inquires, gesturing towards his familiar if the young gnome seems confused.

~10 gp spent. Will amend character sheet soon.done

UrsusArctos

2016-09-20, 10:11 PM

In the morning, Lucreticus went through his morning routine. First, he rose and prayed to his divine father, the great and mighty Zeus. Then, he bathed, as a god like himself had to be clean. He donned simple robes, not liking the oppressive feel of his breastplate for normal wear and travel. These robes also allowed him to display his godly physique, which was an added benefit to one as vain as he.

After preparing in the morning, Lucreticus inspected his weapon, a longspear sparkling with faint amounts of lightning. It was his goal to further enchant it with the power of the storm, but the demigod was sadly without monetary funds for the time being. The weapon fell good in his hands - finely balanced. It would strike through.

With his morning rituals completed, Lucreticus headed out the door to the common room of the inn carrying his bag of possessions. A group of five humans had gathered around one of the tables. From the looks of it, they constituted a some merchants and their body guards.

In addition, two of his allies, Markarov and Elthias had already risen and were conversing with the proprietor's son, another gnome. Lucreticus walked over to the three, towering above them. Even amongst humans the demigod was tall, and in comparison to the shorter races of the world he was practically a giant.

"Oh good, the two of you have already risen. Did you sleep well?"

Zaydos

2016-09-20, 10:19 PM

The gnome nods and gives a small bow. "Of course master Makarov, master Elthias," He says quickly enough moving back to relay the orders to the kitchen. The raw scraps for Yan are naturally the first to be delivered, the rest of the food quickly coming along behind after a few moments, the server, a cute, young gnomish lass, bringing it to both Makarov and Elthias with a little bow and looking positively dwarfed by the towering demigod beside her. "Will that be all?" She asks.

Metahuman1

2016-09-20, 11:39 PM

"Elthias, Yan." Makarov said with a nod and a polite smile toward the pair as they entered and addressed him. And not long after, the only member of there group who could be called short by none of the common races came in. Makarov wondered if all the people were Lucreticus was from were built so, or if he was just unique. Not the first time it had crossed his mind, but he let it go just like all the other times. Not his business, and not good form.

"Fairly well Lucreticus. You both may wish to order for the road, you know how our employer can be when he's worked up. Speaking of, any sign of the others?" He asked just as his and Elthias's orders arrived. He accepted his happily enough, and tipped the Waitress a whole gold piece. She was cute, but cute, while it did hold a certain soft spot in his heart, wasn't really his passion were ladyfolk were concerned. He had somewhat less frequently encountered tastes on the matter.

"Thank you my good lady, Lucreticus, do you have a need for anything? And even if he doesn't', one of the other two might soon enough when they rise." He said to her with a kind smile anyway.

UrsusArctos

2016-09-21, 09:52 PM

"Some food for the road would be greatly appreciated, good lady. Other than that, I've found my stay here to be most excellent." The demigod grabs his coinpurse and pulls out three gold pieces, giving one to the girl and two the proprietor's son. "A simple tip for good service. Please give the other one to your father, good sir."

Jastu

2016-09-22, 09:41 AM

Waking up slowly due to the comfortable nature of the bed he hadn't been in for awhile, Grumdi enjoying the good nights rest wakes up and starts streatching himself out, and focusing his mind and spirit. After that routine is done, next comes his second favorite part of his morning routine, inspecting and blessing his armor, taking his time being careful he slowly inspects each piece of his armor and his shield for any flaws and dents that might have come to them recently. With his inspection finished and up to his standards that nothing else needs to be done, he will start to don his armor for the journey ahead of them. When he is finished with that he will head down to the common room for his favorite part of the morning breakfast and some ale to wash it down.

Entering the common room and seeing two of his companions at the bar, he will walk up and join them.

"Good morning, to you two, sorry for the delay, took longer than I had expected to do my inspection. I hope that before we have to take off, there is some time in order to do a couple things of last minute shopping."

To the barmaid, "Lass, I'd like a meal to break my fast, and a pint of ale before we hit the road."

Grand Arbiter

2016-09-22, 04:52 PM

I had a rather restful, if dreamless sleep, thank you for asking. I think Yan was awake all night, but cats will be cats.
Elthias shrugged, and then went back to his breakfast. He finished just as Grumdi came down the stairs.

