Important NPCs -- Livonia's Lament
Mayor/Judge "The Duke." Duke Silver. Male mountain dwarf. Embodiment of laissez faire, and perfectly fine with disorder, as long as it doesn't affect him.
Sheriff: Billy Good Legs. Male wood elf. Slow spoken, humorless, dead-eye shot. Avoids socializing and, like a snake, you don't see him strike.
Deputy: Groundhog Joon. Above average size human male. Talkative, nosy, tries to seem like your friend, likes things orderly-like.
Preacher: "Preacher Sometimes." Dispirited human male heading towards the sauce. Barely maintains his bi-weekly services with all the funerals he must do.
Doctor/counselor: "Sister Joyous." Beatific human female, kind eyes of few words. Under the preacher's religious authority, but given quite free rein.
Primary Locations - Livonia's Lament
Main Street
Town Core/Well/Hitching Posts/Bulletin Board
Area: The main drag flanked by well-built buildings towards the main entrance and terminating in slapped up shacks from rapid expansion. Mount hitching posts and troughs line streets along the better business half. A well with a bulletin board next to it is halfway up the street, off to the side for vehicle traffic.
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Geraldine's
Main Saloon/City Hall/Courthouse/Bulletin Board
Owner: Geraldine. Big, brassy dwarf woman with a heart of gold. Upstanding, established citizen.
Area: Mostly clean, given the customer volume, and the more respectable meeting area among saloons. Large dining rooms in the back, boarder bedrooms above, piano and dais area near bar in the main room. Bedrooms are not for sex trade, though a blind eye is turned on working a room.
Bartenders/servers:
Georgette - Rough and tumble human female who's a charmer, and good singer.
Iodargyrite (a.k.a. Iodar) - Dwarf male with a welcoming reserve. Long on listening, short on words.
Grath - Human male heavy with intimidating glare, which he tries to use rarely. Big softy.
Piano Man: Fontaine, stout halfling male. Current bard in residence, genial, excruciatingly polite — a survival trait — and discreet local gossip.
Menu
Special: Mesquite Big Horn Sheep with Red Grass Grain & Pine Nut Pilaf — 8 sp
Roasted Ground Squirrel, Corn Pone, & Nettle Greens — 1 sp
Succotash & Rattler Bits — 6 cp
Dried Brook Trout Fritters — 4 cp
Bar
Ale (4%), gallon — 2 sp, mug — 4 cp
Small Beer (2%), gal. — 1 sp, mug — 2 cp
Whiskey, well — 3 cp/shot, top shelf — 6+ cp/shot
Sage & Chamomile Tea, pot — 8 cp, cup — 2 cp
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Vaux's Tools & Dried Goods Store
Tools & Dried Goods
Owner: Vaux. Quiet, unassuming, lightfoot halfling. Knows most people in town better than most, but won't readily gossip.
Area: Orderly and well maintained throughout, the first half displays dried goods, such as beans, salt, spices, and the like in barrels. More valuable items tend to hang near or behind the large counter. Deeper in comes an army of shelves, carrying tools and supplies. and among them a ladder.
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"House of Nerds"/Elder's Place
'Post Office'/'Records'/'Bank'/Bulletin Board
Managers: Elder Council and Acolytes. Pensive and patient and filled with protocol, like the Department of Motor Vehicles. For a fee, flaccid acolytes scribe, or robust acolytes run, messages here. This place receives the same. Records, like claims and debts, are stored here in council memories and on bark & rabbit hide logographs.
Area: A mostly barren large room with a circle of blankets where the elders sit and smoke, and multiple youths on blankets along the room's outer edge. The place is suffused with the smell of tobacco smoke. A considerable amount of wealth, in wampum, liquor, good medicine, and silver ingots, is also stored in the sealed back rooms.
Secondary Locations - Livonia's Lament
Tunnels & Shafts
Bordello
Owner: Madame de Zay. Warm, yet calculating and mysterious. Halfling? Sickly, shaven dwarf?
Area: Lush, plush, and kitsch. Area is built like a maze.
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Fist of Ingots
Saloon
Owners: Alton & Denise. Human male & female twins, look light night and day, but both hard-nosed in business. Curt and savvy.
Area: Messier, denser, darker, and shadier. But seats and spittoons are clean, with well-priced booze, and some top shelf stuff. Owners don't want to slip into being the local den of thieves.
Bartender/bouncer: Grunner. Cheerful male mountain dwarf, likes to sing (badly) and indiscriminate lover of jokes (does he get them?). Gets morose after he has to crack heads.
-------------------
The Honey Well
Dirtiest Saloon
Owner: Toya. Mirthless human female who doesn't put up with shit. Mercifully, usually stays in the back working.
Area: The den of thieves. Press of humanity, lots of alcoves; try to stay alive.
Bartender/bouncer: "Hunk". Enormous human male who has a weird accent and is extremely private. Some people believe his name is actually Hank.
----------------------
Calendar
1st Batch Campaign Start - July 1st
Month July, Month of the Big-Eared Bat.
Today Is July 1st
Updating Bulletin Board
Tailor - Bead your Deeds on your Shirt? Want latest Fringe? See M. Trouvier
Bounty - Robbed Mayor seeks Capture of Thieves! Lost Precious Valuables!
Bounty - Missing Claim Holder! Family seeking Justice! See Thistlegrass clan.
Sale - Dowry. Combs, blankets, tools, more. Broken Heart, Won't Need.
Reward - Closed mine shaft! Dangerous mystery! Need Gutsy Braves.
Reward - Oldest Graveyard has Weird Omens! Seek Holy Man and/or Braves.
Cook - Good ol' Greenvalley Lightfoot Home Cooking. Sticks to your Ribs!
Player: Arkansan
Caden Ironoak
Human Fighter, Criminal Enforcer
Lvl 1, prof +2. Saves:STR, CON. Alg:CN
HD: d10. HP:13. AC: 15
STR 11 (0), DEX 17 (3), CON 16 (3), INT 12 (1), WIS 15 (2), CHA 9 (-1)
Race: Ability scores +1. Speed 30'.
Languages: Common, Dwarf
Class: Fighting Style - Duelist, +2 dmg if wield one-weapon only.
Second Wind 1/rest - Bonus action, regain 1d10+Lv. HP.
Skills: Intimidation +1, Perception +4, Deception (bkrd) +1, Stealth (bkrd) +5.
Tools: Game set - Playing Cards, Thieves'.
Background: Criminal. Specialty: Enforcer. Feature: Criminal Contacts.
Trait: Always have a plan Ideal: People Bond:Family Flaw:Someone went to prison for me and I'm cool with that.
Gear: Crowbar, Dark Common Clothes w/ Hood, Pouch +15 gp.
Wealth: 5d4x10 gp. Roll 9. 90+15 gp. Spent 85 gp. Left 20 gp.
Armor: Studded Leather - 45 gp. AC 12+DEX.
Weapon:
1x Rapier - 25 gp. +5 atk. 1d8+3. finesse.
(TWF Rapier & Dagger. +5 atk. 1d8+3/1d4.)
(Duelist Rapier. +5. 1d8+5.)
4x Dagger - 2 gp. +5 atk. 1d4+3. finesse, light, thrown (rng 20/60).
(Duelist Dagger. +5 atk. 1d4+5.)
Gear: Backpack - 2 gp, Bedroll - 1 gp, 6x Rations - 0.5 gp, Playing Cards - 0.5 gp, Water Skin - 0.2 gp. 3x Oil - 0.1 gp
Style/bio: Age: 30. Height: 6'ft. Weight:185lbs. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Light Brown
Caden is a fixer. He fixes problems, for a price of course. Someone won't pay up? No problem he can handle that. Think your bookkeeper has sticky fingers? Caden has the solution for that too. A competitor moving in on your turf? Caden can convince him to move on to other real estate. Got on the wrong side of the law and need someone to stand good for you in a judicial duel? Caden would be happy to prove your innocence in the sight of Gods and Men, so long as you prove your purse is full first.
Caden isn't a terribly charismatic person, he is gruff of manner and criss crossed with scars. He makes few friends, but none of those who call him friend have ever questioned his loyalty. Home and family are somewhere but he his always careful in with his words when discussing such things. Anytime Caden hits a payday his coin is often shipped promptly out of town, all always to be delivered directly to his family though none can say just who and where they are.
PS. You did want us to copy and paste the sheets here right?
Player: Dragoner
Karnath the Unclean
Rashemi Cleric, Acolyte
Lvl 1, PB +2. Saves: WIS, CHA. Alignment: LG
HD: d8. HP: 11. AC: 18. XP: 145.
STR 15 (+2), DEX 14 (+2), CON 16 (+3), INT 14 (+2), WIS 18 (+4), CHA 14 (+2)
Race: All stats +1. Human, Female, 5’3, 145lbs.
Lang: Common, Sylvan, Orc, and Abyssal
Class: Spellcasting. Divine Domain - Life.
Skills: Insight (bkrd) +6, Religion (bkrd) +4, Medicine +6, and Persuasion +4.
Tools: N/A
Domain - Life: Bonus Prof - Heavy Armor. Disciple of Life - Lv. 1+ spell heals give extra 2+Spell Lv. HP. Domain Spells - 1st. Bless (30', conc) & Cure Wounds (touch)
Spells DC: 14. Spell Atk: +6.
Slots: at-will/2. Prep: 5+domain (Bless (30', conc) & Cure Wounds (touch))
Cantrips - Light (touch), Sacred Flame (60'), Thaumaturgy (30').
1st - Command, Detect Magic, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, and Shield of Faith.
Background: Acolyte Feature: Shelter of the Faithful
Personality Trait: I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen
Ideal: Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)
Bond: I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple hierarchy who branded me a heretic.
Flaw: Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.
Gear: A holy symbol (a gift to you when you entered the priesthood), a prayer wheel, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15gp.
Wealth: 15 gp. Spent 12 gp. Left 3 gp.
Armor: Scale Mail - 50 gp. AC 14+DEX, Stealth disadv. Shield - 10 gp. AC +2
Weapons:
1x Mace - 5 gp. +4 atk. 1d6+2.
1x Lt. Xbow - 25 gp. +4 atk. 1d8+2. ammo (rng 80/320), loading, two-handed
20x Bolts - 1 gp.
1x Dagger - 2 gp. +4 atk. 1d4+2.
Gear: Explorer’s Pack (backpack, bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, 10x torches, 10x rations, water skin, rope hemp 50') - 10 gp. Holy Symbol (Class Equipment), Healer's Kit - 5 gp. Mirror, Steel - 5 gp.
Trinket: An old chess piece made from glass.
Bio: Working at the local temple, in preparing the dead, she caught the corrupt patriarchy looting the corpses; however, it was turned around on her and she was accused and declared “unclean” for activities with the dead. Through heroic action, she seeks divine intervention to stop the hierarchy from building the eschaton through her temple.
(http://dragonersdomain.com/forum/download/file.php?id=186)
Player: Mr. Kent
Hanalee Hondo
Human Fighter, Blacksmith Folk Heroine
Lvl 1, prof +2. Saves: STR, CON. Alg: CG
HD: d10. HP: 12. AC: 16
STR 15 (+2), DEX 13 (+1), CON 14 (+2), INT 10 (0), WIS 9 (-1), CHA 10 (0)
Race: +1 all stats
Lang: Common, Dwarvish
Class: Fighting Style - TWF, +mod on 2nd attack. Second Wind 1/rest - Bonus action, 1d10+Lv. HP.
Skills: Athletics +4, Intimidation +2, Animal Handling (bkgd) +1, Survival (bkgd) +1.
Tool Proficiencies: Smiths', Vehicles - land
Background: Folk Hero. Defining Event: Celestial Revelation. Feature: Rustic Hospitality.
Pers: Helpful. Ideal: Destiny! Bond: Childhood sweetheart. Flaw: Weakness for vice.
Gear: smith's tools, shovel, iron pot, common clothes (magenta tunic, black trousers, black cape), pouch +10 gp.
Wealth: N/A+10 gp. Left 5 gp.
Quickstart Equipment
Armor: Chainmail - 75 gp. AC 16 (req. STR 13)
Weapon:
1x Warhammer - 15 gp. +4 atk. 1d8+2. versatile (1d10).
1x Shortsword - 10 gp. +4 atk. 1d6+2. finesse, light.
(TWF Warhammer Shortsword. +4 atk. 1d8+2/1d6+2.
1x Light crossbow - 25 gp. +3 atk. 1d8+1. ammo (rng 80/320), loading, two-handed
20x bolts - 1 gp.
Gear: Explorer's pack - 10 gp
Hooded lantern - 5gp
Style/Bio: Once apprenticed to the top armorer in Livonia's Lament, Hanalee was set to make a good living as the town's prospects increased. One day a great celestial being visited her forge, and granted her a revelation (of sorts): being a smith was not her Destiny. Though the entity was vague on the details, it intimated that to discover her Destiny, she would need to strike out on her own.
Hanalee secluded herself for thirty days and forged a new set of armor and weapons for herself. Against the recommendations of friends she left her secure blacksmith job and went out to discover her Destiny as an adventurer-for-hire.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/OhSiris/HanaleeHondo5E.png)
Alric Feathersdown
Light foot halfing hunter
Lvl 1 Fighter, prof +2. Saves: Con, Str. Alg: NG
HD: d10. HP: 11. AC: 16
Xp -120 + 45 = 165 halfway there!
STR 7 (-2) (+0), DEX 18 (4), CON 12 (1) (+3), INT 11 (0), WIS 14 (2), CHA 14 (2)
Race: Dex +2. Spd 25'. Lucky Reroll ones on Attack, Ability checks and Saves. Brave - Advantage versus Frightened effects. 1/2Ling nimbleness. Move through Mdm creature spaces.
sub-race: Cha +1. Naturally stealth, May hide behind mdm Creature
Lang: Common (Ute), halfling
Class
Fighting style : Archery +2 to hit Ranged weapons
Second Wind 1 / r : Bonus action regain 1d10 + 1 Hpts.
Skills: Animal Handling* (+4 ), Athletics* (+0), Perception* (+4 ), Survival* (+4),
Tools: Woodworking kit*
Background: Folk Hero Feature: Rustic Hospitality
Defining moment: saved people during a forest fire.
Pers: Helpful Ideal: Freedom Bond: I am one with the woods Flaw: Overly trusting
Armor: Leather AC 16
Weapon:
Short Bow +8 1d6 + 4 Peircing 80/320
Hand axe +1 1d6 - 2 Thrown +8 1d6 +4 20/60
Dagger +6 1d4 + 4 Thrown +8 1d6 + 4 20/60
Short Sword +6 1d6 + 4
Adventure/woods wear
Leather Armor, 2 Hand axes, Short bow, 20 Arrows, Short Sword, Dagger, Quiver,
2 nice leather flask one whiskey other water 2 pint size, 20 feet silk rope, 20 feet waxed twine,
Tinder box, Pouch with all but 5 gp which is hidden on Alric, Set of common clothes worn.
Total weight carried 27.3
On Mal the mastiff - Back pack, Bedroll, 2 sets common clothes, Fishing tackle, 2 flask oil,
Mess kit, 3 days rations, 2 water skins with water, whetstone, 30 feet silk rope,
30 feet waxed twine, waterproof canvas tarp 8X8 feet, Iron Pot, Shovel,
Pack saddle saddle bag, 3 days feed.
Total weight carried 137.7
Minus 2 more gold for some decent hard liquor of some type. Water flask is nice because it is double capacity while the other is a nice whiskey flask
Cash gold is 32gp 4 sp 10 cp
-4 sp for lunch
-1 gold to the good Sister Joyous.
-1 sp Delta Earle Tip
-2 sp general beer and snacks spending with Deliliah
Trinket - Nightmarish Idol that disturbs my sleep. Lets say I found it in the aftermath of the Forest fire and it may be a cause or some other secret revealed in the flames.
Style/Bio - While a hunter, Alric is not one that believes that it requires a lonely existence. He is friendly and enjoys what civilization has to offer. He would enjoy a nights rest in a soft bed, as much as, the solitude and comfort of a tall standing oak and babbling brook. Recently he forewarned a town of an onrushing forest fire and managed to save a few people from buildings as they caught fire. He does not consider himself a hero but for some reason others do.
Player: Marleycat
Bright Feather
Wood Elf Wizard, Acolyte
Lvl 1, prof +2. Saves: INT, WIS. Alg: CG
HD: d6. HP: 8. AC: 12. Experience points: 35+65+105+120=325
STR 7 (-2), DEX 15 (2), CON 14 (2), INT 18 (4), WIS 12 (1), CHA 10 (0)
Race: Darkvision 60'. Keen Sense - Perception. Fey Nature. Trance.
sub race: WIS +1. Elf Weapon Train - l./s. sword, l./s. bow. Fleet of Foot 35'. Mask of the Wild
Lang: Common, Draconian, Elven, Sylvan.
Skills: Arcana +6, History +6, Insight (bkrd) +3, Perception (race) +3, Religion (bkrd) +6.
Class: Spellcasting. My First Spellbook. Arcane Recovery 1/day - After a rest, recover combined slots worth = 1/2 Lv (min 1).
Tools: N/A
Spells DC: 14. Spell Atk: +6
Slots: at-will/2. Prep: 5
Cantrips: Mage Hand (30'), Prestidigitation (10'), Ray of Frost (60').
Known: 1st - Charm Person (30'), Identify (touch, rite), Mage Armor (touch), Magic Missile (120'), Silent Image (60', conc), Sleep (90').
Background: Acolyte. Specialty: +2 Lang. Feature: Faithful's Shelter.
Pers: I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
Ideal: Aspiration. I seek to prove myself worthy of my god’s favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings. (Any)
Bond: I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple
hierarchy who branded me a heretic.
Flaw: I put too much trust in those who wield power within
my temple’s hierarchy.
Gear: Holy Symbol, Sacred Wheel, 5x Incense, Vestments, Common Clothes, pouch +15 gp.
Wealth: 4d4x10 gp. Roll 8. 80+15 gp. Spent: 76 gp. Left: 19 gp.
Armor: N/A
Weapon:
1x S. Sword - 10 gp. +3 atk. 1d6+2. finesse, light.
1x S. Bow - 25 gp. +3 atk, 1d6+2, ammo (rng 80/320), two-hand
20x Arrow - 1 gp.
Gear: Explorer's Pack - 10 gp, Component Pouch - 25 gp, Herbalist Kit - 5 gp.
Style/Bio: Hgt 5'7". Wgt 126 lbs. Hair Red with eagle feather/beads woven in Eyes Green dressed in buckskin with an otterskin w/feather component pouch at her belt. More or less just traveling the world after the nastiness at her local temple. Curious but studious and on the quiet side likes to hear both sides of the story before rushing to judgement. Takes people at their word but doesn't suffer fools well.
Trinket: Half a floor plan for a temple, castle, or similar structure.
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e4/d9/a1/e4d9a1c045c44c98055d17732c21007d.jpg)
Main Street
A curl of wind whips up some midday dust, flipping some dress hems and buckskin fringe among the pedestrians in this lively street. Grit, or near water, mud, begins to cake exposed things, like hitching posts, troughs, horses, and drunks sleeping it off on the raised boardwalk in front of buildings. This is the high desert, heat, dust, scrub brush, and the promise of a cold night, seep in even here as people try to beat it back.
There is a well with its own crowd of activity halfway down the street. That's where the building quality really starts to slide, getting worse and noisier further down, with a drunken fight or two spilling forth in the far distance. However the well crowd of seeming domestics ignores that with dignity, and chats on about something that caught their eye on the bulletin board next to the well.
Geraldine's
A jaunty piano tinkling joined by the indeterminate chatter of the rarely thinning crowd merges into a welcoming warmth. Over it all periodically peals a hearty feminine laugh, coming from a tiny ball of 'presence' that floats around the room, visiting tables in turn. A motley crew mobs a bar where a stoic staff serves rapidly with hooded eyes, nods, and wry smiles.
This room has a high roof with a balcony along its edge, some boarder room doors showing along that edge. The edges of this room's first floor shows large double door portals leading to more private, large rooms also bustling with life, or by the bar, a kitchen busy with orders. Bulletin boards, both inside and outside next to the entrance, are periodically visited by people coming and going from this busy place.
Vaux's Tools & Dried Goods
Barrels, one after the other, with piles of dried beans, spices, and the like. Towards a large counter the barrel items become more valuable, and overhead dried meats begin to hang. A halfling with burnished skin sits behind, working on a ledger, looks up to smile a greeting, and then returns to his sums and you to your shopping privacy. The shelf behind him and the counter holds what seem to be the most valuable and smallest of trade goods.
Deeper in the store comes an army of shelves, carrying tools and supplies from as far as Onerous and Last Unction, and among them all a ladder for access. Most of the shelves nearest the entrance serves mining and building pursuits. But further back you see more travel goods like lanterns, bedrolls, and tents. Further back are more domestic goods, like cloth, baskets, pots, and soap.
The Honey Well
First sensation is the acrid smell of piss, body odor, and vomit from just too much hard living in and around this saloon. Second sensation is darkness as one's eyes need to adjust, this place could use some windows. Third sensation is being watched, from alcoves and screens ever present, with eyes that protest the very idea of windows bringing in more light and air.
An enormous human male staffs the bar. When he speaks, it is kinda funny as you cannot place the accent. A press of human(oid)ity crowds the bar and travels back to screened tables and alcoves where the sound of whispers and gaming comes. There is a door at the opposite length of the room, right behind the bar. No one seems to loiter around that bar edge.
Brightleaf walks into town towards the well, stops and quietly listens to what the locals are saying about the bulletin board to the side.
"Oh ain't he just a peach. Now when he loses something himself, "the Duke" is all about action. Where was he when Nettleflower was having some drunkard rifling through her trousseau for silverware?"
"He is just all about himself and those modernist theories from back East. 'Let the market be free!' 'Its hand works in invisible ways!' Untraditional bison pucky."
"Well the silver brought nice things to our dry home. I mean, visiting my great aunts is hard now, with all their sitting on rabbit pelt and roasting pine nuts. But yes, "the Duke" has really lost what it means to be 'Of the People'."
Brightleaf gives a small smile and says "Pardon me ladies would it be okay to refill my waterskin? Or would that trouble this Duke of yours?" And goes to refill her waterskin then looks over to the bulletin board to see if anything of interest is posted there.
Alric exits Vaux's now a few coin heavier and heads to the clamor at the well. He listen's for a few moments and nods his head in agreement. Looking at the Bulletin board he takes notice of the Unsettled Graveyard bounty.
He shakes his head ruefully thinking of all the deaths in these frontier towns and at least they should finally have some peace.
Glancing over at the Wood elf he nods "Ma'aM" As she fills her skin. He moves his eyes along not wanting to be caught staring at her but he hasn't seen that many of the long eared folk and can't help his curiosity.
He turns back to the notices and considers what should be done. Hunting is slim as the rush for silver has trampled much hunting grounds out here. Not much is left unspoiled.
"Oh honey, pardon us. Go on, dear. Don't mind our griping, our mayor is just a touch absent."
"... in the head. But you didn't hear that from me."
They all share a good laugh, shuffle over to give well access, and continue gossiping.
-------
Bulletin Board
Tailor - Bead your Deeds on your Shirt? Want latest Fringe? See M. Trouvier
Bounty - Robbed Mayor seeks Capture of Thieves! Lost Precious Valuables!
Bounty - Missing Claim Holder! Family seeking Justice! See Thistlegrass clan.
Sale - Dowry. Combs, blankets, tools, more. Broken Heart, Won't Need.
Reward - Closed mine shaft! Dangerous mystery! Need Gutsy Braves.
Reward - Oldest Graveyard has Weird Omens! Seek Holy Man and/or Braves.
Cook - Good ol' Greenvalley Lightfoot Home Cooking. Sticks to your Ribs!
Brightleaf looks down and gives the halfling a quick smile and asks "you from around here small one?"
Alric Turns back to the Elf maiden. "No Ma'am" He smiles charmingly "I'm a Hunter by trade and just in unloading some recent successes. The territory around here doesn't lend itself much to professional hunters" He gestures out beyond the town into the dusty plains. " I try not to tangle with anything too big like bison and buffalo, just smaller game."
He places his fingers in the corner of his mouth and lets loose a loud whistle. Not far away hiding in the shade of a nearby building is a large dog. He saunters over with his head swinging back and forth in a friendly manner.
"This here is Mal, my pack mule and boon companion on the road." He pats him on the head and rubs under his chin. "Say hello Mal."
Mal merely looks up to you and grins a big doggy grin.
Gesturing back over to the post board. " I don't like the sound of that disturbed grave yard." Alric shakes his head. "Sounds a bit un-natural" Drawing out the word slowly.
"I ain't neither of them things they want but doesn't mean I can't try to help"
kachank
kachank
kachank
A ruby-haired young lady carefully assesses the gathering at the well, the gentle jangling of her chainmail vest growing louder as she approaches. Hanalee Hondo's black cape swings behind her in the wind, and she scans the bulletin board with a serious and determined face.
She pauses and turns to look at those gathered, her face remaining stoic, until--
"Doggie!" she says happily, dropping to one knee at the sight of the impressive-looking mastiff. "You're a good boy, eh?" she coos, patting Mal's jowls.
She looks up at the halfling in the leather armor, then rises to greet him and the elf lady next to him. "Hm. Did you say the graveyard?" she wonders.
Brightleaf gives Mal a gentle scratch behind the ears while reading about the notice the halfling mentioned..."I'm not sure if I am suited for what may be needed for the job but never hurts to ask right? By the way I am named Brightleaf of the Bear Nation glad to meet you, do you want to come with me to find out more information on the matter?"
Edit: She nods affirmatively towards the new voice.
"...her story breaks my heart. Beau killed just before they are married."
"I best whip up a rancher's pie, with extra jackrabbit and sage how she likes it, and make a surprise visit."
"I've been visiting often to help with the chores and care of her elderly parents. Poor thing is like she's not there, going through the motions..."
"And to part with that stunning trousseau. What a bride she would have made!"
Among them some jostling to close in the conversation, making room for bulletin board newcomers. The gossip continues.
Caden strolls through the crowd gathered round the well. He stops before the bulletin board, shades his hawkish face with his hand, and looks the notices over. He mutters to himself about the various jobs listed, and then takes note of a small group that appears to be considering the board as well.
"No end of troubles round these parts eh?." He says to none of them in particular and all of them at once.
Brightleaf turns her eyes to the confident seeming man saying quietly "sure looks that way I'm think I'm going to find out more information about the disturbed graveyard it seems curious"....
"Oh you haven't heard the half of it --" a dwarf woman replies automatically, turns to the voice and stops... to look up, and up. Pauses, gives the once over, and gives a self-satisfied wry smile. "Well ain't you welcome shade in a sunny day. A big, strong man might make things right around here."
"Unless they're just another 'might makes right' man. All-Grandmother knows we've had our share of big, strong men here without a lick of sense, or shred of heart. Pardon my rudeness young man, but it's been a lonely time."
"And also we're all married too, remember. So get your heads out of the clouds." To Caden, "Apologies young man, things have been a bundle of activity for years now. It's a struggle to keep up a good home, it is."
