[IC] Graveyard Shift: Session 2

Sep 30, 2019 3:54 pm
[ +- ] Argus Inquiries
Shortly after sunrise, you all awaken, eat your breakfasts, and go through your morning routines. But the dark revelations made the night before continue to haunt your thoughts. While Vizeron Dribbage remains very much at large, you know a lot more about his activities before he went missing... and the image that is forming isn't a pleasant one.

The day promises to be another scorcher. You meet up at Argus Inquiries headquarters and open all the windows to let in some small whisper of a breeze. With the documents you've accumulated on the table, Lady Argus joins you for a report.
Sep 30, 2019 3:56 pm
Your employer looks from one of you to the next. "Looks like it was a long night for some of you. So, what have you learned in the Dribbage case? What are you planning for next steps?"
Sep 30, 2019 5:07 pm
"The breakin wasn't just common banditry myself and Lady Nera found out, we should be mindful of the fugitive on the loose since the Moon Cutters are known for their brutatliy and cruelty, their boss being free might mean them being about in the city covertly. As for what I've found after going to Dribbage's house, I think we need to tread carefully since from what I've read of his separation papers Dribbage wasn't an exceptionally clever man but was curious and went to attempt to dabble in forbidden arts above his comprehension which lead to his rapid expulsion from the Church apart from the basic reasoning of one doesn't dabble in the forbidden arts, they're literally called 'forbidden'... that didn't stop him I don't think so his disappearance might be linked to still and continued dabbling in such things. Informing the City Guard to make them aware of possibilities and start contingencies while being hushed about it would be alright if it doesn't lead to mass hysteria... The fact he was not exceptionally good at this is what worries me. He may not know per say what he's doing, which is more of a headache since he does not fully understand the capacity for what he dabbles in and the ramifications. What did else do we know, and what of the Thistlerocks' dogs? Were they affected by what Dribbage has been up to or something else?" Tronus states bluntly pointing out the possibility of a threat to the City before asking the others what has happened and looked to the others.
Sep 30, 2019 7:23 pm
"Ah, Tronus, I think you mean the Night Razors. Nasty lot. I may ask you all to look into some rumors about them in the near future, but for now let me handle that inquiry." Her face darkens. "But Dribbage... If he was into dark magics, you'll have to be cautious. We don't want to scandalize his niece. If you think the town guard or the clerics need to know about any potential danger, tread carefully. We don't want our client to think we're working against her." She looks to the rest of you. "What else have you found?"
Oct 1, 2019 6:48 am
"Dark magics?" Nekurr looks at Hildar "Is that why the Thistlerocks' dogs returned from the graveyards so... "untrained"?" The half-catfolk shows up the book he took "I have a feeling Vizeron had some fascination with St. Durvin and the Second Darkness. According to the priests and this book, this Waiqar's guy did ally with certain Demon Lords and one of these looked like a goat..." Nekurr hesitates, studying Lady Argus' reaction "... as did whoever broke in the Dribbage's mansion...". He then quickly changes subject "Ah! By the way, Lyssie will be fine, thanks Fortuna!"
OOC:
By the way, if I wanted to be like St Durvin, smithing demons, healing and shooting thunder, would divine be enough?
CESN sent a note to SavageBob
Last edited October 1, 2019 6:51 am
Oct 1, 2019 12:19 pm
Hildar shrugs slightly at Nekurrs question "That is a bit of an assumption at this stage but the evidence we have so far certainly supports it" he taps on the cover of the book he removed from the Dribbage's study "From what I have been able to determine in my studies thus far this tome contains detailed accounts and instructions on the methods one would engage in to summon a demon. On it's own the information is largely useless but if an individual had access to certain types of dark runestones I do not doubt they would be able to summon a particularly powerful entity into this realm. It is possible he had one or more such runestones that were taken during the break in but that is just supposition on my part really"
Last edited October 1, 2019 12:20 pm
Oct 1, 2019 4:53 pm
OOC:
CESN, lightning and smiting and healing are indeed covered by Divine magic! But doing it the St. Durvin way would be a bit different from doing it the Fortuna way, I would guess (speaking of how we narrate such things). If Nekurr is willing to chang this divine allegiances though...
"That's not good to hear," Lady Argus harrumphs. "I trust you all to approach this matter carefully--both regarding your own personal safety and the sensitivities of our client. Barvek, Nera, what did you uncover?"
Oct 1, 2019 11:02 pm
"Dribbage went to a lot of effort to keep his affairs secret. His public journal is filled with nothing but boredom and monotony such as "went shopping today, afterwards did some reading." But his private journal..." Nera would smile here, if the subject wasn't so creepy. "The man was obsessed with anything forbidden, and has researched such dark knowledge thoroughly. He's also confident there is a portal to Ynfernael within his property's cemetery, and has tried summoning some wicked creature here. Oh and: He did have a runestone, doesn't say what kind, but I'm guessing in the end it helped him further his goals."
Oct 2, 2019 1:02 am
The lady sighs. "This won't be easy to tell his niece. From what you describe, Vizeron Dribbage may be dead. Immolated via a spellcasting backfire, or eaten by a monster, or something worse. Then again, maybe he's insane and what you've been uncovering are just the ravings of a madman." She stands up and seems about to leave. "I trust you to find out!"

Lady Argus heads for the door. "I'll be in the Lower City asking after the Night Razors. Be careful out there."
OOC:
Chance to ask her any last-minute questions, or else to brainstorm next steps.
Oct 2, 2019 5:59 am
OOC:
ahaah, Fortuna is fine for now. just wondering if St Durvin's skills can be mimicked, as it looks like he had a way with dead and demons
Nekurr looks very worried. A portal to Ynfernael, summoning some wicked creature, dark runestones... Clearly this job is starting to sound much more dangerous than it said on the label. Did Nekurr run out of Fortuna's favour? "So, all this talk of demons and magic..." he starts, unsure of where to go from here 'Would you know of anyone suited to deal with these kinds of situations, Lady Calypso? I mean, if we enlist the help of a trustworthy expert, we may understand a little bit better what is happening ... before jumping to certain conclusions.
Last edited October 2, 2019 6:02 am
Oct 2, 2019 2:39 pm
Lady Argus pauses a moment as she puts on a hat by the door. "Personally, I think it's a load of hooey. Dribbage sounds like a lunatic, a fool, or both. There hasn't been demonic activity in Terrinoth since the Second Darkness—hundreds of years ago! And so far the only suggestion that there's anything strange afoot is the dogs that attacked you." She turns, ready to leave. "Who's to say they didn't just eat something poisonous? Or catch a strange illness? This barony's not as welcoming as it used to be a century ago." Now, out the door, she calls back, "Talk to the clerics if you're worried. I doubt they'll be worried, though."
Oct 3, 2019 4:37 am
"Poison usually....poisons. Maybe we should take her to the estate, Lady Argus doesn't seem too worried about this affair." Nera says only half jokingly, confident Calypso could hold her own against such demonic forces. "Shall we talk with a priest? I'd rather not after the last incident I had, word can get around." Nera lets that statement hang in the air. "But maybe it's in our best interests, just in case."
Oct 3, 2019 5:51 am
Nekurr considers Lady Ardus' words. What's the odds there's a demon on the loose? Yes, probably it's just one of those ghost stories people like to make. It wouldn't be the first time someone disappeared and tales of the Bogeyman capturing and eating people spread, just to turn out it was a big bad wolf in the end. "We could check the clerics yes. Someone may have noticed something, even though I must say Lady Calypso made a good point... At least at St Durvin's, they didn't seem too concerned about Lyssie's attack or Vizeron's disappearance. Maybe we can check the cemetery while there is daylight" the half-cat stops of a while, the cold chill down his spine a brief reminder of the stories about demonic portals and possesses dogs. "I mean, it would be easier to see and find any clue that Vizeron may have left behind" he says, disguising his worries with a careless smile.
Last edited October 3, 2019 5:52 am
Oct 3, 2019 7:16 am
Hildar looks a bit flabbergasted for a moment before responding a tad scornfully "Yes, poison. I can see a number of such concoctions that can make a creatures eyes glow red!" he takes a breath after a moment "I apologise, I did not get much sleep last night. Given this document and the evidence that Dribbage did indeed have access to a dark runestone then I would say the chance this is at least Ynfernaly related are significant. Even if they did not summon an entity all the way onto this plane of existence they could still have given one enough access to....unduly influence creatures. Things like the hounds with limited intellect may be easier for such an entity to exert influence over"
Oct 3, 2019 2:23 pm
The lady calls back, "Well, a good inquisitor has to trust their gut. If you're worried there's something forbidden afoot, you can always ask the clerics." She closes the door behind her and calls through the window, "Just don't expect them to take you seriously." Her boots clack across the cobblestones outside, leaving you alone in the conference room. A fly lands on the table.
Oct 3, 2019 2:32 pm
"Well that was....enlightening" Hildar says before sighing "Lady Argus isn't wrong though. If we approach the clerics with what we have so far they may just dismiss us as jumping at shadows. Perhaps we should investigate the cemetery proper to see if there is any other evidence....preferably in the day light"
Oct 3, 2019 3:18 pm
"I agree with Mister Erathnir, lets get proof along with his history of prior actions I'm sure the Church would be more then will to assist in bring one of their former black sheeps to justice. Also if Lady Argus could have Inquisitors handle this entirely... what use do we bring to her?" Tronus admits before warning them all about outsourcing too much of the task.
Oct 4, 2019 4:29 pm
Barvek scratches his chin. "You make a fair point, Tronus. We must be careful what information we share with the church. Their bias may impede our efforts."
Oct 4, 2019 4:47 pm
To get to the graveyard, you follow many of the same steps as yesterday. (Lord Mengus stays behind, as Lady Argus has requested his help on another case.) You hire a horse cart and lead it west into the Upper City. There you take the Hill's Gate out of Nornholt along the Greyhaven Road. The gate guards remember you from yesterday, so your passage isn't slowed too much. When you reach the dirt path, you take it east toward the Dribbage property.
[ +- ] Saint Durvin Cemetery
About a half hour later, you reach the cemetery, which is blanketed in a thick fog. From what you can tell from outside the gates, it seems to be well kept, even if the headstones and crypts betray years—if not centuries—of rain and wind. Birdsong fills the air as the morning sun creeps upward. You hear a gruff voice humming a tune from somewhere further within the graveyard.
Oct 7, 2019 6:54 am
What's that? Nekurr asks as he hears the gruff voice coming deep from wishing the fog that covered this creepily well cared cemetery. Staying prudently behind the bulky, if short, Tronus, the half-catfolk tries to figure out where that tune is coming from.
OOC:
I know exactly where it is coming from, but I'll mistake the nice cleric for a giant undead demon lord? :)
Last edited October 7, 2019 6:56 am

Rolls

Perception?

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Oct 7, 2019 1:08 pm
"Lady Nera I suggest you find a higher vantage if there is a threat please lodge an arrowhead somewhere on it's face." Tronus mutters lowly seeing Nekurr's reaction he unhooks his shield and puts a hand on his sword hilt since he now has a charge.

"Come Mr Nekurr your luck hasn't already run out has it?" he mutters gruffly moving in whatever direction Nekurr is trying to go but behind someone bigger.
OOC:
I'm imagining someone almost 2 meters tall trying to hide behind a dwarf... XD
Oct 7, 2019 1:20 pm
CESN says:
What's that? Nekurr asks as he hears the gruff voice coming deep from wishing the fog that covered this creepily well cared cemetery. Staying prudently behind the bulky, if short, Tronus, the half-catfolk tries to figure out where that tune is coming from.
OOC:
I know exactly where it is coming from, but I'll mistake the nice cleric for a giant undead demon lord? :)
OOC:
Presumably the others are listening out, too, and Nera has a talent that gives a boost to her companions (Heightened Awareness), so I'll grant you 3 boosts here.
As you pause to listen more cautiously, you all can make out the sound of the figure shoveling dirt to the cadence of his tune.
OOC:
1 net success = 1 more detail. 2 advantages to spend. Can't be for more details on the figure, but can be for other benefits.

Rolls

boosts

3 Advantage

Total: 3 Advantage

Oct 7, 2019 1:27 pm
Whilst the others move about Hildar calls out "Hello? Is someone there?"
Oct 7, 2019 1:32 pm
SavageBob says:
Can't be for more details on the figure, but can be for other benefits.
OOC:
3 free boosts!!! so, two advantages right? maybe notice any interesting stuff around this happy figure? What is he trying to bury (or dig up), is there anyone else, is he digging in any particular part of the graveyard? Spend advantages the notice stuff like that maybe?
Last edited October 7, 2019 1:32 pm
Oct 7, 2019 3:45 pm
CESN says:
SavageBob says:
Can't be for more details on the figure, but can be for other benefits.
OOC:
3 free boosts!!! so, two advantages right? maybe notice any interesting stuff around this happy figure? What is he trying to bury (or dig up), is there anyone else, is he digging in any particular part of the graveyard? Spend advantages the notice stuff like that maybe?
OOC:
Yeah, there's no hard cap on how many other characters can assist a check, but I tend to think 2 is about the max that such aid can add to a check. But then Nera's got that talent, so there ya go, 3 boosts. :) 2 advantages coming up:
Other than the sound of the figure humming and digging, you don't hear anyone else in the cemetery other than songbirds. However, the sound of the person's actions does suggest the figure is shoveling dirt into an open grave, not digging one up.

Upon Hildar's greeting, the humming and shoveling stop. There's a pregnant pause. Then the figure speaks: "Oy! Just the groundskeeper here. Don't let me get in your way. Feel free to move about as you please." It's a gruff, masculine voice. The man seems to be waiting for a response, as he remains silent.
Oct 8, 2019 1:04 pm
Barvek begins walking toward the sound of the voice. He calls out. "We're here on an investigation with Argus Inquiries. Perhaps you could help us."
Oct 8, 2019 1:31 pm
Tronus follows Barvek on point with his shield still out and hand on his hilt ready to explain it off due to the recent 'beast attack'.
Oct 8, 2019 1:50 pm
"I don't know nothing 'bout no estimate— vestimate— 'vestigations." the voice calls back. The reply lets Barvek and Tronus hone in on the speaker's location, a short ways into the cemetery's main entry path.
[ +- ] Groundskeeper?
The figure is a stout male Dwarf with a long, fiery red beard. He holds his shovel out to the side, spade down—a position from which he could easily swing the implement as a makeshift cudgel. A pickax lies in the dirt to his side beside an open leather pack. The dirt behind him is piled as high as his neck; from this distance, Tronus and Barvek can't yet see how full (or empty) the grave is.

The Dwarf eyes you suspiciously.
OOC:
From here, you can try a social check, or you may want to try Perception to get a better sense of the guy now that you've seen him.
[ +- ] Difficulties
Oct 8, 2019 2:00 pm
Nekurr approaches the dwarf in a friendly manner. "Hello there! No need to worry about the... vestigations. I see you're dedicated groundskeeper, with a dig that large this early in the morning. We tracked some bothersome feral dogs to this cemetery and are looking for some clues. You haven't seen any dogs, or anything else strange around here by any chance?" the half-cat asks casually as he tries to read the dwarf's expression.
OOC:
charming him into relaxing and answering questions: 2 successes
check his body language for something hidden: 2 successes and an advantage -> can his body language point me towards the reason why is his uncomfortable?
Last edited October 8, 2019 2:09 pm

Rolls

charm

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success

vigilance

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Oct 8, 2019 2:25 pm
"We've just started yesterday and we're asking about in the area so that makes sense..." Tronus states.
OOC:
I figure 3 is the most I can check out in the time frame.

Rolls

Leadership Average check with Knack for it R2 (Gobbles up two black)

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 3 Threat

Peception Gen Scene Average check with Knack for it R2 (Gobbles up two black)

2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Perception Dwarf Average check with Knack for it R2 (Gobbles up to black)

3 Success, 1 Failure

Total: 2 Success

Oct 8, 2019 2:26 pm
The Dwarf seems to calm slightly upon Nekurr's greeting. Still, he seems standoffish. "You shouldn't be here," the Dwarf says. "It's dangerous 'round the open graves."

His uneasiness undercuts his command—even if he does have the authority to order you back, your drive to investigate overrides it. That said, Nekurr does take a step back!
OOC:
1 advantage = 1 strain to Nekurr.
SavageBob sent a note to CESN

Rolls

Leadership vs. group

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Oct 8, 2019 2:31 pm
OOC:
Should have specified one check per character. Y'all are too ambitious! :) But we'll roll with it for now.
The Dwarf seems unsure how to proceed with Tronus's pronouncement. You can tell he's wavering a bit and may be willing to talk. But there's still something keeping him reticent.

SavageBob sent a note to Remnant
"Now, seriously--you can't be coming close to an open hole like this!" the Dwarf says, his voice now a bit unsure.
OOC:
3 strain to all of you. (Trying to make this social "combat" have teeth with just one target.) 2 Threat for you to spend!

Rolls

Leadership vs. group

3 Success, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Threat

Oct 8, 2019 2:38 pm
SavageBob says:
2 Threat for you to spend!
OOC:
eheh He trips and falls on the grave proving his point :D
maybe I should leave this one for someone else
Oct 8, 2019 8:32 pm
Barvek folds his arms. "I understand that you are the groundskeeper here, but we have been hired by Lady Dribbage to look for her Uncle. We have the authority to be here. We're professionals. I don't think a little hole should be a problem."
OOC:
I'd like to spend my advantage to learn his strength.
Last edited October 8, 2019 8:40 pm

Rolls

Leadership (removing setback w/ knack for it)

4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Oct 8, 2019 8:52 pm
OOC:
Remember that a failed social check in this context means 2 strain, ArMedBeta! OK, working with the fall-in-the-hole idea:
The Dwarf blusters at being ordered around. "Who the hell is 'August Infestations!' I'm the groundskeeper here, and any wot says it don't matter will get a lump on the head to forget it!" As he delivers this proclamation, he thrusts out his chest and plumps his shovel onto the ground. Only, he seems to have misjudged his placement, as the shovel finds only the open hole and lands at the bottom of the grave with a plunk. The Dwarf is now empty handed.

Despite his losing the shovel, you get the impression he wouldn't shrink from a fight.
OOC:
2 threat = dropped the shovel. 2 advantage = His strength is pride in his work.

2 more strain to everyone.

His 1 threat is yours to spend.

Rolls

Coercion

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success

setback for not having the shovel to back up the threat

1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Oct 8, 2019 9:19 pm
Nera silently observes that curious bag he has open, perhaps she can get a glimpse of something which will give them some authority over this unruly groundskeeper.
OOC:
Welp.
Last edited October 8, 2019 9:20 pm

Rolls

Perception (Bag)

2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Oct 8, 2019 9:41 pm
"You should be respectful to Lady Argus Grave Digger. A woman was attack close to here last night. Shes still alive mind you. You know what that means for this plot of land right?
You have your job we have ours. Or would you prefer the clergy stop funding this cemetery due to it not being considered safe or sacred ground anymore? Any no one is putting lumps on my charges. Be weary of threats of violence or I'll make you make good on the threat in kind."
Tronus states his voice gravely his hand still on his hilt as he points at the dwarf with his shield hand.
Oct 9, 2019 1:41 am
Seeing Nera eye his bag, the groundskeeper quickly snatches it up and closes it to further inspection.
OOC:
Remnant, please roll Coercion or Leadership, your choice.
Oct 9, 2019 7:27 am
OOC:
All add a clever retort to give Kerduk 2 threats next and play his strength and guess his weakness?
I would claim -1 setbacks from my previous niceness and playing on the dwarf's apparent ...confusion, but I'll roll the same as before and then it can be adjusted :D
"My good sir, just ignore this unprofessional jokers. We at 'August Infestations!' take our work very seriously and with pride, as we can all agree you do, judging by that stunning example of a hole you just got yourself there." Nekurr stops, letting the slow dwarf absorb all the information. "I'm sure such a professional would always be on his top shape at work..." After the far-too-long introduction, the half-catfolk gets to the point "It would seem that this cemetery is infested with feral dogs and book readers. We're not clear exactly how, but is seems something is afoot. Have you noticed anything strange in your magnificent digs that could help us understand this... infestation?"
OOC:
I tried to guess is weakness (or fear), so I'd use the advantage to find the other, if I'm correct
CESN sent a note to SavageBob
OOC:
GM edit: Playing to his Strength grants you a boost to the roll. Adding it now.
Last edited October 9, 2019 7:30 am

Rolls

charming charms on that charming man

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

boost from strength

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Oct 9, 2019 12:51 pm
Whilst the others talk with the dwarf Hildar hangs back behind the others and tries to discretely use his abilities to scan the area for anything untoward.
OOC:
Wanting to use magic to get a feel for anything spooky/magical....mostly magical if it comes to choosing one or the other in the area, wanting to 'scan' out to medium range. Would I get any boosts as a result of having a better idea of what to look for after my research?
Oct 9, 2019 1:56 pm
OOC:
As request, didn't see a difficulty so I went with Avg, Knack for it eats two setback if there's setbacks on a leadership check.

Update: Xd....
Last edited October 9, 2019 1:57 pm

Rolls

Average Leadership Check?

1 Success, 4 Failure

Total: 3 Failure

Oct 9, 2019 2:49 pm
OOC:
2 more strain to Tronus for the failed Leadership attempt. But it looks like Nekurr's Charm check did the trick. 2 Advantage to learn his Weakness, and Nekurr may spend the other 2 how he wishes (maybe to get back 2 strain). Everyone may make a simple (no difficulty) Cool or Discipline check to recover strain now.
OOC:
Hildar may make an Average (PP) check to scan out to medium range for anything magical. I'm going to say no on the boost, since in my mind, a magical check like this is just "yes" or "no." We could figure something else out if you wanted to specifically check for demonic energies or something, so let me know.
The Dwarf seems confused by Nekurr's attempt to placate him. "Books? Infatuations?" He moves the bag behind his back. You hear the sound of liquid sloshing in a bottle as he does so. "Now, I'm a good worker, all right. But you blokes just surprised me. You can't sneak up on a body like..." He seems lost in thought before continuing. "...that." The Dwarf leans over as if his shovel is still in his hands, but it is, of course, in the open grave. He nearly loses his balance before righting himself once again. He is clearly very drunk.

"So what's this about an infestation of dogs?"
OOC:
Weakness: Doesn't want you to know he's sloshed on the job.
Oct 9, 2019 4:17 pm
OOC:
Recovery roll

Rolls

Discipline easy check

4 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage

Oct 9, 2019 5:55 pm
OOC:
cooling down: -3 strain
Last edited October 9, 2019 5:56 pm

Rolls

strain recovery

3 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 3 Advantage

Oct 9, 2019 7:53 pm
Nera rolls her eyes and whispers to her companions, leaving the actual negations to the more leadership-types. "I bet 10 silver his bag is full of booze."

Rolls

Cool

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Oct 10, 2019 3:50 am
"Sorry for any confusion. I'm Barvek," he says as walks carefully around the hole and extends a hand of greeting. "We were at the neighbor's last night. You know, the Thistlerocks. We were attacked by some strange dogs. Seemed like they came from this direction. Fought something fierce. From the look of things, you run a tight ship here. Keep these grounds nice and well cared for. Did you see any dogs around here last night?"

