Against the Cult: Party at the Mill (1.1)

Oct 22, 2015 4:15 pm
The Kingdom of Keoland is bordered on the east by the vast reaches of the Dim Forest. The town of Hochoch sits on the edge of the Dim Forest, on a road leading east through a narrow southern finger of the forest to the Gran March capital of Hookhill. Cecily Raptor has offered you employment as location scouts for opening a new Dungeon Busters franchise in the area, so you're in town inquiring about the area, and so far there is no need for adventurers here in town. But you keep hearing vague talk about trouble in Orlane.

It turns out that Orlane is a small farming community that was established in a fertile stretch of land between the Dim Forest and the Rushmoors, on the road to Hookhill.

This town of Hochoch was host to several groups of adventurers in the past, including Cecily's own party back in her adventuring days. As such it has all the usual amenities, which seem to have been founded or at least influenced by adventurers: a tavern ("the Grumpy Cube"), an inn ("The Inn of Eternal Rest"), various retired adventurers who can serve as class trainers and might be inclined to part with/produce magic items for sufficient gold, a general goods store ("Fantikaflar's Fantastic Items"), a smithy, a temple, and a stables ("Mord's Mounts"). If you can think of it, Hochoch probably has it...except for actual adventure. For that, you'll need to go elsewhere.
Oct 27, 2015 5:44 pm
Ogbar looks around at all the permanent buildings. Never having been in a real town before he is overwhelmed, though he has heard stories of them before. He looks to his companions for guidance, unsure of where to find the adventure that Cecily is looking for, "What do we do now?"
Oct 27, 2015 6:49 pm
Aanbo kneads the dirt and stone with his bare feet. He is perpetually covered in a fine dust of earth, something he claims helps him attune himself with the rock. The monk shifts the weight of his pack over his brown robes, then pulls a rosary of large rounded stones from within a fold in his sleeve, strung with metal.

He considers the paths before them, fingers rolling each bead slowly through his rough and calloused palm. "If this being our new home," says Aanbo thoughtfully, "perhaps we look at that inn. They ought to know about Ms Raptor, and could have rooms for lodging while we find some place more permanent."
Oct 27, 2015 7:12 pm
Ogbar shifts uncomfortably at the word 'permanent', "Where would we find an... inn?" This is all so overwhelming for poor Ogbar, who's not used to so many people, and such closed-in spaces, it all feels so unnatural.
Oct 27, 2015 10:33 pm
"We could walk around," says Aanbo, "or we could ask someone." He turns to look at the large barbarian and pauses, sensing the discomfort. He says, calmly, "Dinnae worry, lad. We'll take it one step at a time."
Oct 27, 2015 11:26 pm
A half elf comes strolling out of one of the larger buildings near the center of settlement. He wears scale armor and has a sheathed spear resting upon his shoulder. He approaches the monk and his companion(s) bows politely and smiles broadly at them.

"Greetings friends! I am called Quest. I too am an associate of Cecily Raptor and one who wishes to assist in her plan to establish a force to protect the people of these lands. My mentor and I arrived last night and have acquired rooms the Inn." He indicated the building he just exited. "I'm sure you are weary from your travels. Come we will get you settled into your rooms and you can freshen up a bit, knock the road dust from your shoes and then we will eat and discuss the first steps toward our mutual goals."

Quests eyes drop to the ground for a moment taking in the monk and the veneer of dirt he keeps upon himself and raises an eyebrow. It quickly drops back into place and Quest gathers himself before turning and escorting his new comrades to the inn.
Oct 28, 2015 8:34 am
I am with, but distant from, the main group. I stand on the road, my back to the town, staring out at the forest in the distance. I feel... distant. Distant from my home. The pangs of homesickness start to overwhelm me, and I remind myself why I had left. The natural world cannot be protected from within. I must reach out to the people of the world, show them why they should protect the wilds and show them how the wilds will protect them in return. When I hear a familiar voice I spin, and see the lovely and gentle man I had met years before when my journey began. He was younger then, and travelled with a teacher. They had shown me kindness where others had left me on the street to starve in the rain.

In several long strides I cross the gap between us and fling my arms around his neck, giving Quest a fierce embrace, "Quest! It's been ages!"

Hope you don't mind the retro-storytelling foolsmask. If you do, I can edit it and pull back on the 'writing of history' - if you're on board, then great!
Oct 28, 2015 8:38 am
The Inn of Eternal Rest is a broad, sprawling two-storied building that could be fortified without too much difficulty: the rooms are arranged around a central courtyard, with a wide entrance consisting of a double-gate currently flung open. There is currently a driver and his team pulled into the courtyard, while a couple of men unload supplies from the back of the driver's wagon. Smoke curls up from the chimneys sticking out of the roof, and an elf is hanging clothes on a line stretched between balconies overheard to dry. The smell of cooking game wafts out to you and your mouths water. The stables are on the far side of the courtyard; closer at hand is the common room, with shuttered doors that have been propped open. A few tables have been dragged out into the sun, and various people sit and talk good-naturedly with one another and a man, a woman and a halfling scurry around, serving food and drink.
Oct 28, 2015 11:45 am
http://i.imgur.com/Lg7eXn2.jpg

Thacogygax turns his scaly head from Aanbo to Quest and back as they speak of inns and lodging. Aanbo has known Thacogygax for some time - the two of them had been traveling companions before joining Cecily Raptor's company together - and should be accustomed by now to being turned away from inns and homesteads no doubt because of his strange draconian friend.

Thacogygax is not of this world. He is a refugee from a war that raged across the planes and destroyed his homeworld. He had been forced to fight in this war as a slave soldier, a living, breathing, utterly dispensable weapon. Marooned on this world he resembles a dragonborn of blue ancestry. Members of that race seem to accept him well enough. But even they sense a strangeness about him that makes them not to want him around them for very long. Which is why he is grateful for Aanbo's acceptance and friendship, and hopes there will be others of a like mind.

As the group approaches the inn, Thacogygax's battle-honed mind immediately notes its potential as a defensible stronghold. Shaking such warlike thoughts away, he notices the welcoming sight of the tables set outside. And savors the cooking smells. Perhaps it won't be so bad here. "Well built, this place seems. Rest weary bones, we might, Aanbo Earthshaker."
Oct 28, 2015 12:37 pm
Staggering a little under the fierce embrace of the young ranger, Quest lets out a hearty laugh and returns the embrace.

"Ha ha, Sara! I heard you might be signing on! It is great to see you."

Sensing the dragonborn's apprehension at entering the village proper Quest turns to him and says, "Fret not, sir, Cecily has done much to garner goodwill among these people. We advised them that some of our comrades may be exotic in form or deed. You may encounter one or two strange looks, but that should be the extent of it. If not, you have friends to help navigate these unfamiliar waters."
Oct 28, 2015 3:51 pm
Klak steps out from the Inn of Eternal Rest and pats his belly -- and is confronted with what appears to be a very motley crew of people. He stands in the doorway, blinking in surprise -- his task of the day having rather been swept from his mind -- no doubt by the elves.
Oct 28, 2015 7:30 pm
Aanbo watches the activity, and nods to the tall dragonborn. "Aye, those who walk the same paths find common ground beneath their feet," he says, and adds with a wink, "It's also been a while since you and Ogbar have had something better to eat than vegetables and soup, eh?"

The dwarf steps forward and raises his hands, folded together in front. It is a strange gesture of greeting and friendship. "Peace and tidings to you all," he says. "You must have been given word of our arrival from Ms Raptor. I am Aanbo." He parts his hands to indicate his companions. "This is Ogbar, and this is Thacogygax."

Then Aanbo folds his hands together again, and bows his head. "We are grateful for your hospitality. I hope you did not extend yourselves with our troubles."
Oct 28, 2015 7:47 pm
Ogbar looks around at the motley crew that they've assembled and nods, he can tell they are all competent individuals, much better than the weaklings he has seen since leaving his home.

"Greeting are good, but ale and mutton are better!" he says, getting impatient and hungry.
Oct 28, 2015 8:42 pm
Turning Klak around politely but firmly by the shoulders Quest leads the party into the inn.

"Yes, of course Cecily gave us your names, but it was my mistress, Lady Mironind who told me that I would find you on the road just now! Come, sit I will introduce those...oh...um...she left I guess. Well she does that from time to time. She likely felt her services were needed elsewhere. Oh well, maybe next time. Anyway! Let's sit. Inn keeper! We need food for my friends. And lodging, time to work your trade." You can tell Quest is disappointed that his teacher is not here. But he recovers quickly.
Oct 29, 2015 6:01 pm
"Well, I suppose I could have a little more..."
Oct 29, 2015 6:14 pm
Aanbo greets the two dwarves warmly. "Solid earth and good delvings, kinsmen," he says, hands folded before him.

The monk follows the group into the inn, and to the offered table. He does not sit immediately, preferring to stand back and observe the gathering. He is relaxed, and tucks his hands into the sleeves of his robes.
Oct 29, 2015 6:45 pm
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The halfling swings by the table, sets down some tankards (pewter, not glass as shown here), and smiles warmly at seeing the motley band. "Adventurers! Devane will be pleased to see you and talk to you himself. What can I get for you? We have mutton stew and good bread ready, but I can let Cook know that adventurers are here and he'll be happy to oblige you if you need something else."
Oct 29, 2015 6:47 pm
Ogbar stares down at the 'little man' in wonder, he's never seen someone so small before, "Mutton and ale," he says to him.
Oct 29, 2015 7:08 pm
Klak nods to Aanbo. "Hello there. Strange company you find yourself in. Everything alright?" As the halfling approaches and offers food and drink he notes, "I've just finished a meal, but..." He looks around some more, "I suppose I could find a spot for another tankard of ale, please."
Last edited October 29, 2015 7:09 pm
Oct 29, 2015 9:00 pm
"Strange to most eyes, yes," says Aanbo. "But even though the land may be covered in grass or water, what lies beneath is the same."

Turning to the halfling, Aanbo politely declines the offered food, but does ask if there is water or hot tea available.
Oct 29, 2015 9:19 pm
Taking the mug of ale, Quest perks up at the name Devane. "I am happy to take the stew and bread please. And who is Devane? We are eager to find work for our brave band, what should we expect from this person?"
Last edited October 29, 2015 9:23 pm
Oct 29, 2015 9:26 pm
Klak furrows his brow at Aanbo, clearly confused at how the conversation got where it did. "Um. Ok."
Oct 29, 2015 10:29 pm
I take a seat beside Quest and smile at the halfling, "I'll have an ale, something bitter if you have it, and a big bowl of hot stew." I glance around the inn and take in the sounds and smells. Odds are, we'll be hanging around this little town for a while and it's good to get accommodated with the inn, as I expect most of our time will be spent here.
Oct 31, 2015 1:11 am
The halfling hurries off to fulfil the orders. As he returns, he is accompanied by the human male, bringing some of the food and drink. https://gorancurcic.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/innkeeper-704650.jpg

He looks at you and beams, speaking to you in Imperial, with a strong Keolish accent. "I'm Devane Thornhill: Tap toll me there were atventurers here, and I wannit to see for miss elf. Welcome to moy Inn of Eternal Rest! Anythink I can do to make ya comfortable, lemme know! These Inn was founted by moy father, ant he used to be an atventurer, too! Most play-aces in Hochoch was cree-ated by atventurers, you know. We love atventurers here, they are like family!"
Oct 31, 2015 6:27 am
Thacogygax smiles at Devane and looks around at the motley gathering. Ever since the war he has never before felt truly comfortable or welcome. People have been kind to him but invariably he has felt merely tolerated, like people are only being polite but would really rather see him gone. Only Aanbo has been sincerely accepting of him, but even Thacogygax recognizes the dwarf is also an exile and strange by this world's standards. The fact that they don't belong has been the basis of their kinship. Even in solitude the land itself - the plants and wild beats, the very air - has felt alien and unwelcoming. But here at the Inn of Eternal Rest with these people it feels...right. Dare Thacogygax hope?
Oct 31, 2015 7:40 pm
https://gorancurcic.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/innkeeper-704650.jpg
Devane smiles, and asks: "So: what brings these group of atdevturers here to Hochoch?"
Oct 31, 2015 8:05 pm
Aanbo remains standing behind the group's table, hands clasped at his waist beneath the sleeves of his robes. He does not answer Devane, preferring to let the other outspoken members of the party speak on their behalf. And in the case of some of the more famished folk, eat.
Nov 1, 2015 7:11 am
"We are here at the behest of Cecily Raptor. Our mission is to establish a branch of her guild where adventurers may come and ply their trade and defend the simple folk from the terrors of this world. We seek fame, fortune and honors that befit the names we will make for ourselves."
As he speaks Quest's chest swells slightly. He appears truly dedicated to these words.
"Do you have deeds in need of doing my good sir?!"
Nov 1, 2015 3:32 pm
Klak nods along with Quest. Fame, fortune and honors sound right up his alley. "And battle -- one must ensure that we are giving our due to Clanggedin Silverbeard as the famed Bardagaskegg created the example before us."
Nov 1, 2015 4:04 pm
Ogbar raises his mug, "For battle, honor, and victory!" He toasts and then drains his mug. "Another, barman!"
Nov 1, 2015 4:14 pm
I take a sip of the ale, letting the liquid wash over my tongue and slosh around in my mouth before swallowing. A fine, well brewed ale has always been something I appreciated about visiting cities and towns. As Quest talks I smile and nod along, he seems very convicted, although I wonder if he's become more idealistic since I last met him. There are many warriors in our little band. Eager for battle and blood. I share in the toast and add, "Of course, we're happy to help with anything." I pause, then add, "And your ale is excellent. Please, give my regards to the brewmaster."
Nov 1, 2015 6:03 pm
As always happens, without meaning to, Thacogygax ruins the mood by speaking his mind in his strange, awkward speech, "Fought battles for decades, did I. War, half my life was. Happiest, if not another battle see I. As long as live I. Alas, this cannot be, know I. No other life there is, for one such. Strife. Yes."
Last edited November 2, 2015 6:42 am
Nov 1, 2015 6:13 pm
Ogbar takes a moment to sort out what Thacogygax said, and then replies, "Bah! When you fight for someone else it's different... We fight for our honor now, and our own glory. Nothing in this world is a greater reason than that!"
Nov 1, 2015 6:29 pm
I clear my throat, as if to excuse that I am about to speak, "Sorry. But, I just think, battles come with great cost. Creatures die, injuries are suffered, lives and the land are forever scarred. A blade should not be swung so lightly as for the sake of honor or glory. Fight when you must, and fight for a purpose greater than yourself." I start to sip my ale, then pause and quickly add, "At least, that's what I think."
Nov 1, 2015 7:55 pm
follsmask says:
"We are here at the behest of Cecily Raptor. Our mission is to establish a branch of her guild where adventurers may come and ply their trade and defend the simple folk from the terrors of this world. We seek fame, fortune and honors that befit the names we will make for ourselves."
As he speaks Quest's chest swells slightly. He appears truly dedicated to these words.
"Do you have deeds in need of doing my good sir?!"
https://gorancurcic.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/innkeeper-704650.jpg
Devane smiles broadly at this.
"Cecily! My grandfather, Wason Thornhill, atventured with her. They party cleared out the wild, which made the east road to Hookhill possible. We owe a lot to Cecily."

He is called away for a few moments, serving some other tables. Tap (the halfling) returns to your table several times, bearing freshly-filled mugs, bread, and bowls of stew, as the party discusses the relative merits of glory as a motive. After a few minutes more, Tap arrives with some nicely steeped tea for Aanbo, accompanied by a young gnome, whom he introduces to Sara. "This is Jerek, our brewer." The gnome blushes, and shakes his head. "No, the brewer's my father; I'm just his assistant. Maybe you've heard of him: Maul Goodbody?" (folks can do a history check if they wish)

Having fulfilled everyone else's orders for the moment, Devane returns with the woman, speaking to her in Keolish. Then he resumes in his accented Imperial: "I was just explaining Soraya my wife to about your boss is Cecily. These wondered if we have any jobs for atventurers..."

http://www.outfit4events.cz/runtime/cache/images/productFull/mna_1319.jpg

Devane's wife Soraya smiles and says hello to you all. The men unloading the wagon drop a cask, which splits with a loud CRACK! Devane rushes off to help. She looks fondly after him, then looks pointedly at Tap, who starts and returns to his work, checking in at the other tables. Then she turns back to the group. She speaks Imperial with a northern accent like some of you.
"Jerek is too modest; he does a wonderful job as our brewer, even if his father's name is still on the sign." Jerek grins and does a little bow. "As for adventure...well, half of this town are retired adventurers, and the other half like Devane are descended from them. Our town wouldn't exist without Cecily; the elf is a legend around these parts. Things have been pretty quiet since The War, however." She pauses, for a moment. "I do hear that there's been some trouble on the east road, though. Some of the traders have returned with weird stories about Orlane. I could introduce you, or point you in their direction, if you like."
Nov 1, 2015 11:46 pm
Aanbo accepts the tea with thanks. He sips the cup, listening to the conversation quietly.
Nov 2, 2015 12:31 am
"No doubt young Master Jerek will be a worthy successor to his father's legacy. As for trouble on the roads, that is exactly the type of news we are interested in . Please, good woman , if you would introduce us that would be a kindness."
Last edited November 2, 2015 12:32 am
Nov 2, 2015 12:33 am
Ogbar perks up at the mention of trouble, listening intently to the woman's explanation.
Nov 2, 2015 6:04 am
Soraya points out a couple of people at the Inn.
While pointing to a human with a long face nursing an antiquated horn of drink: "That sour-looking fellow is Victor "Blackguard" Wilson. Don't let his looks fool you; he's quite a nice fellow. His cousin was living in Orlane until recently, so he probably has some news."

While pointing to a vivacious young woman in the midst of a laughing group: "That's Lienne Vereel; she manages to keep tabs on everything that's happening anywhere."

and then she points to one of the men inspecting the broken cask with Devane. "Kons Gradeskej deals with all the merchants in the region; last week he talked to a trader who returned from Orlane unexpectedly. There's also Jobram Dantavy, but I expect he's over at the Cube this time of day..."

She smiles at each of you. "If you talk to any of them, just let them know Soraya sent you...except for - well, it doesn't matter. My name opens doors. But for now, enjoy your meal and drink. If you need a place to stay, our rooms are dry and comfortable. And now, please excuse me..." Soraya saunters over to another table, and then proceeds to Lienne's table, where she is greeted with a glad cry from the many young people there.

Jerek clears his throat and leans forward conspiratorially. "I heard that they're having problems with giant crocodiles. So close to the Rushmoors as Orlane is, it's not a surprise."

Rolls

Ooh: secret

Nov 2, 2015 6:49 am
Thacogygax recognizes he had caused what sounded like an argument. He shakes his head mournfully. Back home he had always been the funny, lighthearted one. Decades of slavery and war had changed him. Add to that his difficulty with the language, and of course just his alien-ness, often caused...difficulties. He phrases his question as carefully as possible, "Croc-dyles...what are, please?"
Nov 2, 2015 7:41 am
Jerek blinks at this, translating the syntax. He's used to people with varying speech patterns, however, and he quickly elaborates: "Crocodiles are giant lizards with heads like dragons, full of teeth. They wait to jump at prey from the water, then pull them in and tear them to shreds." Jerek seems to have the typical rocking-chair warrior's fascination with deadly things that people who never risk their lives seem to develop.

But, if there are no further questions about man-eating beasts or gruesome death, he will change the subject to talk about all the flavors, aromas and additives one can detect in different ales and lagers, and whether ester or butterscotch is preferable for different holidays. If not interrupted, Jerek shows no sign of stopping his talk about beer, likely lapsing into a dull tale about yeast cultures and/or ideas he has for distillation.
Nov 2, 2015 8:15 am
Once, Thacogygax would have jested with a chuckle that this description of crocodiles describes him perfectly! For fear of being misinterpreted again he simply nods silently. Ogbar is right, there is honor in fighting for what one believes in or holds dear. Fame and fortune, these are fine things. But freedom! Yes, Thacogygax would fight for freedom. Freedom from from chains, freedom from fear, freedom from injustice. Freedom for all.

"Freedom to brew ale!" Thacogygax blurts out unexpectedly, turning confused heads. He raises his tankard sheepishly to cover his outburst.
Last edited November 2, 2015 9:15 am
Nov 2, 2015 8:53 am
I raise my ale and smile at Thacogygax, "I'll drink to that!" I clank my tankard against his, and take a hearty drink. I then return to listening and discussing ale's and brewing with Jerek. Distillation and brewing has always been something that fascinated me, but duties and obligations to the natural world kept me from ever doing more than enjoying a variety of brews and having curious conversations with skilled brewmasters and expert beer drinkers.
Nov 2, 2015 1:45 pm
Chuckling at the outburst, Ogbar will lift his mug and clank it against Thacogygax's. He will then drain his mug and call for another.
Nov 2, 2015 3:41 pm
"Master Jerek, it has been a pleasure to meet you and I wish you and your father all the success this world has to give you. I apologize though, my desire to hear the tale directly from those who have seen the trouble first hand bids me to speak with them. Please, be well, and look for Une again. Perhaps a I will have tales to share when next we greet each other!" Quest moves off to introduce himself to (one of the merchants) mentioned by the inn keeper's wife.
Nov 2, 2015 3:43 pm
Wanting to hear the tale for himself, Ogbar will stand, grab another mug of ale and follow this strange Quest fellow.
Nov 2, 2015 4:23 pm
Aanbo now sits at one of the vacated chairs at the table, next to Thacogygax. He listens to the brewmaster with genuine attention, fascinated by the science involved. Indeed, Jerek's commitment to the craft is remarkable and Aanbo can easily understand it to be the gnome's "way," similar to his own as a monk.
Nov 2, 2015 5:24 pm
Quest recalls that Soraya pointed out the following people:
- "Blackguard" Wilson (whose cousin was in Orlane), drinking by himself
- Lienne Vereel (news monger), in a crowd of laughing people
- Kons Gradeskej (spoke with a trader), who is unloading a wagon in the courtyard

She also mentioned Jobram Dantavy, who is probably at the local tavern.

Which did you want to talk to first?
Nov 2, 2015 7:01 pm
Quest approached "Blackguard" Wilson. He brings another ale to offer as apology for disturbing him should it be needed.