Two? Grumdi, I'm one hundred and fifty-two and my old eyes see four other members of our group here. *gesturing to Markov, Lucretius, himself, and Yan as places some coin on the counter* May want to make that two pints of ale this morning. You're seeing half.

Quick for a dwarf his age, Elthias hops off the stool and makes for the stairs. I have one spell left to memorize. I'll be back down shortly.

After Elthias is out of the room, Yan finishes eating and begins to explore the floor of the common room.

Zaydos

2016-09-24, 10:17 PM

"Of course sir," the youth says with a smiling nod at Lucretius's tip, hurrying to relay orders to the kitchen even as the barmaid fetches Grumdi's ale. The meal is all quickly served, and quickly eaten, allowing you to make your way from the inn even as Elthias finishes memorizing his spell.

Time: Morning. Day: -

Location: Southern hill of Hamsil. Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JZbEyb-Wfg)

Leaving the tavern you emerge from the long tunnel, one in which humans can't stand full erect due to its low roof. The merchant pair and their three guards are visible already departing. One could almost not realize they were standing at the outskirts of a village if it wasn't for the farms in the distance. Even so they're rather distant to the east, it'd take about an hour's walk to properly get to one of the farmsteads. Of course knowing what you know as common visitors you know that the village is right here, hidden within the hill through concealed doors and illusions.

A pair of gnomes stand by the small river that runs through the town, washing their clothes, and a few others are beginning to move about their daily business, still more are under the hills than atop of them.

To the west of the sparsely wooded hills is grasslands once more for several miles before the start of the western woods. The road skirts along just around the curve of the hill the inn was built into, where traveling on the road one might miss the gnomish tavern completely; gnomes survive by stealth and subterfuge after all. Still Hamsil is old enough that the secret is at best poorly kept.

It'll take you about an hour to reach the Western Woods on foot. The merchants are moving along the same road, but after about 15 minutes turn north. During that time if you follow promptly you can still overhear snippets of their conversation.

"Keep an extra eye out for halflings."

"Yes sir."

"I mean it, they're thieves."

"Yes sir."

"Frellin' Vistani. Halflings and humans both, and thieves every one of them."

"Yes sir."

"Don't just say yes sir like a frellin' puppet. Keep an eye out for thieves."

(Jastu, or anyone else with last minute shopping to do, should feel free to mention what they buy and go to one of the shops in town)

Time: Morning + 1 Hour. Day: -

Location: Entrance of the Western Woods Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvbrQbEOEZw&index=6&list=PLE4735D81E9507F05)

The forest stretches before you as far as the eye can see to the north and south. The Thelcrig Mountains tower beyond it in the distance, some days away reducing the towering peaks to but little lumps into the sky. The forest itself is an old one, but the road is still good made from dwarf-cut stones from when the Thelcrig dwarves still maintained their trading empire. The large slabs are occasionally disjointed and uneven now with time and ill-maintenance, but it is a certainly usable road. (DC 10 Balance check required to run or charge on the road) It was built for trade and is on average around twenty feet wide, wide enough for a pair of wagons to pass by each other with room to spare even though there tends to be but little need for its width now.

The trees loom heavy over either side of the road, roots spreading through the old stone now. Ferns grow between the might oaks, bushes as well, the healthy undergrowth of an old growth forest. Sunlight filters in through the leaves of the trees, though it is dimmer compared to the quickly hardening glare of the sun which creeps ever higher into the sky.

Mechanical:

The road is old and roots have grown in and under the heavy stones, a DC 10 Balance check is required to run or charge on it.

The road is 20 ft wide, on either side is typically undergrowth (half movement) or trees (no movement) although not always (there are empty squares). You can travel off the road if you want but your speed will be halved, and if you don't use it as a guide Survival checks will be required to not get lost.

Metahuman1

2016-09-26, 05:20 AM

Thieves indeed! Hmph! I've half a mind to call him out on it! The nerve! This crossed Makarov's mind before the merchants and there guards were gone.

With that done, he returned his attention to the road. He had to admit there was some nice scenery to be had around here. But in truth he tended to be a bit more comfortable in the city. He didn't however like the look of those stones on the road, noting it was going to make fighting form the saddle that much harder. He really should bring that up with the local lord, or whomever was in charge of that.

He have the dog the command to be on alert, and it kept it's nose to the wind and it's ears and eyes on a swivel, and he fed it the odd bit of bacon form his breakfast on the road. Naturally for this reason and the need to have room to launch a charge, he'd taken point.