Rolls

Cool

2 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

Oct 10, 2019 7:26 am
OOC:
I guess probing question is not useful now :(
"Or, you know, not just dogs, but anything that could have scared the dogs..." Nekurr looks around for scary things before adding "or cats"
Oct 10, 2019 12:51 pm
Hildar focuses on scanning about....
OOC:
Erm, ok then - will see what comes of the success and have a think about the triumphs but would probably just say to have them to pick up on other details we may have missed
Last edited October 10, 2019 12:55 pm

Rolls

Arcana check

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Triumph, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Triumph

Oct 10, 2019 1:54 pm
CESN says:
I guess probing question is not useful now :(
OOC:
Ah, it would have been, but your Charm check was so successful that it pushed him over his strain threshold! At any rate, y'all know he's nervous about being drunk on the job now, so that still will come into play.
The Dwarf shakes Barvek's hand, apparently out of rote, but he scowls at Nera. "You's inquisitioners sent by the Church, huh? Or is it the Groundskeepers Guild wot sent you? Come to get me sacked?" The Dwarf recovers his shovel and throws a spadeful of dirt into the grave as if to prove he's actually just doing his normal duties. "Any time them Thiddlero... Thimmelro... Thistlerock dogs comes in here, I chase 'em away. If you was attacked by some, must've been at night, after I gone home. Or somebody dragged 'em here."
Oct 10, 2019 2:05 pm
mcneils5 says:
Hildar focuses on scanning about....
OOC:
Erm, ok then - will see what comes of the success and have a think about the triumphs but would probably just say to have them to pick up on other details we may have missed
OOC:
Holy mole, that's an impressive roll! What I've written below is what you would have gotten just from success. For the double Triumph, I'm happy to let you keep the wand activated for two more scenes with no concentrate maneuver if that sounds OK? Normally I don't think that'd be allowed, meaning you'd have to keep casting Utility over and over.
Meanwhile, Hildar's wand briefly fixes on Nekurr's symbol and the magic tome hidden amongst Hildar's things before spinning a full circle horizontal to the ground. Hildar feels his hand pulled down toward the earth, so he crouches. The tip of the wand moves up and down, taking in the full depth of the open grave and about two or three feet of space above it. The Elf concludes that this whole graveyard is under some sort of magical ward.
Oct 10, 2019 2:12 pm
OOC:
Sounds good to me
Hildar frowns at his wand before he mutters to the others "There is some sort of enchantment laid over the entire graveyard, I'm not sure if it's benevolent or otherwise but the amount of power needed to lay an enchantment over such a large area is.....significant"
Oct 10, 2019 2:38 pm
Nekurr turns to reply to Kerduk "There is no need to worry about the Groundskeepers Guild. We're very collaborative people and we enjoy collaboration. So, you were saying you have seen the Thistlerock's dogs around? Were they behaving in any strange way?" After considering how to approach Vizeron's frequent visits to the cemetery, the half-catfolk continues his questioning "And what about people? Any frequent visitors you may have noticed? Maybe someone changed routine recently? New visitors? Anything you can remember would be very... good collaboration".

The cleric looks away as Hildar mentions a powerful enchantment "That's probably just from the clerics' rituals? They do something to keep the cemetery protected from..." Nekurr looks back at the dwarf and stops "Hildar this is probably just some regular divine enchantment, right?"
Last edited October 10, 2019 2:41 pm
Oct 10, 2019 4:35 pm
"Calibration, yes" the Dwarf says, matching Nekurr's intonation even if the syllables are wrong. "I, uh--you lot ask a lot of questions. It's too much for a body to 'member. I ain't seen no dogs lately if that's what you're after." He seems lost in thought for a moment. "Or maybe you're asking about the clerics? They come here every week. Do the rituals or celebrations or whatever to keep the wards up, ya see. Don't want no shambly undead types crawling about. Just came yesterday. Took most the morning, few hours." He shifts his weight, and the sloshing noise sounds from his bag again. "Had a funeral day afore. Just closing up the grave now. This time of week I usually get a moment a peace if there ain't no more funerals scheduled."
Oct 11, 2019 3:04 pm
"You’re only closing the grave from a funeral from day afore?" Nekurr find it strange and looks inside the grave for a quick check

Rolls

Perception

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Oct 11, 2019 3:45 pm
The open grave looks about as Nekurr would expect an open grave to look. The top of a wooden coffin is visible peeking out of the dirt, as the groundskeeper seems to have already filled in around the sides. The tombstone looks fresh and unweathered. The name on it is Adelbert Thinster Baltimon, "beloved husband, devoted father."

The Dwarf looks at Nekurr with a furrowed brow. "Um, yes. Funeral was two days back. Sometimes we get backed up if there's a rash o' illness in town."
Oct 11, 2019 4:29 pm
"I see..." Nekurr looks around "one last question! These dogs you chased out of the cemetery... did it look like they were going to a specific place, a grave or mausoleum or something?"
Oct 11, 2019 5:53 pm
He shrugs. "Those folk let the dogs run loose. Suppose they're learning to hunt or something. Been awhile since I seen any on the property. Maybe they ranging closer to the Drimmage place now that the old man gone."
Oct 11, 2019 6:10 pm
OOC:
gone???? Anyone what to follow up on that one?
Oct 11, 2019 8:24 pm
"What do you know of Drimmage's disappearance? Did you see him leaving?"
Oct 12, 2019 12:48 am
The Dwarf raises his brow and relaxes a bit. "Mr. Vizeron was a nice sort. Useter chat with me, say hello and how do you do. Came out to the yard nearly every single day. Came out to read his books," He points over a ridge. "usually over in the older lots that way. Ain't seen him in..." He whistles and scratches his beard. "must be going on a year now. You lot know what came of him?"
Oct 12, 2019 5:41 am
"No." Nera feels confident in answering this question, she didn't even have to lie.
Oct 13, 2019 1:52 am
"Shame," he says. "It was nice to chat with him when he was around. Gets lonely out here. Just the clerics coming once a week, a funeral now and then. After that, folks don't visit their dead kin like they useter." He looks to you, as if wondering if you have more questions.
Oct 14, 2019 8:20 am
"I must be a lonely job..." Nekurr agrees sympathetically just before picking up on that last piece of information "So... You used to chat with Mr. Vizeron? Was there anything in particular you chatted about? Was he interested in something in particular or, maybe some part of the cemetery? Did he have a preferred spot where you would find him?"
Oct 14, 2019 1:52 pm
Hildar thinks for a few moments "Is it always the same clerics coming here or have they changed recently? Have there been any 'folks' coming about recently to visit any graves in particular...more than normal I mean"
Oct 14, 2019 1:54 pm
To Hildar, the Dwarf shrugs. "I don't usually pay no attention to the clerics. They don't say much to me, so I leave 'em to their work. Always the same decantations, though. Least sounds that way to me." He thinks a moment before continuing. "As for visitors to the graves and like, doesn't seem too unusual to me. No new people I noticed. Wish more folks would visit. It's sad."

The Dwarf perks up to Nekurr's questions about Dribbage, perhaps excited at the possibility of finally getting rid of you all. "Didn't talk 'bout much important. Just small talk and the like. The weather, my family, things going on in the Barony." He pokes his thumb over the hills further into the graveyard. "But I can show you where he liked to sit. Man would sit for hours just reading his books, but he had a favorite spot."
Oct 15, 2019 6:59 am
"If it isn't a problem for you" Nekurr accepts Kerduk's suggestion as he waits for the dwarf's reply to Hildar's question as they walk to Vizeron's reading spot
Oct 15, 2019 1:50 pm
OOC:
Sorry, Mcneils5. For some reason, Hildar's question didn't show up for me until this morning. I've edited my post above to include a reply to it.
Oct 15, 2019 2:28 pm
The gravedigger leads you over the ridge, further into the heart of the cemetery. The graves here look appreciably older and more worn, and a few tombs and crypts dot the scenery. He arrives at a particularly tall stone with colored etching. "Mr. Dribblage sat here. This is the spot. He'd just sit and read and read and so forth." He shrugs. "Don't think there's no signification 'cept he could sit down easy."
[ +- ] Dribbage's Reading Spot
Meanwhile, Hildar's wand, still active from before, seems fixated on a spot further toward the edges of this section of the graveyard.
[ +- ] Wand Pointing This Way
Oct 15, 2019 3:49 pm
"We'll look around a bit here so we can get out of your work area. Thanks for this." Tronus states looking at the sitting location and opts to inspect it before sitting down to look around from that vantage.
Oct 15, 2019 8:06 pm
"Likewise," the Dwarf says as he heads back to his work area.

Seated on the headstone, Tronus notes that the view is of a portion of the cemetery characterized by older stones, hooded statues, and a tomb of some sort. The denser tree cover keeps the area a bit darker than the rest of the cemetery—perhaps a bit strange if Dribbage spent much of his time reading there. That said, the headstone provides a comfortable-enough backrest, and the grave itself has a stone slab, making it cleaner than the surrounding dirt, grass, and moss.
OOC:
The view from the grave is very much like the image of where Hildarr's wand is pointing. Y'all let me know if you want to investigate anything more closely, and I'll provide a difficulty if necessary.
Oct 15, 2019 10:38 pm
"What a weird place to read." Nera comments, flabbergasted as she takes in the atmosphere.
OOC:
Can I make a perception roll here?
Oct 16, 2019 12:58 am
somebox says:
"What a weird place to read." Nera comments, flabbergasted as she takes in the atmosphere.
OOC:
Can I make a perception roll here?
OOC:
Absolutely. It's a large area, so what would you like to focus on? Just sitting in Dribbage's spot, looking around and listening (PP)? Focus in on the stone he sat on (P)? Focus in on the crypt (PP)? Look around at the ground (PP)? All get a setback for dim lighting unless someone counteracts that with a torch or magic.
Oct 16, 2019 6:31 am
OOC:
I guess I'll leave the crypt for Hildar, since his wand is pointing there. Utility magic doesn't require check, but it's 2 strain as well right?
Nekurr stands next to the gravekeeper. He was right, nothing seems wrong with that place and Tronus looked comfortable sitting against the headstone. But that was wait made it all suspicious. After a quick thanks and goodbye, Nekurr looks around carefully "It's a bit dark in here, don't you think?" he asks the others before conjuring a number of dancing lights.

Rolls

lights on?

4 Success, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Threat

Oct 16, 2019 12:57 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
I guess I'll leave the crypt for Hildar, since his wand is pointing there. Utility magic doesn't require check, but it's 2 strain as well right?
Nekurr stands next to the gravekeeper. He was right, nothing seems wrong with that place and Tronus looked comfortable sitting against the headstone. But that was wait made it all suspicious. After a quick thanks and goodbye, Nekurr looks around carefully "It's a bit dark in here, don't you think?" he asks the others before conjuring a number of dancing lights.
OOC:
It does require an Easy check (P). No setback on that, of course!
Oct 16, 2019 1:04 pm
SavageBob says:
It does require an Easy check (P). No setback on that, of course!
OOC:
Done, I want four little dancing lights and... why do I always get a threat??
Oct 16, 2019 1:07 pm
"If you're performing a dark ritual over time I guess the light is just right a little dark just like the corruption of one's soul..." Tronus contemplates going in a morbid direction. "But we're here, might as well look for signs of what he might have been up, and hooved prints... we should find out the name of the clergy that frequent the cemetery to make sure they're actually from the church also when we leave. I'll focusing on what I can find from sitting where he sat... this is a good stone. Lady Nera come sit."
OOC:
Taking the stone sitting perception check.
Oct 16, 2019 1:32 pm
As Nekurr completes his prayer, pinpricks of light start to appear in the trees. These are followed by more lights in the shrubs, on the ground, and eventually even on the tombstones around you. Some of the lights move about, fluttering, before alighting somewhere else. Looking more closely, you can see they are lightning bugs, dozens if not hundreds of them! Their collective luminescence makes it much easier to see around in the area. Nevertheless, their buzz does drown out other natural sounds in the area, at least for the moment.
OOC:
CESN, thought this idea kept your desire for dancing lights while keeping with your "As luck would have it..." style of magic. :) Setback remains on the NEXT Perception check ONLY as their buzzing subsides.
Oct 16, 2019 1:50 pm
SavageBob says:
CESN, thought this idea kept your desire for dancing lights while keeping with your "As luck would have it..." style of magic. :) Setback remains on the NEXT Perception check ONLY as their buzzing subsides.
OOC:
ahah not only it was lucky all those lightning bugs would "land" in there, it fits the threat very nicely :D
Oct 16, 2019 2:20 pm
Hildar gestures over to the building that his wand is pointing him towards "I'm picking up something from that....crypt is it? There seems to be either some different magic at work there or the wards the clerics have laid on this place are stronger there for some reason. I would need to investigate directly to get a better idea of what is going on there"
Oct 16, 2019 2:52 pm
"Well it seems most logical to see what he would have seen," Barvek says as he sits on the stone and focuses his senses on his surroundings.
OOC:
With setback from noise from the lights. Assuming at least one boost from being within short range of Nera for her heightened awareness. If we're engaged, that's one more boost.

Rolls

Looking from his reading place

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Oct 16, 2019 5:00 pm
arMedBeta says:
"Well it seems most logical to see what he would have seen," Barvek says as he sits on the stone and focuses his senses on his surroundings.
OOC:
With setback from noise from the lights. Assuming at least one boost from being within short range of Nera for her heightened awareness. If we're engaged, that's one more boost.
The buzzing sound subsides as Barvek and Tronus sit on the stone slab and try to put themselves in Vizeron Dribbage's boots.
OOC:
No more setbacks now that this roll has been made. arMedBeta, I'll reveal what you detect in a bit. I'll use the advantages to reveal other potentially interesting information unless you tell me otherwise.
Oct 16, 2019 5:42 pm
OOC:
Rolls, two boost to next PC?
Tronus doses off while thinking.
Last edited October 16, 2019 5:43 pm

Rolls

Focus in on the stone Easy Perception

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Oct 16, 2019 6:39 pm
As he settles into the stone, Barvek does note that the headstone is indeed fairly comfortable. Perhaps with a cushion of some kind, he could see staying here on a nice day for long hours reading. Even the temperature is nice, with the tree cover keeping things several notches cooler than the hot weather beyond. The view from the spot is dominated by the above-ground tomb, perhaps 100 feet away. Beyond that seems to be only forest. As Tronus seems to briefly doze off, Barvek notices that the ground in the area is softer and more claylike than that in the entry to the cemetery.
Oct 16, 2019 7:49 pm
Nera joins the sitting gang, closing her eyes and sniffing the air. But she isn't all that interested in it, and so with eyes open she peers intently at the mysterious crypt, her ears twitching slightly. "He probably saw more words then any of us."
OOC:
Wow that's a lot of advantage. I learn something crucial, or can gather enough clues from the environment to tell if anything nasty or strange might be ahead?
Last edited October 16, 2019 7:53 pm

Rolls

Perception on the Crypt

2 Success, 7 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 6 Advantage

Oct 17, 2019 2:08 am
As Nera pads her way toward the crypt, a cascade of fireflies lights each step. From the outside, the structure seems to be made of stone, while the door—maybe bronze—has a sturdy-looking lock. Nera has trouble puzzling out the name over the door, but she recognizes the letters, at least: CORVIS. The size of the tomb would hold at least six coffins if they were packed in like the bunk beds at some of the flophouses Nera is used to. But with a place this ornate, it may be that just a single rich twit is buried inside.

The Catfolk turns to rejoin the others, but as she does, she notices something strange: Her footfalls sound different near the crypt. Deeper, more resonant somehow. As she takes a few steps back toward the others, she notices that some of her footfalls have a similar resonance, while others don't.
Oct 17, 2019 3:47 am
With this newfound knowledge Nera makes large, exaggerated footsteps to get everyone's attention, smiling as she does so. "hear that?" She stomps a few more times. "Something lies below the the dirt. By the way, does the word Corvis- Corvess? C-O-R-V-I-S mean anything?"
Oct 17, 2019 7:16 am
OOC:
My INT was good enough to try recalling how corvis is... I'll use nera's bonus for perception intead...
Nekurr moves closer to Nera, looking at the surroundings of the strange crypt. "You mean here?" he asks as he steps on the grounds as well. After determining the "strange area" he kneels down and investigates it closer.
OOC:
And another threat... ;)
Last edited October 17, 2019 7:17 am

Rolls

investigate the ground

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Oct 17, 2019 3:14 pm
OOC:
If folks want to determine who CORVIS might be, it's a Daunting (PPPP) Knowledge (Geography) check with four boosts (two for geographical proximity and two for assumed assistance from the rest of the party). Only one PC may attempt the roll.
This close to the ground, Nekurr isn't able to hear much over the sound of chirping insects. However, he does spot something interesting: A dog print, fairly fresh in the soft earth.
OOC:
1 threat = you don't hear much.
Oct 18, 2019 6:55 am
"Hey guys, check this out! There were dogs here recently" Nekurr says surprised as he finds the evidence they have been looking for "Nera, is that crypt... openable?"
OOC:
I guess Hildar, being a wizard will have the most Knowledge (Geography)/ INT for the CORVIS roll right?
Last edited October 18, 2019 6:56 am
Oct 18, 2019 5:09 pm
OOC:
None of you has any points in Geography, but Hildar has the best chance with Intellect 4, yes. But, again, there are boosts for location and putting heads together.
Oct 18, 2019 6:43 pm
Hildar turns his thoughts to Corvis, filtering through his memories for any mentions or references to it....

Rolls

Knowledge (Geography)

4 Success, 9 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 6 Advantage

Oct 18, 2019 7:42 pm
OOC:
Wow, that's a lot of advantage! Any idea how you want to spend it?
Oct 18, 2019 11:51 pm
OOC:
Erm, I’m not sure. Was thinking about using them for some other related info about the crypt such as likely hidden spots/passages from similar buildings he’s studied in the past
Oct 19, 2019 12:01 am
OOC:
I can work with that.
After Hildar and the others bounce it around a bit, the name Corvis does ring a bell. Hildar recalls that the Corvis family has its roots in Greyhaven. Only one branch of the family is present in Nornholt, and they've only been here for a generation or so. While some crypts do have vast underground chambers, there can't be that many Nornholt Corvises who have died yet, so this tomb likely was not designed with any subterranean components.
Oct 21, 2019 6:42 am
As Nekurr tries to follow the dog tracks, he wonders if there are any goat tracks around. This goes on for awhile, until Hilder remembers something about CORVIS. "Wait! You're saying this is the crypt of a new family in Nornholt? I guess Lady Argus would have heard of them... Do you think..." the half-cat looks at the crypt door. "That Vizeron may have met them?"
OOC:
Anything else I can do about the dog prints at the moment besides tracking them?
Last edited October 21, 2019 6:43 am
Oct 21, 2019 8:15 am
"That is what I recall yes, well, new as in they have been living here for no more than a generation or two so this crypt should be fairly lightly...erm...populated" Hildar responds to Nekurr as he approaches the crypt door and begins to visually examine the entrance way.
Oct 21, 2019 11:36 am
"Be mindful Mister Erathnir, the dead wake like a hung over bar brawler..." he reminds Hildar moving to guard him if something might jump out.
Oct 21, 2019 2:27 pm
Upon closer inspection, Nekurr does indeed notice goat-like footprints in the mud similar to the ones in the study. They don't seem to go along with the dog tracks, though -- instead, they seem to head back toward the center of the cemetery.

Meanwhile, Hildar and Tronus merely note that the door seems sturdy and has a sturdy-looking lock.
OOC:
Are you two listening for possible undead inside? You can put your heads together and roll YGBB+P, the blues coming from Nera's Heightened Awareness and Hildar's assist to Tronus (who has a rank in Perception). Haven't heard from Barvek in a while, but if ArMedBeta wants to join in, that bumps the roll to YGGB+P.
Oct 21, 2019 2:58 pm
OOC:
Also, CESN, if you want to try to follow either set of tracks, feel free to roll. You'd roll Survival or Perception, and I'll allow Nera's Heightened Awareness to give you a boost to either. Roll will be Average (PP) for either, but they're separate rolls (and only one can be attempted at this time.)
Oct 21, 2019 3:09 pm
OOC:
oh man... survival is as bad as perception :)
Distracted by the newfound goat tracks, Nekurr slowing moves away from the others.
OOC:
that was a failed survival... Do I know if the dog's tracks are going home? Could they be from the ones from last night?
Last edited October 21, 2019 3:11 pm

Rolls

here goat

2 Success, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Oct 21, 2019 4:18 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
oh man... survival is as bad as perception :)
Distracted by the newfound goat tracks, Nekurr slowing moves away from the others.
OOC:
that was a failed survival... Do I know if the dog's tracks are going home? Could they be from the ones from last night?
OOC:
This roll was to follow the goat-like tracks, right? If that's the case, you can't really tell anything about the dog tracks. I'll let you know what the Threat is once the others have made their Perception check at the crypt.
Oct 21, 2019 8:11 pm
Nera follows Tronus & Hildar, her tail swaying slightly from anticipation. I've never seen undead before, probably scary. She slowly grabs her bow, just in case.
OOC:
I shall be transparent and say I want to check out this spooky crypt.
Oct 22, 2019 2:18 pm
OOC:
Just waiting on Hildar, Tronus, or Barvek to roll Perception to listen for anything stirring inside.
Oct 23, 2019 6:25 am
Hildar leans forwards and strains to hear anything untoward coming from inside the crypt....

Rolls

Perception

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Oct 23, 2019 2:01 pm
All you hear is the sound of your own breathing and the scuffles of Nekurr looking at the tracks. The interior of the crypt is dead quiet.
OOC:
Let me know if you have any thoughts on the 2 advantage. If not, I can add a bit more detail.
Meanwhile, Nekurr seems to have wandered a bit further than he perhaps intended, losing the trail of the hoof prints a few yards away from the crypt. "Oy!" cries a voice from nearby in the cemetery. "You folks doing OK over there?" It's the groundskeeper. He seems a bit suspicious about what's going on.
OOC:
1 threat = he sees you and gets suspicious. You can try to calm him with a social check if you'd like. All are Average (PP) difficulty except Charm, which is Easy (P). Leadership and Charm both get a setback because he's growing a bit tired of you all.
Oct 23, 2019 2:35 pm
"Oh! Sorry Mister Thunderborn. I got a bit lost. I didn't mean to disturb your important work" Nekurr looks around. "I seem to have found some tracks and was trying to trace them. We were right about the dogs having been here yesterday! But then I got distracted with some other tracks"
OOC:
Can I use the advantage to get him to help? maybe mention goats?
Last edited October 23, 2019 2:39 pm

Rolls

charm

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Oct 23, 2019 2:50 pm
OOC:
Sounds good. He can help you if you want to make a second attempt (him providing a boost this time).
Nekurr seems to have peaked the Dwarf's interest. "Tracks is it? That's interesting. What kinda tracks?"
Oct 23, 2019 3:35 pm
OOC:
so... same roll?
"Ah yes. It is very interesting. You see..." Nekurr chats with the dwarf until he gets back "on tracks" "it looks like there was some sort of hoofed animal with the dogs. Intriguing isn't it? "
OOC:
Really? the same result? :'(
Last edited October 23, 2019 3:36 pm

Rolls

goats and dogs!