"Greetings sir. My name is Quest Damoran, my compatriots and I are looking to set up shop as adventurers for higher, with the intention of protecting the fine folk of the area. We have heard tell of trouble on the road to Orlane. We understand you have family there, and might have heard of the troubles first hand. Would you be willing to tell us what you know so we might begin our work as soon as possible.?"
Sorry, I wanted to put that in before but got distracted with other business
Nov 2, 2015 8:26 pm
http://www.internet.is/baldurs/asatru-man%20drinks.jpg

Victor "Blackguard" Wilson is a blond man in his mid-30s with receding hair and large chin whiskers, drinking from a horn of ale. He nods Quest and Ogbar to a seat with a dour expression.
"My cousin Svall lived in Orlane until a few months ago. He moved to Hookhill with his family then, and I helped him pack up his stuff. He wouldn't say why they were moving, at first."
Blackguard takes another long draught and licks his lips.
"I kept asking him, and he told me..." Victor leans forward and lowers his voice "...that a huge creature with many heads was appearing at night and stealing children! Svall didn't want his children taken, so he's moved away. Svall was the last family I had in the area. It's lonely here, living on your own."

There's a chuckle, and you see that Lienne Vereel has joined your table.
http://img.costumecraze.com/images/vendors/franco/49186-main.jpg
"It's especially lonely when the widow Mathilda doesn't accept your advances, Victor!" She turns to you both. "I hear that you're asking about Orlane. What I heard was that there's something wrong with the water. Some people say it just went bad, but others think it was deliberate...some kind of poison. The people there have been acting funny lately, that's for sure. It's too bad, because the poisoned water is throwing off trade; Orlane has provided all the best fruit for Hochoch for years, and now other peaches and pears don't satisfy. Nobody dares to try food grown with poisoned water. Someone should definitely figure out what's happened to the water and clean up the mess. Is that why you're here? As adventurers?"

Rolls

Another secret!

Secret

Nov 3, 2015 12:39 am
"Indeed it is ma'am. We seek our fortunes and the safety of folk such as yourselves. Tales such as the three we have heard tonight. We shall set out to right these threats as soon as we can. Pray tell, Master Wilson, could you lead us to your cousin's former homestead, or provide directions we might follow on a map? "

Turning Toth's woman, "And ma'am, I doubt not that you are telling us the tale as you have heard it, but I must ask, why are people still in Orlane if the water is all bad, or how do they get fresh water is perhaps the proper question.
Nov 3, 2015 12:48 am
Ogbar perks up at the mention of a two-headed beast to slay, then sighs in disappointment when he hears about the fruit and water, can nothing be as simple as it seems?

"Sensible people move on when the food and water are gone," he says firmly, "there must be something else wrong there to keep them."
Nov 3, 2015 1:06 am
Blackguard, scowling at Lienne, nods and turns back to Ogbar and Quest. "The east road to Hookhill passes right through Orlane; it's four days' hike from here, two days further to the Gran March border, and 'nother three days to Hookhill." Lienne nods, as she memorizes interesting details about your appearance. Blackguard continues: "You've got the Dim Wood to the north - plenty of monsters in the deep places there - and the Rushmoors to the south. The east road - Cecily's road, some call it - goes through the edge of the Dim and into a valley on the other side - that's where Orlane is. That's about the all of it." He takes another long pull on his horn and then waves to Tap to refill it. "That'll get you there. My cousin's farm was on the east end of town, just north of the road. Little farmhouse with green shutters, if someone else hasn't moved in and repainted them." He squints at you both, and then smiles. "Best of luck to you. I do miss those Orlane grapes. Be glad to get those again. If you are the sort who want an actual map, well, you'd best talk to Leeson Gatloc at the Book."
Nov 3, 2015 4:10 am
Klak has a hard time keeping all the names straight. He does note that Orlane seems to be the place. "It's all well and good to know where's trouble and that we can go fight it. But we're going to need supplies if we're to be based here long term, and won't we need a place to stay that's more eco.. eco.. costs less than an inn?"
Nov 3, 2015 8:51 am
Aanbo remains seated, listening to both Sara and Jerek discuss brewing. He nods occasionally, inwardly finding some familiarity between the pair's experiences and his own philosophies. It is almost meditative, listening the gnome and ranger converse.
Nov 3, 2015 10:10 am
Thacogygax doesn't know what to do next. There seems to be plenty of trouble in the area that needs looking into and some of his companions have gone off to gather news or gossip. But Thacogygax has grown accustomed to taking his cues from Aanbo, and here is the dwarf, taking his leisure. Perhaps Aanbo thinks the others would have an easier time with the locals without Thacogygax to put them off. Yes, that must be it. Thacogygax decides to explore the town on his own. Standing up slowly, he excuses himself "Excuse I..please." and heads for town, intending to walk aimlessly about.
Last edited November 3, 2015 10:11 am
Nov 3, 2015 7:24 pm
Thacogygax wanders about, and sees a fair amount of activity. The town is a small one, with a short wall built around an older section (he finds himself calculating the best angle to breach the wall and stops himself - old habits die hard) and newer homes, businesses and a temple outside the walls. A bridge spans the river to the east, which then starts the East Road. Roads lead north and west on this side of the river.

After a bit of walking, Thacogygax notices a female and her young staring at him. He at first thinks that they are reviling him, but then one of the hatchli...children comes over and says "You're so shiny! Are your scales wet?" The mother comes forward, embarrassed. "Please excuse Nyomba - she's never seen a blue dragonborn before!"
Nov 3, 2015 7:38 pm
"Master Klak you are of course correct. Perhaps we should ask about an old barn or storehouse someone might spare. But in the mean time I suggest we head outside and hear the rest of the news of Orlane. There is Merchant Gradesklej still. Once we have the full picture we can decide which leads seem most promising and which are travelers' fancy. We have a week of travel there and back, and more to deal with the actual threat. If we put the word out that we seek such lodgings on our return we may find ourselves with a roof over our heads and a bed to call our own by the time we return. How does that strike you?"
Nov 3, 2015 8:52 pm
Ogbar is getting impatient to be on the road to adventure (and battle). He waits for Quest to lead the way to speak to this merchant fellow. "We'll find a place to stay, even if it's under the open sky," he says to Klak.
Nov 4, 2015 5:05 am
Thacogygax smiles toothily at the mother and child. "Apologize, you need not. Happy to meet you, Thacogygax am. Touch my scales, you may." Thacogygax holds out his clawed hand for the child. He hopes he hasn't mangled the words too much in his excitement.
Last edited November 4, 2015 2:53 pm
Nov 4, 2015 4:06 pm
Klak nods to Quest, "That seems like a good idea to me. It just didn't seem smart not to have... you know. The solid nature of a base to return to. I like solid things." He looks to Ogbar, somewhat aghast, "The open sky is a trial to be withstood. It's better to have stone overhead."
Nov 5, 2015 12:04 am
As Thacogygax enjoys a rare peaceful interaction with a child, he hears a commotion coming from the south gate of Hochoch. Cries of "What happened, Hale?" and "Who did this?" come from a crowd that has formed around a man slumped in his saddle, hanging on to his horse's neck to keep from falling off. This crowd is moving slowly with the horse; the procession will pass you shortly.

The rest of the characters - Aanbo, Klak, Ogbar, Quest, Sara, and Morgran - can make perception checks to see if they hear the outside hubbub from within the Inn of Eternal Rest.
Nov 5, 2015 12:15 am
Aanbo sips his tea, about halfway done. In his mind, the pursuit of one task at a time to its completion is one of the principles leading to enlightenment. There is always time for additional tasks once the first is done.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Nov 5, 2015 12:27 am
Ogbar gets an odd feeling, like he just heard something. He strains his ears to see if he can hear more.

[Perception Check]
Last edited November 5, 2015 12:28 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Nov 5, 2015 12:33 am
Quest was making ready to head outside to speak with the merchant when something peeks his interest

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Nov 5, 2015 3:15 am
Klak continues to think about the trials of camping aboveground. Never one of his favorite things to do, but it gets him in a pensive mode where it seems he is more perceptive to his surroundings than usual.

OOC: Hahaha! I love that I roll a natural 20 on a Perception check. That's awesome.
Last edited November 5, 2015 5:51 am

Rolls

Klak isn't very perceptive. - (1d20-1)

(20) - 1 = 19

Nov 5, 2015 10:04 am
As the conversation about ales winds down I overhear Klak's concern about having a roof overhead. I finish the mouthful of ale left in my mug and walk over to him, "If you know her secrets, the forests and wildlands of the world are the safest and most comfortable places to rest and recuperate." I smile, then add "I've lived in and around trees most of my life." to reinforce that I do indeed know what I'm talking about.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Nov 5, 2015 4:46 pm
Sara, Klak, Quest and Ogbar all hear a commotion of voices yelling outside; not of the "get out of my flower bed!" variety, but rather people calling for help.

The silent Morgran and the contemplative Aanbo do not hear this, but will of course notice if anyone in the party reacts in a visible way.

Devane and Kons set down the cracked cask they were trying to shift (it's spilling beans into the dust from a big split in the side), dust off their hands, and go to the gate of the courtyard to investigate.

The horse with the injured rider is abreast of Thacogygax now; citizens are pressing in from every direction, shouldering him aside as they try to see and talk to the rider at once. Blood drips into the dust.
Nov 5, 2015 4:52 pm
Hearing calls for help (calls for adventure?) Ogbar will shout to get Morgran and Aanbo's attention and rush outside, drawing his axe as he goes.
Nov 5, 2015 5:00 pm
I follow behind Ogbar, although I am less keen on arming myself. Once outside, I approach the crowd and try and get close to the rider - who must in someway be injured, "Please, clear space. If there are injuries they should be tended to with haste and care."
Nov 5, 2015 5:02 pm
While the pursuit of a single task to completion is key to enlightenment, necessity and urgency do take priority. Aanbo is jarred from his meditation by Ogbar's call, and finally notices the activity in and around the Inn of Eternal Rest. He senses the almost-tangible concern in the air, and leaves his seat to investigate with the crowd.

OOC: Not sure how far I am from the rider, nor how thick the crowd is by the time I can get there, but I'd like to roll Medicine to ascertain the nature of the wound and to stabilize the man.

OOC part 2: Well, I guess my bad roll could be described as not being near enough to tell!
Last edited November 5, 2015 5:03 pm

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Nov 5, 2015 8:03 pm
Aanbo, Sara, and Ogbar all leap to their feet, run out the courtyard and out the gate, passing Devane and Kons, and leaving Morgren snoring on a tabletop as a puddle of ale expands from his overturned mug.

"What's happened?" people yell, as they run to join the small crowd. Thacogygax can easily be seen, looming over everyone else in the crowd. "It's the miller, Hale Arneson!" and "Something's happened to Hale!" and "Somebody go get Diana!" are repeated cries in response. Sara shoulders her way through the crowd to clear a space with Ogbar and Aanbo in her wake, just as the injured human or half-elf slides (leaving a streak of blood on the horse's neck) and falls out of the saddle.

Sara and Thacogygax may do DEX saves to see if they can catch him. Ogbar and Aanbo may also attempt the same, but with disadvantage.
Nov 5, 2015 8:09 pm
Instinct moves Aanbo to attempt to catch the man as he falls, or at least cushion the impact. He almost doesn't even consider the crowd and the legs he has to move through.

Rolls

DEX with Disadvantage - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (15) + 4 = 19

1d20+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

Nov 5, 2015 8:34 pm
Ogbar attempts to catch the man before he falls out of the saddle.

Rolls

Dex save disadvantage - (1d20+1, 1d20+1)

1d20+1 : (19) + 1 = 20

1d20+1 : (16) + 1 = 17

Nov 5, 2015 8:41 pm
Quest has been shouldered out of the crowd. He lets the townsfolk deal with their injured but opens his mind and that of the wounded rider to learn what is happening. Should danger be approaching from the south he is ready to run and face it.

Using Psychic mind to speak with Hale mentally and find out what has happened.
Nov 5, 2015 8:52 pm
Klak is slow to get rolling, but -- takes after his colleagues out into the outdoors. He uses his dwarven bulk, and not insubstantial strength int shoulder through to the front of the line to see what's afoot. Should he see that the injured human, Hale, is seriously wounded - rather than just bleeding from some cut or seven, he asks, "Is there a healer here? If not, I can ask if Clanggedin will help me aid him so that we may be off to battle. I think Silverbeard would be okay with that."

(OOC: If people seem slow to get a healer and he's seriously hurt, Klak will use his ability to heal up to 5 HP)
Last edited November 5, 2015 8:53 pm
Nov 5, 2015 10:12 pm
Amid the commotion Thacogygax's attention is torn between helping the injured rider and protecting the child Nyomba and her mother from the sudden press of people. He busies himself with the latter, but as the rider falls practically at his feet Thacogygax moves to catch him.
Last edited November 5, 2015 10:22 pm

Rolls

DEX - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

Nov 5, 2015 10:27 pm
Almost instinctively, I step forward as the man falls and move to catch him and save him from the force of a sudden impact with the ground.

Rolls

Dex Save - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Nov 6, 2015 2:28 am
Sara catches his shoulders and Ogbar is there too, catching his legs. The horse shies and whickers nervously, both from the smell of blood and the sight and smell of something utterly alien in Thacogygax.

They set him down gently and the crowd parts a bit to make room. Quest tunes out the babble of the onlookers and reaches out to contact the man's mind.

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One of the onlookers responds to Klak: "Rellie has gone to get Diana. She should be here really soon." Aanbo and others can see that the man does not look good, however; it would probably be a good idea to do what you can to stop the bleeding (medicine checks).
Nov 6, 2015 3:00 am
Aanbo hears Quest's voice as though the young half-elf were standing next to him.

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Then the rest of the group hears Quest in their own heads. Again it sounds like he is standing right next to them even though he stands several feet away.

This man was betrayed by a member of his own family. We have here an opportunity. We shall head out now and apprehend the criminals before they have a chance to flee. They likely won't expect such a quick response. Once Aanbo has done what he can for Hale, we should head out."
Nov 6, 2015 4:15 am
Klak looks around, he didn't think Quest was nearby. "Ok. But someone should stop his bleeding if he's going to be alive when the cleric gets here."
Nov 6, 2015 5:46 am
Thankfully, Aanbo still has his pack. He gently parts his way through to Hale and brings out a few dressings, and takes a moment to assess where the worst of the damage might be.

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Nov 6, 2015 7:42 am
I gently lay the injured man on the ground and immediately work to staunch the bleeding and clean the wounds. I use whatever is available, strips of cloth torn from my own tunic if necessary.

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Nov 6, 2015 2:13 pm
Ogbar will stand up and make sure to keep the crowd back so that Sara and Aanbo can work.

Rolls

Str check to keep crowd back - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Nov 6, 2015 3:41 pm
Hochoch was a town founded by and for adventurers, and the crowd recognizes the resolve in Ogbar's eyes as something similar to ma, pa, grandma, or grandpa...and respects it. They keep their distance, reassured that capable hands are tending to Hale. Sara, meanwhile, uses some water from her waterskin to flush out the gut wound and then tears up the man's shirt to staunch the blood (one sleeve) and bind the wadded cloth in place over the injury (rest of the shirt). Now unconscious, Hale smells of blood, horse, and oats. Probably a miller or grain merchant.

The crowd parts respectfully. First Klak and then Quest see the healer, Diana, as she walks up with a teenaged girl. Diana is clearly a cleric of one of the temples or shrines in Hochoch.
http://www.heroesworld.ru/files/data/814/836/1038/Adelaide.jpg

She puts a hand on Ogbar's shoulder and he feels serenity flow from her fingertips. Diana steps past and nods to Aanbo, Thacogygax, and Sara. Then she squats down by Hale, reaches out and murmurs "Rao bless you with peace and health." as she touches the man's bloody torso. The color returns to his skin and he breathes deeper in his sleep. Then Diana looks up at the group and smiles. "Thank you for your help. You saved Hale's life."
Nov 6, 2015 3:43 pm
Thacogygax makes sure Nyomba and her mother aren't crushed by the crowd. "Know him, do you?" he asks, indicating the injured rider.
Nov 6, 2015 3:45 pm
Nyomba's mother nods. "That's Hale Arneson, the miller."
Nov 6, 2015 4:07 pm
I nod, "I'm just glad we reached him in time. Do you have any inclination who might have done this to him? That was a nasty wound. Not likely an accident." I look to those of my companions who are near, "Looks like we might have some business to attend to."
Nov 6, 2015 4:28 pm
Ogbar nods grimly at Sara's words and rests his axe on his shoulder, ready to leave as soon as he knows who he has to kill.
Nov 6, 2015 4:50 pm
Quest has returned to his room and gathered his possessions. He is standing near the South Gate donning his armor looking for someone among the towns folk who might be willing to guide his part to the mill, or at least clear directions.
Nov 6, 2015 4:57 pm
Sara is confident that she could track the blood and hoofprints.
Diana replies: "Hale works the mill down by the Realstream, south of the bridge. I don't know who could have done this, but if Hale was hurt, then others at the mill might be in danger."
You all recall that Quest spoke into your minds moments ago, something about Hale being betrayed by 'a member of his own family.'

Quest is pretty sure he could lead the group to the mill with his eyes closed.
Nov 6, 2015 5:04 pm
Aanbo sits back on his heels as the group gathers itself. Meditatively, he shoulders his pack, but in his mind he struggles to remember the teachings from his monastery about Medicine and bandaging wounds. Regretfully, he thinks he should have paid attention more to those lessons than playing with his brother.

He shakes off the memories. It does no good to reflect on this now, when there is an immediate task requiring his attention. He looks around for Thacogygax and makes ready to leave.
Nov 6, 2015 5:06 pm
I nod to Diana, "We'll investigate." I join Quest at the south gate, check that I have my weapons and that they are in proper order, then turn and begin following the road, remaining mindful of the hoof prints and blood tracks.

If there's a check to be made, I'm not sure if it's Nature or Survival. Happily, I've got +3 in both

Rolls

Check (just in case) - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Nov 6, 2015 5:11 pm
Ogbar will travel at the front of the group with Sara, both to be first into battle and to assist in tracking.

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Nov 6, 2015 5:13 pm
I'll say Survival is used for following a path, whereas Nature would be telling information about the creature from the traces/tracks it has left. So in this case, Survival.
Nov 6, 2015 7:32 pm
Klak takes up position behind Ogbar. As a holy warrior of Clanggedin, he feels strongly he should be near the front unless specifically directed to provide rearguard, and in this case a rear guard seems unnecessary.
Nov 6, 2015 7:33 pm
"Hello, there! Xana Beren. Down here, tallfolks! Hope I'm not too late to the party! Had a bit of business to attend to first, if you get my meaning." I give a wink, then pat a small bag of gold in my pocket. "Great job back there, by the way. I tried to make my way over to help that poor man, alas, I was rudely shoved aside by some ugly, hulking individual. In any case, I'm ready to help in any small way I can!"
Nov 6, 2015 10:06 pm
As the group moves out, Quest welcomes Xana and fills the group in on what he knows.

"Well met Xana, your timely arrival is most welcome. As you see we have a situation. This is why we are here. To help these people and protect them. Hale was assaulted by his son-in-law, Keb. We don't know why yet, but Keb brought a gang of with him then attacked while Hale was honoring guest rights. This betrayal seems unwarranted and our goal should be to bring these men to justice. That means we take them alive if possible. They will likely fight back, but do your best to subdue them.
Nov 6, 2015 10:44 pm
Aanbo does not question Quests's insights, nor the previous one-sided conversation from earlier. The world is full of differences, after all.
Nov 7, 2015 12:12 am
"Well now, I'm a lot later to the party than I expected! Great reconnaissance work! Soo, subdue them, eh? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Dunno 'bout you but I think we can handle a bunch of wannabe tough guys easy enough!"
Nov 7, 2015 9:19 am
I keep my focus on the task at hand, following the tracks and reaching the mill, but I lift my head and shout back when I hear the familiar voice, "Xana! Still fulla' old tricks!"
Nov 8, 2015 2:28 am
Sara, Ogbar and Quest easily follow the tracks of memories and blood to the mill to the southeast, leading the group on a wending path through various alleys and avenues of the new city outside Hochoch's walls. Then there is a town green, some open fields, and the mill on the other side, its wheel slowly turning in the current of the Realstream. It appears to be a single large building with two entrances visible on the side facing you across the open space.
Nov 8, 2015 3:15 am
"Do you think they are inside?" Klak asks no one, in particular.
Nov 8, 2015 3:46 am
"If the cowards haven't run off yet."

Quest peers at the building looking for signs of movement in the windows.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Nov 8, 2015 4:45 am
Klak readies his battleaxe and his shield, ensuring he's prepared if anyone comes rushing out.
Nov 8, 2015 6:31 am
Ogbar, preferring the direct approach, walks up to the front door and opens it.
Nov 8, 2015 7:44 am
Aanbo nods to the newcomer, Xana, as they walk to the mill. "Hello, and welcome," he says, and introduces himself. He greets the gnome with folded hands, clasped in front, and bows.

When the group reaches the mill, the monk waits patiently as Ogbar and Klak settle in front. Similar to Quest, Aanbo looks around, but focuses his attention on the property itself, studying any noteworthy areas of interest and seeking to glean some insight as to the nature of this... conflict.

Rolls

Perception, Insight - (1d20+3, 1d20+5)

1d20+3 : (8) + 3 = 11

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

Nov 8, 2015 8:04 am
I ready my bow and wait to see what Ogbar discovers by opening the door.
Nov 8, 2015 8:18 pm
Thacogygax looks for a good vantage point for a barrage. Preferably high ground.
Last edited November 8, 2015 8:19 pm
Nov 9, 2015 5:15 pm
I follow Ogbar up until he approaches the door, standing about 30 feet behind him so I can jump in at a moment's notice if it turns out no one's home.
Last edited November 9, 2015 5:15 pm
Nov 9, 2015 10:35 pm
The mill building is a few stories tall, and the edge of the mill wheel can be seen past the left/north side of the building, turning counter-clockwise with the flow of the Realmstream. (map posted to thread)

Ogbar and Xana pass a hitching post as they cross the open area in front of the building where carts come deliver their grain to the mill. As they approach, they are presented with two sets of double-doors, with a large window with open shutters just to the right of the doors on the left. Peering in, they can see dim vertical shapes, as of pipes or shafts, and can hear the groaning of the large wheel being turned by the river on the other side of the building. Going back in time a moment to allow you to choose (having more information), you are both about 30' from the doors. Which set of doors do you choose to fling open?

Quest sees that, on this western side of the building, there are several shuttered windows: one on the ground floor (already mentioned: open), three on the second floor (one on the left is open, the other two are closed), and two up under the eaves of the peaked roof (both closed). None of the windows have glass; they are openings with shutters that can be swung open or closed. He gets a sense of movement from the open windows, but never quite catches sight of anyone at a window. Aanbo notes that there are no carts or horses in evidence, so no one is dropping off grain or visiting the mill, except on foot. The fact that the doors are closed is odd for a business during the day.

