[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 2)

Mar 7, 2020 4:49 am
[ +- ] Edge of the Swamp
It's been a strange trip, but finally you've arrived at the edge of Buzzards' Ford. As your Lizardman guide, Ssyk-ssyk, paddles away in his canoe, you realize it's all in your hands now. Your unorthodox arrival puts you at the "back door" to the village—a direction that only Lizardfolk and poachers would likely come from. Your diligent research has given you some notion of what to expect in the village, but ultimately, the mystery of what happened to tax collector Kelis Isle remains unsolved.

Did he take the back taxes and run, falling back on old habits? Did something befall him in the village? And if so, what?

Then, there's the question of why the village was able to avoid paying taxes for so long in the first place. Are they rebels against the Baron of Cailn? Are they just too small and too far off the beaten track to be worth worrying about? Or have they hidden themselves from notice through some other means?

As dark clouds roll in and a mist spread out from the swamplands, you know it's up to you to find out.
Mar 7, 2020 12:05 pm
Hildar turns to regard the rest of the group "Well, we're here, how do we proceed? Just wander in or is someone going to do some poking about first?"
Mar 7, 2020 7:17 pm
OOC:
Just FYI: In the previous thread, I said it's late afternoon. I think I'll retcon that back to midday to give you a bit more time to do stuff before nightfall.
Mar 9, 2020 5:13 am
OOC:
Weekends amirite.
"Best have our stories straight if we're going in together after the smelly swamp. We should take a bath."
Mar 9, 2020 1:18 pm
Throws coin and checks result. "I say we split and do some poking..." Nekurr sighs at the divine guidance he got... "We can say we followed those poachers into the swamp, got lost and were driven out by lizardfolk." the cleric explains his idea "The villager don't like either, so that will bring some sympathy right? and then smiles "We met both, so we can describe them to support our story.With Fortuna's blessing, they may even meet the poachers themselves!".
OOC:
We can get a sense of the village before asking for the money no? we can still do poacher's hunting as representatives of the barony ;)
Last edited March 9, 2020 1:25 pm

Rolls

coin - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Mar 9, 2020 1:41 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
We can get a sense of the village before asking for the money no? we can still do poacher's hunting as representatives of the barony ;)
OOC:
Well, as of right now, the village is out of sight. But when you decide to ask for the money is entirely up to you!

Unless I hear otherwise, I'll progress you around the bend sometime later today. I just wanted to make sure you didn't intend to send Nera to scout first, since that idea was proposed. If Nera does want to scout, we'll call it an average Stealth check with two boosts for reasons that aren't yet apparent.
Mar 9, 2020 1:51 pm
SavageBob says:
I just wanted to make sure you didn't intend to send Nera to scout first, since that idea was proposed.
OOC:
Off she goes :D
Mar 9, 2020 2:27 pm
"Oi don't tink starting out wit a loie is gonna 'elp us get to da bottom of our investigation. Seein' as most of us aren't good at 'at, it ain't gonna last long...

An as insular as it sounds 'ese folks are... Oi tink strangers loike us is gonna stick out loike a sore thumb, and we could be immediately endangered wit 'ostilities.

Seein' as we can't really know which it is until we're in it, Oi tink we go straight to 'ooever passes for da law 'ere, or a leader, and start our inquiry.

As for 'ow we got t'rough da swamp, why not be honest? ... Magic. Spirits could of lead us 'ere jost as surely as 'at lizard man.
"
Mar 9, 2020 2:31 pm
"We literally have a writ explaining who we are and what we're here for under authority of the Baron..." Tronus states stroking his moustache.
Mar 9, 2020 2:40 pm
"Ta me, da point of comin' in da back door was ta make sure dey don't 'ave toime ta prepare... for anyting... not a foight, if 'at's where it goes... not ta hoide or move a prisoner, if 'at's it... not ta get 'eir story straight. An' we may learn sumpin' 'ey don't want outsoiders ta know just strollin' in da back door.."
Mar 9, 2020 8:56 pm
Nera nods at Bruv's thought process. "If I found out some tax collectors were coming I certainly wouldn't wanna stick around. Although I've never been the one who gets to act all tough with a writ...decision..."
OOC:
I'm just gonna roll for stealth because I am still up for it. Also I wanna see what these boosts are for >:)

Wow fantastic. Who would've guessed an average check would take me down. Well gotta commit since I already rolled, whenever we're done with chatting off she goes.