Another to Caden, "I'm sorry too, dear. Don't mind us and our chatter. Lord knows we love a listening ear -- because we can't get anyone to listen at home!"
Laughter again seizes the gaggle of domestics, proper spouses one assumes. They return to their own private gossip mill.
Hanalee nods to the gruff newcomer. "Yes...it's quite lively. But I'm sure--from the looks of it--we could all handle out share of trouble."
She presses her finger upon the bulletin board, then taps her hand on a few listings. "I want to visit this sale, see what wares are available," she says enthusiastically. "It does me good to get a bit of shopping in before marching into unknown dangers!"
Caden studies the small group then gives a sort of half nod. "Well trouble gets less and less the more hands ya got working on it. Seems as if we could stand to make something of the situation if we have a go of it together." He turns to the dwarf woman "eh ain't nothin to be sorry of, I never seen a place that didn't have its share of trouble."
Brightleaf says in a soft voice "it's never a bad idea to be well equipped before rushing into the unknown".
Brightleaf turns to Hanalee and says...."come on let's check that sale out we may find something useful while we gather more information" and starts off in that direction.
Turning to Hanalee "He's a good lad this one" Patting Mal on his back, laden with gear. "Faithful as the day is long"
"Well Brightleaf it seems there are a few of us that might be willing to poke our nose into some unnatural business" Looking to the new arrivals. "Feel a bit odd traveling out to a graveyard without a holy person though. Any about town that got the fortitude to travel with this pack?"
Alric studies the newcomers noting their better than average gear. He assumes they know how to use what they have. Perhaps if anything reared its head it would be better with these folk than wondering into such a potentially hazardous place alone.
Alric Stands tall (as he can). "I'm for seeing to the unnatural goings on at the graveyard anyone else up for that . . . "
"I don't care to go to the sale, sounds a bit much like taking advantage of a broken heart and unhappy home but I am willing to wait ifin' you can use your weapons well enough."
"Take advantage? Oh, no," Hanalee assures the halfling. "I'll offer some comfort if I can...but I won't be long." She jingles her the purse at her belt. "I don't have a great deal to work with besides, but just in case she's offering something special..."
"I won't be long! And then I'd like to investigate that graveyard as well." Hanalee rushes off to see the broken-hearted young woman with wares to sell.
(OOC: Is the sale far off from the well? I'd like Hanalee to hurry and return to accompany the graveyard-goers.)
Making her way down the dusty road towards the well, after a long days travel, Karnath hears a Halfling, "Excuse me, did you say you are looking for a holy person?" Drinking by cupping her hand and bringing it to her mouth, ever alert. Not that an Ale wouldn't be better to wash the dust of the road away.
Looks over her shoulder to Aldric "I'm in but if Hanalee here says she might find something (glancing at her armor and weapons) it can't hurt...and I may be able to find more information about a few things that may interest all of us".... flashing a quick smile.
(OOC: Like Hanalee I want it to be quick while she's haggling I want to be in the crowd listening and gauging the crowd's mood and then join the rest).
Caden hooks his thumbs through a couple of the loops of his sword belt "Not much for shoppin myself, reckon I'll stay behind with Alric here."
He eyes the new woman hailing Alric, "looking for work not fit for sensible folk as well eh?" "Maybe we ought sit down somewhere an have a drink, establish a base of operations so to speak. Besides taverns are good for all sorts of useful tidbits, a little brew and most folks tongues get loose."
(OoC: Because I don't have an actual list of what Gods are present, I'll say Karnath follows a Goddess like the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Goddess_of_Teotihuacan a Goddess of vegetation and fertility, eg 'life' like Karnath's domain, she is also often represented by a spider.)
"The threads from the Great Goddess oft lead to strange places and stranger company. Work for some, a calling for others. A beer sounds good, yes." She smiles at all who are paying attention to her, "My name is Karnath, Priestess of the Great Goddess."
"To those that don't know me I am Alric, hunter by trade" Alric sketches a quick bow.
Looking up at the new comer. " Yes. We were planning to journey to the grave yard to look into these unusual happenings. I thought perhaps such a place of reverence and respect needed someone skilled in dealing with the after life. " with a grin continues " And faith never hurts"
"You two run along, don't worry I will not venture off without ya."
Turning to Caden. "Hear Geraldines is respectable enough place. Could use a bite to eat "
Caden nods to Alric "Fair enough, lead the way."
"I shall follow." Karnath replies.
A pair from the crowd breaks off and stops Hanalee and Bright Feather before they leave, "Darlings, a moment of your time?"
The other continues where the first left off, "You two must be interested in bridal things, naturally, so young and beautiful as you are. But..." Their heads and eyes turn to face each other with an empathetic look before returning to face you both.
Like a tag team they alternate, "She's had such a bad turn of it, and it's so soon. Killed while returning to his boarding room right down this very street, this place is so violent."
"And he not a drinking man, well perhaps a nip or two on Saturdays, and never before Sunday services."
"He was a good man. To think, even attending services, as a bachelor in a place like this."
"They still don't know who is the killer, but the arrow had something to do with snowy owl feathers. Out of place and season here..."
"Anyway, long story short —" "Too late!" "Oh, you tease! — Anyway, do us all a favor and be kind to her. She'd sell it for a song of him, she's so beside herself, she's in no state to properly bargain."
"And she still has her aged parents and future to think of. At the very least leave the bridal gown she worked years on, just in case she ever falls in love again. I know it's a selfish thing to ask, but..."
"... you two look like good-hearted women who would understand. Bless you both on your future marriage, spare a kindness to the less fortunate, please!"
"She's located here [gives directions to home] and the family name is Blushing Phlox, just like that pink flower one can find around here. You can say we let you know how to call on her... [gives reference of both their names]"
A trio splits from the gossip mill to stop Aldric, Caden, and Karnath, and most notably focused on Karnath, studying her for any symbols or the like.
"Pardon our intrusion, but did you say Priestess of the Great Goddess?"
"Now there's a name I have not heard since my parent's time. How much has the silver boom changed us?"
"We used to trade with the 'People of the Sun' from the deep south, yet it was always an occasion. To think a priestess of theirs appears and not even a peace pipe ceremony? We have so forgotten our manners!"
"Well the youth and their new ways... stories of All-Grandmother —" gestures with deference to Karnath, "you call Great Goddess — are barely told around the pine cone fire like before."
"But there are a lot more people here now who believe different things. At least "Preacher Sometimes" is a good man who tries to do right and hold this place together. I understand why he's often found nursing a double shot in Geraldine's private rooms."
"True. He may not be 'Of the People', but he talks to The Creator as he understands it."
"However you — " directed to Karnath again, "should go visit the Elder's Place. They'd be delighted to see you and send word back to the 'People of the Sun' about properly receiving so important a member."
"Our hospitality dictates you must be honored. At the very least a peace pipe and sharing of news runners... You young men are so fortunate to be mutually acquainted."
"Sorry to bother you on your important quest. But we just had to say something. Be on your way with eagle blessings."
The Blushing Phlox Home
A modest two story wood home just off Main Street a bit, midway down to almost the well. A logographic of the family name is on the entrance door jamb, and a withering patch of their namesake pink flowers is by their stoop. The door is open and an elderly couple watches out from inside.
The bride-not-to-be is a ghost of a beauty, slightly more beautiful for the pain she evokes at the sense of loss. She speaks little and of that it is distant and slow. When she leads you upstairs you see her trousseau laid atop a well-fitted bed:
- A tortoise shell comb with ornate carvings.
- Silver backed boar bristle brush and matching silver framed obsidian mirror.
- Nice set of stitch-work needles, including eye hooks, line wheel, and scalpel.
- Bedsheets with advanced stitch-work, like pills, eyelets, and weave de-threading.
- Good count towels with Blushing Phlox logographic monogram. (matrilineal society in flux)
- Nightgown chemise with hand stitched lace trim.
- Day shawl with weave de-thread fringe and corner tassels.
- Bridal gown that has no reason being in a place like this. Unspeakably tragic lost opportunity.
"What would you have? I have no need of such things anymore..." She looks out towards the mountain peaks longingly through the second story window.
"What would a devout teetotaler do to get himself killed?" Hanalee wonders to Bright Feather before entering the home. "And at long range, no less! A snow-owl fletched arrow...this was no mugging. Could it have been an assasin?
Hanalee is polite with the young bride, and her expression matches the young woman's empathetically as she browses the goods. "I know it all seems so bleak now. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost..." Her voice trails off.
"But you may yet use these someday. Did you have any other suitors?"
Alric listens to the devote trio. "Mighty nice of you". Alric politely nods.
"Karnath if you have some social obligations I am sure me and Caden can scare up whatever we need at the saloon."
In either case we continue to the saloon and find a spot to claim as our own for the moment and order a beer and lunch if possible, for myself at least.
Bright Feather whispers to Hanalee "why would he have any trouble with the Owl Nation? They usually keep to their mountains and alpine glens...." turns to Blushing with a sad smile "I know everything seems bleak but nothing ever remains the same however much we insist it would, I cannot see myself taking things from you that you'll have use of again.....I'm curious did your beau ever speak of my kind?"
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;770305Alric listens to the devote trio. "Mighty nice of you". Alric politely nods.
"Karnath if you have some social obligations I am sure me and Caden can scare up whatever we need at the saloon."
In either case we continue to the saloon and find a spot to claim as our own for the moment and order a beer and lunch if possible, for myself at least.
Karni waves to Alric, "I will catch up with you, thanks!"
Quote from: Opaopajr;770269A trio splits from the gossip mill to stop Aldric, Caden, and Karnath, and most notably focused on Karnath, studying her for any symbols or the like.
"But there are a lot more people here now who believe different things. At least "Preacher Sometimes" is a good man who tries to do right and hold this place together. I understand why he's often found nursing a double shot in Geraldine's private rooms."
"However you — " directed to Karnath again, "should go visit the Elder's Place. They'd be delighted to see you and send word back to the 'People of the Sun' about properly receiving so important a member."
Karni shows her shield ensign, that of the Moon and the Spider Woman."The Goddess smiles on the city of the valley, there the people number as reeds. I will also raise a sacred beer in her honor to you, it is all part of her web, like spun from the ear to stalk in blessing. The Sun and Moon together, I will see the Elder's Place and afterwards meet with 'Preacher Sometimes'. Karni says with a graceful, yet easy smile.
Caden follows Alric to the saloon, he has worked a thirst. He will keep his ears open for any useful tidbit he may hear in passing or at the saloon.
Hanalee & Bright Feather
Blushing Phlox Home
"What use is someday when it is already too far? He was like the moon on earth to me, brightness in the dark..."
"I will not find another like him. Not here, not ever. And ties try to hold me here. But I won't be held forever." OOC: Brightleaf, Passive Perception success. She's not just talking about Livonia's Lament...
Looks to Brightleaf, "He spoke of your kind with great love, and sadness. Said I reminded him of happy times, over the mountains. That I was a second chance." Returns to looking at the mountain peaks.
Gets up and goes slowly to a large basket of similar ornate, white linen, likely more of her trousseau. Pores through it, finds what she wants, and returns to you both.
"I cannot leave you empty handed. You are kind, you listened though you came for goods, but... You both must marry, too, find happiness like I." She presents you both with little embroidered kerchiefs with a pink flower on one corner. "This is a gift. Remember love."
Returns to staring at the mountain peaks.
Geraldine's
A jaunty piano tinkling joined by the indeterminate chatter of the rarely thinning crowd merges into a welcoming warmth. Over it all periodically peals a hearty feminine laugh, coming from a tiny ball of 'presence' that floats around the room, visiting tables in turn. A motley crew mobs a bar where a stoic staff serves rapidly with hooded eyes, nods, and wry smiles.
This room has a high roof with a balcony along its edge, some boarder room doors showing along that edge. The edges of this room's first floor shows large double door portals leading to more private, large rooms also bustling with life, or by the bar, a kitchen busy with orders. Bulletin boards, both inside and outside next to the entrance, are periodically visited by people coming and going from this busy place.
Menu
Special: Mesquite Big Horn Sheep with Red Grass Grain & Pine Nut Pilaf — 8 sp
Roasted Ground Squirrel, Corn Pone, & Nettle Greens — 1 sp
Succotash & Rattler Bits — 6 cp
Dried Brook Trout Fritters — 4 cp
Bar
Ale (4%), gallon — 2 sp, mug — 4 cp
Small Beer (2%), gal. — 1 sp, mug — 2 cp
Whiskey, well — 3 cp/shot, top shelf — 6+ cp/shot
Sage & Chamomile Tea, pot — 8 cp, cup — 2 cp
---------------------------
"Those gnolls have got to be the ones. They needle us about up in our claims, they scrounge around our dumps, and they scurry about along the paths."
"But they are just like the kobolds, just bigger. Who else is going to be as sneaky and daring than those so small they think no one notices?"
*ahem!*
"Sorry my halfling friend, that isn't to say all smaller creatures are brave and sneaky thieves."
"Oh, I was just clearing my throat. I too think it's the kobolds, it's just what they would do, those bastards."
"Yeah but you got a hate on them ever since they took residence in your claim, knowing shit about silver but liking the location."
"Damn right I do, and you three best do the same before they find our town just as cozy!"
Caden saunters up to the bar and orders a drink. "Whiskey, the cheap stuff."
He is not much of a conversationalist, but none the less he will ask who ever happens to serve his drink if they know much about this graveyard business or at least know someone who does.
Caden
Geraldine's
A welcoming female human, who looks like she's seen plenty and handled her own, takes care of your drink. "The cheap stuff? That's further down Main Street. We have no intentions of rotting a gut here." She smiles friendly like as if sharing a joke, "I'll get you a shot from our well, though. Three copper."
"The far, old graveyard? Not much. Try not to visit if I can, as there is plenty of death around here as it is." Puts both arms on the bar and looks up to think, her arms bigger than most women her size, "Best I can think of would be "Sister Joyous" as she tends to the new graveyard along with her healing rounds."
Straightens up, slaps the bar twice as she breaks to serve another customer. "You'll see her around soon enough, just wait for the blood to spill somewhere down this street. Perhaps she'll know a thing or two."
Bright Feather gives Blushing a grave look..."I shall treasure your gift, though if it's not too untoward of me I feel there is something else holding you from going to your heart's true home" glancing at the mountains then back to her.
Bright Feather
Blushing Phlox Home
"Yes." You think the lips moved, but her voice is outside her, around somehow and hollow. Her eyes remain fixed, unblinking, to the mountain peaks and old.
Geraldine's
Sitting beside Caden. "I'll have the Squirrel, pot of tea and after the meal 2 shots of Top shelf one for each us."
Turning to the person who apologized "Understandable! I know some of us wee folk have a certain reputation and all I can do is show I'm not one that fits that mantle." He smiles congenially.
When the meal arrives he slides across 4 silver for the meal and liquor. "Thanks kind barkeep. Thanks for the information as well"
Shifting closer to Caden and speaking somewhat more quietly. " I think we may have to seek out this Sister Joyous. Since it may be later tonight before any shenanigans requiring her healing occur in town, At least I hope. "
"Who are you? And why hold her from her true heart's desire?"
Caden thanks the woman both for the drink and the information. He turns to Alric "aye it seems we should make a few inquiries of her and I'm not of the mind to wait all night about it." Caden takes a pull at the shot " think we ought to wait for the others?"
Hanalee clutches the kerchief close, her mind driftng back to simpler times. She watches Bright Leaf engage with Blushing Phlox, who seems dark and strange now. "Perhaps it was a mistake to come here," she mutters, watching the other two women carefully.
"Don't see why we should wait unlessen you think they might be able to gather more information from this Sister than you and I."
Alric swigs back his shot after fininshing his meal. "Burns right peaceably on the way down I do say. "
Caden agrees with Alric "Lets get a move on then, I figure we can gather what we need to know just fine on our own."
Hanalee & Bright Feather
Blushing Phlox Home
A wracking cough tears the silence downstairs. She gets up, still in a reverie, apologizes in that same haunting, disembodied voice, and goes downstairs.
You hear an old female voice, "Is that you, my flower? Dad is having another fit. Needs another herbal rub. And I need your help to the slop jar again. I'm so sorry dear..."
The trousseau amid the bedroom, with the peaks in the window, leaves a tableau of marriage's joyful promise. A light summer breeze comes in while you two are there alone.
Aldric & Caden (& Karnath?)
Geraldine's
Another bartender comes up to you guys, catching the end of that exchange. The lunch rush is ending, but there are still many lingering.
"Georgette thanks you kindly for your generosity and says this goes to you, on the house." The stocky human male then drops off a gallon pitcher of small beer and a single handful of mugs, which in his ham-sized fists is four handles.
"Also, if I may, from that last bit I overheard I'd recommend relaxing a bit. There's plenty of action here, and more than enough stuff floats to the surface." Leans in and looks around, "Besides, a whole bunch of people just had lunch, often with more than a few drinks, and are now rubbing shoulders out on Main Street." Straightens up, smiles, and returns to work.
----------------------------
The other group halfling turns to Aldric, "Yeah, it takes all kinds to make our people. Known a few thievin' snakes in the grass in my time — but nothin' a good shovel couldn't fix, if you catch my meanin'. Back home we didn't take that shit between our own.
"But those kobold critters come only in one kind: rascals. And like a cai-yote, the more you beat fear into 'em, the better you're off."
"Well I had trouble from 'em none. 'N fact, they saved my life once when I was dyin' in the desert o' thirst. Got lost hunting is all, yet tha'ss all ya need out here."
"And what'd it cost ya? An eye and a thumb?"
"Heh, tha'ss another story, and from 'round here. No, just cost me my rotting catch of rabbits and some flasks of oil. They just grabbed it and cooked it up. Gave me water, fed me, and pointed me onto the nearest trail. Just like that, and not a word I understood."
"Well if that ain't the damnedest thing I ever heard!"
"Oh I got a better'n than 'im. Been out under this here cold moon long enough and'll you seen a bit o' everything."
"But you're drunk." "Shiii—t, I can still find'n my own ass wi' both hands, yeah? Help me to that table yonder..."
The group metastasizes and splits through talk. The story one floats down from the bar to a table nearby. The bar one (two?) keeps on about the threats to the town, or who's behind some latest theft.
Bright Feather nods to Hannalee..."I think we should leave and find the others" then turns and leaves the house to find the rest of the group.
(OoC): Going to Geraldine's given it's a likely place to find the group and a cold beer or feywine if she's lucky.
(OoC: Where is she?)
Getting to Geraldine's Karni will see if she can spot the Preacher, otherwise will go to meet up with Alric and Caden, ordering a mug of beer, and raising it in toast and saying 'Blessed Be' before having a swig (Beer is the Great Goddess' sacrament, like with many agricultural deities) wiping the foam mustache away with the back of her hand.
Alric accepts the mug and cups. "Thank your mistress for here generosity as well and any other help she can provide." Alric winks knowingly.
Turning to the other Halfling "Yeah reputation is a curious thing, so often it turns into a prejudice that don't serve it well." Nodding throughout the story. " Well all I can think is the rabbit looked tastier than You " Chuckling. "Of course they may have sent you along your way to let ya fatten up a little!"
"Well seems most likely we can get some more "Information" " Alric sarcastically notes " From the locals outside. We can keep an ear out and ask around about Sister Joyous. Might be useful when we approach her."
"I know there is a lot goin on here but to my mind one task at a time. Its a balance of rushing in unknowing or waiting for enough truth to bubble to the top of all these rumors." Alric looks around ruefully. "To be honest I'm not one o sit on my hands to long, prefer to be out doing than waiting"
Most likely meeting the others outside Alric turns to Karnath, Bright leaf, and Hanalee. "They got some good eaten in there if your quick and Caden and I have a few leads to follow up. What say we meet back here in an hour compare notes then and see where that takes us."
Bright Feather nods to Alric.."that will be fine we will be here until you finish your business"..and goes into Geraldine's and sits at an empty table while waving over a barmaid to get a bite to eat and maybe a drink.
Caden tips a nod at the halfings thoughts "Aye, we sit on our thumbs too long waiting and were liable to find ourselves with more than we want on our plate. I'll follow you and see what we can dredge up with this Priestess."
Before leaving the house, Hanalee makes a friendly offer to Miss Blushing Plox. "If you ever feel up to it...swing by Geraldine's for a drink...on me," she says, hesitantly at first, then more enthusiastically. The young would-be-widow has much more than a broken heart going on, Hanalee suspects, and it would be nice to uncover the full details someday.
The blacksmith follows the elf to Geraldine's and promptly finds her fellows waiting outside. She holds up her newly received kerchief for the others to see. "No purchases made, but a free gift instead!" she beams.
She then pokes her head inside the establishment, waving to some patrons. "Cheers, Geraldine's!" she roars happily to familiar faces, and flags down a barmaid. "Georgette! Where are you honey?"
OOC: Resolving placement:
Karnath is inside with the remains of Aldric's gallon of small beer. She's at a table trying to tactfully peer into the private rooms, whose doors are currently open, looking for "Preacher Sometimes."
Hanalee and Bright Feather have just entered Geraldine's, after meeting with Aldric and Caden, and see the still lively scene. They can find Karnath alone at a table, looking intently towards the back private rooms.
Aldric and Caden are out on Main Street, with Mal waiting patiently at Geraldine's hitching post. He seems pleased with himself, as if he got to visit a great array of new animals.
Geraldine's
The lunch rush is gone, but plenty of people remain. The piano is silent and staff are taking shifts to grab lunch at an empty table nearest the bar and kitchen. The brassy dwarf woman seems to have retired to the back of one of the private rooms.
Karnath's passively finds a man in a worn black suit and matching hat slumped over his drink in a private room where one of the entrance doors is closed. He occasionally seems to mumble something, but cannot tell to whom. (Successful Passive Perception.) There's a third of the pitcher to kill and Karnath sees Hanalee and Bright Feather, the two others from the well, enter.
"I'm here, girl!" A robust female arm waves to Hanalee from the server's make-shift lunch table. "Grabbing a bite before all the action tonight." Takes a bite of a dried trout fritter dipped in nettle greens. "Thought you were off to find yourself. Needed a good meal to tide you over?" Laughter shared.
Main Street
The street has picked up considerably. Farther down you can see from even here the electricity build between the milling pedestrians. A crowd has collected around Vaux's, which is closer to you both, here up street. Seems like people are grabbing last minute tools for a morning's job that is lasting into the afternoon. A rather puffed up man leaves what seems to be the Post Office and he looks none too pleased. People show him deference, but he doesn't pay any notice.
Hanalee beams to see her old pal, and performs (or at least attempts) and elaborate secret handshake with her. "You were right...that handshake's easier when we're drunk!" she laughs.
"A few of us are going to head out together tonight," she tells Georgette, then pats her stomach, making her chainmail vest jingle-jangle. "I'd like a little someting in my belly before then. And Bright Feather here too--see that she's well taken care of, eh?"
Hanalee pauses, her smile fading somewhat at the silent piano. "Ah, where's Fontaine? He always has the best gossip--don't tell me he's off to bed so early..."
"Well Caden I think we can split up, hit the crowd and find out what we can about this Joyous. I'll work my way down oneside and back up to meet you here in a few minutes"
Alric moves off into the milling town folk politely asking abot Sister Joyous including what she looks like etc. Alric is friendly and (Hopefully) Charming enough to learn where she was last scene or hangs out. Failing that he would ask about anyone sick since it appears Sister Joyous makes rounds of the ill.
Caden shrugs at Alric "right then, sounds as good a plan as any."
Caden will move the opposite direction and ask anyone who looks talkative what they may know. If he feels a lead is possible he is not above twisting a few arms if it seems they are hesitant.
Bright Feather gives Geraldine a hesitant smile..."do you have any feywine?"
Geraldine's
Hanalee
"My dear Hanalee, has it been that you have forgotten the back of my head so soon?" A stout halfling turns his head from the staff lunch table, sporting a playful moue, just next to Hanalee and Georgette catching up. "And though I am getting older, darling, it's just the occasional nap to clear the head before a big performance."
He waves you into sharing a confidence, though he continues the same volume, "And I'm no gossip, dear. I just merely have my finger closest to the pulse of what everyone already knows." Drops his voice to a more confiding whisper, "Well, perhaps getting a little old, love. But that's between you and me." Slaps your hand playfully. A bit louder, "Give you, your friend, and I a chance to finish lunch, and we'll share tea afterwards, OK?"
Georgette says laughing, "If I know you, you'll want to polish off a slab of that Big Horn Ram we got in. But I don't know if your friend wants to try to keep up with you. If you're leaving us tonight, your friends here can chip in for a parting bit of ribs." (Basically they'll ante up 3 silver to reduce the Big Horn Sheep plate for Hanalee.)
Bright Feather
Georgette replies to Bright Feather, "Sorry girlie, I'm not the personage herself. But you'll know Geraldine when you see her. And no we don't serve feywine, not that I know of."
"I heard my name being called!" A 'presence' strikes a pose between the one closed door and the door jamb of a private room: a dwarf woman in full Western Saloon dress. She rapidly walks toward you, holding her head steady, giving the illusion of floating. "You have summoned me. The name's Geraldine, proprietor of this here 'modest' establishment."
Smiling, circling you once and approving, she leans in to grab both of your hands in a welcoming gesture. "Ah, your kind is as lovely as ever. Bear Nation? What brings you so far? No, no, no. Impolite Geraldine! A guest is to feel at least at ease, if not at home.
"Tragically feywine is something I don't serve here. And I fear a quarter of my clientele wouldn't appreciate it if I did. But I can get my hands on it, eventually, somedays —" with a theatrical flair of her upturned hand, "— on a blue moon when the geese return.
"But on your say I'll make the effort over the course of this year. Oh you will be staying with us, yes? At least a little while, no?" She releases your hands while still beaming at you.
Georgette interjects, "Hanalee and her friend here plan to adventure off tonight, after a bite to eat."
A concerned face comes onto Geraldine, and a sagging to her shoulders, "So soon? Oh I wish you well, and do come back in one piece." She now looks troubled and starts to retire back to the private room and off-handedly tells the staff, "At least get them something light to drink, so they can keep their heads about them." Mumbling, "We lose them as soon as we get them, it seems," she fades back into the same private back room.
Caden & Aldric
4+ who gets the well side of the street: Caden.
Main Street
Caden
You see a new group of gossipy biddies around the well. They'd be talkative and easy to intimidate, but passively you doubt the usefulness of doing so. Thankfully that's a good walk halfway up this street, and there are plenty of other pedestrians along the way. Vaux's and "The House of Nerds" are also on your side of the street.
"We'll need a flange to guide the flue to either fork, so we'll need an 8/10th chisel and some yew..."
"With a good string o' onions on your neck, you can keep the skeeters and haints away."
"But ma, why do we always gotta eat beans..."
"Chisel, check. Hammer, check. Pan, check. Denim slacks and big rim hat, check. Oh how the men's club would envy to see me now."
Message runner runs out of the "House of Nerds" and past you.
"'Sister Joyous'? Oh she's probably finishing up house calls, feeding the sick... But she'll be out for the afternoon show, most likely."
Aldric
Next to Geraldine's is a string of good quality saloons that host boarder rooms. Some of the town's betters live in nice homes behind these. Thus a mix of better off boarders and Livonians are on this side of street, whereas Vaux's and Elder's Place attracts a wider array of people. A few are seated along boardwalk benches enjoying the afternoon.