Ragnarok'n'Roll

2016-09-26, 11:57 PM

Grix

Grix couldn't help but giggle. He eyed Makarov sideways with mock suspicion and made a show of clutching his coin purse. He scratched at the scales on his head and yawned. He hated to leave the warm bed back at the Inn. He had been disturbed in the middle of a wonderful dream about roast lamb. Or was it roast pig, he couldn't remember the details but his mouth watered.

"I wonder what he lost this time...The Apocalypse chalice? The keys to the world? The orb of doom? ...His mind ? " Grix trailed off.

Grand Arbiter

2016-09-27, 01:28 PM

Elthias walked along in the middle of the group, and Yan was plainly visible perched upon the haversack. Both were relatively quiet, eyeing the scenery. If these woods could talk, what stories they would hold...

As the party reaches a rough stretch of road, Elthias nearly stumbles, thumps his staff on the flagstones, and speaks his mind:
The Thelcrig dwarves may have had quite the trading empire in their day, but their stonework isn't fit for kobolds. If these were the roads near Hror's Hold, someone would have hell to pay for the shoddy masonry....

Upon hearing Grix's comment. On the subject of Tes's mind, the better question may be how much he had to begin with, as opposed to how much he's lost, Elthias chuckles.

As all this was happening, Yan was taking in the scenery. He could care less about what Elthias had been saying, as a rather large moth had just chosen to alight upon El's mithral circlet.

Zaydos

2016-09-27, 09:03 PM

Time: Morning + 2 Hours. Day: -

Location: Middle of the Western Woods. Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RcLEpxiZ-4)

An hour's march passes by uneventfully. The woods are calm, still, and silent. Not the odd silence of a coming storm, or recent disaster, but the simple quiet buzzing of the pink noise that fills the background, birds singing, insects abuzz, the occasional startled jolt of a deer. Not a noise is out of place as you walk through the forest. It could easily lull one into relaxation and a lowered guard, but the woods are a dangerous place, and you've been here often enough to know that.

Even so the only sounds to be heard are you own words, the only dangers seemingly that of uneven flagstones, and 'kobold quality' stone work. That is until Yan's ears prick and the cat hisses, a sense of danger flooding into Elthias's mind. Even as the cat hisses Makarov's dog begins to growl, only its life time of training keeping it in place. Then the wolves burst from the woods onto the road in all four directions. As they move to surround your members Makarov's dog does bite at one of the wolves but misses as it pulls away.

The wolves are large, black furred beasts, their eyes a baleful red. They move to flank Makarov and Grix, remaining silent even now as they move in unspoken coordination.

Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew5T4iayAmw)

Mechanics: Yan made his Spot check... once a worg moved out of the +5 to hide bushes (the highest Listen check in the party was a 15 barely missing the much lower Listen DC), and Makarov's dog could smell them once they got within 30 ft at which point they were already darting in for the kill. In short save for Makarov's dog you're all surprised. Thankfully the wolves have to spend the surprise round to get into melee with you.

Which just means you're being attacked by 4 large black wolves in melee.

It is Elthias's turn, followed by the wolves. In addition to having lower average Spot/Listen (Jastu had a good chance of hearing them, but when I rolled for them they got an 8 Spot and a 4 Listen) this group is the only one without ranks in Knowledge (nature).

Map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PQzr9R1SCzVy1lVerMoMETqGLU-JZZqwhQVcrBJigNg/edit#gid=1478909370)

Grand Arbiter

2016-09-28, 11:49 AM

*hiss* Hold on tight, Yan.

Seeing the creatures leap out of the woods, Elthias shifts back next to Lucretius, and is able to get a good look at them. He has heard tales of these foul monsters before, stories of wars with goblinkind and their fell red-eyed hounds. Wargs...
These are no mere wolves, but goblin wargs.

Muttering one of his more potent magics, he lends a bit of speed to the party.
cabhaig

Let me see if they are as smart as the tales say...
Duurthuul o dhalaan draar dhuul daan ghuukac mach. Dhaan ac kegaan. Tuul ac draal.Today you face death from the mountain halls. Flee and live. Stay and die.

