View Full Version : [WFRP] The Bloody Crown OOC XV
The Bloody Crown – OOC XV
We are not little men, and there is nothing that we are afraid of except Drink, and we have signed a Contrack on that. Therefore, we are going away to be kings.
-Peachey Carnehan, The Man Who Would Be King (Rudyard Kipling)
Directory of past threads (https://border-princes.fandom.com/wiki/The_Bloody_Crown_Thread_Directory)
Welcome to the fourteenth OOC thread for the Bloody Crown, our WFRP 2E campaign set in the Border Princes. We rejoin our PCs in the midst of a royal intrigue concerning a servant who knows things she shouldn't, while a mysterious man from the Raven Hills tries to recruit them to help find the missing soothsayer of Jarl Rorik Wolf-Risen.
Rules of Posting
Activity:
Expected rate of posting is at least once per day.
If you don’t post in 48 hours, I will take control of your character to move things along - usually making them agree with the others or stay in the background.
If you don’t post in a week, I will set your character's Fate Points to zero and start looking for ways to kill them off.
Going on hiatus with prior warning is absolutely fine: the above rules apply to unexpected disappearances. Drop me a notification before you’re going away/losing your internet access/what have you, and I’ll happily play your character as an NPC until you can return. If you disappear without warning, I will start badgering you.
Rolls:
Make all rolls using the forum dice roller, either in a spoiler-box in the relevant IC post, or in a separate post in this thread.
Some rolls (mainly ones at which you should not know whether you have succeeded or failed, and Tzeentch's Curse for spellcasters) I will make in secret.
As a time-saving device, I will roll all initiatives at the start of an encounter, allowing you to get straight to your actions rather than waiting about for each other.
Combat:
When in combat, do not wait to post in sequence of initiative: post whenever you are free to post. If your actions depend on someone ahead of you in the initiative order, you can leave conditional OOC instructions. I will conduct my rolling for each combat round in this thread, and post an IC summary that signifies the end of the current round & the start of the next.
In combat I will use a grid map, which I will post an updated version of along with each turn's GM update.
Spoilers
A spoiler titled 'X Only' is intended only for the eyes of the player playing the character X. Please don't read 'em if they're not intended for you - you could spoil some surprises.
Finally, as a general guideline: if in doubt, make a post. Situations do often arise where two people each think they're waiting on the other before they can post. Similarly, if you think you're waiting on someone else, or if you just want to know something before you make an IC post, ask in the OOC. Particularly if it's me. I do forget things, and I do need prodding some times to wake up!
Handy Links & House Rules
Hit Location Chart (http://imgur.com/TvVbhpA) - a quick reference for when you want to know where you've hit someone.
Combat House Rules
Charge Attacks and All-Out Attacks can use the attacker's full Attacks stat.
Standard Attacks get +10 to hit.
Missile attacks from within a range of 6 yards get +20 to hit. This bonus does not apply to pistols being used in melee.
Fortune Points can be used to add +10 to a skill or stat roll.
You can substitute your DoS on your to-hit roll for your damage roll - choose whichever is higher.
Magic In Melee
Spells with multiple-round casting times require a concentration test every round that the spellcaster is engaged in combat.
Magic missiles may not be cast out of an ongoing melee, although they may be cast on the wizard’s own attacker/s.
Critical Hits: ‘Medical Attention’
Wherever the rules specify a condition “until medical attention has been received,” this refers to a successful Heal test.
Social Skills in Combat
The following actions are added to the list of combat actions. All of them are Full Actions, but can be attempted as a Half Action at a -20 penalty to the relevant test.
Inspire
Skill Used: Charm or Command
Range: 16 yards
Targets: N*Fel bonus, where N = number of advances taken in the skill used. If using Charm, the Public Speaking and Master Orator talents apply as normal.
Effects: On a success, your chosen targets gain +10 to a specified skill, characteristic, or attack roll, including fear/terror tests. This bonus applies to the first roll of the given type they make in the next 10 minutes.
Co-ordinate
Skill Used: Command
Range: 16 yards
Targets: N*Fel bonus, where N = number of advances taken in Command.
Effects: On a success, your chosen targets may act at your own initiative, or at a chosen initiative step below your own, for this turn only.
Distract
Skill Used: Blather, Intimidate, or Charm Animal
Range: 4 yards
Targets: 1 individual
Effects: This test is opposed against the target's willpower, and they may automatically pass if it is not in their nature. If passed, the target may not attack you this turn. Any enemy is only vulnerable to this once.
Mounted Combat House Rules
Fighting From Horseback
Mounts act on their riders' initiative step and effectively confer their Movement stat to their rider.
A combat-trained mount may make the same attack actions as its rider is entitled to (e.g. if its rider reached melee with a Half Action, the mount is also entitled to a Half Action attack; if the rider has a Full Action, the mount is also entitled to a Full Action attack). Untrained mounts will not attack.
When attacking enemies on foot, being mounted grants the Higher Ground bonus (+10%).
A mount counts as another friendly character for the purposes of Outnumbering.
Opponents in combat with a mounted combatant may choose freely to target either the rider or the mount.
One may not use the Dodge Blow skill while mounted.
Ways To Fall Off Your Horse
In combat, making any of the following actions may require a Ride check. [M] denotes that Ride checks are not necessary for this action when riding a combat-trained mount; [R] denotes that Ride checks are not necessary when the rider has Ride trained (as opposed to using it as a basic skill).
Charge Attack [M]
Disengage [M]
Jump/Leap [M]
Run [R] (at +30)
If the check is failed, the desired action may not be taken, and a half action is lost. If the check is failed by three degrees or more, the rider is thrown: they will require a Stand action to get back to their feet, and may suffer falling damage if the mount is tall enough.
Should a mount be killed while still being ridden, the rider must make an Ag test. A pass means he falls freely to the ground, exactly as if he had been thrown; a failure means he falls under the mount's body. Freeing himself is a full action, requiring a successful Strength test – he cannot stand or move from the spot where he has fallen until he is free.[/list]
Fear and Terror House Rules
Ignore the given rules for Fear and Terror. When a character encounters a creature causing Fear or Terror, they must test WP at the start of their next turn. If they fail, consult the following table to find out the result:
Degrees of Failure
Consequence
0-2
-20% on all attacks directed at the source of fear.
3-4
May not attack the source of Fear; must retreat from the source of Fear. If retreat is impossible, may only take a half action each round and is at -20% to all tests.
5+
Must flee as fast as possible from the source of Fear; may not take any actions except to run. If retreat is impossible, become paralysed with fear - may take no actions & may not parry or dodge. At the end of the encounter test WP or gain an Insanity Point.
Creatures that cause Terror impose a -20% penalty on the test. Characters affected by a result from this table may test WP again at the start of each following turn to "snap out of it" and cancel all ongoing effects of Fear.
The Broken Reaches Gazetteer
Our game takes place in a corner of the Border Princes known colloquially as the Broken Reaches. Known for their difficult, rocky terrain and the many small kingdoms that war over the territory, the Reaches are far from any form of civilisation beyond that safeguarded by the local lords. Sheltering in the shadow of the World's Edge Mountains, from the Reaches is it not far to the arid wastes of the Badlands in the south.
Wiki (https://border-princes.fandom.com/f) (highly incomplete, player submissions welcome)
Below is the hex map:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/border-princes/images/0/04/BrokenReachesMap.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/850?cb=20190323210215
The scale is set at one hex being approximately 7 miles long. Therefore, the average movement speed of the party for a full day's march is three hexes, although this can be significantly affected by terrain.
I will use a Cartesian coordinate system to refer to hexes. To work out the coordinates of a hex, count up through the hex rows to determine the y-coordinate, and then count left to right along the row itself to determine the x-coordinate. You begin the game in hex (5, 20).
Geography
Shepherd's Valley
Shepherd's Valley nestles in the shadow of some of the largest and most impassable rock formations of the Black Karst. Watered by the few streams that flow down from the Raven Hills, most of the valley is still quite wild: it is only around Duke Edouard's capital of Alvarran that the valley people have given up the shepherd's life for more settled agriculture. Coarse jokes about the precise relationship the people of Shepherd's Valley have with their sheep are common in the lands over the hills.
The road that runs through Alvarran, however, is far more cosmopolitan. Funnelled through a narrow cleft in the Black Karst at Pieter's Pass, whoever controls the pass controls half the trade routes to the south. It is also the safest and best-kept road for people coming from the north: in summer, Alvarran is often crowded with travellers and merchants from the different nations of the Old World.
The Raven Hills
Tall, craggy and forbidding, the Raven Hills breed craggy and forbidding folk. Insular and primitive, they have dwelt in the hills for as long as any of the lowlanders can remember. The hills provide poor living, and through much of the Broken Reaches' history the hill tribes have depended upon raiding their neighbours for survival. Many border princes have asserted dominion over them: none have succeeded in changing their nature. More than a few have met their end trying, their bones picked clean by the ravens that give the hills their name.
Life in the hills is short, and the hill tribes have developed a morbid religious sensibility, venerating Morr above all other gods. Some outsiders who have visited have brought back queer tales of strange rituals and customs quite divorced from any worship of Morr known in the civilised lands of the north.
The Uplands
Situated on a shelving plateau to the north-east, the Uplands sit with their back to the World's Edge Mountains. On a clear day, it is said that from the towers of Bunthafen one can see the smoking peak of Thunder Mountain - the volcano the dwarfs call Karag Dron.
Like Shepherd's Valley, the Uplands are a gateway to the north. Unfortunately, the road that runs north from Bunthafen runs close to the mountains: merchants from Tilea and the Empire prefer to take the Alvarran road, where they have less chance of being abducted by Night Goblins and do not have to walk in the shadow of an active volcano. Those who do come by the east road come infrequently and in armed caravans. Dwarfs sometimes come with them: the World's Edge are the dwarfs' home territory, and it is said that they were the ones that built the road in the days of their empire.
The Black Karst
A forest of sharp-toothed limestone crags, the Black Karst is a strange place. Named for the sooty streaks that run through the stones - perhaps the relics of some ancient fire or volcanic eruption - the rock formations of the Karst jut up from the ground like the broken teeth of a shark, creating a maze of twisting paths between them. Where light can penetrate the natural labyrinth, stunted trees grow in the poor soil, their saplings sprouting in cracks and crevices on the higher flanks of the rocks.
An easy place for an ambush, and an even easier place to get lost, the Karst has been a natural barrier between the warring princes of the Broken Reaches since time immemorial. There is no living to be made in the shadow of the stones, and so they remain a wild place. Those who wish to cross do so either through Pieter's Pass, or by boarding a boat at Putbad and travelling down the Azril.
The Giant's Teeth
While the living in the Raven Hills in hard, the living in the Giant's Teeth is non-existent. Taller still than their neighbours, their sharp crags are little more than barren rock, scoured clean from the west by sandstorms coming off the Pale Waste. Precipitous and perilous, they are prone to frequent rockslides. There are no known passes through these hills, and the locals in the surrounding lands tell stories of all manner of monsters living there to frighten their children.
The Downlands
The jewel of the Broken Reaches, the Downlands are a fertile flood plain surrounding the broad sweep of the river Azril as it makes its way down from the Karst and into the Bracken Mere. Border Princes have warred over these lands for as long as anyone can remember; fortunately, their 'battles' have generally been too small and petty to do any lasting damage to the land itself.
Sitting in the centre of the Downlands is the town of Savonne. The largest and richest for miles around, it sits on a lode of gemstones that some say the dwarfs first opened up, centuries ago. Dominating the fertile countryside and sitting squarely in the centre of overland and river-bound trade routes, it is the prize all border princes aspire to. Despite the formidable natural defences of the Black Karst and the Giant's Teeth, most of them do not hold onto it for very long.
Thornwood
South of the Downlands, the Thornwood sprawls over a far larger region than it ought to. Covering rolling hills and hollows with a carpet of forest, many princes have seen it as a resource to be harvested. Most of them have been disappointed: the trees do not grow as tall or as straight as honest northern trees, and their wood splits and warps at the least opportunity. Most attempts to settle in or around the forest have met with limited success, as the soil is surprisingly poor. This is particularly pronounced in the forest's southern reaches, where the woods are wildest and humans seldom walk.
Despite its ill reputation, the road from Savonne runs south through the Thornwood. Perhaps this is simply because it has no choice, other than to plunge into the Bracken Mere and sink. The recent discovery of gold at Handrich's Cross, however, has given many people an incentive to take the forest road.
The Bracken Mere
A vast swamp that sprawls between the Giant's Teeth and the Thornwood, the Bracken Mere is where the river Azril ends its life. By its border with the Thornwood, the marsh remains wooded - as one goes west, however, the trees die off, giving way to endless reed-beds.
There are no certain paths through the Mere - or if there are, the local guides who know them keep them determinedly secret. Local legend says that the Mere was the site of a great battle in ancient times, and that the bog is still choked with the bones of the fallen. The truth of this is up for question, but the local swamp-skimmers do sometimes dredge up strange bronze blades and rotted chariot-wheels from the mire.
The Hidden Vale
Nestled between the rolling hills of the Thornwood and the jagged rocks of the Black Karst, the Hidden Vale represents one last strip of fertile land before the badlands of the south. Although tiny, its size and position make it highly defensible, and the recent discovery of gold at Handrich's Cross has made it highly profitable too.
Funnily enough, throughout much of the history of the Broken Reaches, the Hidden Vale has gone untenanted by any major warlord. Some attribute this to its obscurity, claiming that it is possible for a man to walk within half a mile of the Vale on either side without even realising it is there. Others say there is something unwholesome in the water or the soil that drives people away. The inhabitants of the Vale do have a reputation for congenital madness, but most attribute this to inbreeding.
The Dead Hills
Rising clear of the Thornwood's southernmost reaches at the bottom of the Hidden Vale, the smooth, rounded summits of the Dead Hills are a rocky, sand-blown desert. No-one knows why nothing grows there, but one does not have to travel far before even the lichen begins to recede.
People tell tales of the lost city of Nath, of sorcerers of the Black Caliph who blighted the hills with their magic. Others speak of the Lost Library, and the meddling of wizards. Only one thing is agreed: the Dead Hills are a fearful, desolate place where only a fool would tread.
The Iron Claw Hills
An arid expanse of scrubland, broken by rocky ridges and low, rolling hills, the Iron Claw Hills are the last boundary between the rest of the Reaches and the Badlands beyond. As such, they are infested with greenskins - namely, the Orcs of the Iron Claw tribe, and their goblin retainers. This is the fearsome clan that spawned Gorbad Ironclaw, and if the orcs beyond the hills were to unite, they would pose a military threat far greater than any border prince. Thankfully, they seem mostly content to fight among themselves - nevertheless, for humans living in the Iron Claw hills, periodic greenskin raids are a fact of life.
Last Water
Sheltered by a crescent of high ridges from the surrounding Iron Claw Hills, Last Water is an island of green vegetation and fresh water in the midst of an arid wasteland. So called because it is the last opportunity for travellers to stock up on water before entering the Badlands proper, the black soil of the region is curiously fertile in comparison to its neighbouring lands. A few small streams flow down off what the locals call the Black Hills, making some limited agriculture possible.
The peace of Last Water, however, is fragile. With the Iron Claw Hills before them, the Pale Waste to the west, and the limitless expanse of the Badlands at their back, the people of Last Water must be ever on their guard for greenskin raids. Two narrow roads connect them to the wider world - without these arteries of trade, life in Last Water would be even harder than it already is.
The Pale Waste
A waterless desert of blown sand, the Pale Waste is remarkable for being even more lifeless and desolate than the Badlands surrounding it to the west. Few landmarks in the Waste stay in the same place for long. Without a skilled navigator, it is easy to wander for days within a few miles of the same point, and it is difficult to find a skilled navigator who will willingly enter the Waste.
Among the people of the Reaches, it has a fearful reputation, the locus of all kinds of peasant myths and superstitions. People speak of ancient ruins hidden by the shifting sands, relics of the lost civilisation of Nehekhara. More than one adventurer has been tempted into the Waste by the lure of Nehekharan gold. Few have ever returned.
The above is already known by anyone with Common Knowledge (Border Princes), and easy to learn for anyone who doesn't. Further details about individuals and places will be dispensed on a case-by-case basis, through information-gathering, Knowledge checks, and sometimes by default for characters born in the region. Don't assume that everything is the same as it was described in the original thread! (http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/001/384/Atrapitis.gif)
Inn Prices
Inn Private Room Common Hall Meal Wine
Ale Bath
Il Calice D'Oro (Mirino) 16s 10p 5p 1s (bottle) 2p (stein) 1s
The Rooster (Sermena) 10s 5p 18p 1s (bottle) 2p (stein) 1s
The Star of Marienburg (Manann's Keep) 5s 5p 3p 3p (goblet) 2p (stein) 1s
Gavril's Hostel (Painford) Not available 5p 3p 3p (goblet) 2p (stein) 1s
The Duke of Aquitaine (Savonne, North Market) 15s1s 3p9p9p (goblet) 6p (stein) 3s
The Yellow Dog (Savonne, The Warren) 6s8p6p6p (bottle) 1p (stein) n/a
The Harvester's Haven (Savonne, Downs Town) DESTROYED 10s8p10p2p (goblet) 2p (stein) 1s
The Red Moon (Savonne, The Old Town)12sn/a5pn/a n/a 1s
The Fat Fish (Savonne, The Docks)10s8p12p2p (goblet)2p (stein)n/a
The Bull's Horns (Arrow Heap)10s5p18p3p (goblet)2p (stein)1s
The Red Man (Isolici)18s8p10p2p (goblet) 2p (stein) 1s
The Hammer and Chisel (Selsan)16s6p8p2p (goblet) 2p (stein) 6p
The Silver Lady (Putbad) 12s 8p 8p 4p (goblet) 2p (stein) 1s
The Boar and Crown (Castel d'Irena) 10s8p6p1s (bottle) 1p (stein) n/a
The Gilded Beetle (Castel d'Irena) Not available7p7p6p (bottle) 1p (stein) n/a
Marjan's (Morr's Seat) Not available 5p 3p 2p (kefir, cup) 2p (stein) 1s
Dramatis Personae
The Party
https://bit.ly/3iDZSIJhttps://bit.ly/3Uwrtsthttps://bit.ly/3VxB5Vchttps://bit.ly/3UwZN6Ohttps://bit.ly/3OYYjRo
SieghardElsabeth HoltLudovic StubbsJarla SchreiberBardhyl
TheSummoner-Sentinel-LeSwordfishRossNrax
The Thorns
https://bit.ly/2OOA6zi
A company of foresters and farmers from the Thornwood and the Hidden Vale that signed up as crossbowmen with Sieghard in the aftermath of Magog Ironclaw's invasion. The Thorns have distinguished themselves in several battles and are making a name for themselves among the mercenaries of the Reaches, led by Sieghard’s most trusted lieutenants - Hanna, Ingwald and Gustaf.
Tatiana
https://bit.ly/3gAbGLn
A goatherd from the Karst born with the gift for magic, Tatiana (or 'Tattie' to her friends) helped guide refugees from Pieter's Pass to safety in the Downlands. She was rescued from the Broken Moon goblins by Elsa and the party, after which Elsa took her on as her apprentice. Left to her own devices in Savonne, she was coerced by the daemon Tshula-Udiyya into trying to dig up the book of Nagash, which led to her and Elsa’s trial for diabolism. Subsequently, she lost her eye to an undead wolf when tracking Mother Mala through the Raven Hills with Elsa.
Olga
https://bit.ly/3ONPVEn
Elsa’s hireling bodyguard. Small but tough, Olga comes from the streets of Savonne, and seems to know a thing or two about surviving in the city that was once known as ‘Wolf Pit’.
Ida
https://bit.ly/3B4rzAr
Jarla’s maidservant. Young and well-mannered, she was recommended by Mouna, the long-serving steward of the castle of Savonne.
Powers & Principalities
https://bit.ly/2ZRDijV
Il Principe Muzio Sforza
https://bit.ly/3gZclGd
Tilean mercenary captain, and Lord of Last Water. Campaigned in Araby before coming to the Broken Reaches. Has crushed his enemies and united the Reaches under a single banner.
La Principessa Irene Sforza ("la Bella")
https://bit.ly/2OKD1cd
Sforza's wife. Her beauty is renowned throughout the Reaches. Ambitious and often dissatisfied with life in the Border Princes, she frequently takes out her frustrations on those she perceives as socially inferior. Irene Sforza is flawless (https://bit.ly/3fTy1xA).
Daniele Barbaro
https://bit.ly/2CwZEOS
Priest of Myrmidia, and Sforza's only religious adviser. Has a liking for Arabyan coffee, a flexible attitude to the truth, and only a passing acquaintance with religious faith. Nicknamed the "old goat" by Viggo.
Lord Treasurer Abdul Al-Makir
https://bit.ly/2WOK7AC
Treasurer, tax collector and paymaster of Sforza's forces. Joined the Captain during his Arabyan campaigns, and has a retinue of Arabyan mercenaries. Has a reputation as the man who can get you anything... for a price.
Giovanni Carraciolo, Lord-Lieutenant of the North
https://bit.ly/3hsr3A4
Commander of Sforza's Tilean pikemen, the Iron Company.
Esteban de Valdes, Lord-Lieutenant of the South
https://bit.ly/3fRH1Dr
Commander of Sforza's Estalian swordsmen, the Brotherhood of Magritta.
Makeda (deceased)
https://bit.ly/32G2trs
Commander of Sforza's Southlander mercenaries, the ahosi of Danxome. Killed by Duke Alvarr at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap.
Balthus Bianco (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2OOzZUo
Renowned physician, and personal doctor to Irene Sforza. Quietly disposed of after he was implicated in Irene's attempt to assassinate Ludo.
Gorg (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2ZORUAv
The leader of a troop of Ogre Maneaters in service to Sforza. He seemed to have struck up a friendship with Ludo's brother-in-law Rudi. Was shot down by Alvarr's archers at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap, along with three-quarters of his troop.
Viktor (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2E5j7Gx
Commander of a free company of swordsmen formed in the aftermath of Sforza's victory over the orcs at Manann's Keep. Brave but inexperienced, Viktor died of wounds sustained at the Second Battle of Arrow Heap.
Rank and File
Paulo & Marko: Doctor Bianco's apprentices.
Salih: page to Abdul Al-Makir.
Iron Company:
Sergeant Domenico: the officer in charge of the skeleton garrison at Manann’s Keep. Had the command when Hakon Blood-Song made his attempt to steal the Book of Nagash.
Sergeant Giuliano: the officer in charge of the troop sent to occupy Morr’s Seat, where he developed a nasty cough. Adelbert's nemesis, makes fun of him in front of the ladies.
Luca: Adelbert's nemesis, makes fun of him in front of the sentries.
Beppe (deceased): Elsa's one-night stand.
Orfeo [deceased] and Cesar: accompanied the party into Kheneb-Ptra-Urush
Bartolomeo: one of Giuliano’s troop; the instigator of much of their bad behaviour towards the Vrani locals.
Mauro: a one-legged veteran of the company who has been entrusted with keeping the gaol in the castle of Savonne.
Brotherhood of Magritta:
Felipe, Miguel & Valentin
Danxome Ahosi
Oseye & Etunu
The Sermena Gamecocks
Hartwick Thistlewood: commanding officer.
The Maneaters
Kulug: leader of the surviving ogres after Gorg's death.
https://bit.ly/2WKrptY
Duke Edouard Alvarr (deceased)
https://bit.ly/32KzYc7
A stern man of military bearing, Duke Alvarr forged his domain from territory that was previously claimed by multiple feuding warlords. Originally hailing from Bretonnia, he travelled for some time with a mercenary company known as the Storm Swords. He forged a coalition of the northern lords and seized the Downlands from Prince Belehir, but was eventually defeated and slain by the forces of Muzio Sforza after being cornered in his capital of Alvarran.
Janos Forkbeard
https://bit.ly/39iUGky
A native of Alvarran and a survivor of the previous regime(s), Janos Forkbeard was Alvarr's chancellor and chief administrator. After Alvarr's fall, he has been imprisoned by Sforza.
Henri Ducos
https://bit.ly/39iqSEC
Duke Alvarr's Master of Horse. Ducos is a taciturn man with a face only a mother could love. Shot Elsa at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap; escaped with the Duke after his defeat there. Missing in action since the fall of Alvarran.
Eugen Jager
https://bit.ly/32LEdE8
A lieutenant of Duke Alvarr, nicknamed "Alvarr's Bulldog" by the people of Alvarran. Jager is known for his stubborn loyalty and his harsh discipline. Was taken prisoner during Sforza's lightning attack on Savonne, but returned in exchange for Count Groz's imprisoned soldiers. Missing in action since the fall of Alvarran.
https://bit.ly/39iNXY1
Jarl Rorik Wolf-Risen (deceased)
https://bit.ly/30vZRJO
Ruler of Morr's Seat. A great bear of a man with a close-knit retinue of Norscan retainers, he has a reputation as a fearsome warrior. During the siege of Savonne he fought Prince Belehir on the battlements and was grievously wounded, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the siege. Killed by Astoria at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap
Hakon Blood-Song (deceased)
https://bit.ly/32Mq7CK
Rorik's second-in-command, first encountered by Adelbert in Ravenskird. A bloodthirsty man of action, he has little patience for diplomacy or subterfuge. Most likely the leader of the unprovoked attack on Painford. Driven off by Sieghard and Ludo at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap. Embittered after Rorik's defeat at Arrow Heap, he made a pact with Johannes Klammenberg to steal the Book of Nagash from Manann's Keep, and was killed during the raid.
Wadim
https://bit.ly/3fVx3RM
Wise man of the Raven Hills, and local adviser to Jarl Rorik. Following the events of Hexensnacht, he travelled back to the Raven Hills in search of the source of his and others' visions, and has not been heard from since.
Kelda Wave-Born (deceased)
https://bit.ly/32LGgYU
Encountered by the party leading a small warband of hill-folk in the south of the Raven Hills. One of Rorik's Norscan retinue; seen by Adelbert to change shape into an enormous wolf. Responsible for the death of Viggo's lover Kirsten during the attack on Painford. Killed by Elsa at the Battle of the Burning Hill
Arne Golden-Hair
https://bit.ly/39lYuBE
One of Rorik's Norscan retinue, encountered by Adelbert in Ravenskird. Was present at Jarl Rorik's death; escaped with the rest of the Raven Hills raiders. Ludo took his shield. Later returned with Hakon's raiders to Manann's Keep, but survived the attack and was allowed to escape with Sanne Raven-Cry.
Asgeir Far-Strider (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3eWhlUR
One of Rorik's Norscan retinue, encountered by Adelbert in Ravenskird. Grievously wounded at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap, he survived to return with Hakon in the raid on Manann's Keep, only to be killed by his own followers at the bridge.
Sanne Raven-Cry
https://bit.ly/3eQ41Bx
One of Rorik's Norscan retinue, encountered by Adelbert in Ravenskird. Seems to be the member of Rorik's Norscan retinue with the closest ties to Wadim. Survived the Third Battle of Arrow Heap, helped Adelbert escape with news of Hakon and Klammenberg's agreement, and betrayed Hakon during the raid on Manann's Keep. Caught by Sforza’s soldiers leading a band of bandits in the Raven Hills and imprisoned in Savonne.
Ulfgeir Ice-Eye (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2CSNf7z
One of Rorik's Norscan retinue. Injuries sustained at the Battle of the Burning Hill kept him from participating in the Third Battle of Arrow Heap. He attacked Manann's Keep with Hakon's raiders and was killed along with Hakon.
Halli Sharp-Tongue (deceased)
https://bit.ly/30DKnUf
One of Rorik's Norscan retinue, burned alive by Elsa at the Battle of the Burning Hill.
https://bit.ly/32M7ZsI
Count Eberhard Groz (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2CVwHMc
A mercenary from the Empire, and one of the youngest warlords in the Reaches. Killed by Jarl Rorik at the Mitterfruhl feast in Savonne.
Countess Leona Groz
https://bit.ly/39kCsPz
Eberhard's young bride, taken from among the daughters of the guildmasters of Putbad. Was taken into Duke Alvarr's custody following her husband's death at the hands of the Jarl; subsequently 'rescued' by Captain Sforza during his first attack on Savonne. She has given birth to a son, and named it Eberhard after its father.