"I hear he's hitting quartz. Should get a nice return soon. Good to be a partner."
"Opening up a second claim on the south. Sure it's in scavenger territory, but I got a hunch."
"Vaux's is doing good business still. Gonna be a long, hot summer, methinks."
"It's different and slower than back East, but it is rather nice to smoke a pipe or two when withdrawing your money."
"Another band is tackling that closed mine shaft mystery. Shame, some of them seemed like swell kids. Maybe'll make it."
"'Sister Joyous'? Oh, she makes her rounds. Why you want to see her? Glimpse the promise of the Happy Hunting Ground?"
Hanalee smacks her lips. "That big horn sheep does sound good...ooh, I'll take some of that, if you please!" she cheers.
Bright Feather blushes slightly over her mistake.."a year is such a short time to wait for a request, here this is for my friend and my beer and next year"...(palms a gold piece into Geraldine's hand as she leaves).
Caden & Aldric
Main Street
Farthest down the street, where the roughest dives and shacks are, you hear of an ado even from here. The wide street lets you see little figures going back and forth in what looks like a big fight. It's about a mile to get there. (@ 176 rds at Spd. 30'. Yes, you can dash/jog there in about 8 to 10 minutes. Faster will require repeated CON checks.)
Quote from: Opaopajr;770641Geraldine's
Karnath's passively finds a man in a worn black suit and matching hat slumped over his drink in a private room where one of the entrance doors is closed. He occasionally seems to mumble something, but cannot tell to whom. (Successful Passive Perception.) There's a third of the pitcher to kill and Karnath sees Hanalee and Bright Feather, the two others from the well, enter.
Karni waves to Hanalee and Bright Feather, coming over to them she says, "Hi, we met at the well, right? I'm Karnath. I was here with Alric and Caden, but they left to see something on the main street. Excuse me though, I want to talk to fellow holy person here." With that, she slips towards the open door and beyond where the man in black sits, quietly as she can she enters the room, knocking lightly on the door jamb. Putting her hands together in a respectful manner, "Hello, kind sir, I am Karnath, a humble travelling healer and questing priestess of the Great Goddess."
Quote from: dragoner;770699Karni waves to Hanalee and Bright Feather, coming over to them she says, "Hi, we met at the well, right? I'm Karnath. I was here with Alric and Caden, but they left to see something on the main street. Excuse me though, I want to talk to fellow holy person here." With that, she slips towards the open door and beyond where the man in black sits, quietly as she can she enters the room, knocking lightly on the door jamb. Putting her hands together in a respectful manner, "Hello, kind sir, I am Karnath, a humble travelling healer and questing priestess of the Great Goddess."
"Of course I remember you.. Karnath you say? I'm Bright Feather"...(she listens unobtrusively if possible while sipping her beer). "Hanalee a priest"...in a whisper.
Bright Feather - you have impressed Geraldine with your gold piece for feywine advanced payment. Will you be having lunch with your and Hanalee's small beer on the house?
Hanalee - a plate of wild sheep ribs and pilaf is coming up! Staff table is full, but Karnath has a table nearby. She seems to be excusing herself for a moment, so you may hold it and her remaining pitcher of small beer just in case of 'wandering thirsts'. Wherever you and Bright Feather settle another pitcher of small beer will follow.
Bright Feather smiles warmly....."no that is for a promise made...will this due for my and Hanalee's meal? I promise we shall return"...gives her 5 silver pieces.
Karnath
Geraldine's, a private room
The man in black lifts his head from nursing his drink. A woman dwarf in flamboyant saloon dress who sits kitty-corner of him has a hand outstretched onto his arm in an act of comfort. She too turns to listen to you. The thoughts on their face seem heavy indeed.
"Great Goddess? There's so many names for 'The Creator' around here, some days I just miss hearing Him called 'God'..." He closes his eyes to think. "That'd be the people around the southern edge of the Great Snowy Mountains, yes?" The woman stays quiet during the exchange and then finds reason to busy herself elsewhere.
He gestures for you to sit in the now vacated seat. It is warm. "It is good to see another holy person at any rate. We are overwhelmed as it is. I would ask what brings you to this desolate corner, but we all have our reasons and our wants for privacy."
Pushing his drink away he straightens and a renewed strength seems to fill his weathered frame. "A pleasure meeting you, Karnath of the Southern Reach of the Great Snowy Mountains. I am known around here as 'Preacher Sometimes'. It is as good enough name as any before my time comes. How can I help you today?"
OOC: His understanding is good but imperfect about regional religions. The Creator is a concept shared throughout the region, but the other gods and archetypes worshipped are understood as part and parcel of creation. There is only one Creator, but people appeal to the others for intercession on their behalf.
Quote from: Marleycat;770704Bright Feather smiles warmly....."no that is for a promise made...will this due for my and Hanalee's meal? I promise we shall return"...gives her 5 silver pieces.
"Well it depends on how much Hanalee lets you eat. My girl's got an appetite on her." Georgette takes the 5 silver and heads on back, yelling out an order. At Hanalee - "You got it easy, girl, friends buying you lunch before you even leave." She winks that she's just teasing.
When your order is ready, a dwarf waves Georgette to remain seated and finish her meal, gets up and goes to the back. He returns to you and Hanalee with a big platter of ribs and shank chunks resting on a fluffy bed of grains and nuts. That's easily enough 3 or 4 elf servings, but humans and dwarves are known to eat more. He places the platter before you both with a warm smile, "Enjoy."
Karni sits and begins in a respectful manner, "Preacher Sometimes, I would inquire about the omens about the graveyard? The silken threads the Goddess spins have entwined me with a group seeking the reward there. That itself I should take as an omen, as quite unfairly I was called a heretic, and falsely accused, in activities with the recently deceased. I shall not fail to heed the call to cleanse the sacred ground of the dead if there be evil there." Karni is earnest, and with the mention of other deities, or deity, not fazed by the other representations as long as they are not evil.
Bright Feather thanks him and quietly eats while watching for Karnath.
Karnath
Geraldine's, a private back room
"Oh-ho, they have politics there, too? Well if only the synods back East could hear. But would they even listen... Let me just say you found a fellow in misery in the fight against corruption.
"Hopefully they don't follow you up here to 'clean up loose ends'. I'd recommend keeping your full status under wraps. And I have no idea what you should do if you ever meet the Elders. Good allies, but don't bother trying to lie to them, as they are excellent reads of character — and the fight between tradition and spirit is heated now.
"As for the old graveyard, I really don't visit there as the new graveyard's burials takes up so much of my strength. Every major holiday I make a trip with my resident sister in faith to do a rite. She's a marvel. Even goes almost monthly to light a candle for the dead at the graveyards.
"She has not said she has seen anything there. But from hearing the stories she says she does not think it is malicious, more like a guardian if anything at all. But the old graveyard is, though well out of town, along the way to many claims up the mountain. Wouldn't be surprised a few midnight drunks were spooked by animal eyes in the dark, but we sent out the call to investigate anyway."
"You are far from home. I hope you have a place to stay. At the very least come back here late tonight and have my room. I'm currently fighting sleeplessness myself and'll likely be down here. I don't want you to have to make a big decision about what to say to the Elders so soon."
Caden snaps to attention at the sound of the common toon ahead. "Well look like things are getting lively."
He takes off at a run to see what is going on.
Quote from: Opaopajr;770715Karnath
Geraldine's, a private back room
"Oh-ho, they have politics there, too? Well if only the synods back East could hear. But would they even listen... Let me just say you found a fellow in misery in the fight against corruption.
"Hopefully they don't follow you up here to 'clean up loose ends'. I'd recommend keeping your full status under wraps. And I have no idea what you should do if you ever meet the Elders. Good allies, but don't bother trying to lie to them, as they are excellent reads of character — and the fight between tradition and spirit is heated now.
"As for the old graveyard, I really don't visit there as the new graveyard's burials takes up so much of my strength. Every major holiday I make a trip with my resident sister in faith to do a rite. She's a marvel. Even goes almost monthly to light a candle for the dead at the graveyards.
"She has not said she has seen anything there. But from hearing the stories she says she does not think it is malicious, more like a guardian if anything at all. But the old graveyard is, though well out of town, along the way to many claims up the mountain. Wouldn't be surprised a few midnight drunks were spooked by animal eyes in the dark, but we sent out the call to investigate anyway."
"You are far from home. I hope you have a place to stay. At the very least come back here late tonight and have my room. I'm currently fighting sleeplessness myself and'll likely be down here. I don't want you to have to make a big decision about what to say to the Elders so soon."
"Thank you for the offer, though I have others that I may be with needing accommodation as well. Omission might not be too much of sin no, nor do I advertise my disposition, I was looking to find the Elders though, if I might enquire. The old graveyard does not sound as that much trouble, which is good news."
Seeing Caden take the lead. Alric starts sprinting along, reassessing his involvement once he can see more.
If he passes Geraldine's he yells in for Bright, Karni and Hana. but doesn't actually stop.
If half way there he sees it is anything more than a common scuffle he gets out his bow and looks for any high ground to be had.
OOC - Player wishes he spelled better :)
Hanalee is salivating--just about to dive in to her sheep dish--when Caden streams by calling to the three ladies for aid. She looks at her food with disappointment, and hurriedly gulps down a few bites. As not to waste the meal graciously given her, Hanalee looks for a cloth napkin to wrap the food in and place it at the top of the inside of her pack (if no napkin available, she uses the kerchief provided by Miss Blushing Plox).
Hanalee jolts up and throws her pack back onto her back, then shakes her head to Bright Feather. "Oh, it looks like the boys have found some trouble, Feather. I'm going after Caden--if you see Karnath, let her know where we went!"
She throws a final cheerful wave to her friends and darts outside of the bar and after Caden.
Bright Feather glances at Hanalee..."sure and I'll make sure Geraldine wraps up this food for you she shouldn't mind".
OOC: My apologies, I calculated feet:mile:rounds but didn't recalculate for a reasonable boomtown size (listenable, visible range). The ratio is 1 mile = 5280 feet = 176 rounds @ Spd. 30' = 17.6 minutes walking (or @ 8+ dash/jog, @ 4+ run w/ CON checks).
Main Street is now 1/2 a mile, with the well at the halfway point. Thus a quarter mile of town on either side. That brings things down to 88 rounds @ Spd. 30', or 8 min. 48 sec. walk, 4'24" dash/jog, 2'12" run w/ CON checks.
Bright Feather & Karnath
Geraldine's
Bright Feather
"Like she hasn't seen the 'afternoon show' before," Georgette smiles and shakes her head as she watches Hanalee rush out to Aldric's call.
The stout human male comes by to you, Bright Feather, and asks, "Would you like me to leave a portion of that warming in an oven while you wait for your friend?"
Karnath
"I understand, and may you and your friends succeed in proving it is nothing more than a harmless critter.
"The Elder's Place is across the street, quite close. They handle incoming and outgoing messages, hold records, and reserve wealth. But it just looks like a bunch of old men sitting around smoking surrounded by young men serving their unspoken whims. Efficient, but admittedly a touch spooky."
Smiles..."if it's not too much trouble yes. It's very good by the way"....looks at Geraldine...." she seems a bit excitable doesn't she?".
Alric runs hoping he does not lose his breath on the way. Would make a sad excuse for a person trying to help to pass out from the heat.
He will stop short of the actual altercation to access what is actually happening. No sense in making a serious mistake in the heat of the moment.
Caden, Alric, and Hanalee
Main Street
Caden & Alric & Hanalee
Need a few CON and DEX checks if you are really booking it. Sprinting down the street and avoiding pedestrians/mounts takes a bit more effort. You'll need a successful pair (CON & DEX, both at DC 10) to pass each successive paragraph and finish halfway in just over a minute:
— At any time you can drop down to dash/jog and get halfway without much incident, just slower —
1st pair) You hear a female scream or two in that far distance. You dodge around miners, and their mules, loaded with gear. One animal seems like it spooks as it senses you but doesn't know how to get out of your way.
2nd pair) Thankfully your skill is on your side now. The animal doesn't rear and you don't have a problem on your hands. From what you can see that little handful of dots has picked up possibly two or three more fighting dots. Domestic biddies crossing, some holding baskets of unknown delicious smells, see you and freeze in your path. You think you spot onlooking relations (spouses?) from the other side of the street.
3rd pair) You push yourself and juke between the gaggle and vehicles. They fright a little, but then laud what they assume is a hero springing to action. You see part of the crowd down there scatter, as the oblong dots start to form into people. People are starting to crowd this safe distance to watch, making little people-walls pop up here and there. Slamming into them might bring the action closer than they'd like.
Halfway!) Like a trout in a stream you weave and muscle through without much incident. Milling groups start to part assuming you need to be there. The next you see of the ado is a ring of onlookers start to surround it. Something like ten combatants are all punching each other silly now. But it seems like a contagion now, picking up more in the melee as it goes on...
Hanalee
Oh, this you remember. Exciting, but also dangerous, as it might slip into a mob fight unchecked. One of the most important things you remember is holding back on escalation... Weapons drawn tends to make things uglier, sooner.
Usually the sheriff showed up before it got to that state, though. But he was a brutal and unwelcome sight.
(Rolled in room summary - 23 dex and 11 con then a whopping 8 dex and 10 con for second checks)
Alric zigs when he shoud have zagged and despite his vaunted agility he has to try to stop before colliding with the ladies crossing the street. His torso's momentum has issues slowing and he ends up falling into a forward roll that looks anything but intended and he ends up spreaxd eagle in the middle of the street. He quickly hops up tips his cap "Ma'ams" and starts off again.
Caden is fairly confident in his conditioning and agility. He will sprint the distance, and take only a quick pause just before contact to asses the situation.
(18+3 1st dex check, 19+3 1st con check, 5+3 2nd dex check, 7+3 2nd con check.)
Rolled in room.
Karni will back out respectfully, thanking Preacher Sometimes for his advice and directions. Then she'll head to Bright Feather's table, grabbing her beer on the way, standing and finishing it, she'll ask, "Do you wanna go check that out? They might need me."
Quote from: dragoner;771055Karni will back out respectfully, thanking Preacher Sometimes for his advice and directions. Then she'll head to Bright Feather's table, grabbing her beer on the way, standing and finishing it, she'll ask, "Do you wanna go check that out? They might need me."
Nods at Karni..."just waiting on you to finish your business before checking it out, lets go".
(Bright Feather will Dash/Jog she has 35' movement)
Everyone
Main Street
Caden & Alric
Both at 2nd Pair)
Those damn biddies and their delicious food baskets! And after slipping through all those miners and their overpacked mules!
d20 roll = 6. And a delicious pie basket goes down! Aww, and it smelled good too.
d20 roll = 9. Them and theirs seem none too pleased, but are not stopping either of you to make another scene.
You press on but caution and sheer crowds hampers your sprint to the scene. You come to Halfway, the well, without incident and see the melee is larger and growing.
Hanalee
Are you running there, too? Otherwise you'll get there quite a few rounds after Caden and Alric. One or two fighters seem downed already.
Karnath & Bright Feather
Assuming Karnath is jogging too, both of you see the rest of the party significantly ahead, with Hanalee a touch behind. The crowds closest to you are enjoying the show at a safer distance, which just makes more obstacles for you both.
Steps nimbly aside any locals and will stop around 60 feet from the ruckus and quirks her lips....
OOC: 88 rounds reduced by dash/jog to 44 rounds. Halfway would be 22 rounds. Ideal sprint would be 22 rounds, and halfway be 11 rounds.
Caden & Alric made good time, something like 14 rounds to get halfway.
Hanalee can jog to the same in 22 rounds.
Karnath & Bright Feather are on a minute or so delay, I'll just make it 10 rounds for convenience. You can jog to the halfway in 22 and 19 rounds respectively.
There'll be 2 further CON & DEX pairings for the latter half to the melee, if any want to try.
You'll all likely stagger to the melee at different rates this way.
Caden attempts to cover the rest of the distance at a sprint.
(Tough luck on these Rolls. 10+3=13, 4+3=7, 4+3=7, 4+3=7)
Rolled in room.
15 DEX +1+2 and 14 CON +10+2...she stumbles over a local's foot but runs faster at a graceful pace. ( I assume 3:and 12 respectively).
Rolled in room.
Karni will keep moving up with Bright Feather until she can see what the situation is.
OOC: Caden gets blocked by a lengthy human wall, not able to slip between the closing gap and having to beg pardons to push on through. The latter leg delays, but you still reach first, in 16 rounds total.
Caden: 14+16= 30 rounds, or 3 minutes. Welcome to the maelstrom.
Alric, I assume you jog the rest of the way, for convenience sake to speed this up. That's 22 more rounds.
Alric: 14+22= 36 rounds, or 3 1/2 minutes. You'll see Caden breach the crowd ringing the melee and ...? for 6 rounds.
Hanalee, I assume you also jog the rest of the way, taking also 22 rounds.
Hanalee: 22+22= 44 rounds, or almost 4 1/2 minutes. You see Caden breach the ring and Alric close in while you are squeezing through people-walls and yelling pardons. It'll be 14 rounds before you can be with Caden again.
You also remember that you never warned them that drawing their weapons will escalate things uglier, faster. Oh well!
Bright Feather, you are quite behind understandably. A full minute delay before you started jogging. As you hit the halfway you try to close with a sprint. Unfortunately the 'afternoon show' finally has an 'audience' up. Your grace fails to avoid crushing a toe, and you take more time so as to not reoffend.
Bright Feather: 10+19+14= 43 rounds, or also almost 4 1/2 minutes. You can see and reach Hanalee as you both close in on the melee. But Caden and Alric have already been inside for give or take a minute when you get there (Caden 13-14 rounds, Alric 7-8 rounds).
Karnath, I'll need a roll if you are trying to run the latter half. Otherwise you see Bright Feather really is agile, and will outpace you eventually. With the starting delay you'll likely be the last to reach the action.
Karnath: 10+22+22= 54 rounds, or almost 5 1/2 minutes. You see that Bright Feather has just caught up with Hanalee, even with her delays. Caden and Alric are already inside the melee for over 2 minutes and goodness knows how they are doing...
Caden
Main Street, "bad side of town" melee
Well it looks like 4 more people got sucked into the melee. Fists are flying and things are like a crazy free for all. This will suck mightily when weapons are drawn — though maybe no one will notice a little dagger work. >_>
You see three groups all roiling about. The groups are numbered with 6, 5, and 4 combatants respectively. A guy is being grappled still and pummeled in the 6-person group. A downed man is being beaten senseless in the 5-person group. A woman is being pulled back into the crowd after attacking a man atop his back in the 4-person group (lowering it from 5-person).
Initiative please!
Bright Feather goes within 30 feet of the melee to pick out the cause of the ruckus quietly weighing her options.
Edit: 15 without mods (not sure what ability is relevant) if DEX it would be 17.
Karni will keep on bringing up the rear, but is thinking maybe a thaumaturgy might work, at least to stop the combatants. She'll wait until she reaches Bright Leaf.
Quote from: Marleycat;771155Bright Feather goes within 30 feet of the melee to pick out the cause of the ruckus quietly weighing her options.
Edit: 15 without mods (not sure what ability is relevant) if DEX it would be 17.
You'll be there in 13 rounds. However time-wise you are closing in on shouting to Hanalee.
(Oops, when I'm in range I will shout at Hanalee to tell me what's going on). Otherwise waits for Karni before acting... she has a plan but wants to inform Karni before she inacts it.
Karni will try to pick up speed, rolled 8 dex, 15 con for her, adjusted 10 & 18.
Quote from: dragoner;771161Karni will try to pick up speed, rolled 8 dex, 15 con for her, adjusted 10 & 18.
Good, you are equal to Bright Feather with a little sprint and catch up to her and Hanalee. You may all call to each other and group closer. (Or you can sprint again and try to charge in with wanton abandon. ;) )
I'm gonna start rolling combat rolls in preparation for Caden, and later Alric. Feel free to plan as if you are all shouting to each other while running to the scene. I'll tick down the rounds and let you know when you close in. :)
"Hold up Hana"... whispers to Karni..." can you shout loud? If so I will supply the lights"..with a tiny grin.
Karni running up, "Shout loud? Sure, I can try. I was thinking of trying some distraction."
OoC: With Thaumaturgy - Your voice booms three times as loud as normal for one minute.
OOC: It has begun! :)
PS: You're still only 3/4th there, btw. So... best of luck!
Quote from: dragoner;771167Karni running up, "Shout loud? Sure, I can try. I was thinking of trying some distraction."
OoC: With Thaumaturgy - Your voice booms three times as loud as normal for one minute.
"I was thinking a little admonition with a visual would be in order".
OoC: Perfect I know about thaumaturgy given my background. I was thinking Predigistation with some pretty lights around you to really grab their attention. If I had the slots to waste I'd do a Mirror of Mists Aes Sedai trick on you and really let you have fun. I knew I should have taken Minor Illusion dammit!
Quote from: Marleycat;771171"I was thinking a little admonition with a visual would be in order".
OoC: Perfect I know about thaumaturgy given my background. I was thinking Predigistation with some pretty lights around you to really grab their attention.
OoC: Sounds like it is worth a try.
OoC: Let's try it.
"Okay I throw sparkling lights around you and you shout really loud at them like your mother would do when you misbehaved. And I add a clap after you're done, deal?".
Initiative roll; 7, rolled in room
Caden will try to make a quick assessment of who may be the aggressors in the smallest group and then will engage them with his fists. He is in no hurry to escalate the situation to weapons use.
Quote from: Marleycat;771175OoC: Let's try it.
"Okay I throw sparkling lights around you and you shout really loud at them like your mother would do when you misbehaved. And I add a clap after you're done, deal?".
"It sounds good, maybe I can hold a holy symbol up as well, or maybe not, they might not recognize it."
OoC: I wonder
why they are fighting.
Ahh! The rush of racing to the fray! Hanalee carries this memory in her very muscles!
She dashes past pedestrians after Caden and Alric. "Excuse me sirs!" she shouts to the miners, mindful of tripping on their gear--
--and smacks right into a mule.
"Owwowww," Hanalee moans as she limps away from the pack animal.
"MULE!" she shouts to one in particular. The mule brays at her and trots away, shaken but mostly unscathed. As she collects herself, Hanalee hears Bright Feather shouting from behind.
"A great ruckus over there!" she calls back, seeing that Karnath is with her. "A melee!"
Hanalee then begins to jog...
(OOC: I think this will make her reach the halfway at the same time as Bright Feather, but well behind the men)
Quote from: Mr. Kent;771182(OOC: I think this will make her reach the halfway at the same time as Bright Feather, but well behind the men)
Since you started to run (even though you failed at the first pair) it actually lowers your 44 rounds to 40 rounds. So just out of sync with Bright Feather, though she is fast even while delayed, you got a bit of a sprint in. You'll be a full minute behind Caden (10 rounds).
You are both within shouting range, but Hanalee is probably not looking backwards to see how close Bright Feather is.
Caden
Group 3, Four Combatants
You can't tell who started this fight, and it seems rather hopeless to figure it out now. You smell liquor breath and sweat around you.
The one who was being attacked by the saloon girl doesn't seem to be the biggest, though with his scratched face he's swinging for the fences wildly.
There is a big guy in this group, he'll take longest.
The other two are smaller but alternating between the big guy and pot shots at the blinded one.
Main Street Brawl, round (3)1
Group 2, Five combatants.
They go first and beat the ever-loving crap outta each other. The downed guy is still being whaled on. One of the fighters got thrown into the crowd, and thus the group picks up its sixth combatant... The crowd cheers.
Group 1, Six combatants.
They go next and the big guys in here are laying down punishment. The guy grappling another got clocked hard, and looks like there is little holding him up. The held guy should be able to free himself next round. A big guy kidney punched another big guy, but he flinches & he's still up.
Group 3, Four combatants & Caden
You get to strike first, Caden. Any target in particular?
OOC: Before I go to bed: whiff v. Caden, hit guy, whiff guy, tough hit guy.
Caden will make a go at the big one, maybe if he goes down the others will settle a bit. When he is range Caden will fire off a punch.
Rolled in room =18, not sure of all the relevant modifiers here.
Quote from: dragoner;771181"It sounds good, maybe I can hold a holy symbol up as well, or maybe not, they might not recognize it."
OoC: I wonder why they are fighting.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt anything if you did that, it might even add to the performance".
OOC: My guess is drunkenness and gambling considering what kind of place this is.
Initaive is a 20 +4 for 24. when I get there.
Being not very strong and not good with his fist Alric will attempt to draw away one of the biggest brawlers by taunting them, Hiding amongst the crowd using his natural halfling god given skills and basically concentrating on avoiding getting hit.
Quote from: Arkansan;771218Caden will make a go at the big one, maybe if he goes down the others will settle a bit. When he is range Caden will fire off a punch.
Rolled in room =18, not sure of all the relevant modifiers here.
You are proficient in all simple and martial weapons, that includes Unarmed Strike. That is 18 roll + 2 PB = 20. You hit.
You deal Unarmed Strike damage, plus any relevant modifiers, which is just STR. You deal 1 damage to the big guy in group 3.
The combat is spread out over 30' across this street, so moving to another group will definitely take movement.
If you choose to remain in group 3, roll initiative for next round.
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;771227Initaive is a 20 +4 for 24. when I get there.
Being not very strong and not good with his fist Alric will attempt to draw away one of the biggest brawlers by taunting them, Hiding amongst the crowd using his natural halfling god given skills and basically concentrating on avoiding getting hit.
That will be for Alric in 6 rounds... soon to be 5.
Quote from: Marleycat;771224OOC: My guess is drunkenness and gambling considering what kind of place this is.
OOC: Your guess is most astute! We didn't even need to use a check or anything. :cool:
OOC: I see time schedules will kill this if I don't do something. PbP is its own animal, and I am going to have to adjust to keep things flowing. We could do this round by round, but by then it will be Labor Day.
To speed this up I am going to automate the next 5 rounds, using previous info. Caden, let me know if you target anyone different, or do something different, within that time and we can ret-con. Otherwise I am continuing with you Unarmed Striking the tough guy in Group 3.
This will apply to everyone in the future as well. We will call these functions Micros, as in a Micro Bot for automated battle function. You can label how many rounds you want a Micro by adding rounds to it, e.g. Micro 3: Do X move & Y act (for three rounds). You can leave it ongoing by saying: Micro ->: Do X move & Y act (until I say otherwise).
So currently Caden is doing this:
Micro 5: Unarmed Strike on Group 3 tough guy, Move to stay within Group 3 melee.
Caden, roll to hit 5 times (repeat 5 1d20)
In the future, when you are more familiar with this and have developed favorite coordinated party actions, we might introduce Macros. Until then feel free to continue discussion and ask questions about this technique in the Interest Topic.
Caden will continue to attack the tough guy and attempt to follow the melee of the group he is in.
Rolls:8,18,7,15,7 all rolled in room
OOC: Sounds good to me. Pace can be difficult to manage in a play by post. Sounds like a good idea to have us present our action for the next few rounds at a time instead of one round at a time.
Main Street Brawl, Round 32-36
Caden & Alric
Alric has just entered the Brawl, skirting the crowd edge and Taunting the fighters. I am assuming:
Micro ->: Taunt fighters from the crowd edge, Move as necessary to Hide behind others.