5-foot step M 14->N 15
Haste on Elthias (& Yan via share spells), Grumdi, Grix, Lucretius, and Markov

I don't think the above goblin phrase would count for Bluff/Intimidate, but in case it does:
[roll0]

Zaydos

2016-09-28, 12:24 PM

The wolves, or perhaps worgs, glare at the dwarf's words, but they growl at his chant of sorcery. They move quickly one of the two next to Makarov carefully moving around his dog to bite at Elthias. It misses, but one next to Grix takes advantage of the slow reactions of the others to move into the bushes and snaps at Elthias's knee. It tries to pull his leg out from under him, even as its teeth tear horribly into his flesh (Critical hit. 10 damage.), but his dwarven stability holds him in place. Then another bites at the dwarf circling around between Grix and Lucreticus to reach him, but even on his wounded leg Elthias manages to evade. The last wolf steps between Lucreticus and Makarov with hesitation, but its fangs find Elthias's shoulder, grazing his throat as it pulls him to the ground unconscious (Critical hit. 12 damage).

Mechanics: Wolves had the silliest range of attack rolls (nat 1, nat 20, 23 to confirm, nat 2, nat 20, 25 to confirm). They thankfully had horrible luck with damage (1 and 2). Still Elthias is in a critical condition I believe, but his dwarven stability did prevent his being tripped which would have led to the last attack being on Makarov instead (they would have failed to unseat the halfling).

It is now party turn with the party benefiting from a Haste spell.

Ragnarok'n'Roll

2016-09-28, 01:22 PM

Grix

Grix was taken aback by the sudden wolf attack. In a blink of an eye, he opens his mouth and breaths a blast of frost on the two closest wolves. He then repositions himself and quickly breaths again. "Elthias, look out." Grix shouts way too late.

HP: 50
AC: 20 (19+1 haste)

Free action : Dragonborn Heart Aspect breath attack (using quicken breath feat) to hit Worg A and Worg B in a 25 line of cold.

Damage: [roll0] cold damage, Reflex save DC 17 for half

Recharge time on breath attack : [roll1]

5 ft step to L15

Standard action: DFA breath attack - weakening effect. Should hit Worg A, Worg D and Worg C with a 15 ft cone

Effect -6 strength for 4 rounds. DC 17 reflex save to reduce duration to 2 rounds.

Zaydos

2016-09-28, 03:28 PM

The icy breath causes two of the wolves to yelp in pain, one half leaping to the side after the ice blasts across its friend, but before they can respond further they find themselves surrounded by a cloud of gas. Although quickly dissipating the wolves seem to move more slowly afterwards, their bodies trembling slightly.

Mechanics: Wolf A has no luck with saves. B took half damage, and C and D saved against the gas.

UrsusArctos

2016-09-28, 09:27 PM

"You dare ambush a prince of gods? The offspring of the great Zeus himself? Then with the wrath of the heavens, I shall smite thee down where you stand!"

As Elthias falls to the ground next to him, Lucreticus spins his longspear in his hands, sidestepping back a few feat. With blinding speed and incredible strength, he jabs forward with his longspear at the two wargs on each in front of Makarov. With his attack upon the first, his longspear blazes with energy, appearing to be more of a bolt of lightning than a metal weapon.

First of all, performing a Feat of Strength with the Strength domain.

Taking 3 points of Power Attack.

Using Warrior's Wrath to apply Deific Wrath to my first attack. (Deific Wrath flavored as a bolt of lightning.)

First Attack, Against Warg D:
Attack: [roll0]
Weapon Damage: [roll1]
Deific Wrath: [roll2]

Second Attack, Against Warg C:
Attack: [roll3]
Weapon Damage: [roll4]

Zaydos

2016-09-28, 09:35 PM

The first blow strikes hard against a wolf, causing it to spit forth blood as it crumples to the ground in a twitching heap. As the spear returns to mortal form and Lucreticus strikes at the second wolf it nimbly dodges the weapon, growling lightly.

Mechanics: One wolf is dying. The other didn't get hit.

Metahuman1

2016-09-29, 04:11 AM

Swift Action: Active Inspire Courge using Song of the White Raven feat. Using Melodic Casting to cast Inspirational Boost. Using 1 charge of lesser Rod of Still Spell.

Active Stance: Leading the Charge.

Full round: Charging to attack. Drawing longsword as part of the movement portion there of. Using Battle Leaders Charge maneuver, so I don't take any Attacks of Opportunity.

Riding Dog Attack: [roll0] (Base riding dog attack bonus +1 STR extra for mage bread + 2 for Inspire Courage + 2 for charging.