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Oct 24, 2019 3:32 am
The Dwarf looks for hoof prints along with Nekurr for a minute or so but then gives up with a shrug. "Don't see nothing." He then turns to the Half-Catfolk. "You wanna help me with something now? I gotta... commune with nature. Make sure your other Inquirers over there don't steal my... special drink?" He plods off a few dozen yards into a copse of trees, whistling.
OOC:
1 Threat = Nekurr is now stuck here for a couple of minutes.
OOC:
If the desire is to go into the tomb, you can pick the lock with an Average (PP) Skulduggery check with a setback if you want to do it quietly. (This assumes one of you has picks.) You can also try to break the door down (Daunting [PPPP] Athletics), break the lock (give me the means and I'll give you the difficulty), find the key some other way, or attempt another means of getting in (magic or the like).
Oct 24, 2019 6:50 am
"Sure, no problem!" the half-cat is quick to reply, just sitting down on a gravestone or something :)
Oct 24, 2019 6:56 am
Not hearing anything inside the crypt Hildar leans forwards to look at the lock.
OOC:
Can the advantages be to got towards getting the door open (Boost die)? That Hildar's spotted a weakness or other flaw in the lock
Oct 24, 2019 1:19 pm
OOC:
Sure; let's say you recognize it as a standard key-turned lock of the type you might find on the front gates of a wealthy estate. It looks to be the work of a Nornholt locksmith named Lila Astride-Barrow. Nera has some "experience" with her wares, so she can get a boost to picking it if she tries to do so. Alternatively, Hildar can get a boost to a spell to open it (Utility, I think, but difficulty is one higher than picking it.)

I'll also flip a Story Point if y'all choose breaking and entering over legal ways of gaining entry. (Not out of judgment, but just because there is a chance something could go spectacularly wrong! :P).

So, Skulduggery (with thieves' tools): Average Upgraded with a boost = PR+B+K if you want to be sneaky about it. Extra KK if you don't have thieves' tools and have to improvise.

Utility magic: Hard Upgraded with a boost = PPR+B. No need to be sneaky really here, so no setback.

Breaking the door in = Daunting Athletics upgraded = PPPR.
Oct 24, 2019 4:08 pm
Nera cocks her head in response to Hildar directing his gaze to the lock itself. "I don't think you'll be able to peer through the keyhole, that's just a myth."
Oct 28, 2019 2:09 pm
Hildar just grins at Nera "Well yes, I did think it was a touch of a long shot. Do you think the groundskeeper would take it amiss if we were to....circumvent the lock?" he whispers to the catfolk.
OOC:
Is there the option on the table to just spend a Story Point to say the doors been left unlocked?
Oct 28, 2019 2:34 pm
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Is there the option on the table to just spend a Story Point to say the doors been left unlocked?
OOC:
Sure, we can say that's the case. I didn't want to steal Nera's thunder if she wanted to use her lock picks, but saying "It was just open!" is a good middle option for plausible deniability in case you get caught. ;)
Oct 28, 2019 3:03 pm
SavageBob says:
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Is there the option on the table to just spend a Story Point to say the doors been left unlocked?
OOC:
Sure, we can say that's the case. I didn't want to steal Nera's thunder if she wanted to use her lock picks, but saying "It was just open!" is a good middle option for plausible deniability in case you get caught. ;)
OOC:
Groovy, I'll leave the call for it in Somebox's court then....
Oct 28, 2019 4:16 pm
OOC:
That plausible deniability aspect made me chuckle, but it just gave me an idea for a lie instead...And I don't think it's necessary to use a story point.
Nera looks at Hildar, talking with a serious tone. Meanwhile her hands reach into her bag to retrieve her tools. "Absolutely, it's his job to make sure hooligans don't go barging into places they don't belong." She shifts her focus onto the lock, tinkering with it. "Which is why if he asks questions I will do the talking, okay?"
Last edited October 28, 2019 4:17 pm

Rolls

Skulduggery (knack for it)

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Oct 29, 2019 1:30 am
OOC:
The thieves' tools actually add an automatic advantage, so that's a straight 2 successes.
Near makes quick work of the lock, which opens with a satisfying click. The door should open easily now.

Meanwhile, the groundskeeper returns from the bush, hitching up his trousers. "Much obliged," he tells Nekurr as he takes up his shovel and gets back to work.
Oct 29, 2019 7:39 am
"Anytime!" Nekurr says as he dwarf goes back to his job. Returning to the crypt where the others are he noticed Nera next to the open door. "Hey guys, anything interesting going on here?"
Oct 29, 2019 10:19 am
Hildar looks at Nekurr "It seems someone left this door unlocked, we better investigate to make sure everything is ok inside" he says quietly whilst his lack of sincerity screams through.
Oct 29, 2019 12:00 pm
Tronus nods in agreement and checks things out letting in light before they entered for any dangers or oddities out of place.
Oct 29, 2019 2:11 pm
[ +- ] Crypt Interior
The door swings open with a metallic creak that echoes through the chamber beyond. A shaft of reflected light streams in from the overcast sun outside, revealing a short staircase down to a chamber with what appears to be three coffins. You hear a slight buzzing sound and soon realize that Nekurr's fireflies seem to be taking advantage of the cooler temperatures inside the structure, their abdomens illuminating things more clearly. The chamber is fairly plain, with sconces for torches along the walls (not currently illuminated) and, as you suspected, three coffins. The cover of the middle coffin appears to be ajar.
Oct 30, 2019 1:27 am
OOC:
Forgot that Hildar's wand is still actively detecting magic thanks to the Triumph for earlier! The effect will end after this area.
Hildar's wand insistently points at the open coffin.
Oct 30, 2019 7:55 am
"Was unlocked? What fortuitous happening" Nekurr enters the faintly lit crypt "Fortuna be blessed! This one is also unlocked!"
OOC:
I'll check the middle coffin and pay the price :D
Last edited October 30, 2019 7:55 am
Oct 30, 2019 9:26 am
As Nekur starts to move forwards Hildar speaks out "Be careful, there is some sort of enchantment emanating from the open coffin"
Oct 30, 2019 11:35 am
"I've no idea why one would leave a coffin half open... at least not any ideas that are good." Tronus mutters with a frown pulling out his sword and holds up his shield to approach the open coffin looking around for possible footprints or clues.
Oct 30, 2019 4:13 pm
"Grave robbing? You'd have to be pretty strong to life the stone, or have a crew." Nera takes a few slow steps into this dusty crypt, wrinkling her nose at the smell.
Oct 30, 2019 4:35 pm
The light of the fireflies casts the chamber in a white glow, allowing everyone to see the details of the area fairly well. The first thing you notice is several more hoof-like prints going in both directions, to and from the open coffin to the stairwell and the doorway. You also spot some dog tracks, but even more than that, some places where it looks like something was dragged across the floor, smearing the hoof and dog prints as it did so. And sure enough, Nera spots a metal rod lying beside the open coffin; it looks like a tool someone might have used to pry the stone lid open.

Meanwhile, Nekurr bravely peers into the open coffin. The lid partially obscures things, but he does notice that the space is much darker than he would expect. Also unusual is that there is no obvious corpse in the coffin, at least not one he can see without further inspection.
OOC:
Nekurr may roll a Hard (PPP) Perception check with a setback for the semi-closed lid, and a boost from Nera's talent.
Oct 30, 2019 4:45 pm
"Hey guys... shouldn't there be someone dead here? Ans what is up with this ... darker ... dark? " Nekurr call to everyone, his voice shaking, but his eyes strangely attracted into the void inside the coffin.
OOC:
how many points can I flip for one action? I'd try one to remove the setback and one the upgrade a cunning die?

Flipping or not is the same result: 1/2 fails + 1 advantage (the lid move a bit so it is easier to open?)
Last edited October 30, 2019 4:48 pm

Rolls

peeking inside darkness

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Failure

upgraded die

1 Advantage

Total: 1 Advantage

regular die

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

setback

Oct 30, 2019 5:44 pm
OOC:
You can only flip one SP per action, so in this case you'd just roll YG instead of GG. So, yeah, final result is 1 Failure, 1 Advantage. SP tally is correct, though, since y'all flipped one to have the front door be unlocked.
Nekurr isn't able to see much in the coffin without removing the lid. However, he does notice that the lid seems to be balanced in such a way that it could be easily lifted off, using the side of the coffin as a sort of fulcrum.
OOC:
Average (PP) Athletics check to remove the lid and set it down gently. I'll upgrade this with a SP, making it a check versus RP. I'm hoping ArMedBeta is still around, but someone feel free to assume Barvek is making this roll. Three characters can cooperate on this, giving +2 boosts to the check.

Final roll (unless you spend a SP) will be: GGGGBB+RP.
Oct 30, 2019 6:35 pm
Nekurr stares deep into the darkness, distractingly moving the lid a bit to the side
OOC:
just transmitting the knowledge in game and leave the roll for someone else ;)
Last edited October 30, 2019 6:36 pm
Oct 31, 2019 11:12 am
Tronus assists Barvek in the physical task arguing the finer points of engineering and masonry.
OOC:
He's in Central Time Zone, no idea besides that this is his only game on the site.

Rolls

Rolling

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

Oct 31, 2019 1:41 pm
Barvek, Tronus, and Nekurr easily lift the lid and set it to the side, exposing the interior. No body lies there—at least not a full one. It appears that whichever Corvis was once entombed here is now nothing more than a few bone fragments and scraps of clothing; the rest of the body is gone. Where the body should be, the bottom of the coffin has been broken open. Under it, someone seems to have dug out a crude tunnel in the earth. The opening appears big enough for a human-sized creature to fit through, and you can see the bottom about five or six feet down. From there, the tunnel seems to curve under your feet to parts unknown.
OOC:
Use for the Advantages?
Oct 31, 2019 2:13 pm
OOC:
Any ideas from the group? I'd figure three is enough to get last time someone came through or a clue as to the last person like a scrap of clothing/lost artical or scent someone picks up.
Oct 31, 2019 2:21 pm
"wooooo" Nekurr jumps back as soon as the bottom of the coffin is... not visible! "Did someone just got buried alive?"
OOC:
Just to recap: there's this hole, some stair going down and two more coffins to investigate right?
Oct 31, 2019 2:42 pm
"I'm under the impression someone dug out a hideout inside this crypt so no one notices... If someone spent a lot of time close by it makes me suspect something was going on not on the up and up..."
Oct 31, 2019 5:00 pm
OOC:
CESN, the stairs were just a few steps from the entrance of the crypt into the main chamber. You now see a hole dug directly into the bottom of the middle coffin. The other two coffins remain closed. Opening either will be a Daunting (PPPP) Athletics check with a setback if you want to avoid damaging them. This can be reduced to Hard (PPP) if you use the crowbar lying nearby. Three PCs can work together, offering 2 boosts.

Someone is welcome to try the Perception check now that the lid is off and you can look/listen down into the hole. Difficutly is now Average (PP). Nera's your most perceptive member, and one other PC can assist, giving her a boost die.
Oct 31, 2019 6:14 pm
"Lady Nera you have exceptional sight I figure and I know dark places and holes in the ground... lets take a look down." Tronus suggests before adding, "Also if the other two coffins don't have any activity around them lifting them isn't going to be easy and obvious they've been moved about."
Oct 31, 2019 7:55 pm
"Weird place to dig a tunnel." Nera approaches the open coffin, grasping it with both paws as she leans in, trying to make out or hear anything down below. She squints her eyes but shakes her head. "Too dark."
OOC:
Wow that's alotta advantage I'm not really sure how to use them!

Hey do I get another advantage left over from the coffin lift check? If so you can roll it as I'll be out for a while.
OOC:
GM edit: Forgot advantage from last check! Uh... You now have 7 advantages. Let me know what you want to do. That's Triumph+ territory.
Last edited October 31, 2019 7:59 pm

Rolls

Perception

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 5 Advantage

boosts

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Nov 1, 2019 7:17 am
OOC:
Wow! with 7 advantages you can probably just make whoever dug that show up ;)
"Anything inside?" Nekuur asks Nera as he notices the goat tracks. "Hey guys... anyone knows if the Corvis looked like goats?" he points out the tracks going into the coffin. "Do you think the other ones are gone as well?"
Nov 1, 2019 11:31 am
Whilst the others are looking at the remaining coffins Hildar inspects the one with the tunnel, trying to see where the magical emanations were coming from within or outside of it
Nov 1, 2019 1:43 pm
OOC:
Any other thoughts on the 7 advantages? I can certainly work with CESN's idea if that's what y'all want. It wasn't a despair, so you wouldn't be in immediate danger.
All HIldar can tell is that his wand is pointing insistently down the tunnel.
Nov 1, 2019 1:54 pm
The magic is coming from wherever this leads he says as he closes his eyes and mutters a few words.
OOC:
Wanting to summon something to go down ahead of us. Given our recent encounter he'd probably be looking to summon a dog type creature. Thinking Sil 1 Rival so that's be base 1 die plus one for Medium Summon (to make it a Rival) and I get the Summon Ally for free from the wand - so an Average check then?
Nov 1, 2019 4:13 pm
OOC:
Can I notice a very subtle clue/item which would of great benefit to us?
Nov 1, 2019 7:46 pm
mcneils5 says:
The magic is coming from wherever this leads he says as he closes his eyes and mutters a few words.
OOC:
Wanting to summon something to go down ahead of us. Given our recent encounter he'd probably be looking to summon a dog type creature. Thinking Sil 1 Rival so that's be base 1 die plus one for Medium Summon (to make it a Rival) and I get the Summon Ally for free from the wand - so an Average check then?
OOC:
That sounds right. It will require a separate spell to communicate with it, though.
somebox says:
OOC:
Can I notice a very subtle clue/item which would of great benefit to us?
OOC:
Sure thing.
For all her trying, all Nera can make out from the tunnel is that it's made of dirt and about big enough for a Human-sized creature to crawl through. As she returns her attention to the crypt's interior, though, the Catfolk notices something interesting: The hoof prints cover most—but not all—of the floor. They are careful to avoid two areas toward the back of the crypt, where a couple water fonts stand.
[ +- ] Fonts
Nov 1, 2019 8:37 pm
Nera points at them. "No prints, something weird about that. Hildar-" She tugs at his cloak lightly "Can you do that...magic thing? I think it's important." She sorta imitates Hildar by moving her fingers in a "mysterious" manner, looking at him for some sign of understanding.
Nov 1, 2019 8:43 pm
OOC:
Easy (P) Knowledge (Lore) with a boost on the water. Magical identification will provide different information, of course.
Nov 2, 2019 9:37 am
OOC:
leave the magic thing to hildar
"No prints?" Nekurr jumps closer to the dark hole and checks what Nera is talking about intrigued about the disappearance of the goat-man.
OOC:
if the fonts are usable items, maybe use the advantage to recall not just what they are, but also how they are used so Nekurr can activate them later?
Last edited November 2, 2019 9:39 am

Rolls

lore

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 2, 2019 4:03 pm
Nekurr is fairly certain the fonts hold holy water, no doubt blessed by the priests of Saint Durvin per the requests of the Corvis family. He suspects demonic creatures might be averse to holy water if it's been blessed properly.
Nov 3, 2019 9:18 am
"Hey guys, this looks like water to scare demons from those Saint Durvin clerics! Why would that be under an empty coffin?"
OOC:
being a cleric, can I check if the blessings were done properly?
Last edited November 3, 2019 9:20 am

Rolls

clerical stuff

4 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 4 Success, 4 Advantage

Nov 3, 2019 6:16 pm
OOC:
Clarification: The holy water is not at all unusual. It's just something nice to have in the tomb, like flowers or incense. I didn't mean to suggest it was put there specifically to ward off demons. It's just an expected (but potentially useful) bit of scenery. Nekurr's difficulty is one purple to see if it's been blessed properly. It's a basic Utility spell.
Nekurr says a short prayer to determine whether the water has been blessed properly. As he finishes, one of the fireflies dips into the water, but rather than drowning, it re-emerges, glowing even more brightly than before. It seems like a sign from the goddess Fortuna: This water is blessed.
OOC:
Advantage use?

Rolls

difficulty

Nov 4, 2019 8:51 am
OOC:
Sorry, I misread it as Nrera seeing it inside the coffin. Makes much more sense now :D

Could the advantages maybe reveal what the goat-demon would be interested inside this crypt? Are the fonts actually blocking the path to something? If not, I can just recover strain for now
Last edited November 4, 2019 8:53 am
Nov 4, 2019 10:39 am
SavageBob says:
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Wanting to summon something to go down ahead of us. Given our recent encounter he'd probably be looking to summon a dog type creature. Thinking Sil 1 Rival so that's be base 1 die plus one for Medium Summon (to make it a Rival) and I get the Summon Ally for free from the wand - so an Average check then?
OOC:
That sounds right. It will require a separate spell to communicate with it, though.
OOC:
Well at the moment I'm just going to send it down to see if anything happens but what are we looking at for communicating with it? My gut says Utility spell, base difficulty based on range (Short = Easy, Medium = Average, etc) with a setback if it's out of sight how's that sound to you?
Hildar focuses his will through his wand.....a moderately sized dog creature materialises out of thin air. Hildar smiles as he looks at it. "Right, well off you go then" he says gesturing towards the tunnel, the 'dog' looks at it before turning back and seeming to nod at him before it heads down the hole
OOC:
Will use the 2 of the advantages to offset the Strain from casting the spell and can I use the other two to get a banked boost to cast a spell to communicate with the dog
Last edited November 4, 2019 10:43 am

Rolls

Summon 'dog' (Average Arcana check)

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 4 Advantage

Nov 4, 2019 3:31 pm
OOC:
I'll work with that, CESN. You can use 2 of the advantage to recover strain. Same for Hildar: You can use 2 advantage to recover strain, but ONLY if you are down strain BEFORE casting the spell. The strain cost of a spell only takes effect after all effects are resolved, so if you're currently at full strain, there's no way to offset that. (Minor point of order, but folks say it's crucial to balance the magic system that advantage can never offset the cost of the spell currently being cast.)
In his interest in the holy water fonts, Nekurr does notice that rest of the crypt seems relatively untouched and normal. There's the damage to the central coffin, but everything else is in perfect order. He suspects the hoofed creature was probably just using the crypt as a convenient hiding place for the tunnel.

As the Half-Catfolk scans the area by firefly-light, specs of matter appear in the tomb, first nearly imperceptible, but then joining together like blobs of mercury. Eventually a full-sized dog appears, which Hildar sends down the tunnel.
OOC:
So, communicating with animals is kind of a gray area. It feels like something that is more Primal-focused, so I'm thinking it falls under Augment, which Arcana doesn't have access to. Maybe an Arcana mage can brute force such a thing, but it should be more difficult than it would with Primal. Say base Hard (PPP), plus regular range increases (+P for short, +PP for medium, etc.). Agree about the setback for it being out of sight. But all this is to say that you might have better luck just detecting magic on the dog in a bit to see where it is rather than trying to communicate directly with it.
Nov 5, 2019 7:59 am
"I have a feeling our friend goat-man from St Durvin's book likes to hide in this crypt... but doesn't like this holy water that much..." Nekurr shares his brilliants deductions with the others, not quite sure what that could implies just yet. "Why do you think there is a tunnel in the coffin?"
Nov 5, 2019 10:56 am
OOC:
Ok thats fine, I'll spend 1 advantage to get the point I was already down back which will leave me on two. As for the rest can I use them to exert some more finer control over the summoned beastie? Basically wanting to send it down for a few minutes to see if there are any nasty surprises down there and then come back, I'm assuming I'd know if it met a sticky end as the spell would break (due to needing to spend the manoeuvre each round to maintain it)
Nov 5, 2019 12:37 pm
"To have a low key exit from your hideout..."
Nov 5, 2019 2:48 pm
OOC:
Yes, let's say Hildar has been able to magically impart a fairly complex order to the dog-thing: Follow the tunnel and look for danger. At any rate, another decision point:
Hildar's summoned creature is down the tunnel for only a few seconds when you hear a scuffling and sniffing sound under the closed coffin to the left of the one with the tunnel entrance. Due to his link to the creature, Hildar knows it's his summoned beast.
OOC:
Hard (PPP) Athletics check to remove the lid, boost if you use the tool. We can still use Barvek's strength on this, as he's technically still present (GGGG Athletics). Let me know if you prefer to try something else or to do nothing.
Nov 6, 2019 2:20 am
"Do you this 'holy water' could be weaponized? maybe in a bomb of some kind...should've brought vials." Nera is seemingly fixated on this water, contemplating touching it to learn if it effects her.
OOC:
I think we should, but I will wait for the others for their input.
Nov 6, 2019 8:05 am
"Barvek, would you mind?" Hildar says as he moves to the other coffin lid and helps open it.
OOC:
Throwing a boost in for Unskilled Assistance from myself

Rolls

Barvek's Athletics

4 Success, 5 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Nov 6, 2019 8:23 am
OOC:
If we're going to do hard stuff, I can cast a bless before trying for extra dice :D
I can also pick anything out of my pockets if everyone is up for some holy water
Last edited November 6, 2019 8:24 am
Nov 6, 2019 2:44 pm
OOC:
Two of you can help Barvek, so adding a second boost. Ends up being a wash.
Try as you might, the stone coffin lid proves too heavy to budge. Before too long, though, the sound of sniffing and scuffling in the coffin fades. There's a brief pause, and suddenly you hear the dog-beast rooting around in the other coffin to the right of the one with the tunnel in it.
OOC:
CESN, you're welcome to try a basic Augment on Barvek; difficulty is PP. This will allow him to roll GGGGG+BB+PPP to open the second lid.

As for Deep Pockets, you're right -- you can pull out a vial or a waterskin if you wish to collect some holy water.

Rolls

boost

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 7, 2019 8:39 am
OOC:
So we get a new check for the other coffin? I had a feeling someone mentioned the stats are on our side, so I'll keep my strain for later, in case we meet goat-man
"Hey guys, maybe this one works?" they try to force the coffin open, this time, the lid easily opening
OOC:
but nekurr falls on it?
I'll keep the holy water vials waiting for now, to see what happens
Last edited November 7, 2019 8:41 am

Rolls

copy previous roll

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

Nov 7, 2019 1:53 pm
OOC:
Random roll...
Barvek, Tronus, and Nekar get the coffin lid moved out of the way, but it's heavier than you anticipated. As you set it down, it nearly gets away from you and lands right on Tronus's foot!
OOC:
Remnant, Tronus must make an Average (PP) Discipline check to avoid crying out in pain!
With the lid removed, Nera and Hildar can see several unusual things inside the coffin: First, the dog-beast's nose is clearly visible rooting around through a hole in the bottom; there is apparently a second tunnel leading into this coffin and connected to the first. Second, the remains of whichever Corvis lies in this coffin are not in a normal configuration. Several of the bones have been sharpened and arranged into a strange symbol:
[ +- ] bones
It's certainly not normal for burials as far as you know...
OOC:
Anyone may try an Average (PP) Knowledge check to decipher the bones. The specific skill you use will determine the type of information you get. If Tronus or Nekurr want to roll, they get two setbacks for being busy with the coffin lid at the moment.

Rolls

Randomizing (1=Tronus, 2=Barvek; 3=Nekurr) - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Nov 8, 2019 8:37 am
"Guys... what happened to the Corvis? They were human right? Nekurr still hopes the problem was that these corpses where from a more exotic species instead of Vizeron having summoned Goat-man by consuming rotten flesh and making voodoo rituals ...
OOC:
So everyone can try a different type of knowledge? Nekurr is just not knowledgeable :(
I'll flip two points to get an answer to whether or not these observation are related to the demon goat that stole the book as I attempt a very poor knowledge lore :D

!!! Not that bad. Can the advantage provide more information than yes/no to my lucky finding?
Last edited November 8, 2019 8:41 am

Rolls

stupidity roll

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Advantage

Nov 8, 2019 12:17 pm
Tronus's lip starts to twitch.