Klak and Sara have arrows nocked, ready to draw and fire, from a short distance back behind Ogbar and Xana (about 50' from the building). Thacogygax figures that there would be plenty of rocks to hurl from either atop the knoll (which peak is about 100' from the mill) or from the rocky shore (which starts about 50' downstream of the mill). He can't help calculating how many hits it would take to collapse and destroy the building.
Nov 10, 2015 2:45 am
Aanbo looks around at the group. He sees that they are ready for conflict, and thus does not feel the need to point out the lack of business for this time of day. Given the immediate situation, it would likely just become a distraction.

The monk catches the attention of anyone nearby, and motions that he will proceed around to the northern side of the mill. He takes a wide berth, mindful of the windows and possibility of a ranged attack. Aanbo reasons that if someone inside were to flee, they would head away from the town and towards the forest to the north.
Nov 10, 2015 5:08 am
Quest calls out in a loud clear voice as he slowly advances on the building, his spear out in front ready to engage, "Keb, my name is Quest Damoran! We found Hale. We know the crime you have committed. We offer you and your cohorts the opportunity to surrender now, or we will be forced to come in after you. You will stand trial for your crime. There is no where you can run. Make this easy on your selves. Any person who exits now before we enter will be taken prisoner and remain unharmed. If you do not surrender we cannot make the same promise. Make your choice now!"
Nov 10, 2015 5:18 am
Aanbo begins to mahe his furtive way around to the north.

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He sees that there is another set of double-doors on the ground level (also closed) and a window (shutters open).

Quest calls out his warning; Ogbar and Xana, make perception checks.
Nov 10, 2015 5:35 am
Thacogygax heads south, towards the rocky shore. He figures it would do well to cover possible escape via the river. With gestures, he makes his intentions known to Klak and Sara.
Nov 10, 2015 5:43 am
Aanbo continues his arc north. At Quest's call, the monk chances a glance at the mill to see if there is any reaction.

DM note: I apologize; I wanted to put a roll in here to give a hint that it was opposing your roll, but I forgot the bug/undesirable feature that my edits lose your character attribution.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

DM roll - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Nov 10, 2015 5:47 am
I wait, watching the mill for any signs of movement. I wonder if they'll actually give themselves up. I guess we'll find out soon enough!

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Nov 10, 2015 6:37 am
Xana hears hasty muttering from inside, but can't make out the words or even from which window(s) the sounds are coming; even so, it's pretty clear that the people inside are surprised and trying to figure out what to do.

Thacogygax lumbers over to the south, unconsciously exactly mirroring Aanbo's movements to the north. As he steps onto the river rocks - plenty of ammunition here, I could hold this for a day or more - he sees that there's a wide window in the mill facing south, with the shutters hanging partway open. There's also a pier or dock jutting out into the water from the east side of the mill, though there are no boats at the dock at the moment.

Aanbo, are you heading for the doors, the knoll, or somewhere in between?

Long seconds pass, with no apparent response to Quest's challenge.

Rolls

DM roll - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Nov 10, 2015 1:18 pm
"Alright, let's head inside. Thacogygax, Aanbo, cover the exits and watch for runners. The rest of us will go in and mop up the scum. Remember, these men need to answer for their crime, but we gave them the chance to go quietly."

Quest makes his way toward the door.

Rolls

Initiative (if needed) - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Nov 10, 2015 2:12 pm
Ogbar approaches the left door, listens for a moment and the opens the door, axe ready.

OOC: Wow, I missed a LOT. I apologize

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(8) + 1 = 9

Nov 10, 2015 4:00 pm
Aanbo positions himself somewhere between the mill and the rising knoll. He stands with his hands clasped at his waist, within the sleeves of his robes. His bare feet knead the dirt and grass, and he breathes meditatively, mumbling a chant with each exhale.

OOC: Not sure of the scale on the map, but at best guess I'm positioning myself in the middle between the double doors and the foot of the knoll.

Rolls

Initiative (if needed) - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Nov 10, 2015 4:50 pm
Klak moves with Quest but, being a dwarf, suspects he should be in front because dwarves were made for the front line. "This will be just like the assault on the armory at Scintiliana by Fus! I should be in front." Shield and axe are at the ready. Given that Ogbar went left, Klak goes right and he will attempt to open the door. If locked or barred he will either break it down or push a dwarven-sized hole through it.

OOC: Feel free to let me know if there are rolls I need to add and I shall do.
Nov 10, 2015 7:21 pm
Durren strides towards Hochoch, his long sword slung across his back. A large tome is under his arm and he hums snatches of elvish song or practices pronunciation of a strange language as he goes. He passes under the arch of the South Gate and follows the road into a town square of sorts. He notices a smithy, a shrine to some strange god, a peddler yelling his wares, a general store, and an inn. He stands in indecision for a moment - both the general store and inn entice him - but he decides to try the inn first. He walks towards it. Looking up, he sees the sign above the door: The Inn of Eternal Rest. Strange name... he thinks. Then he ducks through the low doorway and into the relative dark of the inn.
Nov 10, 2015 7:31 pm
Here's where the group at the mill is:
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1TzNBUWV6RTFUNDg

Everyone who is at the mill and hasn't already, please roll initiative.
Nov 10, 2015 7:43 pm
"I guess there's gonna be trouuuuuble."

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Nov 10, 2015 8:57 pm
I keep a steady aim, ready to fire at a moment's notice without hesitation.

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Rolls

Init - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Nov 10, 2015 9:12 pm
Durren steps into the inn. The interior is dark, but he can see fine. There is a group of peasants clustered around a tall woman bending over something on a table; Durren's interest is peaked, and he steps towards the group. What happened? he asks. A man is lying on two tables pushed together as the tall woman works on his wounds. There is a long slash on his gut, and his cloths are caked with a black substance - probably his own blood. This is our town miller. He was attacked, we don't know by who. A group of adventurers just went off after them. Durren took another look at the miller. Seemed to be a good face. Durren had lost his appetite after seeing the miller, so he stepped outside for a quick look around. He was just in time to run head-on into an oncoming Kobold. The lizard cursed and pushed past him. Durren gave the reptile a dark look and was about to head back out when the Kobold cursed again and sprinted back out, almost knocking Durren over. Durren's ingrained hatred for Kobolds kicked in, and he gave the fleeing lizard another dark look. Seems to be up to something... An image of Selena passed through his head, being dragged behind two Kobold warriors. Durren looked left and right and followed the Kobold, making sure that the lizard didn't know he was following.

Rolls

Perception (just in case) - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Nov 10, 2015 9:20 pm
Klak rarely lands the first blow, but he always hits something in the end...

Rolls

Initiative for Klak - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Nov 10, 2015 9:21 pm
The Kobold continued to weave through the crowd, heading east out of town. Durren followed, ducking behind buildings to hide from the lizard, who would look around every few moments. Finally the Kobold passed out of the town and into the land beyond. Durren was forced to keep a much larger distance between himself and the reptilian anthropoid, sometimes going by only the sounds made by the Kobold's passing. The creature led a path through the woods heading toward the river. It turned north, then back east. Soon it slowed, and Durren crouched in the underbrush. The Kobold seemed to be searching for something. Then it swore again, this time in a language Durren did not understand. It began muttering, then drew a wicked-looking dagger from it's belt.

Rolls

Stealth (avoiding Kobold attention) - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Nov 10, 2015 10:49 pm
Initiative.

Rolls

initiative - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Nov 11, 2015 1:30 am
Shiztik was terribly confused. Black had told him to meet at the Mill. He'd explained it many times to Shiztik so he could understand where to go. Shiztik was sure he knew the Mill, near the big running Water and not far from the nasty surface worms' houses. He'd just been there, after all! But when he'd seen the two worms fighting, Shiztik had thought he would do Black a favor and finish the job. But the miller worm had mounted a big shaggy thing and gone away faster than Shiztik could follow! Still, Shiztik had followed, to finish the job. Black would be so proud of Shiztik!

The miller worm had gone into the buildings and Shiztik was bewildered. Was he going to be able to kill the miller worm? Shiztik had snuck into the nasty house to kill the miller worm, and another worm saw Shiztik! Shiztik couldn't believe it - how had Shiztik been seen? Shiztik is so sneaky! Normally no worm could see Shiztik! He cursed being aboveground, exposed, out of Mother Dirt, and fled. But the worm man followed, and Shiztik couldn't remember his way back to the Mill!

Shiztik headed for the big running Water, not caring whether the worm man was following in his desperation to get back to Black. Shiztik had been away for too long! Surely if he found the Water again, Shiztik could find the mill.

Shiztik came in sight of the Water again, and was thrilled when he found the Mill after a few moments of scanning the shore. He began to make his way out of the trees, but then Shiztik stopped. No! Shiztik cried, hissing in frustration. There are no trees by the Mill! This was the wrong Mill! Cursing the stupid worm men for having more than one Mill, Shiztik drew his knife, wary now of being followed again. Maybe he could find his brothers first, before the Mill...

Shiztik trots off, and Durren follows. But this time Shiztik is trying to be stealthy.
Durren, roll a Survival check to follow the kobold.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Nov 11, 2015 1:43 am
Durren watches the Kobold as the creature hisses and converses with itself. He wishes he knew more about Kobolds - if he did, he would take the Kobold on, but they might have something which he didn't expect. He drew his sword and waited for further developments.

OOC: I think I need to roll a History check to try to decearn things about the Kobold, correct? I also need to roll something to make sure the sword doesn't make too much noise...

Rolls

History - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Stealth (? To keep my sword silent) - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Nov 11, 2015 1:56 am
Durren remembers elven lessons about humanoid reptiles from the demi-plane of shadow, who organized a revolt against the gods and invaded the world eons ago, until they were driven back by the combined might of elves and eladrin.

Could kobolds be the mortal descendants of those dread extra-planar creatures? Durren can't recall, and the kobold is vanishing into the shadows beneath the trees. Completely silently, Durren draws his blade and moves to follow.

Durren, roll a Survival check to follow the kobold.
Nov 11, 2015 2:01 am
Durren slides through the brush after the Kobold, his sword drawn. He pulls his hood up over his head and concentrates on the weaving, ducking creature quickly disappearing in front of him.

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Nov 11, 2015 2:15 am
Ogbar and Klak smash open their respective doors with little resistance.
Xana rushes through the doors behind Ogbar, and Quest rushes in behind Klak.
Each pair finds itself in a separate room.

The room on the left is the actual mill; it is filled with the sound of grinding grain from the giant stones rubbing against one another in the center of the room. The rest of the room is very cluttered, filled with vertical and horizontal pipes, gears, staircases, a trio of men wrestling, stairs leading up, stairs leading down, a door to the left, a door to the right (between the staircases) and a closed trap door between you and the millwheel. The whole confused scene flickers with the alternating shadow and light of the millwheel, spinning outside the open window in the back.

The room on the right appears to be the sales room; two long tables serving as counters with chairs behind them frame the entranceway; a half-open window to the right lets in some illumination, with another open window looking out over the river to the back. Under that window are a row of barrels and stacks of sacks next to a giant hopper and two vertical pipes. A closed door is on the left wall, and there are four grim men here. Two are running to get behind the table on the right, while the other two flip their table on the left over, making a bit of cover for themselves.

Sara can see little inside the Mill, but she can take her ambuscade action now. She can rush into one set of doors behind the others and then act (move and action), she can roll perception with DISADV to peer inside the Mill first, or she can, of course, do something else.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Candi
Aanbo and Thacogygax have heard all the interactions so far, and see the four party members enter.

Following that, this is the initiative order for the first round:
Aanbo (16)
Xana (15)
Thacogygax (12)
Ogbar (9)
Klak (8)
Quest (6)
Sara (5)

Ogbar and Xana, please roll perception checks.
Nov 11, 2015 3:00 am
I scan the room for anything of interest. "No welcoming party? Well, I guess we'll have to do the welcoming then, won't we?"

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(18) + 2 = 20

Nov 11, 2015 3:31 am
Ogbar takes in the view of the room before entering.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Nov 11, 2015 7:52 am
Here's the inside of the mill:
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1aVdieFo1eGY3V0E
Nov 11, 2015 8:04 am
CouchLord0510 says:
Where is this goblin going?
Here's the route so far:
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1QzlYSlhqWkVIUUk
RED indicates Shiztik's route out to the mill, GREEN indicates the route it's taking after it realizes it's gone to the wrong mill.

Shiztik has no idea that Durren is following it (his stealth roll still applies), but the kobold is naturally a small, adroit creature, and it is weaving through the trees and underbrush of a small copse of trees now. Durren, roll an Athletics check to dodge around the shrubbery, or your choice of some other skill or ability you can justify using to avoid getting slowed down by vegetation.

Rolls

DM rolls - (1d6, 1d10+3, 1d20)

1d6 : (2) = 2

1d10+3 : (10) + 3 = 13

1d20 : (12) = 12

Nov 11, 2015 8:14 am
As they burst through the doors, Xana just notices another figure slipping down the stairs.
Nov 11, 2015 8:35 am
Lacking a clear shot, I hustle towards the right-hand doors and lean up against the wall, just beside the door frame.

Ambuscade: Move
Nov 11, 2015 12:00 pm
I run to follow the figure down the stairs. If it's a chase they want, they've got it! Although there is only so fast my little legs can go...
Nov 11, 2015 12:18 pm
Durren follows the Kobold, but has to dodge underbrush. The creature continues to weave his way south, and Durren is curiuos as to where he is headed.

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Nov 11, 2015 4:12 pm
Shiztik weaves through the bushes and Durren bounds over them in his silent pursuit of the kobold, gradually gaining on the little reptile. The copse ends and the creature rushes across an open green towards a row of houses; Durren can see the bridge across the Realstream river at some distance off to his left; there is some traffic on the bridge heading west into town: a bunch of wagons, arriving from Hookhill or Orlane, possibly.

The kobold dodges in between a gap in the fence behind the houses, and Durren vaults the fence with ease. The kobolds slips under some washing hanging on a clothesline to dry, startling a woman and child who are preparing to clean a rug with a rugbeater.

Durren, roll an acrobatics check to somersault under the clothesline and avoid colliding with the people cleaning.
Nov 11, 2015 5:10 pm
Aanbo remains where he is. His self-assigned task is to prevent the suspect(s) from escaping this way. However, he remains perceptive to any indication that his assistance is needed inside.
Nov 11, 2015 5:18 pm
ROUND ONE

Thacogygax and Aanbo are astonished at Sara's speed as she blurs into motion, rushing up to the cover of the mill's walls, just to the right of the right set of doors. Glancing inside, Sara sees the two men flip over the table next to Klak and Quest.

Aanbo, you give me a perception roll with disadvantage, and/or tell us what you're doing, as you're at the top of the player initiative list.
Thacogygax may also do a perception check with disadvantage.

Xana sees movement and instinctively jumps after it, running down the stairs on the right. She comes down into darkness, and her eyes adjust. The room is filled with the motion and noise of the mill works: giant gears turning, groaning with the torque of the water wheel outside, which in turn spin connected gears and the vertical shafts connected to them. A door on the wall to your right is open. A large pipe or shaft descends in front of you into a U-bend and then rises back up into the ceiling. The man you've followed has ducked underneath this and calls into a passage in the far wall, shouting above the noise. "Get out here, skinks! We've got trouble!"

Upstairs in the mill room, the wrestlers do a double-take, seeing that the doors have bashed open. Two of them toss aside the third man, who falls weakly to the floor, and they circle around the mill wheel on either side to flank Ogbar. Just before they get there, a pair of large shaggy war dogs come snarling down the stairs from above, one leaping for Ogbar, the other continuing down the stairs after Xana.

http://static.deathandtaxesmag.com/uploads/2013/01/Ferocity.jpg

Ogbar takes 3 HP damage as the war dog sinks its jaws into him; he must also roll a STR save.


In the office room next door, the thugs on the right make it behind the table and prepare to flip it over.

Actions can be declared in any order, so you don't have to wait for someone before you in initiative, but the actions will occur in initiative order.

Complete initiative order:
War dogs
Aanbo
Men in mill room
Xana
Men in office room
Thacogygax
Man downstairs (and whomever he's calling to)
Ogbar
Klak
Quest
Sara

Rolls

DM rolls - (1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (14) = 14

1d20 : (19) = 19

Shaggy war dog attack on Ogbar, damage on hit - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (18) + 3 = 21

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Nov 11, 2015 5:24 pm
Aanbo unfolds his hands, letting them rest by his sides. He watches the area, hopeful that events inside the mill are proceeding nicely. If any of the suspects flee his way, Aanbo intends to be ready to intercept them.

Rolls

Perception, Disadvantage - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (10) + 3 = 13

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

Nov 11, 2015 5:55 pm
Ogbar, surprised by the sudden assault, attempts to stay on his feet.

Rolls

STR Save - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Nov 11, 2015 6:02 pm
I continue after the man, attempting to catch up to him. I barely have to duck under the pipe in my pursuit. "Hey there, I just want to talk!"

OOC: I attempt to get within 10 feet of him.
Nov 11, 2015 6:33 pm
OOC: I'm waiting to see what the men in the office room do (since they act before me) I'm hesitant to start hacking at strangers with my axe unless they're obviously bad guys.
Nov 11, 2015 8:56 pm
Durren rolls under the clothes line...
Last edited November 11, 2015 9:12 pm

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Nov 12, 2015 2:11 am
OOC: Like Klak(Falryx), Quest will need to see what the men in the office intend before he takes action...I mean there is still a chance they will surrender right?
Nov 12, 2015 2:50 am
Durren clears the clothesline and darts past the people on the other side, causing a startled exclamation to escape the woman. He ducks behind a barrel as the Kobold whirls around to investigate the cause of the scream. The woman goes back to beating the rug, and Durren hopes the Kobold does not suspect.

OOC: I need to roll a Stealth to avoid the Kobold's attention, right? Or should I roll Survival?

Rolls

Stealth (avoiding Kobold attention) - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Nov 12, 2015 8:55 am
ROUND ONE, CONTINUED

Initiative order:
- War dogs - moving and attacking (done)
- Aanbo prepares to fight anyone leaving the mill to the north. He thinks he hear a strange clicking noise for a moment, but when he tries to listen more closely to determine a direction, he doesn't hear it again.
- Men in mill room - tossed victim aside, moving to flank Ogbar (done)
- Xana is within 10' of the man she chased downstairs, and realizes that a dog fully as big as she is charging up behind her. Having moved, Xana can do her action later in the round and move to that point in the initiative, or wait until next round.
- Men in office room - flipping tables for cover (done). The tables are 4' deep (now tall); characters can reach, climb, or vault over but these men have half cover while the table is between them. Klak sees that the men are armed with clubs and sneering, hostile expressions.
- Thacogygax is up; in addition to whatever move/action, he may do a perception check with DISADV.
- Man downstairs (and whomever he's calling to) ran down the stairs and has not noticed Xana behind him (done).
- Ogbar is a rock, and remains standing as the dog hits him at full speed and rips into his forearm. Ogbar stares at it mutely for a moment as the dog bounces off of him. He still has a move and an action as the two men move to flank him and the dog develops a taste for barbarian.
- Klak can declare move/action. Klak may also roll an Insight check to grok the intentions of these bruisers.
- Quest may declare move/action, and roll an Insight check similarly.
- Sara thinks she has a shot, though the men behind the table on the left have half cover. If she wishes to figure out the intentions of these men, she may also roll an Insight check. She also has the normal move/action.
Nov 12, 2015 9:40 am
It's very quiet and peaceful where Thacogygax has chosen to take position. He takes a deep breath and enjoys the gurgling and splashing of the river. Faintly, he can hear the millwheel creaking. It occurs to him that he should have cast one of his cantrips to maintain communication with one of the others. Sara perhaps. Thacogygax shrugs. Well, too late now, as he can't see any of them. Surely they'll call out if there's any trouble.

Rolls

Perception (Disadv) - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (10) + 3 = 13

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

Nov 12, 2015 9:42 am
CouchLord0510 says:
OOC: I need to roll a Stealth to avoid the Kobold's attention, right? Or should I roll Survival?
Note from DM: Stealth to avoid detection. I'm using your first roll, still - the kobold has not detected you yet. Survival is not used for avoiding detection, though it is used for a bunch of things, such as following a trail (part of tracking). You already have successes at Survival, Athletics, Acrobatics, and Stealth.
Nov 12, 2015 9:43 am
Shiztik crosses the road and ducks under one of the wagons entering Hochoch from the east. Pursuing the kobold, Durren dodges between the wagons and one of the oxen bellows at the disturbance. Shiztik has given up all pretense of stealth now, and assumes that all the noise is just humans being startled and upset at finding a reptile man in their midst (Durren's stealth remains effective, and the kobold is not trying to detect him).

On the other/south side of the road, a series of fields growing grain spreads out, sloping gradually down to a line of trees in the distance. The kobold scurries right into the waving stalks of wheat near the eastern edge; Durren can see his progress by the waving of the long grasses like a wake behind a boat.

Durren can continue slowly gaining on the kobold just by running into the field with no roll (as his move speed is higher), he can roll another Athletics check to try to smash his way through the wheat a bit faster, he can skirt around the fields so he's not slowed down at all and roll an Insight check to figure out where the kobold will emerge from the wheat, or you can come up with some other check for Durren to make (and describe how it applies). Let me know which one you choose.
Nov 12, 2015 9:49 am
ROUND ONE, CONTINUED

Thacogygax is enjoying the peace and quiet, water bubbling over his claws, but then he hears a series of crashes from the mill, as of breaking furniture (really just the tables being flipped), and he also sees glimpses of movement through the half-open shutters. He can still move/act in response.

Ogbar is also up now.
Nov 12, 2015 10:00 am
Hearing furniture breaking - and is that a dog barking? - sounds of what could very well be a struggle, Thacogygax rushes towards the building. In the back of his mind he wonders if he should've stayed where he was to cover possible escape routes, but he is committed now. He makes it to the nearest door and takes in the scene inside.

OOC: Unless I'm mistaken, the nearest door is the one Klak & Quest went through.
Nov 12, 2015 10:02 am
Flipping tables, assuming defensive positions.. Do these men mean to fight? I reflect as I take cover behind the wall and prepare an arrow.

I'm assuming the insight check doesn't require my action? If it does, I'm not going to take it.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Nov 12, 2015 10:02 am
Jabes.plays.RPG says:
OOC: Unless I'm mistaken, the nearest door is the one Klak & Quest went through.
Note from DM: Correct; a double move has brought you right to outside that door, next to Sara.
Nov 12, 2015 10:05 am
Candi says:
I'm assuming the insight check doesn't require my action? If it does, I'm not going to take it.
Note from DM: Correct, in this case. Sometimes I may use Insight as part of a conversation, but in this case, it's just a snap assessment of a situation, not a full action.
Sara has seen that look in men's eyes before. These thugs have heard Quest's challenge and ignored it. They're out for blood.
Nov 12, 2015 1:25 pm
The barking and snarling get more persistent as I run. When I turn towards the sound, I see a bear the size of a house barreling towards me. Instinctively, I cover my head with my arms and project an aura of warmth and friendliness.