Damage: [roll1] (Base Riding Dog damage bonus +1 STR extra for mage bread + 2 for inspire courage + 2 for Charigng +3 for benefiting form Leading the Charge stance. )

Trip attempt for riding dog: [roll2] Base Trip modifier +1 for extra strength for being Mage bread.

Makarov's Attack: [roll3] (+3 BAB (-1 for PA.) +2 for Charging +2 for Inspire Courage +2 for Str mod +1 for the Haste Spell.)

Makarov's Damage: [roll4] (1d6 for Small Longsword + 2 for Charging +3 for Leading the Charge Stance + 10 for Battle Leaders Charge +2 for Str mod +2 for Inspire Courage and +2 for PA. Crit threat on a 19 or 20. )

Metahuman1

2016-09-29, 04:17 AM

OOC: Sorry for double post, computer started acting up for a second just before I finished the mechanics and went to fluff. I'm attacking the Wolf that isn't harmed and isn't enjoying cover or concealment.

[roll0] to charge on the terrain.

Modifier for guiding the animal/getting it to attack as well during the charge are both lower then my total ride check, so, not gonna waste time on rolling them since I'd auto pass. Unless the DM would like me to roll them anyway, then I will.

IC: His hand had juuuuuust started to stray toward his sword hilt when it happened. It was chaos and insanity for a second, and he saw his companion go down as three of the beasts went onto him.

For an instant, the world was still, and then, he roared.

"YOU, BASSTARRRRRRRRRRDS!" He bellowed, spurring the dog he road to charge, his free hand yanking his longsword form his Sheath as he did. He swung it high in a drilled arc, calling up his bardic magic and a flash of divine insight that was the signature method of his study's in the sublime way as he did, before he himself took a ferocious slash as the Warg.

Metahuman1

2016-09-30, 02:02 AM

OOC: Since last post wound up being a bit of a mess and the DM feels I should, I am rerolling.

His hand had juuuuuust started to stray toward his sword hilt when it happened. It was chaos and insanity for a second, and he saw his companion go down as three of the beasts went onto him.

For an instant, the world was still, and then, he roared.

"YOU, BASSTARRRRRRRRRRDS!" He bellowed, spurring the dog he road to attack he one already in close with him, his free hand yanking his longsword form his Sheath as he did. He swung it high in a drilled arc, calling up his bardic magic not in spells but in inspiration as he did with a drilled motion, before he himself made a ferocious slash at the Warg that ended with his blade poised to thrust next chance he got.

Swift Action: Activate Inspire Courage. +1 to hit and damage, stacks with haste. Leading The Charge Stance Active.

Move action: Draw sword.

Free Action: Have the Dog Attack. Skill Modifier is 11 and check DC is listed as 10. So, there's that. Dog will attempt to Trip.

Standard Action: After Dog attacks, I take out an attack. No PA this round.

Dog attack: [roll0]

Dog Trip Attempt: [roll1] Not auto Trip Back attempt for the Worg if it fails.

Dog Damage: [roll2]

Makarov Attack: [roll3]

Makarov Damage:[roll4]

Zaydos

2016-09-30, 02:28 AM

The wolf falls to the ground after a brief tussle with the dog, before Makarov's sword strikes down onto its back.

Mechanics: The wolf is now prone will update its hp on the map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PQzr9R1SCzVy1lVerMoMETqGLU-JZZqwhQVcrBJigNg/edit#gid=1478909370) as soon as I've made this post (can't see die rolls while posting). It's Jastu's turn.

Zaydos

2016-10-01, 12:22 AM

Grumdi steps up beside the closest wolf and raises his sword before bringing it down hard upon the head of the injured wolf. Even as he does so he calls out to Lucreticus and Grix to move. The wolf beside Makarov rises to its feet, but even as it does so his wolf bites down into it and his own sword finds its head cleaving into its skull and it collapses to the ground. The last wolf lets out a whimper and begins to withdraw, running back into the forest.

Mechanics: I NPCed Grumdi since it's been 8 days since Jastu posted anywhere, switched one essentia into Incarnum Avatar, and went PA (3) + Tactical Strike* so Grix and Lucreticus can make a 5 ft step each. Makarov's AoO killed the wolf due to a crit. The other wolf is now running with its tail between its legs since it's now facing 4 people who killed 3 of its friends in the last 6 seconds. It is now party turn.