Oi, you've nothing to say about where it's landed... Tronus thinks dislodging his foot from under the lid and making a mental note to box the other two in the back of the head when they're in a safer location.
Last edited November 8, 2019 12:19 pm

Rolls

Remain Calm

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Nov 8, 2019 2:46 pm
Tronus manages to stifle a cry of pain... but boy does his foot hurt. Meanwhile, Nekurr doesn't notice much about the weird bone configuration, except that the points on the bones are definitely not natural.
OOC:
For the threat, let's say Tronus suffers 1 strain.

CESN, are you saying you want to use your Heroic Ability to ask a yes/no question? If so, I'd suggest you ask something more specific, as everything is related to the goat-creature at this point! The question is how is the goat-creature related to Vizeron Dribbage, these tunnels, and the break-in?
Nov 8, 2019 3:02 pm
OOC:
The question was if these (missing corpses, tunnels, foot prints) was associated with the demon, which I thought we din't have hard evidence yet but.. I just remembered that its footprints were there :( keep it for later then
Nov 8, 2019 5:04 pm
Hildar leans forwards studying the bones "Fascinating....do you suppose there’s a similar arrangement in the other coffin?"
OOC:
Knowledge (Forbidden) seems most appropriate here....Advantages to give insight into opening the other coffin now we’ve got this one open?
Last edited November 8, 2019 5:05 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (forbidden)

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Nov 8, 2019 5:35 pm
SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
OOC:
2 advantages:
Based on the fact that the dog-beast was previously smelling around in the other coffin, Hildar supposes that there is likely another one of these symbols in that coffin. But only opening it (or some sort of magical scrying) can tell for sure.

Meanwhile, the dog-beast turns around so that you can see its hindquarters as it descends back down the tunnel. This time, you notice it moving toward the doorway into the crypt, as if following a tunnel that leads under the structure and into the graveyard outside.
Nov 8, 2019 10:44 pm
mcneils5 says:
Hildar leans forwards studying the bones "Fascinating....do you suppose there’s a similar arrangement in the other coffin?"
"Is it good or bad if there are?" Nera eyes the bones with uncertainty, pulling out her dagger to poke it. "Have any of you seen anything like this?" Nera turned around to get a second opinion from the others, still leaning into the coffin somewhat.
Nov 8, 2019 11:01 pm
"Not directly no" Hildar responds to Nera "but I have studied it’s like. These symbols are typically used in rites to syphon Ynfernael energies into the mortal realm."
Nov 9, 2019 2:32 am
OOC:
Anyone want to do anything else in the crypt? You mentioned swiping some holy water. And you're welcome to open the other coffin by some other means (magic, bashing it open, etc.). Hildar can mentally tell roughly where the summoned creature is, but it's now out of sight, so he can't triangulate exactly where the creature is beyond "over that way about 12 feet." But the tunnel does seem to lead outside.
Nov 9, 2019 3:17 am
"Ahh, Ynfernael. That's not good at all." Nera extends a hand towards the dark hole. "Well, shall we descend in this pit? It smells awful."
Nov 9, 2019 9:50 am
"That may not be nessecary. The dog is following another branch of the tunnel at the moment" Hildar geustures off in a vague direction "until something happens to it or I dismiss the spell I should be able to follow along wherever it is headed. If we are done here that is?"
Nov 9, 2019 10:46 am
"Ynfernael?" Nekurr says a quick bless before looking at the holy water "I guess Nera is right, maybe we should get some of this"
Nov 9, 2019 2:12 pm
OOC:
Nekurr can use Deep Pockets to produce a waterskin or flask for holy water if he wishes. Tronus has a waterskin, too.
Nov 11, 2019 8:31 am
OOC:
Well... if tronus has one, I'll wait to see if he wants to use it...
Nov 11, 2019 10:53 am
Tronus opts to use his water skin looking at the others not doing the same.
Nov 11, 2019 2:11 pm
OOC:
OK, looks like Nekurr is saving his deep pockets for some potential use down the line. Just FYI: If we were playing in person, we'd be entering the final hour of a four-hour session. Maybe that gives you an idea of whether it makes sense to sit on your Heroic Abilities and talents. Y'all are pretty conservative in that regard! :P
OOC:
OK, advancing things a bit for the sake of pacing.
You all exit the crypt so that Hildar can get a bead on his summoned creature. The mage concentrates, feeling the dog-beast through his magical connection to it...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
Nov 11, 2019 3:17 pm
Hildar stands for a moment and centres himself before pointing at the grave that Vizeron Dribbage used to sit and read at before turning to gesture at one adjoining that spot. "It seems to be moving from grave to grave. Looks like there are quite a few tunnels down thenre" Hildar mutters.
Nov 11, 2019 3:31 pm
OOC:
Ah yes, I have no idea when a session would end, and assumed it would be something like every night (it's still morning right?). If the session is about to end, I can take some extra holy water :D
"Wait, are you saying that dog you made is running around beneath the graves? Does that mean that our goat friend may have had access to all the... corpses? Nekurr asks worried. There were a lot of bodies in this graveyard and them going missing (or replaced by creepy bone art) couldn't be good. "We need to get that friendly grave keeper to help us out opening a few of these!"
Nov 11, 2019 6:36 pm
"Bodies are probably gone because the grave keeper has dulled his senses with booze."
Nov 12, 2019 2:11 pm
OOC:
I'll post in a few hours as if you all waited to let the summoned dog sniff around underground a bit more. If you have another idea, let me know before then.
Nov 12, 2019 5:31 pm
As you discuss options, the summoned creature keeps moving.

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
Nov 13, 2019 7:30 am
Wile the dog is sniffing the underground tunnels, Nekurr will look around for the drunk dwarf
Nov 13, 2019 2:43 pm
OOC:
Good deal. While we're waiting for Hildar to react to his doggy...
[ +- ] Nekurr
[ +- ] Bruv
OOC:
Emsquared, you're on! Feel free to describe your character's appearance and mannerisms, and/or to post a picture if you have one.
Nov 13, 2019 2:49 pm
"Hello again my good friend Kerduk! We were looks for the lost Dribbage and found interesting things and were wondering if you ever found anything suspicious, like tunnels, during your amazing diggings?" the half-catfolk looks at the orc "Nekurr, you're here look for... us?,
Nov 13, 2019 3:44 pm
Hildar turns slowly looking from grave to grave about the graveyard before his gaze rests for a while on a large grave with a pretty impressive headstone. As he moves to inspect the headstone he gestures back to the crypt "The dog is heading back that way fairly swiftly but it spent a considerable time under this grave here"
Nov 13, 2019 3:46 pm
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.LLkyzMZxL_l4zXdZ5E52gwHaJQ%26pid%3DApi&f=1An orc stands next to the groundskeeper and suspends his conversation with the dwarf as Nekurr emerges and approaches. From a distance he looks rather like a road-weary traveler. Well-worn, utilitarian traveling clothes, a pack laden with goods, an iron-shod walking stick in hand. But once you get closer you can see he wears a well-used brigadine jerkin with skirts that hang down to his knees, and has a pair of gleaming, finely-crafted cestuses on his fists, and a simple wooden holy symbol of the Sun God, A'tar, dangling from his neck.

Aside from the dust and wear-marks on his clothes, his appearance is well kempt. His modest tusks gleam white, his coarse hair pulled back and braided into a single platte.

He looks to the half-catfolk and smiles gently, though the ridges of his orcish teeth and tusks harden it some, and he nods, "Well met Nekurr, moi name's Bruv. Lady Ahgus sent me.", he glances to the dwarf before returning his smile to Nekurr, "Hear we 'ave a missing man, and some mysterious dealings...?"
OOC:
Will see if I can find the larger version of his avatar to post here, but for now just have to go by that.
Last edited November 14, 2019 3:21 am
Nov 13, 2019 7:15 pm
SavageBob sent a note to CESN
The groundskeeper snorts. "Good. Now you've met your people." He then gives Nekurr a suspicious look. "You lot are taking your time over there. What's this about tunnels? Ain't no tunnels I never seen..."
Nov 13, 2019 7:18 pm
SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
Tronus, Barvek, and Nera can see Hildar still focusing, his dog presumably still on the move. Meanwhile, you can see Nekurr chatting with the groundskeeper and a large Orc some distance away.
Nov 13, 2019 7:38 pm
Bruv's eyebrows elevate, "Tunnels 'neath a graveyard? Now 'at sounds loik bad business..."

The orc is careful not to interrupt the inquiry already being conducted, as a newcomer to the situation he knows he needs to listen and observe for now, but he also exhibits some eagerness to both get fully up to speed on the investigation, and to sink his teeth into the immediate findings.

He peers past Nekurr, toward the activity at the crypt.
Nov 13, 2019 9:16 pm
Nera pokes Hildar, feeling Bruv's eyes right on here. She hasn't decided whether he is friend or foe. "Psst. Groundskeeper's back, and he's got a...big guy with him. I'm gonna buy some time." Taking in a big breath of air Nera strolls over to the others outside. "Ah, groundskeeper, I see you've brought a friend, how nice."
Nov 14, 2019 2:09 am
"Hmph." The Dwarf fills his spade with dirt and flicks it into the hole. "Ain't no friend of mine. Nice feller, though. Says he's with you lot."

SavageBob sent a note to Remnant,emsquared
Nov 14, 2019 3:28 am
Bruv has to shake himself to stop himself from looking at Nera fawningly, like 'awww so cute', it turns into a wry smirk, "Nah, ya got it oll wrong. Oim wit you. Oim Bruv. Lady Ahgus didn't mention me?", he shrugs. "Tronus 'ere? He'll tell ya...", he cranes his neck again, scanning the grave site.
Nov 14, 2019 6:41 am
Nera's ears perk up when Bruv mentions Lady 'Ahgus', and- "Tronus? Yes, he's here, are you friends with the oaf?" She sounds delighted, and takes a good look at Bruv.

Is he also grandpa age? I can never tell...
Nov 14, 2019 7:25 am
"Ah yes, you see that magic man over there? He found that some tunnels are connecting the graves from that crypt there and... " Nekurr look at the dwarf to check his reaction "... there may be some bodies missing..." he explains to the newcomer
Last edited November 14, 2019 7:26 am
Nov 14, 2019 8:14 am
As Nera fills him in Hildar nods. "My dog seems like he's heading back to the coffin-exit" he says before turning and heading back to the crypt to see what, if anything, his dog has found.
Nov 14, 2019 1:44 pm
Tronus finishes his stewing and faces the group.

"Zaer's part of the old guard of Lady Argus employees. Someone's dug tunnels under graves and it's likely not you, plus the bodies have been desecrated the bones moved about. Since we're here to investigate we'll get back to finding out who and why."
Nov 14, 2019 3:26 pm
OOC:
Sorry if this got lost in the shuffle -- there are actually two things going on right now. Hildar is back by the tomb entrance, concentrating on maintaining his conjured creature, which is returning toward the exit at a fast clip. Tronus was back here with him.

Meanwhile, Bruv was speaking to the gravedigger trying to find you all. Nekurr and Nera joined him over there, long distance from the crypt. That's fine if we want to put Tronus over there, too.

Why don't we say Hildar and Barvek have remained back by the crypt? The rest of you are back by the open grave.
As Tronus begins trotting back towards the crypt, the groundskeeper seems concerned. "Tunnels! Ha! And what you mean 'desecrated'? The wards should stop that... right?" He heads off after Tronus. "Show me!"
Nov 14, 2019 3:32 pm
Meanwhile, Hildar and Barvek wait outside the crypt entrance. With Nekurr away, the fireflies have scattered, and the area once again falls into dark shadows cast by the thick trees. Hildar senses his beast exiting the tunnel system. It leaps from the open coffin and bounds toward the open door to the crypt. Its glowing eyes suggest that something has happened to it while it was underground...
[ +- ] summoned dog
OOC:
So, Vigilance or Cool check from Hildar if you want to engage with this thing. But since you summoned it, you can get rid of it at will. Depends on if you want to try to subdue it for analysis or something.

Rolls

doggy initiative

2 Success

Total: 2 Success

Barvek initiative

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Nov 14, 2019 3:39 pm
Remnant says:
"Zaer's part of the old guard ..."
"Wull... not that old...", he mutters as his brow furrows, and he strokes the stubble on his jowls, frowning slightly. But he shakes it off quickly, and looks with interest to what the gravedigger has to say about the tunnels.
OOC:
Don't know about the lifespan of orcs in Terrinoth, but Bruv looks to be the equivalent of in his 30s :P
Last edited November 14, 2019 3:41 pm
Nov 14, 2019 5:07 pm
"I mean you've done this for sometime and have a bit of common sense. You're not green at least not in the sense ye can use it as an excuse for screwing up." Tronus, "Fancy wards I guess stop people from rearranging bones then, if so they've stopped working plus some bit have been covered in blood." Tronus explains with a wave headed back to the crypt.
Nov 14, 2019 5:49 pm
"Don't really know what that means," the gravedigger admits, plodding along behind Tronus. "You lot have to show me what this nonsense is all about."
Nov 15, 2019 9:22 am
"Ah yes, of course. Just follow me good dwarf! Maybe Hilder and his dog found something already." Nekurr leads the gravekeeper back to the crypt to show him what he means when he says "evil dark tunnels of demonic making under the creepy graveyard", or something that suggests that :)
OOC:
smashing puppies time!
Nov 15, 2019 10:36 am
Hildar blinks in surprise at the dog rushing towards him and reflexively tries to dismiss the spell.
OOC:
Hopefully it goes away if not Hildar's gonna get bit I think lol
Nov 15, 2019 6:44 pm
The summoned animal lunges at Hildar with a roar in its throat. Mere inches from the Elf's face, though, the creature dissipates into a million little particles that flutter on the breeze before flickering out completely.
Nov 15, 2019 6:46 pm
The groundskeeper follows Nekurr back over to the Corvis family tomb. Seeing the structure open—and a monstrous dog leaping from it and disappearing—his eyes widen. "What in the baronies is the meaning of all this then? What're you doing poking around in a private tomb for? Putting on magic shows! If anyone's desecrating things it seems to be you lot..."
Nov 15, 2019 6:55 pm
In a flash Nera has her bow at the ready as she gets on one knee, scanning for any more demon-dogs looking to pounce. Her breathing is shallow in anticipation. "There is much you are not aware of groundskeeper. Tread lightly."
Last edited November 16, 2019 6:13 am
Nov 15, 2019 7:43 pm
OOC:
I need two checks, please. First, a group Vigilance check (anyone may roll). Looks like Nekurr + Tronus combined give you YGGG + Boost from Nera's Heightened Awareness talent + boost from being a big group. Difficulty is RP + setback for lighting.

From Nera, who is actively scanning, I need a Perception check versus the same difficulty (RP+K).
Nov 17, 2019 10:25 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
First, a group Vigilance check (anyone may roll).
OOC:
Ok, I'll do it. My first roll! Here's to it being a good one!

Har, net Triumph (no success) it is...

Oh geez, one of my Boosts came out a Purple...
Last edited November 17, 2019 10:27 pm

Rolls

Group Vigilance

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Triumph

Nov 18, 2019 12:49 am
OOC:
I'll reroll the first purple as a blue... With the Gamers Plane Triumph bug accounted for, looks like 1 Success, 1 Triumph. Ideas for that?

Rolls

boost

Nov 18, 2019 4:18 am
OOC:
Scanning...

Now that is a roll, guess I can see everything. With the triumph Nera can do something to give them a big advantage, like give everyone enough warning before the threat (I'm assuming) can get too close?
Last edited November 18, 2019 4:24 am

Rolls

Perception

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Failure, 1 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Despair

Nov 18, 2019 3:25 pm
OOC:
Holy cow! Stupendous roll from somebox, and two Triumphs on the board. I can work with the idea of giving y'all some warning of how to partially neutralize what's about to happen for one of of the Triumphs. (See below.) What do we want to do with the second?
It all happens at once. Nera spots a figure pop out from behind a large gravestone a middling distance away. It's the gravestone where Hildar's summoned beast seems to have been cursed before turning around. With her intent focus, Nera can see the figure quite clearly— perhaps too clearly—as it peeks out from behind the stone and looks to see if it's been spotted.

SavageBob sent a note to somebox
OOC:
For the Despair, Nera must make a Hard (PPP) Discipline check to avoid fear. You're welcome to use your advantage for a boost if you'd like.
Meanwhile, the rest of the inquisitors hear a loud, shuffling noise as if something moving about beneath their feet. The sound seems to be coming from the direction of the large gravestone, heading toward the tomb you are all standing by. You figure you have mere moments before whatever it is you're hearing bursts out of the open graves inside the tomb.
OOC:
For the Triumph, we can say you get a chance to close off the graves in the tomb before we enter structured time. Nothing that will require more than moving to the graves and an action to close them. The second Triumph is still on the table.
Nov 18, 2019 3:30 pm
Nekurr looks around worried specially after just seeing what Hildar's dog became. Something bad was coming and they had little time to think. Could they close the crypt door and just run to call for backup? It seems unlikely so he cowered behind one of the holy water pools, dagger at hand.
OOC:
Maybe get some luck and surprise the thing coming up as I hide behind the holy water? Could I get a boost from there being holy water to start with?

Rolls

Stealth

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Nov 18, 2019 4:44 pm
Not having known about the summoned dog, Bruv looks about in relative confusion over what's going on. Barely able to keep up with what's happening. Hearing the sounds of disturbance seemingly beneath the ground, he whispers harshly, "Groundskeeper, git ye gone from here... now!"
OOC:
So, yea, maybe a "surprise round"? For the 2nd Triumph? A free Maneuver it Action?
Nov 18, 2019 5:24 pm
"I'll get him to safety!" Barvek cries, grabbing the groundskeeper by the arm and yanking him toward the nearby woods.
OOC:
To clarify: The only exits from the tunnel system you know about are both inside the Corvis crypt. You can certainly hide in there to ambush whatever this is with holy water. What do the rest of you want to do?
Nov 18, 2019 6:25 pm
"U-Undead!" Nera's ears are flat as she aims at this...monstrosity, her stance unsteady from the mere sight of it. She backs up slowly, losing her feet for a second before scrambling back up.
Last edited November 18, 2019 6:26 pm

Rolls

Discipline (With boost)

4 Success, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

Nov 19, 2019 7:48 am
As soon as Nera speaks, Nekurr realises that there is another creature outside! he grabs a number of small glass vials from his pack and fill them with some of the holy water, running out "Help me close this thing!" he shouts to the others, hoping it is not too late
OOC:
not sure own many flasks I can get (or how many uses one would have) ;)
Nov 19, 2019 1:14 pm
"I will do what I can to delay the creature from below" Hildar says as he moves to the door of the crypt, wand in hand.
OOC:
So, I'm going to try to Conjure a large stone to sit on top of the coffins, prioritising the open ones.

Conjure base difficulty Easy, Additional Summon +1, Medium Summon +1 (assuming Sil 1 boulder would be enough to plug a hole), Range +1 (to summon it at Short Range, don't want to get too close) - so that'll be a Daunting Check (4 x Difficulty dice) then?
Nov 19, 2019 4:28 pm
OOC:
So, Tronus has a waterskin of holy water, and Nekurr has a second one thanks to his talent. That's all the capacity you have. How to use it will be up to you to find out!

You can still try to dump the holy water cisterns down the holes if you want. It'd take a Daunting (PPPP) Athletics check to carry each of the heavy stone bowls over to the open coffins and dump them.
OOC:
Conjuring two stones to plug the coffins is fine (but remember you'll have to spend a concentrate maneuver to keep the stone there!). You could get away with a Sil. 0 pair of stones, but the heft might not be enough to keep whatever this is from lifting them.

Don't forget that there is at least one heavy stone slab in there that could be put back where it goes. It's a Hard (PPP) Athletics check to do so.

Are you otherwise leaving the crypt open?

Let's resolve this today hopefully so the fun can begin. >:D
Nov 19, 2019 4:32 pm
CESN says:
"Help me close this thing!"
OOC:
I was actually think the crypt's door. maybe someone can help with that on top of Hildar's rocks?
Nov 19, 2019 4:37 pm
CESN says:
CESN says:
"Help me close this thing!"
OOC:
I was actually think the crypt's door. maybe someone can help with that on top of Hildar's rocks?
OOC:
Ah, yes! Not a bad idea. It takes no skill roll to simply close the door and reattach the padlock. You can try to bar the door, too (maybe spend a SP to say there is a suitable limb lying around). Or cast Augment on the lock to strengthen it if you think it necessary! That's an Average (PP) check for, say, an additional die of resistance. Make it Hard (PPP) for two dice worth. It will require a Concentrate maneuver to maintain the augmented strength, but this is something you might hold off on until such a time as Hildar's stones fail.
Nov 19, 2019 4:50 pm
OOC:
I'll roll now, but this is after Hildar. Since the augment only needs to be on once Hildar's rocks fail, I'll leave if for "next turn"
Nekurr runs out of the crypt and grabs the door, waiting for Hildar to work his magic and get out. The half-catfolk quickly looks around for something to block the door, finding a strong looking metal shovel that the gravekeeper probably forgot behind. He gets it as fast as possible, puts the lock back on the door and bars it with the shovel.
Nov 19, 2019 9:40 pm
OOC:
Well let’s see if this works first...
Hildar tries to focus his magic but overreaches on his attempt and ends up summoning nothing. "Oh dear" he says quietly to himself as nothing else happens.
OOC:
Will use the advantages to get the two Strain I had before casting back (so leaves me on 2 after casting)
Last edited November 19, 2019 9:43 pm

Rolls

Arcana (daunting)

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Nov 19, 2019 9:56 pm
OOC:
Oh dear indeed! :P

Bruv and Tronus can try something if they'd like. If not, we'll move to Initiative.
Nov 19, 2019 11:06 pm
OOC:
Sorry, wasn't sure who was cleared to do what.
Bruv takes in the flurry of action from others, trying to keep the ... whatever these things are... in. But him? He'd rather just see the abominations destroyed and be done with it. He performs a kata, his limbs tracing arcane shapes in the air, and ending in a combat ready stance!

Rolls

Augment+Primal Fury

4 Success, 4 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 2:57 am
OOC:
Great! Maybe you can give the first three folks to roll a single boost each to their Cool checks for initiative with your advantage? Unless you had another idea?

Remnant, feel free to try something with Tronus if you'd like. To keep us moving forward, can everyone please give me a Cool check for initiative. (No difficulty dice; just roll your Cool skill, or raw Presence if you have no ranks.)

Rolls

Mystery figure Cool

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

mystery creatures Cool

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

mystery creatures Cool 2

2 Success, 1 Triumph

Total: 2 Success, 1 Triumph

Nov 20, 2019 3:30 am
OOC:
Yea, I'll pass a boost to the next in line.

You'd think as a GM of this system I'd be better at remembering to spend the symbols after my roll...

Rolls

Initiative, Cool

4 Success

Total: 4 Success

Nov 20, 2019 5:27 am
OOC:
Here we go again.

Rolls

Cool

3 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 6:05 am
OOC:
Rolling...