Caden is peppering Group 3 tough guy. And scores two solid hits! Sadly the realization comes that unarmed striking seems to be a strength game...
Group 1
Two people have gone down. One regular guy and three tough guys left. (Descriptions if people care)
Group 2
Two people have gone down. Two regular guys and two tough guys left. (Descriptions if people care)
Group 3
Two people have gone down. One regular guy, one tough guy, and Caden left.
Caden takes 8 damage. I'm very sorry, the blind guy swinging for the fences rolled stupid good (off-line die roller, sorry!): 14, 16, 17, 1, 16 and gets +2 to-hit and +1 damage.
The tough guy starts targeting a regular guy while cussing him out for being a little cheater. That regular guy eventually goes down in Round 35. Previously, another regular guy who seems to have been the saloon girl's friend, goes down on Round 32, clear-cocked by the suspected cheater. The blinded guy from the saloon girl finds a body to wail on and keeps swinging for the fences — unfortunately this is Caden, and even with Disadvantage this guy lays on the punishment.
The blinded guy is recovering his vision now, surprised who he's been beating, yet will try to move to the next opponent as if it was nothing personal. He is the lone regular guy left with Caden. The tough guy has taken quite a few licks, but looks like he still has plenty of steam. He's downed his suspected cheater, so he's good in this group and seem to be looking for his other target in the other groups. He looks like he will attempt to disengage and switch groups.
Main Street, Running through the Crowds
Hanalee is 4 rounds from the Brawl.
Bright Feather is 7 rounds from the Brawl.
Karnath is 13 rounds from the Brawl. (I'll need more CON&DEX checks to close the gap)
Whenever Bright Feather and Karni arrive I plan to use Predigistation on her while she uses thatamugy in a fun way.
OoC: Edit: I can't spell worth a damn but I hope you get the gist of what we're attempting to do.:)
OOC: You may want to yell at Karnath to hurry up and get closer, have her make a CON&DEX check. She's only attempted one and passed it, so she's still currently jogging.
OoC: Rolz isn't working at the moment, but when it does again, I'll make the rolls and edit them into this post.
-watch this space-
Dex 18 +2 adj 20; Con 15 +3 adj 18.
OOC: Nice rolls!
Karnath sprints to Bright Feather, and is now 8 rounds to the Brawl.
That's good enough time travel for now.
I will now auto run the next 4 rounds, getting Hanalee to the Brawl. If you have anything you want to do in this timeframe (note your Rounds times your Speed to get Distance) say so.
i.e. Bright Feather will be between (7 Dash/Jog Rounds x 35' Speed) and (3 Dash/Jog Rounds x 35' Speed) in this next timeframe, or 490' ~ 210' away
i.e. Karnath will be between (8 Dash/Jog Rounds x 30' Spd) and (4 Dash/Jog Rounds x 30' Spd), or 480' ~ 240' away.
EDIT: I forgot to remember these shortened rounds are Dash/Jog Rounds, and thus double Speed distance.
Alric
I'll need 4 Intimidation checks to contest the tough guys' Will at random, doing one Taunt per Round. They will be at a disadvantage because they are drunk and raging now. Success means you grab their attention to your direction. (Whether they can find you, or even can tell it is you, is another story.) Thanks!
Edit: Oh and at least two Hide checks. They've already punched others on their way to you, which kinda blows your cover. The crowd is not as supportive of being an idle meat shield.
Caden is looking battered and bloodied. He spits a gob of blood and saliva from his mouth while back pedaling just a bit. His hands are starting to get harder to keep up and he's about had his fill of this nonsense.
Caden will look for something to load at least one of his fist with to add a bit of weight to them. If nothing can be found he will attempt to trip the tough guy to even things up. He may be battered but he's no quitter.
I'm not sure what I need to roll for this one, if it's quicker for you I am ok for you rolling this one.
"C'mon Karni...Bright Feather starts running full speed.
Yes! A Shove! It's in the Basic rules.
Roll an Athletics check. It contests the target's Athletics or Acrobatics check (their choice). Success either knocks them Prone or pushes them 5' back (your choice).
Quote from: Marleycat;771365"C'mon Karni...Bright Feather starts running full speed.
Karni jingles and jangles in her scalemail as she runs along following Bright Feather.
Alright I made the roll in the room, 19! I don't think I have a bonus on this one as its strength based and Caden isn't particularly noteworthy in that department. I am trying to shove him prone.
Caden & Alric
Main Street Brawl, Rounds 37-40
It is glorious. There is much carnage. The previous 5 rounds have been a blur of violence, with 6 people going down. And though they were pulled out from the melee, it took awhile and no one seems trained, or supplied to stabilize (or possibly even care).
These past four rounds have only compounded the bloodshed. Another 2 have joined the fray — after a halfling has been taunting the biggest drunkards into swinging into the crowds. And another 5 have gone down, four in the 40th round alone!
Currently there are 11 unconscious bodies strewn about the edge of the brawl. You'll have to approach within your move and have clear sight to determine which are stable, dead, and unstable.
There are 7+Caden combatants. Of those, 5 are big tough guys. Caden has been peppering one who has been studiously avoiding him to take out his targets, and is only now focusing his attention on Caden.
There is Alric the halfling taunting drunkards to keep swinging into the crowds. He's managed to avoid being struck, but was spotted at least once.
Bright Feather & Karnath, you are now 3 and 4 Dash Rounds away, or 210' and 240' away, respectively.* You also both Passively spot a Sister's Habit along the crowd fringes busily working.
Hanalee, welcome to the Main Street Brawl.
Round 41 begins. Initiative, please!
EDIT: Readjusted distances due to Dash Rounds being larger than regular Full Speed Rounds. Apologies.
Rolled initiative in room; 1.
Sister Habit?
Quote from: dragoner;771387Sister Habit?
Just capitalizing words to make them stand out. Forgot the possessive " 's."
Quote from: Arkansan;771384Rolled initiative in room; 1.
Roll off? Big guys also got a 1.
Sure, rolled in room; 2.
Tell me when I get to roll....
Hanalee takes a deep breath as she reaches the battle--doing her best to mask her surprise at the level of carnage. Though tempted to draw her beloved weapons, she charges to the fray with her fists swinging!
(Initiative roll 3 in room)
OOC - Alric's intent was to get them to swing at me not the crowd. But drunkards will be drunkards. :)
I rolled but sounds like you might have as well which is fine. :)
Here are my rolls 7, 14, 21, 17 for intimidate/taunting
and hide is 20 and 8.
I want to look around and see if anyone is being abused, kicked when down, overly targeted etc.
my perception roll is a 15. I will gladly take an action to do so if I need to.
Karni is waiting to do her magic with Bright Feather. :)
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;771501OOC - Alric's intent was to get them to swing at me not the crowd. But drunkards will be drunkards. :)
Oh, but they are swinging at you! Or at least your voice. :) You just happen to be hiding amongst the crowd.
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;771227Being not very strong and not good with his fist Alric will attempt to draw away one of the biggest brawlers by taunting them, Hiding amongst the crowd using his natural halfling god given skills and basically concentrating on avoiding getting hit.
:D
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;771501I want to look around and see if anyone is being abused, kicked when down, overly targeted etc.
my perception roll is a 15. I will gladly take an action to do so if I need to.
Yes, mostly regular guys tried to double team the big guys. In fact, Caden got in a bit of that action himself, even as his big guy disengaged and fought someone else. (Though Caden was being whaled on by a momentarily blinded guy.) Unfortunately it is currently 1-on-1 right now and Caden looks the worse for wear, FYI.
You do see people trying to pull the newly downed out of the melee proper. And that has been 5 people since you got here. As for kicked while downed, no one seems to be that committed to manslaughter/murder.
As for 'bad sportsmanship' you don't spot any of the remaining fighters getting real dirty (biting, gouging, etc.). It all seems to be winding down with fewer combatants left. Four minutes took out some stamina them, but they all still seem dangerous yet.
EDIT: There are lots of unconscious people strewn about. You see someone in a
Sister's Habit attending one already, about 25' from you but across the brawl. There are still more who have been left about unattended, some even near your side of the brawl.
As for your rolls.
Quote from: Artifacts of Amber;771501I rolled but sounds like you might have as well which is fine. :)
Here are my rolls 7, 14, 21, 17 for intimidate/taunting
and hide is 20 and 8.
It is easy to Taunt angry drunks, DC 10.
Quick DC 15 save to see if they charge the taunting voice, and I rolled 5, 16, 12, 3.
Your Taunting actually worked an extra time (assuming 50% DC success rate out of 4 rolls), atop their two previous failed save. I will roll an additional time to see if a big guy successfully punches out someone else in the audience, and they too join in the fun.
A 5, he misses. :( A miner fell back out of the way and is now on his butt.
Wow, nice first Hide roll. You give away your Hide position once you make noise. I am assuming your first Hide before Taunting was successful, as it was a crowd, and why wait for more rolls in a PbP. The other two rolls are to Hide again after giving away your general area.
Since you are hiding behind
people and taunting
drunks, however, it is easy to see how they need rolls to save v. lashing out at the wrong target, even if they get the right area. Their active Perception searches fails horribly to contest yours, being a 14 and a 1. As they comb the crowd you slip away. As you taunt them again they turn and punch, only to swipe at some victim, and later fail searching again.
Bright Feather and Karnath
You are both still 3 and 4 Dash Rounds, or 210' and 240', respectively away from the brawl. You both are Dashing 70' and 60' a Round, respectively.
If you are planning a ranged attack, or coordinating something, you still have time. Otherwise you are still a goodly distance away.
Also, I made an error in not differentiating between a full Speed regular Round, and a Dash Speed Round. That caught up with me, I had to go back and edit certain distances. I will be making a note of it in the future. Apologies.
Caden and Hanalee
Main Street Brawl, Rounds 41-43
Assumed Micros:
Caden Micro 3: Continued Unarmed Strike on same big guy. Init 1-2
Hanalee Micro 3: Unarmed Strikes on ??? random non-ally targets? Init 3
Alric Micro 3: Perceive combat victimization? Init ??
Brawlers' Micro 3: Beat the hell out of each other (or crowd taunters). Init 1-19
I will go to the room and roll this off. Let me know if there are any changes.
OK, resolving Caden's Shove before Initiative in the 41st round was a bad idea, because dice. Oh well.
Main Street Brawl, Round 41
Five out of 7 openings land nasty blows. None of them go down, but...
Caden. You squeeze into the defense of this big guy you've been working on. You got it just right! You know you'll have him off balance, and with a shove you might be able to turn this fight around...
... and he responds to you closing in with an uppercut — a beautiful one, full on jaw.
And the last thing you see is that you push him off his feet to the ground.
Unconscious. EDIT: Still conscious with 1 HP.
OOC: He rolled a 20. That is 4 damage total. Caden was at 11 damage out of 13.
Macro-ing the rest of this is unwise. Next round Caden is making Death Saves, and he's still inside the brawl space. This might change how the rest of the party acts for rounds 42 and 43.
EDIT: Due to Clerical Error on Post #146 —not mentioning damage to PC Caden from the Dice Room tabulation — I shall wave away the 3 points of damage during Rounds 37-40.
Caden is still conscious with 1 HP.
Hanalee, roll an attack roll for Round 41. Let me know what you decide for rounds 42 & 43 (though you can stay the same).
Alric, I had you Perceive for Round 41, and you are also quite aware of an unconscious Caden. Let me know what you decide for rounds 42 & 43, too.
Hanalee gleefully charges to one of the biggest grapplers she can find (and hope it doesn't land her on her ass in front of the crowd...)
(Unarmed attack on one of the Big Guys in Group Two! Rolled 16, +2 Dex)
Seeing as Caden is my new friend it would be unwise to abondon him. Since I seem unharmed as of yet I will move toward him and try to take the pressure off him. I can probably take a hit or two yet. Once there i will engage anyone threatening him, hopefully alowing him to stumble away. MOstly dodging if I can without losing the opponents interest if that seems to be happening then I will take a swing.
I am hoping there are enough hurt that the good sister will be around after this breaks up :)
OOC-I'll roll in the room some d20 for you to apply to skills/attacks as needed. If you need to roll for me feel free as speed is more important than my need to roll for myself. rolls were 11 ; 1 ; 20 ; 16 ; 8 ; 6 ; 14 ; 6
Dang drunkards can't they see I want to be punched, that's why I hide :)
Having fun and thanks :)
Caden will use the opportunity his shove created to disengage and try and make his way out of the Melee. Even Caden recognizes the need to beat a tactical retreat from time to time.
Main Street Brawl, Round 42
Caden wants to disengage, Hanalee wants to pummel the biggest (healthiest?) bruiser left in battle, and Alric wants to defend Caden.
I'll use Alric's 1st d20, 11, for initiative.
Init: Caden, 1-2. Hanalee, 3. Alric, 11. Remaining Brawlers, 1-19.
Alric throws himself into the ring and runs interference between the brawlers and Caden, Dodging in and out. Meanwhile Hanalee charges in and clocks the least wobbly of the big guys, with a punch that shows well of her smithy's instruction. "Whoah!" goes the crowd, as she punched as good as any of the bruisers. "Like a hammer to an anvil, that one!"
While the brawlers continue to duke it out, Caden's target stands and closes towards Alric & Caden, holding a defensive posture; there's indecision in his eyes. You'd swear you'd say he was holding back from hitting a child protecting his father. A Very Easy thing to perceive, as his drunkenness and exhaustion leaves his face open to read. Automatic Passive Insight check success. He drops his guard, mumbles unintelligibly what may be an apology, and walks out the brawl and crowd — taking one to the jaw without response as he passes on through.
Caden sees an opportunity to get on out and takes it, Disengaging as he goes. Alric is a brave guy to stand there as a shield buying you time. The fists are flying as you speed out of there, ending uptown (nicer area) of the fray. You see bodies of those who bit off more than they could chew strewn about this side of the crowd.
OOC: I must say, that slew of extra d20 tolls was helpful! Perhaps a technique to use in the future. Though there is GM temptation, I try to be as neutral as possible with it.
I just need:
Hanalee another 2 to-hit rolls for Rounds 43 and 44.
Alric I have your rolls, thanks! I just need to know now what you do for the next two rounds.
Caden Same thing, what are you doing these two rounds?
Bright Feather You arrive earlier than Karnath, at the end of Round 43. You have Round 44 to do something else before she arrives.
Karnath If you have any Bonus Actions you want to activate as you Dash to the brawl let me know. Otherwise you arrive at the end of Round 44. On Round 45 you are free to act.
"I owe you one!" Caden shouts over his shoulder to Alric as he makes his way out of the brawl.
Once Caden is well clear of the fighting he will reevaluate the situation and see if he can discern the cause of the trouble. He will also find a spot to sit for a spell and take a breather.
Bright Leaf surveys the melee spots Caden and Hana and waves them over.
"With you in a moment!" Hanalee cheers to Bright Leaf as she soaks up the adoration of the crowd. "HaHAHH!" she yells, continuing to pound on the tough opponent.
(OOC: Eek--rolls of 1 and 2)
If Caden has made it clear he leaps to assist Hanalee, not that she needs it. He mainly is trying to do what he can to defuse and end the brawl as it winds down. If he notices anyone in dire need of medical aid, he will call that out to the rest of the group.
He will probably continue these actions unless their is some big change.
Bright Feather stamps her foot and gives Caden and Hana a withering glare...and hisses angrily.. "come here already before you both make more work for Karni and myself".
Caden notices Bright Leaf and decides he will head in her direction instead.
(OOC) When Karni arrives her and Bright Feather will start their plan...Dragoner remember you can stack effects on top of the main effect just like I plan to do. Just waiting on you Opa.:)
Karni arrives slightly out of breath. "So what is the plan? I was thinking of thaumaturgy, I can cause my voice to boom."
OoC: Marleycat, feel free to advise me on what spells I should use. :)
Quote from: dragoner;772490Karni arrives slightly out of breath. "So what is the plan? I was thinking of thaumaturgy, I can cause my voice to boom."
OoC: Marleycat, feel free to advise me on what spells I should use. :)
(OoC) I make a clap, you start with thaumaturgy with the stern admonishment, I add a soft golden light around you and add unearthly sounds at your break points and you add a little temblor and whatnot when appropriate and I add another clap or unearthly sound at the same time. It's doable within both our singular cantrips working in concert nothing else needed. Thank God she knows about clerical magic.:)
Gives Karni a frustrated shake of her head..."Ok, I make a clap or unusual sound or ordor to make people focus on you..you do your sermon voice and I will put some lights around you to focus them and then visual and audio counterpoints to your speech and maybe you shake the earth a bit....."
OoC: I could do a light on a holy symbol, or a command, if someone tries to attack.
Quote from: dragoner;772494OoC: I could do a light on a holy symbol, or a command, if someone tries to attack.
(OoC): If we work this right neither of us should have to use any actual spell slots beyond whatever you feel needs healing if that. I could put a glow or shimmering lights around your holy symbol if you prefer though...but if we have to use actual spells Command would be good or I can use Charm Person or Sleep.
OOC: Good, keep planning! FYI, each Prestidigitation & Thaumaturgy takes 1 action. You're going to have to be selective and order the effects for each round. Do note, Bright Feather, that you get a round head start, Round 44, before Karnath arrives. You therefore have an action in addition to yelling at the rest to meet up with you. Karnath, you will be free to use Thaumaturgy on Round 45.
Hanalee, thanks for your Round 43 & 44 rolls. Alric, thanks for telling me what you are doing, too. I'll call it Help, which will in turn give Hanalee advantage. Re-roll your attack rolls, Hanalee!
Caden, for Rounds 43 & 44 you sit a spell and try to use Insight to piece what you can about this melee from overhearing the crowds and watching the fighters. Give me two Insight checks, first an easy one at DC 10 (something a bit more than "drunkenness"), next an average one at DC 15 to get a more who's who.
Summary
Caden, two Insight checks.
Hanalee, roll your two attacks again, take the highest.
Alric, thanks for Helping Hanalee re-roll.
Bright Feather, any use for that round 44 action? Or perhaps attempt a Ready action with it? (Turn your action into a triggered reaction, such as "As soon as Karnath arrives to the brawl...")
Karnath, keep running! BTW, any bonus actions?
Main Street Brawl, Round 43
And another one of the two last regular guys goes down! The crowd cheers the bloodsport, the brutality whipping them into a frenzy of shouts. Hanalee's big guys returns a mighty shot of his own to the ribs (Hanalee takes 3 damage). Alric is lucking out that no one is taking him as a serious combatant, now that he isn't taunting.
Main Street Brawl, Round 44
Shit, one of the bruisers recognizes you, Alric. And as a dwarf, he has no qualms about "hitting someone his own size." An eye squint of recognition is the only lead up before he jab-cross combos your face (Alric takes 3 damage).
A different bruiser to Hanalee's side plants one in her left kidney (Hanalee takes another 3 damage). Her previous attacker found something wrong with his neighbor and swapped targets, which basically means staying still and just angling a bit to the right. The fighters, having been in a single group for several rounds now, are tightening up into a smaller ball. Just about everyone looks worse for wear.
Caden, after a brief breather, decides to take the heat off his brave buddy. He walks in nonchalantly and pommel shots with his dagger the dwarf antagonist behind the ear at the very last second. It would have looked like a regular punch to the head, but seems like that dwarf has a saloon girl friend with sharp eyes. "Ooh! Cheater! He used a weapon to the back of his head, he did! You tried to kill him on the sly you bastar—"
A loud clap interrupts the din from the uptown side of the brawl.
"Alric! Hanalee! Caden! Get here now!" Bright Feather yells out just as Karnath arrived.
"Cheaters!" The crowd picks up the call of foul play. "Killers!" The rabble is roused, you are hearing the call picked up like ripples in a pond. "Assassins!" All about flash the sight and sounds of weapons being drawn, of wild (arcane? divine?) gestures being started. (I rolled a 4 on an Easy DC 10 save for the crowd to not lose their shit. It was my GM second chance at mercy, and I am so sorry...)
God help you all, here comes Round 45...
Hanalee winces as her ribs bruise.
( Rerolled in room- new attack is 14!)
OoC: I ready an action to make as loud of a clap/noise as I'm able centered on Harni right before she starts speaking.
Alric continues to assist Hana and just taking his licks as they land. He doesn't like it much but Hana seems to be getting the worse of it.
OOC - let me know if you need more rolls. Not sure if assisting requires one or not. At home don't have the rules downloaded yet :)
OOC: I'm sorry I should have been more clear. Hanalee gets Advantage for her attacks on r43 & r44, due to Alric's Help. So those two rolls in the dice room are needed, paired with your previous rolls taking the best: (1, 8) and (2, 14).
Let's calculate your to-hit. 8 +2 STR +2 PB = 12. 14 +2 STR +2 PB = 18. They both hit! Damage is 1 +2 STR = 3 damage.
I shall include what you accomplish in post #178.
I also assume that all of you, Alric, Caden, & Hanalee, Disengage and Speed towards Bright Feather on Round 45. Karnath will be there with you by that round, too.
Everyone, tell me what you want to do on Round 45. Next Roll your Initiative..
Caden will attempt to sneak his way into the brawl and attack the dwarf Alric is fighting from behind. He will attempt to hit him with the pommel of his dagger rather than his fists. He is looking to knock him out rather than seriously harm him, but he realizes he isn't exactly heavy handed.
Initiative roll; 2 rolled in room
OOC: Caden, are you attempting this in Rounds 43 & 44?
Yes if I can.
OOC: Caden, I'll need a Disadvantaged Stealth check, as the melee you are targeting is numerous — and surrounded by additional eyes. Doing this quickly as a surprise, with the dagger drawn & palmed in one move at the last second, will be the only real Stealth. If you succeed, attack roll with Advantage; fail, attack roll as normal, but risk crowd awareness and escalation.
It will also be an Improvised Weapon attack, using a dagger as a blackjack, so no Prof Bonus (you keep your +3 DEX for dagger finesse, naturally). If it hits, deal 1d4 damage.
As you have no lethal intentions, and are sober enough for self-control, if you reduce the target to 0 HP you may Knock Out instead. This means the dwarf will fall down unconscious but stable. Don't worry further, if things get here I will handle this behind the screen.
Summary: Round 43 you take a mild breather. Round 44 you make your Disadv Stealth check and (Adv?) attack roll. You risk crowd escalation if caught.
I rolled a 9 in room for the stealth portion. I rolled a 19 in room for the attack portion. Uh oh, lets hope this doesn't get out of hand :D
OOC: Wow, I probably shouldn't tell you but I was thinking of an Average DC with Disadv (a.k.a. DC 15 w/ -5 penalty). You got 9 roll +5 skill = 14. Very close!
Anyway, would you like to roll 1d4 damage, or shall I? The results will be placed inside post #178 as well, for orderliness. :)
Again, Everyone, tell me what you want to do on Round 45. Next Roll your Initiative. Note post #178, as the crowd will be rustled.
You can roll for the damage, the die gods don't seem to be favoring me.
After he hits his target Caden will try to fade back out of range.
Hanalee grunts and breaks off the battle. "Good show! I'm tapping out!" she hollers.
(Initiative roll = 13, for Round 45 Hana will do as Bright Leaf requests and run to her friend's side)
OOC: A recap of the horror from Round 44. Disengaging will be useful to regroup as a party, but... I honestly don't know what to say, besides I am so sorry. Total behind the GM screen reveal — cheating if you will — I did have an event scheduled after so many rounds, and it is close now. I don't even know if that helps.
Quote from: Opaopajr;772525Main Street Brawl, Round 44
Shit, one of the bruisers recognizes you, Alric. And as a dwarf, he has no qualms about "hitting someone his own size." An eye squint of recognition is the only lead up before he jab-cross combos your face (Alric takes 3 damage).
A different bruiser to Hanalee's side plants one in her left kidney (Hanalee takes another 3 damage). Her previous attacker found something wrong with his neighbor and swapped targets, which basically means staying still and just angling a bit to the right. The fighters, having been in a single group for several rounds now, are tightening up into a smaller ball. Just about everyone looks worse for wear.
Caden, after a brief breather, decides to take the heat off his brave buddy. He walks in nonchalantly and pommel shots with his dagger the dwarf antagonist behind the ear at the very last second. It would have looked like a regular punch to the head, but seems like that dwarf has a saloon girl friend with sharp eyes. "Ooh! Cheater! He used a weapon to the back of his head, he did! You tried to kill him on the sly you bastar—"
A loud clap interrupts the din from the uptown side of the brawl.
"Alric! Hanalee! Caden! Get here now!" Bright Feather yells out just as Karnath arrived.
"Cheaters!" The crowd picks up the call of foul play. "Killers!" The rabble is roused, you are hearing the call picked up like ripples in a pond. "Assassins!" All about flash the sight and sounds of weapons being drawn, of wild (arcane? divine?) gestures being started. (I rolled a 4 on an Easy DC 10 save for the crowd to not lose their shit. It was my GM second chance at mercy, and I am so sorry...)
God help you all, here comes Round 45...
OOC: Well this one is on me guys, I was hoping I could get away with that one and mange to take some heat off Alric.
Caden will make sure Alric is retreating then he will do so as well. He will try to regroup with the others.
OOC: Everyone roll Initiative
Karni: 1D20 => 8 +2 = 10
Main Street Brawl... Riot, Round 45
Hanalee will Disengage and move to Bright Feather & Karnath. Initiative 13 +1 DEX = 14.
Caden will Hold action until Alric safely Disengages and moves to the party gathering point, then do the same himself (noble!). Initiative 14 +3 DEX = 17.
Karnath will boom out an oratory with Thaumaturgy, saying...? Initiative 8 +2 DEX = 10.
Alric will Disengage and move to the party gathering point. Initiative 17 +4 DEX = 21.
Bright Feather will create another loud clap sound with Prestidigitation centered by Karnath. Initiative 6 +2 DEX = 8.
Riot will lose its shit; the party, especially Caden, is in danger. Disadvantaged Initiative = 2.
Rolled 14 in room.
Init is a 17 + 4 for 21.
I will maneuver away with Caden and do my best to avoid attacks. Try to hook up with our group as this turns ugly.
OOC - I will also throw up a few d20 rolls for future use as you see fit.
1 ; 18 ; 12 ; 12 ; 2 ; 20
Well this could go good or bad, depending :)
When Caden and Hana arrive Bright Feather whispers..."Hey, want some real fun? Both of you flank Harni from behind but close like her entourage".
OOC: If Karni doesn't show Bright Feather will end this melee fast and bloody Opa. Dragoner has to be here or Bright Feather stops being subtle.
Quote from: Marleycat;772804OOC: If Karni doesn't show Bright Feather will end this melee fast and bloody Opa. Dragoner has to be here or Bright Feather stops being subtle.
OOC: :) I do hope you read my round commentaries. In Round 44, which I re-quoted, there is info that Karnath has already arrived. There is also less pleasant information within, that magic users are not so rare.
I will try to keep highlighting important tidbits in the future. Oh, and initiative, please! :)
6+2= 8.
OOC: Good! Now what does Bright Feather and Karnath do?
Whenever she starts her oratory via thuatamurgy Bright Feather's clap sound via predagistation happens to focus the mob's attention on her.