If Jastu hasn't responded within a few (2-3) more days I'm going to see if the person who came into the recruitment thread late and was waiting for the RHoD Control group wants to take his place. Probably going to stall at Tes's for a bit to deal with swapping players in that case (write out will probably involve Grumdi being sent to take Elthias's body home).

*I will need to point out to Jastu that he technically can't have both Tactical Strike and Battle Leader's Charge without having another white raven maneuver or stance that doesn't require a white raven maneuver.

UrsusArctos

2016-10-02, 09:01 PM

"Ha! Flee while you still can, wolf!" Lucreticus screams towards the wolf as it runs into the forest. He turns around and leans over the body of Elthias. "In my inexpert medical opinion, this man is dead. Very dead. And sadly, I lack the means to bring him back to life. Shame, I liked him."

Jastu

2016-10-02, 10:23 PM

"Seems we shall be one down, shall we give him a proper send off, or pack the corpse with us?"

Grand Arbiter

2016-10-03, 06:34 AM

YOW!

Elthias may have fallen in the battle, but Yan is still alive, and quite vocal.

NOW! He sounds again at the second of Grumdi's options.

If nobody seems to be paying attention, he'll start tapping Elthias's mithral circlet with his paw, causing the Watch Lamp to strobe on and off.
Should he continue to be ignored, he will show someone why housecats should be feared by commoners. :smallamused:
(If you cannot take the cat's hint, invest in Sense Motive.)

Also, to anyone wondering why Yan isn't going "meow", read the "The Cat Who ..." book series.

Jastu

2016-10-03, 11:21 AM

Noticing the cats actions, and inaction with the others of his group, Grumdi will remove the valuables from his companion, and place him upon his own horse seeing that there is but naught for room from the others.

"About time we head on, if not it'll be dark, and camping in a wolf infested area with is not my idea of a good time."

If anyone has an issue with this I'm fine not taking the gear.

Grand Arbiter

2016-10-03, 04:26 PM

Yan hops upon El's body and arches his back when Grumdi tries to remove Elthias's gear from his person.
HISSS!

Personally, I have no problem with the gear being taken, but Yan IC would/does. Hence his reaction.

(This is assuming by taking the gear you mean adding to your inventory as opposed to just carrying the gear until we get to Tes's. If I misunderstood, Yan just sits and watches.)

Ragnarok'n'Roll

2016-10-03, 06:04 PM

Grix

"We should keep moving. We'll take the body with us for a proper burial. It shouldn't slow us down significantly. " Grix says with sadness in his voice.

In previous games I've usually buried gear with the body or mail it back to the person's relatives more as a metagaming away to avoid breaking player power-level by looting your fallen friends. :P

Something to consider. :smallsmile:

UrsusArctos

2016-10-04, 10:03 PM

"We can take the body with us. Perhaps Tes will have some method of resurrection available to him? And I too have an objection to you looting his body, Grumdi - and not sharing any of it with the rest of us! We can decide who gets what upon reaching our destination." Lucreticus leans down to pick up Elthias's body, petting Yan as he does, and walks forward through the woods.

Grand Arbiter

2016-10-04, 10:13 PM

After accepting the petting, Yan follows close behind, keeping his eyes and ears on everybody and their surroundings.

Zaydos

2016-10-04, 10:21 PM

Time: A little past noon. Day: -.
Location: Outside of Tes's Cottage (the Western Woods) Mood Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o87hNhgfZvI)

Resuming their travels, the journey passes quickly. The four worgs seem to have been all the threats the travelers would face on their journey as they make their way to Tes's cottage without any other unexpected or unfortunate events befalling them. The cottage is off the old road a ways through a winding footpath sometimes less than five feet wide, a region which could have made a better place for the worgs to hide, buying them just a few more moments of surprise.

The 'cottage' itself is built into a tree covered hill, its doorway hidden through simple camouflage, though one can immediately tell something is there for as you approach the sound of bells rings through the air, the tell-tale chiming of an alarm spell. It's only a few moments before Tes's head pops out of a pair of dirt covered shutters, the gnome's eyes narrowing as he looks at you.

Over a hundred years old, the gnome has passed the prime of youth, but still hopes to live five hundred more even if that'd make him the oldest gnome in recorded history. You think. Tes claims to be everywhere from seventy to one hundred and twelve, while the inhabitants of Hamsil peg him as about one thirty give or take a decade. His left eye narrows at you, a crossbow slowly being tucked away.