Sergeant Ehrman (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2WLzTkF
A world-weary old soldier, and one of Groz's trusted deputies. Like many of the Count's men he was suspicious of Rorik and his Norscans. The survivors of the Mitterfrulh massacre confirmed he was killed by Rorik's men.
Pieter Hagendorf
https://bit.ly/39jF40d
Another of Groz's comrades-in-arms. Hagendorf is a lot younger than Ehrman and has more of an eye for the ladies. Presumed dead or missing in the aftermath of the Mitterfruhl massacre.
https://bit.ly/3P1IPfr
Grand Commander Matthau Evatt (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3BaFWTX
Matthau and a small retinue of his fellow Knights Mariner seized power in the Thornwood some years ago, carving out a small kingdom around the town they renamed Manann's Keep. He was intent on bringing the word of Manann to the landlocked Reaches, and his eccentricities caused many of his subjects to doubt his leadership.
Evatt's reign came to an end during the invasion of Magog Ironclaw. Piloting a steam-powered landship named Manann's Blessing into the orc army, Evatt was lost - presumed dead - when the steam ship's boiler exploded.
Ruprecht
https://bit.ly/3UxkJur
The most senior of Evatt's remaining knights. Survived the battle for Manann's Keep; left for Marienburg to carry news of the Grand Commander's death back to his order.
Bernhard (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3uq2AnK
One of Evatt's remaining knights. Advocated for pre-emptive action against the orcs of the Iron Claw Hills before the greenskin invasion; was eventually granted command of a raiding party to try to find and kill the orcs' leader. Bernhard and his force were ambushed and massacred in a dry valley near Caerfort.
Barthold (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3UuDDC7
One of Evatt's knights. Mortally wounded defending the mill during the battle of Manann's Keep.
Einhardt
https://bit.ly/3OWVX5L
One of Evatt's knights. Encountered by Adelbert in the temple of Manann during the party's first visit to Manann's Keep. Was present during the battle for the town, and seems to blame Captain Sforza for his master's downfall; has since disappeared
Fritz & Luther (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3Fpll0D
The two youngest of Evatt's knights. From their age they can't have been more than squires when he first came south. Both were lost, presumed dead, during the ambush on Bernhard's raiding party.
Werner Oberth (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3Fsb3NA
A close adviser of the Grand Commander, and the designer of the land ship Manann's Blessing. Lost, presumed dead, in the wreck of the Blessing.
https://bit.ly/3gWYXT7
Prince Belehir
https://bit.ly/3gWZ7db
An elvish mercenary who drifted into the service of the mad Duke Wulf, Belehir took matters into his own hands and slew his master during the period of anarchy known as the Beheading of the Wolf. Though a reluctant ruler, he held Savonne for several years, repulsing the first attempt of the Reaches' human princes to take the city from him and enduring a months-long siege before succumbing to the second. Alvarr threw him in his own dungeons; he was later freed by Elsa and Astoria d'Evangelisti, and vanished into the wilds.
Roland de Bohun (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3UqQipv
Leader of the Red Company, Belehir's old mercenary regiment. During the siege of Savonne, de Bohun led a mutiny against his master when the outer wall fell, and delivered the citadel to Alvarr and his allies. Was killed during Sieghard's surprise attack on the Red Company camp before the Second Battle of Arrow Heap.
Guildmaster Gisela
https://bit.ly/3Vu8RKN
The head of the Guild of Jewellers and Mineworkers. Gisela was very preoccupied with the question of how to regain entrance to the Dwimmulhold since the dwarfs of Clan Dwimmulson sealed its gates, and the activities of tunnelers in her pay may have been responsible for opening up the forgotten passage of the dwarven underway that allowed the besiegers access to the city. After the fall of Savonne she was deposed as guildmaster; her fate is unknown.
https://bit.ly/3uqnvqw
Rinn Elmendrin
https://bit.ly/3Vu8XC9
The leader of the Dwimmulson dwarfs. Led the Dwimmulsons into self-imposed exile in Putbad to gather support among the human lords of the Reaches to oust Belehir from Savonne. Since the fall of the elf, she has stayed above the infighting of the umgi.
Skorgrund
https://bit.ly/3h1PiKX
A cantankerous elder of the Dwimmulson dwarfs. Keeper of the Clan Dwimmulson Book of Grudges (subtitle: May They All Be Boiled In Oil).
Grunlok: foreman of the Dwimmulhold's mine and chief of the Clan Dwimmulson muster.
Moradin: the clan's master gemcutter.
Hegrom: the clan's master mason.
Zamalind and Zarri: a wealthy merchant and her bodyguard.
Thrunrik, Lokri, Berki, Baragil, Skargan and Vardin (all deceased bar Berki): rangers who scouted the Red Pyramid.
Grunda: a runebearer who often travels between the Reaches and Barak Varr.
Skargil, Lunn, Rollik, Throndin, Uthgar and Moragina (deceased): volunteers for Urgrim's expedition to Kheneb-Ptra-Urush.
Here Be Monsters
https://bit.ly/3e00qDE
Nakht-Horeb of Lahmia,
aka Nahorek the Jackal,
aka Varag Kol (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3gMSisi
An ancient vampire and servant of Nagash, raised from beneath the Red Pyramid on Hexensnacht of 2523 IC. Nakht-Horeb claimed to have been a priest of Djaf in ancient Lahmia, and to have been given the Blood Kiss by W'soran himself. He invaded the Reaches millennia ago, and is still dimly remembered in local folklore and legend. Caught in an ambush outside Nath, he was struck with the spear of Kheneb-Ptra-Urush, and is presumed destroyed.
Johannes Klammenberg (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3mfxBF2
A man of letters from the town of Maylhof, in Stirland. Klammenberg spent a year travelling the Reaches by coach collecting strange esoterica, and crossed paths with the party several times. They since learned he was a necromancer, who resurrected Nakht-Horeb and acted as his agent. Klammenberg was taken captive by Ludo in Last Water, and killed when Gunda and the Falcons ambushed him on the road to Manann's Keep.
Udolf (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3ogYmK7
Klammenberg's mute bodyguard and coachman. On his 'death', he was revealed to be a walking corpse, taken from the gallows and stuffed with sawdust and preservatives to halt the process of decay.
Besnik (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3oakdCV
A Rivermouth boy who was given to Johannes Klammenberg as a servant when he visited the village. Besnik infiltrated the Cult of Morr in Savonne as an initiate, and invited Nakht-Horeb into the temple. Was burned alive by Elsa while trying to escape with the Book of Nagash.
'Mother' Mala
https://bit.ly/2JhWtxo
Wise woman of the village of Rivermouth. Mala was instrumental in concealing the cannibalistic 'old folk' of the village, and in the devastating ambush that killed a great number of the Thorns when Sieghard pressed his investigation. She and her followers sheltered Nahorek when he fled into the Bracken Mere, and followed him into Nath, appearing to worship him as a god. Now the only survivor of Rivermouth, she has most recently been seen on the edge of the Raven Hills, still claiming to follow the Jackal and denying that he has been destroyed.
Meskhenet
https://bit.ly/3dXpJq7
A long-dead priestess of the hidden temple of Kheneb-Ptra-Urush. Meskhenet used the Book of Nagash she was sworn to safeguard in a desperate attempt to stave off an attacking greenskin horde, and so condemned herself and the inhabitants of Kheneb-Ptra-Urush to the curse of undeath. Her newly-risen compatriots impaled her undead form on a stake, where she remained until she was discovered the party. She charged them with retrieving the book, saying it was stolen long ago by an unknown thief. Ludo has since returned to the ruins again and escaped with her (still-animated) skull.
Sekhemkare
https://bit.ly/3nCjBa4
The garrison commander of Kheneb-Ptra-Urush, Sekhemkare and his soldiers fell defending their home from orcs only to rise again as undead. He pursued the party into the Iron Claw Hills when they tried to plunder the ruins, but lost them in the night.
Nicodemus (doubly deceased)
https://bit.ly/3gLuO6x
One of the three founders of the Lost Library. Nicodemus used the Book of Nagash to extend his life well beyond its natural limits, eventually becoming trapped in the sanctum where it was kept as a wraith. Due to his deathless state, he was the only member of the Illuminated Order to survive the ritual that pulled the library into the Realm of Chaos, where he remained until he was destroyed by the party.
Samira (doubly deceased)
https://bit.ly/3ivGjSB
An Arabyan sorceress, and founder of the Tower of Silence in the cursed city of Nath. When the sorcerers of Nath turned on each other, Samira used the Book of Nagash to unleash the spell that slew the inhabitants of the city and transformed them into hungering ghosts. She remained as a spectre haunting the tower until the arrival of Nakht-Horeb and his followers, when the Jackal used her as a fulcrum to bind the spirits of the city to his will. After the vampire's defeat, she was destroyed by Elsa.
https://bit.ly/2VbMbS7
Cacophrax
https://bit.ly/39mQnGY
A powerful daemon of Tzeentch, Cacophrax seems to have been at least partially responsible for the ritual that pulled the Lost Library into the Realm of Chaos. Having spent an unknown time trying to break the wards on Nicodemus' sanctum, he recruited the party to help him. The intervention of the Huntsman foiled his plan and allowed the party to escape with the book.
Tshula-Udiyya
https://bit.ly/3fLJFvy
A 'djinn' bound to a clay jar by the sorcerers of Nath, and left there after the city's destruction. Tshula was awoken by Adelbert when the party found themselves trapped by Nahorek. In exchange for delivering them to safety, Sieghard and the Thorns freed her by smashing the vessel she was bound to.
The escaped daemon made her way to Savonne by possessing a series of hosts, and manipulated Tatiana into attempting to dig up the Book of Nagash. Caught in the attempt by Father Hieronymus and the Iron Company guards, she was thought banished, but in fact possessed Hieronymus himself, lying low and only occasionally exerting her influence. She was confronted and driven out of her new host when the party became suspicious of Hieronymus’ erratic behaviour.
The Beast of Harmugstahl
https://bit.ly/39im6cq
An aquatic, fire-breathing Chaos Spawn inhabiting the flooded caverns beneath the ruins of Harmugstahl. The beast appears to have once been one of the magi of the Brethren of the Silver Tower, who tried to cast the Library of the Illuminated Order into the Realm of Chaos.
The Huntsman
https://bit.ly/3mubPOd
The Huntsman is a daemon of Khorne who occupied a portion of the Lost Library. A hunter of wizards, he seemed to have lain dormant for some time before the party's breaching of Nicodemus' sanctum woke him.
https://bit.ly/3OX6LAQ
Magog of the Iron Claw (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3dWi8rL
An orc warboss who rose out of the Iron Claw Hills, leading an army against the territories of Grand Commander Evatt and causing his ultimate downfall. Magog was killed by Sieghard during the battle for Manann's Keep, in which the intervention of Muzio Sforza and his army prevented the orcs from overrunning the Thornwood and the Lost Vale.
Boss Glimrut
https://bit.ly/3dY7yRa
Chief of the Broken Moon Goblins living under the Giant's Teeth. Glimrut's hench-goblins tried to kidnap Tatiana as a sacrifice to Da Big Wun.
Da Big Wun
https://bit.ly/3ue3CBD
A wyvern living high in the Giant's Teeth. So far it seems to have been preying largely on stray livestock, and the sacrifices offered to it by the Broken Moon Goblins.
The Common People
Morr’s Seat
Alin: An easygoing local who became the go-between between the Vrani and the occupying Iron Company soldiers, leading many to view him with resentment.
Danut: The smith of Morr’s Seat. Well-respected among the community, he is the father of Miruna.
Marjan: The keeper of the alehouse.
Miruna: A teenage girl who learned many of the stories of the Vrani from Wadim before his disappearance.
Vesna & Vida: The town’s best healers, two old women who live near the gate.
Greasy Drop
Armin
https://bit.ly/39vcvii
A stern but charismatic priest who became the self-appointed leader of the village of Greasy Drop. Armin was hailed as having saved the villagers from famine and bandits, but has an unnerving enthusiasm for blood sacrifice. He calls his god "Ahalt the Drinker", and crashed the Conclave of Savonne to claim the events of Hexensnacht are a sign that he has returned. He began recruiting refugees to his cause, but was apprehended by the forces of Prince Sforza and set to hang in a cage in Manann's Keep.
Adva: peasant woman.
Rumour has it that all the inhabitants of Greasy Drop abandoned the village to follow Armin on his pilgrimage to Nath.
Turnpike Hollow
Gautmar: village leader/bandit chief.
Akela: wise woman.
Kashto: inexperienced ambusher.
Nahab (deceased): particularly inexperienced ambusher.
All residents of Turnpike Hollow are missing, presumed dead.
Alvarran
Father Vengist (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3qbMyKD
Alvarran's resident priest of Morr. With the aid of his assistant Berthold, Father Vengist tended to the Garden of Morr outside the city walls. He took a dim view of the folk worship of Nahorek, and was unfriendly towards wizards. Duke Alvarr's conquest of Savonne brought Vengist there to mediate between the Duke and the priesthood; afterwards he returned to Alvarran to deal with an outbreak of disease, and is reported to have succumbed.
Brother Odo
https://bit.ly/3fN53Ay
A fervent grail pilgrim, and the former custodian of the Chapel of Our Lady Victorious in Alvarran. Some might describe Odo as a little touched in the head, but not to his face: he is a large, strong man, with a large, strong voice. Odo claimed he had discovered the remains of the legendary grail knight Sir Leodoric the Just under Alvarran Castle. Having lost his legs to Elsa's magic at the Battle of Arrow Heap, he lost his faith in the Lady, and fell in for a while with Armin’s followers of the Drinker. His current whereabouts and religious inclinations are unknown.
Madame Rosmerta Morte
https://bit.ly/39oLBIU
A barber-surgeon with a faraway air, who is perhaps a bit keen on amputations. Was spotted by Ludo among Armin’s followers in the south; current whereabouts unknown.
Herr Leiber
https://bit.ly/2JjU7OH
Madame Morte's entrepreneurial housemate and business partner. Sold 100% legit meat pies.
Sister Mathilde (deceased): priestess of Shallya, murdered by a mysterious attacker Johannes Klammenberg, who cut off her hands.
Rabelais & Geiger: gamblers.
Felix, Ulf & Marquand: lads about town.
Yonec & Elspeth: a cobbler and his wife.
Schiller: a candlemaker.
Mad Gustaf: a man who claims to be an 'adventurer'.
Baldred, Pepin, Sorin & Skender: a travelling merchant, his carter, and his two Raven Hills guards.
Donar: keeper of a farmstead near the city.
Elmridge
Father Jurgen Hechsler
https://bit.ly/3mgU4S1
A Sigmarite priest, Father Hechsler was displaced from his temple in Alvarran when the building was appropriated by Duke Alvarr to construct the Chapel of Our Lady Victorious, and turned to drink. Adelbert found him a placement at Elmridge, with the help of Janos Forkbeard.
Gant (deceased): village elder, executed by the party on the instructions of Eugen Jager.
Flitch: bowyer.
Heloise: shepherdess.
Hartmut's Fall
Sergeant Marat
https://bit.ly/36i1cIB
The commander of Duke Alvarr's garrison at Hartmut's Fall. Marat is an old soldier with the scars of many battles - including several missing fingers. Was in charge of the caravan of supplies that Sieghard's militia intercepted en route to Savonne.
Ortholf: barber-surgeon.
Thibault: armourer.
Arnulf: spearman who helped capture Elsa.
Fauchard: archer who helped capture Elsa.
Putbad
Abbot Tomas
https://bit.ly/2VeHJlw
Head of the Azrillite order, and master of the monastery in Putbad.
Tobar: master of the Coopers' Guild.
Sebastian: high-class servant.
Rupp: boatman.
Savonne
Mother Raqiyah (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3nDLTA0
Savonne's highest-ranking priest of Morr and Augur of the temple, Raqiyah was the nominal figurehead of the city's Conclave of clergy. Briefly imprisoned by Alvarr after the city's fall, she was reinstated and remained in office after Sforza's subsequent conquest. Killed by Nakht-Horeb in the attack on the Temple.
Brother Liebrecht (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3rkDhAL
Mother Raqiyah's right-hand priest and master of the initiates in the Temple. Killed by Nakht-Horeb in the attack on the Temple.
Brother Cezar
https://bit.ly/34ziHmj
Keeper of the Chapel of Morr in Ravenskird. A good friend to Adelbert and the party, the depletion of the upper ranks of the Cult of Morr has seen him move to Savonne to take up a senior role in the Temple.
Father Hieronymus
https://bit.ly/3h7RZ9g
The head of the cult of Verena in Savonne and a member of the Conclave. Hieronymus showed considerable interest in the question of Meskhenet's book, and has helped the party in their research. Despite the loss of one of his two owls (Euthymius and Eustratius) in the sack of the city, the withering of his right hand by the Book of Nagash, and being briefly possessed by the daemon Tshula-Udiyya, Hieronymus maintains a sanguine outlook on life.
Mother Gaertner (deceased)
https://bit.ly/34yRLDn
The highest-ranking priestess of Rhya in Savonne and a member of the Conclave. Unlike the other priests, Gaertner was an emigre from the Empire. Killed during the sack of the city.
Mother Constanza (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3rdXXud
Head of the Shallyan order in Savonne, and keeper of the Great Hospital of Armengild. Killed by Nakht-Horeb.
Sister Stefania and Sister Ioana
https://bit.ly/2WyaCtN
The most senior priestesses of Shallya beneath Mother Constanza, responsible for the day-to-day running of the infirmary and the supervision of the Shallyan initiates.
Brother Jakub (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3mAwuiN
Savonne's representative of the Monks of Azriller, and a member of the Conclave. Killed by Nakht-Horeb.
Brother Grigore
https://bit.ly/3pdhybT
The Temple's appointed representative to watch over the Book of Nagash while it was in Manann's Keep, he accompanied the Book to Savonne after Hakon's raid.
Bertelis
https://bit.ly/2WxgLXb
A young Caerfort boy apprenticed into the Cult of Verena by Adelbert. Bertelis now lives and works with the other (mainly Morrite) initiates of the Temple.
Jasper Greenapple
https://bit.ly/3riqTB5
A prosperous Halfling river trader, Jasper Greenapple had many fingers in many pies - one of which was the smuggling of contraband into the city via the old dwarf tunnel. He kept a home in the docks of Savonne, watched over by his fearsome Ogre friend and bodyguard Kragg. Greenapple vanished during the fall of the city to Alvarr's coalition. Kragg was killed and Greenapple's riverside house became a haunt of Rorik's Norscans.
'No-Nose' Dragos (deceased)
https://bit.ly/2WyaRVt
A vicious thug with a missing nose who took over the dockside underworld of Savonne after Greenapple's disappearance, and was heavily involved in the distribution of Crimson Shade from Last Water. Killed by Sieghard after trying to sabotage the supplies being shipped north to Sforza's army in the Shepherd's Valley.
Captain Sandu of the Green Dragon
https://bit.ly/3nE53WE
A riverboat captain whose run-ins with the party have brought him only trouble. Master of one of the fastest boats on the Azril, Sandu was involved in the smuggling of food and supplies into Savonne during Alvarr's siege, and the movement of Crimson Shade into the city after it fell.
Filomena
https://bit.ly/37C4zdN
A brothel-keeper who travelled with Sforza's army before he came to the Reaches, and supposedly enjoys good standing with the Captain. Filomena has a fearsome reputation among her workers, and seems to have a deep and abiding dislike for the lady Irene. Starting from Mirino, she has expanded her business first to Manann’s Keep and then to Savonne in the wake of Sforza’s conquests. She is the owner of the Happy Serpent (Mirino), Drowned Cat (Savonne) and Pink Peach (Savonne).
Herr Reinholt
https://bit.ly/3F84qzu
A long-stay inmate of the Hospital of Saint Armengild, Reinholt suffers from delusions that he is the ruler of the Reaches.
Jacques Langue d’Or
https://bit.ly/3XeqTlA
A travelling Bretonnian minstrel, Jacques had sunk into penury in the slums of Savonne after being humiliated by Viggo in a ballad contest in Mirino. Jarla became his patron and elevated him to play for Sforza’s court. Despite his personal vanity, Jacques is grateful for the opportunity Jarla has offered him - gratitude he has in the past tried to show through (respectful) amorous advances.
Hayfa: keeper of the Red Moon lodging house.
Yanko: innkeeper of the Yellow Dog.
Talibah Al-Khansa: bookseller in the Old Town.
Thibault Fulk: bookseller in the Warren)
Lena Knopf and Axel (deceased): a local historian and her doorman. Axel was killed in the first sack of Savonne, and Lena fled the city after Sforza's conquest.
Griswold: a drunken beggar who claimed to have seen the Lost Library.
'Mad' Maglyn and Clora: a moneylender and her intimidating bodyguard.
Burhan: a young merchant who helped the party get supplies north to Sforza's army, and was poisoned by Dragos in return (he got better).
Varga: Dragos' right-hand man, missing in the aftermath of Dragos' death.
Jozef and Garrett: members of Dragos' dockworker gang.
Pietro: Filomena’s mute head bouncer, relocated from Mirino.
Ravenskird
Hook-Handed Rogar (deceased): a dishonest boatman who tried to trap the party under Gilbertus' manse so he could rob them.
Costin: keeper of the alehouse and party to Rogar's schemes. Fled in the aftermath of Rorik's raid on the village.
Arrow Heap
Big Rolf: A village elder very proud of the village's history of independence. Rolf had to be subdued for his own good to prevent him from starting a fight with Sforza's army.
A young woman who is not called Brunhilde.
Painford
Beatrix Fassbender (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3mI29P8
Also known as the Witch of Painford. Beatrix was an ex-Magister of the Gold Order who fled Altdorf under unknown circumstances. She was well-liked in the village of Painford where she made her home, having saved them from an insane barber-surgeon who made himself mayor. Though she was widely reputed to be in Evatt's service, she seemed to act independently of his court.
Following a failed attempt to turn her left hand into living gold, Beatrix's body began slowly turning to lead. Driven out of her home by the events of Sforza's conquest of the south, she sought a cure for some time, but her efforts ultimately failed, leaving her in a lead-poisoning-induced coma. Elsa's attempts to complete the cure using her own magic caused Beatrix to burn to death.
Her familiar Ortolanus was an animated simulacrum of a large predatory-looking lizard, made entirely from brass. He died with his mistress.
Rhadegund
https://bit.ly/2KtyA6O
A sharp, ambitious teenage girl from Caerfort whom Adelbert apprenticed into the Cult of Verena. Feeling abandoned by Adelbert's disappearance, she refused to rejoin him and instead stayed to live and work with the hostel-keepers in Painford.
Kirsten (deceased): a peasant woman who had a romance with Viggo. Killed by Kelda.
Marta and Dierk: a mother and her son. Marta was struck in the head during Hakon's raid on the village and lost her wits, leaving the young Dierk to care for her.
Gavril & Karolina: the hostel keeper and his wife.
Manann's Keep
Steffan Sussman, Steward of Manann's Keep
https://bit.ly/3ayMYpg
A local merchant who made himself a close adviser of the Grand Commander, and was the first to swear his allegiance to Muzio Sforza in the aftermath of Evatt's death. After Sforza's coronation, he was rewarded with stewardship of Evatt's old capital.
Sergeant Friedrich Fischwillen (deceased)
https://bit.ly/34AWdBl
A bullying sergeant of Evatt's guards, who had no difficulty changing his allegiance to Captain Sforza following Evatt's downfall. Made an enemy of Sieghard and went to great lengths to sabotage Sieghard's standing in the eyes of Sforza and his officers. Was eventually outwitted and hanged after being framed by Sieghard, Ludo and Viggo as a spy for Alvarr.
Lottie Cinderhill
https://bit.ly/3gIipAt
A halfling from Alvarran, Lottie was trapped in Pieter's Pass with many others when the city came under siege, and Duke Alvarr turned out those he could no longer feed. She became a de facto leader of the group that survived and headed south into the Downlands, though they later came under the influence of Armin. After Sforza broke up Armin's following, she was among a number who were left to settle in the Vale. Not a Sermena halfling, she presumably hails from outside the Reaches.
Herr Ardelean: a rich miller with a weakness for card games.
Handrich's Cross
Frau Faber
https://bit.ly/2J8HNko
A gold miner and caravan master from Handrich's Cross, Faber is of Imperial stock. The party encountered her taking her caravan to the Mitterfruhl fair in Mirino, and accompanied her back to Evatt's domain.
Caerfort
Orderic (deceased): village elder.
Jacen (deceased): lodge keeper.
Abelard (deceased): a young villager who did sentry duty in the tower.
Dhuoda (deceased): a goatherd.
The villagers of Caerfort were killed by Nakht-Horeb, and taken to Nath as undead servants. Caerfort now stands derelict and untenanted.
Mirino
Marek
https://bit.ly/2WyagTZ
Owner of Il Calice D'Oro. Despite how his inn has thrived from the custom of Sforza’s soldiers, he is generally morose and fatalistic.
Krucke & Mannfred
https://bit.ly/2KhSNNb
A seller of second-hand clothes and Adelbert's former landlord, Krucke is a foul-tempered and greedy old man. One of the only Imperial immigrants in Mirino, he doesn't like the Tileans, or the locals, or women, or young people, or daylight. He lives with his cat Mannfred, who chases dogs for sport.
Krucke received a considerable reward for helping apprehend Johannes Klammenberg, but doesn’t seem to have used the money to improve his living conditions in any noticeable way.
Aisha
https://bit.ly/3nEg4qZ
Aisha used to work at the Serpent, until Filomena threw her out for supposedly having the pox. Adelbert took her in, and Ludo found her a job helping Marek at the Chalice. Adelbert's some-time lover, she ran away after the two of them fell out, and has been intermittently sighted with a travelling troupe of actors. She is missing the tips of two fingers on her right hand.
Natasa
https://bit.ly/2WAnkYR
A friendly goatherd who Sieghard, Viggo and Ludo met through their sparring sessions at Hadil's shack. For a while Sieghard and Viggo competed for her affection.
Iosif
https://bit.ly/3awFKSp
A friendly (and smelly) bear of a man, Iosif is Mirino's tanner. He lives outside town where the smell of his work cannot trouble people too much, and was quite impressed when the party brought him the pelts of several Giant Wolves.
Rudi & Leni Figgins
https://bit.ly/37DT3Pp
Ludo's brother-in-law and older sister. Rudi has become the head cook of Sforza's army, a rewarding post but one that often takes him away from home, much to Leni's worry.
Mihai: smith
Chiara: seamstress)
Kaja & Mirjana: a peasant boy, briefly apprenticed to Adelbert as a scribe, and his mother.
Shandor: peasant.
Mirela: peasant woman, Viggo's one-night stand.
Abelie, Serafina, Nadiyya, Reena, Nuri & Nadia: prostitutes at the Happy Serpent.
Sermena
Odo Stubbs
https://bit.ly/3nIZ82r
Ludo's father, and the owner of the Sermena iron mines. Self-important and status-obsessed, his relationship with his son is strained at best.
Petra Stubbs
https://bit.ly/3rdWmVf
Ludo's younger sister. Sharp-minded and well-liked, she helps Odo with the administration of the mines, but is much more fond of her brother
"Old" Gill Brandyhill: village elder and proprietor of the inn.
Talbert Tallfellow: envoy to Sforza on behalf of Sermena's halflings.
Ronald Swanfeather: mine overseer.
Norbert "Nobby" Burrows: looks after the inn for Gill.
Theda Bramcot, Eena Tumblebright and Lisbet: local halflings.
Massimo: retired Iron Company veteran.
Vincenzo ('Vico'), Alessio, Orfeo and Vittore (all deceased): retired veterans duped by Klammenberg into accompanying him into the Waste.
Karl the Carter
https://bit.ly/3vrjMYu
A travelling trader who makes a living transporting goods between the settlements of the Broken Reaches. A taciturn man, he seems to know his way around a crossbow.
Sir Tancred du Bahorel & Chlodbert
https://bit.ly/2SftChT
A questing knight from the duchy of Bordeleaux, Sir Tancred has come to the Broken Reaches in search of the Grail. He is accompanied by his trusty page Chlodbert, who is the only one of the pair to speak Reikspiel.
Thengdrim Ungdrinaz
https://bit.ly/3eCEGwL
A Dwarf Slayer, encountered by the party in Alvarran and then again in Savonne. He blames Elsa for getting him turfed out of the Gilded Beetle, when it was in fact all Viggo's fault.