For advantage could I use it to make a hasty escape (If I decide to) assuming I get caught, or perhaps find myself in a favorable disposition should escape be impossible.
Last edited March 9, 2020 8:58 pm

Rolls

Stealth

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Mar 10, 2020 1:10 am
[ +- ] Palisades
While others discuss the best course of action, Nera slinks around the river bend toward where the Lizardfolk said the town should be. Sure enough, she sees signs of a settlement a few hundred yards in the distance—but the place seems to be protected by sharpened wooden stakes, at least when approaching from this side.

The Catfolk rogue pads closer to the wooden pylons to see if she still might peek between the slats to see what lies beyond them. However, just as she gets within mere feet of the wall, she accidentally steps in a puddle of greenish water, causing an audible splash.
[ +- ] Razorwing
Suddenly, a creature launches itself over the wall and into the air, a winged creature like one of the bat-things the Lizardfolk had. A voice calls out from the other side of the fence: "No! Butterbean! Come back!" Nera's not sure, but it sounds like a young boy.
OOC:
Nera can roll Vigilance, please! Those of you back with the horses, someone can roll a group Vigilance check to see if you hear any of this. Looks like YGG+BB+1 Setback for the distance.

Rolls

Vigilance

2 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 4 Advantage

Mar 10, 2020 4:08 am
Not good not good not good.

Rolls

Vigilance

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Mar 10, 2020 2:30 pm
The bat-wolf catches a gust of wind and arcs straight upward toward the sky. Though slightly larger than the ones kept by Ssyk-ssyk, it doesn't seem to be aggressive.
OOC:
Forgot to note that your 3 advantage essentially got you the little boy calling out, thereby signaling that this thing is more likely an escaped pet than a savage monster. Here it's taken two move maneuvers to get some altitude, making it about medium distance (straight up) from Nera.

Nera's up!

Folks back at the cart are still unaware this is going on. But YGG+BB+K can be used to learn something's going on. Or Nera can cry out for help if she wants.
Mar 10, 2020 2:35 pm
OOC:
No base diff/purps?
OOC:
GM edit: Did I forget those? Probably Easy, since no one but Nera's trying to be sneaky.

Rolls

Vigilance

3 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

difficulty adjustment

Mar 10, 2020 3:02 pm
Back at the horse cart, Tronus, Bruv, Nekurr, and Hildar hear some commotion from the direction Nera snuck off to. It sounds like a child crying out in alarm, followed by a forceful whoosh.
OOC:
So, how do y'all want to spend the 2 advantage? Since this is a group check, strain recovery won't work. It could be used on a single boost to initiative (Vigilance) for two of you? Also, everyone roll Vigilance! We'll slot you into the order once Nera goes.
Mar 10, 2020 3:21 pm
"Sigh... I blame this on your Nekurr." Tronus admits with a frown.

Rolls

Vigilance Simple Check

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Mar 11, 2020 5:24 am
OOC:
Forgot I was up!
Docile or not Nera doesn't wanna stick around, electing to head back to the others.
OOC:
I would like to perform another stealth check after moving, vs the bat-beast's own detection I'm assuming. If this isn't actually possible I'll just keep heading back.

Hey if that stealth applies could I use the triumph by having the bat go off in a different direction? I wanna spy on the kid/others who check out the disturbance if this is an opportunity.
OOC:
GM edit: Added difficulty and a boost to Nera since the creature is moving fast. Final result is 0 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph.
Last edited March 11, 2020 5:25 am

Rolls

Stealth

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph

GM: adding difficulty

4 Failure

Total: 4 Failure

forgot boost for the creature moving quickly

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Mar 11, 2020 8:38 am
"Was that a... child?" Nekurr quickly pays attention trying to find the source of the noise. Once he identifies the direction the noise came from... which is Nera's direction! something hits him "Wait! What?" he turns to Tronus "What do you mean? I'm your lucky cat don't you know?" he winks and throws the dwarf a coin
OOC:
Let's make that a 2 sp coin to round up my numbers ;)
Last edited March 11, 2020 8:41 am

Rolls

vigilance

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Mar 11, 2020 8:41 am
OOC:
Here we go....