OOC: Fey presence- As an action, you can cause each creature in a 10-foot cube originating from you to make a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC (12). The creatures that fail their saving throws are all charmed or frightened by you (your choice) until the end of your next turn.
Nov 12, 2015 1:39 pm
A look of supreme disappointment comes over Quest's face, He didn't really expect them to stand down, but he hoped.

"You had your chance."

Quests eyes fill with an Azure light and he turns to his right to look at the nearest man. Then that man's eyes fill with the same light and his head fills with pain.

::Using Mind Thrust. The attack uses the target's Int score as their AC. There is no disadvantage for attacking at range while a target is within 5 feet. This power seems a little OP right now, but that is how it is written up.::

Rolls

Mind Thrust vs. Int. - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (14) + 5 = 19

1d8 : (4) = 4

Nov 12, 2015 1:45 pm
spaceseeker19 says:
Durren can continue slowly gaining on the kobold just by running into the field with no roll (as his move speed is higher), he can roll another Athletics check to try to smash his way through the wheat a bit faster, he can skirt around the fields so he's not slowed down at all and roll an Insight check to figure out where the kobold will emerge from the wheat, or you can come up with some other check for Durren to make (and describe how it applies). Let me know which one you choose.
OOC: Am I tall enough to see over the grain? I am 6'1". I'll write two courses of action, depending on that fact. The Athletics roll applies to the "IF TALLER" course, the Insight to the "IF NOT TALLER" course.

IF TALLER: Durren watches the Kobold run for a moment, then dashes into the grain. He can still see the Kobold's weaving path, and he cuts corners on the creature, closing the distance even more. He decides to put up his sword so as to be able to move faster; there is no immanent danger... as of yet.

IF NOT TALLER: Durren watches the Kobold run for a moment, then darts around and along one side of the field. He sprints around the field and arrives on the other side. Has the Kobold emerged yet?

Rolls

Athletics (to push through the grain) - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Insight (Detect Kobold) - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Nov 12, 2015 2:31 pm
Ogbar is enraged by the dog's sudden assault and lets out a cry of rage! He hefts his axe and takes a powerful swing at the dog.

Bonus action to rage, then attacking

Rolls

Attack/Damage on Dog - (1d20+4, 1d12+4)

1d20+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

1d12+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Nov 12, 2015 2:44 pm
I step out into the middle of the doorway, quickly take aim, and loose an arrow at the target I identify as the most exposed. Without waiting to see if the arrow hits its mark, I cross to the other side of the doorway and put my back against the outside wall.

If i understand I was on the right side of the door, and with this attack I am moving to the left side of the door - so that I am between the two doors and can more easily provide aid to either fight, as my allies require.

Rolls

Longbow - (1d20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

Damage - (1d8+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

Nov 12, 2015 7:45 pm
Klak sees combat unfold and moves around the table to his left to confront the cudgel-wielding man. "For Clanggedin!" he bellows and he holds his shield high as he makes a mean swipe with his battleaxe.

Rolls

Whack-a-man - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (9) + 5 = 14

1d8 : (4) = 4

Nov 12, 2015 8:39 pm
Xana ducks at the dog's approach and instinctively draws upon her connection with the ArchFey Hyrsam. Abruptly, she is struck by the hilarity of the situation and small giggle escapes her lips. The effect radiates outwards and washes over the shaggy, snarling canine. The dog stops, puzzled, its great fuzzy head quizzically cocked to one side. Then it stretches out its front paws and pants enthusiastically, its tongue lolling and slaver dripping from its massive jaws. A deep yip of a bark escapes and it wags its tail, hoping to play.

Upstairs, Ogbar roars back at the dog, spittle flying, and lashes out with his axe. The first swipe misses, slicing off a big hank of the dog's fur but not connecting with its flesh. The two of them are locked in melee: a whirling ball of fur, fury, and gleaming metal. Their bodies slam together and rebound again and again as the dog dodges the axe swings and Ogbar uses his elbows and knees to knock the dog's snapping head away from him. Neither is able to connect again for a few moments as they whirl around the room.

Next door, Klak engages the first thug behind the table on the left, contemptuously redirecting the first clumsy swing with his shield and stepping around the table while the thug swings his club back around. They trade blows, neither really connecting, but the dwarf clearly is the superior fighter, and the man gives way slowly. Klak pushes out with his shield to bash his opponent and the man blocks it with both hands, leaving his flank undefended. Klak's axe carves into the man's thigh, splitting the leather armor and the flesh beneath. The man screams in pain and surprise. Villagers he's bullied have never fought back like this.

Meanwhile, Quest's look of disappointment transforms into disapproval so profound one thug takes a half step back. But it is no good feeling remorse now; the fierce gleam of blue light flashes from his eyes and the rumor of a whine beyond hearing is felt by all nearby. The mystic enters the thug's mind and is not pleased with what he finds there. He sets off all the pain synapses in his nervous system. The second thug recoils as his buddy shrieks in a seizure so severe that he cannot even fall down as every muscle in his body vibrates with rapid contractions in opposing directions. Further, the man knows that Quest has peered inside his mind and feels intensely violated in a way he never imagined possible. Quest feels the intense hatred as a boiling yet impotent force within the man as the man instinctively imagines how he will enact his revenge for this intrusion.

Having taken careful aim and let fly her shaft, Sara steps across the doorway and sees the mystic's victim - the body twitching, the agonized shrieking from a vibrating mouth - and so does not see the arrow she shot as it flits above the table's edge and catches the man in the eye, impaling him into the wall behind him. Also through the doorway, she sees the other thug behind the table on the right preparing to bash Quest, while to her other side are shutters that she could fling open for a view into another room, where Ogbar and Xana went.

One man in the right hand room is dead, and two there are wounded.

Rolls

War dog's save (WIS) - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Nov 12, 2015 9:18 pm
Durren sheathes his sword and dives in between the stalks of wheat, following the kobold's path as it swishes through the grain. Contrary to what he expected, the kobold does not seem to be trying to lose him, but perhaps is simply instinctively avoiding scrutiny, as its path doesn't change, and it continues to rush south, flitting between the stalks while the larger human punches his way through. The kobold emerges just a second and a half before Durren and ducks around one of the elms that border the fields.

As Durren follows, he sees the kobold rushing past the easternmost of a more rustic row of houses, heading toward a low hill and the river. They've been running for perhaps a minute; Durren is not winded, but he is somewhat surprised at the kobold's speed and stamina; he thought reptiles didn't have that much energy.

Durren is able to cut the corner as the kobold veers slightly to the left to avoid the houses, and if he wishes he can close the distance, though the kobold might hear his footfalls and react if Durren doesn't attack. The human is still curious as to why the kobold is running around like this - is it going somewhere? Surely this isn't normal kobold behavior!

Rolls

DM roll - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Nov 12, 2015 11:31 pm
Durren decides on a plan. He wants to see if he can pull it off; it's a reptile - how smart can it be? He accelerates past the houses and cuts the Kobold off. The creature lets out a sound something between a hiss a squeal and a snarl and brandishes his knife. Durren assumes a haughty air and addresses the creature in a mixture of Imperial and Undercommon: "Stupid beast! Your master sent me; I've been trying to catch you all this time! I'm a new recruit and he told me to find you and that you would take me to him. So put away your dagger and talk or I'll slit your wide open." He puts his hand menacingly on his sword hilt and waits for the Kobold's response.

OOC: I'm assuming I can talk to the Kobold? What language do they speak? I'm also going to roll a persuasion check - or should it be animal handling? I'll do both; whichever applies you can use.

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Animal Handling - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Nov 13, 2015 12:57 am
ROUND TWO

The war dog continues to try to tear at Ogbar. It leaps at him and tears his throat with its teeth.
Ogbar takes 5 damage (reduced from his Rage resistance). Ogbar is bleeding horribly, red spraying from his neck, but he's still standing, ignoring the nasty wound.

Unfortunately, this attack by their pet bolsters the swaggering confidence of the two thugs in the room with Ogbar, and they step in, swinging their clubs to take down this interloper. But they are squeamish about the spraying blood and can't get close enough past the swinging blade and the snapping jaws to land a good hit; their clubs rise and fall, pounding Ogbar repeatedly but ineffectually.

Aanbo hears screams of agony, snarls, barking, yells of fury and the clash of arms from within the mill, and he sees Sara fire an arrow through a doorway as she steps past and then nock another. Clearly, there is furious battle happening in the mill.

Meanwhile, in the office of the mill, the wounded thug (Thug 3) is fighting for his life against the implacable Klak. Again and again the man swings his club with all his might, hammering at the dwarf's defenses, but the shield is usually there to block it, and when it isn't, the dwarf takes the hit coldly and keeps implacably swinging his axe. Oh, the axe! The human must be quick with his cudgel to knock away the deadly axe's blade, already slick with his life blood. With each swing his arm grows heavier, and the damned dwarf keeps coming.

Recovering the use of his limbs after the profound violation of his mind by the half-elf, thug 4 hammers Quest with his club, screaming insults and curses and spittle as he bashes him again and again across the cover of the table. Quest is able to anticipate his moves, reacting with Intellect Fortress, however, his lip curling in irritated disdain, as the blows land painfully but glancingly, doing no real damage (Edited to accommodate the DISADV on the attack from Quest's Intellect Fortress discipline).

Thug 5, horrified at the sight of his cousin across from him with an arrow sticking out of his eye socket, goes berserk with his club, and smashes the half-elf with his club, using two-handed, full-bodied swings, knocking Quest's head back and forth. The half-elf staggers, his head ringing, seeing stars. Quest takes 3 HP of damage and must make a CON save to maintain concentration.

Initiative order:
- War dog (done)
- Aanbo
- Men in the mill room (done)
- Men in the office room (done)
- Thacogygax
- Man in the basement
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak
- Quest
- Sara

Note that I did not need to roll a DISADV on Thug 5's attack on Quest; Quest gets only one reaction per turn, and that was against Thug 4's attack.

Rolls

War dog bite - (1d20+1)

(20) + 1 = 21

Bite damage with crit - (2d6+1)

(36) + 1 = 10

Thug 1 (mill room) attack, damage on hit - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (7) + 1 = 8

1d4+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

Thug 2 (mill room) attack, damage on hit - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

1d4+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

Thug 3 (office room) attack on Klak, damage - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (12) + 1 = 13

1d4+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

Thug 4 (office room) attack on Quest (cover), damage - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (16) + 1 = 17

1d4+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

Thug 5 (office room) attack on Quest (cover), damage - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (18) + 1 = 19

1d4+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Thug 4's DISADV attack on Quest (Intellect Fortress) - (1d20+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Thug 5's DISADV attack on Quest (Intellect Fortress) - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Nov 13, 2015 1:13 am
OOC: Does Aanbo need to roll another perception check to notice that things aren't going well?
Nov 13, 2015 1:28 am
CancerMan says:
OOC: Does Aanbo need to roll another perception check to notice that things aren't going well?
I've updated the round two post to indicate that you are aware of the battle, both from sound, and from the sight of Sara firing her bow into the building. Aanbo may still act, but it will take a full move action to get to either the north door (closed), north window (closed), the water wheel (rolling 'toward' you, if that makes sense), or two moves to get around the corner and through the "left" door (open, where Ogbar and Xana went moments ago).
Nov 13, 2015 1:45 am
Ogbar is angry, swinging wildly at the beast!

I'm raging, and thus only took 5 points, right?

Pretty sure I just wrecked that dog, and maybe even cleaved through it to the next guy?
Last edited November 13, 2015 1:46 am

Rolls

Attack/Damage - (1d20+4, 1d12+4)

1d20+4 : (15) + 4 = 19

1d12+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

Nov 13, 2015 2:05 am
Things seems protracted, and not the quick and simple job everyone wished it would be. Aanbo heads towards the mill, to the north door, and check whether it can be opened.
Nov 13, 2015 2:22 am
I throw my hands up and outwards into the air like I've got fistfuls of confetti, and suddenly a shiny red ball appears, bouncing soundlessly to and fro, tantalizingly close to the beardog's snout. Then I continue chasing after the man as the ball seemingly follows 30 feet behind me, continuing to bounce.

OOC: Casting "Minor Illusion"- You create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. The illusion also ends if you dismiss it as an action or cast this spell again. The image can’t create sound, light, smell, or any other sensory effect. Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, because things can pass through it. If a creature uses its action to examine the sound or image, the creature can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the illusion becomes faint to the creature.
Nov 13, 2015 2:41 am
CancerMan says:
Things seems protracted, and not the quick and simple job everyone wished it would be. Aanbo heads towards the mill, to the north door, and check whether it can be opened.
Aanbo runs up to the door, and can fling it open - it is not locked or blocked.
Nov 13, 2015 2:44 am
Naatkinson says:
Ogbar is ... raging, and thus only took 5 points, right?
Correct; I've amended the original post. Likely you will kill the dog and cleave into one of the thugs, but we'll resolve that after Thac0's turn (just in case he decides to do something to effect your fight).
Nov 13, 2015 3:00 am
Meanwhile, down in the basement:

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1dGFvVUZYX1dWekU

Xana ("Xa" on the map) is in the dark almost adjacent to the man ("M") she chased down here. He has not noticed her because of the dark. The big friendly monstrous war dog ("D") is next to her. She can hear several somethings approaching from the tunnel, reacting to the man's cry.

I thought I'd give you a better visual, in case you wanted to amend your stated move to follow the man, as he's stopped moving and you're so close.

Xana should also roll a perception check as a bonus action.
Nov 13, 2015 3:03 am
OOC: What happens with Durren and the Kobold?
Nov 13, 2015 3:05 am
Funny you should ask; I was typing this as you posted...
CouchLord0510 says:
Durren decides on a plan. He wants to see if he can pull it off; it's a reptile - how smart can it be? He accelerates past the houses and cuts the Kobold off. The creature lets out a sound something between a hiss a squeal and a snarl and brandishes his knife. Durren assumes a haughty air and addresses the creature in a mixture of Imperial and Undercommon: "Stupid beast! Your master sent me; I've been trying to catch you all this time! I'm a new recruit and he told me to find you and that you would take me to him. So put away your dagger and talk or I'll slit your wide open." He puts his hand menacingly on his sword hilt and waits for the Kobold's response.

OOC: I'm assuming I can talk to the Kobold? What language do they speak? I'm also going to roll a persuasion check - or should it be animal handling? I'll do both; whichever applies you can use.
Inspired! You don't know what language they speak, so your decision to default to Imperial is probably wise: nearly everyone has a smattering of the language, even if he or she is not from Keoland. Who knows where a little toad like this hails from, anyhow.

Shiztik is astonished at your appearing in front of it.

Durren should roll an intimidation check to pull a fast one on the kobold.
Nov 13, 2015 3:20 am
Durren stares the Kobold down, hoping his bluff goes over.

Rolls

Intimidation - (1d20-1)

(4) - 1 = 3

Nov 13, 2015 3:51 am
I slow down as I approach the man, looking around as I do so.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Nov 13, 2015 7:27 am
Seeing Quest beset on two fronts, Thacogygax utters an arcane phrase and waves a scaly claew at one of the club-weilding thugs. Hoarfrost starts to form on the man's limbs.

Nearby, Klak battles another thug. But where are Xana and Ogbar? Thacogygax follows Sara to the connecting door and peers into the next room through the shutters.

Frostbite vs. Thug 5. DC14 CON save or take 1d6 cold damage and DISADV on next attack.

Rolls

Frostbite damage - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Nov 13, 2015 12:14 pm
Quest and Klak appear to have the situation relatively under control, so I step out in front of the other doorway and see Xana has vanished and Ogbar is taking on two men by himself, the corpse of a war dog mangled at his feet. I loose an arrow at one of the thugs and return to my cover, pressing my back up against the wall between the two doors.

Rolls

Longbow - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Damage - (1d8+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Nov 13, 2015 6:59 pm
ROUND TWO, CONTINUED

Aanbo flings open the north door to the mill, letting in more sunlight to the battle between Ogbar, the dog, and the two thugs. (If you decide that you didn't want to open the door, we can revise this)

Thacogygax draws upon the magical energies in the air around him and steps past the doorway, flicking the elemental energies inside the mill as his huge bulk casts a shadow into the room. Then he is gone and is hulking in the left-hand doorway, watching Ogbar, the dog, and the two thugs as well.

The man in the basement, satisfied that he's delivered his message, turns and begins to feel his way back through the darkened basement, muttering something like "...let's go back and get 'em, eh?" He starts in surprise when he hears Xana in front of him. "Brian? Is that you?"

Behind him, the hole in the wall disgorges a pair of small humanoids bearing picks, who can clearly see in the dark, as they rush over to Xana, hissing in broken Imperial: "Is this gnome an enemy? Smash her?" The man replies: "Her? Gnome? Yes!" They attack, swinging their picks viciously.
Xana is hit repeatedly with the picks, taking a total of 7 damage.

Ogbar rears back and swings, connecting with the dog in mid-air and chopping it in half. The blade continues in its arc, slicing the left arm off of Thug 2, who falls back screaming in existential horror, dying. The barbarian screams in rage as his axe swings back around and carves into the abdomen of the remaining thug, who screams as well, desperately trying to fend off the dancing, whirring blade. "HELP! HELP!" he yells in agony.

Updated view of the basement:
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1ZnlBd2dQaHN3Zk0

Initiative order:
- War dog (done)
- Aanbo (done)
- Men in the mill room (done)
- Men in the office room (done)
- Thacogygax (done)
- Man in the basement (done)
- Xana
- Ogbar (done)
- Klak
- Quest
- Sara (action submitted)

Rolls

Thug 5 CON save - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Fiztik's attack on Xana (ADV) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d8-2)

1d20+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

1d20+4 : (14) + 4 = 18

1d8-2 : (1) - 2 = -1

Spivslicks's attack on Xana (ADV) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4, 1d8-2)

1d20+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

1d20+4 : (20) + 4 = 24

1d8-2 : (8) - 2 = 6

Critical hit damage on Xana - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Nov 13, 2015 7:21 pm
"Hey!! That's not very nice!!" If I'm able to disengage, I'll run back the way I came.

OOC: Casting "Arms of Hadar"- You invoke the power of Hadar, the Dark Hunger. Tendrils of dark energy erupt from you and batter all creatures within 10 feet of you. Each creature in that area must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 2d6 necrotic damage and can’t take reactions until its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage, but suffers no other effect.
Last edited November 13, 2015 8:37 pm

Rolls

Damage - (2d6)

(64) = 10

Nov 13, 2015 7:58 pm
Updated Round Two positions in the mill upstairs.

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1Tk5JdFp0aFVIZkU
Nov 13, 2015 8:12 pm
Klak is a dwarven dervish of defense, his shield constant rising to the challenge of the thug's cudgel. "Had enough yet?" he grunts. Spotting an opening, Klak takes a swing with his battleaxe, pushing his shield into the thug's face to conceal his move.

Rolls

Klak attack. - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

1d8 : (3) = 3

Nov 13, 2015 8:14 pm
ROUND TWO
https://nerdnight.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/black_tentacles_by_archanor.jpg

Everyone at the mill feels a black feeling of despair and a hideous coldness as Xana opens a connection with Hadar, the Dark Hunger, the Terror from Beyond. Hadar's foulness forms itself within the gnome, foul excresence that vomits forth from her mouth and nose, while a oily liquid feeling within her skull drains out of her ears and around from behind her eyeballs. This vile blackness whips out and probes every living thing in the basement, leaving a gross stain on every surface. The probing tentacles burrow into the orifices of the two reptile miners and the war dog, draining their life force directly from their brains. Their bodies fall, shriveled and dead. The man staggers as the tentacles caress him and drain his life, unable to see anything that's happening, bewildered and horrified. He begins to gibber.

Thoroughly nauseated and with the dread that comes from any contact with extra-dimensional abominations inimical to all life, Xana staggers back upstairs.

Mama said there'd be days like this.

Rolls

Man STR save - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Reptile thing 1's STR save - (1d20-2)

(17) - 2 = 15

Reptile thing 2's STR save - (1d20-2)

(2) - 2 = 0

Fuzzball's STR save - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Nov 13, 2015 8:36 pm
ROUND TWO

Klak and the thug he's fighting both shiver in horror as the coldness washes over them, and the shiver takes some of the force from the dwarf's blow, bruising the man rather than cleaving into him. They continue to trade blows, circling around each other, hammering, pounding and slicing, each looking for an opening.

Sara steps into the doorway next to Thacogygax, takes careful aim into the room, shivering from a terrible sense of cold, exhales and releases, then steps back against the wall. Her arrow silences the terrified screams of the dying man spraying blood all over the mill wheel, which is a relief to everyone still standing.

Aside from Quest, that's everyone's turn 2. Unless your moves are dependent on the Mystic, you can start to submit your moves for turn 3.

Initiative order:
- Aanbo
- Man in the mill room (Thug 1)
- Men in the office room (Thugs 3 - 5)
- Thacogygax
- Man in the basement (gibbering)
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak
- Quest (waiting for turn two actions)
- Sara
Nov 13, 2015 8:39 pm
Shiztik hisses, whether in frustration or derision.
"You not with Black - you too good!"

The kobold runs off again, making for the low hill that rises just a few yards away.

Durren can make a perception check in addition to other actions.
Nov 13, 2015 8:43 pm
Ogbar is feeling even more confident, with only one man remaining. Can anyone stand against his might? He swings again and again at the remaining man.

Rolls

Attack/Damage - (1d20+4, 1d12+4)

1d20+4 : (16) + 4 = 20

1d12+4 : (1) + 4 = 5

Nov 13, 2015 9:08 pm
Aanbo takes a brief moment to assess the situation. He sees Ogbar engaged with a single opponent, and the blood and bodies surrounding them indicate that the barbarian is doing pretty well for himself. Aanbo notices the weakened man near the wall and hurries over to check on his condition.

OOC: This is the man that was wrestling with the thugs, right?

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Nov 13, 2015 9:40 pm
Durren growls frustration and sprints after the Kobold. The creature was below him, sprinting toward another mill building. There were sounds of a struggle coming from inside, and Durren unsheathed his sword, prepared for combat.

Rolls

Perception (just in case) - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Nov 13, 2015 10:47 pm
Klak continues working over the thug, who is remarkably capable at evading his blows. Not for the first time in his like Klak wonders if he'd be able to hit things more if his arms weren't quite as short. Nonetheless, he powers through his stature looking for a likely opening to dispatch the thug so he can get to the other side of the room and finish the job.