Maksim Dolokhov (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3eHAvji
Leader of the Storm Swords mercenary company. An old battle brother of Alvarr's, he left the Duke's service after Alvarr exposed his men to the fire of his own siege engines during the siege of Savonne. His decision to intervene in the Third Battle of Arrow Heap turned the battle in Captain Sforza's favour. Was killed with Alvarr at Alvarran when Sforza refused to honour the Duke's surrender.
Jurgen Falkenwald & Gunda (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3sYsYC0
Leaders of Falkenwald's Falcons, a troop of sellswords in the Uplands. Betrayed the defenders of Bunthafen to Jarl Rorik and his men, then switched sides again to fight for Captain Sforza when their contract with the northern coalition came to an end. Present at (and possibly responsible for) the death of Duke Edouard Alvarr. Falkenwald fell out of favour with Sforza when he helped Irene arrange an ambush for Ludo, and was executed as a traitor.
Matthias Teufelssohn & Stenger (both deceased)
https://bit.ly/3u3ea6f
A witch hunter and his henchman who came searching for Elsa.
Balios (deceased) & Jocasta
https://bit.ly/3gLewKZhttps://bit.ly/3i78hDY
Travelling priests of Taal and Rhya. Their dislike of towns and cities was intensified by the murder of Mother Gaertner during the sack of Savonne. On returning to Savonne to consult with the other priests of the Temple, Balios was killed by Nakht-Horeb. Jocasta remains a wanderer in the Reaches.
The Knights of the Raven (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3gLv4m1
A band of Morrite templars sworn to exterminate the undead, Preceptor Götz Kleinrabe and his followers rode to the Reaches to answer the Temple of Savonne's call for help against Nahorek. Kleinrabe was confident in his ability to destroy the vampire, claiming to have hunted down seven of his kind. Together with the Thorns, the Morrites tracked Nahorek to the ruins of Nath, where the Jackal proved a far more dangerous enemy than the vampires they had slain before. Kleinrabe and his three knights (Drakken, Sigmund and Ehrl) were all slain, as was their priest, Brother Merrick of the Fellowship of the Shroud.
Kateryn Moltke (deceased)
https://bit.ly/3vF4srp
Götz Kleinrabe's squire. Moltke survived the slaughter at Nath by hiding in the ruins, later escaping with Ludo and Urgrim, but was later killed by Gunda and the Falcons when they tried to ambush Ludo on the Caerfort road.
Timekeeping
This game will keep track of a detailed IC calendar. This will function both to track the time of year, and as a countdown to the end of the game: once three IC years have passed, the game ends. Most major NPCs will have timetables that they will adhere to in the absence of PC interference. Concentrating on one small region may leave you blind to threats evolving outside that region.
Note that this means I fully expect your characters to spend a fair amount of downtime doing unremarkable things, where days or weeks can be glossed over in a couple of posts. Three years of real-time PBP play would take forever! If you have some trade skills or whatnot, and feel like applying them to earn some money in a town you pass through - or anything of that ilk - then go right ahead. If the rest of the group want to go on an adventure and you want to take some time out, then that's fine too, although you should be advised that an adventure might take a long time to be resolved due to the pace of PBP play.
We'll be using the Imperial Calendar, since it is the most detailed. Below are the details of the Imperial year:
The Imperial Calendar
The Imperial year lasts 400 days. It is divided into twelve months, with six holidays not considered part of any month. These are picked out in bold.
Hexenstag
Witching Day
Nachexen
32 days
Jahrdrung
33 days
Mitterfruhl
Spring Equinox
Pflugzeit
33 days
Sigmarzeit
33 days
Sommerzeit
33 days
Sonstill
Summer Solstice
Vorgeheim
33 days
Geheimnistag
Day of Mystery
Nachgeheim
32 days
Erntzeit
33 days
Mittherbst
Autumn Equinox
Brauzeit
33 days
Kaldezeit
33 days
Ulriczeit
33 days
Mondstill
Winter Solstice
Vorhexen
33 days
Every Old World culture has many holy days and festivals scattered throughout the year. Details of these can be found in the Tome of Salvation (p.144), a sourcebook on religion and priestly careers. Local practices vary widely, but I'll be trying to remember the big ones and maybe throw in a few regional ones too.
The Imperial Week
The Imperial week lasts eight days.
Wellentag
Aubentag
Marktag
Backertag
Bezahltag
Konigstag
Angestag
Festag
My GM posts will have date stamps - if an IC day goes past and I forget, remind me!
The Famine Tracker
This scale keeps track of the level of famine in the territory administered by the PCs.
https://i.postimg.cc/jdPwh5T0/Famine-Tracker.png
The 7-point scale represents the current balance of food supplies vs. need. 7 is what in normal times would be the baseline - enough food for everyone to eat their fill. You're starting at 5: people are having to eat less than they want, but can still work and go about their lives. At 3, more serious effects of malnutrition will start to set in, and if you hit 1, we're talking mass mortality.
The number next to the barrel in the bottom right corner represents your weeks of stores. The tracker will update once per IC week, and you can burn a week's stores to cancel out one space's movement to the left.
Summary of current influences:
Iron Company tribute moves the tracker 1 space to the left once every 5 weeks.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-04, 04:27 PM
Ludovic Stubbs
http://s22.postimg.cc/9h9smvw4x/Ludo_Current.png
"Adventurer. By trade. When the opportunity arises."
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
Will
Fel
28
46
26
36
74
48
37
72
2/2
1/1
1/1
3/3
5/5
2/2
2/2
6/6
Fortune
Insanity
Lucky
2/2
1/1
0/1
Attacks: 2 (1/1)
Wounds: 14/14 (4/4)
Move: 5
Fate: 2
Insanity: 1
Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry, Necromancy), Blather, Charm +20, Command +10, Common Lore (Halflings, Border Princes), Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow +10, Evaluate +20, Gamble +10, Gossip, Haggle, Local Knowledge (Painford), Perception+20, Pick Lock, Performer (Actor), Read/Write, Ride, Scale Sheer Surface, Search, Sleight Of Hand, Stealth +20, Speak Language (Riekspiel, Halfling, Classical, Khazalid, Tilean), Trade (Miner)
Talents: Flee!, Friendly Acquaintance (Iron Company), Mimic, Night Vision, Public Speaker, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, Resistant to Chaos, Sixth Sense, Streetwise, Specialist weapons training (Sling, Gunpowder), Tunnel Rat, Dealmaker
Gear:
Money
114GP, 10S,
204GP owed by Sforza.
Monthly Income: 10GC
Clothes:
Dashing Clothes (Good Quality)
Warm-weather Clothes (Good Quality)
Normal Clothes
Thorns uniform with cloak
Adelbert's Owl pendant
Wide-brimmed hat
Leather Jack (AP 1, Body, Arms)
Weapons:
Sling (Dam 3, 16/32 Range, Half Reload)
Crossbow (Dam 4, 30/60 Range, Full Reload)
12 Crossbow Bolts (Resupplied from Thorns armoury)
2 Silver Bolts
Sword (Dam SB)
Dagger (Dam SB-3)
Silvered Sword (Dam SB, Silvered)
Shield (Dam SB-2, +10 to parry, -10 to be hit at range)
Firearm (Dam 4, 24/48 Range, 2 Full Reload, Impact (2d10b1 damage), Unreliable (96-00 to hit is bad news)
10 Shots of ammo
Equipment
Tent
Backpack
Blanket
Cutlery
Tankard
Storm Lantern
36 Hours Oil
10 Matches
2x Waterskins
Lockpicks
20ft rope
Two sacks
Crowbar
Pony (Lumpin)
When travelling with Lumpin, the pony carries Ludo's Crossbow and ammo, Silvered Sword, and 2/3rds his lamp oil, rations, and water.
Terrier (Stoutheart)
At Ludo's House in Painford
One sheet of vellum, two candles of dark wax. Rubbing of Madam Morte's broken brooch, rubbing of symbol on Alvarran sword. Obsidian Pendant from the Ravenskird Ruins, Wyvern Tooth
Usually whichever of his clothes he isn't wearing.
Career: Tomb Robber > Rogue > Gambler > Rapscallion
Advances/Stat Changes
Shallya's blessing on Strength, swapped Agility and Weapon Skill.
Free - +5 Int
100xp - +5 Int
200xp - Charm
100xp - +5 Fel
100xp - Luck
100xp - Silent Move
200xp - +10 Ag
200xp - +10 WP
200xp - +10 WS
200xp - +2 Wounds
200xp - Progress to Rogue
100xp - Haggle
100xp - Gamble
100xp - +5 Fellowship
100xp - +5 Agility
250xp - Dodge Blow
100xp - +5 Agility
100xp - Charm +10
100xp - Concealment +10
100xp - Flee
100xp - Silent Move +10
100xp - Int +5
100xp - Fel +5
100xp - +5 BS
100xp - Blather
100xp - Progress to Gambler
100xp - Streetwise
100xp - Sleight Of Hand
100xp - Progress to Rapscallion
100xp - Dodge Blow +10
100xp - Fleet Footed (+1 Movement)
100xp - +5 Fellowship
200xp - Speak Language (Tilean)
100xp - +5 Toughness
100xp - +5 Toughness
200xp - Command
100xp - +1 Wound
100xp - +1 Wound
100xp - Quick Draw
100xp - +1 Attack
200xp - Rapid Reload
100xp - Dealmaker
100xp - +5 Str
100xp - +5 Toughness
100xp - +1 Wound
100xp - Charm +20
200xp - Academic Knowledge (Necromancy)
100xp - +10 Perception
100xp - +1 Wound
200xp - Command +10
100xp- +5 Ag
100xp - +20 Perception
100xp - +5 Fel
100xp - +5 Fel
100xp - +5 Ag
100xp - +5 Ag
200xp - SWT (Gunpowder)
100xp - Evaluate +10
100xp - Consume Alcohol
100xp - Gamble +10
100xp - Evaluate +20
200xp - Ride
(to buy for progression: Lip Reading, Swim)
(available: Ambidextrous, Swashbuckler, Read/Write +10, Search to +20, Gossip to +20, Sleight of Hand to +10, any two Common Knowledges)
65xp Remaining
Insanity - Ghosts of the Fallen
]A life of adventure has turned out to include a lot more death than Ludo envisioned growing up in Sermena. Now, when he leads others into danger, he feels the accusing stares of those he couldn't save...
Ludo feels overwhelming feelings of guilt at allowing others to expose themselves to danger in his place, sometimes manifesting as hallucinations of the ghosts of dead comrades. He must pass a WP test not to volunteer for dangerous tasks, or come to the assistance of friends in danger. If someone dies as a result of Ludo passing a WP test not to help them, he suffers -10 to his WP and Fel for the next 24 hours as he is wracked with guilt.
Once per day, Ludo may forfeit the WP test when faced with such a situation and see the ghost of a dead comrade urging him on, granting him a temporary Fortune Point that lasts until the end of the day.
Elite Advances
Local Knowledge (X): the character has a detailed knowledge of the people and landscapes in the given settlement and an approximately ten-mile radius around it. Can be rolled to recall a local person and some detail of their lives, remember details of locations such as handy hiding places or uncharted huts, or to bring up information such as population. Provides more detailed information than Common Knowledge, some of which (at the GM's discretion) the player may make up for themself to save the GM doing it.
Friendly Acquaintance (Group): The character has spent enough time with a group to be acquainted with most of their members, and by coincidence runs into old drinking buddies, fellow soldiers, or just nodding acquaintances all the time. Upon meeting a member of this group for the first time (or the first time in a long time) the character may spend a fate point and recall previous meetings with this person in the past - for instance, you may have spent an evening playing cards with them, or chatted on a long day's march. From then on, social interactions with this person use this friendly relationship as a baseline. This is at the GM's discretion- more detailed or beneficial relationships may be vetoed entirely or require some sort of supporting test - failure means that the NPC remembers the previous relationship very differently, and much less positively.
This ability may be combined with the Distract combat action.
Background
Age: 54
Height: 4'2"
Weight: 115lbs
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Star Sign: Dragomas the Drake (Sign of Courage)
Doom: "Follow not the steps of Dragomas."
The small man fed the small dog a scrap of chicken and smiled up at the two mercenaries. They exchanged glances. “Say all that again.” Nosewood said eventually.
The small man gave an indulgent chuckle. He was a middle-aged halfling, short, stout, wearing faded breeches and shirt under a battered, brightly coloured jacket, and a wide-brimmed flat cloth hat. "My name, good sirs, is Ludovic Stubbs. Yes, indeed, that Ludovic Stubbs. Born in Last Water, in the lands of Capitano Sforza, grew up under vicious attacks from the undead, the greenskins, and the ratmen of the wastes. Killed a dozen ratmen defending my fathers farm. But that wasn’t enough adventure for me, oh no. Back when I was a strapping lad, I needed more. Turned my love for adventure into a love of the open road. Took to raiding barrows and tombs. Hundreds of crowns worth of artefacts I took from them, sometimes right under the nasal cavities of their old inhabitants. Some of those tombs are Morr’s own house, let me tell you. Hidden blades, sharp as needles, poisons that have only matured over time. I took jewels from dragon’s eyes, with barely scorched feet. I’m the only halfling to return alive from the slopes of the red pyramid. I’m an entrepreneur: I gather, collect, and sell the antiquities these tombs hold. And now I wish to do your little band the honour of joining it.”
The two mercenaries gave each other another look. Ludovic pretended to ignore it, and fed the dog a bit more chicken. “This here is Stoutheart, by the way. I’m sure he’d wish to join too.”
“Where in these lands do dragons dwell?” Nosewood began.
“Oh. Around and abouts.”
“For a man with hundreds of crowns to his name, you certainly were unwilling to pay for your own meat.” Nosewood’s companion, Dullhelm commented.
“I, ah, prefer...”
“Ratmen don’t really attack from the wastes.”
“These ones were, ah, misplaced...”
“And nobody returns alive from the red pyramid.” Nosewood was very firm on this. Ludovic blanched briefly, but seemed to rally and drew himself up to his full height. “I did.”
“No you didn’t, halfling.” The two mercenaries stood. “We’ve seen enough.” Dullhelm nodded. “You can pay for your own damn meat.”
Ludovic stood, (pulling the chicken away from the dog) and squared up to the men. “I am a legitimate businessmen, and i will not accept these aspersions on my character.”
“You are a liar, and a grave robber, and we will not sully the honour of our company by...”
“Please!” The impassioned plea caught the attention of the entire bar. Ludovic looked briefly embarrassed, then continued. “I want to be an adventurer. All my life i’ve been sneaking around in old barrows and stealing trinkets from corpses. I want excitement. I want adventure. Won’t you let me join?”
Nosewood shook his head. “We don’t take liars.”
After the two men had gone, Ludo sat down again. The dog whined at his ankle, and he threw it another piece of chicken with a sigh. “Ah well, Stoutheart.” he said. “We live and we learn.”
He drew a scrap of parchment from his pack and crossed “Nosewood’s Irregulars” off a long list.
"Meeting the Ramkin Swordsmen in half an hour." he commented. "Perhaps they won't ask so many questions."
-Sentinel-
2022-12-04, 04:40 PM
Elsabeth Holt
a.k.a. Beatrix Hildebrand
https://i.imgur.com/eYCl1SY.png
Race: Human
Age: 25
Career: Apprentice Wizard > Journeyman Wizard > Master Wizard > Noble > Border Courtier
Description: Elsabeth is a young woman of average height with short red hair. Her most striking features are her amber eyes and the swirling red tattoos adorning her face. Her travel clothes consist of a well-worn black coat, high boots, and thick leather gloves of the fire-resistant kind used by blacksmiths. When working as a court wizard in the service of Captain Sforza of Mirino under the name of Beatrix Hildebrand, Elsa makes a better effort at grooming, wearing instead a black-and-gold robe designed to look like a military uniform.
As one can expect of a Bright wizard, Elsa is fiery, passionate, stubborn and reckless. She walks and acts like she owns the place and never sugar-coats her words; of her noble upbringing, she seems to have retained only the arrogance, not the manners. Overconfident and eager to prove herself, she is the kind of person who would never back down from a challenge, no matter how foolish or pointless.
Background: Born the sixth child of a minor Altdorf noble house that was too impoverished to have any power but too proud to mingle with commoners, Elsa’s marriage prospects were rather few. Being raised with only male siblings had given her a wild, rebellious temperament that did not help matters. She first revealed her magical potential at age fourteen, when she foiled an attempt to marry her off to a suitor three times her age by setting the man’s forked beard aflame. At that point, her parents gave up on her, scratched her off the family tree and sent her off to the Bright College, where wizards from all the Empire and beyond studied the Lore of Fire.
Elsa turned out to be gifted with a strong will and seemingly instinctive control over the red wind of Aqshy, but proved hopeless when it came to anything remotely theoretical, owing to her intellectual laziness and lack of discipline. No amount of chores would keep her from talking back to authority figures, neglecting her studies or sneaking into the boys’ dormitory at night – in fact, punishing her appeared to make her only more aggressively unruly. Things took a turn for the worse when she got into magical duelling; a tradition that is tacitly encouraged among Bright Order students, but in which she would engage with somewhat excessive enthusiasm, causing more property damage and visits to the infirmary than any other Bright College apprentice in living memory.
Disaster struck near the end of Elsa’s junior apprenticeship, when she challenged a fellow student, Theo (with whom she had an escalating feud for reasons long forgotten by both) to a secret duel at midnight on the roof of the college building. She turned up at the duel half-drunk and with only tenuous control over her powers. The short but incredibly violent exchange of spells ended with Theo burned to a crisp and Elsa on the run from her masters. The fugitive apprentice is now looking for a place away from the Imperial law’s long reach, and the Border Princes seem like such a place.
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
41
36
30
41
44
65
73
49
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
15 / 15
3
4
5
3 (4)
8
4 / 1
Skills
Base %
Link of Psyche
Academic Knowledge (Daemonology)
65
75
Academic Knowledge (Magic)
65
75
Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics)
65
75
Channelling
83
93
Charm +10%
59
59
Charm Animal
49
49
Command
49
49
Common Knowledge (Border Princes)
65
75
Common Knowledge (the Empire)
65
75
Consume Alcohol
41
41
Dodge Blow
44
44
Gossip
49
49
Intimidate
30 / 49
30 / 49
Magical Sense
83
93
Perception
65
75
Read/Write
65
75
Ride
44
44
Search
65
75
Speak Arcane Language (Daemonic)
65
75
Speak Arcane Language (Magick) +10%
75
85
Speak Language (Classical)
65
75
Speak Read Language (Nehekharan)
65
75
Speak Language (Reikspiel)
65
75
Speak Language (Tilean)
65
75
Talents
Aethyric Attunement
Arcane Lore (Fire)
Dark Magic
Etiquette
Extra Spell (Curtain of Flames)
Extra Spell (Inextinguishable Flame)
Extra Spell (Ruin and Destruction)
Fleet Footed
Lesser Magic: Aethyric Armour
Lesser Magic: Dispel
Lesser Magic: Magic Alarm
Luck
Mighty Missile
Petty Magic (Arcane)
Savvy
Schemer
Specialist Weapon Group (Parrying)
Strong-Minded
Suave
Very Resilient
Armor: None
Weapons and clothes: Dagger, hefty cane (hand weapon), main gauche, common all-weather clothing (quilted shirt, riding pants, black leather coat and boots), good summer clothing (red dress and sandals), noble's garb (military-style clothes in tones of black and gold), noble's garb (slate-grey winter dress with fur lining), cape of wyvern scales, Nehekharan costume, bird's-skull pendant (hopefully provides protection against necromantic curses), ivory bracelet (thanks Sieghard!), dwarf-made copper torc, earrings, fur scarf, and backpack
Miscellanea: Good quality rations for 8 days, two saddlebags, three waterskins, tent with room for three, pair of dice, 35 yards of rope, brown hair dye, printed copy of The Practical Pyromancer, Third Edition, grimoire of pyromancy, bunch of scrolls from the Lost Library, map of Mirino and the area, parchment, ink, 12 matches, small mirror, 12 balls of sulphur, 8 scraps of tapestry singed by fire, bottle of good quality spirits
Mount: Bastard, vile-tempered black stallion
Gold owned: 202 gc and 174 p.
Investments: 150 gc invested in Suzana's food import business (not included in gold total). 27th Sigmarzeit. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25852744&postcount=775)
Monthly wage: 26 gc and 157 p
Olga's wage: 6 gc per month
Savonne-Putbad boat prices: 18 s per person, 24 s per horse (source (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25351630&postcount=893))
XP: 65 / 7465
Advances: +10 WS, +10 BS, +10 T, +15 Ag, +30 Int, +35 WP, +15 Fel, +4 W, +3 Mag, Academic Knowledge (Daemonology), Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics), Arcane Lore (Fire), Charm +10, Charm Animal, Command, Common Knowledge (Border Princes), Consume Alcohol, Dark Magic, Dodge Blow, Etiquette, Extra Spell (Curtain of Flame), Extra Spell (Inextinguishable Flame), Extra Spell (Ruin and Destruction), Intimidate, Lesser Magic (Aethyric Armour), Lesser Magic (Dispel), Lesser Magic (Magic Alarm), Luck, Mighty Missile, Ride, Schemer, Speak Arcane Language (Daemonic), Speak Arcane Language (Magic) +10%, Speak Language (Nehekharan), Speak Language (Tilean), Specialist Weapon Group (Parrying), Strong-Minded, Suave, Very Resilient
Her Majesty, High Queen Khalida Neferher of Lybaras (Elsa's snake familiar)
A large, black-and-grey viper, sold to Elsa by a peasant woman as a potential familiar to replace Morrslieb the raven. Despite some initial challenges (and many bites), Elsa managed to tame the reptile and eventually establish a mind-link with her. Khalida is a simple, unobtrusive, inquisitive creature and enjoys mice, basking in the sun, making people jump in fright, and Elsa's bodily warmth.
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
15
0
10
10
20
10
15
0
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
1 / 1
1
1
2
0
0
1 / 0
Skills
%
Intimidate
10
Talents
Natural Weapons
Sixth Sense
Special rule: Venom. Any target who loses at least one Wound to an attack by Khalida must make a Challenging (-10%) Toughness test or suffer 1 additional Wound every ten minutes until 1d5 Wounds are taken.
Familiar Abilities: Link of Psyche (+10 Int/WP), Lucky Charm (+2 Fortune Points), Magic Power (+1 Mag), Voice of Reason (can re-roll casting rolls that include doubles).
XP: 20 / 757.5
Advances: +5 WP, Sixth Sense, Lucky Charm, Magic Power, Voice of Reason
Tzeentch's Curse cheat sheet (thanks TheSummoner)
2 dice
No Doubles: 90%
Doubles: 10%
3 dice
No Doubles: 81%
Doubles: 18%
Triples: 1%
4 Dice
No Doubles: 50.4%
Doubles: 46.8%
Triples: 2.7%
Quads: .1%
5 Dice
No Doubles: 30.24%
Doubles: 61.2%
Triples: 8.1%
Quads: .45%
Quints: .01%
Bardhyl
https://bit.ly/3OYYjRo
Race: Human (Vrani)
Career: Outlaw Chief (ex-Initiate of Morr, ex-Priest of Morr (incomplete), ex-Outlaw, ex-Veteran)
Main Profile
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
33
27
31
32
40
34
39
38
+20
+30
+10
+20
+10
+10
+10
+20
53
47
41
52
55
44
59
58
Secondary Profile
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
10
3
3
4
0
0
2
+2
+6
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
16
4
5
4
0
1
2
Fortune Points (remaining/total): 1/3
Current Wounds: 12/16
Armour: Helmet, Chain Coif, Sleeved Mail Coat, Full Leather Armour (-10 Ag due to mail armour, not included in profile)
Armour Points: Head 5, Arms 3, Body 3, Legs 3
Weapons: BC Hand Axe (+5 WS, Damage 5), GC Glaive (Damage 5; Fast or Impact and Slow), GC Bow (Damage 3, Range 24/48, Reload Half) and 20 arrows, Dagger (Damage 2), Buckler (Damage 1; Balanced, Defensive, Pummelling)
Trappings: Common Clothing, Cloak, Iron Raven Talisman (religious/cultural symbol of Morr)
Backpack: Bedroll, Blanket, Comb, Shaving Kit, Soap, Pewter Tankard, Metal Cutlery, Bottle of GC Spirits, Writing Kit, Scroll Case and 3 sheets of Parchment, Antitoxin Kit and Healing Draught
Pouch: Deck of Cards, Bone Dice and Tinderbox
Extra: Cooking Pot, Water Skin, 2 weeks Rations, Storm Lantern, Lamp Oil, 10 yards Rope, Tarp and Crowbar (+5 S to open doors and chests), "Da Big Wun's" Tail Spike
Money: 19 gc, 5 s, 12 p in purse, 75 gc in three separate stashes at hideouts
Mounts, Pets and Followers: Band of Outlaws, Riding Horse with Saddle, Saddlebag and Harness, Mule
Skills
Skill
Characteristic
Related Talent
Academic Knowledge (History)
Int
Academic Knowledge (Necromancy)
Int
Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics)
Int
Academic Knowledge (Theology)
Int
Charm +10
Fel
Public Speaking, Streetwise
Command
Fel
Common Knowledge (Border Princes +20)
Int
Consume Alcohol
T
Dodge Blow +10
Ag
Gamble
Int
Gossip +20
Fel
Streetwise
Heal
Int
Intimidate
S
Magical Sense
WP
Navigation
Int
Outdoor Survival
Int
Perception +20
Int
Read/Write
Int
Ride
Ag
Scale Sheer Surface
S
Secret Language (Battle Tongue)
Int
Speak Language (Reikspiel +10)
Int
Speak Language (Vranspel)
Int
Stealth
Ag
Rover
Swim
S
Talents
Talent
Description
Lightning Parry
Forgo one attack when making a Swift Attack to gain a free parry. Limit of one parry per round remains in effect.
Lightning Reflexes
+5 Ag to starting profile
Luck
+1 Fortune Point per day
Public Speaking
Affect x10 normal number of people with Charm
Rover
+10 to Stealth when in rural locations
Specialist Weapon Group
Parrying, Two-handed
Streetwise
+10 to Charm and Gossip when dealing with criminal underworld
Strike Mighty Blow
+1 damage bonus with melee weapons
Strike to Injure
+1 to Critical Value of any Critical Hit inflicted
Strike to Stun
See WFRP rulebook, p. 101
Suave
+5 Fel to starting profile
Very Resilient
+5 T to starting profile
Warrior Born
+5 WS to starting profile
Background
All shall be revealed in time...
Personality
When he was younger, Bardhyl was self-confident to the point of arrogance, but age and experience have humbled him a little and these days he's more ready to listen to others and to consider alternate viewpoints. Even so, he retains his confidence in himself and his personal connection to Morr, and despite his exile from the Raven Hills, he remains strong in his native faith and genuinely wants what's best for his people.
Bardhyl is essentially good-natured and has a fine sense of the absurd – he laughs as easily at his own follies as everyone else's. He can be angry and deadly serious, and then suddenly burst out laughing when he realizes how silly the whole situation is. Bardhyl enjoys good food, good company and strong drink. He has an eye for the ladies as well, but he doesn't let any of this get in the way of achieving his objectives. “Work first, play later” could be his motto, and he expects the same of his budding band of outlaws.
Appearance
Bardhyll is a little below average height (5'8”) with a stocky build (175lbs). He has black hair and sports a full but neatly trimmed beard. He shaves the sides of his head and wears the rest of his hair pulled back into a ponytail, often braided with raven feathers when he wants to emphasize his cultural heritage. His eyes are clear blue and multiple tattoos decorate his forearms and torso. When not wearing his mail coat, Bardhyll goes about in rough and ready outdoors clothing. He is never seen without a wicked hand axe in his belt.