Rolls

Vigilance

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Mar 11, 2020 2:31 pm
Nera dives for a tuft of reeds near the river's edge, but the creature arcs back down in a swoop—apparently straight for the Catfolk! Nera feels the wind from the creature's wings on her fur, but she sees it arc back upward toward a nearby copse of trees on the opposite bank of the river and a few dozen yards from the spiked fortifications outside the village. The creature alights on a treetop, gripping the branches with its feet and hanging upside-down.

The child's voice calls again, "Butterbean! Come back! Bad girl!"
OOC:
OK, looks like Nera's Triumph knocked us back out of structured time. The creature is now perched and happy, so the rest of you can run over as you wish. Nera is welcome to try another Stealth check versus the child if she wishes (PP with two boosts), or rejoin the others.
Mar 11, 2020 6:20 pm
Nera slowly raises her head from the reeds, just enough to see. If it wasn't for her hood her ears would be pointed upwards for sure.

What kind of adult would let a child have that for a pet?
OOC:
AAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Well maybe the bat-beast doesn't make any hostile moves with all that advantage?
Last edited March 11, 2020 6:21 pm

Rolls

One more stealth

1 Success, 5 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Advantage

Mar 11, 2020 6:37 pm
OOC:
We can use them to make the kid friendly, since the razorwing is already contented in the tree.
Nera tries to sink deeper into the reeds as the sound of footsteps grows louder on the other side of the fence. To her chagrin, the movement snaps a few reeds, which break with loud cracks.

The footsteps stop on the other side, and a high-pitched voice calls out, "Who—who's there?" The footsteps pad toward the fence, and Nera thinks she spots an eye peeking through the pylons. "What are you? Do you understand Common? You look like a cat. Do you have whiskers and a tail? Can you climb trees? Can you help me get my razorwing back?"
OOC:
The rest of you hear this.
Mar 11, 2020 6:41 pm
OOC:
.> Or you got Razorwing from lizard boy scent on you already so you can't be all that bad right? Toss 'em a fish XD
Mar 11, 2020 6:44 pm
"Normally I don't suggest this since it gets us in trouble but it's possible you might get slapped by the man child's mum... Nekurr why don't you go smooth things over, I'll drive the cart the rest of the way."
Mar 11, 2020 6:52 pm
Bruv shrugs, "May be ignorant, but at least deir children don't seem in'erently xenophobic?

We got our "story" down? An' our approach? Let's go make sure our loose-cannon-kit'y doesn't become dog-bat-meat...
"
Mar 11, 2020 9:10 pm
Nera drops her hood, preparing herself for the onslaught of questions.

This is going just great. Why do kids have to ask so much?

Nera puts a finger to her mouth in a *shush* pose. "Yes, yes I am a cat, now please be quiet and I'll try to help."
Mar 12, 2020 8:21 am
Nekurr charm smiles Tronus as he smoothly leaves to catch up with Nera. "Hello there! What seems to be the trouble little child?"
Mar 12, 2020 2:45 pm
At the sight of the horse cart, horses, and four more strangers, the child falls silent. After a moment, he says in almost a whisper, "Cat lady? Ma and Pa say I shouldn't talk to strangers. But you're not a stranger; you're a cat."
OOC:
Nekurr can try an Average Charm check (PP) with three setbacks for stranger danger and the size of the group. Nera can add a boost if she vouches for the rest of you, and there may be other things you can do to get another boost if you want.