OOC: I keep forgetting to add my STR to damage, so it'd be 1d8+3 - or in this case 11.
Last edited November 13, 2015 10:48 pm

Rolls

hack-attack - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d8 : (8) = 8

Nov 13, 2015 11:10 pm
Quests unleashes another mental assault on Thug 4 looking to take him out of the fight.

His head turns and he sees the next man. once again, his eyes flash a brilliant blue light and the same light fills the eyes of the thug, but this time, it somehow seems more intense. ((Spending 1 Psi point on the attack against thug 5))

::Sorry, got busy around the house. Didn't realize things were moving so fast. Turn 2 action to hit Thug 4. turn 3 action to hit Thug 5, edits to add these notes and to roll critical damage on Thug 5...poor bloke. I think I melted his brain.::
Last edited November 13, 2015 11:21 pm

Rolls

Mind Thrust vs. Int. (thug 4) - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (17) + 5 = 22

1d8 : (8) = 8

Mind Thrust vs. Int. (thug 5) - (1d20+5, 2d8)

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

2d8 : (88) = 16

crit damage - (2d8)

(52) = 7

Nov 14, 2015 12:08 am
I run back upstairs looking for my friends. If they're not visible or are otherwise engaged, I will attempt to hide while keeping my eye out for the man who may or may not be coming back up the stairs. Or, you know, for some slightly easier target. Preferably one far away who can't stab at me with pointy things.
Last edited November 14, 2015 5:41 am
Nov 14, 2015 2:55 am
(Edited by DM to adjust/add some details...)

Durren hears the screaming of a human in mortal agony and accelerates up the hill past the kobold. He crests the rise and looks down a long, gentle slope to another mill. A dwarf stands in the open doorway on the north side of the mill facing him. As he runs down the slope to investigate, a young man or slim woman that he can just see standing around the corner of the Inn takes aim with a bow and fires it. The screaming is cut off abruptly. Looming next to her is a small blue dragon walking on its hind legs. Running the rest of the way to the nearest entrance, Durren trots through the northern door of the mill, sword ready. His eyes take a moment to adjust to the dimness of the interior, at which point he sees quite a strange assortment of characters, though he can't tell as of yet who he will fight...

Durren, roll initiative.
Nov 14, 2015 3:23 am
Shiztik is relieved when the Big Man (Durren) passes him and heads over the hill after hearing the human screams. The kobold thought the Big Man was chasing him, and was worried how it was going to shake him. Now that the Big Man has left, Shiztik slows down and searches the hillside...*Somewhere around here...Aha!*
Nov 14, 2015 3:37 am
CouchLord0510, I've just edited your previous post to get you to the mill in a more direct way than coming in through the western door. I'm sorry about that; I was going to get you to the mill in about two more posts anyway. Please roll initiative.
CouchLord0510 says:
OOC: who is left in the building? Thugs, I mean...
Durren can see five people inside the mill: the dwarf has walked in and is helping a prone man on the floor, a gnome just coming up the stairs, and two humans covered with blood in mortal combat, staggering around the mill wheel in the center of the room. One has an axe and is streaming blood from a gash in his neck, and the other wields a club and is streaming blood from a gash in his side.
Nov 14, 2015 3:44 am
ROUND THREE

Aanbo inspects the man on the floor. He's covered in flour and wears an apron, rather than the leather jerkins the others wore. He has blood on his hands, and looks like he's been beaten about the head and shoulders.

Aanbo also sees movement out of the corner of his eye, under the stairs that lead upward.

Rolls

DM roll - (1d20+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Nov 14, 2015 3:47 am
Durren clutches his sword and tries to decide who he is for. He notices that there are several thug-looking men already dead and decides to try to separate the two warriors.
Last edited November 14, 2015 3:56 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Nov 14, 2015 5:31 am
END OF ROUND TWO

The blows from the club gash his scalp and rock his head to the side, but Quest never takes his eyes off of the man he'd invaded (Thug 4). His cold, unblinking stare is unnerving to the human, who hesitates for a moment despite all his rage. The half-elf straightens again, raising his head as the other human behind Quest is beating him and Quest's eyes flare cerulean once more. The thug facing him (#4) makes a brief mewling noise, then all his muscles contract violently, and then relax in death. The man behind Quest does not understand what is happening, or why his friend has just passed out, or how the intruder is able to stand under his rain of blows. The club is beginning to crack, but Quest stands there with immense disdain, and slowly begins to turn toward the weak-minded fool who is attempting to harm him.

Twelve seconds have passed since Ogbar first stepped through the mill's door.

END OF ROUND TWO.

Round three initiative:
- Aanbo (checking on the fallen man)
- Man in the mill room (Thug 1)
- Men in the office room (Thugs 3 & 5)
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak (move submitted - attacking Thug 3)
- Durren
- Quest (move submitted - attacking Thug 5)
- Sara
Nov 14, 2015 5:46 am
ROUND THREE

A previously concealed (but just now spotted by Aanbo) man steps out from where he was hiding under the stairs. Perhaps he's cowardly, or perhaps he's just going for the closest target, but he rushes up and attacks the dwarf with a sword and a yell. We'll call him Thug 6.

Next door, Thug 3 makes a last-ditch effort to try to save his own skin, by trying to disarm Klak (Klak must make an Athletics or Acrobatics check).

Thug 5 does not have this option, as Quest is apparently unarmed and is still effortlessly killing his friends and, terrifyingly, freezing him without even looking at him! He redoubles his smashing with his club, breaking it over Quest's head with his savagery.

Rolls

Thug 6 attack on Aanbo, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6+1)

1d20+1 : (13) + 1 = 14

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Another DM roll - (1d20+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

Thug 5 attack on Quest, DISADV, damage - (1d20+1, 1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (19) + 1 = 20

1d20+1 : (6) + 1 = 7

1d4+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

Nov 14, 2015 5:57 am
Seeing Aanbo under threat, Thacogygax steps into the room to intervene.

Frostbite vs. Thug 6. DC14 CON save or take 1d6 cold damage and DISADV on next attack.
Last edited November 14, 2015 5:57 am

Rolls

potential damage - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Nov 14, 2015 6:00 am
Aanbo stamps his bare foot behind him, falling into a battle stance with hands open and in front. As the sword swings, Aanbo tries to duck under the attack, then rise up under the man's arm and retaliate with two quick blows to the sternum.

Rolls

Unarmed Strike vs Thug 6, Damage - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d4+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Bonus Unarmed Strike vs Thug 6, Damage - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (19) + 5 = 24

1d4+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Nov 14, 2015 7:16 am
Round Three

The aproned man on the floor groans and rolls over, slowly coming awake again.
Aanbo manages to get his arms up before the sword can slash his throat, and the dwarf and his human assailant are struggling on the other side of the mill stone from the barbarian and his thug opponent.

The thug struggling with Ogbar dodges around one of the pipes, and then ducks back, attempting to fake the barbarian into going the other way, so he can hit him from the side. The barbarian does not fall for the trick and they resume their melee, each of them finding the floor slippery with blood.

Thacogygax steps into the mill, freezing Thug 6, who is fighting Aanbo. However, the human is made of stern stuff and ignores the frost riming his beard.

Stuff happens in the basement, which no one in the party detects.

Then a trap door in the ceiling lifts up and falls back with a thud. As soon as it opens, three arrows fire down at the five intruders in the mill room: Aanbo, Thacogygax, Xana, Ogbar, and Durren. Unfortunately, the trap door opens to the south, and so the arrows are aimed at that half of the room: two at Xana and one at Thacogygax. Xana is hit by an arrow, but the arrow shot at the dragonman shatters on a scintillating aura that wraps around him.

Xana takes 4 hp damage, which brings her to 0.

Xana collapses with an arrow in her lung.

Round order:
- Aanbo (checking on the fallen man, done - move submitted for round four can be changed with circumstances if you wish)
- Man in the mill room (Thug 1, done)
- Men in the office room (Thugs 3 & 5, done)
- Thacogygax (done)
- Everyone in the basement (done)
- Everyone upstairs (done)
- Xana (make a death save)
- Ogbar
- Klak (move submitted - attacking Thug 3)
- Durren
- Quest (move submitted - attacking Thug 5)
- Sara

CORRECTION: The CON save should be attributed to Thug 6, not Thug 1. Thug 6 (fighting Aanbo) was Thac0's target.

Rolls

Thug 1 attack on Ogbar, damage - (1d20+1, 1d4+1)

1d20+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

1d4+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Thug 1 CON save - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Target selection x 3 - (3d5)

(323) = 8

Three arrow shots - (1d20+1, 1d20+1, 1d20+1)

1d20+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

1d20+1 : (14) + 1 = 15

1d20+1 : (15) + 1 = 16

Piercing damage on Thac0, on Xana - (1d6+1, 1d6+1)

1d6+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

1d6+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

Nov 14, 2015 7:59 am
I step back into the doorway and fire and arrow at the man engaged with Aanbo. I see Xana fall, and suppress the urge to rush to her aid - it would be no good if two of us were to be riddled with arrows and dying. I step forward, moving protectively towards Xana's body, and prepare another arrow.

Rolls

Longbow - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Damage - (1d8+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Nov 14, 2015 8:50 am
As the fusillade of arrows fly, Thacogygax throws up a warding gesture. An invisible barrier springs up around him and the arrow which would surely have hit him bounces off the magical shield and clatters to the ground.

Shield
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack or targeted by the magic missile spell
Range: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 round
An invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile.

Spell slots remaining: 1
Last edited November 14, 2015 8:52 am
Nov 14, 2015 1:56 pm
I see a laughing face.

Rolls

Death Save - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Nov 14, 2015 2:04 pm
Durren makes a quick decision: if it comes to a battle, he is for the strange assortment of characters. But he always tries to make peace first, so he clenches his sword and bellows in three languages (Imperial, Primordial, Elvish) "STAY YOUR HAND!" Everyone in the room is momentarily still at his sudden appearance. "Why do you fight like this? Has not Black told you that these are our friends? Why do you attack them? Can't you see that (1) They are more than a match for your clubs and (2) they have come from our mutual master, Black?" he growls, addressing the thugs and men in the attic (this in Imperial). In Elvish and Primordial he says "I am not with Black. These men are evil, but killing them is not to our advantage. We can gain more information from them alive and trusting than dead, and it is not for us to kill them - we should turn them over to the authorities."
Last edited November 14, 2015 2:13 pm

Rolls

Intimidation (of Thugs, if needed) - (1d20-1)

(14) - 1 = 13

Persuasion (of party, if needed) - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Nov 14, 2015 3:04 pm
Klak's eyes widen as the thug attempts to disarm him, but he thinks such a thing is not likely to happen this time.

OOC: I believe I have my swing in an earlier post, so won't repost that.
Last edited November 14, 2015 3:05 pm

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Nov 14, 2015 4:21 pm
Ogbar presses his advantage on the thug, ignoring the newcomer's pleas for peace... he can be dealt with later.

Rolls

Attack/Damage - (1d20+4, 1d12+4)

1d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

1d12+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

Nov 14, 2015 8:34 pm
Durren leaps forward, thrusting his sword out in an attempt to block Ogbar's blow and physically separate the barbarian and the thug...
Last edited November 14, 2015 8:35 pm

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+5)

(9) + 5 = 14

Nov 15, 2015 7:46 am
ROUND THREE, END:

Xana coughs and sputters, writhing weakly on the floor. She feels the pull of the dark powers thirsting for her, and she resists their pull.
Death save successes: 1

As Ogbar and his opponent are locked in mortal combat, the human warrior Durren running towards them yelling about peace distracts Thug 1, and Ogbar is able to land a good blow. Durren interposes his blade between the barbarian and the human bully...and the thug slowly topples backwards, dead.

Sara has stepped back into the doorway and has been aiming. She adjusts her aim slightly to shoot past the human warrior and releases; the arrow flies true and hits Thug 6 hard, sinking into his torso up to the fletching. She then nocks another arrow and moves cautiously into the room toward the dying gnome, eyeing the opening in the ceiling.

Klak looks incredulous at the human who has the effrontery of trying to wrest his axe away from him. The human grabs the haft of the weapon, struggles mightily with a grunt of effort. Klak looks at him, frowns, and shakes his head.

Then Klak chops the man's legs off. With that, thug 3 is dead.

Thug 5 has broken his club over Quest's head, but Quest remains unflappable. He turns slowly, and with one finger wipes a trickle of blood from his brow. Thug 5 backs away in horror, shaking his head. Then he dies, collapsing like a marionette with its strings cut.

Round order for round four:
- Aanbo (move submitted)
- Thug 6
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement
- Everyone upstairs
- Xana (make a death save)
- Ogbar
- Klak
- Durren
- Quest
- Sara
Nov 15, 2015 7:53 am
ROUND FOUR

With a flurry of blows, Aanbo the dwarf slaps the sword arm of Thug 6, breaking the arm and knocking the sword out of the man's hand. The sword spins up into the air and Aanbo lands two punches to the human's chest. The thug flies backwards and does not rise again. Aanbo holds out his hand and the sword hilt lands in it.

The aproned man on the floor next to Aanbo holds his head and sits up with a groan.

Thacogygax is up next.

- Aanbo
- Thug 6
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement
- Everyone upstairs
- Xana (make a death save)
- Ogbar
- Klak
- Durren
- Quest
- Sara
Nov 15, 2015 8:09 am
Aanbo briefly wonders who was yelling rapidly in three languages, but his attention was diverted by the more-immediate threat of Thug 6, and thus he fails to understand a single word.
Nov 15, 2015 3:27 pm
Thacogygax stands, eyes narrowed underneath the trapdoor in the ceiling. "Archers. Upstairs." If those above attempt to fire through it again he will make them regret it.

Readied action: Fly 10ft up (bonus action, Tempestuous Magic) and cast Thunderwave through the trapdoor into the upper floor.
Trigger: Trapdoor opens and hostiles attempt to shoot through it.

After Thunderwave has been cast, Thacogygax will move his speed to take cover.
Last edited November 15, 2015 8:10 pm

Rolls

Thunderwave damage - (2d8)

(65) = 11

Nov 15, 2015 3:31 pm
I see piles of gold coins in front of me. My hands reach towards them.
Last edited November 15, 2015 6:52 pm

Rolls

Death Save - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Nov 15, 2015 4:43 pm
Seeing that things appear to be sorted in this room, Klak moves over to the door separating the office from the rest of the mill and opens it. Seeing Xana down, he'll move to here and set aside his battleaxe so that his hands can take on the sheen of golden coins and the wisdom of Clanggedin Silverbeard can infuse this... somewhat sketchy gnome, and perhaps bring he back to the land of the living.

OOC: I'll use my entire daily allotment of 5 HP and restore them to Xana.
Last edited November 15, 2015 4:44 pm
Nov 15, 2015 9:36 pm
Now that the chaos of battle has more or less stopped Quest begins searching for Keb, hoping he isn't dead.

Rolls

Perception (?) - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Nov 15, 2015 10:59 pm
Thacogygax growls about archers upstairs to the group and prepares to crush them if they take any more hostile action.

The archers he mentioned draw, aim and fire another volley. The targets are now Aanbo, Thacogygax, Sara, the aproned man, Ogbar and Durren, in that order, for target selection. That's two shots at the dwarven monk (he attracted attention with his flashy killing of a man with his bare hands), one shot at Thacogygax, and one shot at Ogbar.

Aanbo swats one of the arrows out of the air, but the other hits him, rocking him back on his heels.
Aanbo takes 7 HP damage.

Thacogygax is hit by an arrow...but once again, a field of scintillating force shatters the arrow before it can penetrate his scaly skin.

The aim of the fourth arrow is off and goes far wide of Ogbar. Thacogygax's eyes spark; he raises his hands palms upwards, as if pressing a box above his head and roars. But instead of sound, everyone is shocked to hear a tremendous clap of thunder. Splinters of wood fall from the ceiling and flour fills the room; despite ringing ears, the party can hear thuds of items collapsing upstairs, toppling to the floor.

Xana, Klak, and Quest have submitted moves; we still need to hear from Ogbar, Durren and Sara for round four.

- Aanbo (killed Thug 6)
- Thug 6 (dead)
- Thacogygax (prepared action triggered)
- Everyone in the basement (?)
- Everyone upstairs (fired arrows)
- Xana (made a death save: Two failures, 1 success)
- Ogbar
- Klak (laying hands on Xana)
- Durren
- Quest (looking for Keb)
- Sara

Rolls

Archer target selection - (4d6)

(1251) = 9

Arrow shots - (1d20+1, 1d20+1, 1d20+1, 1d20+1)

1d20+1 : (16) + 1 = 17

1d20+1 : (15) + 1 = 16

1d20+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

1d20+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

Arrow damage on Aanbo - (1d6+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Nov 15, 2015 11:03 pm
Ogbar looks at Durren with contempt before roughly pushing him aside rushing for the archer's position, trying to get into a position to attack them.

If he can get close enough he will make his attack.

Rolls

Attack/Damage - (1d20+4, 1d8+4)

1d20+4 : (20) + 4 = 24

1d8+4 : (6) + 4 = 10

ACTUAL attack damage, rolled under 1d8 on accident - (2d12+4)

(115) + 4 = 20

Nov 16, 2015 12:18 pm
Only now was Durren able to get a closer look at his companions. A barbarian had just pushed past him; the man was probably mad at Durren for trying to block his blow. So he is one of those types... Durren thought, sighing. Sometimes people resented his attempts to bring peace. Behind him, an archer stood. Probably an elf, or maybe a human. A dwarven monk had just stood up from single-handedly killing a man with his bare hands, a large blue dragon-born hurled destruction into the upper story and another dwarf was kneeling over a prone gnome whose lifeblood seeped through her shirt. Durren would have helped her, but the dwarf appeared to know what he was about. The barbarian was sprinting up the stairs, apparently to attack anyone up there. Durren turned to the ranger behind him. "Pray, could you cover our ascent?" *insert yes or no from Sara* Durren turned and rushed up the stairs, sword at the ready.

OOC: Durren will rush up the stairs regardless of Sara's response. If the archers are close together, he will attempt to cleave through as many as he can. I'm also going to roll perception or insight or history in order to determine additional things about my fellow adventurers.

Rolls

Attack (two-handed) - (1d20, 1d10+5)

1d20 : (19) = 19

1d10+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

Perception: Ogbar (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(6) + 4 = 10

Perception: Sara (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Perception: Aanbo (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

Perception: Xana (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

Perception: Klak (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Perception: Thycogaygax (for insight take this as well, for history remove +4) - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Nov 16, 2015 5:49 pm
ROUND FOUR, continued

Screaming incoherently, Ogbar rushes up the stairs (MAP here) and two arrows shoot at him, hitting him in shoulder and thigh.
Ogbar takes 4 HP damage (would be 9, but he's still raging).
Ignoring the pain, the barbarian smashes through the archer facing him beyond the top of the stairs, the bow, the quiver and the body all chopped in half. Ogbar stops upstairs, by the spinning vertical steel rod which is the driveshaft for much of the mill (shown as a black circle on the map).

Klak yanks the arrow out of Xana and then lays his calloused hands on her wounds. Saying a quick prayer, the dwarf feels the warm healing power flow through him and into the warlock. Xana's vision of the coins fades, dissolving into the kindly lined face of her companion, Klak.
Xana is prone, conscious, with 5 HP.

Durren chases after Ogbar up the stairs slippery with the barbarian's blood, which is still flowing freely from his neck and several wounds. The human arrives at the top of the stairs with Ogbar and surveys the scene. The room is dominated by a huge bin in the center of the room. Much of the room is in shadow from pipes, conduit, and vertical shafts throughout; the only direct light source a lantern hung on a peg in the northern wall. Some light comes up from the open trap door barely visible on the other side of the bin, which is enough to see the bodies of four more men lying sprawled around the open hole, clearly in the limpness of death. An open door in the southern wall reveals another archer, drawing an arrow from a quiver with shaking hands.
(Note: Figuring stuff out about these people from looking at them will take an action of inspecting/observing them, and would be a separate action for each one. Perception would potentially tell you things about what they've done/where they've been recently, while Insight might tell you about who they are/what their motivations are. History would only come into play if they were somehow famous/infamous or related to someone historically significant. So you can use the rolls you made later, when you're not taking other actions and can observe them, or you can reroll when you are in that situation.

As an alternative, you are dealing with other PCs, and can handle it entirely through role-playing, without rolling. Rolling typically involves NPCs; with any character, you can choose what attitude you want to take, and what conclusions you draw about them.

All that said, I will add that it is clear to Durren that these people are almost certainly adventurers, and maybe they know something about Dungeon Busters.)

Rolls

Triggered shots from archers at someone coming up the stairs - (1d20+1, 1d20+1)

1d20+1 : (13) + 1 = 14

1d20+1 : (14) + 1 = 15

damage from arrows (halved for rage) - (1d6+1, 1d6+1)

1d6+1 : (6) + 1 = 7

1d6+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

Nov 16, 2015 6:57 pm
ROUND FOUR, continued

Quest looks through the bodies to see if he can spot one who would be Keb. None of the bodies in this room have the look of a miller; they all look like toughs. Quest makes his way toward the other room (How do you want to get there? Through the adjoining door, or outside?)

- Aanbo (killed Thug 6)
- Thacogygax[s] (prepared action triggered)
- [s]Everyone in the basement
(?)
- Everyone upstairs (fired arrows)
- Xana (healed)
- Ogbar (upstairs)
- Klak (laid hands on Xana)
- Durren (upstairs)
- Quest (looking for Keb)
- Sara
Nov 16, 2015 7:03 pm
I'm assuming that I can do speech outside of my round. If not, please delete this post

Seeing the man through the southern door, Ogbar hefts his axe and growls at him, "You'd better hope that arrow kills me in one shot, boy, or you're dead too!"

Trying to Intimidate (With Strength?)

Either a 22 (With Strength), or a 19 (With Charisma)
Last edited November 16, 2015 7:04 pm

Rolls

Intimidation, with str? Adv if with str, or take 3 from first result if not! - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (18) + 4 = 22

1d20+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

Nov 16, 2015 8:12 pm
When I open my eyes, my hands are on Klak's face. After a few blinks, I give a look of utter disappointment. "You would not believe the dream I had! Say, what's going on?" I look around at the chaos happening around me. "Time to go, I think!"
Nov 16, 2015 8:36 pm
Klak smiles, "There are archers up stairs. Ogbar and the strange one have gone up to deal with them. You should find cover." Given the amount of blood Ogbar was oozing as he bounded up the stairs, Klak decides to leave Xana to her own devices and head upstairs. There really should be a shield and some quality dwarven scale mail at the front of things.
Nov 16, 2015 9:15 pm
Seeing Xana wake, I notch an arrow and follow the newcomer up the stairs. I am prepared to shoot him should it be necessary.