Experience and Advances
Shallya's Mercy on Int (=31)
Switch S and Int
Experience (current/total): 40/7,000
Initiate of Morr
+5 WS (free)
BS +5
T +5
Int +10
WP +10
Fel +10
W +2
Warrior Born
= 1,100 xp
Priest of Morr (Doomsayer, incomplete)
New Career
WS +10
BS +10
S +5
T +10
Ag +5
WP +20
Fel +15
W +4
Academic Knowledge (Necromancy)
Charm +10
Common Knowledge (Border Princes +10)
Gossip +10
Magical Sense
Navigation
Outdoor Survival
Perception +10
Ride
Strike to Injure
= 2,100 xp
Outlaw
New Career (=200)
Ag +10
A +1
Dodge Blow
Common Knowledge (Border Princes +20)
Gossip +20
Perception +20
Scale Sheer Surface
Stealth
Swim
Rover
Streetwise
Strike to Stun
= 1,400 xp
Veteran
New Career
WS +20
BS +20
S +10
Ag +15
W +6
Consume Alcohol
Dodge Blow +10
Gamble
Secret Language (Battle Tongue)
Specialist Weapon Group (Parrying, Two-handed)
Strike Mighty Blow
= 1,600 xp
Outlaw Chief
New Career
Fel +20
Command
A +2
T +20
Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics)
Lightning Parry
= 800 xp
Advances needed to complete Careers
Priest of Morr
Mag +1
Channelling, Common Knowledge (any one), Speak Arcane Language (Magick)
Armoured Caster or Master Orator, Petty Magic (Divine)
Outlaw Chief
BS +30
Follow Trail, Secret Language (Thieves' Tongue), Secret Signs (Scout or Thief)
Mighty Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, Sure Shot
Other Notes
Star Sign: Mummit the Fool, Sign of Instinct
Foretelling of Doom: Those born of Rhya's cauldron shalt build thee a ravenstone
Family: Dardan (brother), Neza (sister).
Contacts: Captain Sandu, 'Mad' Maglyn, Valmir (old friend), Wadim (mentor)
Rowdy Rebel Leaders: Wadim, Danut the smith, Senka and Valmir (Bardhyl's friends), Jakov (veteran), Zef (veteran), Shkodran (old shepherd, Ostok clan), Vjolka (old woman).
Including Bardhyl's outlaws, the rebel leaders can muster fifty fighters in Morr's Seat. Another twenty to thirty can be added if we include those not of fighting age. There are weapons for twenty-five or thirty fighters on hand, but weapon stashes outside the walls will enable all the fighters to be equipped.
Map to Hideouts
https://i.postimg.cc/CKGgxr4n/Hideouts.png
Bardhyl's Outlaws
"Grim", "Cut-Face" Abbie, Max, Ortwin, Afrim, Damjan, Zana, Kreshnik, Panteleon, Waldon
Career: Outlaw+
Main Profile
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
36
41
31
31
41
31
31
31
Secondary Profile
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
11
3
3
4
0
0
0
Common Skills: Common Knowledge (Border Princes) +10 (Int), Dodge Blow (Ag), Gossip +10 (Fel), Outdoor Survival (Int), Perception (Int), Ride (Ag), Scale Sheer Surface (S), Search (Int), Set Trap (Int), Stealth (Ag)
Common Talents: Rover (+10 to Stealth in rural locations), Sharpshooter (+20 to BS with Aim action)
Armour: Leather Jerkin (AP 1 Body)
Weapons: Hand Weapon, Bow (Damage 3, Range 24/48, Reload Half) and 10 arrows, Dagger, Shield
Trappings: Common Clothing, Cloak, Backpack, Bedroll, Blanket, Water Skin, Rations, Wooden Tankard, Wooden Cutlery, Tarp, Riding Horse with Saddle and Harness
Notes:
Advances Taken: WS +5, BS +10, Ag +10
Advances Remaining: WS +10, Int +5, A +1, W +2, Animal Care, Drive, Secret Signs (Thief), Swim, Streetwise, Strike to Stun
Extra Advances, Skills and Talents:
All Vrani: Follow Trail (Int), Navigation (Int)
Zana: Int +5, Heal (Int), Trade (Herbalist) (Int)
Abbie: Int +5, WP +5, Fel +10, Drive (S), Evaluate (Int), Haggle (Fel), Trade (Cook) (Int)
Grim: S +10, T +10, WP +10, A +1, W +2, Drive (S), Outdoor Survival +10 (Int), Stout-hearted (+10 vs. Fear, Terror and Intimidate)
Individual Details
"Grim"
Bardhyl's second in command is the strongest and toughest of the bandits. He met Bardhyl shortly after Bardhyl's exile from the Raven Hills and they've been working together since then – where Bardhyl goes, Grim follows. Grim is a nickname (no one but Bardhyl knows his real name) and it's something of a pun. While he's a stone cold killer, he's generally talkative and friendly, keeps a fatherly eye on the rest of the band, and is nice to dogs and children. A disillusioned Grave Warden, he still believes in the core tenets of the Morrite faith, but has come to accept the Vrani faith as well.
"Cut-Face" Abbie
The gang's quartermaster, Abbie brings many useful administrative skills to the band, but the one for which she's most appreciated is her skill as a cook. No one needs to wonder about her nickname after seeing her. She was once a camp follower, marching with the Red Company, but drifted off after she was assaulted by three of the mercenaries. When she resisted, they took turns cutting her face, leaving numerous ugly scars. She found temporary work as a serving wench at an inn in Alvarran, which is where she met Max. He sided with her when she attacked some local youths who were taunting her for her scars and together they gave the boys the beating of their lives...which resulted in the pair having to flee Alvarran post haste. They've been inseparable ever since. Abbie is a firebrand and takes no guff from anyone, but she's also a shrewd negotiator and has a head for numbers.
Max
Max was a professional bully and occasional killer in Putbad before meeting Bardhyl. He ended up on the run after accidentally killing a man he was supposed to beat up. Bardhyl picked him up in the Karst a few years ago, where he was failing to make ends meet as a robber. Max is quite simply a better fighter than he is an outlaw and working with Bardhyl solves that problem. Max is the taciturn type, except for the occasional screaming row with Cut-Face Abbie when she's convinced herself that he's tiring of her. Her fears are unfounded – she's the love of his life and he would never betray or abandon her.
Ortwin
A hunter from Shepherd's Valley, Ortwin ran afoul of Duke Alvarr's poaching laws but managed to evade his punishment with the help of his family. He teamed up with Bardhyl and Grim shortly after, and the three form the core of the band. With the Duke dead, Ortwin is now thinking about trying to return to his wife and children, reasoning that he's not wanted for any crimes by the new regime (yet). However, he's also loyal to Bardhyl and is loath to abandon his friend and leader, so for now he contents himself with making clandestine visits to his old home. Ortwin is an excellent archer and hunter, and is often responsible for bringing in extra game to fill the band's stew pot.
Afrim
One of four Vrani in the band besides Bardhyl, Afrim is an older man. He was a raider even before Rorik took power in the Raven Hills and served the Jarl throughout his reign, fighting in all his battles in Sforza's war. He has seen Sieghard and Elsa in action, and has a healthy respect for their prowess, but is hardened and cynical enough not to hold a grudge - it was war, and people die in wars. Afrim decided not to join Haakon Blood-song's last raid, deeming it a fool's errand, but he also felt that he couldn't go back to the Raven Hills. He's been fighting and raiding for so long, it's the only life he knows. Fortunately, Bardhyl found him and Damjan a short while later and offered them a place in his band of outlaws. While wary at first of dealing with one of the nevid, Afrim now has no doubts that Morr truly speaks to Bardhyl and has come round to the idea of helping him return to his rightful place among the Vrani.
Damjan
A younger man, Damjan is no coward, but he ran from the Battle of Arrow Heap when Jarl Rorik was killed and never looked back. Before that, he fought bravely at Rorik's first encounter with Sieghard's company. Having witnessed Elsa's power first hand, he is leery of Bardhyl's scheme to seek help from Sforza's people, but like Afrim he has come to respect Bardhyl's judgement and vision, and is willing to wait and see how things turn out. If Elsa starts burning any of the band, however, Damjan has promised himself to run (again) and not look back (again).
Zana
Zana and her brother Kreshnik are the other Vrani in the band, having joined even later than Afrim and Damjan. They're on the run from a vicious feud which saw them both threatened with death when Kreshnik killed a cousin of the head of the rival family. Before fleeing the Raven Hills, Zana was training to be a healer, and her skills have made her very welcome in the band. Her standing is further improved by the simple fact that she's grounded, personable and pretty, so everyone just likes her. At first she was terrified of working with a nevid, but Bardhyl has slowly earned her trust and like Afrim she has become a convert to his cause.
Kreshnik
Short-tempered and proud, it's probably a good thing that there was already a feud to keep Kreshnik occupied, or he would have ended up attacking one of Sforza's insufferable soldiers or the toadies who suck up to them, which would have been far worse for his family. In short, it was always a question of when, not if, Kreshnik would be forced to flee his home and try his luck in the wider world. Fortunately, Kreshnik has his sister to look out for him and he's intelligent enough to follow her lead in most things. A skilled outdoorsman and handy with a blade, Kreshnik had fewer qualms than Zana about joining Bardhyl's band, and feels right at home in the gang.
Panteleon
Another native of Shepherd's Valley, but with actual Bretonnian roots, Panteleon is the band's informal morale officer. He's always ready with a joke or supportive word to raise spirits, and is quick to step in and defuse situations when tempers fray and disagreements risk turning really ugly. Panteleon is deeply concerned with obtaining justice and fair treatment for the common folk, and he joined Bardhyl's band after being forced to flee for agitating against Duke Alvarr's rule.
Waldon
Another Bretonnian, Waldon was once a Grail Pilgrim, but he was already losing faith in the Lady when he followed Brother Odo and Duke Alvarr to war. He survived the Battle of Arrow Heap (barely) and ended up in Savonne, spending what little money he had on wine and women until it was all gone. Panteleon and Abbie found him there in the middle of a huge bar brawl which had started with Waldon refusing to pay his tab. Impressed with his fighting ability and knowing that Bardhyl was looking for some extra sword hands, they promised to settle his debts and invited him back to meet their leader. Waldon agreed and after he proved his worth on the band's next job, Bardhyl welcomed him aboard. For all his fighting skill, Waldon is a human wreck – with his faith gone, he now indulges fully in the things he once thought sinful. He's rude, lecherous and drinks too much. He's made unwelcome passes at both Abbie and Zana, and unless he cleans up his act, it's probably only a matter of time before Bardhyl arranges an "accident" for him.
Riding Horse
Main Profile
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
25
0
38
38
30
10
10
0
Secondary Profile
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
0
12
3
3
8
0
0
0
Current Wounds: 12
Skills: Perception +10 (Int), Swim (S)
Talents: Acute Hearing, Keen Senses (+20 to Perception tests)
Weapons: None
TheSummoner
2022-12-04, 08:34 PM
Sieghard
Steward of Painford and Warden of the Thornwood
https://i.postimg.cc/PqZ4BL7M/Fancy-Sieghard.png
Career: Politician
Age: 28
Birthday: 11th Nachexen
Appearance: Brown Hair, Blue Eyes, Various scars - most notably a long one on his left arm.
Star Sign: Wymunt the Anchorite (Sign of Enduring)
Doom: When the bell doth toll, it doth toll for thee.
Experience: 85/7685 (Current/Total Earned)
Notable Kills: "Honest" Rogar, Warboss Magog of the Iron Claw Orcs, Sergeant Fischwillen the "traitor", Roland de Bohun, "No-Nose" Dragos, Udolf, Kleinrabe (twice), Sigmund (also twice) and Drakken (as Wights), Nakht-Horeb (High priest of Old Lahmia, Child-in-Darkness of W'soran the Master of Death, Thief of Souls, Scourge of the Northern Plain, he who was called the Hound of Nagash)
Main
WS
BS
S
T
A
Int
WP
Fel
61
59
61
51
57
51
49
54
30/30
20/20
20/20
20/20
20/20
15/20
15/15
25/25
Secondary
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
3
19/19
6
5
4
0
5
1/3
2/2
7/7
-
-
-
-
-
-
Armor Points - Full Plate Armor
Head:
5
Body:
5
Arms:
5
Legs:
5
Base Stats
Main
WS
BS
S
T
Ag
Int
WP
Fel
31
39
36
31*
37
36
34
29
Secondary
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
12
3
3
4
0
0
2
*Shallya's Mercy
Starting Skills
Human: Common Knowledge (The Border Princes), Gossip, Speak Language (Reikspiel)
Mercenary: Gamble, Common Knowledge (Bretonnia), Dodge Blow, Gamble, Gossip (+10%), Perception, Ride, Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Swim
Starting Talents
Human (Random): Night Vision, Very Strong
Mercenary: Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, Sharpshooter
Stat Advances:
+30 WS, +20 BS, +20 S, +20 T, +20 Ag, +15 Int, +15 WP, +25 Fel, +2 Attacks (One as Free Advance), +7 Wounds
Talent-Based: +5 Strength (Very Strong)
Skills Purchased
Mercenary: Haggle, Search, Speak Language (Tilean)
Veteran: Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow (+10%), Gamble (+10%), Intimidate
Sergeant: Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics), Command, Dodge Blow (+20%)
Captain: Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics +10%), Animal Care, Command (+10%), Common Knowledge (Tilea), Read/Write
Politician: Charm, Command (+20%), Perception (+10%)
Talents Purchased
Mercenary: Disarm, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun
Veteran: Mighty Shot, Strike to Injure, Specialist Weapon Group (Engineering, Two-Handed)
Sergeant: Menacing, Street Fighting
Captain: Lightning Parry, Specialist Weapon Group (Parrying)
Politician: Public Speaking, Schemer
Career Changes
Mercenary -> Veteran -> Sergeant -> Captain -> Politician
Skills Available
Mercenary: Animal Care, Common Knowledge (Kislev, Tilea), Drive
Veteran: Common Knowledge (The Border Princes +10%), Gossip (+20%), Perception (+10%), Secret Language (Battle Tongue +10%)
Sergeant: Common Knowledge (Any Two), Intimidate (+10%), Perception (+20%)*, Ride (+10%), Swim (+10%), Secret Language (Battle Tongue +20%)*, Speak Language (Tilean +10%)
*Requires +10% from Veteran first
Talents Available
Mercenary: All Talents Learned
Veteran: Very Resilient
Sergeant: Seasoned Traveler, Wrestling
Skills
Academic Knowledge (Strategy/Tactics +10%), Animal Care, Command (+20%), Charm, Common Knowledge (Bretonnia, The Border Princes, Tilea), Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow (+20%), Gamble (+10%), Gossip (+10%), Haggle, Intimidate, Perception (+10%), Read/Write (barely literate), Ride, Search, Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Speak Language (Reikspiel, Tilean), Swim
Talents
Disarm, Lightning Parry, Menacing, Mighty Shot, Night Vision, Public Speaking, Rapid Reload, Schemer, Sharpshooter, Specialist Weapon Group (Engineering, Parrying, Two-Handed), Street Fighting, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Injure, Strike to Stun, Quick Draw, Very Strong
Trappings:
Possessions Taken With Him
Clothing: Noble's Garb (Colors similar to the Thorns' uniforms), 2 Sets of Good Clothing, Common Clothing (worn when traveling, or under his armor), Hooded Cloak (w/ Brass Clasp in the Shape of a Wolf's Head. Dark Blue)
Weapons: Sword (Best Quality), Dagger (Best Quality, tucked in his belt), Shield (Best Quality), Crossbow (20 Bolts), Gilded Spear (Magical, Best Quality) (Stolen by Sforza)
Armor: Leather Skullcap, Leather Jack, Leather Leggings, Mail Coif, Sleeved Mail Shirt, Mail Leggings, Sallet Helm w/ Visor, Breastplate, Plate Leggings, Plate Bracers, Pair of Gauntlets
Misc:
Backpack - 2 Waterskins (empty unless traveling), Rope (20 yards), 1 Torch (treated), Property Deeds (Two warehouses, a boathouse, a pier, and the Greenapple house in Savonne), No-Nose Dragos's debt ledger, Blanket, Wooden Tankard, Wooden Cutlery Set, Mess Tin, Cooking Pot, Skewer, Coin Purse #1 (39gc, 3s, 8p), Coin Purse #2 (empty), Iron Strongbox (Locked. 2,100 gc)
Destrier w/ Saddle & Harness (Possessed, mutated, and died)
Painford, Ravenskird, and the Thornwood
Possessions Currently Left in Painford
Six dogs (Mastiffs formerly owned by Dragos), Chest of Nehekharan coins (Unspecified number - a number of strange gold coins, just like the one the apothecary had shown to Ludo. They represented quite a stash, but they rattled around in the big chest like loose change - if the thing had ever been full, then it was sadly depleted. (https://forums.giantitp.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=24105732)), Coin Purse #3 (11gc - Nehekharan Coins from Kheneb). Iron Strongbox (Locked. 350gc), Wooden Chest
Weapons and Armor: Firearm, Swordbreaker, Morning Star, 3 Daggers (Looted from the battlefield where Bernhard was killed), 4 Long Knives, Bow (10 Black-fletched Arrows), Sleeved Mail Shirt (Bernhard's), Shield
Trophies and Personal Treasures: Wolf Pelt, Orc War Banner, Red Company Banner, Jarl Rorik's Wolf Skull Banner, Silver Wolf Coin from The Happy Serpent
General Expenses: Food and board covered while in Manaan's Keep. 5p per day fodder and 10p per day stabling for his horse.
4gc per month (Reserved private room at the Happy Serpent)
Everything up to date as of 11th Ulriczeit (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?630898-WFRP-The-Bloody-Crown-XIII/page9).
Light of Ptra: In the presence of vampires, the spearhead shines with the light of the sun. It provides illumination based on the proximity of the nearest vampire as below:
Distance to vampire
Illumination provided
36 yards
Equivalent to a candle
18 yards
Equivalent to a lantern
2 yards
Equivalent to a campfire
Vampires with a weakness to sunlight suffer a -20 penalty to all their primary characteristics when within 2 yards of the spear.
Dwimmulson Grudge Rune: All attacks made against Nakht-Horeb, high priest of Old Lahmia, Child-in-Darkness of W'soran the Master of Death, Thief of Souls, Scourge of the Northern Plain, he who was called the Hound of Nagash, can re-roll misses.
Background:
Sieghard was born in Danford, a village west of the Broken Reaches on what was then the border of what is now Jarl Rorick's land and the territory controlled by Lord Halvard. Danford had little strategic value nor did it have an abundance of resources, so the local lords had little interest in it. For the most part, the only thing the villagers needed to concern themselves with was the local goblin tribes. Sieghard was the third born of five children. His father was a member of the local militia and often told stories of times when the goblins grew too aggressive.
When Sieghard was 12, Danford came under attack, not by greenskins, but by men loyal to Lord Halvard who were running low on supplies in a campaign against one of the other local lords. The villagers tried to defend their home, but they could do little against the better trained and better armed soldiers. Sieghard's father was slain, his mother and siblings either killed or fled. When the raid was over, Sieghard picked through the wreckage. He found a scant handful of coins and an old sword abandoned in the ruins. He swore that one day he would have revenge against Halvard and those who served him.
Three years later, Lord Halvard would be slain in battle against his rivals in The Border Princes. His death would have absolutely nothing to do with Sieghard.
With his home destroyed and family lost, Sieghard joined with a few of the other survivors led by one of the older boys and traveled north. Along the road, they stole as they needed to and even robbed once or twice when they could get away with it. Eventually the group found themselves in a larger town. Some found new lives, Sieghard and a few others joined up with gang of other orphaned boys and continued to steal to survive. He was neither the oldest nor the largest of the orphans, but the fact that he owned a real sword did give Sieghard some status within the group. When Sieghard was 17, he joined a band of mercenaries that had stopped in the town for supplies and was recruiting.
Sieghard had no experience and was a slow learner. He had taken poor care of his sword over the years (and it hadn't been in the best condition when he had first found it). He had carried the blade mostly as a symbol of status and had little idea how to wield it properly. Whether through determination or pure luck (or perhaps the foresight to take up the crossbow after narrowly surviving his first real battle against a band of orcs), Sieghard managed to survive, even when the mercenary company was destroyed on a poorly chosen job several years later.
Having no other skills, Sieghard continued to work as a sword for hire for the next few months. Sometimes with a small group, sometimes independently, he sold his skills to whoever would pay. His fortunes having turned sour yet again, Sieghard found himself headed towards the village of Elmridge in search of new work.
Useful Links:
Gambling Rules for The Chalice and the Serpent (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=16821192&postcount=317)
List of All Books Taken from the Lost Library (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19921778&postcount=851)
Details About the 5 Mundane Books (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19938037&postcount=712)
And the 3 Sieghard Gave to Al-Makir. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=19950445&postcount=788)
TheSummoner
2022-12-04, 08:35 PM
The Thorns
Mercenary Marksmen (38 - 21 Veterans, 17 Fresher Recruits)
https://bit.ly/2OOA6zi
Career: Woodsman (incomplete) -> Mercenary
Experience: 100/300 (Current/Total Earned)
Main
WS
BS
S
T
AG
Int
WP
Fel
31
46
31
36
36
31
31
31
0/10
10/10
0/5
0/5
0/5
-
0/10
-
Secondary
A
W
SB
TB
M
Mag
IP
FP
1
11
3
3
4
0
0
0
0/1
0/3
-
-
-
-
-
-
Armor Points - Full Leather Armor
Head:
1
Body:
1
Arms:
1
Legs:
1
Skills:
Animal Care, Concealment, Common Knowledge (Border Princes), Dodge Blow, Follow Trail, Gossip, Perception, Silent Move, Speak Language (Reikspiel)
Talents:
Sharpshooter, Very Resilent, Rapid Reload, Rover
Advances Purchased:
+10 BS
Trappings:
Crossbow and Bolts (Usually carries 10-20 at a time), Short Sword, Knife, Full Leather Armor, Uniform.
Notable Members
Ingwald - A young man with slightly more education than is useful or convenient for a rural peasant, which he claims he got from a travelling priest. He can read some words and is the member of the Thorns most prone to talking back. As a plus, he is more intelligent than most of the others, and did master the crossbow fairly quickly.
Gustaf - A hunter from the Thornwood. Doesn't talk much (some like Ingwald make fun of him for being "simple") but is one of the best shots in the regiment - it was him who scored the three consecutive hits during the contest with the Gamecocks.
Hanna - A young woman from Manann's Keep. Her husband, a much older man, was killed during the battle for the town. Seeing one of Viggo's performances in the town square, she slipped away from her husband's family and signed up before they could object. She's not very good with a crossbow, but is very gregarious and seems to much prefer the company of her new friends to her old family.
Petar - Brother of Baldo.
Gunther
Kaspar - Knows how to ride a horse.
Hagen - Injured while taking the gates of Savonne. Has a mark in the shape of a Raven's wing on his leg from where Elsa used Morrslieb to cauterize the wound.
Silas - Accompanied the party to Harmugstahl.
Steffan - Accompanied the party to Harmugstahl.
Thom - Accompanied the party to Harmugstahl. Nicknamed Whispering Thom on account of his exceptionally loud voice.
Hilde - One of Elsa's bodyguards when the party went to find Tatiana.
Rike Moller - Volunteered for the group that lured the Rivermouth ghouls out of Nath and into a trap. Sole survivor of the group attacked by Gunda.
Steffen - Lured the ghouls.
Karol - Lured the ghouls.
Marius - Lured the ghouls.
Linde - Lured the ghouls.
Kurt
Hamlyn - Survived Nath, but lost a leg.
Permanant Injuries
One man lost a leg at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap and walks with a false one.
Hamlyn lost a leg at to the spirits of Nath and walks with a false one.
Former Members
Ottilda - A woman from the Thornwood, in her late thirties. Viggo found her returning with a group of refugees from the Dead Hills, whom she seemed to have taken charge of. The other recruits find her a little intimidating, as she refuses to talk of her family or her past, and her arms are scarred with recently-healed burns. She has thrown herself into training with more zeal than most of the others and is frustrated at her inability to best Gustaf at target shooting. Fought bravely in Rivermouth until no one but she and Sieghard were left standing. Sieghard blames himself for not being able to save her.
Goran - A burly charcoal-burner who Viggo convinced to join the regiment on the grounds that, with his hut destroyed by the greenskins, he had nothing better to do. He's not the best shot in the Thorns, but he follows orders dutifully and has the strength and stamina of an ox. Selflessly threw himself into a pack of ghouls so that others might live. Survived the battle, but later died of injuries sustained.
Lanwin - A runaway. One of the newer recruits. Died in Rivermouth, shortly after being recruited.
Boldo - Recruited by Ludo and Viggo in Isolici. Killed by the Red Company while keeping watch for Alvarr's forces outside of Arrow Heap.
Baldo - Brother of Petar. Died during the Third Battle of Arrow Heap.
Ortwin - In charge of the cannon. Died at Nath when Nahorek's spirits attacked.
Hans - Went with Ludo to capture Klammenberg. Killed by Gunda.
Johann Lennart - Went with Ludo to capture Klammenberg. Initially escaped Gunda's ambush with Rike, but was chased down and killed.
Florin - A gangly boy of about 17, who entirely believes Viggo's exaggerated account of the battle with Magog. He practically hero-worships Sieghard and Viggo, an inconvenient trait that is made up for by the fact that he is an enthusiastic learner. Grew disillusioned with Sieghard's leadership after the disaster at Rivermouth and abandoned the unit.
+30 Initially recruited.
-3 Killed by raiders led by Hakon Blood-Song in Painford.
+4 Recruited in Painford.
+14 Recruited by Viggo after negotiating for higher pay with Al'Makir.
-11 Killed in Rivermouth or died afterwards from wounds sustained. (Ottilda, Goran, Lanwin)
-1 Abandoned after Rivermouth. (Florin)
+1/-1 Recruited from Isolici, then killed by the Red Company shortly after. (Boldo)
-1 Killed by Alvarr's archers in the Second Battle of Arrow Heap.
-1 Died while ambushing Alvarr's supply wagons.
-1 Killed by Kelda at the Battle of the Burning Hill.
-5 Died at the Third Battle of Arrow Heap. (Baldo)
-3 Died after the battle from their injuries.
+9 Recruited in Savonne.
+9 Recruited while returning to Savonne from Bunthafen.
+13 Recruited in Savonne and from the surrounding farms.
-26 Died in Nath, trying to rescue the villagers from Caerfort. (Ortwin)
-4 Abandoned in the aftermath of Nath.
-2 Killed by Gunda and the Falcons (Hans) (Note to self: Kill Irene Sforza)
Modifiers for Individuals & Groups
Ingwald - +10 Int, Read/Write.
Hanna - +5 Fel
Gustaf - Follow Trail +10%, Outdoor Survival, Set Trap, Silent Move +10%. BS -5
Rivermouth Survivors (Hanna, Gustaf & Ingwald) - +10% to resist Fear and Terror caused by the undead.
3 Unnamed Thorns who went with Ludo to set fires in the Red Company camp - Silent Move +10%.
Company Property:
General Equipment
21+ Crossbows
21+ Swords
21 Sets full leather armor (Leather Skullcap, Leather Jack, Leather Leggings)
21 Uniforms (Breeches, Jerkin, Woolen Cloak, Hobnailed Boots)
Additional Property
373gc, 7s, 5p (Company funds, kept in Painford).
Barracks in Manaan's Keep and Painford (kept locked when unoccupied)
Banner
50 Tents
30 Crossbow Targets (straw men painted in Alvarr's colors)
Filomena (Cannon)
1200 Crossbow Bolts (Replenished monthly)
12 Cannonballs (Up to 12 replenished monthly)
3 Small Barrels of Blackpowder (Each barrel has enough powder for 12 shots.)
Spare Equipment
1 Helmet
21 Breastplates
2 Sets Full Mail
2 additional Mail Shirts
9 Spears
32 Hand Weapons
19 Firearms
4 Nets
14 Shields
Rorik's Shield (Good Craftsmanship)
Rorik's Dagger (Good Craftsmanship)
2 Swords (Good Craftsmanship)
2 Riding Horses
1 Draft Horse
4 Oxen
Cart
10-Gallon Cask
Accounting Info: (Pay given on the 1st of each month)
Income - 440gc per month; 2/3 of all loot taken (Sforza claims 1/3)
Pay - 20gc per month to Sieghard; 10gc per month to Ludo; 4gc per month to Hanna & Ingwald; 3gc 10s per month to Urgrim; 2gc 10s per month to everyone else. Bonus pay as called for. (Total: 89gc monthly expenses for 21 Thorns)
Expenses - 10gc per Cannonball; 15gc per Small Barrel of Blackpowder (price non-negotiable); Uniform pricing (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?434367-WFRP-The-Bloody-Crown-V&p=19683826&viewfull=1#post19683826)
RossN
2022-12-07, 12:40 PM
https://i.postimg.cc/66ZmKK3g/Jarla.png
Jarla Schreiber
Career: Entertainer / Gambler / Rapscallion / Highwaywoman
Age: 27
Star Sign:
Birthplace: A Fortified Town in Averland
Appearance:
WS:(51) BS: (57) S:(40) T:(44) Ag:(62) Int:(51) WP:(42) Fel:(64)
A: 2 W: 15 SB: 4 TB: 4 M: 4 Mag: 0 IP: 2 FP: 3
Skills: Animal Care, Animal Training, Blather, Charm, Common Knowledge (The Empire +10%), Common Knowledge (Tilea), Common Knowledge (Bretonnia), Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow, Evaluate, Gamble, Gossip, Lip Reading, Perception, Performer (Actor and Dancer), Read/Write, Ride, Search, Secret Language (Thieves' Tongue), Silent Move, Sleight of Hand, Speak Language (Reikspiel +10%), Swim
Talents: Ambidextrous, Etiquette, Flee!, Master Gunner, Mighty Shot, Night Vision, Quick Draw, Sharpshooter, Sixth Sense, Specialist Weapon Group (Fencing), Specialist Weapon Group (Gunpowder), Specialist Weapon Group (Throwing), Streetwise, Sturdy, Swashbuckler, Trick Riding.