Rolls

Cool

4 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 4 Success, 2 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 7:44 am
OOC:
Closing doors with coolness
Last edited November 20, 2019 7:44 am

Rolls

Cool

3 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

and boosting

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 2:30 pm
OOC:
Seems Remnant is away for a bit. Here's Tronus's initiative roll. Looks like initiative order is set!
[ +- ] Initiative Order
[ +- ] Creature
Now you all see it: A strange creature that you might mistake for human on a dark night. The figure is wearing tattered noble's clothing, caked by grave dirt, moss, and fluids. Its face, though -- the face is a parody of a Human visage, with jagged teeth, cavernous nostrils, and beady, glaring eyes. This is not natural.
OOC:
I should have called for this ahead of time, sorry: Everyone but Nera please make an Average (PP) Discipline check to avoid fear. If you pass, feel free to go ahead and act, as you have several slots before we get to the bad guys.

Do note that there is a Counterspell in effect, which means any spells cast are automatically upgraded (changing a P to a R).

Rolls

Cool

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 3:29 pm
OOC:
Discipline

Will wait to see what you want to do with the threats before I take my turn. For the Triumph can we say the amount of traffic on the underground passages has weakened them and caused a partial collapse, delaying the other things arrival by a turn???
Last edited November 20, 2019 3:33 pm

Rolls

Discipline

3 Success, 1 Triumph, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat, 1 Triumph

Nov 20, 2019 3:36 pm
Doesn't that look like Vizeron?
OOC:
Holy spells work on this right? It says the GM has to define the target as the antithesis of the faith so I'm just double checking :D
Last edited November 20, 2019 3:41 pm

Rolls

disciplined cat

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Nov 20, 2019 4:28 pm
OOC:
Fear check.

Sorry, Vizeron is not immediately ringing a bell to me. Is that a name Bruv should know from any briefings he's received on the case? Is that the name of our missing guy?

Will recover Strain with the Advantage.
Bruv recoils in revulsion at the sight of the thing.
Last edited November 20, 2019 4:30 pm

Rolls

Discipline, Average Diff

3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 7:03 pm
OOC:
emsquared: Yeah, Vizeron Dribbage is the guy you've been trying to locate. He technically owns this graveyard and leases it to the clerics of St. Durvin. He's been missing for about a year. Sounds like Nekurr suspects this is him!

OK, Fear Check results...

Nekurr: No effect. You hold in your fear.

Hildar: You feel a momentary flush of adrenaline, granting you a boost on your next check. You manage to suppress the fear. However, your pounding heart costs you 3 strain.

For the Triumph, I'd like for it to relate to the fear in some way... What if we say that you are able to determine that this thing is human-sized and was presumably in the tunnels, so you estimate that they must be big enough for a human-sized thing to fit within them. This knowledge will give you an upgrade to any attempts to collapse the tunnels or otherwise obstruct them.

Bruv: You are unnerved by this... thing. You get a setback to all checks related to it until the end of the encounter, or unless someone can rally you with a Leadership action vs. your Discipline (RR). [By the way: Did you roll an extra green on accident? Looks like you've got Willpower 2, Discipline 2, right?]

3 PCs are up!
Nov 20, 2019 7:15 pm
OOC:
How far away is everything? I wish to shoot them.
Nov 20, 2019 7:50 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
emsquared: Yeah, Vizeron Dribbage is the guy you've been trying to locate. He technically owns this graveyard and leases it to the clerics of St. Durvin. He's been missing for about a year. Sounds like Nekurr suspects this is him!
...
Bruv: You are unnerved by this... thing. You get a setback to all checks related to it until the end of the encounter, or unless someone can rally you with a Leadership action vs. your Discipline (RR). [By the way: Did you roll an extra green on accident? Looks like you've got Willpower 2, Discipline 2, right?]
OOC:
Word, I recognize the name Dribbage, just didn't recognize "Vizeron". And had missed that Dribbage owned the graveyard. Thanks!

As for the extra green, that's Augment:
Quote:
If the check is successful, until the end of your character’s next turn, the target increases the ability of any skill checks they make by one (in effect, this means they add "G'' to their checks).
The Primal Fury is an "adder" as I understand it? I still get the base effect, right?

I'll go ahead and make my Brawl Attack in one if the first 3 Slots? Not clear on the positioning, so I will:

1. Maneuver to Engage, Action to Brawl, IF already within Short Range of the ghoulie.
2. Maneuver to Short, second Maneuver to Engage (2 Strain), and Action to Brawl, IF starting at Medium Range.
3. Maneuver to Aim, Action to Brawl, IF already Engaged with the ghoulie.

I'm assuming Scenario 1., let me know if it's one of the others. We'll scratch the last Green of this roll if I'm wrong about how Augment works. Hopefully it doesn't have Adversary or anything, as I've not accounted for that here...
Usually it was desperate people, trying to avoid the reach of the justice he represented, but this... thing! ... was something else. He wasn't sure if such a creature even felt pain, or relied on it's physical body for life, but he would try to break it if he could!!
OOC:
If that roll holds, that's 8 Wounds pre-Soak. I will use the Advantage to:

1. Add a Setback to ghoulie's next Check, IF I didn't have to double move to Engage.
2. To recover 2 Strain, IF I had to double move to Engage.
OOC:
GM edit: Red instead of purple, adding a black for cover:

Last edited November 20, 2019 7:56 pm

Rolls

Brawl vs. Ghoul-thing

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

difficulty fix

Nov 20, 2019 8:33 pm
somebox says:
OOC:
How far away is everything? I wish to shoot them.
OOC:
The figure is at medium range and partially protected by the headstone (1 setback from cover). No other threats are visible at the moment.
Nov 20, 2019 8:39 pm
emsquared says:
As for the extra green, that's Augment:
Quote:
If the check is successful, until the end of your character’s next turn, the target increases the ability of any skill checks they make by one (in effect, this means they add "G'' to their checks).
The Primal Fury is an "adder" as I understand it? I still get the base effect, right?
OOC:
Oops! Right you are. I was getting Augment confused with Enhance from Star Wars. :D
emsquared says:
I'll go ahead and make my Brawl Attack in one if the first 3 Slots? Not clear on the positioning, so I will:

1. Maneuver to Engage, Action to Brawl, IF already within Short Range of the ghoulie.
2. Maneuver to Short, second Maneuver to Engage (2 Strain), and Action to Brawl, IF starting at Medium Range.
3. Maneuver to Aim, Action to Brawl, IF already Engaged with the ghoulie.

I'm assuming Scenario 1., let me know if it's one of the others. We'll scratch the last Green of this roll if I'm wrong about how Augment works. Hopefully it doesn't have Adversary or anything, as I've not accounted for that here...[/ooc]Usually it was desperate people, trying to avoid the reach of the justice he represented, but this... thing! ... was something else. He wasn't sure if such a creature even felt pain, or relied on it's physical body for life, but he would try to break it if he could!!
OOC:
If that roll holds, that's 8 Wounds pre-Soak. I will use the Advantage to:

1. Add a Setback to ghoulie's next Check, IF I didn't have to double move to Engage.
2. To recover 2 Strain, IF I had to double move to Engage.
OOC:
Sorry, I didn't explain positioning very well. It's actually Scenario 2. You're welcome to go first, but then Nera's and any other ranged attacks will get an automatic upgrade for firing into a melee. This guy does have Adversary 1, so there's an automatic upgrade for that as well. (In other words, Melee attacks versus him will be RP, ranged attacks from medium will be RP or RR if there is someone engaging him in melee.
Nov 20, 2019 8:45 pm
The figure's eyes widen as Bruv bounds toward it in a flurry of fists and kicks. Seething with spiritual energy, the Orc pounds the figure, which doubles over in apparent pain.
OOC:
Next PC is up!
Nov 20, 2019 9:16 pm
OOC:
so if I do a ranged holy spell, i’ll add a RR on top of the Ps?
Nov 20, 2019 9:23 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
so if I do a ranged holy spell, i’ll add a RR on top of the Ps?
OOC:
That's right. So, to attack the thing from medium range, you're looking at RRP+K (this is PP upgraded once for Counterspell, a second time because Bruv is engaged with the target, a third time because the enemy has the Adversary talent used for big bosses). If you spend a maneuver to move to short range, the difficulty is RR+K instead (P upgraded three times). Your holy icon applies here, so you can add the Holy effect for free.
Nov 20, 2019 9:35 pm
Seeing the unfamiliar orc engage with the creature Hildar turns back to the crypt. "Ok, let's try that again...." he mutters and begins to focus again before starting to mutter some fairly inventive curse words...
OOC:
Ok, trying the same spell again....boooooo! Ok, will use the Advantages to gain back 2 x strain before casting (means it offsets the two for casting).
[ +- ] Current Status
Last edited November 20, 2019 9:38 pm

Rolls

Arcana (daunting)

1 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Advantage

Nov 20, 2019 9:41 pm
Hildar feels the arcane energies materialize momentarily into the form of large stones, only to dissipate once more as he attempts to counter the effects of the counterspell the figure seems to have effected...
[ +- ] Initiative Order
OOC:
Two more PCs go!
Nov 21, 2019 5:53 am
OOC:
I wish to hold off until the other threats have shown themselves, doesn't do any good to fire against such odds.
Nov 21, 2019 7:55 am
Nekurr follows Bruv closer to the creature as he raises his holy symbol of Fortuna, which appears as a fairly regular coin. As he does so, it seems as if the coin is somehow focusing the light and reflecting it all in the direction of the creature.
OOC:
So, my spell should be PP. I'm guessing when you mentioned RR+K you meant to replace the PP instead of adding it, right?

So, that's a fail... Can the triumph still result in some sort of blindness or stun effect from he light in the creatures eyes?
Last edited November 21, 2019 8:08 am

Rolls

attack + holy + Impact

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

Nov 21, 2019 4:04 pm
somebox says:
OOC:
I wish to hold off until the other threats have shown themselves, doesn't do any good to fire against such odds.
OOC:
PJust putting it out there that a Ranged attack, if you moved into Short Range first (just costs your Manuever) would only be a RPK difficulty for you... Base difficulty P, upgraded once for Adversary, once more for Ally in Combat (which I wasn't aware was a thing, sorry guys), +K for Cover. That's not that bad if it's against your YGGG... You could even take a second Maneuver for 2 Strain to Aim/add a Boost to it. Not horrible odds...
Last edited November 21, 2019 4:26 pm
Nov 21, 2019 6:33 pm
OOC:
Yep dealing with car issue.
Tronus looks about to see where to move to.
OOC:
Assuming I'd need to also make a discipline check.

Rolls

Avg Discipline Check

2 Success, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

Nov 21, 2019 8:55 pm
Tronus feels a moment of stress upon sight of the strange creature, but his determination takes over against any trepidation.

Meanwhile, the figure tries to dodge Bruv's assault, but in doing so, its head moves directly into a ray of sunlight being reflected off Nekurr's lucky coin. The creature moves a tattered velvet sleeve before its eyes as it lets out a sniveling whimper. The sound seems pitiful and little coming from such a hideous-looking source.
[ +- ] Initiative Order
OOC:
Tronus suffers 2 strain but is otherwise unaffected by the fear. Nekurr's Triumph upgrades the critter's next check to account for partial blindness. (Full blindness is actually 2 upgrades, but that's double-Triumph territory!). One more PC is up! Somebox, I agree that if you want to shoot, moving to short reduces the danger quite a bit. Otherwise, Tronus can go.
Nov 22, 2019 1:24 pm
"Get them into the sunlight!" Tronus barks with a scowl moving in with his sword in shield to cover Nekurr and Hildar if he can.
OOC:
Due to distance if I don't still have out my sword and shield out I'll move and pull my sword.
Nov 22, 2019 6:32 pm
OOC:
It's fine if Tronus goes first, double the chance for despair is not very appealing to me. (And you guys are doing great!)
Nov 22, 2019 8:19 pm
OOC:
Remnant, you were away when everyone got a free action to close up the crypt. We can say Tronus drew his sword and shield. If all you're doing other than that is a Move maneuver to Short, that still leaves you with an action if you want one. Leadership to rally Bruv would be RR+boost since you know him from way back. Just an idea. The action would occur just before...
As Tronus moves forward in defiance, a rumble from below the headstone announces the arrival of clawed, chalk-white limbs bursting forth from the earth. Claws and hooves pull behind them misshapen humanoid bodies with hideous, malformed faces. With herky-jerky motions, four such creatures leap from the area directly in front of the headstone; in unison, they begin pounding at the earth with their hooves and palms...

The action shakes the ground beneath your feet, sending Tronus, Bruv, and the monstrous figure all tumbling to the ground. Tronus and Bruv hit the ground hard.
[ +- ] Earth Fiends
OOC:
Flipped a SP to upgrade their attack.

OK! Last Fright check for this encounter unless something wild happens. Everyone, please give me a Hard (PPP) Discipline check to avoid fear from these things! I'll grant a boost to everyone who passed the last fright check (all but Bruv).

10 damage to Tronus and Bruv (before soak), and both of you are knocked prone. I'll strain the creatures for the threat unless y'all have a better idea.

BTW: These monsters are at Medium range to Nera, Nekurr, and HIldar. No upgrades to attack them (except for spells), since Tronus is not engaged with them.
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Tremor!

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

Nov 22, 2019 8:45 pm
OOC:
Fear Check 2

Rolls

Discipline, Hard

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Nov 22, 2019 9:12 pm
Nera takes aim at the beastie brawling with their newest member, but holds her fire lest she hit him by mistake. The sudden arrival of these new...things takes her by surprise, but she stands her ground, brows furrowed in determination. Drawing her bow again she fires an arrow straight at the monstrosities.
OOC:
Fear check! 10 damage before soak.
Last edited November 22, 2019 9:18 pm

Rolls

Fearing!

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

Ranged with Aim

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Nov 22, 2019 9:47 pm
OOC:
Fear check

Rolls

Discipline

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Advantage

Nov 23, 2019 1:06 am
OOC:
Bruv basically gets a setback on all checks versus these new threats, too, until he's rallied. (The setbacks don't stack; it's one versus the lone figure, and one versus the earthquake monsters.) 1 Strain for the Threat.

Hildar gets a setback versus the earthquake monsters until rallied with Leadership, but his advantage can give Nekurr or Tronus a boost if you wish.

Tronus gets a setback versus the earth monsters until rallied with Leadership.

Nera is undeterred. However, she finds herself a bit taken aback by the sudden appearance of the creatures, so I'm going to say you have to take a Prepare maneuver to fire your next shot (amounts to an extra maneuver to fire your bow next turn only).

Nekurr is undeterred.
As the beasts somehow cause a tremor, Nera doesn't lose her cool and carefully aims her bow. Her arrow hits one of the creatures right through the temple, and the abomination collapses to the ground in a lifeless crumple. Whatever these things are, they are at least killable.
[ +- ] Initiative Order
Nov 23, 2019 9:24 pm
OOC:
disciplining

Rolls

good boy

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Triumph

Total: 5 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Triumph

puroles

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Nov 24, 2019 12:53 am
OOC:
Holy fearlessness! Double Triumph! Any ideas how to spend it? One option: Your resolve is so set against the earth fiends that you get two boosts to all attacks against them for the remainder of the encounter.

Or, you can downgrade the difficulty to rally Bruv with a Leadership check if you want to (rolling against PPP instead of PRR).

Or force the earth monsters to make a Fear check of their own against you? :)
Nov 24, 2019 3:26 am
OOC:
I'll try and rally then.
*Flashback*
"Don't freeze up mate!" Tronus barks out before things get rougher.
End Flashback.

Rolls

Little one leadership check

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Advantage

Fear check

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Nov 24, 2019 3:49 am
As he tumbles to the ground, Tronus realizes these creatures are kind of nightmarish...
OOC:
1 Setback on attacks on the earth creatures for Tronus. 2 Advantage is enough for a free maneuver on your turn if you want to use it to just stand back up. Open to other ideas, too.
Nov 24, 2019 8:20 am
SavageBob says:
Holy fearlessness! Double Triumph!
"are those wool balls?" Nekurr just excited not seem very well the new creatures
OOC:

A real cat looks in the face of fear and purrs back at it :)

Ideally, i’d Put the fear back into those creatures, but since they are probably immune... is there some humanity left in "vizeron" zombie? Maybe i’d Intimidate that and he’ll run to a place where we find more leads?
Or more generally, maybe these can work as successful leadership on everyone and provide bonus as they are inspired by such show of fearlessness?


Edit: sorry, didn’t finish reading your suggestions. I thing fear check on the creatures would be the consensus but the free leadership maybe be more useful for the party (two PC with fear now right?)
Last edited November 24, 2019 8:26 am
Nov 25, 2019 2:06 am
OOC:
For the double Triumph, I can actually work with a couple of your suggestions.
As Nekurr stares down the hideous creatures, a scurrying sound emanates from the locked crypt. This is followed by scratching at the door, as if creatures are testing it, looking for an opening...

But then the figure in the tattered robes, knocked flat by the quake, sits back up, rolls over to all fours and scrambles to stand back up. It finds its feet and begins running away on the path into the center of the cemetery! Its blindness seems to get in the way, as it trips over a headstone, catches itself before falling, but fails to get very far.

SavageBob sent a note to CESN
OOC:
The figure tried to run away, but failed thanks to the blindness. That means it's only at Short distance to Bruv and Tronus, Medium to everyone else. Adversary 1 still applies, but no cover this time. Counterspell has also been dropped. See the other effects in the Initiative spoiler box, as there are several in effect.

4 PCs are up!
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Athletics (upgraded for temporary blindness)

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Advantage

Nov 25, 2019 4:53 am
Nera has just realized her breathing has become somewhat erratic, perhaps her nerves around these undead aren't as rock steady as she first believed. Shaking her head to clear it, Nera carefully draws her bow again...And fires an arrow straight into one of the undead's skull.
OOC:
Well that's 12 damage then.
Last edited November 25, 2019 4:55 am

Rolls

Ranged

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 5 Success

Nov 25, 2019 6:44 am
Nekurr, confused by the creature’s reaction looks around and shouts "Focus on those little ones!" hoping to finish off the earthquake monsters first as he tries to rally is allies back into the fight, while drawing his dagger!
OOC:
Well, tronus can fight, even though the ground probably just collapsed with those many threats!!!
Last edited November 25, 2019 7:44 am

Rolls

leadership tronus

3 Success, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 4 Threat

Nov 25, 2019 2:41 pm
OOC:
That sounds good, I'll use the maneuver to get back up.
Nov 25, 2019 2:44 pm
Nera's arrow slices clear through the creature's skull before embedding in the arm of the monster next to it. The first creature drops lifeless, while the second shrieks in pain.

Meanwhile, Nekurr's words kick Tronus out of his stupor, allowing the Dwarf to confront the strange creatures without hesitation! Yet, you all detect a faint scuttling from below your feet. There may be more of these things yet to emerge.
OOC:
4 Threat's enough to spawn another minion group of these things. They'll get their turn at the end of the initiative order!
[ +- ] Initiative Order
Nov 25, 2019 3:07 pm
Hildar turns in a bit of a daze before pointing his wand at the 'little ones' and trying to send a bolt of lightning at them.
OOC:
Ok doing a Magic Attack action, Base Difficulty is Easy, adding Range and Lightning effects to take it to a Hard check (+1 Diff each) plus a Setback due to the fear effect....that all ok?
Nov 25, 2019 4:57 pm
OOC:
Will use a Maneuver to Concentrate (maintain Augment), and a Maneuver to stand (2 Strain), then Action to cast Heal.

It sounded like the Fear Setback(s), are only to act against the things that caused the Fear? And the Counterspell is gone? I guess that's just standard base Difficulty (Easy)? Still very much learning magic, let me know if I missed something.

4th slot for me?

Ohmilawd, I'm rolling like crap... 1 Would, 1 Strain from 2nd Maneuver restored?
Bruv mutters and dusts himself off as he stands, anyone who looks sees that he looks very... bestial... now. His ears, snout and tusks elongated. His eyes golden like a wolf's. Coarse hair bristling from his exposed flesh... He maybe even looks a little bulkier. Again, he launches into an artful kata, seeming to focus and center on himself.
Last edited November 25, 2019 4:58 pm

Rolls

Primal, basic Heal = 1 Dif

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Nov 25, 2019 5:22 pm
OOC:
Yes, setbacks only when acting versus the causes of the fear. Counterspell has been dropped (at least for now). Mcneils5 and emsquared: Dice pools look good. Roll it up, mcneils5!
Nov 25, 2019 5:59 pm
OOC:
kapow.....hopefully......boo lol
[ +- ] Current Status
Last edited November 25, 2019 6:01 pm

Rolls

Magic Attack Action

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Nov 25, 2019 8:23 pm
As Bruv focuses on healing the damage of the quake, Hildar gathers the storm clouds above, as they surge with arcane energies. However, magic is a fickle mistress; the lightning crackles above but never materializes in a bolt affecting the dark creatures before you.

The creature in the robes rubs its eyes for a moment and seems to regain its footing. It takes off once more, away from the fracas and toward the center of the cemetery.
OOC:
2 maneuvers to move to Medium range from Bruv and Tronus, Long from Nekurr, Hildar, and Nera. Using the advantage to regain the strain of the second Move maneuver. Chasing after will require an Athletics check with an Easy (P) difficulty. More successes than he got will mean you catch up (for anyone at Medium), and can attempt to restrain or attack next round, or you close the distance to Medium (for anyone at Long).
OOC:
Tronus is up!
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Athletics

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Nov 26, 2019 7:50 pm
OOC:
Remnant, you're up!
Nov 27, 2019 1:13 pm
OOC:
My apologies.
Tronus with weapon out spots someone trying to get away and gives chase.
OOC:
If I could chase after plus get my shield out to lay into them one I do let me know. I have Swift and I'll use the 3 adv to have them drop something they are weild in their hand if appropriate. No one expects a sprint dwarf.
Last edited November 27, 2019 1:15 pm

Rolls

I'm gunna get you sucka... maybe, short legs

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Nov 27, 2019 2:46 pm
OOC:
You tied the target's Successes, so you are able to stay within short range of them, but not catch up... yet. That means 3 advantage to make them drop something doesn't work, since you're not engaged. I'll riff on the idea, though.
Tronus takes off after the fleeing figure, keeping the fugitive in sight! However, there's still a bit of distance between them. As the Dwarf fixes on the horrendous being, he notices the creature clutching something in its hands, which seems to be about the size of a goose egg...

Meanwhile, the scratching at the crypt door seems to be getting more feverish. The scratching turns to pounding as if the creatures are attempting to break the door down with brute force. The door seems to be holding... for now. But the shovel Nekurr set there does shift a bit under the weight.
OOC:
They'll get a boost on their next check to break the door unless the shovel is set aright with a maneuver.

Rolls

Athletics to break down door

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 1 Advantage

Nov 27, 2019 2:53 pm
The two remaining fiends scream and thrash as their companions are shot down by Nera's arrows. The creatures train their eyes on the Catfolk archer and barrel toward her with a wail. In the blink of an eye, they set upon her.