Upon reaching the top, I hear Ogbar's threat and release the arrow at the nervous archer behind the door. Immediately notching another, and keeping it at the ready should the strange human need to be put down.
Last edited November 16, 2015 9:15 pm

Rolls

Longbow - (1d20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

Damage - (1d8+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Nov 16, 2015 9:40 pm
Ogbar is in the process of threatening the archer (at this point, covered in blood, I'd use CON, just because he's inspires dread by taking more damage than a human should and has kept going, and I'm considering it as the end of Ogbar's turn) when Sara runs up the stairs behind Durren, wheels, and fires an arrow at the archer, hitting him even though he is half covered by the wall. The man (Thug 12) staggers with the shot, but does not fall.

Xana, roll perception as Klak makes as if to leave you.

END OF ROUND FOUR
Nov 16, 2015 9:42 pm
I stare upwards for a moment, then take one last look around before I get up.

OOC: my brush with death has allowed me to see through time and space apparently!
Last edited November 16, 2015 9:43 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Nov 16, 2015 10:19 pm
ROUND FIVE BEGINS

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Moofsalot
Those of you who are upstairs, roll perception checks: Ogbar, Durren, and Sara.

- Aanbo
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement
- the wounded archer upstairs (thug 12)
- Xana
- Ogbar (upstairs)
- Klak (may be heading upstairs)
- Durren (upstairs)
- Quest
- Sara

Rolls

DM roll - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Nov 16, 2015 10:20 pm
I scan the room, keeping an eye on the strange human.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(10) + 3 = 13

Nov 16, 2015 10:20 pm
[Perception]

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Nov 16, 2015 10:28 pm
Aanbo tries to do what he can for the beaten miller. "Are you Keb?" he calmly asks of the man. The ground floor seems secure enough, at least for the moment. Aanbo considers moving the man out of the mill and to safety.

OOC: Man, I canNOT get these Medicine checks right.
Last edited November 16, 2015 10:28 pm

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Nov 16, 2015 11:07 pm
Durren turns to Sara and gives a little nod in her direction. "My thanks," he says matter-a-factly. Sara nods, but keeps her arrow trained on him. Durren sighs and, sheathing his sword. "Can you not see I am a friend? If I want peace with those who attack helpless millers, why would I want war with you, who defend the innocent, as do I?" He turns and walks past Ogbar and to the fallen thug. "Who are you?" he asks, "Who sent you?"

If the thug is still conscious when my turn comes, I will question him further. If not, I will go down and help Klak; preferably I will go down the stairs into the basement where my longsword can get maximum two-handed effectiveness.
Last edited November 17, 2015 5:39 pm

Rolls

Intimidation - (1d20-1)

(14) - 1 = 13

Perception - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Persuasion (of Ogbar/Sara; if necessary) - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Nov 16, 2015 11:12 pm
"One more thing:" Durren says over his shoulder to the others, "there is a Kobold in the vicinity. He led me here. I would beware if I were you; the creature may bring some more of its kind to avenge their allies."
Nov 16, 2015 11:19 pm
"We've got company, people! There's more coming from downstairs! I look around for a more secure place to hide, and then I run for it. If I'm able to find a comfortable corner, I will put up an illusion to mask my presence.
Last edited November 16, 2015 11:19 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Stealth/hide? - (1d20+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Nov 16, 2015 11:26 pm
At Xana's warning, Aanbo hurries to move the miller to safety, dragging the man if he cannot walk, or otherwise guiding him to the northern door.
Nov 16, 2015 11:28 pm
Klak was built to hold the line!

Klak turns to the stairs down and holds the high ground, shield and axe at the ready. The second anything hostile comes within range he proceeds to cleave its braincase in two. "FOR CLANGGEDIN AND FUS BARDAGASKEGGA!"
Nov 17, 2015 2:16 am
Quest readies himself for another wave of attackers with Xana's warning. Taking his fighting stance he centers his mind and readies himself to unleash should an enemy appear.

::Readied with Mind Thrust should someone come up the stairs with a weapon or spell ready to attack.::
Nov 17, 2015 8:49 am
spaceseeker19 says:

Quest ... makes his way toward the other room (How do you want to get there? Through the adjoining door, or outside?)
I'll assume that Quest went through the inner door, following Klak.
Nov 17, 2015 12:15 pm
spaceseeker19 says:
spaceseeker19 says:

Quest ... makes his way toward the other room (How do you want to get there? Through the adjoining door, or outside?)
I'll assume that Quest went through the inner door, following Klak.
Yes, shortest distance between two points, and all that.
Nov 17, 2015 4:58 pm
Heeding Xana's warning of more hostiles, Thacogygax tries to find a spot with some cover, but from where he can see anyone coming up the stairs.

Readying Frostbite.
Nov 17, 2015 7:35 pm
ROUND FIVE

Above the groans of the injured archer, Durren and Sara distinctly hear footsteps above them in what must be an attic.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to CouchLord0510
The dusty miller nods and coughs. "Yes, I'm Keb...who...who are you? Where's Shalla?" He looks around, panicked. Aanbo firmly leads him to the door. "No! What have you done? He'll kill her!"

Thacogygax ducks through the door, taking cover behind the wall, only his long reptile-like blue snout sticking into the mill room, looking down the stairs. He is the first to see a group of rough-looking characters hustling up the stairs. Calling upon the might of a polar storm once again, the alien blasts the first of them with frost.

The man seems alarmed, but bulls through the frost, pounding up the stairs. He crashes into Klak, several men behind him. They are armed with staves. The first man attempts to shove Klak backwards so the rest of them can finish coming upstairs.
Klak should make an Athletics or Acrobatics check.

Upstairs, thug 12, with the arrow in his shoulder, drops his bow and screams "I give up! Don't kill me, please!" Ogbar's intimidation has worked (and if it hadn't, Sara and Durren probably would have). Durren seems to want to interrogate the thug; Ogbar's turn.

Searching for the best hiding place, Xana has ducked behind the stairs leading up in the mill room (where Thug 6 had hidden before).

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Moofsalot
- Aanbo (moving Keb)
- Thacogygax (cast Frostbite as readied action)
- Everyone in the basement (coming upstairs: in progress)
- the wounded archer upstairs (thug 12: surrendered)
- Xana (seeking cover)
- Ogbar (upstairs)
- Klak (at the head of the stairs, in melee)
- Durren (upstairs, turn submitted)
- Quest (turn submitted: gathering his will to perform another brain-melting mind thrust)
- Sara

Rolls

CON save - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Athletics check to shove - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Nov 17, 2015 7:54 pm
Klak is of the mountain. He is stone incarnate, and no human with a staff is going to push him around. He prepares as he sees them coming and hunkers down. He will be the granite against which the underground stream flails!

Klak subsequently chooses to chop off the man's head. Or try, anyway.

OOC: Forgot to add +3 to damage -- so total damage is 8.
Last edited November 17, 2015 7:57 pm

Rolls

Athletics - (1d20+5)

(14) + 5 = 19

Battleaxe - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

1d8 : (5) = 5

Nov 17, 2015 8:25 pm
Ogbar, hearing the commotion beginning downstairs again will head down. At the top of the stairs he is able to see the men trying to shove by Klak, and will move to engage them with his greataxe.

If he can't get far enough he will draw and throw a handaxe at one of the enemies.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Greataxe damage (if I can get there) - (1d12+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Thrown Handaxe damage (if I can't get there in my movement) - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Nov 18, 2015 2:33 am
Durren will wait for the thug's response, then answer him, implying that he will go downstairs. Instead, he will sprint over to the ladder he saw and climb it, to see who is in the loft.
Nov 18, 2015 4:41 am
ROUND FIVE, continued

The man (called Ove) bulling his way up the narrow stairs attempts to smash the little dwarf back from the top of the stairs, and is surprised to find that he is pushing on a mountain. Ove rebounds, and one of the men behind (called Uncle) attempts to smack Klak with his staff. Uncle smacks Klak in the head with a two-handed swing with reach past Ove's shoulder.
Klak takes 3 HP damage.

Ogbar, grinning with bloody teeth, manages to keep himself from killing the surrendered thug. Hopeful that there is more fighting, the berserker rushes downstairs again. He flings a handaxe, and Ove slaps it out of the air. Ogbar comes to a stop behind the Mountain, Klak.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to falryx
Klak has been content to stand, impassively, as men attempted to move him, by pushing him and by beating him with sticks. Now he clears his throat and slashes into the crowded stairway, chopping a huge gash in Ove's chest. Ove look down, appalled, and falls into two pieces, slicking the stairs with blood. The remaining men on the stairway - Uncle and the others - yell with dismay, adding their voices to the constant gibbering of the insane man who wasn't quite drained to death by Hadar earlier.

Upstairs, Durren thanks Sara, sheathes his sword, and advances on the injured archer to question him. The archer, white showing all around his irises, answers him: "I'm...my name is Soo. I'm with Black. We-we came to take the mill, from the miller. Black thought it would be a good base..."

"SHUT UP, SOO!" a muffled voice yells through the floorboards above Sara and Durren. Soo's mouth snaps shut immediately.

Durren sees a ladder on the floor and considers what to do next.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to CouchLord0510

Rolls

Uncle's attack on Klak, damage (2-handed) - (1d20+3, 1d8+1)

1d20+3 : (19) + 3 = 22

1d8+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Nov 18, 2015 5:07 am
ROUND FIVE, continued

Sara's turn, which will be resolved after Quest rolls his attack and damage on Uncle.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Candi
Nov 18, 2015 5:28 am
Quest reacts to the appearance of the new assailants. He lashes out with his mind.

[b]"Once more, stand down and face the justice of the law and we will not harm anyone else!"

Rolls

Mind Thrust vs. Int. Uncle - (1d20+5, 1d8)

1d20+5 : (12) + 5 = 17

1d8 : (4) = 4

Nov 18, 2015 7:01 am
Uncle reels as the spear of Quest's mind pierces his thoughts, but he does not fall.
Nov 18, 2015 7:44 am
I cross the room towards the ladder while shouldering my bow. I don't trust the human, but he seems to think he's on our side. Against my better judgement I turn my back on him and scramble up the ladder, pressing on the trap door at the top to see if it's unlocked.

Candi sent a note to spaceseeker19
Nov 18, 2015 8:49 am
ROUND FIVE, continued
CouchLord0510 says:
Durren will wait for the thug's response, then answer him, implying that he will go downstairs. Instead, he will sprint over to the ladder he saw and climb it, to see who is in the loft.
Candi says:
I cross the room towards the ladder while shouldering my bow. I don't trust the human, but he seems to think he's on our side. Against my better judgement I turn my back on him and scramble up the ladder, pressing on the trap door at the top to see if it's unlocked.
The ladder is about 12' long, clearly intended to go through the small trap door in the ceiling and extend into the room beyond for a couple of feet. Now, however, the ladder is lying on the floor. Apparently it was thrown down before the trap door was shut. Whoever is up there was probably in a big hurry, since whoever it is didn't pull the ladder up. Either one of you can place the ladder this turn, if you wish, or if you work together, one could set the ladder and the other could climb it. The ladder can be set to near vertical, in order to try pushing up the trapdoor, or it can be leaned up against the wall near the trap door at a shallower angle, so that someone could climb it and come up under the trap door.

Please clarify your actions, given this more detail.
Nov 18, 2015 8:59 am
Seeing the ladder on the floor, I quickly scan the area. Is the trapdoor in the corner, near the wall? Does the wall have shelves, hanging hooks or other outcroppings? Would it be possible to scale the wall and try and lift open the trapdoor, or it is too far? If not, I right the ladder and prepare to climb it. If I think I can manage without, I attempt to do so.

Rolls

Athletics (if needed) - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Nov 18, 2015 4:20 pm
ROUND FIVE, end

In talking to Soo, Durren sees that beyond him is a comfortably furnished bedroom, lit by windows on the three other walls. No one else appears to be in the room other than Soo.

Sara rushes through the dark room, stepping lightly over the dead bodies as she runs up to the western wall and leaps. Her foot finds purchase on some hooks for tools to maintain the mill's machinery, and she pushes up on the trapdoor, intending to catch the edge and look through once it's open. But the trap door moves only slightly under her shove, and a voice gives an exclamation of surprise, as if someone was standing on the trap door and felt it shift when she pushed on it. Sara drops lightly back to the floorboards next to the ladder lying there.
Nov 18, 2015 5:50 pm
Klak will say, "We are here to defend the mill in the name of Clanggedin, the miller and his family! Throw down your weapons!" He will choose not to attack unless someone is aggressive against him again -- sticks whapping on his helmet are not appreciated. If someone tries that again, the battleaxe will sing once more! (...and miss)

OOC: Will delay an attack to trigger if attacked, otherwise, will forgo an attack this round.
Last edited November 18, 2015 5:51 pm

Rolls

Triggered attack roll. - (1d20+5, 1d8+3)

1d20+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

1d8+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

Nov 18, 2015 10:16 pm
Durren curses as Sara falls back to the floor. Keeping an eye on the thug, Durren steps over to Sara and whispers in elvish to her: "I know you do not trust me. But we can see what is up there if we form a temporary alliance. Here is my plan. I'll push on the trap door. When the man cries out again, try to shoot him through the floor. Then I'll lift the trap door and we'll see who is up there." Regardless of Sara's response, Durren will prop the ladder up against the wall, climb it, and attempt to push it open if he can do all that in one turn.
Last edited November 18, 2015 10:17 pm

Rolls

Persuasion (of Sara; if necessary) - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Strength (push open trap door) - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Athletics (alternate push open trap door) - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Nov 18, 2015 10:47 pm
Feeling slightly more secure now that there is a lot less screaming (by me), I peek from behind my illusion and take a look around, stepping out only if the coast is clear.
Nov 18, 2015 10:57 pm
ROUND SIX BEGINS

- Aanbo
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement and on the basement stairs
- in the attic
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak (turn submitted: talking, with readied action)
- Durren (turn submitted: setting ladder and opening attic trap door)
- Quest
- Sara
Nov 18, 2015 11:15 pm
"Where was Shalla last seen?" asks Aanbo as he sets Keb outside by the door. "Here? Upstairs?" The monk chances a quick glance into the mill to check on everyone's status, then grits his teeth as he breaks off the shaft of the arrow that's still in him.

Aanbo recalls that Quest mentioned Keb as the one who injured Hale, and the one who brought the thugs to the mill in the first place. A part of him thinks it unlikely that Shalla is here, and that perhaps Keb acted under duress if Shalla is indeed a hostage.
Last edited November 18, 2015 11:19 pm
Nov 19, 2015 1:24 am
"Sh-Shalla's upstairs. They're watching me, making sure I obey, or they'll hurt her!"
Nov 19, 2015 2:45 am
Aanbo nods. "You are hurt, so stay here," he advises Keb. "We'll do our best."

OOC: If Aanbo still has time for action, he will re-enter the mill and start heading upstairs. Otherwise I'll submit that move for next round.
Nov 19, 2015 4:25 am
Thacogygax darts forward, very much like a lizard, past Klak and Ogbar. His scales grow bright blue and his head is haloed in sparks. The dragonman opens his jaws and there is a blinding flash as a bolt of lightning shoots forth, through the thugs crowding the stairs.

OOC: Lightning breath weapon. 5x30ft line. 2d6 damage. Save for half with DC 10 Dex.

Rolls

Lightning damage - (2d6)

(61) = 7

Nov 20, 2015 5:41 pm
ROUND SIX, continued

Thacogygax shoots lightning from his mouth, angling it down the stairs. It blasts through the people crowded on the stairs and reflects off of the wall and into the basement. There is screaming. There is sizzling. There is a clap of thunder and electricity arcs through the machinery of the mill, and each room is lit briefly with a flash of blue light as the electricity travels up the driveshaft through the mill room, upstairs where Sara and Durren are, and into the attic. Everyone's ears are ringing. The men on the stairs clap their hands to their ears, dropping their staves and reeling in pain. The fight seems to have gone out of them entirely.

From the attic, Sara and Durren hear a shrill yell: [b]"WHAT...WAS...THAT???"[b]

- Aanbo (the way I figure conversation in combat is: you can speak briefly without taking an action, but if you converse and listen to a response, it takes at least an action)
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement and on the basement stairs
- in the attic
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak (turn submitted: talking, with readied action)
- Durren (turn submitted: setting ladder and opening attic trap door)
- Quest
- Sara
Nov 20, 2015 5:44 pm
OOC: Thanks, GM! I won't submit my move to go upstairs, then, and wait for the next round to submit my action
Nov 20, 2015 5:53 pm
Ogbar, seeing that they are too busy holding their ears will work his way past Thacogygax and plant his foot in the first man's chest and attempt to shove him down the stairs.
Last edited November 20, 2015 5:54 pm

Rolls

Shove Attempt (Athletics w/ Advantage) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (3) + 4 = 7

1d20+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

Nov 20, 2015 8:52 pm
ROUND SIX, continued

- Aanbo
- Thacogygax
- Everyone in the basement and on the basement stairs
- in the attic
- Xana
- Ogbar (turn submitted, kicking Uncle down the stairs)
- Klak (turn submitted: talking, with readied action)
- Durren (turn submitted: setting ladder and opening attic trap door)
- Quest
- Sara
Nov 21, 2015 8:56 am
"We have a half-dragon." I shout, matter-of-factly, as the human pushes open the trap door. With the human on the ladder, I can't reach the attic myself, but maybe I can intimidate the people up there and convince them to surrender, "We've subdued your allies, and have you cornered. Surrender and you will be treated fairly, resist and I promise you will not see another dawn."

Rolls

Intimidation - (1d20+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Nov 21, 2015 1:20 pm
Morgran strolls in, with meatflesh hanging from the corner of his lip.

"Where did you lot get to?"
Nov 21, 2015 7:09 pm
(Morgran should roll initiative for next round, in case there we'll still be in combat by then.)
Nov 21, 2015 11:47 pm
ROUND SIX, continued

Sensing that the fight has gone out of the rough men on the stairs, Xana creeps out from under the staircase. She can still take an action.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Moofsalot
Ogbar steps up next to Thacogygax and plants one large and bloody boot on the chest of Uncle, and shoves him powerfully into the wall, knocking the wind out of the man. Uncle's eyes roll in his head, and he's dazed and wheezing for breath from the stomp to his chest.

Klak booms out his command, and the ruffians left on the stairs all drop their staves in meek surrender, with a babble of distressed cries:
"Please don't kill us!"
"He kicked Uncle!"
"We'll do anything you want - just don't let the dragon eat us!"
"Help!"
"What's going on?"
"What did you do to Black?"

Quest can act this turn, too.

Morgran, the fellow Dungeon Buster associate and cleric you last saw asleep in the Inn, come sauntering into the mill at this moment, wondering where the party went without him.
Nov 21, 2015 11:54 pm
ROUND SIX, continued (upstairs)

Muttering softly to Sara, Durren sets the ladder against the wall and scampers up to push on the trap door. It rises partway, but clearly someone there is trying to keep it from opening.
Durren, roll a STR check to open it anyway.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to CouchLord0510
The voice from the attic calls down in response to Sara: "Yeah, well, then the girl won't survive either!" Sara and Durren both hear a muffled shriek at this.
I'm going to say that Sara has a single action remaining, if there's something else she'd like to do this round (a move or another action).

Rolls

Thug's opposed STR, trying to keep trap door shut - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Nov 21, 2015 11:59 pm
Durren heaves on the trap door...

Rolls

Strength - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Nov 22, 2015 12:17 am
Seeing that Klak has the men in the basement under control, Quest turns his attention to what Sara and Durren are doing. He has heard the yelling about the girl and now focuses on that issue.

"No one wants to hurt you, friend. We can talk this our so that no one gets hurt. Please explain the situation and we will do whatever it takes to see that this ends amicably."
Nov 22, 2015 12:33 am
I move over to the archer who had surrendered and kneel beside him, "Do you know of another way into the attic? An exterior window, a hole in the roof, another trap door? That girls life depends on us getting up there before your boss does something stupid."
Nov 22, 2015 1:06 am
Durren hears Quest's voice and gives a renewed heave on the trap door. He is glad to have another in the fray whose sole purpose is not to destroy, and is glad of the man's presence. He yells to him in elvish "If I cannot get this door open, would you use your powers to remove the man above?"

OOC: I'm still getting a hang of how initiative and turns works, but I think I can do this out of turn, correct? This isn't an action or a conversation, but only RPing, right? If not, this is irrelevant. *NOTE* The 'renewed heave on the door' isn't meant to be an action other than the strength check done earlier.
Nov 22, 2015 5:36 am
Quest moves to the stranger (Durren) who spoke in the elvish tongue. Once he can see him, Quest transmits his thoughts telepathically.

If I can see him I can hurt him, but it won't be gentle and it may not incapacitate him immediately. I would rather talk him down. We may continue to communicate this way, and remain unheard."

In elvish Quest says allowed, "It is good to meet you." Just in case one of the bad guys knows elvish.
Nov 22, 2015 8:37 pm
"As would I," Durren responds, "yet there is the life of a lady at stake and if the one above must die in order to save her, that is a trade I am willing to make "
Nov 23, 2015 3:54 am
I take a deep breath, waving my arms outwards in front of me for a moment as I steel my resolve to help my friends. If I don't show my face, there's a good chance they'll keep all the reward money for themselves, and I won't have any of that!

As I walk towards the group at the entrance of the attic, I make note of the new guy. "Who the hell are you?"

Moofsalot sent a note to spaceseeker19
OOC: Casting "blade ward"- You extend your hand and trace a sigil of warding in the air. Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.
Nov 23, 2015 8:32 am
Xana and Quest have come up the stairs, interacting with Durren at the top of the ladder, still struggling to push the trapdoor in the ceiling open. Meanwhile, Sara has moved to hurriedly whisper with the injured thug/archer in the next room.

spaceseeker19 sent a note to Candi
END OF ROUND SIX

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1dndWZC1ySHZNbWM

(Edited to provide necessary detail about the trap door!)
Nov 23, 2015 8:42 am
ROUND SEVEN

- Aanbo
- Thacogygax
- in the attic
- Xana
- Ogbar
- Klak
- Durren
- Quest
- Sara
- Morgren

Just to give the people on the first floor a sense of where they are, too:

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B071DukoNZd1YXMzSEZ4RjJfUEE
Nov 23, 2015 3:23 pm
With the thugs on the basement stairs subdued and being handled ably by Ogbar and Klak, Thacogygax withdraws. He throws an uneasy glance down the stairs and shudders. Something horrible had been down there briefly, and then was gone. Someone or something had opened a tear in the fabric of reality, come through and then left. Thacogygax had felt it in his bones. Had none of the others perceived it? None had shown any outward reaction while it had taken all his will not to scream. Xana had come from down there. He would have to ask her about it. Something else had shaken Thacogygax to the core today: the half-elf Quest had crushed a man's life with the power of his mind. Thacogygax had seen such things before - minds shackled and crushed, and rifts opening between worlds. He had witnessed such things as a slave when his overlords had waged their endless war.
Nov 23, 2015 3:58 pm
Aanbo takes a brief glance to assess the situation on the first floor. "Keb is there, and he's hurt," says Aanbo, pointing to the man by the door he just re-entered from. "He says that Shalla is upstairs and is a hostage."