Trappings: Pair of pistols with powder and ammunition for 20 shots, noble’s garb (two outfits), mask, riding horse with saddle and harness, common clothing consisting of a shirt, breeches, and worn boots, a tattered cloak, a dagger tucked in a boot or belt,a blanket, a wooden tankard, a wooden cutlery set, a hand weapon (sword) and a purse holding 22 Gold Crowns (gc).
Physical Description: Jarla Schreiber is a tall (5'8") and curvy (145 lbs) young woman with a fair face, copper red hair and grey-blue eyes. She is excellently dressed, even if her attire is more outdoorsy than might be expected from Nuln fashion and she wears weaponry with an ease that signals long familiarity. While she is hardly Adelbert's twin there is a certain family resemblance about the nose and eyes.
Background
When Jarla Schreiber married Heinrich Schaeffer of Nuln she thought she was prepared for life as a merchant's wife. Sure he was old and ugly but he was very rich and the prospect of living in the glittering life of Nuln society was more than adequate compensation, as she told her slightly scandalised brother Adelbert. Half a year later she had discovered three things. First Herr Schaeffer was not just old and ugly he was a cruel and vindictive tyrant who at best treated his young wife as a trophy in society. Second he had many mistresses. Third Nuln society - at least the very stratified part of it her husband allowed her access too - was boring her senseless. One night after having enough, she drugged her husband so he wouldn't wake up, slipped out of her house and ran off for good.
Since then life has been eventful. For a year she toured with an troupe of travelling entertainers, first as a singer and actress but finding to her surprise considerable talent at knife throwing ('Fräulein Rasierer'.) Making her way back towards Averheim she managed to make a small fortune through cons and gambling (another skill gained on those long trips on roads and on barges) and perhaps unwisely began to enjoy life under her own name. Eventually her husband heard of her existence which entailed a retreat from Averheim and her third and perhaps favourite life - a highwaywoman. Soon 'Fräulein Rasierer' was an infamous figure along Averland roads, but eventually all good things had to come to an end and she had to make another departure. Either the law would catch her and she'd swing or her husband would (a worse case by far.)
Jarla had kept a tenuous contact with her family in Grenzstadt (who didn't know of the turn to crime, thought she was an actress and considered that scandalous enough) and it was through this that she learned her brother Adelbert was in the Border Princes. Though it had been years since she had seen him his letters seemed to portray an exciting, dynamic land that had both her beloved brother and was very, very far away from Heinrich Schaeffer of Nuln.
XP:
Earned: 6,930
Spent: 6,300 [900 (Entertainer), 1,000 (Gambler), 2,500 (Rapscallion), 1,900 (Highwaywoman)]
Current: 630
Advances:
Entertainer
+ 5% Fel (Free Advance)
+5% WS
+5% BS
+5% BS
+5% Ag
+5% Ag
+5% WP
+5% Fel
+ one Wound
+ one Wound
Gambler
+5% Int
+5% Int
Blather
Charm
Gamble
Secret Language (Thieves' Tongue)
Read/Write
Streetwise
Flee!
Rapscallion
+5% WS
+5% S
+5% T
+5% T
+5% T
+5% Ag
+5% Ag
+5% Ag
+5% WP
+5% Fel
+5% Fel
+5% Fel
+5% Fel
+ one Attack
+ one Wound
+ one Wound
Common Knowledge (Tilea)
Consume Alcohol
Dodge Blow
Lip Reading
Search
Ambidextrous
Sixth Sense
Quick Draw
Highwaywoman
+5% WS
+5% WS
+5% BS
+5% BS
+5% S
+5% Ag
+5% WP
Animal Care
Animal Training
Ride
Silent Move
Etiquette
Master Gunner
Mighty Shot
Specialist Weapon Group (Fencing)
Specialist Weapon Group (Gunpowder)
Swashbuckler
Trick Riding
Adelbert Schreiber
https://s8.postimg.cc/89gezca9h/Adelbert_Current.png
Career: Scribe / Initiate / Priest of Verena / Scholar / Anointed Priest of Verena
Age: 30
Star Sign: Vobist the Faint - Sign of Darkness and Uncertainty
Birthplace: A Fortified Town in Averland
Appearance: 5'7", 135 lbs, brown hair, grey blue eyes, missing tooth.
WS:(51) BS: (41) S:(36) T:(48) Ag:(55*) Int:(66) WP:(58) Fel:(51**)
A:2 W: 16 SB:3 TB: 4 M: 4 Mag: 2 IP: 1 FP: 3 0
Skills: Academic Knowledge (History), Academic Knowledge (Necromancy), Academic Knowledge (Theology), Channeling, Charm (+10 %), Common Knowledge (The Empire), Common Knowledge (Border Princes), Gossip, Heal (+10%), Speak Language (Reikspiel), Magical Sense, Perception, Read/Write, Ride, Secret Language (Guild Tongue), Speak Language (Breton), Speak Language (Classical), Speak Language (Tilean), Speak Arcane Language (Magik), Trade (Calligrapher)
Talents: Linguistics, Acute Hearing, Resistance to Poison, Lighting Reflexes, Public Speaking, Suave, Armoured Caster, Petty Magic (Divine), Strike to Stun, Master Orator, Divine Lore (Verena), Lesser Magic - Blessed Weapon, Lesser Magic - Move, Aethyric Attunement, Strike Mighty Blow
*Includes bonus for 'Lighting Reflexes'
**Includes bonus for 'Suave'
Trappings:
Common Clothing, Cloak, Dagger, Backpack, Short Sword, Digging Tools, one weeks rations, ancient copper eye pendant, a necklace/collar made from gold and coloured glass beads, the ends are made to resemble the coiled heads and necks of snakes, a pair of lapis lazuli earrings, shaped to mirror the solar disc motif. 'Kettle hat' helmet. Danxome bronze throwing dagger.
Woolen robes, owl pendant (religious symbol of Verena)
Mail Shirt, pouch containing 142 Gold Crowns, 27 Schillings, 15 Pfennigs.
615 GC (hidden cache) (stolen by Sforza!)
38 GC, 5 Schillings and 12 Pfennigs (hidden cache).
Bella, a small, wiry, bay coloured mare.
XP:
Earned: 6150
Spent: 6100
Current: 0
Advances:
+ 5% to Int (Free Advance)
+ 5% to Fel
+ 5% to Int
+ 5% to Ag
+ 5% to WP
+ 1 Wound
+ 5% to WP
+ 1 Wound
+ 5% to Ag
Initiate (second career)
Academic Knowledge (Theology)
Charm
Healing
+5% to Fel
+5% to WS
+5% to BS
Lighting Reflexes
Public Speaking
Suave
Priest (third career)
+ 1 Magic
Magical Sense
Speak Arcane Language (Magik)
Channeling
Armoured Caster
Petty Magic (Divine)
+5% to WS
+5% to WP
+5% to Fel
+5% to WP
+ 1 Wound
+5% to BS
Charm (skill mastery, +10%)
Ride
Common Knowledge (Border Princes)
+5% to T
+5% to T
+ 1 Wound
+5% to S
Strike to Stun
Heal (skill mastery, +10%)
Master Orator
Scholar Career
+5% Int
+5% Int
Academic Knowledge (Necromancy)
+5% Int
+5% Int
Anointed Priest Career
Divine Lore (Verena)
Magic + 1
Lesser Magic - Blessed Weapon
Will Power +5%
Aethyric Attunement
+ 5% Toughness
+1 Attack
Lesser Magic - Move
Strike Mighty Blow
+ 1 Wound
+5% WS
+5% Fel
Divine Revelations
Adelbert believes he sees the invisible hand of the gods all around him - whether it is the hand of Verena pointing out the guilty party in a dispute, or the face of Nurgle leering at him from a basket of rotten apples.
Adelbert is subject to visions that are entirely the invention of his own mind, filtered through the lens of his faith. These visions are entirely indistinguishable from the genuine results of his Magical Sense skill, and tend to manifest as gods making their will, presence or power known to him - including the Ruinous Powers.
By roleplaying a vision of your own invention, you can grant yourself a Fortune Point that lasts until the end of the day (to a maximum of once per day). These visions don't have to lead you to 'insane' actions (e.g. Adelbert could see Shallya urging him to help an injured person, or feel the presence of Khorne in a tavern brawl that leads him to try to make peace), but should be understood OOC to be the products of Adelbert's imagination, not any direct communication from the gods. Should Adelbert be prevented from acting on what the vision shows him, he suffers -1d10 from his Fellowship and Willpower scores for 1d10 hours.
You may also receive 'false' visions from the GM at any time. No test will tell you which visions are true and which are false: Adelbert believes them all to be true. Visions from the GM do not grant Fortune Points, but still invoke the penalty to WP and Fel if Adelbert is prevented from acting on them.
Divine Marks:
Enlightened: Verena grants you a small portion of her wisdom. You gain a +10% bonus to all Academic Knowledge Tests
that you have selected as skills. As well, you may attempt Academic Knowledge Tests outside of your fields of study, albeit at a
–20% penalty.
Background & Personality:
Adelbert was born in Grenzstadt, Averland the second oldest child and only son of the prestigious Schreiber family of scholars. His older sister Gabrielle became a Priestess of Verena and a career in the universities of Nuln, the church or perhaps even the colleges of magic in Altdorf seemed open for the young man. Unfortunatly his father's harmless gambling habit became, well less harmless. The Schreiber family went into debt and while Adelbert's younger sisters retained enough clout to marry well Adelbert himself could no longer afford to study at Nuln. Fortunately he was more than well read enough to become a scribe first in Grenzstadt, then Averheim.
Adelbert is actually a very good scribe especially mastering foreign languages but he is not thrilled by his dull life copying books. At the very least he would prefer to be writing his own work rather than simply transcribing that of others. He has travelled south to the Princes in the hopes of appealing to the vanity of a local noble and being paid to act as their chronicler, and perhaps write a book on the local ruins that would be the toast of Nuln. Anything would be better than his dusty office back in Averheim.
Perhaps thanks to his elder sister Adelbert has a definite interest in the gods and his studied much of them, especially minor and regional deities - though the streak of rogue in him is impressed by Ranald. His personal specialty (other than languages) is ancient history and he is modestly famous in Averland for translating an Ancient Reman history from Classical to Reikspiel.
In person Adelbert is on the short side of average and slender, with nimble fingers (he is justly proud of his clean, flowing style of writing.) He is fond of attractive women, well read ones for preference and is rather vainer than might be expected for a scribe. This has led to him rarely smiling with his mouth open because he is very concious of the front tooth he lost in a tavern brawl when an elegant blonde lady turned out to have been married to a milita sergeant. He has a deadpan, sarcastic and self deprecating sense of humour and tends to value it highly in others.
RossN
2022-12-07, 12:43 PM
Sorry for the delay! Been very under the weather.
Regarding Jacques Jarla is a bit nervous about leaving him totally to the mercies of Sieghard so she'll try and shepard him away somewhere safeish to sleep off his drinking.
No worries - I've also caught whatever's going around atm, can definitely sympathise!
LeSwordfish
2022-12-07, 02:42 PM
I'd like to roll Perception to see if we think we've got what Jacques knows out of him: [roll0] vs 68.
OOC I don't think there's anything specific we're delving for, I suspect he was just sent north to send word to get him out of the way.
He's not looking particularly furtive or secret agenda-y.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-07, 04:12 PM
In which case I suggest we leave him be, pack him off as early as we can the next morning, possibly with Jarla. and then follow a few hours behind with whatserface. Or perhaps we should go via Arrow Heap to avoid the Royal Party rolling up behind us.
@LCP
How does one go about getting that very snazzy GitP-style picture of Bardhyl into the character sheet post? :smallsmile:
You can grab the image URL by right-clicking on the picture, and then you should be able to just put that in [img] tags.
TheSummoner
2022-12-07, 07:08 PM
My thoughts were get him so drunk he needs to sleep it off (and has a bad hangover), have Jarla offer to deliver whatever message it was the Sforzas had for him, then leave while he stays in Painford before they have a chance to arrive.
RossN
2022-12-07, 10:00 PM
No worries - I've also caught whatever's going around atm, can definitely sympathise!
Thanks. :smallsmile:
I'd like to roll Perception to see if we think we've got what Jacques knows out of him: [roll0] vs 68.
OOC I don't think there's anything specific we're delving for, I suspect he was just sent north to send word to get him out of the way.
That's definitely my feeling too (and Jarla's IC).
She's a bit protective of Jacques (she is his patron after all) so she'd try and aim for the result that keeps him out of (more) trouble.
My thoughts were get him so drunk he needs to sleep it off (and has a bad hangover), have Jarla offer to deliver whatever message it was the Sforzas had for him, then leave while he stays in Painford before they have a chance to arrive.
Well that's only slightly different to Ludo's plan of sending him with Jarla, but I'll need you guys to resolve which it is before we can move on that far.
If you want to move to the following morning to see how hungover he is let me know - I'm figuring you might want to check in on Gina + tell her your plans first.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-09, 09:50 AM
Hey, the sourcebook Renegade Crowns is available as a free PDF on a shady Russian website. I've never read this one.
Edit: Removed the link to comply with forum rules. I, of course, would never condone piracy, and find it shameful on the part of Google to link a pirated sourcebook as one of its very first search results when you type the title into the search bar! De-index this page immediately, Google, before too many cunning rascals find it. :smallwink:
I think you'd be best advised to take that link down Sentinel - sharing copyrighted material is definitely against forum rules.
I'd say something about recommending Renegade Crowns as a fun book, but I think this campaign is the best recommendation I can give!
-Sentinel-
2022-12-09, 10:25 AM
I think you'd be best advised to take that link down Sentinel - sharing copyrighted material is definitely against forum rules.
Ah, thanks for the warning. I removed the link.
I'd say something about recommending Renegade Crowns as a fun book, but I think this campaign is the best recommendation I can give!
That, it is! :smallsmile:
Very funny sourcebook so far. The writers were clearly having a blast.
RossN
2022-12-09, 02:08 PM
I think you'd be best advised to take that link down Sentinel - sharing copyrighted material is definitely against forum rules.
I'd say something about recommending Renegade Crowns as a fun book, but I think this campaign is the best recommendation I can give!
Ah, thanks for the warning. I removed the link.
That, it is! :smallsmile:
Very funny sourcebook so far. The writers were clearly having a blast.
Yeah, I love that book. :smallsmile:
One thing I like is how a single roll on the table can completely change your perception of the setting - a lot of dwarf ruins implies a very different local history to one that has been home mostly to Chaos Cultists!
I'm running 'The Paths of the Damned' campaign on another forum but I was very strongly tempted to try running a Border Princes game.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-10, 03:44 PM
Does Jarla have access to the Royal Seal?
Actually given her role would she be able to write an entirely legitimate letter?
Yes and yes, I would say. Although of course if that letter ever got back to the Sforzas it would be highly incriminating.
Ludo probably also has some documents from Abdul w.r.t. tax + the Thorns' payroll - but making a fake from a broken bit of wax would be definitely more difficult/detectable than working with the actual stamp.
Worth mentioning as well that people who don't really know much about the Sforzas probably won't know what their seal looks like unless they get a specimen to compare - so it's quite possible that you could get away with any plausibly fancy-looking bit of wax. Getting caught out at a later date would only be possible if they hung on to the letter of recommendation - not impossible but probably not the norm.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-10, 04:29 PM
Sounds like real seal, fake signature is entirely possible and hard to trace back to Jarla? I will edit some kind of suggestion to that into my last post.
I would like to have Ludo question Gina on the journey. "Are there any secret passages into the palace and does the lady irene sleep next to an untraceable knife", that kind of thing. I assume the best way to do that is for me to come up with a list, and i will do that tomorrow evening/monday, I am playing games with Lizardmen this weekend.
Sounds like real seal, fake signature is entirely possible and hard to trace back to Jarla?
I would say that's a fair assessment.
I would like to have Ludo question Gina on the journey. "Are there any secret passages into the palace and does the lady irene sleep next to an untraceable knife", that kind of thing. I assume the best way to do that is for me to come up with a list, and i will do that tomorrow evening/monday, I am playing games with Lizardmen this weekend.
A list will be perfect. If Ludo's questions are super obviously 'how does one murder Irene' then a Charm test might also be appropriate to disguise his motive - Gina's obviously no fan of her highness but she hasn't given any indications that she'd be comfortable being an accessory to assassination. Excellent choice with the lizards, hola skinks.
TheSummoner, RossN, let me know if your characters will be ready to move on when Ludo's got his list, and who's going where with whom.
TheSummoner
2022-12-11, 01:03 AM
There's a part of me that thinks leaving the Sforzas unattended in Painford is a recipe for disaster. Probably better for Sieghard to wait for them to come and go and then ride hard for Savonne, hoping to overtake them after they leave (if they go by Ravenskird, he goes by Arrow Heap and vice versa).
Another thought. Sanne isn't in very good condition down in the dungeons. Sentinel, if you dont want her to die down there, might need to arrange a jail break. It seems like it's just the one gaoler down there. Man has to sleep sooner or later.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-11, 02:12 AM
I was actually wondering if Sanne could be useful for a kill-the-queen plan. If we break her out and get her away she might be a useful scapegoat.
EDIT: Do we need Sieghard in Savonne so soon? Ludo can send Gina off and Sieghard can ride up with the Sforzas.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-11, 09:43 AM
Another thought. Sanne isn't in very good condition down in the dungeons. Sentinel, if you dont want her to die down there, might need to arrange a jail break. It seems like it's just the one gaoler down there. Man has to sleep sooner or later.
You're suggesting to risk everything Elsa has gained over 2+ years, with little benefit. Getting Sanne out of her cell is one thing; getting her out of the castle is another. In the state she's in, I don't know how many steps she can walk before she collapses.
Even if Mauro doesn't witness the jailbreak, other prisoners will, and may try to foil the attempt in hopes it'll shorten their sentences.
RossN
2022-12-11, 10:42 AM
Unless Jacques has absolutely shocking information I'm fine with moving on and have Jarla keep him out of everyone's hair escort him back to Savonne. If the royals are returning soon Jarla probably does need to go back to court anyway.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-12, 05:12 AM
Having a bit of a family emergency so no list of murder questions from me today. Might get them in in time to reasonably timesplit but don't wait for me.
Hope it's nothing too serious. Have done a big post moving us on but very willing to timesplit Ludo's questions for Gina whenever.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-12, 01:30 PM
I think we should give Gina a fake name to travel under. Something Estalian or Bretonnian, as a Tilean name would raise suspicions that she's connected to the Sforzas.
Also, can she speak Reikspiel? I don't remember if this has been mentioned.
RossN
2022-12-12, 06:46 PM
Is Jarla writing Gina's letter or Ludo? Jarla's happy to do it but I'm not clear on whether she is just finding a seal ring or actually composing it herself.
Also hope it isn't too serious LeSwordfish!
-Sentinel-
2022-12-13, 12:00 AM
I reported the intruder. Hopefully a mod deletes their post.
They've been doing the same thing in a bunch of other threads. Really weird. Almost certainly a bot given their/its posting rate, but for what purpose? :smallconfused:
TheSummoner
2022-12-13, 03:23 AM
Test run of some sort of spambot? Seems like it's copying existing posts to try to pass as human, but context makes it obvious that it isn't.
I think it's a fairly common strategy for bots on boards where you can't post links before you reach a certain post count.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-14, 09:49 AM
Finding it quite hard to think of murder plans. Or, more specifically, ways in which I can make this tie into long-term goals OOC or IC: it's not entirely Ludo's vibe to do a murder without a point. I would imagine that "sneak into the bedroom when Sforza is out, stab her, run away" is reasonably possible with Ludo's sneaking statline.
I kind of wish i'd not had him announce his intention IC - without a plan, he's going to look like a bit of a wally just quietly dropping the idea. Going back further, I think I would have been less "do your worst" about it if I'd known how much of a loose end I was at without the "tainted drugs" idea. Which yes, does feel a bit grubby OOC typing it out.
Perhaps it's better to find a way of slipping to Sforza that she's been taking contraceptives? That might get revenge for Adelbert, and achieve the goal of removing her as a power base (and thus her ability to threaten Ludo's family) without needing to kill her? But, like, maybe it won't. And also, does that achieve anything long-term in terms of our nominal goals of taking over? Could we imply that Nahorek/Mala was responsible?
Alternatively, Irene has always taken her own safety extremely seriously. If we were to make a credible threat to her own safety, perhaps that could affect her behaviour.
If Sforza divorces Irene (is he allowed to?) I wonder if we could find a candidate to take her place, Alicent Hightower style. I think perhaps Ludo should take the documents to Filomena and speak to her about this whole thing - she hates Irene right? And might be willing to get in on a strategy to get her out of the way.
So these are going to be Ludo's questions: sorry if they're a bit vague and more spurs for conversation rather than specific asks.
The Lady Irene and Filomena never seemed to get on. Why was that? Does she have any other particular enemies in Savonne?
What was your process for buying this drug for her? Who did you purchase it from? Did they know you were buying it for the principessa?
Does the Lady give advice to Sforza? Does he listen to her? Who else gives him advice - who often disagrees with her?
How long has Sforza been expecting a child? How long has Irene been protecting against that?
How does Irene spend her time when Sforza is away?
AND only if Gina has been getting on well with things so far - how is Irene protected? What kind of personal guard does she have?
Here is an initial Charm test for this [roll0] vs 92. If Gina catches on to the idea of Ludo trying to depose or kill Irene, he'll say something like "she threatened my family", and only continue if that seems to make her much more comfortable.
I'm not sure how much money to give Gina. How much was she earning as a lady's maid? I assume she's got nothing more than the clothes she's wearing.
And a pure mechanical question: If I do go with plan sneak-and-stab, can we bring the At Your Mercy rules back for that? Sneaking ludo can do, but stabbing not so much.
Lots of good questions there. I won't weigh in too much because this is largely about in-character decision making, both individually for Ludo and for the group as a whole. You guys have already had round 1 of this discussion - I suspect it's something that will come up again.
Perhaps it's better to find a way of slipping to Sforza that she's been taking contraceptives? That might get revenge for Adelbert, and achieve the goal of removing her as a power base (and thus her ability to threaten Ludo's family) without needing to kill her?
One thing I will say here is that while something like this is absolutely possible, you should expect it'll take a sustained effort. Fighting for political favour or disfavour is fighting her on her home turf; she has the most access to Sforza of anyone in the Reaches, and the skills and inclination to use it. You guys know from personal experience how quickly she's bounced back from crossing lines that angered or embarrassed him in the past.
That's not that I'm at all saying it's a bad idea - you have a hypnohobbit and lots of political ammunition. Just trying to make sure the scale of the task is clear.
And also, does that achieve anything long-term in terms of our nominal goals of taking over?
I think this is a very relevant question in terms of who in the party actually has this goal (and why).
If Sforza divorces Irene (is he allowed to?)
https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/270/123/1c1.png
There's no Pope-equivalent to tell him off if he wanted to do that - his biggest problem would probably be with Irene's family back in Tilea.
I'm not sure how much money to give Gina. How much was she earning as a lady's maid? I assume she's got nothing more than the clothes she's wearing.
She was on 2gc12s a month. She has about 10s on her.
And a pure mechanical question: If I do go with plan sneak-and-stab, can we bring the At Your Mercy rules back for that? Sneaking ludo can do, but stabbing not so much.
I don't remember exactly how we ran them, but yes, I won't force you to use the core combat rules for assassinating a sleeping human.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-14, 11:50 AM
Perhaps it's better to find a way of slipping to Sforza that she's been taking contraceptives? That might get revenge for Adelbert, and achieve the goal of removing her as a power base (and thus her ability to threaten Ludo's family) without needing to kill her? But, like, maybe it won't. And also, does that achieve anything long-term in terms of our nominal goals of taking over? Could we imply that Nahorek/Mala was responsible?
Irene once got morning sickness. Sforza sent her to Bianco, but Elsa mentioned to him that this was a good sign if he wanted an heir, and he perked up in interest. I think Elsa could bring it up again—in light of Bianco's more recent treachery, Sforza will likely reevaluate the whole incident.
The Lady Irene and Filomena never seemed to get on. Why was that? Does she have any other particular enemies in Savonne?
My own suspicion is that Filomena was once Sforza's lover during his campaigns in Arabya. If true, it's probably an open secret among the Iron Company.
And also, does that achieve anything long-term in terms of our nominal goals of taking over?
I think this is a very relevant question in terms of who in the party actually has this goal (and why).
Yyyyep. I know a Border Princes campaign is supposed to be about political maneuvering, but Elsa is actually quite comfortable with her current position. She has just the right level of protection, independence and responsibility. Outright taking over would give her more visibility, and perhaps force the Colleges to send a Master Vigilant after her—a runaway apprentice is likely beneath their notice, but a battle-hardened renegade wizard who's one of the rulers of a small polity is a problem. Not to mention that, when the common people are starving, it's perhaps wise not to be the ones being held responsible.
Plus, a regicide is not the same thing as a coup. With our current level of military support, killing Sforza and his wife would only earn us rope neckties, not the throne. The only winner would be Carraciolo.
There's no Pope-equivalent to tell him off if he wanted to do that - his biggest problem would probably be with Irene's family back in Tilea.
I'm not sure to what extent he still even needs them, though. Have we ever known of them sending him any money or other support during the time frame of the game?
TheSummoner
2022-12-14, 12:32 PM
And also, does that achieve anything long-term in terms of our nominal goals of taking over?
I think this is a very relevant question in terms of who in the party actually has this goal (and why).
Sieghard is very much on board with killing Irene (because of the ambush) and he has no love for Sforza, though that doesn't rise to the level of "let's murder him in his sleep." I can easily see how one thing could lead to another though, where the results of killing Irene create a need to remove Sforza which in turn creates a situation where we feel the need to take control to enforce some level of stability.
Plus, a regicide is not the same thing as a coup. With our current level of military support, killing Sforza and his wife would only earn us rope neckties, not the throne. The only winner would be Carraciolo.
Only if they find out it was us. You also seem to be assuming that Sforza dying means Carraciolo becomes undisputed ruler of everything Sforza ruled. There's no guarantee it'd work like that. For a historical example, when Alexander the Great died, his generals carved up the land he had conquered and split it among themselves.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-14, 12:53 PM
Only if they find out it was us. You also seem to be assuming that Sforza dying means Carraciolo becomes undisputed ruler of everything Sforza ruled. There's no guarantee it'd work like that. For a historical example, when Alexander the Great died, his generals carved up the land he had conquered and split it among themselves.
Carraciolo would be at the gates of Savonne before Valdes even learned of Sforza's death. And once he holds Savonne, he holds the Reaches, because the only other seasoned soldiers who excel in a pitched battle are the handful of Magrittan swordsmen who survived Arrow Heap.
TheSummoner
2022-12-14, 01:01 PM
Much like how Belehir held the reaches when he held Savonne, right?