"Stay there!" He shouts and closes the shutters, and you can hear the workings of some machinery behind the door of the hill before it opens, 20 ft from where the path leads straight across his cottage (it dead ends three and a half miles beyond). "What took you so long?" He asks snappishly, "I expected you here a week ago," His message reached you only five days ago, "The other one already made it here an hour ago. The world is in danger and what have you been doing? I suspect it involves bar wenches, doesn't it? Well come, come, the fate of the world is at stake, don't just dilly dally!"

The entire of his 'cottage' is a mess. Papers strewn about, books covering seats, a litter of badgers nesting in the fire place, a pair of ravens roosting within, and no designated bathrooms for his animal friends. Of course Tes, being Tes, he does not lead you in further than the entry 'parlor', a place with a 4-1/2 foot roof, chairs half a human's size, and burrowing mammals living in the fire place. In the room, too small for him, there is a black haired man, about two feet too tall to stand upright in the hill-house.

Even as you enter Tes's face shifts to a frown. "I see Death made his opening gambit already, I had hoped to play white..."

Mechanics: It's a Libro!

UrsusArctos

2016-10-05, 09:33 PM

Lucreticus squats as he enters the house, much too tall for the room, unlike his compatriots. He drops Yan onto the ground in front of him, having carried the cat inside.

"Elthias was slain by a group of wargs as we traveled. They ambushed us and ripped him to shreds within seconds. We slew three and chased off the last, but it was too late for him. We brought his body in the hopes you would have some kind of resurrection, but we expect to have to bury him."

Lucreticus looks over to the black-haired man and stretches out a hand. "I am Lucreticus, son of Zeus. It is nice to meet you. And you would be the last member of our group? Tes only alluded to you in his letter."

Zaydos

2016-10-05, 09:57 PM

Tes shakes his head, and sighs, "Not me personally," He states walking to the mantle of the fireplace and pulling two letters off of it. "Take his body to the Drunken Gargoyle, and deliver this letter to Alphis," He says naming the proprietor, "It includes instructions as to where and with whom to send the body to have him revived, a writ of credit for is in this, He taps the second letter, "letter." He grabs a third one from the mantle, "And this includes instructions for Elthias when he is revived." An observant onlooker would note that there are 5 other letters on the mantle. He looks towards Elthias's mangled body, "Don't think that being dead is going to get you out of helping, you hear me. Even the dead can be of use in this game." He trails off muttering in gnome, before saying again to the dead dwarf, "I will of course be deducting part of the cost from your pay for the foreseeable future." He glances about after his little discourse with the corpse, "And do keep your voices down, the kitchen door has been particularly attentive of late, and I suspect it's been informing on me to the pixies."

"I had hoped to keep all my pawns together. Still if that's the way I'll have to play it, I can move pieces on two fronts at once Death, you'll see that I can!

Grand Arbiter

2016-10-05, 10:24 PM

Hearing the party enter, the black-haired man stands, bending over to fit within the small parlor. Clad in blue robes, it is plain that he is approximately as tall as Lucreticus, albeit with a lighter frame.

He reaches out and shakes Lucretius's hand. Tes has been similarly vague in his correspondence to my order. I am Templar Iannul Khoradan. "Ian" will suffice if pronunciation is an issue. May I ask the names of your companions?

(Addressing Tes) If Death has made his move, then let us return the inflicted loss in kind.

Yan does his best to curl up by Tes's feet without tripping him, (as cats are prone to try to do).

Jastu

2016-10-06, 09:59 AM

"Lose a dwarf, farewell my friend, I hope whatever this one has you doing is worthwhile to your family and clan."

"Aye, had something to do with ale too my friend, but we rushed post haste."

To Ian, "I am Grumdi, known as the Short-Shield, for my protection of a Gnomish lord years ago. I hope that our path remains true, and our losses do not mount much more."

"So I guess we're going back to the town then, to deliver the body of our companion with your letters? What else do you need us to undertake?"