Meanwhile, the scuttling below your feet continues toward the large headstone where you first saw the monstrous figure. Four more of these pallid creatures clamber out of the dirt, screeching as they turn their sights on Bruv...
OOC:
Two maneuvers to engage Nera from medium range. They don't have any moves left to attack with this round. Original 2 are at short distance to Hildar and Nekurr, engaged with Nera. New gang of 4 is at short range to Bruv, medium to everyone else.
OOC:
4 PCs are up! We kind of have a combat and a chase happening simultaneously, so the Nemesis may go out of turn if it lets us resolve Tronus pursuing him.
[ +- ] Initiative Order
Nov 27, 2019 3:06 pm
OOC:
How far away is the Nemesis from Hildar? Medium??
Oh and can he see them?
Last edited November 27, 2019 3:07 pm
Nov 27, 2019 3:26 pm
OOC:
is it possible to stab one creature or cast a spell and move twice to keep up with the one running away or does it need an athletics test?
Nov 27, 2019 4:14 pm
"I think this wanker took something out of the crypt to make them go batshit crazy!" Tronus barks out trying to speed up and make up the distance.
OOC:
Would it be another check to catch up, kind of want to grab him or tackle if possible if not I'll just run to catch up and if in range say something to get people's mind clear.
Nov 27, 2019 5:22 pm
OOC:
So, the Nemesis is at Long range to Hildar, Nekurr, and Nera; Medium to Bruv; Short to Tronus. Nekurr would not be able to catch up to the Nemesis without an Athletics check, which would eat up your action. So if you want to fight the creatures on Nera, that's either an attack spell at Short range (R due to the upgrade for firing Into melee), or a Melee attack (PP).

Since you're so close, Tronus can try to tackle him with a Brawl check if you wish. Make it Melee if you want to use your shield instead. (Had he gotten more distance, I'd continue this as a chase.) Difficulty is RP+K due to Nemesis 1 and Defense 1. If you manage to tackle him, let me know if you're dealing Wounds or Strain damage. (Using your sword won't give you the option -- it'll be Wounds.) Both the shield and unarmed attack have the Knockdown quality, so you're good either way if you get at least 2 advantage.
[ +- ] Crude Map
Nov 28, 2019 2:14 am
Tronus rushes into the back ofbhosbquery shield first.
OOC:
I'll use story point and shields are inaccurate so I'll aim. Is that -2 strain?

Give em a setback with my adv I guess...
Last edited November 28, 2019 2:14 am

Rolls

Shield charge

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Advantage

Nov 28, 2019 3:11 am
"Bad! Very bad!" Nera sees the minions coming and books it, trying to put some distance between her and the beasties. She briefly turns around to face the horrors, another arrow already nocked...unfortunately such a quick shot harmlessly whizzes by their head. "Oh no."
OOC:
Is nocked a real word? Nock is, so I assume yes.

Okay, one maneuver to disengage, another to get in short range.

Wow what a roll!
Last edited November 28, 2019 3:11 am

Rolls

Ranged

1 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Nov 28, 2019 5:07 am
OOC:
Bruv will use a Maneuver to Concentrate on Augment, 2nd Maneuver (2 Strain) to Engage the Monster Group at Short, and Action to Brawl. Doesn't sound like they have any improved defenses?
Bruv sizes up the new arrivals and wades into their midst, with feet, knees, and elbows flying.
OOC:
If I got the roll/Difficulty right, that is 10 Wounds, and will use the Advantage to recover Strain.
Last edited November 28, 2019 5:09 am

Rolls

Brawl, v. 4x Group

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Nov 28, 2019 8:24 am
Nekurr, distressed by the amount of creature surrounding them quickly prays to Fortuna to get them out of there, so he can run after "Vizeron-gollum". He grabs his lucky roll, flipping it. The coin shines in the darkness, focusing rays of light on the strange creatures. The half-catfolk grabs the coin, and moves closer to the running creature trying to escape.
OOC:
not entirely sure how blast works... with my knowledge being 0

Can I use the advantage to add 2 targets?
I'd need to see how blast works, because I could target the 4 next to tronus or the 2 next to nera (twice). Or could I split the targets?
Last edited December 9, 2019 8:33 am

Rolls

holy damage

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 4 Advantage

Nov 28, 2019 2:16 pm
OOC:
Tronus: Nemesis gets a setback, yep.

Nera: Remember that when you disengage, you are automatically at Short range, so no need for a second maneuver there. No harm, no foul, since Catfolk get a free Move maneuver, but you could have suffered 2 strain to aim... Nera takes 1 Strain from the Threat.

Bruv: 10 damage before Soak to the creatures. Not quite enough to drop one.

Nekurr: OK, a lot to cover here. Blast is highly effective against Minions (low-level enemies), with the Blast rating (damage done via Blast) equal to your ranks in Knowledge (Lore). Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you've taken any ranks in Knowledge (Lore). Your best move here seems to be to attack the minion group near Nera (for game purposes, they count as a single target). If you allocate that second purple to the Deadly effect, you get a Critical rating of 2. Critical versus minions is powerful, as it eliminates one member of the group entirely. Long story short: Your attack wipes out two minions (the whole group). Well done!
As the humanoid figure tries to escape the fray, Tronus readies his shield and tries to ram the creature. Yet the creature's flowing robes, no matter how tattered, make it hard to determine where the creature's center of mass is actually located. Tronus misjudges slightly, but the corner of his shield does catch the figure's sleeve, yanking it and throwing the creature off balance.

Meanwhile, Nera manages to evade her attackers for the moment, but the stress causes her next arrow volley to miss the assailants. Bruv and Nekurr have more luck. The Orc, enlivened by a primal fury, rips into the newly emerged creatures, nearly tearing one limb from limb and leaving it barely hanging on to consciousness. Back near the crypt, Nekurr prays to Fortuna to smite the creatures assaulting Nera. As he attempts to focus the sun's rays on the creatures, however, the clouds gather overhead. At first, it looks like the Half-Catfolk's prayers have not been answered... until a bolt of lightning sluices through both creatures, dropping them both to the ground, lifeless.
OOC:
Looks like they're not affected by sunlight at all, but your roll means Fortuna found another way to harm them. :)
As Tronus regains his own balance, the robed figure scowls at him. "Idiot! Let me go if you ever want those things to stop coming into this plane!" Tronus notices that with some distance from the other creatures, the figure looks more... human somehow? But then the creature thrusts a wrinkled palm into its mouth and bites hard! The creature rubs a small stone across the blood, and suddenly, Tronus is subjected to some sort of spell... But nothing seems to happen. The figure curses and moves further down the path toward the Dribbage house.
OOC:
Using his advantage for a free maneuver, taking two down the path (so medium to Tronus).
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Runes + setback + SP

4 Success, 4 Advantage, 4 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Nov 28, 2019 2:24 pm
SavageBob says:
Looks like they're not affected by sunlight at all, but your roll means Fortuna found another way to harm them. :)
OOC:
That was lucky ;) I was actually thinking as a holy light shining from the coin, but I forgot to mentioned the free holy effect :)
Nov 28, 2019 7:51 pm
emsquared sent a note to SavageBob

Rolls

Fear Setback

Nov 28, 2019 9:39 pm
Hildar takes a few steps towards Bruv and points his wand at the creatures surrounding him.
OOC:
Manoeuvre to move to Short Range, Attempting a Magic Attack action (base diff Esay, +1 for Lightning, +1 for Manipulative)....Hildar's going to go home until the dice stop hating on him lol
Last edited November 28, 2019 9:40 pm

Rolls

Magic Attack (+Lightning, +Manipulative)

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 4 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Advantage

Nov 29, 2019 1:46 am
OOC:
The dice have certainly not been kind to Hildar this encounter! Remember there are lots of Story Points on the table, and the session is nearing its end.
Hildar attempts to capture some of the divine lightning that Nekurr has summoned, but his powers elude him yet again. Perhaps it's because the creatures in the crypt seem to be getting closer to opening the door? For now, at least, the door holds against their assault.

The newly emerged group of creatures regroup from Bruv's attack and stand back to back. They begin pounding their fists on the ground, causing it to shake! Bruv and Hildar are caught in the radius, as they feel their life-force drained from their bodies. They both manage to keep their feet, but the attack was damaging.
OOC:
This is a special magic attack that doesn't have a "target" per se, so Defense doesn't apply. Damage is 8, but your Soak does apply.

Back to the top of the Initiative order. 4 PCs up!
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Athletics

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Failure, 2 Threat

Brawl (special attack)

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Nov 29, 2019 6:28 am
Hildar reels from the vibrations, cursing profusely, before levelling his wand and trying to cast the same spell again at the creature next to Bruv but this time drawing on all his training.
OOC:
casting the same spell again, using my Heroic Ability (Paragon) which means I can cancel one of the difficulty dice. Again, going for an attack with Lightning but with Deadly as well this time (Hard Difficulty).....

Right! I’ll cancel one of the dive with a failure on so that’s a net 1 x Triumph, 1 x Success, 1 x Threat. Deals 5 damage and I’ll stick a crit in there to take one out (they are minions aren’t they?). What do you want for the Threat?
[ +- ] Current Status
Last edited November 29, 2019 6:33 am

Rolls

Attack (Lightning, Deadly)

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

Nov 29, 2019 1:54 pm
OOC:
Hildar wipes out two of the creatures. I'll adjudicate more eloquently in a moment; about to rush out the door.

OK, wish me luck. Being dragged out to after-Thanksgiving sales. :/
SavageBob sent a note to CESN
Nov 29, 2019 1:57 pm
OOC:
So, that attack doesn't seem like something I could Parry either, I assume? And it wasn't more difficult for them to "cast" or whatever they did, even though I was Engaged and actively beating on them? No Upgrade or Setback?
Bruv looks around a little dismayed at the lack of focus of the group, everyone trying to put it their own fire. He was hurting badly now...

These things don't fight fair!, his mind raced as he growls audibly.

But what evil does? His healing magic wasn't strong enough to keep up with their damage output. Running wasn't an option he could live with. Maybe if he could continue to draw their attention it would give his comrades enough time... He readied himself and again comes at them with martial fury.
OOC:
Recovering Strain.
Last edited November 29, 2019 6:04 pm

Rolls

Brawl v. 4x Group +K

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Nov 30, 2019 3:32 am
Years of scholarship and training pay off as Hildar's wand catches hold of magical energies, transforms them into a bolt of lightning, and strikes out at the creatures. The jagged arc of electricity courses through two of the evil beings, who hiss as they jerk about. They then fall to the ground, no longer moving. The effort leaves Hildar drained somewhat, however...
OOC:
You can take 2 strain or 1 wound for the threat. (Magical threats are a bit more severe in the RAW table.)
Bruv's assault continues, but he fails to connect as the creatures dodge out of the way of his fists and claws.
OOC:
Two more PCs are up! I might suggest healing Bruv if anyone has magic or items that do so.
Nov 30, 2019 9:31 am
OOC:
I’ll take a Wound....If I take the Strain I’m pretty much tapped out
[ +- ] Current Status
Last edited November 30, 2019 9:31 am
Dec 1, 2019 9:19 am
OOC:
quick healing

Rolls

Bruv + one target (Hildar)

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Dec 1, 2019 4:07 pm
OOC:
Difficulty correction: You'll have to roll a third P to get both targets: P (basic spell for within touch range) + P (to get a second target) + P (to get the second target at Short range) = PPP.
As Nekurr pray, both Hildar and Bruv realize they must have been mistaken about the damage done by the quake, as they feel bit hardier than they thought they were.
OOC:
3 Wounds healed for Hildar and Bruv!

One more PC is up.

Rolls

difficulty fix

2 Failure

Total: 2 Failure

Dec 2, 2019 7:30 am
OOC:
thanks :)
Nekurr tries to catch up with the remaining creatures as he notice both Hildar's and Bruv's tiredness. Luckily, they don't appear as badly hurt as one could expect.
Dec 2, 2019 2:27 pm
Tronus lets out a growl from deep within his gut as he gives chase. If the man or thing wanted help he went about it wrong from Tronus' perspective.

"Maybe you shouldn't have let them out! Now Sit!" He retorts back.
OOC:
Manuver, burn strain second maneuver, Sword attack on his spindly legs. -7 Dmg from the attack if I got things right.
Last edited December 2, 2019 2:28 pm

Rolls

TH'ing the runner

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Dec 2, 2019 4:39 pm
Tronus's sword sweeps where the figure's legs should be. The blade slashes through the flowing robes and connect with bone and tissue. The figure lets out a gasp of pain, eyes wide, as its legs buckle from underneath it. It falls to the graveyard soil and doesn't move.
OOC:
Remnant, please roll 1d100 for a critical injury, as this thing is past Wound Threshold.
[ +- ] Initiative Order
Dec 2, 2019 4:44 pm
The two visible creatures seem confused for a moment as their targets surge with new vigor. But they notice Nekurr's holy symbol--even if it's only a coin--and bound over toward the Half-Catfolk, claws and teeth seeking flesh. The cleric manages to weave out of harm's way, however, keeping his fur for now.

A rumble comes from below the ground, near the large headstone. You can't help but think it's probably not a good sound.
OOC:
Maneuver to engage with Nekurr, action to attack. Spending the advantage on bad things...
[ +- ] Initiative Order
OOC:
Nera's up!

Rolls

Brawl

4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Dec 2, 2019 6:33 pm
OOC:
Rolls

Rolls

crit - (1d100)

(85) = 85

Dec 2, 2019 7:01 pm
OOC:
Winded: The target cannot voluntarily suffer strain to activate any abilities or gain additional maneuvers until this Critical Injury is healed.

The figure is out, but that Crit pretty much makes magic use impossible for them should they be revived.
Dec 2, 2019 7:05 pm
OOC:
So I can damsel them on my shoulder when I get a chance after putting away my sword.
Dec 2, 2019 7:07 pm
Remnant says:
OOC:
So I can damsel them on my shoulder when I get a chance after putting away my sword.
OOC:
Yep. Once Nera goes, we'll have minion action and loop back around to PCs.
Dec 2, 2019 9:34 pm
OOC:
I am rapidly losing track of where the minions are in relation to Nera. Help my dum dum brain please.
Dec 2, 2019 9:55 pm
OOC:
Nera's at medium range to the two minions over by the headstone, Bruv, and Nekurr. They're engaged with Nekurr, so one P gets upgraded to R for a ranged attack.
Dec 2, 2019 10:02 pm
Seeing as everyone expect for Nera is in very bad condition, she decides to leap to their defense best she can. Closing the distance between her and the minions she fires once, twice, at them! One strikes center mass, and the next skewers their feet.
OOC:
Using painful blow, +2 strain every time they make a maneuver. It's probably very unfair if I start using my newly improved ranged roll now.

Using the 2 advantage to add two whopping boosts to whoever goes next, as I think everyone could benefit.
Last edited December 2, 2019 10:05 pm

Rolls

Ranged

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 3, 2019 1:44 am
OOC:
I'm perfectly OK with y'all gaining the benefits of newly purchased skill ranks and talents, even if we're in the middle of an encounter. But you rolled really well, so I doubt you'll want to preroll one of your ability dice! However, there is an automatic upgrade I mentioned for shooting into a melee. Rerolling your second purple as a red:

Rolls

reroll red

2 Failure

Total: 2 Failure

Dec 3, 2019 1:53 am
Nera's aim proves true once again, and her volley of arrows pierces both creatures, one in the shoulder, the other in the calf. Both manage to keep fighting for the moment.

Meanwhile, you hear a scuttling sound from beneath your feet, this time seemingly moving toward the locked tomb. The clicking and scraping and banging in the tomb continues, as the creatures inside try to find a way out.
[ +- ] Initiative Order
OOC:
I'll strain the group inside the tomb for the 1 threat unless y'all have a better idea.
OOC:
Back to the PCs. 4 of you can go!

Rolls

Athletics

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Dec 4, 2019 7:39 am
Suddenly finding himself surrounded, the half-catfolk quickly waves his dagger at random, dropping his lucky coin dropping. As the coin touches the ground, holy energies flow through the earth, the creatures bursting into dust.
OOC:
I can still call the critical right? 2 advantages to crit, 1 to note something about the figure and another to add a bonus for that tricky knowledge check if someone tries it (PPPBBBK). I may also flip a point to say the crypt door is now properly locked, as Nekurr's quick efforts paid off when the earthquake happened :D
Last edited December 4, 2019 7:45 am

Rolls

divine attack + holy (free) + close + deadly

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 3 Failure

Total: 4 Advantage

Dec 4, 2019 2:53 pm
OOC:
Unfortunately, you can only crit on a successful attack, but this one failed. Let's do it this way: SP flip = Nekurr inadvertently jostles the shovel back into place, so the creatures will get an upgraded difficulty to break out this round (PPP goes to PPR for them). Next, 2 advantage jostles the door more securely into place, removing the boost die they've been getting from here on out. Then 1 advantage will give you an insight about the current encounter, and the remaining advantage passes a boost to the next PC to go.
If you looked just right at the ground, you might have noticed a surge of energy coming from Nekurr's lucky coin as it touches the earth. Unfortunately, the two creatures seem to have noticed it as well, as they leap from the ground just in time to avoid touching the energy wave.

Nevertheless, in his move to get away from the creatures, Nekurr accidentally jostles the shovel barring the crypt door, setting it much more firmly in place. At the same time, he hears a loud clang, suggesting that the door is more securely in its frame now. The sound seems to have distracted the creatures somewhat, giving the Half-Catfolk's allies a slight edge against them.

What's more, Nekurr realizes something: the creatures seem to be "spawning"—for lack of a better term—from somewhere below the large headstone. Maybe there's a way to stop them at the source?
OOC:
3 more PCs are up. Next person gets a boost from Nekurr.
Dec 4, 2019 4:13 pm
OOC:
I think Nekurr should have got to roll a Boost from Nera... too late to add that? Could change the check to a success, but that'd cause a whole bunch of retconning...

Also, it's not clear to me who is inside the tomb (I've just been tracking things by Range), and therefore who is getting Strain from the Threat.
Dec 4, 2019 5:07 pm
OOC:
Nice catch! Let's roll the boosts. So, that's 1 Success and 2 more advantages. Enough to crit, do damage, and keep all the things from the previous post! That 1 minion was at threshold, so the pair are wiped out.
But perhaps Nekurr looked too soon -- As the two creatures touch the ground once more, they touch the last ripple of the divine wave and fall lifeless to the ground, just piles of dust!
OOC:
OK! Three more PCs are up, but there are no immediate threats on the board. There are two minion groups of monsters inside the crypt (Medium from Bruv), which is now locked and barred with a shovel. However, Nekurr suspects they are spawning from beneath the large headstone a short ways away (engaged with Bruv). The party. previously discovered that there's a system of tunnels running beneath the graveyard, which would be how they're getting from the headstone to the locked crypt.

You have a moment to breathe, but they will continue to try to break down that door...

Rolls

forgotten boosts

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 4, 2019 7:17 pm
emsquared says:
OOC:
I think Nekurr should have got to roll a Boost from Nera... too late to add that? Could change the check to a success, but that'd cause a whole bunch of retconning...

Also, it's not clear to me who is inside the tomb (I've just been tracking things by Range), and therefore who is getting Strain from the Threat.
OOC:
Random forgotten effect to the rescue!!! :) I think these earth guys are just popping up until we do whatever vizeron wanted to do before being knocked unconscious. One group is in the crypt and the other is underneath, in the tunnels? (so no immediate threat to us now I think...)
Last edited December 4, 2019 7:17 pm
Dec 5, 2019 12:42 pm
Hildar moves upto the doors of the crypt and begins to focus again
OOC:
Ok wanting to use my Signature Spell:

Hildars Helpers
Conjure (1), Additional Summon (+1), Grand Summon (+2) Summon Ally (+1)
Base Difficulty of above would be 5 dice, down to 4 due to the Talent or 3 with the wand.

I'll need to move to engaged range to cast this up against the door so is that possible with my movement?
Dec 5, 2019 7:31 pm
OOC:
What's the idea? Summon some critters to start clearing out the crypt? Your math looks right, but there'll be an automatic upgrade for not being able to see the spot you want to summon them to. Also, I should clarify that the spawn point is under the headstone where your dog got turned evil, not in the crypt. But having some allies in there isn't a bad idea.
Dec 5, 2019 8:26 pm
OOC:
Bruv could make a Lore check to see if he's ever heard of such a thing as we're observing? And what to do about it? Diff?
Dec 5, 2019 10:14 pm
OOC:
Yeah going to try summoning a Giant Snake (page 258 in the RoT book) to keep things in there in check
Hildar feels the spell take hold and smiles before shouting into the crypt "Kill everything in there please" as a rather loud hissing noise emanates from inside.
OOC:
Did I need to use a second maneuvre to get into position?
Last edited December 5, 2019 10:17 pm

Rolls

Hildars helpers

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Dec 6, 2019 1:57 am
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Yeah going to try summoning a Giant Snake (page 258 in the RoT book) to keep things in there in check
Hildar feels the spell take hold and smiles before shouting into the crypt "Kill everything in there please" as a rather loud hissing noise emanates from inside.
OOC:
Did I need to use a second maneuvre to get into position?
OOC:

Ah, sorry -- yes, you were at medium to the crypt, so you'd need two maneuvers to engage with it. You summoned 2 snakes, right? And you can again choose 1 Wound or 2 Strain for your threat.
Dec 6, 2019 1:58 am
emsquared says:
OOC:
Bruv could make a Lore check to see if he's ever heard of such a thing as we're observing? And what to do about it? Diff?
OOC:
Yep: Identifying the creatures is a Hard (PPP) Knowledge (Forbidden) check. Two boosts since you've seen them in action, setback for confusing conditions.
Dec 6, 2019 1:27 pm
OOC:
Tronus will trod back with his catch and show up when appropriate.
Dec 6, 2019 5:35 pm
Hildar hears a satisfying thud as his pair of giant snakes hits the slab floor inside the crypt. A loud hiss follows, then the sound of creatures scuffling inside. It's impossible to know what's going on exactly, but Hildar is certain he's at least kept the enemy creatures inside occupied for now.

Meanwhile, Tronus hoists the motionless body of the robed figure over his shoulder and rejoins the others.
OOC:
One more PC: Go!
SavageBob sent a note to SavageBob
[ +- ] Initiative Order

Rolls

Snake Brawl check 1

Constriction

Dec 6, 2019 6:54 pm
OOC:
I read Constriction as Constipation... I was getting ready to drop the guy I'm carrying if shit goes down me side.
Dec 6, 2019 6:57 pm
OOC:
The snakes have a swallow-whole attack; sounds like something that might happen if they roll enough threat. ;)
Dec 6, 2019 8:47 pm
OOC:
Are called shots a thing? If no one wants to go (I'm on that list) I would like to try.
Dec 6, 2019 9:34 pm
somebox says:
OOC:
Are called shots a thing? If no one wants to go (I'm on that list) I would like to try.
OOC:
How do you mean? There are no immediate threats for you to attack -- the crypt is full of monsters, but it's locked up, and you've taken out all the ones in the open. The robed figure is unconscious. But did you mean something else?
Dec 6, 2019 11:42 pm
OOC:
Well when you put it like that I sound just ridiculous. It's for in case the cryptids (heehee) do manage to bust outside, other then that I'm not sure what I can personally do (my brain is not capable of complex thought currently).
Dec 7, 2019 2:48 am
OOC:
No, no, I didn't mean to dismiss the idea! :) The immediate goal right now should be figuring out how to shut down whatever it is that is pumping out these monsters. How would Nera pursue that goal?
Dec 8, 2019 5:20 am
OOC:
I worded it alot sassier then I actually am. As for how, assuming our new friend can call them off Nera might try lying (saying his niece is here with them, wouldn't wanna hurt her right? Hopefully.) Or by at least using perception to identify a more permanent solution. Probably a little far to try pouring the holy water.
Dec 8, 2019 7:08 am
OOC:
Bruv doesn't have the requisite Knowledge Skill, so I was hoping someone might have something better to do, but I'll try it unskilled if I can I guess to keep things moving.