If Carraciolo takes Savonne, he has Savonne. He only has the south if either Valdes and Sieghard bend the knee to him or he takes it by force. And there's no guarantee he'd even try.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-14, 01:04 PM
I guess just as a headcount, is The PC's Republic of Sieghardia what we're looking for, long term? It feels like something that's nominally been part of the plan since the beginning, but we've never made particular moves on since getting mixed up in all this vampire business.
Personally, I kind of like the idea, and think some politicking would make a pleasant change from the vampire business (which is fun, don't get me wrong, but I'm willing to try other play styles). However, I think the way I've played Ludo thus far means that he needs to find an unusual turn of ambition, or some external reason, to properly try and climb the ladder. However, Ludo totally has an "in" in that Sforza basically offered him a job after the trial, so I should go and take that job - if nothing else, it lets me get Sforza's ear more closely.
Does Sieghard want to talk to Sforza about the incident with Tshula? If not, Ludo can meet with him after he gets back to Savonne.
Excellent choice with the lizards, hola skinks.
The lizards performed creditably: they're such a powerhouse army at the moment that even my generalship cannot bring them down. Ton'ki Ho'ti, my lancer Scar-vet, lanced a bunch of trolls.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-14, 01:07 PM
Much like how Belehir held the reaches when he held Savonne, right?
If Carraciolo takes Savonne, he has Savonne. He only has the south if either Valdes and Sieghard bend the knee to him or he takes it by force. And there's no guarantee he'd even try.
Honestly, I think part of the problem is that all Sforza's court are buddies to some degree or another. I can't imagine any serious rebellion against Carraciolo from Valdes, Al'Makir, etc. In fact, maybe that's an action we could take: damage Carraciolo's reputation so that, should something happen to Sforza, the others won't fall in line behind him.
That's why, if you're planning a coup, you also make plans to frustrate whoever might be the biggest threat to you successfully holding onto power once the main target is removed. Not to mention that you obviously need some military force of your own, which could include subverting anyone not in the Iron Company.
But above all, Sieghard makes an important point about succession. Carraciolo has zero legitimacy as the next in line to rule the Reaches, all he has is (probably) the support of the Iron Company. He may be able to take and hold Savonne with that, but that leaves everyone else to do their own thing, including raising and training troops to fight him if he marches out to reconquer the other areas. If he splits his forces to hold all parts of the Reaches, he leaves himself vulnerable to being defeated piecemeal.
Coming late into the game, I think the chances of a successful coup are far greater than it might seem at first glance, but it's likely true that it's not something the party could pull off with just your own resources.
Edit: Man, you people write posts quickly! :smallbiggrin:
If you were to advance a candidate for the throne from the party, my suggestion would be either Sieghard - he's recognizable, a famous warrior, and already holds a leadership position - or Ludo. He's a skilled diplomat and will seem non-threatening to most other candidates, but as long as he's got Sieghard and Elsa behind him, he also has the muscle to keep other ambitious folk in line (once the coup is done).
-Sentinel-
2022-12-14, 02:12 PM
Much like how Belehir held the reaches when he held Savonne, right?
The situation is completely different. Belehir was brought to power by the will of the people of Savonne and had no allies outside the walls of the city, unless you count Sforza's enemy-of-my-enemy deal. The Dwimmulsons packed up and left, leaving him without access to the city's ancestral source of wealth. He was opposed by a coalition of powerful armies, most of which (the knights of Manann, the Norscans, Groz' mercenary company and the Storm Swords) have since been almost entirely wiped out. Alvarr's surviving archers, levies and war machines are now Carraciolo's, and the dwarfs and the guilders will likely align behind him for the sake of continuity and stability.
Any army that can pose a threat to the Iron Company would need to be hired outside the Reaches. And if Carraciolo holds Savonne and has the loyalty of Putbad and the dwarfs, he can easily outspend us. He will also control all road and river access to and from the Reaches.
I suppose the people of Savonne could rise up in revolt. It'll likely be short-lived and come to a bloody end about as soon as someone with an actual army marches in, much like the Paris Commune of 1871. And there's no reason why revolutionaries would put us in charge. They likely don't see much difference between any of Sforza's lieutenants.
Honestly, I think part of the problem is that all Sforza's court are buddies to some degree or another. I can't imagine any serious rebellion against Carraciolo from Valdes, Al'Makir, etc.
Exactly. I don't know if Valdes even has any ambition to rule the Reaches. He likely considers his rule of the South to be a pretty good deal, considering how depleted his company is. Why would he wager everything he has on a bad hand?
Also, consider it from the soldiers' perspective. Most of Sforza's old-timers have been campaigning since Arabya, and are now enjoying a sort of semi-retirement. They probably aren't too keen on embarking on a fratricidal campaign over a land that they already consider conquered. The leader who offers them continuity and the status quo will get more support from them than the one who wants to shake things up.
In fact, maybe that's an action we could take: damage Carraciolo's reputation so that, should something happen to Sforza, the others won't fall in line behind him.
We could do that, but it's dangerous to undermine your ruler when the nation is already in crisis, unless you have a rock-solid plan to replace him. Are we sure we're the ones in the best position to take advantage of a power vacuum? Or will we just make the Reaches ripe for the taking by outside enemies?
TheSummoner
2022-12-14, 02:39 PM
It's all speculative at the moment since I don't think anyone is suggesting an immediate move against Sforza, but the Iron Company isn't as invincible as you're making them out to be. They've got numbers and they're probably the most elite close combat unit in the Reaches, but they're also pikemen and thus fairly specialized. Force them into tight confines (for example, the Karst) and their long weapons become a detriment rather than an advantage and their numbers count for nothing. Use guerilla tactics and avoid a direct engagement and there's little to nothing they can do to counter that. That sort of thing.
As for the dwarves, I doubt they'd get involved in something like that ("Not our problem, manling!") and if they did, it's easy enough to remind them of the rumors about Sforza allying himself with orcs.
Excellent choice with the lizards, hola skinks.The lizards performed creditably: they're such a powerhouse army at the moment that even my generalship cannot bring them down. Ton'ki Ho'ti, my lancer Scar-vet, lanced a bunch of trolls.
I've been considering giving lizards a try. Recently bought a 3d printer and this (https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-saurians-army-bundle-1-161666) (I haven't given GW a dime since the End Times and I don't plan on changing that). Might be a while before I can get everything ready, but I'm planning on doing a few small (maybe 1000 point) armies for game demos at events. Any tips for what works well?
Speaking of events, I'll be leaving for one tomorrow evening. Posting may be limited.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-14, 02:58 PM
It's all speculative at the moment since I don't think anyone is suggesting an immediate move against Sforza, but the Iron Company isn't as invincible as you're making them out to be.
Not invincible... just comparatively powerful enough that most of the other remaining armed forces in the Reaches would rather fight by their side than against them. To form a coalition capable of defeating them, you'd need a very strong leader (which Sieghard isn't), an inspiring cause (which we don't have), and tempting promises (which we can't make).
We also have to wonder if, morally speaking, our characters are prepared to plunge the battered, starving Reaches into a new war over our desire to avenge Adelbert.
They've got numbers and they're probably the most elite close combat unit in the Reaches, but they're also pikemen and thus fairly specialized. Force them into tight confines (for example, the Karst) and their long weapons become a detriment rather than an advantage and their numbers count for nothing. Use guerilla tactics and avoid a direct engagement and there's little to nothing they can do to counter that. That sort of thing.
How do you plan to force them to fight you on your terms? If they hold the mighty walls of Savonne, they'd be fools to abandon them. I suppose we could ravage the countryside until they can no longer afford to ignore us, but... that wouldn't exactly endear us to the people we hope to rule.
As for the dwarves, I doubt they'd get involved in something like that ("Not our problem, manling!") and if they did, it's easy enough to remind them of the rumors about Sforza allying himself with orcs.
Why would they side with us? If we knowingly served under a man who allied himself with Orcs, then we're as bad as Carraciolo in their book (of grudges).
LeSwordfish
2022-12-14, 03:08 PM
I mean i feel like if we were doing it right there wouldn't be a war - that would be the point of the setup, to make Sieghard (or whoever) the natural consensus candidate, or at least somebody worth falling in line behind.
Carrociolo has the sort of assumed legitimacy of being Sforza's heir (even if unspoken), but I feel like there's no natural follow-up to him... who is below him as the pike commander? And that person has even less legitimacy.
Of Sforza's lieutenants, I find it hard to picture Valdes leading a civil war, and he doesn't have the manpower of himself - though I can imagine Sforza's mercenaries falling in behind him. Sussman and Barbaro will just pick whoever they think would win, and I suspect Al'makir could make things very difficult but perhaps wouldn't- presented with a Fait Accompli, I feel like he would keep on with business instead of trying to overturn the boat.
This would make them all difficult to sway against a leader - i can't imagine having any luck whatsoever trying to get them on our sides against Sforza - but equally I think would make getting them on our side if we had already won easier.
Responding to questions + clarifications of fact in the game world:
I'm not sure to what extent [Sforza] still even needs [Irene's family] though. Have we ever known of them sending him any money or other support during the time frame of the game?
It can be a good idea not to provoke powerful people even if you don't depend on them for support. You've met 2 Tilean nobles; you can probably imagine how they'd behave if something similar happened to a daughter of theirs.
Vendetta is a fun word to say.
Belehir was brought to power by the will of the people of Savonne.
Maybe not super relevant to the discussion, but I would say anyone who said this IC would not be giving an impartial account.
Any army that can pose a threat to the Iron Company would need to be hired outside the Reaches.
Maybe more relevant: most of the men who made up Alvarr and Rorik's armies are still around. Very few fighting forces suffered anything close to 100% losses in the war; the Iron Company are formidable but there are definitely enough fighting men/women and weapons in the Reaches to challenge them.
If by an army for hire you mean a pre-organised force, then yes, they're not that - but a pre-organised force is going to come with a pre-organised leader. I'm guessing what you guys are discussing here isn't just how to send an invitation to Sforza v2.
Carrociolo has the sort of assumed legitimacy of being Sforza's heir (even if unspoken)
Similar to the statement about Belehir, I'd say someone who said this IC was picking a side. Carraciolo is second-in-command of the Iron Company and Lord-Lieutenant of the North, but Sforza has made no explicit moves to place him above Valdes in any kind of hierarchy, or to tie him to the succession. He hasn't got noble blood. The practical reality than in the event of a contested succession he'd have the most men is pretty much the only claim he'd have.
Put another way - for Carraciolo to get any real legitimacy beyond might makes right, Sforza would have to acknowledge the possibility that he and Irene could die childless.
Responding to the general discussion: I think you guys know where you each stand on this (barring Bardhyl of course (https://media.tenor.com/WMLaZSUC_ogAAAAC/wildcard-bitches.gif)). There's no immediate IC decision to be made, just Ludo gathering information - so I think the thing I would think about is not just where your character would stand, but what they would do with their knowledge of what the others are thinking. Intra-party tension can make for some fun moments, but mainly when resolved through actions rather than reiterated in words. Maybe you have other ways to solve each other's problems, or ideas to alleviate each others' fears - if you do, it would be better to think about those now, when your fellow PCs have raised the issue, than later when those problems have already happened.
I've redrafted this bit a silly number of times, because I don't want to push you guys in any particular direction or show favour to any particular IC argument, so I won't say any more. I'm not encouraging you to split the party - I think we probably had enough of that with Adelbert the spy - just encouraging you to think about how you can address what all the PCs want, rather than just individuals.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-15, 01:05 PM
I'd be willing to contribute to Sandu's fee if needed, but honestly, I think the 12 gc should come out of our recent windfall from the sale of the warehouse. As for how much we give Gina, I think about 5-6 gc would be reasonable. We should also give her a dagger if she doesn't already have one.
I have no further plans in Savonne. As soon as Sieghard joins us (if he intends to), I'm ready to follow Bardhyl in search of Wadim.
TheSummoner
2022-12-15, 04:04 PM
Sieghard is fine with paying those expenses. Let's make it a nice even 20. 12 for Sandu, 8 for her. Someone else will have to front the money though - Filomena hasn't actually paid yet.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-17, 10:03 AM
Ludo can cover it, and can also handle taking the deeds back to Filomena. I'd suggest we give Gina 5 crowns of that and the rest to Olga for safekeeping.
I would suggest the warehouse money gets split up the same way as we divided up Dragos' original wealth - i.e. between the people that were in at the kill, including the Thorns. I make that 106 crowns to each of Ludo, Elsa, Sieghard, Jarla (representing Adelbert), Urgi, and the Thorns (i.e. Sieghard's slush fund.) If anyone wants to make a case for why Bardhyl should claim some of that, feel free to, I'm very happy to split it "between PCs" OOC. Is Bardhyl paying his associates? Could we cover their time looking after Gina?
(I'm assuming Urgi is still around in Painford, just out of frame, laughing too. If he's gone incommunicado we can split it five ways instead.)
Similar to the statement about Belehir, I'd say someone who said this IC was picking a side. Carraciolo is second-in-command of the Iron Company and Lord-Lieutenant of the North, but Sforza has made no explicit moves to place him above Valdes in any kind of hierarchy, or to tie him to the succession. He hasn't got noble blood. The practical reality than in the event of a contested succession he'd have the most men is pretty much the only claim he'd have.
Put another way - for Carraciolo to get any real legitimacy beyond might makes right, Sforza would have to acknowledge the possibility that he and Irene could die childless.
Fair enough. I was thinking that the old military hierarchy of "he was the old boss's second" would probably give him the semblance of legitimacy that none of the others are willing to take on that might? Whereas if Joe Lunchpail, Carrociolo's second, tries that, Valdez and Al'Makir (and Sussman and Sieghard) would all be more likely to go "hang on, why not me?". Even if the amount of actual might is the same in each case? Or am I being a bit naive here? I am not a historian or politician.
(It also occurs to me that if there was any north-to-south war in the future, Sieghard and his army and his fortified town sit on pretty much the only safe route between them. And that worked out fine for Walder Frey didn't it? I'm only up to season 5.)
Anyway, in terms of actual character goals, Ludo's is actually quite simple: stop Irene from hurting his family. OOC, I also quite like the challenge of this politicking, so am going to make some more cautious steps towards it IC.
Fair enough. I was thinking that the old military hierarchy of "he was the old boss's second" would probably give him the semblance of legitimacy that none of the others are willing to take on that might? Whereas if Joe Lunchpail, Carrociolo's second, tries that, Valdez and Al'Makir (and Sussman and Sieghard) would all be more likely to go "hang on, why not me?". Even if the amount of actual might is the same in each case? Or am I being a bit naive here? I am not a historian or politician. I don't think there's a general case to refer to here. If Sforza is deposed (and killed) then it might very well unite his old officers behind Carrociolo, but it might also be a signal for each of them to consider whether they want to strike out on their own. The latter scenario could be made more likely by working that angle before unleashing the coup.
Take Valdes, for instance. He's been made lord of Last Water, right? So for all his loyal service, and the sacrifice of plenty of his men at Arrow Heap, he gets to run a shrinking oasis at the arse end of the Reaches. Not the greatest of prizes, perhaps. Or maybe he can be convinced to start thinking in those terms.
And how about the Iron Company in general? They're professional soldiers with no war left to fight. What's their future in the Reaches going to be like? How many are starting to think about retiring? How's their discipline now that all they've got to do all day is various forms of guard duty?
A coup won't come off by itself, nor will it succeed without considerable groundwork and a clear goal in mind. If the party is willing to put in the work, I'm sure there's cracks to be found in Sforza's regime and plenty of people with an axe to grind who'd be willing to support a coup if their price is met.
Is Bardhyl paying his associates? Could we cover their time looking after Gina? Bardhyl's people work for Bardhyl, so no need to worry about paying them. They have their own sources of income. :smallbiggrin:
(I'm assuming Urgi is still around in Painford, just out of frame, laughing too. If he's gone incommunicado we can split it five ways instead.)
The Dwimmulsons have sent him off on an errand of their own - you won't find him in Painford.
Fair enough. I was thinking that the old military hierarchy of "he was the old boss's second" would probably give him the semblance of legitimacy that none of the others are willing to take on that might? Whereas if Joe Lunchpail, Carrociolo's second, tries that, Valdez and Al'Makir (and Sussman and Sieghard) would all be more likely to go "hang on, why not me?". Even if the amount of actual might is the same in each case?
Sounds plausible enough to me. The only clarification I wanted to add with my previous post is that the 'semblance of legitimacy' at the first step is fairly thin - people might start asking those questions at the earlier stage too. Not that any prediction of who would behave how would be rock-solid - these are all individuals who'd react individually to the exact circumstances.
Sorry for the slow replies over the weekend all - I downloaded Dwarf Fortress and fell down a semi-literal hole.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-19, 01:37 PM
The Dwimmulsons have sent him off on an errand of their own - you won't find him in Painford.
Sure. I think strictly speaking the IC thing to do would be to put the money aside for when he turns up again but I shan't rob Elsa and Jarla of their hard-earned war profiteering/brothel profits - lets divide it by 5 along the same lines again, for 127GC each.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-19, 02:07 PM
Filomena is a tough cookie to Charm, so I'll re-roll that: [roll0] vs 92
Hey all, just want to let you know that my wife and son have been hit with stomach flu. It seems to last about two days. Right now, I'm okay, but the odds of me not catching it are grim. If I'm unresponsive in the next few days, the flu will be the reason why.
TheSummoner
2022-12-19, 05:31 PM
Sorry for the slow replies over the weekend all - I downloaded Dwarf Fortress and fell down a semi-literal hole.
Fantastic game. I hope you're playing it with the original ascii intact. Just remember, losing is fun.
Thragka
2022-12-19, 06:02 PM
The Dwimmulsons have sent him off on an errand of their own - you won't find him in Painford.
He’s been spending a lot of time in Helmgart under a nom de guerre.
"Well, it's not a question of blame, is it?" said the Prince. "It's not a man's fault if he has a sickness - but he can still be a danger to his fellow men."
Hold on, hold on – I thought the miasmas were attracted to sloth, slovenliness and common breeding? It’s the same epidemiology as poverty, surely.
Hold on, hold on – I thought the miasmas were attracted to sloth, slovenliness and common breeding? It’s the same epidemiology as poverty, surely.
I thought about that when I was writing the post, but I think that's a product of real-world religious thinking in a world without a literal Plague Satan to blame these things on.
TheSummoner
2022-12-19, 07:59 PM
Surely you mean Plague Santa.
Fat. Jolly. Likes to give people gifts. Think about it.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-20, 10:32 AM
"It's a shame," he said. "The old man seemed amiable enough. If he has to go, who's to say we won't get some troublemaker in his place?" He shook his head. "But we'll have to see."
Uhhhh, this is worrisome. Sieghard should definitely try to probe what Sforza means by that.
The next thing I have that Ludo would like to do is speak to Sforza once he returns to Savonne.
This'd take us a few days forward into Sigmarzeit - does anyone else have anything they want to get out of the way before we do?
I'm assuming Bardhyl doesn't object to waiting a few more days before setting off.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-20, 12:21 PM
I'd like to spend some time preparing for the journey. I'm pretty sure Ludo has winter clothes but can buy rations and stuff - shall I just help myself at rulebook prices?
-Sentinel-
2022-12-20, 01:39 PM
This'd take us a few days forward into Sigmarzeit - does anyone else have anything they want to get out of the way before we do?
I'm good. Beyond the "scan for Chaos" thing, my discussion with Tatiana is just to kill time while the other players do their thing.
RossN
2022-12-20, 10:00 PM
Happy to move forward.
Jarla will presumably be busy setting up the keep for the return of the royals (or at least giving the odd instruction while the staff does the real work.)
OK, I'll move us forward. XP etc. for the new month to come a bit later.
Alright, XP time. Merry Mondstille everyone:
Bardhyl
Elsa
Jarla
Ludo
Sieghard
Completing Pflugzeit
100
100
100
100
100
Securing Brina's farmstead from Abdul
25
25
Digging up Ironrod's map (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25459323&postcount=1133)
25
Saving Gina in Painford & learning her story
25
25
Exorcising Hieronymus
50
50
50
50
50
Smuggling Gina to Putbad
25
25
25
25
Helping Jak & Stela
25
25
Being mean to Irene
25
All in all not a bad month's work!
It's also come to my attention that since I wussed out on letting you guys level up the Thorns for yourselves, I haven't done a very good job of keeping up with their veterancy level. Considering everything they've been through, I think it's about time we gave them some goodies:
All the Thorns get the 2 WP advances on their sheet.
Ingwald picks up Command, Haggle (from all the tax collecting duty you've had him on) and +5 Fel.
Hanna picks up Command, +5 WP and +5 T.
Gustaf picks up Sure Shot and Follow Trail +20%.
I'm not sure whether their sheet counting 21 of them is up-to-date with the most recent recruiting efforts. If there's a large block of raw recruits unaccounted for then let me know and I'll think about whether they're numerous enough to worry about representing their stats separately.
-Sentinel-
2022-12-23, 03:23 PM
I can finally buy Dodge Blow. Merry Christmas and happy belated birthday to me! :smallbiggrin:
That leaves me with 125 XP. Hmm, let's go with Suave. It's the last Fel advance I'll be able to buy in this career.
I had kind of half forgotten the business with the dwarfs. I need to do something about that sometime, since our esteemed GM went through the trouble of drawing a map and everything. But there are more pressing matters to attend to right now.
@ LeSwordfish and TheSummoner: Congrats, Ludo and Sieghard are clearly the MVP's of the month. :smallwink:
TIL: being mean to Irene earns you XP. I'm sure there are no downsides whatsoever.
RossN
2022-12-23, 08:04 PM
Okay, wow Jarla now has 630 unspent XP.
TheSummoner
2022-12-24, 02:39 PM
I'm not sure whether their sheet counting 21 of them is up-to-date with the most recent recruiting efforts. If there's a large block of raw recruits unaccounted for then let me know and I'll think about whether they're numerous enough to worry about representing their stats separately.
Those numbers don't account for the more recent recruiting efforts. I need to sit down and go over the bookkeeping myself when the Christmas rush is over.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-25, 04:43 PM
I'm away from my books for the moment so can't tot up the price but Ludo is very wealthy so I'll just make a shopping list now - he's going to buy another 24 hours of oil for his lamp, three weeks rations, and a third waterskin.
Let me know if you think Ludo's getting a little heavy on encumbrance- I can't be bothered to do the maths but he's now carrying two swords, two ranged weapons, and a shield. Would it be reasonable to take a pony off into the mountains or would the terrain forbid that?
-Sentinel-
2022-12-25, 05:21 PM
Would it be reasonable to take a pony off into the mountains or would the terrain forbid that?
I had Elsa travel all the way to Putbad just to fetch her horse for the trip. We are taking the horses. :smalltongue:
@ RossN: If I were you, I'd get a skill mastery in Charm. Are you maxed out on primary characteristics for this career?
Well, I survived the stomach flu but it took two days to overcome the physical exhaustion and brain fog, and that took me right into Christmas, but I'm back on my feet and catching up on events.
I'll get IC and OOC posts up tomorrow as needed.
Oh, and look - shiny XP to spend! :smallbiggrin:
RossN
2022-12-25, 06:59 PM
Happy Christmas all! Too busy to post but I plan on getting a second wind after the hols! :smallsmile:
Merry Xmas all! Glad you survived the flu, rax.
I'm away from my books for the moment so can't tot up the price but Ludo is very wealthy so I'll just make a shopping list now - he's going to buy another 24 hours of oil for his lamp, three weeks rations, and a third waterskin.
Let me know if you think Ludo's getting a little heavy on encumbrance- I can't be bothered to do the maths but he's now carrying two swords, two ranged weapons, and a shield. Would it be reasonable to take a pony off into the mountains or would the terrain forbid that?
That is sounding like a lot for a halfling to carry - but bringing your pony should mean it isn't a problem, as long as you keep a shortlist of what's actually on your person.
You should be able to buy all this at rulebook prices except for foodstuffs, which are at a 30% markup right now.
I've thrown in one very brief last scene for this IC day with Jarla, but it should be quick to resolve. Is everyone looking to leave the next day for the expedition to find Wadim?
TheSummoner
2022-12-27, 02:40 PM
I'm good to move on. I'll get an IC post up tonight and sort out Sieghard's other shopping, but the only thing that might be non-trivial is that Sieghard wants to use his share of the money from the warehouse sale to have a best-quality shield made. He should have plenty of time to arrange that while the others are doing their own things though.
LeSwordfish
2022-12-27, 02:41 PM
I'm happy to leave ASAP. I'm also going to add a Storm Lantern to Ludo's shopping list, and a set of Good-quality clothing, including a coat suitable for cold weather.
Ludo has owned a pony for a while now and been up and down to Savonne on it a few times. Can I take Ride as an Elite Advance please?
-Sentinel-
2022-12-27, 04:08 PM
To buy:
-2 saddlebags, for the sake of symmetry. (4 gc)
-A new set of good quality travel clothes. (3 gc)
-A week of good quality rations. (216 p)
-A third water skin. (96 p)
-A bottle of good quality spirits. (36 p)
-2 days of horse fodder, just in case we venture in barren territory. (10 p)
-10 matches. (10 p)
-Firewood, in case we need to make a campfire in the mountains. (No idea how much it costs.)
Total = 8 gc and 128 p, not counting the firewood. Let me know if Gossip checks are necessary for any of the above.
Did we do any accounting for the money we gave Gina?
Also, is Sieghard coming with? I've seen no indication that he followed Sforza's party to Savonne. :smallconfused:
TheSummoner
2022-12-27, 05:39 PM
That's because I haven't gotten the IC post up yet. Tis the season and whatnot.
Sieghard will pick up two weeks of rations, a week of fodder, and let's say three torches so we aren't completely dependent on Ludo's lamp.
Sorry for the slow posting everyone - we're painting the 1st floor of our house and yesterday was fairly full-on.
I'm good to move on. I'll get an IC post up tonight and sort out Sieghard's other shopping, but the only thing that might be non-trivial is that Sieghard wants to use his share of the money from the warehouse sale to have a best-quality shield made. He should have plenty of time to arrange that while the others are doing their own things though.
Where's he getting it made?
Ludo has owned a pony for a while now and been up and down to Savonne on it a few times. Can I take Ride as an Elite Advance please?
Sure, no problem.
I'm assuming that the general idea is to follow Bardhyl west to his base of operations out there. Since I've kept you guys waiting long enough already I'll put together an IC post to get us that point shortly, but feel free to timesplit any conversations you'd like to have had, or to tell me to back up and rewind if necessary. This'll be a journey of a couple of days so may be a good chance for the gang to get to know Bardhyl a bit better around the campfire.
TheSummoner
2022-12-29, 12:28 PM
Where's he getting it made?
Probably something he can have handled in the Thornwood. If he can't find anyone locally, he'll try Savonne.
[roll0] vs 64 gossip to find someone who can make it.
[roll1] vs 54 haggle for the price
-Sentinel-
2022-12-29, 01:39 PM
For everyone else, if you can pass SL(Reikspiel) at -30 you can get a rough understanding of what Bardhyl’s boys are saying in their hillfolk lingo.
Oh wait, is this just one test to understand all the hill folk dialogue to follow?
Because if so, I'll re-roll that. [roll0]
Edit: Damn. :smallfrown: Failed by 5.
Bardhyl will spring for a side of meat and a keg of beer to keep his crew happy.
Side of (unidentified) meat = 16 p (incl. markup)
Keg of beer = 47 p (incl. markup)
= 5 s 3 p
The test is one per fragment of hillchat, not one test and you figure out the whole dialect.
Sieghard will probably struggle to find a master craftsman for a shield in the Thornwood, but he can definitely get one in Savonne.
I'm going to be away for the next 2-3 days and most likely unable to post, so happy new year in advance, everyone!
-Sentinel-
2022-12-30, 10:17 AM
The test is one per fragment of hillchat, not one test and you figure out the whole dialect.
Ah, thanks. I'll spend no more Fortune Points trying to understand it.
The Vrani look like an interesting people, and seem to be the only true natives of the Broken Reaches... the only ones with an ancient culture of their own rather than a hodgepodge of foreign cultures. Looking back at the early game, I wonder how things would have turned out if I'd had Elsa seek out employment in Morr's Seat after her first encounter with Kelda. I have a feeling she would have thrived among the Norscans and Vrani. (Although of course, the other PCs had their own preferences and motivations to take into account.)
I'm going to be away for the next 2-3 days and most likely unable to post, so happy new year in advance, everyone!
Happy new year! :smallsmile:
I'm going to be away for the next 2-3 days and most likely unable to post, so happy new year in advance, everyone! And the same to you!