OOC: So you are producing a second loud clap sound, this time on your Round 45 Initiative. Yes?
The first loud clap sound was a Readied action for when Karnath arrived on Round 44.
Check post #195 to confirm, please!
So what does lose it's shit mean? But yes, the general plan is for Karni and Bright Feather to work together, where Karni says with a booming voice, "STOP, STOP, STOP THIS VIOLENCE! THE GREAT GODDESS COMPELLS YOU! Holding a lit holy symbol up, in a lawful good manner; she also has he shield device displayed.
Karni: 1D20 => 18 Persuasion +4, Cha +2, Spell Attack +6; draw what you will from those bonuses.
When Bright Feather's next action comes she will surround Karni with soft unearthly lights.
Main Street Brawl... Riot?, Round 45
Alric, Caden, and Hanalee all break from the melee, deftly avoiding any retaliation and scramble to their friends, Bright Feather and Karnath.
Karnath then holds up her holy symbol — a red and yellow Meso-American spiral field with Vegetation in the center, a Green Bird amid, and a Black Spider atop that — and supernaturally booms, "STOP, STOP, STOP THIS VIOLENCE! THE GREAT GODDESS COMPELS YOU!"
Another crack like thunder peals through the crowd, punctuating her words.
(OOC: You rolled well, with a Persuasion of 18 +4 = 22. Good thing, too. :) You'll need to keep this up however...)
The crowd hesitates in part, not so much out of fear, but out of divided loyalties.
"Grandmother Spider atop us all! Look, it is in her emblem!"
"Have we been so blind by fire water? To let hot blood speak instead of breath!"
"What the hell is that? Who cares for your goddess?! Boo!"
"You want to weaponize brawls because of a nature painting? Get outta here!"
Tell me what you all do on Round 46, & roll Initiative.
I'll use whatever rolls are left from above to stand beside Karneth and assist her Persuasion. Shouting (not quite as loud ;) ) "Please settle down folks. No serious blood has been shed let's keep it that way."
14+2=16 imitative.
OOC: Why do we have to roll initiative every round? It's pointless and slows things down. Please use rolling initiative like any person that's sane.:)
Also Bright Feather moves up while adding her latest effect and joins in adding to the persuasion attempt..."Please hear my friends out, what harm will become you for just listening?"
Caden will stay with the group. He figures he has caused enough trouble and will keep his mouth shut for now. He will stay with the group and keep his hands near his rapier just in case.
Rolled 13 in room.
Quote from: Marleycat;77299114+2=16 imitative.
OOC: Why do we have to roll initiative every round? It's pointless and slows things down. Please use rolling initiative like any person that's sane.:)
Also Bright Feather moves up while adding her latest effect and joins in adding to the persuasion attempt..."Please hear my friends out, what harm will become you for just listening?"
OOC: If you have been noticing my written posts, the previous 13 rounds have been doing exactly that with initiative. The past three rounds have not, very specifically because you are doing something coordinated and delicate. As we have seen, even the least act in a delicate situation matters, as does the timing order.
Main Street Brawl... Riot, Round 46
Alric. Helps Karnath Persuade. Init 5.
Bright Feather. Helps Karnath Persuade. Init 16.
Caden. Stays nice and quiet. Init 16.
Hanalee. Intimidates the mob, 18 +2 = 22. Init 14.
Karnath. Persuade check 14 +4 = 18. Init 22.
????. ?????. Init 16.
Riot. Holds action... Init 1.
Quote from: Opaopajr;772999OOC: If you have been noticing my written posts, the previous 13 rounds have been doing exactly that with initiative. The past three rounds have not, very specifically because you are doing something coordinated and delicate. As we have seen, even the least act in a delicate situation matters, as does the timing order.
OOC: I gotcha.. it makes sense given the situation sorry for misunderstanding. Question so you can Hold action and reenter the initiative cycle like 3e?
Quote from: Marleycat;773010OOC: I gotcha.. it makes sense given the situation sorry for misunderstanding. Question so you can Hold action and reenter the initiative cycle like 3e?
OOC: Yes, sorta. And the terminology has changed from 2e/3e days. Basically you "take the Ready action on your turn so that you
can act later in the round
using your Reaction." You use your action and reaction to set up a triggered action, so initiative gets delicate as your
1 action and 1 reaction resource are both consumed. (Basic 5e. p. 72.)
First you decide the trigger. Then you decide the response, which may be either an action
OR a movement. You can also use this to
hold a spell, which gives it Concentration until released. When the trigger happens you may choose to take your reaction
right after, or ignore it.
Karni: 1D20 => 20
Karni: 1D20 => 14
Quote from: dragoner;773032Karni: 1D20 => 20
Karni: 1D20 => 14
OOC: Thanks! And what would you say?
(Ideally you would have rolled Adv on your check, due to your allies Helping you, which would have been your second d20. But whatever, we continue.)
I also need
Hanalee to roll initiative and declare her action, just in case she decides on something spectacular.
Hanalee stands defiantly beside her cohorts, and grips the handle of her hammer, showing the crowd that she's willing to take the battle to the next level if they don't listen to Karnath's words...
(Initiative 14, Intimidation base 18)
OOC: /sigh... Well, god bless, I guess. You all are aware that you are facing down something like in excess of 60 people immediately surrounding you, all in various states of readied weapons and spells, and more along the next fringe layers, yes? I do hope I am describing the situation adequately and there is no misunderstandings.
:)
(OOC: Yes, but we're not going to fight them, and I don't see Hana persuading much...does Intimidate at least work on the front line? heheh)
Main Street Brawl... Riot, Round 46
Alric. Helps Karnath Persuade. Init 5.
Bright Feather. Helps Karnath Persuade. Init 16.
Caden. Stays nice and quiet. Init 16.
Hanalee. Intimidates the mob, 18 +2 = 22. Init 14.
Karnath. Persuade check 14 +4 = 18. Init 22.
????. ?????. Init 16.
Riot. Holds action... Init 1.
Karnath speaks another brief, impassioned plea in the pause between life and headlong tumble into oblivion. OOC: Due to the previous success, the difficulty check dropped a grade from before and is gradually approaching within range to diffuse entirely.
Bright Feather suffuses Karnath's area with warm, colored light, while beseeching the crowd's better sense to the holy woman's wisdom. Caden, realizing the extreme danger the party is in, decides silence as the better part of valor.
"ENOUGH! ALREADY FOUR HAVE DIED TONITE TO YOUR BLOODLUST, AND STILL THERE IS MORE! IN GOD'S NAME STOP!" From 20' away the crowd starts to part from the booming voice, revealing a slight, tear-streaked woman in a blood-covered sister's habit.
"Is she crying?" "I have never seen her not smiling." "Did we make Sister Joyous cry?" "Four already dead from our fun, afternoon brawls? I never thought..." "I made a Sister cry? But I don't do that..."
OOC: Together, with Sister Joyous' broken composure, you all hammered moral pause onto the mob, back past an easy check at the very end. Congratulations! You should all be in the clear —
"And you best not get any funny ideas, too!" Hanalee ejaculates with a fierce frown while gripping her hammer in a readied stance.
OOC: GM reveal, this is a Nearly Impossible DC 30. I am going to roll a mob composure roll, from getting more upset, which should be Easy in their chastened state... 13. They let it slide.
"Heh, who does she think she's fooling?" "Oh, the smithy apprentice always had a sense of humor." "Yeah... no. :)"
Alric finishes the round recalling attention to Karnath's words, a welcome transition from where it was going, reminding cooler heads that more than enough blood has been spilled today. The crowd starts to forget the threat and instead seem to reflect.
Given the excitement, and now shame, the Mob dissipates, like a fever lifted from them all. Groups form around helping Sister Joyous and the remaining dying, around piling the dead in a cart for the undertaker, around returning to their drinks and mines in quietude. Lingering among the party are some who are curious about Karnath, talking about Grandmother Spider.
Alric makes his way to Sister Joyous and assist her as he can. He waits patentiently for a moment to speak to her about the graveyard situation.
OOC - Yeah I knew it could go bad, but I don't play games to play it safe. Though dieing would have sucked. :) I don't throw characters away just cause they are paper but the deering do is why I do :)
OoC: I knew what was up but Bright Feather won't just willy nilly fight and harm innocents without knowing the situation from every reasonable side if possible. It's her core trait you know. But Bard wasn't allowed in RAW.:)
Quote from: Opaopajr;773029OOC: Yes, sorta. And the terminology has changed from 2e/3e days. Basically you "take the Ready action on your turn so that you can act later in the round using your Reaction." You use your action and reaction to set up a triggered action, so initiative gets delicate as your 1 action and 1 reaction resource are both consumed. (Basic 5e. p. 72.)
First you decide the trigger. Then you decide the response, which may be either an action OR a movement. You can also use this to hold a spell, which gives it Concentration until released. When the trigger happens you may choose to take your reaction right after, or ignore it.
OoC: Oh, now that's very interesting basically you AREN'T locked in for doing a ready action.... very nice. Very 1e/2e flexible to me.:)
From how I understand it I could have switched tactics on the fly?
OOC: It honestly doesn't say that, as per RAW. It says you decide a trigger beforehand and trade your action to lock in your reaction, which may or may not be used at the moment thereof. Which is different from the plain ol' 2e/3e Hold action I am used to.
In some ways it is great for delegating a complex behavior that normally wouldn't be as easily doable before. Previously, acting was reserved to your own turn, barring exceptions like Fleeing, Parry, or complex AoO tricks — whereas this is cleaner and non-mandatory, if less mechanically freeform. However it locks up your action into your reaction.
-----------
Anyhoo, I'll be back to this later this evening. If anyone else wants to do anything with the current denouement scene, let me know. I shall continue the social interchange from here.
Notes: ~ You all are still in the early part of mid afternoon.
~ I still don't know your housing conditions.
~ Alric, I assume your dog is still hitched to Geraldine's hitching post?
~ It is summer, so you'll have more daylight to play with, but Vaux's will still close up at a reasonable hour to enjoy dinner, etc. (in case you need quest supplies or something).
Quote from: Opaopajr;773333OOC: It honestly doesn't say that, as per RAW. It says you decide a trigger beforehand and trade your action to lock in your reaction, which may or may not be used at the moment thereof. Which is different from the plain ol' 2e/3e Hold action I am used to.
In some ways it is great for delegating a complex behavior that normally wouldn't be as easily doable before. Previously, acting was reserved to your own turn, barring exceptions like Fleeing, Parry, or complex AoO tricks — whereas this is cleaner and non-mandatory, if less mechanically freeform. However it locks up your action into your reaction.
-----------
Anyhoo, I'll be back to this later this evening. If anyone else wants to do anything with the current denouement scene, let me know. I shall continue the social interchange from here.
Notes: ~ You all are still in the early part of mid afternoon.
~ I still don't know your housing conditions.
~ Alric, I assume your dog is still hitched to Geraldine's hitching post?
~ It is summer, so you'll have more daylight to play with, but Vaux's will still close up at a reasonable hour to enjoy dinner, etc. (in case you need quest supplies or something).
OoC: I see.. it looks like a reinterpretation or houserule wouldn't unbalance things too much. I love that you're doing this RAW and explaining/showing the written rules for a lazy DM like me. It's incredibly helpful and tells me my instinct was right in believing 5e is targeted at lasped Dnd players like myself.
Bright Feather is going to ask Karnath if it would be cool to share a room at the local temple if that's available... if not she will try to rent a quiet room from one the wealthier locals living behind the main drag.
Quote from: Marleycat;773343Bright Feather is going to ask Karnath if it would be cool to share a room at the local temple if that's available... if not she will try to rent a quiet room from one the wealthier locals living behind the main drag.
OoC: Preacher Sometimes offered a room? But maybe that is creepy. Also Karni was going to talk to the elders, plus she wants to thank the Sister who helped stop the riot, whatever happens, Bright Feather should come along.
Opa, thanks for the XP. :)
OOC: Bright Feather would love to listen to whatever Sister Joyous or the Elders have to say.
Bright Feather will quietly shadow Karni..."psst...is it okay if stick around you Karni? Lots of humans around and none of The People around you understand?"
"Yes, I do. I am a stranger to this land as well."
OoC: Nice avatar change, Marleycat, very fitting. :)
Quote from: dragoner;773365"Yes, I do. I am a stranger to this land as well."
OoC: Nice avatar change, Marleycat, very fitting. :)
OOC: Thanks, she's my take on a Shadowrun Cat Shaman. I thought it's quite fitting also.:)
"Father, they know not what they do... stay with me young man, stay with me!
"Those are dead, hurry to the next!
"Take this Healer's Kit to that one, there's no time."
Into Alric's hands is thrusted the Kit, then pointed off to a body.
"You, your healing is needed there. Hurry!"
Coordinating what help came to her, "Sister Joyous" assigns them with the familiarity of a nurse during war — for those of you who have seen large societies and their large scale wars. Otherwise her commanding direction of fellow medicine men is quite untraditional-like, definitely not 'Of the People'. But she works fast, especially for bleeding — either staunching the good blood, or letting out the bad.
Watching her you see she still has dust rivulets upon her cheek, but the tears have stopped. Her eyes are drifting into a detached peace and a beautiful smile is playing upon her lips. She seems lost to a somewhere 'not here', to a somewhere you feel you may want to be.
"Five. In a brawl.
"Not since last September..." Looking up with that same beatific face to your gathered party, which is a touch unnerving given her conversation. "Must be summer around here again."
"Gather them gently. They live, but are a hit away." She speaks to those who have returned with a cart for the living. Turning to the party, receiving the Healer's Kit back from Alric, "Can I help you?"
Has she forgotten you so soon?
Alric accepts the Healing kit and does his best moving around the area to heal people.
OOC rolled Perception for triage - 6 +4 for a 10 and a heal check to apply the kit to those in most need 1+2 is a 3. Oh those rolls sucked. I am minus the rules I think I don't have to roll to stabilize if so, that roll was more could I assess who needs most help and it looks like I am so use to bleeding creatures, as a hunter, they all look Ok to me
Alric returns to the good Sister. "Yes Sister" he says respectfully "I know this is not the best of times but my companions and I were planning to see to this situation posted about the Ole Graveyard and I was made to understand you might know more than most about these parts, in that regard."
He pauses looking around at the mayhem. "Now may not be the best time, so could we impose upon you when you have a moment to tell us what might be haunting the area there."
"I would consider it a kindness" Alric smiles in a hopeful manner.
OOC: Yay! A good time to sell you all on the virtues of a Healer's Kit! The Kit requires no Wisdom (Medicine) check to stabilize. It merely expends 1 use of the kit as an action to stabilize a creature with 0 HP. It starts with 10 uses.
Not bad for 5 gold.
OOC - Still got some money left and may have to pick one up. Does anyone else have one?
Karni has one, how injured are people? She wants to go talk to the Nun though, if just to say 'hi'.
Main Street aftermath
She puts out a hand to caress Alric's face while looking at him with hers still in a saintly rictus. "I'll make time."
"The Old Graveyard is the start and namesake of this town." Settles into a parade rest and faces the party. "It is on the way to many mines from here, in the direction towards Dusky Willow Camp, another town further up and several days away."
"I've seen glowing red eyes at my level, but felt no threat by the yard's fence as I prayed. Could be a grave guardian of some kind. The lower red eyes ought to be coyotes, though." She shrugs and blinks away these comments. Either naive or nerves of steel, this one.
"There is real evil here, mind. All around, too. But..." Gets another lost look in her eye and starts to disengage conversation. "Just be careful out there in the dark."
OOC: I've resolved that previously, among the "who gathers in which group, where" aftermath question. The results are in post #230. Those who could be stabilized have been by now.
You all did good. But yes I do tend to embed stuff, so I assume more careful readings. Don't worry, we'll get a feel for each other's style over time.
"Sister Joyous" is taking a breather now that she's done to chat with you. Just because she seems withdrawing does not mean you cannot keep talking to her. She just thinks you're all done, and she is not of many words. I'm just expressing her personality.
Any new topics or deeper details desired?
I reach in my purse and produce a few gold (3) and press them into Sister's hand. "This is for any care that may not be taken care of by others." He pauses as if choosinghis words. " I know we didn't start this but once involved one has a certain Karma to fulfill."
OOC - I assume that is not an insulting amount.
He meets her eyes if possible. "What is the lay of the land nearby the Graveyard? Is it more than a days Travel from here? And is there anyone else who may know more about what haunts the Graveyard?"
After she answers I will head off to Vaux's provided I saw a healers kit or something that would make me think they have some. If not then I will ask the kind Sister where I might get one. I will also check on Mal just to make sure he is okay.
Bright Feather will be following Karni and carefully cataloguing her surroundings and whatever's being said.
@ Artifacts of Amber...."thank you but I do have one already".
"You are generous, hunter." She looks at the significant sum of money you just handed her, hesitates to give it all back, then removes one gold piece and returns it. "But you need to live, too. Thank you very much."
"That graveyard is close, merely two miles out. A new graveyard is between there and here—" she points to where everyone is standing, "— and those ones are fresh and less settled." She shrugs again, "Funny what scares the locals."
"It is higher ground covered in brush and rocks, like much here. Its fence is crumbling and fading." She pauses to think, "A few tavern yarn spinners may know more, but what is lie and truth with them?"
Stops for a longer silence, "I don't think those two graveyards get along."
"Perhaps we could scout the taverns for more information. I wouldn't mind finding a place to get some rest before too long. I was on the ass end of an ass kicking out there, getting still for awhile would feel nice." Caden suggests to Alric.
Caden is sore and battered, he is still of a mind to find out more if he can but will be wanting to put this day behind him fairly soon.
Alric turns to Caden "Indeed a break would be good. I say we find out what we can around town but Plan to head out in the morning."
He bends over slightly and takes a few deep breaths then stretches backwards working out kinks in his muscles.
OOC - I am trying to Second wind 6 +1 for 7 hpts recovered. Forgot I could, new game and all :O
"I'm not a tactical genius by any means but seems kinda dum to wander into a graveyard at night."
OOC - gonna skip the healers kit as long as Alric knows there is more than one in the party and where they are he is good.Just in case of emergencies :)
OOC: Not completely certain but I think Second Wind is a combat only thing? Or it just may be a suggested houserule most old school types are using. Meh, you're not trying to go against RAI IMO so who cares? Unless Opa says differently of course.:)
And heck yes it's dumb to go graveyard hunting in the middle of the night with no information and the fighters not at full strength if we have that option!
Karni concurs with the general consensus of not heading right to the graveyard, plus she will mention going to see the elders as well as finding quarters for the night, temple if possible, or if not, an inn. Plus if anyone of our party is in dire need of healing, she can help, because tomorrow, she will be rested up and the slot restored.
OOC: Second Wind is an anytime thing that goes at the speed of a Bonus Action. You just need a Short Rest (minimum 1 hour) to recharge it. Note the lack of "in combat" wording, which instead is present in Cunning Action. Also note that Action Surge lacks similar wording, which will make 2nd lvl exploration heroics (Athletics, Acrobatics, etc.) quite interesting.
We have a party of 3 fighters, 1 cleric, and 1 wizard. You will be a thoroughly resilient party. I believe in you.
;)
Notes:
~ Hanalee, part of your lunch is hastily wrapped up in a sack inside your pack. Bright Feather was also kind enough to have the rest waiting for you in one of Geraldine's ovens.
~ Alric, hopefully Mal is happily chilling at Geraldine's
~ You are downtown and surrounded by taverns, nice and shady dives and holes in the wall. :)
~OMG, Sharknado 2: The Second One is on! I gotta go see it!
Okay I will just move through the various dives, Saloons and such after I check on Mal.
Alric Is not trying to be sneaky about asking questions, Maybe someone will hear about him and come to him. I will spend a gold piece or two (spread among many places) buying drinks if somone seems to know something useful but try not to let it be known I am doing so for info, In this town I'll end up with a line of informational donators looking for a beer. I do it more to butter up someone than a trade of info for liqour.
OOC - I don't see Second winding out of combat as going against RAI. It is pretty much the same as using Hit dice to recover during a short rest when used outside combat. Just balanced against that is it is less Hpts but a Bonus action. And thematically it works to me just like taking a short rest would just fighters can rest more efficiently! :)
Quote from: dragoner;773784Karni concurs with the general consensus of not heading right to the graveyard, plus she will mention going to see the elders as well as finding quarters for the night, temple if possible, or if not, an inn. Plus if anyone of our party is in dire need of healing, she can help, because tomorrow, she will be rested up and the slot restored.
OOC: You never used any spell slots.:)
Bright Feather will be with Karni. Talking with the elders interests her.
"Well...if you all want to wait to see the graveyard, I'll go along with that," Hanalee sighs to the others, still hyped up from the battle and seeking some thrills. "The new graves are on the way, should we check on them quickly as we pass?"
Hanalee then returns to Geraldine's to finish her delicious dinner, massaging her bruised cheek as she chews slowly.
She asks around about lodging--she can probably crash on a friend's couch, maybe Georgette or Grath. Can she find some low-priced lodgings for the rest of the party, preferrably using some sort of discount?
Quote from: Marleycat;773930OOC: You never used any spell slots.:)
Bright Feather will be with Karni. Talking with the elders interests her.
OOC: I meant if anyone needed immediate attention, I can cast cure wounds on them.
If nobody else wants to go to see the Elders, Karni will ask Bright Feather to come along, and say to the others, such as Hanalee, that she will meet them back at Geraldine's. Then she will go seek out the Elders.
OOC: psst, Hanalee! Alric wants to hit the dive bars for info after checking up on his doggie at Geraldine's. Also, Caden has not decided where to go yet, so maybe if you suggest a productive afternoon downtown...
:D
Hanalee shares some of her food with Alric's pooch, Mal. "Good doggie!" she coos.
"If you're heading out to the dives, I'll back you up!" she tells Alric.
"Mal! quit begging off others. I gave ya plenty to eat earlier." Alric smiles good naturely at Hana. "He'll eat ya out of house and home and forest" He grins at his own joke. " But a loyal friend he is, but being pot belled wouldn't suit his line of work."
"I'm sure Caden will join us " Alric looks hopefully at Caden. "I would welcome the company as we let them with book learnins seek out what they can find their way" Nodding his head to Bright and Karnie.
Since Mal seems fine.
OOC- If I need to stable him I will. I assume he can operate mostly on his own like any Dog. Not like a horse he probably won't waonder off or let anyone "Mug" him. If neded I can just lead him around from place to place.
Alric, Hana and Caden (if he is willing) can work their way around the town trying to learn anything new.
Caden nods at Alric and Hanalee, "Works for me, I'll follow and we can see what we gather turning a few stones."
If the opportunity presents itself, Karni will tell what Preacher Sometimes said about the old graveyard:
"As for the old graveyard, I really don't visit there as the new graveyard's burials takes up so much of my strength. Every major holiday I make a trip with my resident sister in faith to do a rite. She's a marvel. Even goes almost monthly to light a candle for the dead at the graveyards.
"She has not said she has seen anything there. But from hearing the stories she says she does not think it is malicious, more like a guardian if anything at all. But the old graveyard is, though well out of town, along the way to many claims up the mountain. Wouldn't be surprised a few midnight drunks were spooked by animal eyes in the dark, but we sent out the call to investigate anyway."
Plus about the Elders:
"The Elder's Place is across the street, quite close. They handle incoming and outgoing messages, hold records, and reserve wealth. But it just looks like a bunch of old men sitting around smoking surrounded by young men serving their unspoken whims. Efficient, but admittedly a touch spooky."
Bright Feather will ask about the Guardian of the graveyard on the way to the Elders.....the Elders? Heh, let's just see what Sister Joyous says first (the elders intrigue her).
Karni says, "Yes, I heard voices saying we should go see the Elders, voices at the well. Asking Sister Joyous sounds good, too."
Bright Feather quirks her lip...and leans in whispering.."Interesting, I want to see if we can't shake these elders up a bit and I agree Sister Joyous probably knows more then she realizes".
Karni looks a bit pensive at the mention of shaking up the elders. "Hmmm ... Sister Joyous might know more than she knows, that is true."
Main Street, Uptown
OOC: Resolving the 8+ minutes as you walk back to Geraldine's and Elder's Place uptown. Mostly to seed future potential instead of interaction. I intend to get you to the Elder's Place & dive bars ASAP.
Everyone in the party walks back towards the better part of town, uptown, sharing their tidbits from the excitement and any information gleaned privately they feel relevant. Hanalee's tummy grumbles from being only teased. Hunger sharpens the mind and she scours her memory for a place where she can rest her head.
"You done good, girly! Smithy'd be proud by that right hook of yours." Hanalee catches sight of a miner and his mule pulling up to her side. "Wouldn't have recognized you goin' on by 'til you ran smack dab into Eunice here." He jerks his head to indicate his mule, "But she's a tough ol' girl."
"Thought they said you were off to find yourself. Perhaps enough adventure 'round here to change your mind?" He smiles and continues, "Well smithy needs to leave space for a new apprentice, but you can crash with my sister's side 'til you're ready. Her kids got themselves a clutch of kids of their own and could use the extra set of eyes. And who better than someone they know with a strong hand." [Mule Miner gives reference to his sister's people]
-----------
Bounding towards Bright Feather is an slender plainsman. [Paiute Elven] "Hō-la! A sister of the plants here? You! You with the otter skin purse! Listen to a brother of the Eastern grasses!"
As the elf reaches the party he politely nods, but in his eye contact you sense distrust. Continuing in an elven language related yet different from this region's Shoshone, "Are you safe among The Strangers, sister? If you need, find excuse to the city-man's town edge. I rest among the 'sage brush sheltered by the leaning juniper' just a half-mile down the mountain to the rising sun. I trust you will visit one day before 7 suns if you are OK. Maybe you have reason being with The Strangers."
[in Shoshone, a.k.a. Common] "Eagle's Wings Forfend You." He looks at the party as he says this, with one last knowing look to Bright Feather, then runs off.
-----------
Ambling together the party closes in on a scene just uptown of the well midpoint. "Respectable Street" seems to be in force, ready to tut away this tragic decay of civilization. A pie lost and a lady jostled, the world is coming to a shameful close.
"Well, shit." *gasp* "Oh don't play like you caught the vapors. That was my first gooseberry pie of the season. Such a damnable loss."
"But that's no reason to delve to their level, you know. People are watching."
"Oh there's those culprits! That halfling and roughneck human, how could we forget. And now a motley crew. Couple of ruffians, if I ever saw."
"You hooligans, off to get yourself killed in a hurry! Not even a care of the decent people around you. Well maybe one day you'll get what you want!" The gathering of respectable men gather around these respectable women and leave in an offended cluster into a decent tavern.
----------------
"I saw that, and after what you tried to do back there. Those ones call themselves civilized, but what do they know?" A halfling near Alric strikes up conversation as the party watches this society cluster hustle away. "I've heard of your heroics to [the town lost to flames]."
"Stay with us, your kind. We got a swell little block of our own near here, and I'm sure our people would jump at the chance to host a hero." He hands you a leather cord of different colors and knots. "They'll know me by this, but why, as you should need no introduction. You'll see me around there, got a little work of my own to do. Just head to [directions to the halfling town block]. May Raven's wit be your guide."