Satisfied that he has relayed the important information, Aanbo beckons Morgran to assist him in Keb's care. He trusts the others to handle the situation above and besides, there are matters to take care of down here.
Nov 23, 2015 4:17 pm
Ogbar, not seeing anyone still willing to fight him lets go of his rage. He can feel all of the wounds he took fully now, and feels pain with every movement as he plucks the arrows out. He turns and growls at Uncle and the others, just to keep them in check.

Rolls

Con Based Intimidation - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Nov 23, 2015 4:38 pm
CouchLord0510 says:
Durren heaves on the trap door...
The person in the attic is actively trying to keep the trap door shut, and Durren is still trying to figure out how to get sufficient leverage from atop the ladder. But there may be only one person up there with a hostage, and forcing him to keep occupied with the door is probably keeping him from doing anything to her.

(Note: I apologize for not fleshing this out before. There was an opposed skill check. Durren rolled a STR check, and I asked for a second and treated them as one roll with disadvantage (from your position pushing upward from a ladder); the thug's roll beat Durren's second, lower roll.)
Nov 23, 2015 5:26 pm
Durren can feel the man pushing on the door, keeping it shut. He turns the those below, his arms still pushing on the door. Speaking in elvish, he addresses Quest and Sara "From on this ladder, I cannot get it open. I need more leverage. I think he may by lying on the door in order to keep it closed; if I let it close quickly he may be stunned, and I may be able to drive my sword through the trap and kill him that way - or, Ranger, you could shoot him through it. What do you say? If we don't, then I'm afraid the lady above may not live long enough for us to save her."

OOC: Can I wait to do my turn until Sara and Quest go, since my action depends on their response?
Nov 23, 2015 5:41 pm
"Keep him occupied. Ideally, we do not have to kill him." I turn, climb atop the desk and look out the eastern window. After judging the motion of the water wheel, I climb out, swing around to the front and ride it onto the roof.

I was rolling well when I wanted to kill things, and when I want to do something cool... the dice fail me.
Last edited November 23, 2015 5:41 pm

Rolls

Athletics/Acrobatics (same bonus) - (1d20+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Nov 23, 2015 5:45 pm
"Stumped by a door? Seriously, people? Move." I motion with my left hand for Durren to lean to the right while using my right hand to summon an energy blast to slam our way into that room and hopefully knock that guy behind the door flat on his ass.

OOC: Casting "Eldritch Blast" towards the man behind the door, although if I happen to destroy the door that would be fine with me. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 force damage.

Rolls

Cantrip: Eldritch Blast - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Nov 23, 2015 6:13 pm
"I would indeed like to keep him alive, but if that is not an option then we must do what must be done." Durren leans to the side as the blast hurtles past him. "Glad to make your acquaintance, gnome, and thank you for the assistance. Magic is always a welcome sight - assuming it is on your side..." he says through gritted teeth as he pushes on the door, "I am Durren Elderblade, Former Sentry Captain. What may your name and occupation be?"
Nov 24, 2015 1:14 am
CouchLord0510 says:
OOC: Can I wait to do my turn until Sara and Quest go, since my action depends on their response?
Sure, you just move down the initiative list to when you do take your action.
Nov 24, 2015 2:45 am
ROUND SEVEN

Aanbo calls out about the hostage, Shalla, and beckons to the carnivorous cleric, Morgran to come tend to Keb, the injured assistant to the miller.

Thacogygax pensively ascends the stairway to the ground floor again, and all the men cowering on the stairs relax a little.

The person in the attic calls out right above Durren, but apparently in response to Quest: "Amicably? What about my friends? Would you say you've treated them amicably? Everyone back out of the mill now, or the girl gets it! And what's more..."

Just then, the rest of what he's yelling through the floor is drowned out, as a searing jet of flame cast by Xana screams through the air...and scorches a hole in the boards next to Durren's head and the trap door. There is a girlish scream, though whether it comes from the man or from Shalla, no one knows.

Ogbar grins horribly with a mouthful of bloody teeth at the thoroughly cowed men on the stairs, who quail even further. One of them faints and is caught by his friend.

Sara, meanwhile, has dragged the table over to the eastern wall as quietly as she could and is climbing out of the window. Funny, the water wheel always looks so peaceful and gentle, when viewed from a distance...
(Sara is in the process of climbing out; I will resolve the rest of the action later this turn in initiative order)

- Aanbo (tending Keb)
- Thacogygax (horrors of war)
- in the attic (yelling imprecations/screaming)
- Xana (shot the ceiling)
- Ogbar (scared some peasants)
- Klak
- Durren (deferring action)
- Quest
- Sara (climbing out the window)
- Morgren
Nov 24, 2015 5:44 pm
Klak isn't built for negotiating so he says, "You stay there. Quest will come talk to you once we have cleared this mill of trouble.". Klak has a sneaking suspicion he's taken out an innocent peasant, but the guy was whacking him about the head and shoulders with a staff and really shouldn't do that to a sturdy dwarf wielding an axe.
Nov 25, 2015 1:42 am
Morgran will ascend to the attic if possible, and cast Guidance on Durren.

"The Gods assist you with even such small tasks. Kord blesses even the stubbornest acts of strength, and his channel is on your side!

Morgran will assist with opening the hatch, or if impossible,will draw his warhammer and move into position for an attack (readied) by the hatch ( or any door) in case a hostile-looking person jumps out.
Nov 25, 2015 2:19 am
ROUND SEVEN, CONTINUED

Klak frowns at the surrendered men of low character on the stairs, who seem likely to have been local thugs recruited into this gang, and tells them to stay put. They strain to stand as still as possible.

Quest continues to chat in elvish while communicating his ability to melt minds to Durren and the others upstairs.

Out the window, Sara steps lightly on the ponderously rolling water wheel...and the mass of the giant machine launches her upward more violently than she'd expected, flying up onto the roof.
Sara, roll another acrobatics check to turn the fall onto the roof into a controlled roll.

Aanbo watches Morgran until he disappears upstairs. The dwarven cleric steps past Xana as she casts her eldritch blast and casts Guidance on Durren.

Durren is up, as well as Quest.
Nov 25, 2015 3:21 am
Durren heaves on the door again...

If I get the door open, then I leap through and try to get to Shalla. If I don't, then I will attempt to drive my sword through the trap - whatever I need to roll for that. If Xana blew the door open then I will jump through the door and attempt to help the lady.
Last edited November 25, 2015 3:26 am

Rolls

Strength + Guidance bonus - (1d10+5, 1d4)

1d10+5 : (7) + 5 = 12

1d4 : (3) = 3

Nov 25, 2015 3:29 am
OOC: I'm going to roll my two-handed damage roll with disadvantage, or should I roll a cleave through? Either way - if I should roll attack with disadvantage. If I should use cleave, use the first roll. If I need to roll something else instead, please let me know!

Rolls

Attack - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Cleave Through/Damage roll #1 - (1d20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

Damage roll #2 (in case of disadvantaged roll) - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Nov 25, 2015 7:35 am
I twist in the air and try to make the best of a bad situation, curling into a ball and trying to roll onto the roof instead of crash into it.

Rolls

Acrobatics - (1d20+3)

(12) + 3 = 15

Nov 26, 2015 12:32 am
ROUND SEVEN

Xana, Morgran and Quest (who are all upstairs) have been watching and conversing with Durren, at the top of the ladder, as he grunts and strains, trying to lift the trap door above him at an angle from the ladder. He gives up, draws his ornate sword, and drives it savagely through the trap door. There is a scream of shock and pain.

On the roof, Sara slaps the roof thatch, tucks into a roll, and manages to stop herself before dropping off the edge of the roof. She stands up, relieved...

...and falls through the thatch into the attic space below. By the light of of the windows (and the hole in the roof), she has a quick glimpse of room dominated by a cluster of noisily thumping pipes and gears, a man standing on the trapdoor, and a bound person on the ground. Sara and the man exchange a look of surprise, and then a sword blade skewers the man's foot from below and he shrieks.

END OF ROUND SEVEN
Nov 26, 2015 12:39 am
ROUND EIGHT

Keb, battered, bewildered and beaten, sits by the north door of the mill. A group of terrified and demoralized thugs cowers on the stairs to the basement (one of them has fainted). It doesn't help that a man they knew, driven insane by his brush with Terrible Darkness, babbles incoherently in the basement. Someone is bound in the attic, and the only remaining fighting thug any of you sees is in the attic with Sara, Durren's sword through his right foot from below.

- Aanbo (ground floor)
- Thacogygax (ground floor)
- in the attic
- Xana (second floor)
- Ogbar (ground floor)
- Klak (ground floor)
- Quest (second floor)
- Sara (attic)
- Morgren (second floor)
- Durren (second floor)
Nov 26, 2015 1:06 am
Klak resolutely stands guard, glowering at the staff-wielding thugs. Someone up the chain can deal with talking to them when the time comes.
Nov 26, 2015 1:13 am
Durren will yank his sword out, and wait for whatever Sara does before continuing.
Nov 26, 2015 2:21 am
Aanbo sees that the warriors have the thugs below contained, and figures the nimble ones are upstairs handling the hostage situation. He decides to return to Keb and watch over him, making sure no one decides to use him as another prisoner.
Nov 26, 2015 3:28 am
Quest shouts to the man in the attic, "Stand down and this can still end well for you!"
Nov 26, 2015 6:01 pm
I'm going to jump ahead to Sara, as she's the only one in sight of an opponent. The rest of you can chime in how you like. Sara can do a persuasion or intimidation with ADV, considering both Durren's sword and Quest's call as effectively help actions.

Between the shrieking, cackling laughter and sobbing coming from the basement (which honestly is making everyone in the mill uneasy) and the agonized death screams that were cut off just a few moments ago, the guy in the attic is absolutely terrified. Weeping, he has reverted to a childish belief that if he just keeps the door shut he'll be safe from the monsters. And now his foot is bleeding profusely and someone has crashed through the roof, almost on top of him! The thug is fully in flight-or-fight mode, and could go either way, based on Sara's actions (or the actions of anyone else who can influence him further).
Nov 26, 2015 6:54 pm
Scrambling to my feet, I draw my blade and point it at him, "surrender"
Last edited November 26, 2015 6:55 pm

Rolls

Initmidation - (1d20+1)

(13) + 1 = 14

Advantage - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Nov 27, 2015 7:21 pm
Durren yells in Imperial up to Sara through the trap door. "Tell the imbecile to get off the trap door so I can get it open. If he doesn't feel helpful just remind him - my sword can go through the door again, and I'll see if I can do more than skewer his foot the next time..."
Nov 27, 2015 8:03 pm
Morgran rolls his eyes and re-casts guidance in case it is needed!
Nov 27, 2015 8:32 pm
Aanbo takes this opportunity to try and glean any information from Keb, not only to learn what has transpired, but hopefully to take his mind off the immediate threat.

"What happened here, friend?" Aanbo asks, calmly. The monk places a reassuring hand on Keb's shoulder.
Nov 27, 2015 8:46 pm
The thug in the attic is terrified. With a shriek, he runs to the open window and leaps out of it, choosing perhaps that a long drop if preferable to death kicking on the end of a sword. Sara hears the shriek cut off with a crunch as his body hits the ground outside, two floors down. There is a bound body near her.

Durren has been shoving on the trap door, then he heard a huge crash and thud, some muffled words, and a shriek. The weight is removed from the trap door suddenly, and it flies open. Durren blinks in surprise to see Sara in the attic before him.

Keb tells Aanbo: "This man talked to me in town, at the Cube, and I told him about Shalla and my job and everything. Then, later at home, some men grabbed Shalla and me and told me they'd..." His story is interrupted by a shriek and a thud of a body landing outside the western door. Everyone in the mill room can see the crumpled body of a person lying there.

Rolls

DM roll - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Falling damage - (2d6)

(43) = 7

Nov 27, 2015 9:12 pm
Aanbo glances over his shoulder at the body, then turns back to Keb. "I think she's safe now," he says, casually. "What were you saying?"
Nov 27, 2015 10:02 pm
I sheathe my blade and untie the woman, then check her condition.
Nov 28, 2015 1:23 am
Durren acknowledges Sara with a quick nod and steps into the attic. The ranger is busy untying the woman who had been left on the floor, so Durren runs to the window to see the fallen man. The man is lying on the ground for now - Durren slides his elder blade into its sheath on his back and runs down to the bottom floor to try to catch the man before he can escape. Hopefully, some information as to the reason for the attack can be gleaned from him.

OOC: If I can't go up and then back down, then I'll skip the going up all together and just go down.
Nov 28, 2015 3:18 am
Once the danger is over, I set my sights on finding anything of value (money, stuff, important documents maybe?) on the bodies. It's not like they'll need their stuff anymore, amiright?

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+1)

(17) + 1 = 18

Nov 28, 2015 3:31 am
Quest goes to the side of the bound woman to make sure she is alright. He questions her telepathically to learn what he can about her ordeal.

What happened to you? Who are all of these people and what were they doing here?
Nov 29, 2015 6:43 pm
Klak looks out the door at the body and shrugs, humans are strange. He continues to glower at the people down the stairs, waiting for Quest or some other more-in-charge person to start sorting these ones out.
Nov 30, 2015 3:52 pm
Thacogygax can’t stop glancing at the basement stairs. He both yearns and dreads to descend and investigate. He approaches Xana and points out the gibbering man. "Something below, I sensed. Something terrible, dark, hungry. Glimpse it, this man did. Mortal eyes were not meant to see such things. Know of this, do you?"
Last edited November 30, 2015 3:56 pm
Nov 30, 2015 4:37 pm
Morgran returns to Keb to finally offer some aid.

"Healing isn't so fast when you go' gristle in yer teeth. Bu' now...I'm feeling generous. Iaomai!

Now le's see to the nonsense downstairs."

Rolls

Healing Word - Keb - (1d4+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Nov 30, 2015 4:50 pm
I turn towards Thacogygax and shrug. "Beats the hell outta me. I didn't see much down there and I almost died myself. Bet you woulda missed me." I give him a wink, then return to my task of searching for valuables.
Last edited November 30, 2015 4:52 pm
Nov 30, 2015 10:05 pm
Thacogygax nods though Xana has already turned her attention from him. He heads down the basement stairs past the cowering thugs.
Dec 1, 2015 8:54 am
Durren pops up the ladder, does a double-take at seeing the ranger already in the attic, and then slides down the ladder again, runs through the various people and pipes to the stairs and down again to the ground floor.

Sara uses the blade of her rapier to saw the ropes tying the human girl, who relaxes only gradually, as it becomes clear that the ranger does not have murderous intent. Sara's inspection of the young woman is efficient, from long practice of observing wounds, though a bit brusque. The young woman is brown: brown-skinned, brown-haired, brown-eyed, as most people in South Keoland are. She has some bruises on her face and arms and rope burns on her wrists and ankles, but is otherwise unhurt. Sara's pretty sure that she hasn't been beaten, just knocked around as she was being bound. There's no blood and her clothes are rumpled but not torn from being tossed on the floor in the dusty attic.

Quest climbs the creaky ladder, curious to see what caused Durren to run like that, and does a double-take to see Sara already there. When he sees the ranger tending to a young woman, he climbs in and mentally communicates with her. The young woman is very alarmed at his arrival, and even more so when she hears his voice in her mind and shudders with revulsion. He quickly riffles through her surface thoughts and recent memories as she reacts to his mental questions. A name: Shalla. Various people working at the mill, including her husband and her father. At home with her husband. Men bursting into their home and grabbing her. Her husband leaving her. Men stuffing her into a sack and slinging her on an animal. The terrible smell of the sack: rotten turnips. Her calling for help, the men hitting the sack in response. Being removed from the sack at the mill. Her husband, crying. Strange men in the mill. The cold prick of a dagger at her throat. Terror. Being bound in the attic. Calling out to her husband from time to time, assuring him she was alive.
Dec 1, 2015 9:16 am
With no hesitation, Xana begins methodically searching the crushed bodies on the second floor. As she finishes searching each one, she rolls the unblinking corpses up against the wall so they are out of her way. The wounded thug in the bedroom watches her dully for a few moments, and then vomits on to the floor boards. They are not in uniform dress, but rather are in the motley dress of thugs or street gangs, with worn leather jerkins, worn leather breeches, and new leather boots. Judging by the size, most of the bodies on the second floor are human, though it's not as easy to tell with the person Ogbar chopped in half. Some have belt pouches, others have pouches on thongs around their necks, and one had a pouch concealed in his new boot (right foot). Each pouch has a collection of a handful of lions (the local copper coin) and a few seals (silver coin), as one would expect a normal villager to have. Interestingly, each person had one shiny eagle (gold coin) as well. She retrieves a dagger from each corpse, along with short bows and clubs. There is a barrel, half full of flour, in which arrows had been stuck, ready for each person in the group to draw a handful at a time. There is nothing noteworthy about any of the gear, though Xana admits that someone more familiar with bows and fletching might get more out of it than she. As she descends the stairs with armloads of weapons, the dragonman Thacogygax speaks to her about the basement and she replies.

The defeated thugs cringe away from the hulking scaled form of Thacogygax as he turns away from the laden gnome and moves past Klak and Ogbar to creep down the stairs. The gibbering is louder down here, as well as the groaning of wood and metal as the mill wheel inexorably turns in the Realstream's current, and its axle drives the machinery down here. There is another door down here, through which light streams, illuminating the many moving parts of the machinery. So at first Thacogygax doesn't see the insane man, hunkered down in the midst of the various dessicated bodies in the shadows. It's the white of his eyes that Thacogygax sees first, and then the spittle frothing at the corners of his mouth as he rocks back and forth, alternately sobbing and cackling.
Dec 1, 2015 9:30 am
Morgran heals Keb, and a bit more color returns to his brown skin and he smiles hesitantly through his beard. Keb continues to narrate to Aanbo:
"Thank you. ...they told me that they'd kill Shalla if I didn't do what they asked. Shalla's safe now? They showed me they were serious and...they stuffed her in a sack." He hangs his head. "...I'm no hero; I'm just a miller. They had me lead them here, and introduce them to...Hale...They told me to kill him, that it was the only way they'd keep Shalla alive...I don't know about killing; I've never used a knife for anything other than to cut my meat and bread, but I tried...I tried to cut him so he wouldn't die... but then he fell down with that awful sound, and the men attacked all the others. I don't know what happened to them - are they dead? Jep, Frass, Kelo? Did you find any of them? Oh, I should've fought them, but I'd just murdered Hale. He's Shalla's father...! They took the knife right out of my hand and laughed."

Tears stream down his face as he continues. "At some point they must have moved Hale's body, because he was gone from where I...where he fell after...after I stabbed him. Then they brought Shalla and they took her into the attic. They weren't done with me yet, no. They wanted to keep selling flour, and they needed me to grind it and keep the mill running. More and more of them kept showing up, and those awful things..."

He takes a shuddering breath. "I think I would've jumped under the wheel, except for Shalla. She's safe now? She's safe?"
Dec 1, 2015 9:35 am
Durren arrives outside and inspects the snapped and broken remains of the thug who jumped out of the attic window two and half stories above him. Blood is still flowing; it looks like both his legs and some part of his spine are broken. In the distance, from the direction of Hochoch (northwest), Durren sees a mob of villagers approaching the mill with various improvised weapons: chair legs, broom handles, picks, saws, the occasional sword. Their angry murmur reaches his ears a moment later.
Dec 1, 2015 9:49 am
I offer my hand to help the woman to her feet, "It's ok, you're safe now. Stand, if you can. We should get down from the attic and maybe get you some food and water. Are you hungry?"
Dec 1, 2015 2:09 pm
Durren's face falls as he sees the broken body of the thug. The man made his choice - and paid the price. We'll learn nothing from this one, he thought. Bending over, Durren inspects the body for anything of value, but mostly to determine if there is any way to determine who the "Black" figure the Kobold had spoken about was.
As the villagers come stomping down the hill, Durren stands and turns to meet them. "Greetings, friends! How may I assist you?"
Last edited December 1, 2015 2:10 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Dec 1, 2015 3:26 pm
Ogbar, seeing that the men on the stairs are sufficiently cowed, seeks out Morgran for healing. His wounded state is coming more into his mind as the rage completely recedes. "Got any more of that healing to go around?" he grunts at Morgran.
Last edited December 1, 2015 3:26 pm
Dec 1, 2015 3:42 pm
Aanbo's hand never leaves Keb's shoulder, serving not only as a gesture of comfort, but also a symbol of guardianship. "Hale is being cared for. He managed to escape and make it into town, where he was attended to. I believe he has survived.

"As for Shalla, I trust in my companions," continues Aanbo, and tilts his head at the lack of combat. "It sounds as though... negotiations... have ended. Given the mood, I think it's safe to say that she is in good care. Er... you mentioned things?"
Dec 1, 2015 4:14 pm
Thacogygax pauses by the broken man. Another familiar sight. One among many the dragonman had hoped never to see again. His old masters had turned entire armies of foes into gibbering husks in an instant. Similarly, whenever one of Thacogygax's fellow soldier slaves strained to vigorously against his mind-shackles they ran the risk of breaking their minds.

Thacogygax turns to the open doorway and moves cautiously towards it, seeking cover among the pipes and machinery. He brings out his foe gem. The slave-soldiers had each been given one to detect the presence of the enemy's githyanki minions. He looks down at the gem...

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Stealth - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Dec 1, 2015 4:48 pm
Quest helps Sarah bring Shalla down from the attic. Getting her to the kitchen he quickly gets her some clean water, then leaves to get a situations report from the rest of the party, specifically looking for Keb to hear his story. Once he has heard what Keb has to agree that it sounds plausible. He promises that he will advise Hale to listen to his daughter, if she confirms Keb's version of events then Keb should not be punished. He is about to press about the things Keb spoke of when he hears the crowd approach. He goes out to aid Durren in dealing with them.