RossN
2022-12-31, 03:39 PM
Don't have time for an IC post this evening but wanted to say Happy New Year guys! :smallsmile:
LeSwordfish
2023-01-01, 07:15 AM
Ludo's lived on the other side of the desert from the hill folk all his life - might he know a very little of the dialect? I'm thinking of, like, traditional greeting, thank you, that kind of thing. Not actually speaking the language but enough to be polite.
Here's a SL:Reikspiel test if you want a roll: [roll0] vs 18 - unless bonjour/merci etc is a -0 test, that fails.
-Sentinel-
2023-01-01, 09:16 AM
Don't have time for an IC post this evening but wanted to say Happy New Year guys! :smallsmile:
Happy 2023! :smallsmile:
@ TheSummoner: I'm sorry to ask again, but have you done any bookkeeping for the money we gave Gina? We agreed it would come out of the gold from the sale of the warehouse, which you are in charge of.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-01, 09:42 AM
@ TheSummoner: I'm sorry to ask again, but have you done any bookkeeping for the money we gave Gina? We agreed it would come out of the gold from the sale of the warehouse, which you are in charge of.
I handled the warehouse money and paid Gina - see posts OOC 57ish-60. Filomena gave us a cashbox of dough which Ludo is storing at the Castle. I've already claimed my share, I don't see why Elsa shouldn't take her share as well (127GC).
-Sentinel-
2023-01-01, 09:54 AM
I've already claimed my share, I don't see why Elsa shouldn't take her share as well (127GC).
Oh, thanks!
I should try spending it sometime.
TheSummoner
2023-01-02, 10:58 AM
If I didn't say so before, yeah, I'm fine with the suggestion of evenly splitting the money from the warehouse sale. Use it as you see fit.
The Vrani look like an interesting people, and seem to be the only true natives of the Broken Reaches... the only ones with an ancient culture of their own rather than a hodgepodge of foreign cultures.
It depends what you call 'foreign' and 'ancient'. The northern Old Worlders arrived in the Reaches about as long ago as the Normans arrived in England.
Thragka
2023-01-02, 01:15 PM
Yeah, and England has no detectable culture.
Yeah, and England has no detectable culture. This is true. I've been there. :smallamused:
-Sentinel-
2023-01-02, 05:44 PM
It depends what you call 'foreign' and 'ancient'. The northern Old Worlders arrived in the Reaches about as long ago as the Normans arrived in England.
Ah. I was under the impression that it was more of a constant trickle of migration (with each generation getting an injection of new migrants) than a big wave a long time ago.
It's both.
I'm properly back now - am sure everyone else is also filtering back from the hols, but just wanted to put a quick post here to say the ball's in you guys' court - I'm leaving it to Bardhyl both to introduce the rest of his gang and to outline any details of what the plan is from here. It's up to you guys how much timesplitting etc. you want to do.
If there are any OOC questions I should answer let me know here or by PM.
@LCP
Apologies for not posting IC today to move things along, we've been busy fixing up our apartment. I'll get on it first thing in the morning.
Regarding the plan to find Wadim, my understanding from our PM conversations is that Bardhyl doesn't have a solid lead on where Wadim might be. He's just heard rumours that Wadim has been seen with the goblins and it's unclear whether he's accompanying them voluntarily or if he's being forced to go with them. Is that about right?
That sounds right to me. We can say he left his followers back here to investigate the rumours while he was away - if you ask Grim for a report I can write something up IC with a few more specifics.
A request for an update from Grim has now been edited into Bardhyl's latest IC post.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-10, 10:43 AM
I had somehow missed until recently that Wadim had been seen with the goblins, I'm very excited to spend more time with da gobbos. I was assuming we were all going to get et by Dire Wolves again.
And it gives Ludo a chance to pick on someone his own size. :smallbiggrin:
-Sentinel-
2023-01-11, 09:26 AM
I think we've got a consensus to go out there and see for ourselves. Not much else we can do, really.
We should leave the horses in the care of Bardhyl's merry band. Goblins would just see them as fresh meat, and there's no telling how horses might react to the wyvern.
If that's the plan, I think I just need to know who Bardhyl's bringing from Team Legitimate Business Enterprises.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-11, 11:30 AM
From here, he could get a better look at the huge paintings that covered the cavern walls. Directly above the entrance behind him, daubings of orcs and goblins cavorted atop a pile of dead - or at least very miserable - dwarfs and humans. To his right, an enormous black wolf reared up many times the size of the painted greenskins, frightened-looking goblins fleeing across the cavern wall from its snapping jaws. To the left, a similar rabble of lantern-jawed orcs retreated from columns of men, dwarfs, and what looked like children's drawings of skeletons, leaving the goblins cowering in holes beneath the earth.
At the very back of the cavern was the largest painting of all - a huge, goblin-faced crescent moon, a jagged crack splitting the crescent like a toothy grin. The black wolf rose up beneath it, jaws agape - but where it tried to bite the moon, its fangs had broken. Beneath it, countless painted goblins raised their stick-figure arms as if to cheer. The flickering light from the fires made the whole tableaux seem to shift and dance, casting long shadows over the uneven walls.
From the TavernKeeper thread, the description of the goblin history of beating Nahorek. I'm not sure we should read too much into this, seems equally feasible that the goblins are just attributing Nahorek's defeat by the humans to the Bad Moon but worth bearing in mind in case they actually did achieve something.
-Sentinel-
2023-01-11, 11:45 AM
From the TavernKeeper thread, the description of the goblin history of beating Nahorek. I'm not sure we should read too much into this, seems equally feasible that the goblins are just attributing Nahorek's defeat by the humans to the Bad Moon but worth bearing in mind in case they actually did achieve something.
Oh, that's interesting. I completely forgot about that.
I believe the symbolism here is more "the wolf failed to defeat us" than "we defeated the wolf". Still, the fact that goblins have their own folklore about Nahorek is tremendously interesting. I maintain we should attempt diplomacy, unless they attack us first.
I can think of one thing they might want from us - to rid them of "Da Big Wun".
If that's the plan, I think I just need to know who Bardhyl's bringing from Team Legitimate Business Enterprises. Let's say Bardhyl brings Afrim, Damjan and Ortwin. That gives us two guys with Follow Trail and Navigation.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-11, 05:37 PM
I can think of one thing they might want from us - to rid them of "Da Big Wun".
They tried to feed Tatiana to the wyvern. I think they either worship it or at least are pals.
It's possible that they did that because the alternative is to be eaten themselves.
Of course it's equally plausible that they think the wyvern is awesome and don't want to be rid of it even if it does mean some of them get eaten every so often.
-Sentinel-
2023-01-11, 07:50 PM
So I have to roll WP vs. gaining an Insanity Point because of that double 1. Better now than in a life or death situation, I suppose.
Target 83: [roll0] - Oh, good. But there's still Tzeentch's Curse to worry about.
Fortune: [roll1]
It's possible that they did that because the alternative is to be eaten themselves.
That's what I think. IMO, the goblins only keep the wyvern fed with livestock to keep it from feeding upon them. If they do worship it, it's a worship driven by fear, like the cliché of indigenous tribes dropping captives into a volcano to keep it from erupting.
RossN
2023-01-11, 10:29 PM
Sorry for the absence guys, I'm till here but I'm fighting off a nasty and lingering cold that has left me with no creative oomph. I'll try and catch up over the next few days.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-12, 07:50 AM
That's what I think. IMO, the goblins only keep the wyvern fed with livestock to keep it from feeding upon them. If they do worship it, it's a worship driven by fear, like the cliché of indigenous tribes dropping captives into a volcano to keep it from erupting.
Sure, but lets perhaps express caution when going up to somebody and saying "hey, we can kill your god if you'd like?"
Sorry to hear that RossN - hope you feel better soon.
I'll wait for rax to confirm whether or not Bardhyl actually asks Elsa for the spell before resolving Tzeentch's curse - there are some good reasons I can think of why this bunch might want their fire to remain extinguishable.
IC reply to Elsa is up.
Sure, but lets perhaps express caution when going up to somebody and saying "hey, we can kill your god if you'd like?" Not to mention that they're goblins. I don't know how closely LCP is hewing to Warhammer lore, but going by the old wargame, greenskins aren't just another kind of human. They really don't value each others lives to any great extent and feeding other goblins to a cool wyvern would be just as funny as giving it livestock or humans to snack on. The common view among humanity is that greenskins are very dangerous vermin, and they're not actually all that wrong about that.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-17, 07:30 AM
Just checking - you're not waiting on us for anything?
Sorry, no - the long wait is all on me, I was away Weds-Mon and had less time for writing than I thought I would! Will try to have an update for you guys as soon as poss.
RossN
2023-01-18, 04:26 PM
Trying to get back into things after weeks of feeling below bar. Sorry for the absence guys!
Bit of a bum day today. I'll post IC tomorrow. :smallsmile:
LeSwordfish
2023-01-20, 02:37 AM
Oh, we missed the tenth anniversary of the game starting!
It'll be going to secondary school soon.
-Sentinel-
2023-01-20, 09:40 AM
I picture Rolf as an Irish wolfhound.
Oh, we missed the tenth anniversary of the game starting!
Holy crap. A full decade, and still with 5 of our original players (barring the quick dropouts and replacements at the very beginning). We must be legends in the GiantITP community.
Thanks, LCP, for this wonderful journey. I hope we see it through to the end. :smallsmile:
RossN
2023-01-20, 10:04 AM
Wow what an amazing run so far! :smallsmile:
I'd also like to thank LCP and my fellow players - by far the longest game I've ever been in!
We must be legends in the GiantITP community.
I would say that would be if anyone but the ~7 of us were reading, but I have had a few PMs over the years from people saying they enjoy reading the IC threads, which is nice :smallsmile:
I picture Rolf as an Irish wolfhound.
He's a livestock guardian rather than a hunting hound, so I was picturing something a bit shaggier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komondor).
-Sentinel-
2023-01-20, 02:39 PM
I would say that would be if anyone but the ~7 of us were reading, but I have had a few PMs over the years from people saying they enjoy reading the IC threads, which is nice :smallsmile:
I imagine even forum users who don't read our threads will sometimes think: "Holy crap, The Bloody Crown is STILL going?"
He's a livestock guardian rather than a hunting hound, so I was picturing something a bit shaggier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komondor).
Oh wow, that is very shaggy indeed. Talk about a sheepdog.
TheSummoner
2023-01-21, 04:54 PM
Jeez, 10 years already?
I feel old.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-24, 08:10 AM
Hey screw the readers, I've been having a good time. I was in my first year of university when the game started and it's been a constant comfort since through some rough times.
Thragka
2023-01-24, 05:14 PM
Ten years is very impressive! And, like LeSwordfish, this game has been a great thing and a very concretely positive part of my life while I was an active part of it!
…
and to put my money where my mouth is – I passed my PhD viva today, and (like I said after I submitted my thesis) this game was an essential outlet in the process of getting to this point, so I wanted to share that fact with you folks! :smallsmile: also I’m extremely drunk
LeSwordfish
2023-01-24, 06:32 PM
Congratulations!
Destro_Yersul
2023-01-25, 04:21 AM
I check in ocassionally, but I confess I've not been keeping up very well. Glad to see you're all still here and having fun, though.
TheSummoner
2023-01-26, 11:52 PM
Very nice, Thragka. Congrats.
Wish I had something that impressive to share. Best I've got is lately I've been dabbling with 3d printing and trying to homebrew some game systems. Nothing really concrete there yet though.
Congrats Thragka! We'll have to get a copy of your thesis to file with Cacophrax.
Apologies everyone that I haven't had my foot on the GM accelerator pedal too much - it's been a bit of a week (that culminated in me taking a colleague to a Swiss hospital last night). On the train home now and hoping for a nice relaxing weekend catching up with you guys + some gobbos.
If you're ready to move on from this scene, my immediate questions are:
1) Do you want to try picking up the trail, or finding more local witnesses?
2) Do you want to push as far as you can before dark, or double back and find shelter here? I'd say you probably have about 5-6 hours of daylight left.
-Sentinel-
2023-01-27, 02:03 PM
@ Thragka: Very happy for you! Remind me, what's your field?
Apologies everyone that I haven't had my foot on the GM accelerator pedal too much - it's been a bit of a week (that culminated in me taking a colleague to a Swiss hospital last night).
Oh, are you at the CERN?
About what % of your time to you spend in the UK vs. Switzerland?
1) Do you want to try picking up the trail, or finding more local witnesses?
2) Do you want to push as far as you can before dark, or double back and find shelter here? I'd say you probably have about 5-6 hours of daylight left.
1) Hmm, tricky. We don't have anyone with Follow Trail. I suppose even a very experienced party of adventurers can't be good at everything.
2) For my part, I think our chances of meeting night goblins increase if we camp in the wilderness. That's how we met them the first time.
LeSwordfish
2023-01-27, 02:14 PM
I think aside from the trail getting colder, we're not on an urgent clock. How about a quick trip out in the rough direction of the trail now, seeing if we can spot it, and then head back out to where we find it in the morning?
TheSummoner
2023-01-28, 12:56 PM
5-6 hours is a decent amount of time to work with, but we're losing a lot if we need to double back. I'm thinking maybe head out and see if there's a hidden or defensible place we can set up camp while still allowing us enough time to head back if there's nowhere suitable.
I imagine Bardhyl knows the area better than any of the others. Would he know any places like that in the direction we're heading?
I don't know - would Bardhyl know any such places, @LCP?
As for Follow Trail, Afrim and Damjan both have that trained, so the party's not completely stumped there.
Yeah, I reckon Bardhyl and his crew would know some spots like that.
About what % of your time to you spend in the UK vs. Switzerland?
It varies, I'm out there for specific meetings + projects rather than just splitting my working days between sites.
TheSummoner
2023-01-29, 05:39 PM
If anyone's interested, I got my 3d printer settings figured out and did a first run of minis. Here's the results.
https://i.imgur.com/5tdbW5m.jpg
Still need to do a bit more cleanup and glue the rest of the heads on, but I'm quite happy with how they turned out.
Looking very snazzy. What game are they for?
TheSummoner
2023-01-29, 09:00 PM
Undecided. The set is essentially Empire state troops (complete with sword and spear options in addition to the halberds), but they're a bit too big for Warhammer... 32mm scale whereas Warhammer used 28mm. My thought was to throw them on some 25mm round bases and design a movement tray to fit rounds so they can still rank up. Then either use them for Kings of War or to mess around with a custom system.
That's looking pretty great for home printing. IIRC the scale for Warhammer was kind of drifting larger anyway - idk how those guys would look next to some modern minis but I bet they wouldn't seem too outsized.
Am guessing I should move things along to having you guys make camp at some secret spot to Bardhyl - will get that posted ASAP.
That would be much appreciated. :smallsmile:
If the gobbos are keeping to the shadows as Bardhyl suggests they'll be down the bottom, but it wouldn't be difficult to traverse along the top + would let you peep down over the edge.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-07, 07:56 AM
I'm not sure I have a super clear idea of the geography here - are we looking up at this ravine as it goes uphill, or is it going down away from us? Would going along the top require climbing up from here?
Here's a sketch:
https://i.postimg.cc/NLhX4bT7/sketch.png
The dotted lines are the tracks coming to and from the gully; you've arrived following the one from the north.
The gully runs uphill from your current position, but to getting to the top doesn't require you to scale any sheer face - you'd just need to go round a little way to the north or south and walk up the hillside. I'm picturing something like this (https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/03/52/99/3529901_62ed1d4f_original.jpg).
I'm picturing something like this (https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/03/52/99/3529901_62ed1d4f_original.jpg). But with less foliage in the actual gully, I presume?
...that's what she said?
(yes)
I'm going to assume there's no objection to Ludo's plan.
Just to be clear, I'm game to engage the goblins and try to rescue the sacrifices if we can come up with a very good plan to do so, but Bardhyl will need some convincing.
I'm fairly convinced that we can't actually win a straight up battle, even if we can start with an ambush, but possibly a shock and awe first strike can cause enough confusion that we could rush in and grab the sacrifices. I suspect fire - and lots of it - would be necessary for us to have a chance though (both for the grabbing and the escaping).
LeSwordfish
2023-02-10, 06:58 AM
I'm off on holiday for the next week - might be able to post but I'll be on a flight for a while and then on GMT+8. or -8. one of them. As such, don't wait for me - feel free to volunteer ludo for any sneaking tasks. If we do go for the stakeout, Ludo is probably the best person to keep sticking his head over the edge so here's a Stealth check for that:
[[roll0] vs 94
TheSummoner
2023-02-10, 12:39 PM
Probably too early for this yet, but I want to float the idea. We could try to cause a distraction (Sounds spell might be useful) and draw them out of the camp, then rush in and rescue who we can.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-10, 03:08 PM
Probably too early for this yet, but I want to float the idea. We could try to cause a distraction (Sounds spell might be useful) and draw them out of the camp, then rush in and rescue who we can.
The ol' "throw a pebble in the bushes" trick? Seriously? You think that'll empty an entire goblin camp?
I also think any sneaking attempt is doomed to failure. This is an open space, and all of us except Ludo are too tall to dress up as goblins even if we had goblin hoods handy (which we don't). And since these are night goblins, waiting for nightfall would put us (not them) at a disadvantage.
I'm fairly convinced that we can't actually win a straight up battle, even if we can start with an ambush, but possibly a shock and awe first strike can cause enough confusion that we could rush in and grab the sacrifices. I suspect fire - and lots of it - would be necessary for us to have a chance though (both for the grabbing and the escaping).
This would put a nail in the coffin of diplomacy before we've even attempted it. I'd rather try diplomacy first, and resort to violence if that fails. We'd lose the advantage of surprise, but given our enemies' sheer numbers, surprise wouldn't make much of a difference anyway.
Plus, sorry to metagame, but the round-by-round combat system makes it impossible to move quickly while fighting. You have to choose one or the other.
TheSummoner
2023-02-10, 03:41 PM
The ol' "throw a pebble in the bushes" trick? Seriously? You think that'll empty an entire goblin camp?
I also think any sneaking attempt is doomed to failure. This is an open space, and all of us except Ludo are too tall to dress up as goblins even if we had goblin hoods handy (which we don't). And since these are night goblins, waiting for nightfall would put us (not them) at a disadvantage.
I was thinking more of the ol' "sound of a cannon firing in the distance" trick. If you're not expecting magic (and why would they be?) that's a bit harder to fake.
I'm not opposed to attempting diplomacy (though IC Sieghard is skeptical), but you said it yourself. We don't have anything to offer.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-10, 03:59 PM
I was thinking more of the ol' "sound of a cannon firing in the distance" trick. If you're not expecting magic (and why would they be?) that's a bit harder to fake.
If they think they're under attack, they'll prepare to defend their position, not rush out into the open to gawk slack-jawed at the supposed enemy bearing down on them. Any goblins they send out to investigate will make up only a small fraction of all the goblins in the gully.
Distractions are good against individual enemies, or small groups of them. Not so much against "scores".
I'm not opposed to attempting diplomacy (though IC Sieghard is skeptical), but you said it yourself. We don't have anything to offer.
Maybe we do. There's always the possibility that I floated earlier, that perhaps they're more scared of the wyvern than worshipful of it. For the sake of caution, we can couch an offer to kill it in indirect terms, e.g.: "What if you didn't have to feed the Big One anymore?"
If we're talking about an offer of material goods such as fresh meat for the wyvern, I think goblins are smart enough to grasp the concept of "we'll pay you later", though they may require hostages as proof of good faith.
Lastly, maybe Wadim (whether he's a prisoner or not) has a voice in this matter. But we don't even know if he's present.
If negotiations go south, just remember that we're dealing with cowardly goblins, not a horde of mindless zombies. We don't need to kill all of them; only enough to make the rest decide that killing or capturing us just isn't worth it. (The last time, they proved surprisingly tenacious, but to be fair, we were invading their lair.)
Re diplomacy, what's to stop them simply capturing the lot of us and offering us as sacrifices to the wyvern? There's a lot more of them than us, and it's not unlikely that they'll prefer not to look a gift sacrifice in the mouth rather than take a chance of us actually killing the wyvern. Also, they're goblins - even if the scenario plays out as hoped, there's a decent chance they'll turn on us as soon as the wyvern is dead. I must admit, I remain sceptical of our chances of success using diplomacy.
Overall, I feel there's two factors that complicate pretty much any plan that involves directly interacting with the goblins, including my own suggestion:
1. We're heavily outnumbered - they have a very strong chance of cutting off any escape route we plan on using.
2. If we manage to get away - with or without hostages - they can just come after us. They may not like sunlight, but they're can actually operate in daylight just fine.
So, basically any plan we come up with has to solve these two issues to have a decent chance of success. If distraction in some form is part of it, the distraction must be big enough to keep them from using their number against us and keep them from getting their act together and running us down.
I do agree that waiting to move at night is not a good idea - that's will hand the goblins an even greater advantage over us. Even just doing a stake-out is basically the same as waiting for them all to wake up and become more active.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-11, 08:48 AM
I think your plans for diplomacy with the goblins are pretty doomed because we don't have flashcards to explain the more complicated ideas with. I'm not at all sure that goblins en masse will be able to grasp what you're suggesting (dropping hints, really?) and any kind of boss goblin will probably order us all eaten for challenging his authority. I'm also skeptical about the "break their morale" plan - we tried that last time and IIRC LCP called it a "death march" out of character.
However! Some of the phrasing in how Wadim's journey with the goblins has been described implies to me that perhaps he's managed to become treated as a guest rather than a prisoner, in which case diplomacy might be the best way to speak to him. This is kind of why I'm suggesting a stakeout - I'm assuming if we wait long enough he'll show up.
In addition, there are so many tracks i suspect the camp may mostly empty itself out come nightfall, as everyone goes off raiding and leaves some guards behind.
TheSummoner
2023-02-11, 02:39 PM
I remember before there was a suggestion of trying to capture one of the goblins alone to get information. Is there any reason that wouldn't still be on the table?
-Sentinel-
2023-02-11, 10:31 PM
Re diplomacy, what's to stop them simply capturing the lot of us and offering us as sacrifices to the wyvern? There's a lot more of them than us, and it's not unlikely that they'll prefer not to look a gift sacrifice in the mouth rather than take a chance of us actually killing the wyvern.
Capturing us will require them to make a lot of sacrifices of their own. There's a reason why they choose to prey on the weak, such as isolated farmsteads or teenage girls who stray from the party's campsite. We know for a fact that they ran away from a dog, because that was more resistance than they expected to face.
Also, they're goblins - even if the scenario plays out as hoped, there's a decent chance they'll turn on us as soon as the wyvern is dead.
That's true. But if they fear the wyvern too much to kill it themselves, and we're the ones who kill it, they'll fear us even more than they feared the wyvern.
1. We're heavily outnumbered - they have a very strong chance of cutting off any escape route we plan on using.
The geography is advantageous to us. We can approach them without getting surrounded too easily.
If we manage to get away - with or without hostages - they can just come after us.
They can. But why would they? To sacrifice us to the wyvern? Put together, we have maybe about as much meat on us as two cows, and two cows are a hell of a lot easier to capture than us.
You're thinking in video game terms, where enemies keep fearlessly coming at you no matter how many you kill or how little they stand to gain from killing you.
In addition, there are so many tracks i suspect the camp may mostly empty itself out come nightfall, as everyone goes off raiding and leaves some guards behind.
A possibility, yes. At the very least, a stakeout will help us gather more information before we commit to any course of action.
I know most of you are skeptical about diplomacy, but I think infiltration or an attack (even with the advantage of surprise) have exactly zero chances of success. They're on their home turf, and they vastly outnumber us.
It's sounding to me like the idea of a stakeout has the broadest support. If that's the case, would you all be watching, or leave 1 or 2 watchers while the rest retreat to a safe distance?
I will say, do remember that IC your characters are holding a whispered conversation at the edge of a goblin hole, and probably aren't able to have lengthy debates!
@Sentinel
I don't think I play the kinds of video games you're referring to. :smallwink: My risk assessments when evaluating means of dealing with the goblins are more based on their description in the Old World Bestiary and wider Warhammer lore concerning Greenskins. To wit:
Goblins...are, in general, a miserable treacherous race of petty thieves and vicious cutthroats... Night Goblins are essentially very similar to ordinary Goblins, though they are even more vicious.
"You've never seen anything crueler than three Goblins torturing a wounded deer that had caught its foot in their crude trap..."
"They trampled my herb garden, just for sheer devilment. I think they're even wors than Orcs - getting bullied all the time by bigger Greenskins gives them a real vindictive streak. I wanted to run out and show them the error of their ways with my staff, but there were a dozen of them and only one of me so I stayed hid in my cave."
To me, this reads as goblins being extremely violent, untrustworthy, and willing to commit acts of needless cruelty just for the sake of it. They're also not much into long term thinking (a common Greenskin trait), so they're apt to act on their baser instincts just because they see an opportunity. Are there exceptions? Yes, but that is likely to occur at leadership level and we have no way of knowing that this will apply to this particular group.
If I were a night goblin leader in the situation we're in, I'd see a small group of humans who are massively outnumbered by my warriors. If they want to talk, I'd be inclined to let them until I was ready to rush them. Why would I do that? Because I can. Because it would be eight more humans for the stewpot if I don't end up sacrificing them to the wyvern. Because it would be hilarious to torture someone bigger than me. Because we might have shiny loot - lots of reasons that make no sense to our characters, but are perfectly reasonable to the goblin mind.
As for the terrain being advantageous, I'm afraid I disagree with that. There's four walkable routes into the hollow, not counting the ravine itself. Unless Elsa can maintain multiple walls of fire at once, I don't see how we can quickly prevent the goblins from swarming out of the hollow if it comes to hostilities.
None of this means that diplomacy is impossible, but I really think we would need to have a plan to address the two points I made earlier, as well as a very strong opening offer that will convince the goblins to talk and not just come at us for the reasons outlined above. I.e. we would need to think more like goblins and less like humans to get them to listen to us.
@LeSwordfish
You may be right that a large number of the goblins will leave the hollow once night falls, but don't you find it odd that "scores" of night goblins are resting outside in daylight in the first place? There's must be some sort of cave behind where the waterfall used to be - why aren't they using it to hide from the sun? I see three possible reasons, two of which give me pause:
1. The goblin chief has appropriated the cave and isn't sharing it with anyone. Possible, and not concerning in and of itself.
2. The goblins resting outside are doing so because they're the ones who don't have enough status to be allowed behind the curtain. Ergo, there could be plenty more goblins hidden out of sight. If the outside lot do vacate the hollow come nightfall, it may just fill up with more goblins.
3. The goblins are gathered outside because this is a sacrificial site. They're waiting for the wyvern and expect it to arrive during daylight, which is why they're even bothering to hang out outside. This would mean we can't observe until nightfall and then act.
@TheSummoner
I'm currently inclined to believe that taking a prisoner is probably our best bet. It could be combined with a brief stakeout, but if that gives us no new information, we could try and draw away a small group of goblins, ambush them and try and get some firm intelligence from a prisoner or two.
@LCP
See my reply to TheSummoner above as far as a stakeout is concerned. (I.e. tentative support for a stakeout :smallsmile:)
RossN
2023-02-13, 04:51 PM
So after being sick for a while now I officially got a positive diagnosis for COVID. I'm okayish - it just feels like a really nasty cold and I'm not bedridden - but it does mean I'm struggling to keep up with a lot of stuff energy and creative wise. I'm especially annoyed because I had another bad cold from Christmas until the middle of January, followed by a bout of rib inflammation I was only just getting over.
Gah, I'm sick of be sick. :smallsigh:
Anyway my apologies for the rant I will try and keep up with Jarla but my character posts might be pretty short for a while.
Sorry to hear that! I had covid in January last year and it was a real pain - like the nastiest flu I've ever had. Even when it passed, I was really tired for a couple of weeks more. Hope your case is milder!
LeSwordfish
2023-02-14, 01:00 AM
It's sounding to me like the idea of a stakeout has the broadest support. If that's the case, would you all be watching, or leave 1 or 2 watchers while the rest retreat to a safe distance?
I will say, do remember that IC your characters are holding a whispered conversation at the edge of a goblin hole, and probably aren't able to have lengthy debates!