I'll recover Strain with 2 of the Advantage and pass a Boost with the other.
Last edited December 8, 2019 7:09 am

Rolls

Intellect, Hard Diff+Boosts (2)

1 Success, 6 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Dec 8, 2019 8:06 pm
OOC:
Why don't we exit structured time? We'll assume the snakes clear out the crypt. Everyone can make a Discipline or Cool check for strain recovery.
The sounds within the crypt subside, suggesting that Hildar's serpents have done their jobs. Nevertheless, you have the worrying suspicion that whatever was pumping out these monstrous creatures has not stopped. It may just be a matter of time before more appear.

In the meantime, several questions remain: What are these creatures? Where are they coming from? How can you prevent further ones from showing up? Why is there a tunnel network under the graveyard? How extensive is it? Who is the figure you attacked and overpowered? Why was he running off toward the Dribbage house?
Dec 8, 2019 8:15 pm
Hildar slumps to the side and wipes another trail of blood from the side of his nose, the strain of his casting taking quite the toll on him but he takes care to maintain concentration on his spell so the snakes keep a guard in the crypt.
OOC:
Will take the wound - Rolling Cool....can you spend the Advantage on the check to get a point of Strain back? If so that's 4 back which is what I took on the last check, if not I'm on 1 more adjusted current strain as per response below
[ +- ] Current Status
Last edited December 9, 2019 8:59 am

Rolls

Cool

3 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Dec 8, 2019 8:46 pm
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Will take the wound - Rolling Cool....can you spend the Advantage on the check to get a point of Strain back? If so that's 4 back which is what I took on the last check, if not I'm on 1 more
OOC:
Unfortunately, the Advantage on these simple checks are ignored, so no help there. You are able to drop concentration on the snakes, though; we'll just assume they ate killed all the stuff in there.
Dec 9, 2019 8:27 am
Nekurr, noticing the crypt going quick after Hildar's magics do their thing, runs to catch up with Tronus. He quickly tries to search the figure for any clues on what its plans were while checking its vitals. "He was going somewhere" the half-catfolk looks at the Dribbage house, slightly worried for Lady Dribbage.
OOC:
So that's 3 strain less and a medicine. Not sure how many Ps to use but it was definitely a fail
Last edited December 9, 2019 8:41 am

Rolls

discipline

3 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 4 Advantage

medicine

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Dec 9, 2019 9:01 am
SavageBob says:
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Will take the wound - Rolling Cool....can you spend the Advantage on the check to get a point of Strain back? If so that's 4 back which is what I took on the last check, if not I'm on 1 more
OOC:
Unfortunately, the Advantage on these simple checks are ignored, so no help there. You are able to drop concentration on the snakes, though; we'll just assume they ate killed all the stuff in there.
OOC:
Right! That always slips my mind, thanks for clarifying.

Given that Hildar is on 9/13 Strain I think hell keep the spell running if he can as casting anything else is going to be pretty risky
Dec 9, 2019 2:09 pm
Tronus slaps off the prodding of the younger man and makes way back to the others. "So what did you all find out? I'm unsure if this sod is the uncle." Tronus states nodding at the thing on his shoulder and sighs looking at the rest.

"May my heart and eyes see profits and fortune under the Lady's Guidance." he mutters to himself casting a prayer on himself.
OOC:
Yep under 1/2 max wounds is P over 1/2 max wounds is PP.
OOC:
Using the advantage to offset cost. Tronus doesn't feel anything and thinks the thing on his shoulder is messing with his mojo now.
"This one tried to throw a tooth or a bloodied stone at me so if he starts moving knock em senseless. He's already corrupting meh connection to the Lady for me." Tronus grumbles feeling the sudden throbbing in his wounds and foot from injuries.
Last edited December 9, 2019 2:29 pm

Rolls

Simple Cool Check

2 Success

Total: 2 Success

Heal

3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Failure, 2 Advantage

Dec 9, 2019 2:35 pm
OOC:
Medicine checks are penalized if you don't have some sort of first-aid equipment (in this case, an apothecary's kit). Figure takes another Wound for the threat
The only sounds at the moment are the slithering and hissing of Hildar's snakes from inside the crypt. With the robed figure back near the large headstone again, Nekurr isn't able to do much first aid. However, when the figure moans in pain, the Half-Catfolk realizes he is at least still alive, although perhaps now a little worse off...

Then the priest of Fortuna has little trouble searching through the loose-fitting robes. The figure isn't carrying much, just a wavy-bladed dagger, a pouch of dried fruits and meats, and a palm-sized stone encrusted with a rune.
[ +- ] dagger
[ +- ] Runestone
OOC:
Those of you with magical leanings can recognize this as a magical runestone. What kind will require a Hard (PPP) Knowledge (Forbidden) check, with two boosts since you've got some context on it.

Rolls

setback for no medical equipment

Dec 9, 2019 9:33 pm
Hildar totters over and takes a look at the rune stone....
OOC:
I’m gonna use the Advantages to get some Strain back
Last edited December 9, 2019 9:33 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden)

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Dec 10, 2019 1:55 am
"How do we stop your friends? Hey, wake up and tell us, or I'll sell that runestone. Wonder what it's worth.." Nera pokes the ghastly figure as she prods him for information, not dropping her bow yet in case of more danger.
OOC:
Deception? :)

Rolls

Forgot the cool check

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Dec 10, 2019 2:16 am
The figure makes no response to Nera's taunts, seemingly still unconscious.

Hildar puzzles over the strange runestone for a moment, trying to remember what the rune on it indicates. Then it hits him in a rush! The symbol is Uthuk in origin, the Uthuk being a tribe of Humans from the steppes who routinely truck with demons from the Ynfernael plane. The symbol itself represents the concept of "gateway" or "entrance," or perhaps "threshold."
OOC:
The figure can't reply until he's revived, which will be a Hard (PPP) Medicine check. A Hard (PPP) Divine or Primal check can also revive him. He hasn't been restrained yet, either; I'd be remiss if I didn't point that out.
Dec 10, 2019 3:30 am
Bruv relaxes his combat stance and slumps a little, taking a series of measured breaths. As he calms himself the coarse fur that had pushed out of him retracts back into his skin, the g golden eyes and tusks are gone, and he swallows to dispel a dryness in his mouth.

He looks a little out of it as he places a have on the headstone near him, underneath which they heard all of the activity, to read the name...

Rolls

Discipline, Simple

1 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Dec 10, 2019 4:06 am
[ +- ] Headstone Epitaph
OOC:
Incidentally, I forgot that Primal can heal, too. Same difficulty as Divine.
Dec 10, 2019 4:10 am
OOC:
Can I get an Easy (P) Vigilance or Perception check with a setback from Bruv, emsquared?
Dec 10, 2019 8:00 am
"Hey!" Nekurr pontlesly protest as Tronus slaps him off. "Look, what this what he threw at you? Any clue what this is?" I show him the runestone. "Anyway, can you pin him down for me please? If this creature talks, it may know something about Vizeron..." the half-catfolk says as he lays his hands on the creature's wounds "He seems to be getting worse..."
OOC:
I'll leave the tying up for tronus and will try to wake vizeron (once he is tied!)
Last edited December 10, 2019 8:01 am

Rolls

heal

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Dec 10, 2019 9:11 am
"The symbol on the stone seems to be of Uthuk origin." Hildar says glancing up, at the blank looks from those around hi he elaborates further about the tribes people and the reports that they truck with the Ynfernael "If I had to guess I would say wherever the creatures are popping out from that this is part of the cause....perhaps we can use this to close the gateway or portal."
OOC:
Do I remember if there is anything in the book I took from the library that pertains to the stone or rune in particular?
Dec 10, 2019 2:40 pm
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Do I remember if there is anything in the book I took from the library that pertains to the stone or rune in particular?
OOC:
You fell asleep before you got far into the book, but you do recall that it was about forbidden magics, so it's at least in the same genre.

Does anyone have rope? If not, a Story Point will give you some. Difficulty is Average (PP), which represents his Agility to wiggle out once he's come to.
Dec 10, 2019 2:59 pm
OOC:
no rope here
Dec 10, 2019 3:02 pm
Tronus puts down the man so medical aid can be provided, while others look around for rope he shakes his head and sits on the man's chest facing him, "Wake him up, we should let him know if he tries anything odd I'll knock him out again and he's only got so many teeth..." he states balling up a ham sized fist.
Dec 10, 2019 3:06 pm
OOC:
Easy Perception check.

Rolls

Perception, Easy Diff

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 10, 2019 3:34 pm
Nekurr's prayer seems to have been answered, as the hideous figure stirs slightly. His eyes open and stare directly into Nekurr's for a moment, looking like balls of yellow flame. The lips move slightly, but nothing happens, and the eyes widen. "What—" The figure starts, seems to try to sit up, but then seems wracked with pain. "What have you done with my runestone! You bloody idiots!"

From near the headstone, Bruv detects a faint humming sound coming from somewhere underground. As soon as the monstrous figure comes to, however, the humming grows more intense.
OOC:
Bruv recovering strain with the 2 advantage? If not, I can give a few perhaps useful secondary details.
Dec 10, 2019 4:21 pm
"I sat on you. I thought it was a tooth it's back on the path maybe. Well if you're Dribbage we can talk also if that's you.... is your niece in danger currently?" Tronus states eyeing the area before looking at the others.
Dec 10, 2019 7:44 pm
"What are you doddering on about!" The figure squirms and tries to free himself from under the Dwarf. "Let me go! Do you realize what you've done? We're all in danger if I can't bend these earth fiends to my will!" He gazes off toward the house. "I'll need the runestone for that, you blasted fools."
OOC:
Remember I won't let you know when an NPC is lying or not by rolling Deception. Instead, you can try Vigilance to detect a lie, Hard difficulty (PPP). (Advantage on this kind of check can't be used to recover strain so we don't abuse this type of roll.)
Dec 10, 2019 8:07 pm
"So the Runestone is needed to deal with the earth fiends... so you summoned 'demons' and couldn't control them and are trying to get a handle on it." Tronus states not moving and strokes his beard looking at the others before focusing on Erathnir with a questioning look, "Mr Erathnir can you manage it?"
OOC:
Add extra if the difficulty isn't there.

Rolls

Vigilance for S&G

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat

Dec 10, 2019 8:12 pm
OOC:
Sorry; meant to give a difficulty. It's Hard (his raw Cunning). Adding one more purple. 4 threat = monsters.
The figure just glowers at Tronus's explanation. The Dwarf gets the impression that, while not an outright lie, this person is not telling the whole truth.

Then the sound emanating from the grave near Bruv grows louder so that all can hear it. The hideous figure glowers. "They'll be here any minute now. I suggest you let me control them."

Rolls

difficulty fix

2 Threat

Total: 2 Threat

How long till monsters come

Dec 11, 2019 4:14 am
SavageBob says:
OOC:
Bruv recovering strain with the 2 advantage? If not, I can give a few perhaps useful secondary details.
OOC:
I'll recover 1 Strain, and notice something with the other?
Bruv stairs back at the headstone as he moves over towards the Figure.

"Oi don't really fink we should give 'im 'at... Oi fink we should troi an' figure it out... An' Oi'll twist off 'is Neecromancer's 'ead.", he flexes his hands and glowers at the Figure.
OOC:
Anyone have a Coercion skill (or good Willpower) and maybe want to lead a check to convince him to tell us how to use it to control them? I'd give an unskilled Assist by looking nasty and menacing?
Dec 11, 2019 4:24 am
Bruv can't help but notice that the subterranean humming seemed to get more intense when the captured figure came closer, and louder still when he came back to consciousness. There is definitely some sort of link, the Orc suspects.

The figure laughs at Bruv's comments. "Necromancy! Ha!" The aughter turns to a cough as blood trickles down the creature's chin. "Don't insult me."
OOC:
Coercion will be Hard (PPP). Bruv's assist is cool, giving a boost. Plus, you've pretty much got him where you want him, which is worth another boost. But I may add a setback or two depending on how your approach meets this guy's Motivations.
Dec 11, 2019 7:53 am
"So... what you're saying is that these creatures are trying to what? Take that rock from you?" Nekurr points at Hildar as he inspects the runestone. "And you can control them and stop whatever is going on here?" Nekurr looks suspicious "Really? I remember you had the rock when they started coming...". Suddenly, the half-catfolk changes his approach "Well, we got a very sweet and worried lady back in that mansion looking for this Uncle Vizzy, so let's get this over with". Nekurr look at Bruv before finishing off with a threat "You understand what I mean right? Go on, show us what to do, Hilder will bring the rock". He starts walking when he suddenly stops "Seen any goats lately?" he asks mysteriously, catching "Vizeron-gollum" off guard
OOC:
So... I'm ignoring the runestone to piss him off as part of the bullying and generally doubting his claims and abilities. I also mention Lady Dribagge just to catch his attention in case he know something (or he is uncle Vizzy), in a desperate appeal to his humanity. Then try to imply Bruv means pain in a certain universal language ;)

If threats pop up earth thingies, can advantages be used for Hildar's snakes (or something else) to un-pop them? Maybe the connection to Infernal is weakened and some are sucked back whence they came
Last edited December 11, 2019 8:03 am

Rolls

coercion

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 11, 2019 12:57 pm
"Summoning Fiends is always more dangerous then necromancy... you can't easily kill the undead, sometimes you summon that which you should not and find out you can't control them." Tronus states from atop the man not moving.
OOC:
Just for reference am I actually crushing him to death? If so that's not what I was intending to do since I already almost killed him once...
Dec 11, 2019 3:34 pm
OOC:
Nekurr's implied threat gives two setbacks (remember Advantages can be used to uncover a Motivation if you wish to figure out what; I'll do that here if they're not wiped out by the addition black dice.)

Final result is 1 Success, 2 Advantages.

Tronus isn't killing him; the blood and stuff is just for mood-setting.
"You sound just like the blasted Durvin clerics!" the creature spits. "All insults and condescension. No matter what my niece has said, I have no reason to help you." He stretches out a leg, revealing a cloven hoof. "The hybridization process was a necessary part of creating my link to the Ynfernael realm. I am no longer who you seem to think I am." His yellow eyes turn toward Bruv and then back to Nekurr. "But you leave me no choice. I've created a portal to the Ynfernael realm, it is true. The runestone can open or close it for a time. But there is a book... a magical tome in my study... that contains instructions to close it permanently." He struggles a bit under Tronus's weight.
OOC:
You've uncovered his Flaw, which is that he has a thin skin (and thus rankles at insults).

Rolls

two setbacks

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Dec 11, 2019 3:39 pm
SavageBob says:
remember Advantages can be used to uncover a Motivation if you wish to figure out what
OOC:
Yes! I totally forgot about that. Nekurr will try to read his body language and, with some luck ;) he will give away some useful information. I still need to heal the party though. was it hildar and bruv that needed some healing?
Last edited December 11, 2019 3:39 pm
Dec 11, 2019 5:14 pm
OOC:
Bruv has Heal magic and can give it a try himself when the time comes. No need to make your check more difficult.
Bruv recoils in disgust from the display of the cloven-hoof. The mixture of revulsion, anger, and utter pity is overwhelming.
Last edited December 12, 2019 10:20 pm
Dec 12, 2019 10:03 pm
"Well?" the creature spits.

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
Dec 12, 2019 10:25 pm
Bruv looks to the Arcanist, "'ildar, roight? Oi'd rather you take a crack at it, rather den hand 'at rune back to 'is nut... 'Oo knows wot 'e moight troi ta pull."
Dec 12, 2019 10:39 pm
"Really?" Hildar says to the creature as he pulls the book out "Which page?"
Dec 12, 2019 10:51 pm
OOC:
lol! ... I didn't know "we" had it.
Dec 13, 2019 12:30 am
He struggles to get out from under Tronus, but the effort seems to weaken him even further. "If you would just let me up, I could show you!" he whines. "I suppose you won't let me do it myself, will you? If you can find the page with Favronius's Pentacle on it, I can lead you through the ritual..."
OOC:
Finding it without his help will be an Average (PP) Knowledge (Forbidden) check. But no roll required if you instead want to get closer and let him tell you where the page is. (This latter option will take more time, which is ticking.)
OOC:
1 Threat to you all. I'll strain him unless you have another idea.

Rolls

Athletics vs. Athletics (with SP flip)

2 Success, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Dec 13, 2019 8:27 am
"So you're the goatman we've been looking for" SHOCKED CAT FACE!!! "Fortuna bless you! At least the Durvin clerics would keep you clean!" As Hildar shows the book, Nekurr explains "Ah yes, your nice was worried when you broke in so we took some books as proof. Sure you don't mind" he then turns to Hildar "Can we move this a bit faster, I can feel the earth is still shaking!"
Dec 13, 2019 1:24 pm
"Of course it's shaking, someone thought they were smart and were interesting in something clever that might have lead to an Invasion from the Ynfernael realm and they want to not be responsible for that and close it, down right probably want to cover it up like it never happened and before anyone catchs wind of it... and you be still if you could have lifted a dwarf with just your arms you'd like not have become a scholar. If you sass me too much you'll be reading dwarf knuckles with your face." Tronus hurmps eyeing the cloved leg in case it gives him added purchase to squirm away.
Dec 13, 2019 2:56 pm
"One moment" Hildar says as he begins furiously flipping through the book

Rolls

Knowledge Forbidden

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage

Dec 13, 2019 3:17 pm
OOC:
Just a little 'I'm alive' post.
Nera looks at the sinister tome Hildar has for maybe 5 seconds before deciding against trying to examime it. And so she continues to keep watch.
Dec 13, 2019 4:23 pm
OOC:
Just an idea: Nera can try to scout out how extensive the tunnels are if she wants. Just requires her to find a stick or something (her bow even) and pound on the ground listening for hollow areas. Call it a Hard (PPP) Perception check.
The captive raises his eyebrows at the speed with which Hildar finds the correct page. "Ah, excellent. Most impressive. Now, I'm afraid you aren't going to like what you are to do. But you must activate the runestone while chanting the incantation in this passage. But this runestone draws its connection to the aether from the Ynfernael. It takes its strength from your body directly..."
OOC:
Hard (PPP) Knowledge (Forbidden) check to try to decipher the incantation; one other PC can help, offering a boost, if you can justify it narratively. Remember you can also try a Hard (PPP) Vigilance check to see if this guy is BS'ing you.

Note about runestones: These have two uses: 1) Anyone (magic user or not) can activate a runestone for one specified effect. This one seems to relate to Ynfernael gates, so I'll leave it up to you if you want to try it. 2) Characters who have the Runes skill can use runestones as an implement to make their spell casting easier; they act like wands and tomes in that they make certain spell effects easier to use. Again, there's no way to know what this one does unless you get it identified somehow.

I will also note that there may be many other ways to close the gate than to do what he tells you, but you'll have to get creative!
Dec 13, 2019 4:35 pm
"takes its strength from your body directly?" Nekurr approaches Hildar to whisper at his hear "You sure you don't want to testg that on him" obviously pointing at Vizeron. He pretends to not be trying to see through the goatman's words by looking at Hildar's book, which happened to have a lot of stuff on Ynfernal stuff he, as a cleric, could help with.
OOC:
Really? no successes? :( Anyway, I can use the advantage to give a bonus to the next PC trying vigilance (that's a +BBPPP). Something like Vizeron is unsettled by the halfcat attitude (on top of the Durvin-style bullying) so it's easier to read?

Also, I'm trying to sneak a +B for Hildar's check :D
Last edited December 13, 2019 4:42 pm

Rolls

liar liar

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 5 Failure

Total: 1 Advantage

Dec 13, 2019 4:51 pm
OOC:
I'm gonna take this moment to try to cast Heal if that's okay...

And of I'm still under the Effects of Fear, is like to add that Diff to try to remove it.

Yeesh, you gotta be kidding me... Well, I can't use Advantage on this check to heal Strain from this check, correct? Can I give a Boost to Holiday with them, as the residual positive energy from my channeling if primal energies gives him strength and surety in the face of his daunting task?
Sensing that a make or break moment may soon be upon them, Bruv closes his eyes and breathes deeply for a moment, drawing strength from the natural forces he is connected with.
Last edited December 13, 2019 4:54 pm

Rolls

Primal, Heal, base Diff

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 4 Advantage

Fear Effect +1 Diff, if applicable

Dec 13, 2019 8:14 pm
OOC:
Thats a great idea!
Nera begins to slowly make big, methodical steps in imitation of a marching soldier, trying to "feel out" the general pathing of these secret tunnels. After every step she pauses for a few seconds before bringing the next foot down.

Rolls

Perception

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat

Dec 13, 2019 9:42 pm
Hildar gives Vizeron some serious side-eye before turning his attention to the book again and saying to Nekur "Perhaps,we need to know doing anything at all with the stone will not exacerbate the situation before we try using it. Here, do you see this section here..." he quietly begins discussing some of the finer points of the text with Nekur.
OOC:
Here we go....well that could have been better lol I'm open to suggestions on the Advantages
Last edited December 13, 2019 9:45 pm

Rolls

Knowledge Forbidden

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 5 Advantage

Dec 13, 2019 11:21 pm
OOC:
instead of understanding the ritual, use some just to access it’s or the stones safety?

With 5 the portal shuts down because the moon aligns with Jupiter and we can go grab some lunch 😝
Maybe find something about the creatures, like a weakness that will gives us a bonus for this encounter or the hybrid process?
Last edited December 13, 2019 11:34 pm
Dec 13, 2019 11:48 pm
OOC:
Hmmm,I'm actually thinking it would be good to have found some information about the full properties of the Runestone with some/all of them if needed
Dec 14, 2019 1:37 am
OOC:
Bruv only suffers the effects of fear vs. the captive, and even then, it's just a setback (not an increase in difficulty). Bruv can heal 2 strain if he had strain before the spell was cast (which I think you did). Advantage can never be used on the current spell, since you have to use the advantages before the spell's effects are resolved. It's a minor point, but it means that a spellcaster in the midst of an encounter can't be at full strain if he's just cast a spell. (Balance issues, folks on the forums say.)

We can actually pass Nekurr's boost to Hildar for the Forbidden check (in addition to unskilled assistance) since I only meant for one PC to make the Vigilance check. And Bruv passed a boost, too.
OOC:
6 advantage!
Dribbage (or whatever is left of him) seems unnerved by Nekurr's continued blustering, but as far as Nekurr and Hildar can tell, the captive sounds like he's telling the truth (or at least a kernel of truth). Nevertheless, Hildar and Nekurr pore over the passage looking for some idea of what the incantation actually sets out to accomplish. However, there is enough archaic language (and presumably Uthuk Yllan language) sprinkled through it that they are not able to tell exactly what the spell would do if cast.

However, Nekurr does spot a symbol that nearly matches the one on the runestone. Hildar focuses on this section and works out what the runestone must do. The passage suggests that if the user wets the stone with blood, the runestone summons a creature from the Ynfernael realm. In fact, the more blood spilled, the more creatures spill forth from their hellish domain. In the hands of a skilled user, the stone becomes even more effective, summoning more Ynfernael fiends for the same amount of blood.