-------------------
As the party takes in the scene, broken up a bit by Alric's little conversation and general discomfort at being called out publicly, a voice speaks into Caden's ear. "I know like kind, and you be kin. In your pocket, a token, if you ever want revenge on those'n"
When you turn, you just see a crowd milling watching you all, the latest scene. If and when you ever search your pockets you find [the reddened handle of a beer mug cleanly broken off].
-------------
After an awkward silence Karnath tries to keep the party focused and relays what she has learned of the old graveyard by "Preacher Sometimes". As she gets to adding what she knows of the Elder's Place, the party together passes a place where a curl of smoke leaves the entrance and tired, young braves enter, not too far off from Geraldine's across the street. Mal is laying down by the hitching post, tongue lolling out from the heat, taking advantage of the shade created by the horses. He seems pleased with his cleverness; the horses seem cautiously indifferent.
Now may be the best time to separate and share when and where you plan to meet next.
Next will be Elder's Place, gloss of Hanalee finishing lunch at Geraldine's, and off to the dive bars.
OOC: Caden and Hanalee, roll your Second Wind (1d10+lvl). Alric already did. I assume you killed an hour together nursing your wounds, sharing stories, and watching Hanalee eat. You'll return to the dive bars 1.5+ hours after 'the afternoon show', roughly around 4 PM. Bright Feather and Karnath are likely done visiting the elders, but you agreed to meet again at some point. (Decide that among yourselves, either IC or OOC).
Main Street, downtown dive bars
Alric, Caden, Hanalee
Hanalee sauntered back down here with the peace of a full belly. Big Horn Sheep, and on a bed of nuts and grains, is quite the treat, and a good plate of it almost all to herself. Well, Mal and Bright Feather shared too, but... Mmm, ribs.
Alric and Caden seem better than before, that break was good for them. At least alive enough to handle what's coming on up. The bars around here reek of "adventure!" The Honey Well looks the worst of the lot at the bleeding edge of town, closest to one of the new graveyards. There is also a smattering of 'better' bars on up deeper into town. [these are abstracted into A, B, & C until they become more fleshed out over time.]
A) Some drunk miner is tossed out on his can to a round of laughter. He does not struggle and falls asleep. He's past his limit it seems.
B) You hear the sounds of gambling, cat calls, and sexy banter. A whistle calls to you all, a woman dressed in a riot of color. She smiles and beckons.
C) A lively stringed ditty plucks out these doors. Drunken attempts to hold a tune stammer along. A strong singing voice keeps the song going.
The Elder's Place, "House of Nerds"
Bright Feather & Karnath
The room is suffused with the warming embrace of tobacco smoke. You see a circle of blankets around a small brazier of coals. Atop those are older men of the local people, eyes mere slits, surrounding themselves in blankets.
Around the room's edge is more blankets with an array of younger people of various constitutions atop. A healthy one is catching his breathe and has food and drink on his blanket. A sickly looking one is busy transcribing logographs on a rabbit hide. There are piles of strange things at the corners.
The farthest wall has several large doors, sealed and locked, except for one that you see the youth are currently locking. A person was leaving as you entered and you notice he had a string of beads he was putting away. Piecing them together you sense this place serves money functions, too.
A melodious voice of one of the scrawny youths addresses you both, "By eagles' wings, you arrive. May we help you?"
(Rolled 5 for Second Wind)
QuoteBounding towards Bright Feather is an slender plainsman. [Paiute Elven] "Hō-la! A sister of the plants here? You! You with the otter skin purse! Listen to a brother of the Eastern grasses!"
As the elf reaches the party he politely nods, but in his eye contact you sense distrust. Continuing in an elven language related yet different from this region's Shoshone, "Are you safe among The Strangers, sister? If you need, find excuse to the city-man's town edge. I rest among the 'sage brush sheltered by the leaning juniper' just a half-mile down the mountain to the rising sun. I trust you will visit one day before 7 suns if you are OK. Maybe you have reason being with The Strangers."
[in Shoshone, a.k.a. Common] "Eagle's Wings Forfend You." He looks at the party as he says this, with one last knowing look to Bright Feather, then runs off.
Bright Feather glances over and speaks in Elven..."Greetings brother I do have reason to travel with The Strangers for the nonce and I will be sure to visit within that 7 suns if everything turns out fine, a visit with The People is never to be passed up we seem to be very rare here, I am Brightest of Rainbow's Feathers"... ending with a small but warm smile.
Second wind roll; 10! Rolled in room
Caden searches his pocket and partiall removes the object, just enough to get a glance at it.
"Well I reckon we should meet up again in the morning, any ideas on where?" Caden addresses the group as a whole.
After they settle where to meet up Caden will go his own way for the night. He will make a tour of the seedier locations in town and make a few inquiries about the token left with him. If he does not turn up anything he will find a room at the cheapest spot in town and turn in for the night.
Looking to my fellow Halfling. "Its good to see some of me own out here in the dry frontier." He blushes at the mention of Tree Sap Hill. " I did little but my moral duty when it comes to warning the town but none the less I happily accept your hospitality. Had enough civilization for one day" He jokes ruefully.
Alric accepts the Token giving it a brush of the lips in honor. " My thanks, let me settle up with my companions and take care of a few matters and I will be there not too late."
Turns to his companions. "Should we meet up after breakfast? " He looks to them not trying to be too pushy. "Perhaps at the town well and then we can head out."
Alric turns to Hana and Caden. "I guess it is time for us to beat the bushes for rumors and outright lies about the Ole Graveyard."
Smiles at the Halfling..."Yes, the well would be a good place"... and strides off with Karni.
Karni nods at hearing the multiple conversations and of meeting at the well, "We shall meet at the well in the morn, fated be it fore the journey to the old graveyard." With Bright Feather, Karni approaches the place where the Elders sit. "Oh great and wise Elders, I am Karnath, unjustly called the Unclean, Priestess of the Great Goddess and the Domain of Life. This is my companion, Bright Feather. Many threads spun from the Great Goddess intertwine to lead us to your presences. Our mission is to investigate the strange occurrences at the old graveyard, to which we travel tomorrow. Your wisdom may help us in this journey, for which I would be eternally grateful." She bows slightly, as well as moving to introduce Bright Feather.
Bright Feather gives a small curtsy and a shy smile.
The Elder's Place, "House of Nerds"
Bright Feather & Karnath
Silence. A short turn of one elder's head, and a raised eyebrow of another, is all that responds Karnath's forthright introduction. Then a thrust of comments breaks through.
"Unclean?" A hale brave stands and holds a readied stance, to protect the elders perhaps.
"Great Goddess?" A sickly one says hurrying upon one knee and sticking out a hand in gesture to prevent violence.
"Injustice!" "Old Graveyard!" Another pair of strong youth stands passionately, ready for action, but not knowing what.
"First from the Water Basket." A sickly youth kneels up and extends his hands toward Bright Feather, and gestures you both to sit on an empty blanket before the elders.
Another scrawny youth passes a tobacco pouch to the elders, who start preparing the pipe. The elder who moved the least, and seemed possibly dead, animates to receive the pipe and start passing it. The ceremony takes awhile before the pipe circles all the elders and finally reaches you both. It is obvious that refusing would be a grotesque insult.
"An honor that anyone from the People of the Sun visit here," the youngest? of the elders starts. "But we are now in trouble. We must send word of your arrival, and your good treatment, as per our obligation between Our Peoples."
"Exiled?" a weak youth mentions.
Another elder starts after a drag, smoke from his speech, "Even with exiles, we must. Even with atoners, we must. The Law of the People and Between People is inexorable. To speak false is unthinkable, poison brought by The Empty People."
"Give me the good death!" a strong youth gets to his knees, head bowed, ready to run the message.
"Perhaps the Sun's People have been hollowed out by contact with the Empty People?" A wisp curls from a further elder, now with three pipes in rotation. [Karnath & Bright Feather, CON checks please.] "She is trying to placate the Old Graveyard. Word of an atoned brings Watchers not Warriors."
"Is she Empty?" another hot-headed youth ejaculates.
"That is for All-grandmother — her Great Goddess — to decide," Replies the arched eyebrow elder. "She travels with a First from the Water Basket, of 'the Bear'. And they both can smoke the pipe." Tokes again, "If she makes peace with the Arguing Graveyards, maybe her people will let her live."
"Hunting party?"
"If the Sun is Hollow and the Basket Water is Solid Moonlight..." says the eldest who started the pipe ceremony.
A shuddering silence goes through the room.
The head-tilt elder hurries this message, "The sage brush felt maiden's house." Two youth stand, one runs out, another remains by both of you. "A moon to atone. Beware a 'forgotten claim' down-mountain of those graves."
You both are ushered out the house with the youth beside you and another brave; one is weak, one is strong. They seem to be leading you deeper in town and explaining any questions you have. You hear a furor of action as the Elder's Place goes out of earshot.
Dive Bar C, the 'Singing Place'
OOC: Bookkeeping, be sure to add your level to your Second Wind 1d10+level roll. Alric @ -3, and Hanalee @ -6 should both be completely healed. Caden @ -12 should be back to a mere -1 damage.
Alric, Caden, Hanalee
You enter as a group around mid afternoon (4 PM-ish) attracted by the singing. You see a halfling with a guitar almost as big as him (but a narrower fret) strumming away, eyes closed in the groove. A gathering of dwarves and humans, arms over each shoulders as they sit, sing and sway ever off to the song's tempo. A surprisingly handsome and clean man keeps the song going with his impressive tenor.
The bartender, a bit lost in the moment, sees you three and jerks his head in acknowledgement. He sidles up to your side of the bar and leans in as if to listen for an order.
You see a few dice games have been put on hiatus as the room enjoys this bit of merry. A few sex workers? are sitting on potential clients' laps and rocking back and forth, in a better time than the drunk singers. There is a board at the far wall behind the bar with room numbers and keys, a few keys absent. A dour, unmoved man at the back sits, whittles a point, and stares around.
Quote from: Opaopajr;775093The Elder's Place, "House of Nerds"
Bright Feather & Karnath
"First from the Water Basket." A sickly youth kneels up and extends his hands toward Bright Feather, and gestures you both to sit on an empty blanket before the elders.
Another scrawny youth passes a tobacco pouch to the elders, who start preparing the pipe. The elder who moved the least, and seemed possibly dead, animates to receive the pipe and start passing it. The ceremony takes awhile before the pipe circles all the elders and finally reaches you both. It is obvious that refusing would be a grotesque insult.
[Karnath & Bright Feather, CON checks please.] "She is trying to placate the Old Graveyard. Word of an atoned brings Watchers not Warriors."
Karni: 1D20+3 => 4
Karni, takes a couple of puffs, and falls over in a coughing fit.
Leaning toward his two companions. "Perhaps it is best if we stay in the same bar but split up. as a group we might be a mite intimidatin'." He nods toward the stage area. "I'll speak to the Halfling, mayhaps he will be more kind toward his own."
Alric will approach the halfling and if a tip hat is nearby flip a silver in it figuring that is an excellent tip. When he take s a break I will approach him. "Howdee, I'm Alric new to the area, Gotta moment ?"
Bright Feather rolled 14+2=16.
Takes a comfortable drag.
OOC: Karnath & Bright Feather. Someone looks to be a cougher! Anyway, either of you two have any questions while being ushered to the sage brush felt maiden's house? You also think you could together take the lone strong brave long enough to get away, if you so desired. (I always liked offering setting temptation. ;) ) I'll give you some time to decide.
Alric, I assume after the song is done, yes?
Dive Bar C, the singing one
"'course I got time for big tippahs like yo'self." Waits a beat 'til the noise picks up a bit as the bar resumes. Softer, under the mask of ado, "Now how you wan' to go hurry yo'self onto an early grave, seein' flashy money like that 'n here. 'Delta Earl' at yo' service, my people"
He smiles bright, and it dawns on you he's not just well tanned, he's dark. You've heard stories of more shades of your kind, shades beyond familiar reds. But this is the first time you see another color outside of pale face Easterners.
*kaff kaff*
"I was always terrible with the mota." Karni regaining her senses. "The whosey-whatzits? the sage brush felt maiden's house? What is this place you are taking us to, if I may ask, Mr Brave, sir?"
Looking to Bright Feather, she rolls her eyes a bit, "I think you were right before, that creeped me out."
IBright Feather looking thoughtful gives a small start.. "Agreed but there seems to be a promise between my people and these elders ...." looks directly at the healthy boy.."so tell me what it is before I take another step".
Uptown, on the way to Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House
Bright Feather & Karnath
"To the house of pregnant & nursing single mothers, of course." To Bright Feather, "You are the female friend of the Sun People's priestess. You are permitted inside. Hospitality for you both, at the same location."
The weakling explains, he has a melodious voice, "The Sun People and us have a long pact on hospitality. We report when one of their people visit, they don't send out retaliation parties when they find one of their own died out here in the high deserts. This way we see some rare trade and leave well enough alone. The Sun People's craftsmanship is truly amazing." He smiles as trying to show a willingness to be helpful.
"I hope you like babies," the big one says, and continues on.
"Babies just become part of the scenery." Karni says, being a Priestess of the Domain of Life.
Bright Feather blushes slightly and turns to Karni..."perhaps I should just let you take the lead?". To the sickly boy...."Is your illness unhealable? Of course I like babies especially since they're so rare among my people, every one is a singular gift in our eyes"...with a warm smile.
Karni takes Bright Feather's arm, "As long as it doesn't involve any more smoking." Patting her arm with a smile. "That is sad that there are so few babies for your people, the valley I am from, it is said that the people are as thick as reeds, we are very blessed." To the young man she says, "Are you unwell?"
Quote from: dragoner;775405Karni takes Bright Feather's arm, "As long as it doesn't involve any more smoking." Patting her arm with a smile. "That is sad that there are so few babies for your people, the valley I am from, it is said that the people are as thick as reeds, we are very blessed." To the young man she says, "Are you unwell?"
Bright Feather laughs..."no more smoking I promise". Giving Karni a grave look.."it's the price we must pay for being the long burning fire instead of the bright sparks like your people".
Hanalee follows Alric's suggestion and breaks off from the group. She hopes to speak with the handsome singer, but decides to give Alric some space as he chats with the halfling guitarist. She'll work the room, then come back around.
She casually but cautiously approaches the whittling man in the back. She notes his dour expression, and greets him nonchalantly. "Evening," she says, and sits at a table close as she can get to him without officially "joining" his company just yet.
She waves to a server, then looks back to the grim man. "You come here often?" she asks.
Quote from: Marleycat;775411Bright Feather laughs..."no more smoking I promise". Giving Karni a grave look.."it's the price we must pay for being the long burning fire instead of the bright sparks like your people".
"To burn so very bright, like the moon amongst stars, that is the hope." Karni smiles and leads towards the Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House.
OOC- Yes! when he finished singing and took a break.
"Thank ya Delta" As Alric makes sure his purse is secure and tucked away. " I forget not everyone is a friend out here on the frontier."
"We just made it into town" Pausing for a moment to take a sip of beer. " My companions and I were going to go look into the Ole' Graveyard and wondered if a bright fellow like you might have heard something that would amount to more than rumors of the local drunkards."
Caden will mill about the working girls and see if he over hears anything. If one looks to be not otherwise engaged he will see if he can find anything out about what was left in his pocket as well as the graveyard.
When Hanalee is done talking with the whittling man Caden will make his way over and introduce himself.
Uptown, to Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House
Bright Feather & Karnath
"My sickness? No, I was chosen by the Maker as a child to survive the 'gasping cough'. It brought me my vision. And later again for my vision quest." Weak one looks down, smiles, then away wistfully, "Though I will admit longing when I watch the Summer Races."
"Hah! That is why you bet so much then! You would win more if you held back and just bet on me." The hale one then addresses Bright Feather, "Why do First Waters have so few babies? Are you all holding in your desires for more visions, more medicine?"
"A Hawk's Dive! Your tongue is faster than your heart. These are guests!" To Bright Feather, "You don't have to answer that." Back to the hale one, "Besides, everyone knows that First Waters resist being drank up so fast by the earth, for they are cool and resist being spilled again. We are Hot Last Waters from the Basket, we look forward to being spilled again, and thus drank up quickly."
"Well if so then the People of the Sun must be Very Hot Last Waters." The strong one smiling happily, "I look forward to having to run there. May I be spilt often among the many reeds."
"You are a child of fire, listening only to what you want." Scrawny one shakes his head and then, "Ah, we are here."
------------------
A tavern hall sized two-story home stand before you, a human-sized basket at one corner filled with sage brush felt diapers, and a pile of unprepared velvety sage brush at another. The young man who was sent out before you is standing here with a sleeping baby in his arms, but is nervously looking like he wants an excuse to get away. You hear and see babies all about, crying, suckling, cooing, and sleeping with their mothers, along with a stack of cradle-boards by the south wall sunning away for the next day.
A middle-aged pregnant human woman is outside and immediately greets you both. "Bhenne. Come here you two and welcome. We shall grind acorn together and be like sisters. You must be tired, come."
She grabs the baby held by the strong third youth, who along with the other strong one hastily takes this opportunity to get away, and waves you inside.
"It was a pleasure to help you both!" the weak one lingers to call out, then tries in vain to keep up with the other two leaving.
OOC: The House Mom shows you your rest area, the amenities of the house, and other occupants. There are introductions and many babies to pass around. You are otherwise free to remain or leave for the rest of the day. There is no communication about how long you can stay, but your best hunch is 'a month to atone', or until you are a danger to the single mothers.
It is now 4 PM.
Dive Bar C
Alric, Caden, & Hanalee
Hanalee
Dour man just looks at you after your, "Evening." Stares a bit like you are obviously mistaken, and then continues to whittle while scanning the room intently.
After your second comment, "You come here often?" he doesn't even stop scouring the room with his eyes.
"Yes." The voice is bitterly cold. "You must be lonely." There is no banter there.
---------------
Alric
"O-ho! Bar man, two ales nah, please." Delta Earl looks at you incredulously, "Might as well drink wit'ta man who seek his time so soon. May not get 'nother chance." As the mugs arrive, he pays the coppers and waves away any attempt you make to pay, "You jus' put in good word wit'ta ancestors 'bout me when you see 'em, pan flash."
"So why, my people, you wan' play wit'ta dead nah? Leave them 'n they alone, they have enough say to 'ch'other jus' yonder, though tha 'well-bred' pale man think otha'wise." Jerks his head with a laugh and sips his beer, "Pale man always think otha'wise. Need it upside tha head to believe."
Shakes head then gestures to you, "Got stories 'mong yo'self 'bout restless dead -- and those who play wit'em." Stops, looks at you a touch sad, "And seem like good folk, yo'self." Shakes head again, "Jus' sayin', don't get caught 'round coyote howls alone nah. Not all walk on fours all tha time."
-------------
Caden
"Hey handsome." You listen for an opening, then banter, but it rapidly dries up as you slip inquiries about the graveyard -- and rarely get to the handle.
"Bit macabre there, stranger." "Maybe Madame de Zay's, for a higher fee." As to a patient one, "Yeah, so glue it back on already. Weird."
One you didn't talk to brushes past you from a direction you didn't anticipate, "Bit more discreet, love. Honey Well's in 3 days, afternoon at weasel alcove. Buy four shots of rye." And continues on like nothing into the outstretched arms of a burly miner.
------------
Hanalee & Caden
Not able to tell when Hanalee is done, as they certainly are not talking, you sidle over. Grim man just stares at you two together, then says, "Guess not." Resumes his angry look to the room as he whittles another rod to a point.
When you both continue to try to strike a conversation with him, he finally breaks down. He stares you both down hard with a baleful glare. "Revenge. Reclaiming my claim. No bulletin needed, I solve my own problems." Returns to whittling another dowel to a sharpened point and glowering.
"Well Thank ya Brother!. " He accepts the drink and swills a bit. " Yeah it is not the occupation of a sane man."
"I'll keep my eyes open and the important thing is to be brave but not too brave. Plus I have companions seem like they are the stickin kind" Alric shrugs "One can only hope."
Alric talks for a while then ask "Is there someplace you know or somebody that would know more.."
Hanalee nods. "Revenge," she repeats, and looks around the room. "On a claimjumper? You expecting someone tonight?" She turns in her chair to face him more directly.
"Nothing I hate more than a claimjumper. What's the story there?"
She is lying of course--there are several, in fact many things she hates more than claimjumpers. Skeeter bites, sour milk, bullies. But claimjumpers were on the list.
Dive Bar C
Alric, Caden, & Hanalee
Alric
"Eldahs heah know more, but no say more 'cause it brings tha bad juju. Smart folk, those eldahs. They at tha place 'n the nice side o' town, smokin' happy like." Looks at you sad as if you are a lost child off to get killed. You think he might be making a ditty about you.
"You don' wan' closer than that, my people. You can find so heah, 'mong tha no' nice side -- or better, through yo' foolish talk, they find you -- but you may no' wake to tha sun, if you wake even." Finishing his beer, he starts to pick out a ditty as he studies you. "You safer watchin' tha graves argue on a moonless night."
--------------
Hanalee
"Not here." Finishes another sharpened stick. "You talk too much." Packs his stuff away, gets up to leave holding a fistful of sharpened sticks. "Go homestead, you two. Live." Merry-makers pay him no mind as he leaves.
Caden gives Hanalee a look and quick nod as soon as the whittler has his back turned. Caden will attempt to shadow the man and and see what he's about, he senses trouble about this situation. If he feels he has been spotted at any point he will break contact and attempt to avoid a confrontation.
Alric nods as Delta speaks. " Well sumin' has to be a Bad Example of what not to do." He smiles stupidly with a wink. " Got friends talkin to the Eldah's they're a might bit smarter than I am. "
"Someones got to be the hero of the song, might as well be me, not that I fancy myself anything special but its the regular folk being brave when they aught not be that makes the best song."
"I thank ya for your time friend Delta and I will be by to share my tale if'in I survive."
Alric will finish up and cruise around the bar thinking about where to head next.
Main Street, downtown
@ 5 PM
Caden
OOC: Give me a Stealth check for the downtown. Shadowing him will be easier here. If you fail, he'll just stop and stare at you until you clearly back away into a bar.
He is heading out of town, past through the graveyards and on up into the greater concentration of claims. Give me a Disadvantaged Stealth check. Shadowing him here is doable by the graves and road brush, but it certainly requires bit more timing. If you fail here, he will...
Rolled a 13 for the first and 1 for the second. Oh well lets see how this turns out. Oh and I rolled in room
Bright Feather gets up looking contented...."if you ladies don't mind I'd like to sit among the stars for a bit"...and leaves to find the elf outside the town (if it's feasible in a single night).
Karni will look around the house for any irregularities, thank them for their generosity, and when Bright Feather gets up to leave, will ask if she wants company, or wants to go alone?
Quote from: dragoner;775984Karni will look around the house for any irregularities, thank them for their generosity, and when Bright Feather gets up to leave, will ask if she wants company, or wants to go alone?
Bright Feather grins at her shorter friend.."thank you for the offer but I know you cannot run with me and see without the Moon's gaze?"... gives an upraised eyebrow and taps her bow..."I'll be fine my beautiful friend know that you aren't unclean despite what you say".. and ducks out.
Karni bows to her slightly, hands together, "Godspeed to you my friend, Bright Feather. Be safe." She smiles.
New Graveyard by downtown exit, just outside of town
Caden
You see the grim man stop at the sound of your gravel crunching and start to turn. Well, he caught you stark in the middle of nowhere to run for cover, in the afternoon light, it'd be foolish to even try. Standing there you straighten to take it like a man.
Grim man stands there looking at you for a moment. He then walks up purposefully, right up to your face. "If you don't have business with me, don't end up becoming my business."
"Who sent you, and why shouldn't I kill you where you stand." He's dead serious, no insight required. However... you've seen that cold determination before, in your own mirror. (Successful Passive Insight check)
Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House
4 PM going on 5 PM
Bright Feather & Karnath
"We here understand First Water from the Basket. A portion of acorn mush and rabbit will be left by the night fire for when you return. Travel along Her safe strands." The house mom watches Bright Feather go.
To Karnath in the summer afternoon sun, "They are like that. The many people nearby must bring memories of the press of the Water Basket, when Coyote carried us all, the Mother's & Daughter's babies, all over the land. It is how they are, nothing between you." A hand of conciliation upon your shoulder as she re-enters the house to work.
"So, honored guest from a renowned land," she continues from inside, "what word do you bring to our people? Any new stories or word from other lands? Good hearts and brave men along the way?"
----------------
Down Mountain 1/2 mile, Direct East from Town
5 PM
Bright Feather
You see sage brush all over, with the occasional juniper popping up rarely here and there. Oh there! Just as described it is a leaning juniper with a cluster of sage brush around. So obvious, yet unobtrusive, a landmark. The elven youth would not surprise you to be a tracker.
"Sister of the plants, holder of good medicine, I see you."
The familiar young elf, should be wood elf like you, walks out from a nearby bush.
"You came, good. But so soon! You said you were not in danger." He walks close to you and looks you over for marks and bruises. "And why are you amid a 'Stranger's Crowded Grove'? A town is a not a seasonal all-tribe gathering, it mars the land." He shakes his head and tsks, then throws down a leather thong in frustration.
"I come to speak for Shoshone help against the savage little-people. They returned, just like from our old stories. Even our Paiute Young Grasses are dying to these small, pale savages, just like us Old Grasses," he points an alternating hand to you both. "But I doubt success from this tribe here. Already Empty Ways, Ways of the Stranger, takes this place." He looks around at the boomtown's effects, and then back at you, with disappointment.
Caden shrugs "no one sent me. I can tell from the look of ya there's a fight waiting for you somewhere out there. What if I told you that this sorta thing is how I make my living? You got revenge in mind, well that's all well and good but it seems to me that a man can never have too many hands on board for this sorta work."
Hanalee follows after Caden--she can't see where the grim man has gone, but she keeps behind Caden in case he were to be spotted...
QuoteBright Feather
You see sage brush all over, with the occasional juniper popping up rarely here and there. Oh there! Just as described it is a leaning juniper with a cluster of sage brush around. So obvious, yet unobtrusive, a landmark. The elven youth would not surprise you to be a tracker.
"Sister of the plants, holder of good medicine, I see you."
The familiar young elf, should be wood elf like you, walks out from a nearby bush.
"You came, good. But so soon! You said you were not in danger." He walks close to you and looks you over for marks and bruises. "And why are you amid a 'Stranger's Crowded Grove'? A town is a not a seasonal all-tribe gathering, it mars the land." He shakes his head and tsks, then throws down a leather thong in frustration.
"I come to speak for Shoshone help against the savage little-people. They returned, just like from our old stories. Even our Paiute Young Grasses are dying to these small, pale savages, just like us Old Grasses," he points an alternating hand to you both. "But I doubt success from this tribe here. Already Empty Ways, Ways of the Stranger, takes this place." He looks around at the boomtown's effects, and then back at you, with disappointment.
OOC: Speak english to me please.:) (I am assuming a goblin problem? But I need clarification so that I can interact and reply to them somewhat logically.
Quote from: Opaopajr;776012Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House
4 PM going on 5 PM
"So, honored guest from a renowned land," she continues from inside, "what word do you bring to our people? Any new stories or word from other lands? Good hearts and brave men along the way?"