My recommendation is the latter - apart from anything else, people further from the gully can keep an eye out for the Wyvern better. I would suggest Ludo stays by the edge, and Elsa is with the group that hangs back so can use a prearranged Sounds signal for "hide now" - a raven's croak, perhaps.
In that case, Bardhyl will remain with Ludo to bodyguard him. Plus, he'll know Wadim by sight if he sees him.
@LCP
Just making sure, but Ortwin is with us, right? I think only Damjan and Afrim have been mentioned since we set out, but I did mention that Bardhyl would bring all three.
Yes, sorry - just me forgetting.
@Sentinel
I'm pretty sure Elsa's supposed to be some distance from Bardhyl and Ludo. Certainly too far away to overhear a whispered conversation.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-16, 09:30 PM
@Sentinel
I'm pretty sure Elsa's supposed to be some distance from Bardhyl and Ludo. Certainly too far away to overhear a whispered conversation.
Okay then, I deleted my post.
@TheSummoner
I got a notification that you'd posted an OOC question but the post isn't there when I click on the link. Did you delete it deliberately?
TheSummoner
2023-02-17, 09:07 PM
Yes. I decided since time might be a factor in the current situation anything I wanted to bring up might be better brought up IC. Right now I'm waiting on Ludo's response before going any further.
Roger that. :smallsmile:
I posted an IC reply to Sieghard which I intend to have happened before LCP's latest IC post, but it's not necessary for Sieghard to have responded before LCP's post.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-19, 05:24 PM
"I would never suggest taking them all on - merely causing enough confusion and panic to allow a few of us to race down, free the prisoners and withdraw."
Again, sorry to get meta, but I don't think this is the kind of thing that can work in practice. Not with the numbers so firmly on the goblins' side, and certainly not under a turn-based combat system that forces you to choose between fighting or moving fast. Even the slightest amount of resistance would slow down the "recovery team" long enough for them to get surrounded. You're new to this game, rax, but we've had plenty of fights where we were outnumbered, and believe me when I say that in such a fight, the party's mobility is the first casualty.
If we try parlay first, we still leave open the possibility of resorting to violence instead. Whereas using violence right away would reduce to zero our chances of talking things out.
I'm aware of how the combat system works. Why are you assuming that everyone down in the hollow would be fighting, instead of divvying up the work so that some fight - if necessary - and one or more move/cut down the prisoners?
And, again, you are assuming that the goblins will react by surrounding/attacking/hindering the recovery team. Earlier, you pointed out that a numerically superior patrol of goblins ran away from a large dog, but now you seem convinced that these goblins - deprived of leadership and with fire magic bombarding them - will react en masse to prevent the rescue, rather than panicking long enough to give a rescue a chance. I simply don't agree with your risk assessment.
Obviously the plan Bardhyl is proposing is extremely risky, but if your feeling is that only negotiation can get us anywhere, then I think Elsa had better make a very strong case for how to do that with a reasonable chance of success.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-19, 08:46 PM
And, again, you are assuming that the goblins will react by surrounding/attacking/hindering the recovery team. Earlier, you pointed out that a numerically superior patrol of goblins ran away from a large dog, but now you seem convinced that these goblins - deprived of leadership and with fire magic bombarding them - will react en masse to prevent the rescue, rather than panicking long enough to give a rescue a chance.
They were driven away by a dog because the dog wasn't the one attacking them in their own settlement. There's a big difference between them coming at us, and us coming at them. In the former case, we force them to decide who among them will be the first up the metaphorical ladder. In the latter case, we're the ones climbing the ladder, and they're the ones dropping rocks and boiling pitch on us.
Our best bet, IMO, is to give them three options: 1. negotiate with us, 2. snarl at us threateningly until we go away, 3. fight us.
An unprovoked attack would give them one option: 1. fight us.
TheSummoner
2023-02-20, 03:32 AM
As I see it...
If we try to negotiate, we need something that would keep them from immediately trying to tie us to the wyvern effigy with the others. Without that, we're in a fight regardless and it's starting on less favorable terms. That's not to say that diplomacy couldn't work, only that it needs some sort of leverage and no one has proposed any.
If we all just move up the the ledge and start shooting right now, we're not going to free the prisoners. The goblins aren't going to all scatter. Some of them will fire back on us with their bows and be unlikely to do much due to how elevated we are, but others will start swarming out. We'll have some time where we can attack and they can basically do nothing, but the clock will be ticking and the moment they can bring their numbers against us, we lose. We have to run before that happens. Maybe we can kill their leader before he knows he's under attack. Maybe we can thin their numbers. Neither saves the prisoners and neither prevents us from having to retreat.
If we attack, then we have to make it count and that's where I was going with the IC comment about drawing them away. Ludo and Bardhyl are both pretty good at keeping themselves hidden. Instead of everyone blasting, the two of them get closer and find a good place to hide. Let Sieghard, Elsa, and Jarla be the distraction for them. Some of the goblins we can pick off, some will make for the caves and cover, and others will come after us. We keep the pressure on them for a bit and then we leg it. While that's going on, Ludo and Bardhyl would have a hopefully empty, or at least much depleted goblin camp to worry about and can try to free the prisoners. It's not perfect by any means, but it'd be better than just going Rambo on them.
Edit: Looked over the character sheets. Jarla has Silent Move as well.
I agree with rax that if Elsa doesn't want the others to go ahead with other plans before trying to negotiate, she needs to make it clear how she means to negotiate - either by telling them the plan or showing it in practice. The last thing she said for them to go on was "we've nothing to bargain with, do we?" - I think you can take it at this point that if any of the other PCs had any ideas to contribute there they would have spoken up.
Meanwhile, just an IC reminder - this is a tense, dangerous situation with a lot of noise and a lot of potentially dangerous goblins not very far away from your PCs. Even if it's not the plan you'd personally prefer, choosing a plan to follow as a team is probably better than convening the committee for plan discussion on the ravine's edge.
I'm open to trying TheSummoner's plan as well, but I will point out that a major point in Bardhyl's plan is to take out the chieftain first. I firmly believe that the goblins are going to be much less effective in every way if their leadership is gone. That may be more difficult right now as he's just been described as moving in amongst the other goblins, but if we play it cool, we may get one more chance of a clear shot at him. If that happens I think it's imperative to have as many of us shooting at him as possible. Bardhyl and his men all have bows and Ludo's got his gun, so that's at least five people shooting at the chieftain, probably with Aim action bonuses as well.
If Elsa can present a plan for how to negotiate while also having a backup plan for escaping if the attempt fails, then Bardhyl is prepared to listen to it.
In short, Bardhyl is all ears IC if someone wants to present a different plan from his own.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-20, 06:19 PM
In-character, Elsa's opinion is that rescuing a couple of strangers (be it via violence or diplomacy) isn't worth risking all of us. I'll write a post to that effect right away.
OOC, I don't think we have any chance to bargain for the lives of the prisoners, because we have no meat to trade for the prisoners as an offering to the wyvern. Earlier (before we knew about the prisoners), I was hoping to bargain for just a talk with Wadim, if he is indeed among the goblins. But we don't know even that.
RossN
2023-02-20, 06:58 PM
Over the Covid thankfully. To be entirely truthful it could have been far, far worse but it definitely sapped my energy especially coming on the heels of various other ailments. Thanks for the well wishes and glad to be back. :smallsmile:
-Sentinel-
2023-02-20, 09:19 PM
Over the Covid thankfully. To be entirely truthful it could have been far, far worse but it definitely sapped my energy especially coming on the heels of various other ailments. Thanks for the well wishes and glad to be back. :smallsmile:
Glad to have you back!
@ other players except LCP: Please don't act like Elsa's apprentice-level spells are a substitute for a proper plan. We've been playing under LCP long enough to know he's no amateur at the whole GMing thing.
None of Elsa's spells will trigger a wild stampede of goblins tripping over one another to go see what's causing the pretty lights and weird sounds, conveniently clearing us a path to the prisoners. Hell, even Universal Confusion, a spell from the Lore of Shadows with a casting number of 27, wouldn't cause nearly the amount of chaos that TheSummoner and RossN seem to think Elsa can do.
TheSummoner
2023-02-20, 11:51 PM
Happy to hear you're feeling better, RossN.
In regards to the current situation, if we're not going to try something why are we even here? For all we know, one of the prisoners might be Wadim and even if not, they probably have information we don't. Is there anything we gain by sitting a bit longer and doing nothing or do we just avoid the risk involved in making an attempt?
If that happens I think it's imperative to have as many of us shooting at him as possible. Bardhyl and his men all have bows and Ludo's got his gun, so that's at least five people shooting at the chieftain, probably with Aim action bonuses as well.
They're not going to scatter from a few arrows. They outnumber us 10 to 1. Trying to win in a straight fight is not going to happen, which is why I say distraction to empty the camp and stealth. For that, I don't think it's strictly necessary to kill the chieftain (just piss him off) and even if it is, it doesn't take five PCs and a handful of NPCs worth of shots to kill a goblin. Two solid hits, three to be safe would be enough. We're got a good height advantage and if we do it right, most likely the benefit of aiming and a surprise round.
None of Elsa's spells will trigger a wild stampede of goblins tripping over one another to go see what's causing the pretty lights and weird sounds, conveniently clearing us a path to the prisoners. Hell, even Universal Confusion, a spell from the Lore of Shadows with a casting number of 27, wouldn't cause nearly the amount of chaos that TheSummoner and RossN seem to think Elsa can do.
A mind game alone wouldn't. Being under direct attack with the mind game making the threat seem bigger than it really is could work. They're not going to sit around and do nothing if one of us puts an arrow/bolt/bullet between their chieftain's eyes. They're going to realize they're going to attack and then it's fight or flight. I doubt it's flight, but if so... Well, we win. If it's fight, then we spend a couple of rounds taking pot shots while they try to regain order and move out to engage and then leg it before they can actually get to us.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-21, 12:39 AM
They outnumber us 10 to 1.
Closer to 5 to 1 if we include our NPCs, but that's assuming the wyvern doesn't turn up.
If it does turn up, though, it'll most likely choose to eat the recently dead rather than the living, like any predatory animal. So there's that.
which is why I say distraction to empty the camp and stealth.
I don't know exactly how you picture it in your head, but a distraction will not empty the camp. Especially if the distraction is intended to warn the goblins that their highly-defensible position is about to come under attack. All it does is waste the element of surprise.
Stealth will get us nowhere. We may as well be ogres trying to sneak into a human city that's on high alert.
In-character, though, Elsa needs convincing that the two sacrificial victims are worth risking our lives for.
TheSummoner
2023-02-21, 12:53 AM
I picture it in my head that the moment we start shooting arrows at them, they will try to stop us shooting arrows at them. That means coming after us.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-21, 09:03 AM
There seems to be a consensus, between the PCs other than Elsa, that we need to do something. Of all the ideas for action proposed so far, I think our best bet is to take out the goblin leader.
But I still don't like it. We're risking a lot to gain very little.
EDIT:
"Well, tie it's mouth then."
That's a full action at the very least. Shouting "Git off me! Git off me! Sumbody help!" is a free action.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-21, 09:32 AM
I'd still prefer to confirm where Wadim is before just trying to kill/scatter the gobbos, but killing the chief would probably be a strategic blow against them.
How sure are we that none of the prisoners is Wadim? (Perception vs 68 [[roll0]). How far is the chief? Is he getting cover from the crowd? Is he getting closer or further away as he moves towards the idol? What sneaky trick do you have to protect this npc don't think ive forgotten how mother mala has an agility of like fifty no further questions thanks
The prisoners are very heavily trussed up in rope, so it's difficult to be certain. The most you can say is that you can't see any identifying features that would mark either of them out as being Wadim (e.g. long beard).
Referring back to the sketch, the hollow's roughly forty yards across, and the chief is coming from the curtain (where he's almost the full diameter away from you) to the tree (where he'll only be a half-diameter away from you). There are a lot of goblins gathered round so I'd say he's got some cover, yes - probably just at the level of a -10 penalty to BS since you've got a nice elevated position.
but of course you don't know about his smokebomb squigz
@LCP
Had another thought concerning the terrain:
1. How wide/tall is the ravine leading into the hollow? Is it fairly deep/constricted?
2. Is it likely that there would be some shrubs or something at the bottom that could be set on fire? I assume Bardhyl and his men know this kind of terrain well enough to hazard a decent guess even though we haven't actually been down in the ravine.
3. Is there any wind at the moment, and are we fortuitous enough that it's blowing into the hollow from the direction of the ravine?
If the answers to all of the above are yes, then one option for attracting the attention of the goblins and maybe make them send out someone to get a look would be to light something on fire in the ravine and wait for the smoke to blow into the hollow. That way we could get the drop on a few of them, take them out, and take a prisoner.
(One problem with taking just any goblin prisoner is that they typically don't speak Reikspiel - does anyone in the party speak Goblin Tongue? If not, interrogating a captive could be quite difficult)
Also, concerning our knowledge of goblins, would you say that the effects of the Animosity rule would be a known common characteristic of goblins?
At the point where it leads out of the hollow, the ravine is about eight yards wide and six yards deep.
The terrain here isn't a desert - I think I mentioned furze bushes, stunted trees etc. on the way up, and that's still what your surroundings look like. The bottom of the ravine is maybe a bit rockier + more overshadowed than than the surrounding hillside, so vegetation down there would be sparse but not completely absent.
The wind's in the west, which would be blowing from the hollow down the ravine if you didn't have the high peaks up behind as a windbreak. Not much wind therefore at the height you're at.
I think it's pretty common knowledge that greenskins are fractious and squabble-y.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-21, 10:54 AM
Now that we know Wadim's working with them, and that an Imminent Wyvern is not likely, we should stay hidden amd waiting for now I think.
@LCP
Okay, thanks. The wind direction puts the kibosh on that plan, but clearly it's been overtaken by events anyway. :smallsmile:
@LeSwordfish
Or take this opportunity to try and foment an outright battle among them?
Maybe the classic "chuck rocks at one of them and hope he thinks it was someone he really dislikes that did it"? Animosity rules would then force the goblin to pass a WP test or immediately attack whoever he thought was behind it.
Or maybe Elsa could use Sounds to make really rude noises in the middle of one of the speeches? Perhaps a goblin is holding something that would be very painful if it happened to drop on the goblin next to him - a job for the Drop spell?
LeSwordfish
2023-02-21, 12:15 PM
If Wadim is working with them, he probably has a reason for it. I think we should sit tight at least a little longer - he might not appreciate us getting a bunch of his unusual allies killed. Heck, wierdly we might even need to take a shot to save Glimrut, if Glimrut's patronage is all that's keeping Wadim alive.
-Sentinel-
2023-02-21, 06:35 PM
If Wadim is working with them, he probably has a reason for it. I think we should sit tight at least a little longer - he might not appreciate us getting a bunch of his unusual allies killed. Heck, wierdly we might even need to take a shot to save Glimrut, if Glimrut's patronage is all that's keeping Wadim alive.
I concur. text that you'll highlight just to see what I wrote to pad up the post to the minimum length
TheSummoner
2023-02-22, 12:34 AM
I'm of the opinion that the more of them who kill eachother before that happens, the better it is for us. But we don't necessarily need to intervene for that to happen, Sieghard isn't the one with the mimic talent, and it's not a big enough issue to split hairs over. Fine with continuing the wait and see a bit longer if that's what the others want.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-22, 08:27 AM
My concern is that Wadim is alive thanks to Glimrut's patronage, and if Glimrut dies, Wadim's protection is gone. I would be happier with encouraging a full-scale fight, except presumably Wadim has his reasons for working with the goblins, and if we want to stay pals with him, we probably don't want to be responsible for getting half of them killed. EDIT: Oh I said the exact same thing a few posts back. Either way, I think if we intercede it should be to try and de-escalate not to escalate. My only specific idea for that is a well-chosen Sounds spell - a wyvern roar?
Is it warhammer lore that goblin language borrows words from Khazalid, or am I misremembering my Tolkien? Would that let Ludo recognise the word "gulnargrot"? [roll0] vs SL: Khazalid or CK: Border Princes at 48 - probably not! i have a guess, though
I don't think that's a Warhammer thing - greenskins probably pilfer plenty of words but their own language is their own.
EDIT: Also, I'm trying to keep my updates to short chunks of time, but as Ludo is watching events closely with a gun in his hand and has a pretty untouchable Initiative score if he chooses to roll it, please do feel free to break in at any point in the narration.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-23, 04:27 AM
I imagine this'll be a fairly challenging Perception test, but I'll give it a shot anyway - when Glimrut says "bring back something good", does this sound like bravado? Or does he seem to have something specific in mind? The difference between "trust me guys, this time will be different" and "i know where a particularly juicy target is". [roll0] vs 68 - I guess not!
It doesn't sound like he's promising them some secret treasure - more like he's exhorting them to do better.
LeSwordfish
2023-02-23, 09:05 AM
Cool. Sounds like we're back where we were before but we got to watch some good gobbo times while we waited so its all good.
Sorry for disappearing everyone, had some stuff to wrap up att work before two days vacation and then...we had non-functioning internet at home yesterday evening.
Glad to see everything worked in the meantime!
RossN
2023-02-26, 06:30 PM
Cool. Sounds like we're back where we were before but we got to watch some good gobbo times while we waited so its all good.
Agreed. Forgot how entertaining Warhammer goblins could be. Nice job LCP! :smallbiggrin:
LeSwordfish
2023-02-28, 04:18 AM
I'm going to suggest that we stay hidden - our combat skills are many things but silent they are not. I'll take the lead on rolling on that basis, but happy to edit if people feel very strongly otherwise.
[roll0] vs 94, re-roll [roll1] - i'll use the re-roll if I get less than 2 DOS
Yep, so that's a fate point spent for a bucketload of success.
Doubt the gobbos can beat that, but here's a roll anyway: [roll0]
LeSwordfish
2023-03-02, 02:22 PM
Wait, are we sneaking or fighting?
Sneaking, ambushing, then fighting, is how I envisioned it.
LeSwordfish
2023-03-02, 02:37 PM
Okay - Ludo's going first, headed to see if he can get close enough to the curtain to listen in. Stealth: [roll0] vs 74
EDIT: lol
-Sentinel-
2023-03-02, 03:37 PM
Wait, are we sneaking or fighting?
I highly doubt we can sneak the prisoners out, as they're likely injured and/or malnourished, depending on how and when they were captured. The only purpose of sneaking, IMO, would be to put us in a favorable position for a devastating first strike.
Elsa, as always, is better off at the rear of the party and with a height advantage. She's an arrow magnet.
"The rest of them aren't so far something too bright or too loud wouldn't draw them back."
A distinct possibility, though by the time they do return, we'll have dealt with those in the ravine. So at least they won't outnumber us too badly at any one time.
The key to dealing with numerous opponents is to fight them piecemeal.
There's a lot less noise down in the hollow now, so I'm gonna roll another Perception test for the goblins to see if they hear any of this back-and-forth above them: [roll0]
not yet
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 06:58 AM
How many gobbos are there in the hollow, and how many in with the chief?
10 in the hollow, 5 with the chief.
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 09:58 AM
I continue to be unconvinced that fighting is a great idea as compared to trying to draw them away from the cage but sure, let's give it a try, I think it's unlikely to hurt too much. Do we get a surprise round? I'm ready to start shooting (sling shots, my crossbow is back at the camp.)
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 10:22 AM
Double-post to double-tap:
Slingshot 1: [roll0] vs 48 + 10 Elevation, +surprise?, Damage [roll1] - Only hits if I have surprise or something
Free Action Rapid Reload
Slingshot 2: [roll2] vs 48 + 10 Elevation, +surprise?, Damage [roll3] - Hits, does DOS+3 damage (8 if no surprise, 10 if with surprise)
Do we get a surprise round?
Yes, for sure.
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 12:58 PM
Alright, in which case Ludo probably wins initiative, so I'll post my round one action: it is the same action again. Targeting any wounded goblins first.
[[roll0] vs 58 to hit, [roll1] damage
[roll2] vs 58 to hit, [roll3] damage
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 12:59 PM
Wahey, critical hit! roll]1d100[/roll] vs 58 to confirm [roll0] extra damage
LeSwordfish
2023-03-05, 01:00 PM
[roll0] to confirm again
-Sentinel-
2023-03-05, 04:38 PM
Confirm Fury, vs. 73:
Extra damage: [roll]10
Gah. You're in good company, LeSwordfish.
-Sentinel-
2023-03-05, 04:39 PM
Messed up the damage roll. [roll0]
Sieghard: no guns! we're being stealthy.
Elsa: I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk_xNGkFHO0)
By my count that's 4 crits in the surprise round. Definitely gonna use Sudden Death for these gobbos.
+3 crit from Ludo: [roll0] - right in the scruttocks (https://media.tenor.com/P_Eh-z2jFJcAAAAC/simpsons-ball.gif). Gobbo is stunned for 1 round.
+10 crit from Ortwin: [roll1] (I think with the Unaware bonus he does hit and get the benefit of that Fury) - dead
+9 crit from Elsa - I forgot to roll the dice but +9 is always dead with SD (same as the +10 above really)
+1 crit from Sieghard: [roll2] - just winded
I also count 5 other injured gobbos, which I guess means only one gobbo in the hollow has escaped the surprise round unscathed. I'm assuming there that since she doesn't have any non-blackpowder ranged weapons Jarla isn't joining in the opening volley, although she still has those actions to spend if she wants to be doing other stuff.
Rolling initiative:
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
Tatiana: [roll8]
Bardhyl's outlaws: [roll9]
Glimrut: [roll10]
Gobbos: [roll11]
So the order for round 1 will be:
Ludo
Boss Glimrut
Jarla
Sieghard
Bardhyl
Elsa
Tattie
Afrim + Ortwin
Da Ladz
I've got the round 1 actions for Ludo and Bardhyl already, so I'll just need Jarla's surprise round actions and then the round 1 actions from Jarla, Sieghard and Elsa. Glimrut comes before all of them so I'll throw a quick IC post up so you can see his actions.
@rax can I suggest you put a 'character sheet' for Bardhyl's followers somewhere in this thread, similar to TheSummoner's sheet for the Thorns? I found their Ag by going back in my PM inbox which is not a safe long-term record!
Resolving Ludo's round 1 - I'm assuming since his target from the surprise round is stunned he'll probably switch targets. Two more +2 crits: [roll0], [roll1] - this gobbo is knocked down, winded, and gets an incapacitated hand.
And assuming that was the unscathed goblin that means every goblin in the hollow has now been hit with some kind of missile.
@rax can I suggest you put a 'character sheet' for Bardhyl's followers somewhere in this thread, similar to TheSummoner's sheet for the Thorns? I found their Ag by going back in my PM inbox which is not a safe long-term record! I'll get on it. I've been meaning to ask first whether posting NPC stats was reserved for the GM, but kept forgetting. :smallbiggrin:
RossN, we're just waiting for Jarla I think.
-Sentinel-
2023-03-08, 11:54 PM
Unless Jarla charges in alone or chooses to use her pistols after all, I don't think there's much she can do in rounds 0 and 1 anyway.
I don't want to leave any PC too far behind, but it's been 2 days since RossN's last login so I'll have to invoke the rule.
+4 crit to the body on Glimrut: [roll0] - Helpless + Blood Loss.
LeSwordfish
2023-03-10, 04:49 AM
This is probably our last chance to keep talking if we want to consider the possibility that Wadim is working with the goblins in some way.
Ludo will keep following the others with his turn.
Bardhyl reaches the cave significantly ahead of anyone else, so I'm going to hang fire on reacting to Elsa's appearance until it's clear what scene she's walking in on.
-Sentinel-
2023-03-10, 11:52 AM
This is probably our last chance to keep talking if we want to consider the possibility that Wadim is working with the goblins in some way.
If they keep Wadim in a cage, I think it's pretty clear he's not working with them after all.
Bardhyl reaches the cave significantly ahead of anyone else, so I'm going to hang fire on reacting to Elsa's appearance until it's clear what scene she's walking in on.
Fair. Sorry for getting too far ahead. :smallredface:
LeSwordfish
2023-03-10, 02:55 PM
I dont know, I'm worried we'll let him out of his cage and he'll be doing just fine gotta gotta be down because i want it all tell us "I had them exactly where I want them."
Sorry all, the time for diplomacy is over. :smallwink:
-Sentinel-
2023-03-10, 06:02 PM
lol :smallbiggrin:
By the way, I think LCP allows us to FP re-roll hits after rolling for damage. So you could re-roll that possible Fury that failed to hit. (If you think it's worth it against mere goblins, and keeping in mind we might run into the rest of the clan on the way out.)
Edit: Since Bardhyl's words and actions immediately follow the spear-goblin's "we've got stabbas", I'll delete my last IC post and have Elsa arrive on the next turn.
Goblin parry: [roll0]
Chucking 1-2 gobbo attacks at Bardhyl, depending on the above:
[roll1], [roll2]
[roll3], [roll4]
RossN
2023-03-11, 03:22 PM
Dang I sort of feel bad for the gobbos. :smallfrown:
Poor old goblin #2. Such a stellar hit and no damage. Lucky for Bardhyl though...:smallamused:
Another goblin parry: [roll0]
LeSwordfish
2023-03-15, 03:58 PM
Just checking, did you miss my suggestion to Tatiana?
Sorry, yes - problem I keep having with seeing a post when it goes up and then forgetting it when I have time to write the reply :smallredface:. Have put a quick mention in the new IC post + you can assume Tattie's got the cow under control.
-Sentinel-
2023-03-16, 10:12 AM
Marsh Lights re-roll... It's cool, we're not in combat time.
Channeling 93: [roll0]
Target 2+/6+: [roll1]
LeSwordfish
2023-03-16, 10:17 AM
Sorry, yes - problem I keep having with seeing a post when it goes up and then forgetting it when I have time to write the reply . Have put a quick mention in the new IC post + you can assume Tattie's got the cow under control.
Cool cool, no worries. Hooray, free cow.
If Elsa really wants to make a statement, she should make the fire on the Effigy Inexhaustible. Become their new god!
-Sentinel-
2023-03-16, 10:30 AM
If Elsa really wants to make a statement, she should make the fire on the Effigy Inexhaustible. Become their new god!
The effigy burning for an entire year (Magic 4) would be cool indeed, but alas, this spell is only good for up to the size of a campfire.
At some point, we need to ask the two rescuees their names and story, but that can probably wait until we stop to catch some sleep.
Just to anticipate the OOC question, if Bardhyl can define what kind of (reasonably likely to be findable) features he's looking for in a hiding place, he can roll Outdoor Survival to find somewhere nearby that fits the bill. Difficulty contingent on how perfect a spot you're asking for and how far you're willing to walk in the dark.
Since it is dark and we don't know the terrain, we should probably just move as far as possible from the hollow in a straight line. I assume we can use the stars to keep moving approximately in our chosen direction.
As for a hiding place - a cave of some sort would be best, followed by a copse or enough bushes to offer cover, followed by a gully or even just a deepish fold in the land. Anything that will let us keep out of direct line of sight from the hollow/ravine. Obviously we'd stop at the first acceptable candidate, i.e. not searching for a proper cave if there's a gully that offer good cover close by.
Outdoor Survival check [roll0] vs. Int 44
LeSwordfish
2023-03-20, 05:28 PM
I know we closed this off when we first attacked but a part of me is disappointed Wadim wasn't working with the grots, I liked the idea of being on team goblin for a while.
RossN
2023-03-20, 07:36 PM
I know we closed this off when we first attacked but a part of me is disappointed Wadim wasn't working with the grots, I liked the idea of being on team goblin for a while.
Me too actually. Honestly I felt kind of sorry for the goblins. :smallfrown:
TheSummoner
2023-03-21, 11:19 AM
They're goblins. Something like killing their leader and a bunch of the rest of them isn't going to stop them from being bossed around. If anything, it'll help.
Just go up to them and say "I'm da boss now. I killed da last boss and I'll gut ya like him if you don't do what I tell ya"
LeSwordfish
2023-03-21, 01:46 PM
Who is taking the next watch after Ludo? Unless it's expected to be a long time before they come on, he'll wait for them for a second opinion.
-Sentinel-
2023-03-21, 02:12 PM
Who is taking the next watch after Ludo? Unless it's expected to be a long time before they come on, he'll wait for them for a second opinion.
Let's go with Elsa. She doesn't have Night Vision, but she does have Perception 65 (assuming Khalida is asleep and thus cannot provide an Int bonus), so it would make sense for her to get a watch.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.