As a summoner himself, Hildar can't help but notice that there is no indication that the creatures thus summoned would be friendly.
OOC:
In game terms: Ynfernael Key rune (as an action, activate and choose to suffer a number of wounds not exceeding your wound threshold; for each wound suffered this way, summon one Ynfernael minion; as an Implement, a user with the Dark Insight talent can use the Runes skill to summon Ynfernael creatures, adding the Additional Summon effect to the spell without increasing the check’s difficulty; when the spell’s effect is resolved, the spell caster suffers 1 wound; if the check fails, the spell caster suffers an additional 2 wounds; attack spells increase their base damage by 3.
Meanwhile, Nera begins exploring the nearby area, stomping on the ground and listening for subtle differences in the noise it makes. In the span of about a minute, she's able to ascertain that the tunnels seem extensive indeed. They seem to extend out to every grave in the vicinity, and even beyond. By the time she's a few dozen yards away, however, she realizes she left her bow leaning up against a tree near the others!
OOC:
2 Threat = leaving the bow. You're medium distance from it. Might not matter, but you have to decide if it's worth going back for it at this point.
OOC:
Nekurr still has his Heroic Ability available, too, if you need another hint of a possible course of action.

Rolls

boost

1 Advantage

Total: 1 Advantage

boost from Bruv

Dec 14, 2019 3:25 am
"I might not be great at magic but there is a whole church that is... it's a bit grey but we've done our job. The rest is free civil public safety we can ask for help if need be."
Dec 14, 2019 4:11 am
Not one to leave perfectly good valuables out in the open Nera hurries back to her bow, figuring it might take more manpower to discern how extensive the tunnel system is. "If it matters, these tunnels go all over the place!" She shouts to everyone who still look deep in thought over that book and Vizerion.
Last edited December 14, 2019 4:12 am
Dec 15, 2019 5:23 pm
SavageBob says:
Nekurr still has his Heroic Ability available, too, if you need another hint of a possible course of action.
OOC:
Do I? I though I used it in the crypt :o If that is the case, I may have a note dropping from the book that clarifies if Vizeron can be trusted about this portal. Is he trying to help close the portal, or just taking controlling those things ;)

Anyone has a better suggestion?
Last edited December 15, 2019 5:25 pm
Dec 16, 2019 3:07 am
CESN says:
OOC:
Do I? I though I used it in the crypt :o If that is the case, I may have a note dropping from the book that clarifies if Vizeron can be trusted about this portal. Is he trying to help close the portal, or just taking controlling those things ;)

Anyone has a better suggestion?
OOC:
I think you thought about using it but never did? Unless you used it in the library to see the goat monster image? Just checked; you haven't used Foretelling this session yet. :)
Dec 16, 2019 8:06 am
CESN sent a note to SavageBob
Dec 16, 2019 2:15 pm
Nekurr says a silent prayer to Fortuna for some guidance. At that same moment, Nera bends down to pick up her bow, and something falls from her pack onto the grass. She sees it's Dribbage's private diary, which she helped skim through last night, and it's fallen open to a page near the back with some diagrams and notes on it.

From his horizontal position, Dribbage's eyes widen.
Dec 16, 2019 2:23 pm
"What? Why are you..." Nekurr looks around as Dribbage's reacts to his diary fall from Nera's pack. "What is that?"
Dec 16, 2019 3:25 pm
Nera grins. It is the grin of a trickster. "Just the goatman's dusty book." she verrry sloooowly bends down and picks it up.
Dec 16, 2019 7:08 pm
OOC:
Just pausing for a moment in case one of the other PCs wants to try something before we look at the journal.
Dec 16, 2019 7:26 pm
OOC:
Nope just sitting on Dusty Goatleg McStinkyPants with a knuckle sandwich on deck.
Dec 17, 2019 12:29 am
Nera is able to show the journal to anyone who wants to have a look. The captive wriggles from under Tronus and exclaims, "What are you doing with that? That's dangerous! You have no idea what you're doing!"

The book fell open to a page featuring a crude drawing of a gravestone labeled "Bent. Dribbage" with a smaller note, "Must be blood kin." Below it is some sort of wavy ring labeled "portal." There are two arrows drawn, one pointing toward the gate with the label "sacrifice," and a second pointing away from the gate, labeled "Ynfernael spawn?" In the margins are what appear to be mathematical formulae and arcane symbols. Then some furious scribbling: "MASS problem — dogs — too small — Human? — SUMMON LORD? Maybe if NOT DRIBBAGE blood." The word "NOT" is underlined several times.
Dec 17, 2019 1:12 am
Bruv puzzles at the page a moment, "Bent Dribbage... as in Cap'n Bentolin Dribbage, Hero of the Third Darkness, Patron of Saint Durvin's Cathedral
... Beloved Father.
", he gestures over to the headstone. "So yer neighbor'ood dogs failed. You awlready stuff a 'uman in yer portal down dere? We expectin' yer Lord?"
Dec 17, 2019 3:15 am
"N—No!" The creature looks away, down at the earth. "I would never hurt anyone. That was never the goal! I only wanted to... prove that I could command divine power, just like the clerics." He trails off for a moment. "I never realized the spawn I summoned would turn on me. But those notes you have there are… outdated. Dogs just turned... crazed when I tried to sacrifice them. For a time, I thought a larger sacrifice might work, human-sized... But I could never... I wasn't able to go through..." He looks to you, tears in his eyes. "Now I realize, it was never about mass. It was about bloodline."
Dec 17, 2019 8:04 am
Nekurr looks at the diary and then at vizeron and then back at "sacrifice". "Bloodline or blood line?" he asks automatically as he tries to figure out vizeron again, before playing him like a cat plays a ball of yarn.
OOC:
Can that be a clever retort for 2 threats on vizeron's next social? Not sure how that works actually.
Can I also re-roll vigilance since he is now under a different pressure?

Just as a summary, his flaw is that he has thin skin and his motivation is sticking it to those Durvin clerics.
Last edited December 17, 2019 8:04 am

Rolls

lie detector

6 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success

Dec 17, 2019 1:49 pm
OOC:
Not quite on the Desire Motivaiton, but close enough. Clever Retort is fine, but since I'm not having him roll Deception against you (so you don't know automatically whether he's lying or not), we'll just use it as a free 2 Advantage to you, which I'll use to give you another of his Motivations.

Flaw: Thin-skinned
Strength: Methodical
Desire: Prove himself a competent magic-user
Nekurr gets the impression that the captive is telling the truth. In fact, the comment about blood lines seems to have sparked something in the man, as his demeanor changes. He sighs, but then seems almost proud as he explains, "I needed my own blood to activate the rune, you see. But I was never able to summon anything larger than those fiends that attacked us. I needed a proper portal to the Ynfernael realm." His coven-hoofed legs stir slightly. "Creating that took some doing—and my legs. But they were a sacrifice worth making! Now, as long as a Dribbage draws breath, the portal will be there. Unless someone from my line traverses..." He trails off, eyes wide, as if he's revealed a bit too much.
Dec 17, 2019 2:34 pm
"You mean that you can't close that portal and we'll have these creatures rushing out forever unless you sacrifice that nice niece of yours?" Nekurr stare at him angrily "That's the stupidity you decide to make because you're throwing a tantrum? I mean, just because the clerics at Durvin's thought you couldn't cast a spell if your life depended on it, you have open a gate to Ynfernal? A mage with the skill to open a portal and pull that hybridization with a goat, surely would have the patient, power and method to learn some illusion tricks no?"
OOC:
Mix of coercion and probing questions ability (+3 strain if it counts) with the aim of bullying him to spills the beans! Using his thin skin to get to him and then turn to his motivation and strength.

I'm guessing PPP as usual with this guy and maybe a B from playing his flaw/motivation.
OOC:
GM Edit: +1 boost for appealing to his Methodical side. Ignore the "from Bruv" part. That was auto-complete!
Last edited December 17, 2019 2:36 pm

Rolls

shame on you

3 Success, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 3 Threat

boost from Bruv

Dec 17, 2019 2:50 pm
"Anyone in favor of getting the Church involved? This seems a bit above our paygrade due to scale now and this is not Divine, but Infernal." Tronus almost spits out the last of his statements atop Mt SadDribbage.
Dec 17, 2019 3:25 pm
"Not knowin' 'ow much toime we 'ave, Oi'd be 'esitant to 'ave any of us leave...

'ildar!? 'Ow's it goin' with'at book!?
",
Dec 17, 2019 8:18 pm
"Frustratingly" Hildar says absently in response to Bruv before jerking his head in Dribbages direction "So if one of your bloodline wasto pass through the portal it would close?" he says whilst studying him for a response
OOC:
Basically trying to read if his response is the slip I think it is
Dec 18, 2019 1:32 am
"Foolish goat-man." Nera mutters as she has delegated herself to overwatch.
OOC:
In case any more fiends do break free, are there any trees or nice tall tombs Nera can stand atop?
Dec 18, 2019 4:04 pm
OOC:
There are plenty of trees Nera could scale if she wants. Average (PP) Athletics check to do so, add a boost for your claws.
Dribbage looks at Nekurr, the glowing yellow eyes unsettling but still conveying his shock. "No! No, I would never harm my niece..." But then he looks to Hildar with a look of abject terror. "But no, please no. If you take me away from here, the portal will fall dormant. My niece must never come near, or it will open again... But you can turn me over to the clerics... Maybe the Clerics of Saint Almar's? As a neutral party? I have history with St. Durvin's, surely you know that... All will be well, no? No need for more drastic measures..."

The man's pleas don't much move Hildar, even if sincere.
OOC:
Charm check versus Hildar; boost for playing to Hildar's naivety, but setback since you know he's done Bad Things.

Rolls

Charm

1 Success, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Dec 18, 2019 4:56 pm
"Well we just have to knock this sod out and take em to St. Durvin. This place will go dormant and they can clean up their former employees mess since it was with their materials he's gotten this far. Besides you probably don't want your niece here not for fear of her safety but for the power you want possibly going to her instead." Tronus pieces together slapping the man's check ending on a dark thought he thought to be valid.
Dec 18, 2019 9:06 pm
Nera finds a nice sturdy tree and attempts to climb up with great success. She crouches low on the end of a thick branch, concealing herself amongst wood and leaves.
OOC:
3 advantage, nice. I'll use it to add to any stealth checks as she keeps watch.
Last edited December 18, 2019 9:08 pm

Rolls

Athletics

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Dec 19, 2019 2:17 pm
OOC:
Waiting for more of you to chip in with a vote for what to do. One possibility is to truck him off to town, but then to which clerics? And another "dire" possibility that he fears but hasn't been explicitly mentioned.
Dec 19, 2019 3:17 pm
OOC:
throw him in the portal? ;)
Dec 20, 2019 8:31 am
Nekurr looks expectantly at Hildar "Do you think this is true? If we move him away, these creatures will stop coming?". The cleric then turns to the Mansion as if trying to make out some detail in the distance "We will have to check Miss Olarie is safe and doesn't wonder into this place. Maybe we can can ask the nice grave keeper to get the Durvin's clerics on this?"
Last edited December 20, 2019 8:32 am
Dec 20, 2019 4:32 pm
"Only one way ta foind out... Oi say we 'aul 'im ta da Law. Openin' an ynfernal gate must be a capital offense?

Coupl'a us stay 'ere, and go down dere ta make sure it's closed, after 'e's gone?
"
Dec 20, 2019 7:26 pm
OOC:
Sounds like three votes for haul him to the Durvin clerics and hope the gate goes dormant, as he says. I'll wait a little longer in case there are any votes for "throw him to the demons," but then we can move forward. So close to the end of the case! I'd rather not keep it dragging on through the holidays.
Dec 21, 2019 1:54 am
"I can keep watch, but only for a little bit! Someone better come back and make sure I'm okay if I take too long." Nera says, volunteering herself for the mission from her watchtower. "Send the smelly goatman to the clerics, don't let them exorcise him just yet, we need to get paid."
Dec 21, 2019 7:22 pm
"Oi'll check da portal, too. Boind 'im up, an Oi don't tink Dribbage should give ya much trouble...

Maybe 'ildar stays back too, incase we need magickin'?
"
Last edited December 21, 2019 7:24 pm
Dec 23, 2019 8:25 am
"Sure, you guys stay I'll... take him to the clerics" Nekurr says, jumping at the opportunity to leave the cemetery where a portal to Ynfernal it!
Dec 23, 2019 8:36 am
"If time was not pressing I’d say let’s investigate further but we need to act sooner than later I fear. Throwing him through may work but it also may not and who knows what he would be able to do from the other side. The Durvin clerics may have the best experience with these matters to enact a speedy resolution". Hildar nods at Bruv "At the very least I can keep my serpentine friends around if I stay here to ensure anything else that pops into the crypt gets dealt with"
Dec 23, 2019 1:22 pm
Tronus finally grunts as he stands hoisting the man by his breeches and shirt collar... "We'll be back with some more clergyman hopefully."
Dec 23, 2019 7:56 pm
The creature who was once Vizeron Dribbage squirms and flails as Tronus throws it over his shoulder. "No! Not Saint Durvin! Turn me over if you must, but Saint Almar's is no further away!" The creature who may still be Vizeron Dribbage starts to weep openly as the Dwarf and Half-Catfolk move toward the horse cart, where Barvek and the grave-digger are waiting. With a promise to explain on the way, Tronus, Barvek, and Nekurr hop onto the wagon and head into Nornholt.
OOC:
More soon...
Dec 23, 2019 8:01 pm
Bruv, Nera, and Hildar take up positions near the two known bolt holes for the Ynfernael creatures. As Vizeron Dribbage moves away, his agitation seems to be mirrored by the unseen portal under the earth, which emits a loud vibrating sound from below. Indeed, as soon as the half-Human creature is hoisted onto the horse cart, the high-pitched titters of more creatures announce that the portal has spat out more fiends. Several of these seem to take the path to the closed crypt, where Hildar's "friends" take care of them. Four more pop out from the hole adjacent to the Dribbage headstone; there, Nera manages to pick off two with arrows launched from her tree perch, while Bruv rips the other two limb from limb.

As Vizeron Dribbage is led to town, the vibrations from the portal subside until finally the sound seems to go away completely. Perhaps if you really put your ear to the ground, you might still hear it. But it's noticeably quieter with the strange creature out of the immediate vicinity.
OOC:
Bit more soon.
Dec 23, 2019 8:32 pm
That evening...

The cool of night has finally fallen, but the small fire in the hearth of Argus Inquiries headquarter building is there more for light than warmth. You are gathered once more in the main room, around the long, wooden table where this inquiry began. Lady Calypso Argus sits at one end of the table, red tones and shadows from the firelight dancing across her mahogany features.

"Thank you for coming back so late, especially after such a harrowing day at the cemetery," she says, looking to each of you in turn. "The clerics of Saint Durvin's Cathedral have taken Vizeron Dribbage into custody. The abbot tells me they aren't really prepared to keep a magic-user contained, but from what you've told them, it seems like Dribbage is powerless without the runestone you recovered."

She sighs and look down at the floor for a moment before continuing. "One of the clerics ran to fetch Lady Olarie Dribbage, so I was able to speak to her at the cathedral. She's... upset. My guess is she's overwhelmed. It can't be easy to hear that your uncle has been dabbling in the dark arts." She shrugs. "She says her uncle tells her he was attacked unprovoked, and she's upset about that. But I assured her that no matter what happened, it's best for everyone that he was brought in and stopped."

She reaches to her side and pulls out a canvas bag that jangles with coins inside. "At any rate, you'll be happy to learn that the lady still paid our fees, so here's everyone's share. The clerics, too, are thankful. They've thrown in a bit more as a token of gratitude." You pass the bag around, each taking your share.

"We're still trying to work out how Dribbage managed to summon dark creatures from a cemetery that was well-warded against dark magics. Their best guess at this point is that the wards there only extended down to the level of the coffins, but not further below. With the tunnels, Dribbage was able to create a gate to the Ynfernael realm outside the reach of the wards. The abbot suspects that Dribbage then went up into the coffins from below to desecrate the remains. With enough desecration, the wards disappeared completely, and the fiends were able to come up to the surface. It may take weeks or even months to see the extent of the damage he caused, but it's possible his tunnels extend throughout the graveyard, and that he desecrated every single grave in a way that would neutralize Saint Durvin's blessings."

She takes a deep breath and looks to you all. "That's quite a mouthful. Is there anything else that doesn't make sense to you? I can do my best to explain what was going on..."
OOC:
Let's take a day or so for you to pose any unanswered questions. Then we can wrap up with XP and cash rewards.
Dec 23, 2019 10:04 pm
"I think his cloven hoof which was self induced had a play also in why he could summon without magic using himself as a medium with his blood from what he's stated. It's a bit disappointing he's told his niece he was attacked unprovoked, the bloody buggers he summoned tried to kill him and his notes show just how many dogs the neighbors lost to his experiments, which I think they should be reimbursed for, either by the Dribbages and/or the Church for negligence... I told him to stop he tried to magic me so I socked him..." Tronus states.
OOC:
Crumudgeon remarks and asking about the neighbors get assistance since they're a bit down in luck and technically they should be reimbursed for the property loss from Tronus' opinion for the demon possessed dogs which they probably didn't want.
Dec 24, 2019 4:35 am
"Thank you for bringing up those points, Tronus," Lady Argus says. "Dribbage's hybridization took us all by surprise. No one's seen such a thing since the last War. The clerics suspect that Dribbage was trying to compensate somehow for a lack of magical aptitude in other ways. It seems the first grave he desecrated was his own great-great-grandfather's. And sacrificing parts of his own body--making himself a demon hybrid--was another sacrifice he made to get his rune to accept his use of it. He tried sacrificing the dogs before he realized that he had to sacrifice his own blood to have any effect. I'll be sure to put in a word with Lady Dribbage about compensating the Thistlerocks for their lost income. Thank you for bringing that up."

She pauses. "One piece of the puzzle that the clerics haven't figured out yet is why Dribbage wasn't able to control what he summoned. He claims he needed a spell in some book in his study, but they couldn't find any trace of that book when they checked the place." She regards Hildar. "Maybe it's not that important for them to find out. But if you know something and think they should know, please speak to them."
OOC:
Basically leaving it up to you all if you keep the forbidden tome or turn it over. If y'all keep it, you can try to have it identified for what its effects are. But you can get the gist of how it would need to be used -- for evil magic stuff.
Dec 24, 2019 12:49 pm
"It is strange that such an unskilled mage could have so much information and managed to summon so much magic on his own. Do you think he may have had some help? Maybe we can have a word with him as well and have the clerics extend some of the new wards to the Thistlerocks' farm and Lady Dribbage's mansion." Nekurr suggests, wondering if he acted on his own. "Maybe we can pay Lady Olarie a visit just to make sure she is dealing well with the situation? It was lucky she was here to witness her uncle's break in!". He then turns to Lady Calypso "Tronus is right about the compensation. The Thistlerocks are in difficulties and this is going to set them back badly. But I noticed some of them showed some... potential, if you'd be interested in new trainees"
Dec 24, 2019 1:02 pm
"Might be if the summoner is weaker by blood in the pecking order, plus no inate magical aptitude he can't tell someone else what to do that's of higher ability or a pureblood..." he states pulling out a pipe and chewing for a bit before packing it he eyes the others to see what they have to add.
Dec 24, 2019 7:44 pm
Lady Argus purses her lips and shakes her head slowly. "I'd hate to think that Dribbage had accomplices. For now, I'm hoping this was just a one-off occurrence, one bad apple who went unchecked for too long. But looking into how he got the books he did might be a worthwhile inquiry down the road. For now, I'd like you all to take some time off to recuperate. That'll also give Ladie Olarie Dribbage some time to cool off. I don't think she wants to speak to us anytime soon."
Dec 24, 2019 9:51 pm
"Wot is to become of Vizeron? How serious are 'is croimes considered? Desecration of graves, opening a gate to the ynfaernal within city-limits, self-transmutation into demon? Oll dat..."
Dec 25, 2019 3:19 am
"Just goes to show you can't hold family in high expectations." Nera mutters rather bitterly. Her mood is turned around as the silver is passed around, and she seems to be inspecting what feels like every newly gained coin.

"If that dark book is of no use to us, perhaps this church would buy it from us, yes? It is supposedly a collectors item."
Dec 25, 2019 4:42 am
OOC:
I've been playing it as if Lady Argus isn't aware of the forbidden tome in case Mcneils5 had some desire to add it to Hildar's arsenal. (Again, it will help with spells specifically aimed at summoning Ynfernael creatures, but not in any pleasant way.) Do you all think you would have kept it secret from her, or would you have turned it over as "evidence?" The Durvin clerics would presumably very much want to keep it out of circulation.
"The church isn't known for leniency regarding this type of thing, Bruv," Lady Argus says. "Execution seems likely. Did any of you get an inkling that Dribbage might be redeemable? We might put in a word if you'd prefer he get a chance at rehabilitation." The lady then looks to Nera. "What was that you mentioned, Nera? Something about a book?"
Dec 25, 2019 6:32 am
"Oi don't know 'at 'e's 'Dribbage' at oll anymore... Oi 'ope 'ey do put ... it... out of it's misery."
OOC:
If it comes to a group vote or something, Bruv would probably see it as proper procedure to turn the tome over. He wouldn't ever consider keeping it some secret.
Dec 25, 2019 10:25 am
OOC:
i guess Nekurr would Turn over the book so the clerics can use it to close the portal and we move on to something less risky . Not his problem anymore :D

(However it feels like that book may disappear again )
"I can feel some luck coming this way" says Nekurr as the silver passes around. "Rehabilitation? It felt like Vizeron didn’t mean to cause any real harm. More like a prank gone too far... I guess he may be rehabilitated..." the cleric then considers this for a moment "Not sure those legs of him can be though..."
[ +- ] Gamble
Last edited December 25, 2019 10:32 am
Dec 25, 2019 11:25 pm
OOC:
I would argue we would let Lady Argus in on the book, but not the church. Ultimately I agree it's Mcneil's choice regarding the matter, so they'll decide.
Dec 26, 2019 8:32 pm
"I'll put in a word about what you said, Nekurr. If Dribbage is part of some larger group, the clerics may want to keep him alive anyway."
OOC:
Will wrap things up once Mcneils5 weighs in on the book. FWIW, it wasn't meant as loot -- this isn't really meant to be a "find loot" kind of game. But I'd never step on a player's prerogative if Mcneils5 wants to have Hildar start dabbling in dark magic or something.
Dec 27, 2019 11:45 pm
Hildar seems to be weiging with something for a while but eventually sighs and pulls the tome out from his robes and slides it across the table to Lady Argus "Whilst it is tempting to keep this from a perspective of what good one could do with the knowledge I think it is blatantly obvious to everyone how much of a slippery slope it would be. I am not sure whether it would be advisable to hand this over to the clerics however so I will leave that to your judgement my lady"
OOC:
Yeah if Dribbage hadn't been hybridised then Hildar probably would have kept the book however such an obvious indication of where that kind of thing can lead is pretty off-putting lol
Dec 28, 2019 3:41 am
"Thank you, Hildar," the lady says, collecting the tome. "Technically, this is Lady Dribbage's property, but I'll request that the clerics look it over to make sure it's safe to return to her custody. At that point, it would be reasonable to ask that she pass it on to you for your studies." She smiles—a rare sight indeed. "Take a few days off. You deserve it. Thank you for your dedication. Good night."

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