"The cycles continue, as surely as the Great Goddess rolls her egg sac into the night sky to guard as she watches over our dreams. In the southern valley the People, they are still as thick as reeds, with the Great Goddesses blessing of fertility. Sometimes the hearts become sick, and the heads of men filled with madness, before they go to the dead. Troubling times. We need the divine fool to whisper their truths and drown the shouting of fools."As Karni speaks, holding her hands together in a humble manner, she will keep an eye out to spot anything out of the ordinary. When taken to her room, if there is a bowl or a basin, she will bathe and then dressed in simple garments, spread her blanket upon the ground, hold her prayer wheel and meditate, occasionally singing softly.
Downtown New Graveyard, outside of town
Caden
"I got nothin' to pay you, and I got nothin' to trust you." Spits. "And I've had more than my share of fast friends in need, and in deed." Looks you cold in the eyes (Adv Insight of 9) but you see he still cannot trust.
"If I'm ever back in town, then help me drink to success. Otherwise help me by goin' home." He will stare you down until you return back to town. At this heated moment, you see this is charity.
Hanalee
OOC: I will need 2 Hanalee stealth checks, the second Disadvantaged. You're on a minute+ delay, so the first is quite easy. But as they are talking there, with the grim man looking back down the path, the second is hard and disadvantaged.
Leaning-Juniper-Shelters-Sage, 1/2 mile down mountain
Bright Feather
You know there is a perfectly serviceable, and similar, word for 'goblins' in both your Shoshone elven and his Paiute elven. This euphemism, especially the 'pale' part, is very much not it. The best you know (and with your passive skills you are one of the best TO know) is the quite well known fable of the savage little-people from myth.
They would pore out from the earth in great numbers, after the wrong boulders are disturbed, and ravage all upon the land. Their homes were hard to find, their skin hard to pierce, and their numbers too many hold back. The Peoples united to appeal to Wolf to bring down the Thunder and wash all these savage small-people away in a massive forest fire.
Outside of stories, you cannot think who alive would know how such a creature of myth would look like.
Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House, Karnath's room
Karnath
"Gaa gaa, goo..." "No, droplet, momma said stay here." A baby crawls towards your room, and a toddler comes to corral it back — but she freezes and stares at your chanting meditation and prayer wheel. She looks at you scared but curious, and the baby keeps crawling to your blanket. The baby seems to like your wheel and the sounds you make.
It starts to laugh.
The toddler girl rushes in and tries to cover the babies mouth while looking with her big eyes very apologetic to you. She herself looks too in awe to speak.
Dive Bar C
Alric
As you look about for your friends after your conversation with Delta Earl, you notice you cannot find them. And right when you got solid information, too. Just as you finish what you feel is about as thorough a search you can, you see a white-skinned, lightfoot halfling, saloon girl walk up to you with a beer in each hand.
"Hey there, red. Come have a drink with me. We don't get your kind as often down here." Pulls you aside to a table and hands you the ale. When you taste the dark brew, you immediately know its strong! "And too many of us Easterners hide up in our little block, on uptown. What makes you so brave as to live a little?"
Holds out a limp-wristed, downward hand, as if expecting you know what to do with it, and adds, "Deliliah."
"I'm in no trouble, I wanted to be out among the stars and my own people. Towns are too busy at times and humans so frenetic".. With a grave look..."I'm not sure what I could do against creatures of legend alone for I've seen none other of our kind in the stone dweller's place"...glancing at the town...."though after my friends and I deal with the old graveyard...."
Caden shrugs his shoulders once more "you're right you got no good reason to trust me. Hell I'll be forward with ya, I ain't the bullshitting sort, I'm not native to these parts and I sure didn't make many friends in that dust up earlier today. It wouldn't hurt me to make some friends around here, I help you and if the need arises maybe someday you return the favor. Trust me I've seen lots of rough business and going off half cocked for revenge, all by your lonesome is a good way to make sure you find yourself in a pine box."
He pauses and shakes his head slowly "you got a grudge that's fine with me, handling this sorta thing is my trade. So take some sense in, let me help you, revenge ain't no good if you get yourself killed. I ain't expecting your coin, sometimes having a friendly face about town is worth a hell of a lot more than a sack of gold."
Caden spits at the ground "your choice, if you still dont think you could use a hand then I'll be on my way. Think it over for a second first."
Leaning-Juniper-Shelters-Sage, 1/2 mile down mountain
Bright Feather
"Yes, you alone could do nothing. Neither can they." He starts looking up the stars and visibly unwinds. "But it is not your quest to convince the Young Grasses work with us Old Grasses, and for those so far away."
Remembering his manners he lays out a blanket and atop a meal of nuts, berries, and a waterskin. He starts working on a fire for the evening, a bit early so it must be for his catch, however understandable as the high desert cools fast after sunset. It is smokeless, so he must fear discovery still. "Cottontail. Should be done by twilight."
"The stars at night are peaceful," as he stares eastward, his back to the lowering sun.
OOC: I'll let Hanalee roll before I update this post for grim man & Caden
Realizing he is alone is fine. Hopefully his friends will steer clear of any serious trouble. Hunter is often a solitary profession so Alric takes it in stride.
Alric nods his head to the lovely young lass. " Pleasure to meet ya Deliliah" Taking the hand and brushing his lips lightly across the top. "Nice to know I'm not the only lil' folk willing to wander out of the comfort of home for a while."
"I must say this drink is a might bit finer than what I have been finding in town." He smiles deeply after taking a lengthy swig. "May I ask what brings such a gentle soul out tonight?"
Hanalee creeps along stealthily...
(OOC: First Stealth check--natural 20! whoot! For the disadvantaged check, I used rolz.org's "keep the lowest result" feature and rolled a 16.)
Dive Bar C
Alric
"Now where'd you go learn manners like that, I wonder?" takes a sip of her brew as she retracts her hand. "Not what I expected from a 'local'. But then I get so little chance."
Puts a hand on your drinking arm, "Take it easy, it'll sneak up on you." She leaves her hand there as if a forgotten trifle. (If and when you take another swig, she'll retract it with detached effortlessness. It may return depending on how well the conversation goes.) "It's more a punch behind a pillow than a typical draft. Owner supplied direct from a brewer I know on 'the block'. Our kind sure likes our comforts, don't we?"
"'Gentle soul'! Ha hah!" She's pretty when she laughs, bit earthy, a little tooth-gap at the top incisors, "Aren't you just something else. Where've you been my life?" Looks about as if to see an audience appreciates this scene as much as she. "I have my reasons, but tonight is a chance to forget our cares a touch."
Touches the arm of a passing lass and gestures for two more brews. She seems relaxed, like this chat is a break from duty, yet open for anything more. Wry smile, "Care to forget awhile with me?"
Receives two more pints, and she holds out hers to toast yours. "To gentle souls, may they find good rest!"
OOC: This banter (badminton of manners) may be as goal oriented, and of quite differing goals, as you wish. Or just passing fun, as per your choice. Even with the seeming little things I have my reasons, so don't feel obliged.
Downtown New Graveyard, outside of town
OOC: Wow, Hanalee, that's a great Disadv roll. The first, easier one you just blow away. Not even Caden is aware you are following him. The other is just too hard with a man staring hard in your direction. There is brush and tombstones, but it's just too conspicuous running across grit & grave, in broad daylight, trying to catch up while someone is facing you — even if they seem occupied in conversation.
Caden & Hanalee
"STILL LONELY?!"
The grim man shouts, but you, Caden, are just standing right in front of — oh. You turn to see a Hanalee on her belly behind a willow bush too small. It's a valiant attempt, in fact she got the shadow angle right, but she's just too long — and the little dust cloud kicked up doesn't help either. But she got the silent down pat, didn't even hear her. And in chain mail, too. That's either talent or beginner's luck.
"You two will get me killed. And yourselves to boot!" Spits. "Go home, big talkers." Turns to leave and starts to march briskly onward. "Don't you follow me, or next time I will attack you where you stand."
"My manners are my mother's doing." He smiles charmingly. "She beat some into me despite her sweet nature. I owe more than just my life as her son but also owe her what little charm, I may have picked up that has served me in good steed."
Alric will switch drinking hands so as to maintain her contact. "it is a lovely brew" as he drinks it not too quickly but savoring the well balanced taste. "Might have to get some to go when I leave in the morning for the Ole' Graveyard with my friends."
"Where have I been?" He pats her hand gently. "out trapesing in the woods earning a livin' as best I can. Missing the comforts of society but men gotta eat and tan hides," He smiles lightly "Someone gotta fetch for 'em"
"I would be happy to enjoy your comfort and kindness, M'lady." He hoist his glass with hers. "To Gentle Souls and them that carry them in such lovely vessels"
OOC - I don't mind having a conversation like this as long as it doesn't slow down the group. God knows I would rather post a meaningless conversation (Not saying this is one) and keep the game moving, alive than slow to a crawl and lose interest. I am use to Amber DRPG where life and death fights are a conversation :)
"I find I'm very often lonely," Hanalee calls back, emerging from her failed hiding place. "But that's not why I'm here..."
She approaches to stand by Caden. "And we won't get killed. We're heroes," she tells the grim man confidently. "If you truly need help, we want to provide it. Just tell us what you're up against."
Quote from: Opaopajr;776901Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House, Karnath's room
Karnath
"Gaa gaa, goo..." "No, droplet, momma said stay here." A baby crawls towards your room, and a toddler comes to corral it back — but she freezes and stares at your chanting meditation and prayer wheel. She looks at you scared but curious, and the baby keeps crawling to your blanket. The baby seems to like your wheel and the sounds you make.
It starts to laugh.
The toddler girl rushes in and tries to cover the babies mouth while looking with her big eyes very apologetic to you. She herself looks too in awe to speak.
Karni will, pick up the baby and cradle it and have the toddler sit next to her and letting the baby hold the prayer wheel like a rattle. There is no consternation at being disturbed, as Karni feels that this must be done by the Great Goddess, her threads run through everything.
"There is no worry." She says to the toddler.
OoC: Shades of home life, having a bunch of kids dropped off on me by my wife's friends for 'girls night out'.
Downtown New Graveyard, outside of town
Hanalee & Caden
Grim man just shakes his head at Hanalee's 'I find I'm very often lonely' as he turns away. Part of you, Caden, since you're closer to see it, thinks it might be masking a chuckle. He walks away with stiff shoulders and does not talk anymore.
Passive Insight from both
Hanalee. He's actually speaking, we're getting somewhere! Maybe if we keep trying to win him over. But he's getting further away.
Caden. We may have gotten as far as we're gonna get. He means business. However, if he lives... there's potential.
"I'll keep you company, pretty lady! Heh heh heh." You both turn back to see an old timer come on up the path with his donkey. He's about a good 400+ feet back, thankfully you guess he could not have heard your whole conversation. "You letting this precious flower go untended, young man! Pity you don't see what's before your face. Heh heh heh."
"Come Ginny, /click-click" tugs his hesitating donkey along. Maybe the graves?
Dive Bar C
Alric
Delilah winced at the mention of the Ol' Graveyard, but nothing further. She had let it lie. However, from her changing smiles there's been an intermittent genuineness as you go on. As you return toasts, you're guessing she's warmed up to you as more than a curiosity.
"I like her already, your mom. And yes, her efforts served you well, I'm sure." She sets her mug down and gently pulls on both your hands to scoot your chair closer. "And yeah, society and making a living. Someone has to fetch, as others take."
Rests her head on your shoulder as you two look out into the poor, but merry crowd. Delta Earl strikes up another lively melody, feeling the crowd, and they take to singing and even some dancing. "Like lords and ladies for a moment, rewriting birth and duty with a drink and a song." She gets surprisingly quiet and just sinks into your side.
Passive Perception
"I'll miss this," soft and to no one in particular.
Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House, Karnath's Room
Karnath
"Kimima! Where are you girl? Hiding among the baskets again, playing rabbit —" A pregnant woman stops at the entrance at the sight of you cradling a baby with a prayer wheel for a rattle, and an awed toddler leaning against you staring back between yours and the baby's face. "Kimima! You haven't been bothering this holy guest, have you?" She hurries in as fast as her belly allows.
"I am so sorry, sacred woman. And during your prayers, too." She reaches you, but sees the baby cooing peacefully and you at home with holding the child, she stops in the middle of reaching out for the children. And then sits down, with great difficulty, and outside your blanket. The toddler who must be Kimima sidles over to her mothers lap and continues watching both adults with big eyes.
"You are so good with the children, how can I..." She looks at the baby, smiles, and tucks back a forelock. To Kimima, "You were to watch your little brother, especially now he crawls everywhere." Hugs her, "It is alright, he even gets away from me at times." Looks at you, "A mother, too?"
OOC: A lot of this can continue on. However they are also coming to nice places to end for the day. Pretty much Hanalee & Caden are the only ones who will need a bit more to settle for the evening. Karnath, Bright Feather, & Alric are all in places where you can resolve dinner and sleep as a "fade to black" abstraction.
Just say the word and we can call it a night per your scene. And once you're all abed we'll start afresh the next day. Been a very busy day for your party. :)
Hanalee is slightly startled at the old man's come-on. "Everyone's following everyone," she sighs.
"Sorry!" she calls back to the old timer. "But I'm spoken for!" She looks to Caden. "Well, only technically. Anyway, do you want to go after him?"
"Heh heh. Awww, I was something of a handsome devil in my day, but I remember youth. No, this ol' goat knows better— dammit Ginny, 'd swar you saw a mountain lion, you're spookin' so bad"
He's having a bit of trouble with his donkey. It hurries up a bit with ears lowered, and then starts to calm down a bit and get back to its pace as it reaches you both. "Been like that here every month since last year, as the new moon approaches. Should be in a few days now, but thankfully it'll be over by the time I return. Must be 'restlessness in the soil'. Heh!"
Old man and donkey continues on past you both. "Go find good company, you two!"
Caden thinks for a moment then nods at Hanalee "yeah I think we should."
Alric smiles ruefully as Del winces. He knows Adventuring is not a sane man's job.
He pats her hand in time with the music. "Would ask ya to dance but not only do I lack any talent I wouldn't want to wonder away from your presence for a moment dear"
"I'll miss this," soft and to no one in particular.
Also in a soft whisper. "Where are you off to dear that would take ya too far away from this merriment?"
OOC - Insight into what she is hinting at or saying perhaps - Rolled a 17 in room with +2 wisdom for a 19. Charming and insightful :)
I can fast forward through evening whenever. finding her story intreging though
Quote from: Opaopajr;777440Sage Brush Felt Maiden's House, Karnath's Room
Karnath
"You are so good with the children, how can I..." She looks at the baby, smiles, and tucks back a forelock. To Kimima, "You were to watch your little brother, especially now he crawls everywhere." Hugs her, "It is alright, he even gets away from me at times." Looks at you, "A mother, too?"
"Big family." Karni smiles.
OoC: We can fade to black and do the meeting at the well tomorrow morning, that is fine. :)
Hanalee nods, and she and Caden follow the standoffish man into the night...
OOC: Party Threads Update.
Bright Feather watches elf youth cook cottontail at sunset. edit: Rests.
Karnath chats about family and children at the Maiden's House. Rests.
Alric banters with Delilah at Dive Bar C, still intrigued. edit: Rests.
Hanalee & Caden follow the hostile, grim man. Continues.
Things will remain fluid, just in case something runs long and others not involved want to add more to their scene. Great freedom brings with it interesting dynamics, like side quests. When you all rest, we'll fade to black and meet up at the morning well. Have fun!
Going to eat and sleep under the stars (fade to black).
Dive Bar C
Alric
She stiffens reluctantly and hesitates an answer. "Oh you know, how life takes you where you did not expect. It's how I ended up here." Relaxes back into holding your arm, "Sometimes you miss the little things you thought were boring when younger."
"Time and choices can take us away as much as travel. But you know that, I guess." Fingers her mugs rim absently. As her finger circles back she adds again low, "Except you can travel back to a place, not a time."
"Hey, wanna learn a dance? I'll be easy on you."
Path Up to the Downtown Claims, @ 2 Miles Out
Caden & Hanalee
Taking advantage of the delay from the old man and donkey, you amble up the path afterwards as a mask to your activities. The path passes over a wavy ridge, and the old pair must be over it ahead of you. As you crest the undulation, been taking the mountain upward at an angle since the town's edge, you come to a vista of the Old Graveyard.
You can see why it was the choice for Livonia's last resting place, it is a beautiful view, especially with this sunset. You can see the Basin stretch before you to the East, a nice copse of junipers lower down the mountain past a sharp drop off, and a meadow expanse of wild flowers between the path and that short cliff. In the middle of those wild flowers it lies, the Old Graveyard and its worn wood grave markers — with a conspicuous, tall, stone monument in its center.
Light's going to fade soon. You don't see the grim man in the distance anymore, but you can guess his tracks, for a little while at least. Perhaps he is that far ahead. The old man with the donkey is nowhere to be found, though, which is odd. They should be on the path within sight distance of this ripple's crest.
OOC: Gotta resolve light issues soon. Also will need Tracking (Survival or Disadv Perception). Stealth will be useful, but you both are not sure when. You feel a bit unprepared and at a tipping point, but it is a beautiful spot to find yourself as such.
"Hey...I think he's going that way!" Hanalee suggests.
(Rolled 16 in the diceroom, trying to use Survival to track...)
Old Graveyard
6 PM going on 7 PM
Hanalee can make sense of the trail dust to recognize the grim man's recent prints. They continue on up the trail, to the next rise... and the mountain's peaks are cutting short your daylight. Nearest dry wood is some of the old grave markers. The nearby brush is not as dry, and often oily for a pungent, smoky light, bad for stealth.
Caden nods at Hanalee "Right then, I'll follow your lead. I have a feeling the fool is going to need help despite what he thinks."
OOC: You do have to decide whether to hurry or prepare, as you have (if you had to guess) about until the end of this trough by walking before the twilight will obscure your tracking significantly. And after that, darkness follows soon from the peaks' shadows.
Quote from: Marleycat;777696Going to eat and sleep under the stars (fade to black).
You and me both, so much for waiting until morning before going to the graveyard. ;)
"Sure enough if you can put up with my clumsiness" Alric smiles and stands taking her hand.
He avoids any further talk of separation. He wiles the night away with her enjoying himself before setting out again on the hunt.
OOC - fade to night.
Hanalee rushes ahead. "Let's get to him quickly!" she says quietly but urgently.
(OOC: I'm guessing you mean hurry vs. prepare weapons--in which case, Hanalee believes its more important to actually reach the man and figure the rest out later...)
"Right" Caden whispers. He will follow Hanalee moving as quickly as possible while still remaining stealthy.
OOC: Fair question. I am noting the tension between running v. light prep v. stealth, which effects movement rates. Running is 400' while Stealth is 200'. Normal is 300'.
Light is fading fast, as it is Dim Light already. Dim Light gives Disadv. to Wisdom (Perception)... and by extension Survival: Tracking, as you are using it as sight based.
Darkness is coming. Darkness creates Heavy Obscuration, and thus the condition Blindness. Blindness auto-fails ability checks that require sight, gives Adv. to attackers against you, and gives Disadv. to you against attackers.
The choice here to spot the grim man is:
risking running across this trough, and thus discovery, before it goes dark vs.
risking being cautious, missing grim man, and getting caught in the dark vs.
risking prepared lighting for regular travel, and thus possibly missing him -or- discovery.
Any additional clarification wanted? :)
OoC: Isn't one of these thrillseekers a Halfling with Darkvision?
Edit: Nope! Typical Humans jeez. Why is there no Rogue in this party? Hanalee is trying to be one so I'm left wondering why she didn't actually take the class?
OOC: They're fine. They are making valiant choices in the face of danger. I'm loving how tenaciously they are grabbing this bit and turning it into a thing! GMing is a bit like fishing...
That reminds me, encounter tables. Thanks, Marleycat! :D
edit: Also Darkvision 60', though useful, is not all that powerful. That just ups darkness within 60' to Dim Light and thus Light Obscurement. That just means closer surprise range, and other animals and creatures have other Keen Senses, as per the .pdf you pointed out for me. See, the GM incorporates your suggestions! :)
Quote from: Opaopajr;777988OOC: They're fine. They are making valiant choices in the face of danger. I'm loving how tenaciously they are grabbing this bit and turning it into a thing! GMing is a bit like fishing...
That reminds me, encounter tables. Thanks, Marleycat! :D
edit: Also Darkvision 60', though useful, is not all that powerful. That just ups darkness within 60' to Dim Light and thus Light Obscurement. That just means closer surprise range, and other animals and creatures have other Keen Senses, as per the .pdf you pointed out for me. See, the GM incorporates your suggestions! :)
Asshole! Bring it on honey.:)
OOC: Waiting for Caden & Hanalee to make an important decision.
Karni slumbers. Or tries, in a house full of babies. lol
OOC: I lol'ed. :p
Don't get too cozy the rest of you. I still have *plans* for you all as you slumber. Not always life-threatening, but...
I just want their part to move because they are in actual, well at least courting, danger.
(OOC: I'd hate to be caught out in pitch black unawares--I'm less concerned about the grim man spotting us and more concerned about 3rd parties creeping up. This might be a good use of Hanalee's hooded lantern, which can be dimmed? The dimmed lamplight should be a healthy balance between stealth and seeing where the hell we're going, errr right? At least prolong the current Dim Light state?)
"Got a light?" Hanalee asks Caden, slipping her lantern from the back of her pack.
Bright Feather goes into Trance after the sun fully sets.
Caden shakes his head "no. Hadn't planned on prowling around at night, these things always just sort of happen."
OOC: A hooded lantern would be excellent. Unfortunately you only have an explorer's pack, which doesn't come with one. However, it does come with torches and tinderbox, neither which Caden has.
Tinderbox allows lighting things as an action. Torches give 1 hour of light, sheds 20' bright, +20' dim, and deals 1 fire damage if lit, upon a successful melee hit.
We may handwave-ium time and space and materialize a hooded lantern for 5 gp. :)
Hooded Lantern gives 6 hours light per flask (pint) of oil, sheds 30' bright, +30' dim. May be hooded as an action, to reduce light to 5' dim.
Dive Bar C, just outside
@ 11 PM
Alric
You and Delilah find yourself closer as the night winds down. She invites you for a rendezvous back at her place and you two walk together out to the boardwalk. There you hear a 'tsk' and "kitsaan! (no good!)"
You turn to see a native halfling woman in the middle of the street looking at the pair of you, shaking her head with disgust, and then looking down. As she walks quickly across your path and into an alley you hear, "fallen hero, forgets his people." Your brain is in a fog from such a good time it takes you a moment to remember — she is one of the villagers you saved from Tree Sap Hill!
She's in the back alleys now, but you think you could guess where if you raced to catch up. But that would mean leaving Deliliah. And what would you say anyway? And what the hell did you do wrong?
---------------------
Leaning-Juniper-Sheltering-Sage
@ 11 PM
Bright Feather
Rhythmic sounds of fire crackle lulls you as you meditate upon the stars. The meal was good. The hypnotic peace holds you and your companion for hours, closing your eyes, and spilling into you —
*rolling thunder, squeaks, ROLLING THUNDER, SQUEAKS, THUNDER! >LIGHT< "Whoa!" "To the right! Level out! Level out!" >Light< THUNDER, SQUEAKS, rolling thunder... "damned fools on a picnic" squeaks...*
You and your companion naturally rouse with great alarm from the restful trance of an outdoor evening! You turn about to the fading sounds and see just darkness. "Fools! Death chasers!" You can see your young elf friend shaking his fist in righteous anger nearby.
He scrambles from his blanket and spirals out looking at the ground. Already the young elf is looking about for tracks to verify what just happened. He spots multiple horses and wheel tracks, coming quite close to this juniper and then veering off before — it crushed you both.
"What sense have they with their horse drawn 'moving cabins' at this late hour? If they cannot see, they should wait like sensible people. Forever in a hurry, what good is light if you race faster than you can see?" Coming back to you, "I am sorry medicine woman, but there were no fresh tracks about this tree. I expected Outsider Ways, but not insanity. My apologies, I shall stay awake the rest of the night."
OOC: How many hours passed before the wagon nearly ran us over?
(OOC: I don't have--Dammit! I was looking at a sheet I'd written up for a character in another 5E game! (Who was going to be Hanalee, but the concept changed :) If handwavium's okay, Hana will pay the 5gp and use the hooded lantern, otherwise she'll light a torch and remember to buy the lantern back in town!)
"Wait--I think I have something that could work," Hanalee realizes, and pauses to retrieve her tinderbox.
OOC - Alric only does this if it seems safe to leave the young lady.
"Excuse me dear Ms. Delilah" He pats her arm in apologetically. " I must go speak to some judgmental Ninnies"
Alric hurries off down the alley way toward the woman who commented on him!
Quote from: Marleycat;778396OOC: How many hours passed before the wagon nearly ran us over?
OOC: You enjoyed your meal around sunset, around 7:30 PM, as you are further down the mountain than
Caden & Hanalee. You both enjoy the stars & remnants of the fire, being in trance by 8 PM. Three hours you both were in before so rudely interrupted by the stagecoach.
But silver never sleeps in a boomtown. And 1/2 a mile down mountain is still in the way of Easterner traffic. The young elf is reluctant to start a second fire, for his own strange reasons, but you could convince him that it would serve as a warning beacon for the crazies.
OOC: Handwave-ium it is. Like Felix the Cat and his bag of magic tricks, 5 gp disappears and *poof* you have a hooded lantern. We'll assume you bought it at Vaux's during a preparation point. Please subtract 5 gp on your updatable character sheet at this topic's beginning.
Let there be light!
OOC: 11 PM in the rough side of town of a boomtown can hardly be considered safe in any way. But during daylight it's not much better, as your jaw can attest. You think you can sprint for a bit and maybe catch her, but those alleys can be mazes, and it along with sprinting will mess with your perception.
You'd sensibly risk only a 40 yard dash of a chase, about 2 rounds of STR checks and Disadv. Wisdom (Perception) checks. They don't need to be cumulative, just paired.
OOC
strength checks are a 4 then a 11.
Perception is a 16 and a 7
Wish they were Dex checks :)
Bright Feather will try and convince him a small move and a small fire that can be seen may be in order since we're so near a travel route.
Downtown Alley
Alric
OOC: It was a rocky start, and not as powerful as you'd have liked Delilah to see. Basically you are pushing yourself for a sprint straightaway, going 75' a round (instead of a mere 50' with Dash). You cover quite a ways of the emptied alley, 150', but couldn't spot her.
You turn back to see Delilah framed by the street entrance to the alley. She seems worried for your safety, clutching a corner. But you think she should be worried herself, as you see a dwarf walk behind and make a crass pass at her.
She slaps him and this just makes him angry, and more sexually aggressive.
Leaning-Juniper-Shelters-Sage
Bright Feather
He is quite a bit shaken, but being typically elven male stoic about it, as your Acolyte training has brought you such insight. He agrees and covers his pride by declaring deference to a sister of the plants concerns of safety. He must be young as to be so prideful still, even in the face of obvious safety!
The easiest solution would be move to the West side, and closer towards, the leaning juniper tree. A fire beacon West of you from there would be wise. A fire East, in front of the tree, would also be wise. You notice him shaking a bit, it seems like he has not meditated well in days. It would explain why his nerves seem so raw from the beginning.