Zaydos

2016-10-06, 01:39 PM

The gnome looks at Grumdi and nods. "Yes, yes, of course there was. There is a darkness that stirs. A shadow that walks where it should not be, a great eclipse of the soul!" His voice rises as he speaks, his eyes growing bright with a fervent light. "[b]I see the children of the night in my dreams. The voices of the dead speaking to me. Even sweet Orelia plots against me now. Even Orelia... He shakes and shudders a bit, casting his glance down. "But you remain loyal, do you not. Hopefully even him," He glances at Elthias, "I must hope at least." He stoops down scooping a baby badger up in his arms, whispering something in gnomish, and then continues, "I see a valley cloaked in never ending night, where the children of night rule, and from that valley the call for a hero goes out, a call that..." He bites his lips, face pale, uncertainty showing for a moment, "must be answered. Yes. Must be answered."

"[B]My useful loyal pieces."

Ragnarok'n'Roll

2016-10-06, 02:08 PM

Grix

"Funny I had dreams of mounds of gold which brought me here..." Grix says playfully. "Why didn't you just send us a letter discussing the problem rather than summoning us here to go back again. If time was really important... " Grix trailed off immediately catching his mistake of trying to use logic in a conversation with the half-mad gnome.

Images of a succession of adventurers going back and forth with letters between the cottage and town filled his mind. He wondered to himself if it was just a cunning gnomish plot to keep the worg population thinned. Talk of this valley of darkness did concern him though and he couldn't hide his interest.

"No matter, let's move on - to hell with the kitchen door and his mix allegiances.."

UrsusArctos

2016-10-06, 09:30 PM

"A valley of darkness in need of a hero? Now, that sounds right up my alley. Many of my half-brothers and sisters are legendary heroes, and I see no reason to break tradition! Where is this valley, and we shall set off as soon as we can." Lucreticus sits down on the floor of the cottage, still leaning over to avoid hitting his head upon the roof.

Metahuman1

2016-10-07, 04:57 AM

Makarov nodded to Tess. I'm going to regret asking this, but....

"Can you elaborate a bit on what "children of death" entails exactly? That could mean a number of things." He mentions to the seer.

Zaydos

2016-10-07, 01:24 PM

Tes looks to Lucreticus, "I see only vague shadows on the loom of fate, weavings half spun. I see a voyage across the desert, Fallam Desert, the sun moving from right to left, rising and setting in that land of harsh light as you ride. I see a place where three pigs meet and travelers gather, that is where a messenger from the valley will come. Once you have received that call, the messenger should be able to tell you more precisely."

His head turns towards Makarov then, "I'm afraid I know even less on that one. Sometimes I see a wolf, other times a bat. At times they are a woman taller than Lucreticus and with a mein almost as horrible, skin of putrid green. Sometimes instead it is a man, hair black as the night, eyes red as blood, features as fine as a sculpted god's. And the dead. I see them haunting my dreams. Sweet, fair Orelia, ever young but twisted with the corruption of the grave. Mawmaw Aelephipia weaving with skeletal hands." He shudders a bit, looking down and squeezing the badger cub in his hands making it give out a small cry before he relents. "An evil comes to the dead themselves, a twisting, corrupting force. I only hope that Elthias is still himself when he awakes. But this is only the first moves, and that darkness is still distant, but if I don't take Death's Bishop here it'll be that much closer, and the Eclipse of the Soul with it."

Grand Arbiter

2016-10-07, 05:23 PM

Annul sat back down after shaking hands with Lucretius and listened.

If your sight is obscured by shadows, can we find a way to shed new light upon your visions? Something we can to to strengthen your sight... My order's seers could pool their energies and focus their energies together to strengthen their powers, is there anything or anyone with whom you could work to do the same?

If Death's bishop is near, then perhaps we should move to clear it from the board.

Zaydos

2016-10-07, 05:39 PM

Tes shakes his head. "No way that I know of which does not require rare fungi which would be too time consuming to obtain, He says, "But you have struck to the heart of why I've gathered you here, it is time to remove a piece from the board, and that will be the duty of you five."

He clicks his tongue then and shakes his head lightly. "There is another piece to deal with on the way. A mere pawn at most, but pawns can be important. In northern Fallam I foresee Death claiming another piece, violently seizing it, and stirring it from the gentle peace of the grave. It is too late to prevent this death, had you made it here sooner perhaps something could have been done, but now, too late, too late," He says his voice turning accusatory for a moment. "Still the past is past and cannot be changed, and when the sands of the hourglass are already running... Still it would be best not to let Death have another piece on the board even if only a minor one. But it is freshly in His grasp, and there may still be time to free it from Him."