::Hope that wasn't to much, but I don't need Keb to repeat what he said and the mob seems like the most immediate issue that needs to be dealt with.::
Dec 1, 2015 4:50 pm
As the concentration of battle wears off and he waits for the villagers to come within speaking range, Durren is left with a head full of questions. Why did a group of thugs who obviously had this planned want a mill? Why would they go to so much trouble to hold it? What value did it have for them? They had spent 10+ men and probably some Kobolds to hold a mill. An inconsequential mill. Why would they do that?
Last edited December 1, 2015 5:46 pm
Dec 1, 2015 5:28 pm
Klak, stolidly continues to stand guard. He has spent years waiting in the dark for some dwarf-or-the-other to relieve him of duty. Or, at least days. Or maybe hours. Whichever, it seemed like a long time, and he's pretty good at narrowing his eyes and staying focused. Unsurprisingly, very little actually passes through his mind other than, "These humans had better stay where they are or I will bellow at them."
Dec 2, 2015 8:55 pm
Keb is reassured tremendously by the solid presence of the dwarven monk, and the healing he's received. Relaxing, he continues to talk to Aanbo and Morgran, though he blanches a little as Ogbar totters up, bleeding from the neck. As he talks, he watches the group of villagers approach.

"Things...things like walking lizards. My grandpa told me about different monsters like those...troglodytes? No, they're too small. Same for lizardmen. Kobolds, probably, I dunno. Never seen them before, and I hope I never do again. You know how a lizard can sun itself and then skitter under a rock so fast? These things move just like that; still one moment, then stee-kow! they're gone. They showed up with picks and shovels, and went down into the basement. Haven't seen them since."
Dec 2, 2015 9:01 pm
Aanbo nods. "Can you walk?" he asks Keb. "Let us adjourn inside and see to Shalla." He guides the miller into the building without really waiting for a response, hands grasped upon the man's arm and at the small of the man's back. Aanbo leads Keb to the stairs for the second floor.
Dec 2, 2015 9:01 pm
Meanwhile, in the basement...

Thacogygax leaves the darkness to the muttering, cackling man rocking back and forth amidst the corpses, and goes through the door into a larger storage room filled with crates and boxes, as well as a row of cots to one side. Sunlight is glinting off of the Realstream River and coming in through a large double-door (like you'd see in a barn) in the east wall. There is a small dock there, with a flat-bottomed barge tied up on it.

The alien lets out a sigh of relief to see no githyanki or their minions revealed in the gem.
Dec 2, 2015 9:03 pm
Thacogygax heads out onto the dock to see what there is to see out there.

Rolls

perception - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Dec 2, 2015 9:16 pm
Sara and Quest manage to navigate Shalla down the ladder (in the end I decided against any kind of check for this - Sara has had enough slapstick for one encounter. Just assume that it's an awkward challenge and leave it at that), and the mystic leads her past the surrendered thug to the bedroom. Shalla gives a little gasp at the sight of the thug, but the presence of her rescuers turns her fear into anger and she snarls at him. He retreats into the room where Xana is still organizing the dead bodies and their belongings. Sara finds a ewer of water and cup on one of the bedside tables and pours some for the woman, who accepts it gratefully.

Xana peers suspiciously at the man, and something about her gives him the willies, and he makes his way meekly down the stairs in front of her. Downstairs, he joins the group of men on the stairs under the watchful eye of Klak; they barely dare to breathe, so stern is the dwarf's countenance.

The warlock gnome deposits the last of the weapons she brought down from upstairs into a pile: six cudgels, two knives, four daggers, four shortbows (there were six, but two were destroyed in the fighting), and 22 usable arrows.
spaceseeker19 sent a note to Moofsalot
Dec 2, 2015 11:13 pm
Aanbo ensures that the stairs to the second floor are clear of traffic before guiding Keb up.
Dec 2, 2015 11:44 pm
I make like I'm smoothing out my clothes and pocket the coin for later. Then I point at the weapons. "Take your pick, if these are to your liking. I figure whatever we don't use, we can sell."
Last edited December 2, 2015 11:46 pm

Rolls

Sleight of Hand - (1d20+3)

(12) + 3 = 15

Dec 3, 2015 1:23 am
Klak's eyes quickly, professionally, and judgmentally pass over the pile of weapons. "No thank you."
Dec 3, 2015 4:05 am
Durren hears Xana's offer and pokes his head through the door. He has been in need of a good dagger for some time now, so he walks over to inspect them.

OOC: Will you give me the options, GM?
Last edited December 3, 2015 4:05 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Dec 3, 2015 4:22 am
The mob of grim-faced villagers, the innkeeper Devane among them, pulls up short at Durren's pleasant greeting. "What'd he say?" someone says, and, from the back, "What's going on? Did we get them yet?" They mutter, some angry, some confused, and then someone says "There's one o' them, on th' ground!" A grizzled older man with several scars on his face and muscular arms steps forward just as Durren turns to go back inside and browse the weapons. The veteran warrior kneels at the crushed and broken body outside the door. He stands up and says "Looks like maybe we weren't needed." He turns back to the group and calls out. "This one's not going to trouble anyone any more. It may be that the trouble's over, and the mill's safe. You three brothers," he says, indicating some robed monks, "...go inside and check it out!" He turns back to Durren as the three monks move swiftly and silently into the mill, one to each doorway.

Inside, Durren sifts through the pile of weapons that Xana is building. There are a number of good shortbows usable from horseback or on foot, a quantity of arrows, a few small knives, and a few longer daggers. Too long to throw well, but good for close-in fighting. There's also an assortment of cudgels or clubs - basically fire-hardened rods of wood about the length of a grown human forearm: good for bashing and smashing drunks in a bar fight, but not so effective as a good blade.
Dec 3, 2015 4:34 am
Durren has little experience with throwing a blade, but he grabs a stout, sharp looking dagger and one if the smaller knives. Hearing the villager's approach, he steps back outside."Greetings, friend!" he says amiably, "your brothers need not inspect the area - a group of adventurers and myself have succeeded in subduing the threat. Though your men are free to search if they wish; we have nothing to hide. You will also find the miller, Keb, inside."
Last edited December 3, 2015 4:56 am
Dec 3, 2015 4:35 am
Aanbo leads Keb up the stairs and he and Shalla both give a cry of gladness as they lock eyes and then arms in a fierce embrace. The monk, Sara, and Quest stand there, embarrassed...particularly the Mystic, who finds it difficult to suppress the huge silly grin from his face as emotional waves of delight and relief radiating from the couple keep washing over him.
Dec 3, 2015 8:06 am
I smile to myself, "I'll be downstairs then." Upon arriving in the main room I continue into the basement to join Thacogygax in his exploration of the basement.
Dec 3, 2015 2:33 pm
Seeing the husband and wife reunited does please Quest, but there is more work to be done.

"Keb, we will tell what we saw here. I'm inclined to believe your story that you were forced to attack Hale in order to protect your wife. The men we captured may corroborate your story as well, but you still must face the magistrate. Hopefully Hale isn't to angry with you when he wakes up."

Quest then goes to see the men who surrendered. "Who wants to earn a bit of favor for themselves and tell me what was going on here? Who did you work for and what was their plan for the mill?" He crosses his arm over his chest and affects the best stern expression he can muster. These men are all murderers, or complicit in a plan to commit murder, a firm hand will be needed.

Rolls

Intimidation (if applicable) - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Dec 3, 2015 2:45 pm
"The more you say now, the easier it will be for you...names, details, that sort of thing..." I casually lean against the wall and watch them with interest. Who are these people, really?

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Insight - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Dec 3, 2015 3:29 pm
(Directed at Ogbar:) "It looks like all you be needin' is a good rest, with a tough body like yours. Divine energy is not mine to give freely to any fool who asks!"

Morgran curses under his breath at his own inconsistency, and takes a sit on the nearest stair, facing away from the others. (CHA score: 7, haha)
Last edited December 3, 2015 3:31 pm
Dec 4, 2015 2:11 am
Aanbo looks around to see where he might be needed. He leaves Keb and Shalla and returns to the first floor, and notices the new arrivals. Recognizing the cut of their robes, Aanbo addresses the first monk he sees with a gesture of folded hands, held in front. "Greetings, brother," he says, interested in their reaction. His curiosity is indeed piqued at the thought of another monastery nearby.
Dec 4, 2015 4:52 pm
Sara joins Thacogygax downstairs, at the Realstream's edge. This dock must be used for grain shipments to be dropped off, and flour to be shipped out. The gurgling of the water is a refreshing sound that partially drowns out the muttering and giggling of the broken man inside. But Thacogygax still hears new voices upstairs as the villagers arrive.

Ogbar and Aanbo are joined by a monk, who look them up and down, as another monk begins to efficiently pick up the bodies and carry them outside. Morgran sits on the stairs up to the second floor, and Quest steps around him to join Klak by the captives on the stairs. They are joined by another monk, entering from the office room, as Xana pauses in her searching of bodies to observe the conversation between the mystic and the thugs.

One of the thugs, a man called Stu, speaks up. You can't tell if he's terrified, or just has a stutter: "B-Black told us the m-mill would b-be a good b-base for us, and it was easy m-money, too. The w-w-w-w-river does all the work." He looks imploringly at them, cowed by the implacable expression on Klak's face. "We're b-boatmen! ...Originally... We just w-want honest work, b-but times are hard, and B-black told us that the m-mill would b-be b-better than m-more b-banditry..."
Dec 4, 2015 5:02 pm
The monk who has stopped by Ogbar and Aanbo is an older man, who yet moves with the fluidity of the Monkey school. He nods at Aanbo's greeting, looks at Ogbar's seeping wounds, and frowns sympathetically. "That looks painful. If no one can heal you, I can offer some assistance." He pulls out a linen-wrapped package and begins to craft and apply a poultice to Ogbar's wounds (an application of a healer's kit). "You will want to visit Diana if you return to Hochoch."

(Now that a healer's kit has been applied, Ogbar can rest and use a hit die to recover HP. The monk, Tuan Vo, can apply his healer's kit to anyone else that wants to rest and heal as well.)
Dec 4, 2015 5:08 pm
"Hey there, I've got this scratch that I'm thinking you could take a look at..." The blood has started to cake around my wounds. They don't look pretty and I'm actually a good deal paler than I should be.
Dec 4, 2015 5:10 pm
Ogbar grunts as the poultice is applied, the only sign that the wound might be causing pain, and nods his thanks to the monk. Still in a poor mood, Ogbar approaches Stu, grabs the front of his shirt and lifts him off of his feet, he growls and speaks to the man, holding him easily off the ground, "Who's Black? Speak quickly or you're going in the river."

I can roll a strength check if you'd like, but I don't figure lifting a normal man would be really difficult for a 6.5 foot tall angry Barbarian

Rolls

Recover Hit Dice - (1d12+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Dec 4, 2015 5:12 pm
Durren has claimed a knife (good at meals) and a dagger and is outside with the older warrior.

"I'm glad you took care of it. Our thanks. We came as soon as we heard, but most of these villagers are children of warriors, rather than fighters themselves. Your combat training probably saved a lot of them from getting hurt." He looks at Durren appraisingly. "My name's Cormac. I run a school for fighting back in Hochoch. If you ever want to practice, or maybe to learn a thing or two, just ask for Cormac's."
Dec 4, 2015 5:24 pm
Aanbo bows to Tuan Vo, and thanks him on Ogbar's behalf. He then assists anyone that needs medical attention, such as Xana, before he settles himself to the side so that he may also recover from his own wounds.

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Recover Hit Die - (1d8+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Dec 4, 2015 7:01 pm
Everyone who needs it receives a healer's kit application from Tuan Vo (remember that healing with hit dice requires a healer's kit application).

Every PC receives 89 XP.

The adventurers can retrieve half of their expended arrows, and there are 22 additional arrows that can be claimed. Cormac will negotiate with Tuan Vo for the possession of the remaining weapons after the party has picked through them, and Tuan Vo will take custody of the man, Tap, who was driven insane by his brush with Xana's patron. The monks note that a tunnel has been dug from the basement to the side of the wooded hill to the north of the mill. Durren will recall that this where he left the kobold.

Black is a local bandit, who has been active in the area for some while. The captives, after some dunking by Ogbar, claim that Black's body is not among the corpses, and that he was "going to meet them there." Cormac shares that Black has been a thorn in their side but that no one has ever found him and descriptions of his appearance are few (because few people who've seen him have survived long enough to be captured) and varied. Stu reports that Black is "tall and dark," while another contests this, saying that Black is short and stout, with a sandy beard. Keb describes the man who met him in the Cube as a weather-worn traveler with a brown mustache and a scar on his right cheek, though he doesn't know if the man was Black or not. Quest believes that none of them is lying.

Arriving some minutes later with Diana, Hale pleads leniency for his son-in-law, Keb, both because he doesn't see what other choice Keb could have made and because Hale needs Keb's help to get the mill clean and griding grist again. Cormac "recruits" the boatmen to assist in mopping up the mill before marching them off to judgment in Hochoch.

(Let me know if there's anything further that you want to do in the mill; otherwise, I'll wrap up this section and start the next sequence with everyone rested up back in town at the Inn of Eternal Rest.)
Dec 4, 2015 7:46 pm
Aanbo inquires as to the location the monastery from Tuan Vo, and requests the opportunity to visit when time permits.
Dec 5, 2015 3:50 am
Durren bows and speaks to Cormac. "I am glad to put my training to use for a good cause," he says courteously, "I would indeed enjoy that! I am glad to learn whatever I can, though the way of a rogue has always both intrigued and eluded me. What would you charge for training in a new class?"

OOC: I'm assuming Cormac is one of the class patrons you spoke of that lives in Hochoch?
Dec 5, 2015 4:37 am
"It would seem this Black, whoever he is, fancies himself a mastermind. Using doubles and disguises to sew his plans, no one can be sure who or what they are dealing with. This begs further investigation."
Dec 5, 2015 9:06 am
I collect the arrows, and listen quietly to the negotiations while caring for my bow. When the group decides its time to return to town, I follow along. With the adrenaline of battle subsiding, I've again become my timid, mousy and socially cautious self.
Dec 5, 2015 10:02 am
Thacogygax becomes aware of Sara joining him in the basement and then creeping back upstairs. He is alone again with his thoughts. The danger appears to be over so he remains where he is on the dock, enjoying the gurgling of the water and the creaking of tge water-wheel. Faintly he hears new voices approaching. He turns, hesitates, then decides to enjoy the peace and quiet just a few moments longer...
Dec 5, 2015 1:04 pm
Morgan stands up to go outside, and starts stomping and clapping rhythmically. This gets louder after a time.

"Kord's spear, Kord's shield. Ugh Do RA Kay. Find Black, slay him!"

He thinks to himself that this is probably not the best approach, and ceases chanting, quietly rejoining the group so that they can journey back to the Inn.
Dec 5, 2015 1:58 pm
As Durren scans the room full of people, the presence of the great blue dragon is notably lacking. Durren momentarily wonders where the creature has gotten to - he was interested to get to know the dragonborn better. But that would have to wait. The party seemed to be moving out soon.
Dec 5, 2015 4:58 pm
Note that Cormac, Diana, and Tuan Vo are all class trainers (fighter, cleric, and monk, respectively)
Dec 5, 2015 10:43 pm
Klak, having successfully stared down some bad guys and handed them off to people who seem to know what they're about mills about uncertainly. His stomach growls and he considers whether or not it'd be appropriate to return to the second lunch that got interrupted.

"Are we done? I'm thinking some of that stew and ale..."

Klak sort of quietly stops talking.. line a mine cart that's run its momentum (not that Klak could spell such a thing) out.
Dec 5, 2015 11:10 pm
OOC: SS19, how does one go about learning from a trainer? Do we get a level in their class of expertise automatically if we train with them? (i.e. can I train with Cormac, though I'm a fighter, and get a level in that class?)
Dec 7, 2015 6:17 am
Aanbo will return with the group to the Inn, for rest and nourishment.
Dec 8, 2015 7:56 am
Tuan Vo and his monks bind the arms of the surrendered boatmen and lead them in a line back to town as well, where they will await the judgment of the council and the justice of the town reeve. Tuan himself escorts Keb and Shalla back to town, and though he does not bind them, he remains close to the couple and the threat is clear: if Keb tries to run, Tuan will stop him.

The remaining group of villagers, delighted that the party had taken care of the ruffians, escorts them back to Hochoch lauding their praises. Between Devane and Cormac, the story of the party's exploits grows with each retelling, until the story that most people hear is that an army was fording the Realstream and the party defended the city, bravely repulsing the invasion with only a few brave warriors dying in the battle.

Devane holds a great revel at the Inn, and there is much feasting, drinking, and celebrating. Hale, conscious once more, is reunited with his daughter, and tearfully embraces his son-in-law. The party clearly has done good here, and brand recognition for Dungeon Busters is improved as a result.
Dec 8, 2015 9:38 am
Morgran walks alongside the captives, his short stature a good match for their hung heads and drooping shoulders, he thinks. He gives them godly advice about how to fight with vigour like a warrior, to train like a soldier, and to find the might of Kord in any situation. At the first whiff of meat or wine, he quickly abandons them.
Dec 8, 2015 1:52 pm
"Did someone say stew?"

Rolls

Hit Point recover - (1d8)

(4) = 4

Dec 8, 2015 3:17 pm
Ogbar spends the night drinking heavily to dull the pain of his wounds. He gladly accepts the praises of his fighting prowess and shows off the wounds he received in the battle.
Dec 8, 2015 3:19 pm
I drink slowly, preferring to drink heavier ales, and eat liberally. I'm careful not to become inebriated over the course of the night, and avoid as much attention as possible. When the conversation turns towards me, I am quick to blush and redirect attention towards Ogbar or one of the others who are keen to tell their tales and display their battle scars as if they were achievements.
Dec 8, 2015 3:51 pm
Quest sits and eats and drinks well, but not to excess. He swaps stories and listens to tales of the villagers. His mind however is on the next task, identifying, locating and capturing this mysterious Black. Then of course there are the other rumors of trouble that brought them to this area to set up shop. He hopes that he is up to the task of saving these people.

Rolls

Spending a Hit Die in case of trouble - (1d8+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Dec 8, 2015 4:00 pm
Despite himself Thacogygax makes an appearance at the revels, but doesn't stay long. He considers speaking with Quest about his psionic abilities but decides aganist it for the moment, as the dragonman would hate to spoil the other man's celebratory mood. Instead he finds a quiet spot outdoors to spend the night and mull over the events of the day.

Soundtrack: "People Are Strange"
Last edited December 8, 2015 4:40 pm
Dec 8, 2015 4:22 pm
Aanbo hangs back from the group, allowing the others to receive the accolades. At the inn, he sits at a table away from the crowd and prefers to eat a sparse meal of stew and tea. He is quiet and prefers to remain in the background, but he will listen.
Dec 8, 2015 4:35 pm
Klak is no stranger to parties that involve stew and beer and he partakes happily, losing at least 10 copper pieces in games of chance to people who have a much firmer grasp on odds than he does. From time to time he thinks to ask about whether or not a holy warrior lives in the town -- for the time when he could use some pointers on channeling Clangeddin's righteous battle axe.
Dec 8, 2015 5:06 pm
"They told me that a brother of the high country was here. I am happy to see that it is true."

Late in the evening Klak hears this voice at his elbow, and he turns to see a dwarf with burning eyes smiling at him.

"May your valor rival the depth of your beard, in the name of Silverbeard, brother. I am Njall Magnusson."

Klak is surprised to see not only another mountain dwarf, but apparently another paladin of Clangeddin (your class trainer).
Dec 8, 2015 5:08 pm
I happily take any coin Klak offers. It's almost too easy, I nearly feel sorry for the poor dwarf.
Dec 9, 2015 10:14 am
Morgran slammed a gold coin onto the counter, not budging from his spot until he'd made some progress with the weak, non-dwarven ale. The orphanage always had some around, as good drink promotes a fighting spirit.

He notices Njall and thinks to listen in, pausing his heavy consumption to see if something important might call for his attention.

Rolls

Why not, Con save. - (1d20+3, 1d20+3)

1d20+3 : (11) + 3 = 14

1d20+3 : (10) + 3 = 13

Dec 10, 2015 5:52 am
Klak greets his brother-in-arms with a ritual bump of the forearms. "Hello brother! I didn't realize there were more of us above ground than, well, me!" Klak uses the interruption to stop losing coppers to the perky gnome, suspecting her vision of gold may have been at the expense of his money pouch.

Njall -- perhaps much to his displeasure -- will be regaled with what news Klak can provide and, of course, a hearty recounting or two of the valor of Fus Bardagaskegga (and Klak's own journey to find his fabled weapon to prove his worth back home).
Dec 10, 2015 11:41 pm
Biscuitfiend says:
Morgran will greet the strangers around him, and ask what they know about the man called Black.

"Who be th'villian Black? What ye of this villiage know of him?"
Various people tell you various things at the party at the Inn of Eternal Rest.

Her eyes wide, Lienne tells you: "Black? Black is a half-giant sorcerer, and he aims to conquer all of the Southern Reaches, from Hookhill to here! He's been fouling the water in Orlane with powerful spells, and now he's abducting women here in Hochoch for his foul spells!"

Blackguard Wilson, already deep in his horn, says: "Th' say th' Black ish a prince, a grandshun of th' ol' Gran' Duke, who longsh tooo reclaim his rightful place on th' thrown o' th' Gran Dusshy, but dush not haff th' shupport of narmy. So he'sh trying t'shtart war 'tween Keoland and th' Gran Dusshy ash hish firsh shtep in hish path to th' thrown."

(edited to make Blackguard even more ridiculously drunk)

Rolls

Rumors about Black - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Dec 11, 2015 4:18 am
By spending an entire eagle, Morgran is supplied with drink the whole night through, and by the end he has matched drinks with Blackguard, has arm-wrestled Cormac, sung raucous songs (some of which are dwarvish hymns), broke a trestle table over his head, found and punched a cow, traded hilarious insults with...with somebody...and passed out across the threshold like any self-respecting devotee of Kord would do.

Xana, meanwhile, has earned some coin from Klak and others.
Klak loses 10 cubs, Xana gains 5 seals and 13 cubs.

In case you missed it: Currency of Keoland

Rolls

Gambling winnings from rubes - (1d10+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Dec 11, 2015 4:26 am
Aanbo spends some time listening to the conversations. Towards the end of the night, he retires to his room (shared with whomever is willing) and settles in. He sleeps on the floor, on his bedroll, in accordance with his practice.
Dec 11, 2015 12:22 pm
I happily add the pile of coin to my collection, counting it over 3 times before going to bed and dreaming of future riches.

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