Bright Feather gives the young man a confident smile..." Ok, let's get this done, I'll take first watch"...looks at the brave..."an hour or two of peaceful contemplation would get you in balance again, I don't mind keeping a lookout".....with a warm smile.
Bright Feather
"How can I... you are my guest... I must guard my people!" You see that it has all been too much for him of late. He turns away from you, to the fire instead, and his shoulders visibly slump. If you guess, you could think he is starting to cry. You sense it might be best to let him have this moment to reflect and refresh. As it is somewhere just before midnight, you know by around 4 AM, closer to dawn, you can alternate with him and finish resting.
Gives him some space and busies herself with setting up the camp...."we both need rest before the sun rises so we will alternate ok?".
Seeing as I have lost my quarry, I turn and head back down the alleyway toward Delilah. I saunter up to the dwarf and step between Delilah and him.
"Listen friend I would advise you to keep your hands to yourself and move along, The lady has no interest as she indicated in a manner even an idiot would understand"
I brace him more than willing to let this come to blows if necessary, preferably with weapons.
Alric
"Are you calling me an idiot!" The sounds of Dive Bar C and its neighbor picks up. You see a sneer cross the drunk? dwarf's face as he seems to sense an opportunity. Looking at Delilah, "Don't worry pretty thing, won't be but a moment. Right puts me in the mood, too."
Shoves you (STR check, 4), but you're either a lot sturdier than he anticipated or he's pretty drunk. Or he just looks strong, but really isn't?
Initiative!
Alric spins away from him. Despite his weak effort Alric is not known for his strength.
OOC
Init 11+4 dex is 15
Rolled 11, 8, 7, 2, 18 for rolls.
Combat macro is to Dodge for my action and use my movement as I can to draw him away from Delilah without drawing an attack.
If possible I will taunt him as I can to get him to draw a weapon so I can as well. Otherwise I will just avoid his hits as I can
Past the Old Graveyard, up mountain on the path
Caden & Hanalee
You light your hooded lantern, rush together a bit, and at Caden's signal (as he's better at Stealth) slow down and hood your lantern before reaching the next crest. Your chain mail is a real problem for sound, but as you sit and listen you don't hear anything immediately rustling. You use the dim light to scour the path and can pick up on the continuation of the grim man's prints.
The mountain's shadow is upon you both now and it is a good thing you have the lantern. Caden is much better at stealth, especially compared with Hanalee's armor, but it is Hanalee's lantern. You both can track (Survival) almost as well, though Caden is noticeably more perceptive to little noises and distant lights (Perception).
In fact, Caden points out the fuzzy outline of a light's aura a good 600' away... (Passive Perception)
Any strategy for this?
Alric
OOC: I'd normally have you roll best of Athletics or Acrobatics to contest his Shove. However, it is so low, I just don't care. Forward, to adventure!
You Dodge and move away, trying to lure him away from your date. "Fucking coward." Arm to the wall to prevent Delilah's immediate escape, "Hey, how about a little meat for a real man, baby." (Passive Perception) You hear Delilah gasp and see a flash of metal curl up to tease the shoulder straps of her dress. Has to be a dagger of some sort.
"Ow! That was too close you bitch!" You see him flinch his leg, she tried to knee him in the groin, unsuccessfully you guess. He slaps her down (Shove), and she crumples to the ground. "Worthless whore! I'll show you some respect!"
Alric thinks quietly to himself. "I hate killin people" Shakes his head as he draws his dagger, taking a quick look around to see who is watching.
Alric settles into a fighting stance and gives the dwarf something else to think of. "You might be expecting playful banter but we just passed that junction" Alric tries to stare him down. "You might be a mite too drunk to know what is about to happen but sometimes drinking leads to suffering"
OOC - he can walk away now or end up in a pool of blood, really his choice as Alric has made his. PS: forget that dodge crap :)
You got my numbers :) hope I win :)
Downtown Alleyway, by Dive Bar C
Alric
Round 1
You attempt to Intimidate him while drawing your weapon. Normally you'd think you did a great job, as that should handle easier threats. This dwarf doesn't even glance back at you and just replies, "Whatever, boy."
A dagger in his other hand preventing her from crawling out to the street, his other hand braced to the wall, he starts kicking and stomping on her. (3 damage) She's screaming, but covering her face and sheltering herself against the wall, muffling her sounds. The lively tune carries even this far from the entrance; must be the resonance of the wood walls.
Screw this, you close in to fight.
Round 2
Going first you rush in and stab him, and it's a good thrust, too! (11+6 atk = 17)(6 damage) A-ha! Now you got his attention!
Wow, he's an asshole, or a mean drunk. "C'mere, be useful wench!" He just tried to grab (Grapple) Delilah by the hair, as a hostage? She slipped between his legs in a desperate crawl. The light of the Main Street is just enough to leave you in dim light (lightly obscured).
Round 3
This guy needs to go down. Another close and thrust! Tagged him again as he turned to follow where Delilah went. (8+6atk = 14)(5 damage) He howls as a chorus spills out from the light, and then draws a hatchet to ready against you.
Lunging in he lives up to racial stereotype and is insanely good with a hand axe. He feints a blow to the head, and taking advantage of your flinch whips it into your thigh, and then backhands the blunt side up into your face as you react to the pain. (20! Critical Hit! 2d6+2 damage! 9 damage, ouch!) Not finished he tries to finish you in the gut with his dagger, but you slip back in time.
Delilah, desperate and crying, crawls furiously at the mad dwarf and grabs at his legs. Beyond any expectation, she got him, and he couldn't shake her off. He's not going anywhere, but that might not be a good thing either!
Round 4
Screw this, you didn't bargain for a night of life-threatening danger and screaming women tonight. Shaking off the pain you dig in for finish. (Second Wind as a Bonus. 8+1 = 9 HP. You are fully healed again.) You take aim with your training and throw your dagger at his heart. You catch him as he was readying to axe away your friend at his feet to free himself. (7+6atk = 13)(6 damage) He pauses and crumples, pinning Delilah below.
You won. He will survive or bleed out depending on fate now. Delilah is under him still, crying. Would you like to stabilize him? Retrieve your dagger? Help Delilah?
OOC: Sometimes the posts go by fast. I still need a strategy from Caden and Hanalee with their new information and situation. 600' away is the edge of a light halo peeking up from the trough of the next ridge. Let's get you guys towards the deep of night and the next day. :)
Alric finishes the dwarf with a grimace, never liking having to do what was right when it involved killing, but as the fight went on the dwarf proved himself unworthy of any kindness.
He reaches for his dagger drawing it out and wiping it clean on t he dwarf's clothing, as his other hand reaches for Delilah.
"Sorry about the mess dear. I hope you didn't get any blood on your dress." He helps her stand, giving her a fierce hug, then looks down at the dwarf. "Feel free to take what ever compensation he had for your troubles dear. Then we will see you home safe and sound."
Alric muttering to himself "Damnable dwarf can't hold his liquor or a woman."
OOC - Now that was a quick fight. I Hope the Macros and pre-rolls always flow so well.
Caden pauses to think for a second and turns to Hanalee "maybe we should put out the light and creep our way up to the light up ahead."
Quote from: Arkansan;778820Caden pauses to think for a second and turns to Hanalee "maybe we should put out the light and creep our way up to the light up ahead."
OOC:
Just an FYI. The hooded lantern, when hooded, sheds only 5' dim light, which is very, very low. Way lower than a torch or lantern. Darkness is filled with very bad things, like Blindness which auto-fail every sight based check, Disadv. when attacking, and Adv. when being attacked.
May that help your strategy.
Downtown Alleyway
Alric
"Oh, it was horrible!" Her dress is bloodied and torn, she is quite shaken, but there is fear & adrenaline in her eyes. She wants nothing to do with the dwarf, but seem overly concerned that he's dead, that you finished him off, and you could get in trouble. The rush also makes you both strangely and urgently aroused.
"To my room. You must lay low now!" She drags you by the hand into the maze of alleys. "Oh my God, I almost died. I almost lost you." "You saved me, kiss me! No!, we must hurry back." "They'll get you and string you up. But they might as well kill me, too." "Who will believe us?" She breaks her run every few 100' to turn back and latch onto you, as if for stability, muttering her anxiety and conflicted emotions.
You end up in her room, up a flight of stairs, in a building undistinguishable in the dark. Lips all over, worried whispers, clothes undone, you finish your night a torrid affair...
OOC: Only the purplest of prose for my players.
"Let's leave it on until we get closer," Hanalee says. Since the edge of the light we're aproaching is 600' away, Hana will wait until they've gone about 580', and then proceed to hood the lamp and approach with caution to see the light's source.
OOC: I do feel like the asshole repeating hooded lantern stats and making you care about lighting in an RPG. But really, it is good practice for other tricks in the future. Tricks that I too will eventually be playing on you. I just don't want that "Wha? But how did they know we were here? Dick GM!" conversation.
Hooded lanterns create Bright Light for 30' radius, and Dim Light for an additional 30' radius. That's 60'. Including UP (or at least upward angle). Akin to the edges of light halos you are witnessing 600' away.
Caden does have a point about keeping a low profile so close. But there is a difference between hooding a lantern with its 5' Dim Light radius, letting its full 60' shine until you're almost upon them, and blowing it out entirely while 600' away. There is also a lot of trail and land between here and there.
Let it not be said I did not try to clarify the RAW. :p
(OOC: Noted! :) Okay then Arkansan, do we want to go a quarter way hooded then blow it out for the rest of the way? We'll go with whatever you decide.)
OOC: I also am a big, softy pushover, too. You may want to note that Dim Light affects Wisdom (Perception) sight-based check — and I'll also relate it to Wisdom (Survival) tracking checks — by its Light Obscured area. Hint, hint, hint! I do this because I care. ;)
(OOC: Sounds good to me)
Caden looks to Hanalee and ponders for a moment, scratching at the stubble on his face "Hmm I'll go with whatever call you make here. We can leave it on till we get closer."
Karni snores lightly for a moment, wrapped up in her blanket like a candy bar. She wakes suddenly, listens for a moment, then dozes back off.
Past the Old Graveyard
Hanalee & Caden
Hanalee's request to leave some open lantern light before you get too close, and Caden's adherence to stealth and caution, leads to a compromise. The lantern will be uncovered until you both reach the nadir of this next trough, hopefully masking the 60' radius nimbus before discovery. This will give opportunity to get a sense of your locale and terrain. Next you will hood the lantern to cautiously approach the remaining 300'.
OOC: I don't know what you plan to do about Hanalee's Disadv. Stealth due to armor.
There seems to be an escarpment rising up-mountain to your right of the trail, perfect for an ambush. As you both travel following the grim man's footprints, you notice a busy bunch of recent prints clouding the trail. Hooves, wheel tracks, foot prints, but these don't seem to head down to town all that much recently. There's a few animal prints mixed in there as well, but likely just the odd coyote or basking lizard. You're going to need a Wisdom (Survival) roll to tell if the grim man's tracks continue on before you hood your lantern.
Hooding the lantern, with new info of the situation you plot the rest of the way to the next crest... The grim man's tracks go off into the grasses, likely to flank this upcoming crest. The escarpment up mountain of the trail would be a great ambush point, but seems to be unoccupied. The recent trail activity continues busily to the crest, as if gathering supplies?, but not further than the nadir.
(I rolled 13 in room)
Caden turns to Hanalee "that armor of yours is awful loud. Perhaps you could take it off and wrap it up in something till ya need it. If something comes up I can hold long enough for you to get it back on. Unless you can think of another way to make it a bit more quite?"
Hanalee pauses to hear herself clank ever so slightly. "Er...you're right," she admits sheepishly. She hands the lantern to Caden, begins to strip off her armor and takes off her black cape, now dressd in her magenta tunic.
"I forged this mail myself, you know," she whispers proudly to Caden, and intend to wrap the armor in her cape as a bundle, then decides it would take way too long. "Nevermind, I'll just let you scout ahead. Okay--let's go," she says, taking back the lantern.
(Wisdom/Survival check = 9. Track = 3, Perception = 9.)
Past the Old Graveyard
Hanalee & Caden
OOC: Holy fuck! 10 min to don, 5 min to doff heavy armor?! That's 100 and 50 rounds each! That's longer than the entire afternoon braw — the one to which you all ran half a mile! No, you both know there is not much you can do about armor except have Caden scout ahead.
Which reminds me, being armored and walking around town will attract attention. A spare shield or light armor may not be a bad investment for sheer speed and less town suspicion. Anyhoo, back we go.
Hanalee is not at her observant best.Caden seems a bit more at home in the dark and can puzzle out what should be the grim man's prints. They go off trail in an angle, just a bit from this nadir, into the grasses as if to flank the trail's crest. Caden has a passing, sneaking suspicion of being watched, but after looking about and unable to confirm, shakes it off as just nerves.
Hanalee nods and waits while Caden scouts ahead to the limits of the light. Not able to suss out anything further, he returns to Hanalee as she hoods her lantern. Sucking in breath together, Caden Helps Hanalee's Stealth, which granted Adv. cancels out her Disadv. Assuming they are unsuspected and alone, they crest the last ridge before the distant light.
Both roll DEX Stealth checks
You spy a large campfire 200' away, illuminating a good 60'+60', and see the mouth of a cave with lots of sound activity. There's a pile of wood supplies, shaft supports?, mining tools, and a cart to the far side of the firelight. There are a few bushes nearside, between this crest and the fire, but it will be an adequate challenge to link up a path to the large campfire's dim edge.
Rolled 15 in room.
Rolled a 5.
Unknown Claim
@ 7:30 PM
Caden & Hanalee
You both know perfectly well that that chinking of chain helps nothing. But at the crest no one attacks you, yet. Whoever they are they seem preoccupied by the mine mouth, which is obscured from here, both from angle and intervening trees and shrubbery.
Caden notes passively a lull in the action there and pieces out a distant "Well, lookie here..." (Passive Perception)
"Damn you!" you both hear, from even here.
What do you do?
OOC: And Caden & Hanalee decided to take a nap in the face of spying danger... :p
(OOC: After Hanalee finishes zoning out ;))
Hanalee prepares her hammer and sword, then rushes to the commotion!
(OOC: Sorry bout that)
"Well looks like that's our signal" Caden whispers to Hanalee. He unsheathes his rapier and loosens his dagger just a bit from his belt and takes off at a run toward the noise.
Unknown Claim
@ 7:30+ PM
Hanalee & Caden
And the brave heroes charge 60' of the 80' of darkness between the crest and the limits of the campfire's light. Hanalee being sensible, carries the hooded lantern as she draws her sword, waiting to draw her hammer once she gets within the campfire's light. Knowing that the element of surprise is completely lost by a screaming charge and not being able to cover that length in one round, you both just risk the stomp of your footsteps and hope for the best.
As you rush into the campfire light next round —
"See there? It's not a drunken horse."
"It never is a drunken horse, always the onrushing of would-be heroes."
"But I always wish that one day it would be a drunken horse."
"Are you getting jaded after all these years? Finally."
— you spy 3 human warriors standing contrapposto, dressed as light guards armed with readied spears (and what seems a few standing spears in the dirt behind them). They seem bored with the whole affair. You also spy to your left, closest to the mountain's cave, a group of 4 thugs gloating over their latest capture, a man tied up and seated before them. Oddly, though not really surprised, they are taken aback someone would dare interrupt their victory, and the 'leader' seems furious at being deprived of her monologue. "Get them, you fools!"
Now 40' into the campfire's 120' radius, still in dim light, Hanalee takes this opportunity to set down her hooded lantern as smoothly as she can mid-dash and ready her hammer. Those warriors are on the far side of the campfire's dim light, they are no dummies. The thugs however are closer to your left, enjoying bright light to silhouette their tormenting, their victim in the dim light further to your left.
Third round, you race deeper into the lit space, splitting the difference between the two groups you run at an angle of the fire another 60'. Now you are 50' from the large fire, about 50' from the well lit dagger thugs, and at least 100'+ from the spearmen in the dim light.
You see the human warriors ready their spears lazily as you further enter the space. They audibly sigh and almost in unison tip their spears and heads briefly towards the thugs, who themselves are readying their daggers, and then straighten up again. "Choose well, 'brave heroes'," you hear one chide.
Which group do you attack first?
"Seven hells!" Caden snarls. "Lets make for the prisoner, we are going to need all the help we can muster" he shouts toward Hanalee as he makes a dash in that direction.
(OOC: I can try and hold them long enough for you to free him)
Hanalee takes a deep breath and follows Caden's directive--she charges for the thugs and the man they have captured...
Unknown Claim, round 4
Caden & Hanalee
You both rush your 30' towards the dagger thugs. Caden holds a Dodge stance, so as to fend them off and give Hanalee time to Dash and get to the hostage. One of the 4 breaks to head off Hanalee from her rescue, and the other 3 engage Caden.
Caden's Dodge will give the enemies he sees Disadvantage to attack him.
Hanalee's push to reach the hostage gets her into that lone thug's reach, and her Dash onward further triggers an AoO reaction from her (thug).
The 3 other thugs take advantage of Caden's distance and each throw a dagger at him. And Caden's Dodge helps, as he deflects one with his rapier, pivots wholly away from another, and the last glance off a stud from his armor.
Hanalee isn't as lucky, as her Dash lands her smack dab into a frightening gut thrust of this lone thug. (Hanalee takes 4 damage) With dogged persistence Hanalee keeps on towards the hostage, and is merely grazed as the thug spins to swipe her again in passing. Reaching the hostage you immediately notice — it's not the grim man!
An arrow sings through the air towards the thugs, whistling past a thug's face —humbling her with a flinch and wide eyes, as Caden can see. (a thug takes 5 damage)
"Well, the odds just got interesting."
"That patch over there? An easy flank brothers."
"It is something to do at least."
The spearman move as a wolf pack deeper into the dim light and darkness towards the bushes to your right.
Initiative Everyone! Tell me what you're doing!
Hanalee swipes her sword aiming to sever the hostage's bindings! "Hey there stranger!" she says unironically, wincing in pain as she feels the wound in her gut. She'll have to pay her assailant back for that...
"Thanks, I owe you dearly." Looks about, likely for a weapon, "Let me be armed and I'll start paying you back!"
Hanalee passes the man her sword, while defending herself against attack with her hammer. "Can you use a sword?" she asks.
Caden will back pedal toward Hanalee and the stranger. He will throw his dagger at the nearest thug if he can.
"Looks like we've been had!" Caden shouts over his shoulder.
"Sure, if the blade ain't too big!"
"Been had, nothin'! Thought I was a goner!"
What do you do, and what are your rolls?
With the stranger now armed, Hanalee roars as she attacks the thug who wounded her.
(14 on Initiative, rolled a 19 for attack in the room)
Rolled a 17 initiative and a 14 attack before any modifiers, in room of course.
Hanalee, your short sword is now in the hand of the hostage. You just have a hammer. You two engage the lone thug before you.
Caden, as you circled around back to Hanalee & the hostage, you are still separated by the one who broke off. Between this lone one and the previous 3 thugs you stand. All three of you engage this lone thug this round.
Caden, further this round you will engage with both your rapier and dagger. You will throw your dagger back to one of the other 3 thugs you skirted around.
I'll just roll damage for you both to speed things up. I'll also roll Caden's bonus action thrown dagger atk & dmg roll, too.
Unknown Claim, round 5
@ before 8 PM?
Caden & Hanalee
The thugs speed into the offensive. The group of three lob another round of daggers, but this time at Hanalee for interfering with their hostage. As she sliced the hostage's bonds and dropped her Short Sword for him, the wave of flying metal slices on by, all missing, but giving the lone thug a moment to catch Hanalee solidly in the thigh. (Hanalee 5 damage) She laughs at her success to have caught Hanalee twice so well, licking her blade in sadistic triumph.
She should have been paying attention, as Caden comes at her back and pierces her in the spleen, the point showing for a moment from the front of her abdomen. (Lone thug 7 damage). Caden throws a dagger back towards the previous 3 thugs, but misses totally. She turns back confused, and a scuffle of noise resounds from the bushes on the far side of the campfire from you now -- from where that helpful arrow came from actually. Hey, where's those lackadaisical human warriors?
"Where are you, cowards! We paid you and you ran! Professionals my ass!" A trickle of blood runs from this lone thug's mouth. She's beginning to seem like their leader? Evidently psycho at the least.
As she turns back to leer at Hanalee & the hostage, a sickening, bloody smile upon her lips, Hanalee follows up her tit for tat and slams her hammer solidly across her temple. Down she goes! (Lone thug 6 damage) "Boss!" you hear from two of the other thugs, notably female.
"That sick bitch had it coming, just like you will! Waylaying desperate travelers -- take this!" The hostage lunges forward, swipes artfully, parry, thrust, closes into the core of the cluster of three, and then drives home. Into the belly of the one who almost lost an eye to an arrow last round. (wounded thug 7 damage) "Tell your boss hi, in hell." She slips from his short sword and falls, eyes wide again for perhaps the last time.
Three versus two... you think. These are better odds. Where's those spearmen? And who was that helpful archer?
What do you do? Initiative & rolls please!
Caden will press the attack and make for the nearest opponent.
Rolled a 17 for initiative and a 20 to hit! In room of course.
'k, and do you draw another dagger for a bonus action attack? Or are you working your duel style?
And we'll need Hanalee's decision & rolls to proceed.
I will use the duelist style.
"Nice...moves," Hanalee cheers weakly to the stranger. As blood flows from her wounds, she grits her teeth and rededicates herself to ending these thugs.
(Rolled 7 initiative and 15 attack.)
Unknown Claim, round 6
Caden & Hanalee
The round begins with Caden pressing the advantage. Lifting his empty hand in an en garde pose, he spots an opening and lunges with frightening speed. Into the heart of the remaining female thug, the blow is clean and true. Everyone knows she is beyond medical help at that moment. She drops with a discreet rose upon her left breast. Breathtaking. (last female thug 20 damage)
Now outnumbered, the last thug panics, throws his dagger reflexively at Caden, just missing him to the latter's sharp reflexes. Panicking and running, he flees back to the campfire, exposing him to a free shot by the hostage. The strike connects, a swipe to the leg causing minor stumbling before regaining balance, hampering his full distancing. (last thug 4 damage)
This shift of party focus towards this last thug, and thus the campfire, has you all catching sight of the human warriors emerging from the bush with a body slung over one's shoulder. They saunter into the light, set down the body in a sitting position facing your group, and start talking:
"Well, it looks like they've evened the odds. Took them long enough."
"Honestly I'm glad the psycho is gone and I didn't have to do it myself."
"YOU THERE! WE HAVE YOUR ALLY, HE STILL LIVES! WE PARLEY TERMS TO RETURN HIM IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR ESCAPE!"
Focusing on the propped body, you see it is the grim man!
"Traitors! Is there no honor among thieves and mercenaries?!" the remaining thug shouts.
"Oh there's an honor of sorts. But your bloodthirsty leader spent it a few bodies ago," replies a human warrior.
At this opportunity Hanalee races up to the remaining thug and cracks him in the back with her warhammer, like a raven's beak into wet bread. "Gaah!" Face down into the dirt, he goes down. (last thug 10 damage)
The hostage holds back where Caden is, with Hanalee out 20' front towards the spearmen, a good 80' away. Caden, you notes he lowered his short sword. "They are real good fighters; they spared me easily when they caught me — to be in the clutches of that sick woman. I should be mad, but they also treated me fair while held. I think the threat of their presence prevented even worse tortures."
"Talking may be a good idea, on both our parts. But I throw my lot with you two who saved me."
What do you do? Initiative & Attack/Skill Rolls?
Caden whispers through gritted teeth to Hanalee "Best we see what is going on here, no sense taking more risk than needed."
Caden moves up to where Hanalee is. "Well lets talk then" he shouts back toward the other group.
Hanalee is surprised to see the grim man again in such a circumstance. "I'll follow your lead," she tells Caden, her confidence bolstered by the support of the stranger.
"And your name?" she quickly asks the man holding her sword.
"That's close enough then, if you value your friend's life," as Caden moves up to Hanalee's same distance. You hear the hostage move up as well, just a beat after. Later you both see he has brought himself in line with you two as a trio.
"Do you mind if we hold off on the introductions for just a bit?" he whispers to Hanalee. Louder, to the spearmen, "I owe you three my body whole, bruised but not maimed. The least I can do is talk."
"Well her body part fetishes were getting to me."
"The tongues, or the ears? Or that one castration?"
"Oh, I didn't even want to remember that one."
"What in the seven hells was going on here?" Caden asks the freed hostage and the other group of warriors.
"Just mercenaries renting their services to those who have proven themselves dishonorable."
"Yeah, I wouldn't recommend the dirty details, as her and hers were crazy."
"ENOUGH! Do you take our offer? Your ally for our peaceful leave."
You note that they are close enough to reach their extra standing spears in the dirt within a round. They'd get at least a round of ranged attacks before you could reach and still be armed afterward.
Caden turns to the others "I say we take the offer, I see no reason to pick another fight."
Hanalee drops her hammer to her side. "Acceptable terms. Go in peace," she says to the warriors. She extends her free hand towards The Grim Man (TM) and motions for the mercs to hand him over.
OOC: Heh, enjoy The Grim Man (TM)!
8 PM
Unknown Claim
Two of the human warriors go collect the trios belongings, one later separating to later light two torches. The third stands over the grim man, doing no harm, but not handing him over.
"Forgive us, we've dealt with our share of those acting in bad faith of late."
"You'll have him, and we'll be on our way. We just find distance good sense."
After 3 rounds they seem ready and start to leave, grim man propped as best as possible on the bush. They carry two torches, cautious & searching as they leave, the last walking backwards with an eye towards you all. They are heading back the way you came, to the boomtown.
----------------
As you rush to the grim man to see if he's OK, you note they did excellent work. The last blow was likely the one that left a lump on the back of his head. He'll likely be out for anywhere between first watch. (one to four hours)
"I don't know who's claim this is, but I've had enough excitement for one night to not finish walking back to town with an unconscious body in tow," says the ex-hostage.
What do you do? And where will you rest for the night?
OK, I am assuming "fade to black" rest at the unknown claim.
edit: no further wandering encounters.
Last tidbit.
Upon checking the bodies Hanalee & Caden note the psycho lead woman and the male thug have naturally stabilized.
What do you do about them? They, like the grim man, will recover to 1 HP and consciousness in 1d4 hours. You are pretty sure no one else is watching, and they sounded like bad people.
Hanalee looks for some rope to bind the thug and the leader lady, assuming she can use some of whatever they used to hold their hostage. She nudges Caden. "We could seek out ol' Billy Good Legs in town--see if the sheriff may offer a bounty on these thugs..."
I will naturally assume you both search them for hidden weapons while binding them. I also assume night watch shifts, with giving the grim man a long rest to fully recover, to make sure the prisoners don't escape (and kill you while you sleep).
When you bring them back to town they are surly and uncooperative and try to escape as far as their bounds allow. The psycho woman seems particularly frenzied doing so. When you approach town within sight distance she calms and becomes frightening acquiescent.
I'll start you two in the morning by the well in part 2, with the results of them in jail and reward by Johnny Good Legs.