Alternatively, Tronus can make the roll and use his Heroic Ability to add +3 successes automatically.
Mar 12, 2020 3:06 pm
As Hildar sees Nera and Nekurr moving to deal with the child and their 'pet' Hildar remains on the cart with Tronus.
Mar 12, 2020 3:29 pm
"Oh! you like cats little child?" Nekurr moves his hears and purrs "I'm not a stranger as well, right cat lady?" he winks at Nera as he tries to charm the boy
OOC:
Assumed Nera's reply will provide the support boost and forgot a set back :o

4 Advantages! He may not be convinced, but he is not scared yet! Motivation and Fears?
Last edited March 12, 2020 3:31 pm

Rolls

who doesn't love cats?

1 Success, 6 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 4 Advantage

oh no!

Mar 12, 2020 3:30 pm
OOC:
Y'all are welcome to try Coercion or Leadership on the kid instead of Charm, too. Same difficulty, but only 2 setbacks, and I'll use a SP to upgrade if you go those routes.
Mar 12, 2020 3:33 pm
OOC:
How'd you like to use the 4 advantages?
Mar 12, 2020 3:41 pm
OOC:
Just updated the post :D He may not be convinced, but he is not scared yet! Motivation and Fears?
Mar 12, 2020 5:11 pm
"Um... I don't want to get in trouble with my pa."
OOC:
Well, you know his desire through narrative: Get that razorwing back! Three advantages gives you his fear, which is typical for a kiddo: not to get in trouble with his folks. Those two pieces alone are worth 4 boosts if someone wants to make another attempt at swaying him and can figure out how to reference both. Would have to be another character, though.

Final advantage from the roll can pass a boost to the next skill check made by the party (whether social or something else).
Mar 12, 2020 9:11 pm
OOC:
What kind of skill check would be required to get the bat-pet? I sure hope it's not athletics.
Mar 13, 2020 3:08 am
somebox says:
OOC:
What kind of skill check would be required to get the bat-pet? I sure hope it's not athletics.
OOC:
Depends on the approach. Survival is the default animal-handling skill. You know they like fish. Tempting it down would be an Average (PP) Survival check if you had the proper bait (add 2 setbacks without). But you could also try to physically subdue it by climbing up the tree and grabbing it (Easy Athletics and then an opposed Brawl check). Or magic. There's always magic. :)
Mar 13, 2020 8:09 am
OOC:
I can produce a fish out of my pocket :D but I can't interact with the kid again :(
I guess Hilder could conjure a magic carp
Mar 13, 2020 1:48 pm
OOC:
Yeah, I have no problem saying Nekurr has a fish in his pocket (Deep Pockets talent). Makes sense, considering you just traveled for several hours with a Lizardfolk guide. Either it's a cooked fish ration, or it's a raw fish you were keeping in case his own bat-things got ornery!
Mar 13, 2020 3:57 pm
Bruv looks on in mild amusement at the scramble to quiet the child, and appease the bat-dog. Looking to Tronus and Hildar, "Should we take da cart on aroun' to a gate? Or, 'ow moch do we really care about it, or need it? Can we just leave it 'ere? Look at da effort it took us ta get it 'ere... It ain't goin' nowhere."
Last edited March 13, 2020 3:58 pm
Mar 14, 2020 3:42 am
"Look, I'll just get your monster back kid, since I'm not a stranger evidently." She fishes through her bag, finding the tough jerky she is seeking. "Stay here, and be cool." She pokes Nekurr.

With this new task set before her Nera calmly approaches where the razorwing is perched. Whistling at it she holds the jerky high in the air, hoping it won't try to eat her.
OOC:
Burning one ration. Hoping that offsets the setback dice.
Last edited March 14, 2020 3:43 am

Rolls

Survival

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Mar 14, 2020 9:18 am
"Always" Nekurr replies and stays successfully cool 😎 with 3 times advantage from his soft fur
Last edited March 14, 2020 9:19 am

Rolls

Coolness meter

1 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Mar 14, 2020 1:34 pm
The creature seems asleep, but the sound of the ration (and perhaps the smell) stirs it. The razorwing's talons let go of the tree branch, and it swoops straight down at Nera. It alights in from to her and opens its mouth as if waiting for the "treat."

"Yes! Now can you catch him?"
Mar 15, 2020 6:50 pm
emsquared says:
Bruv looks on in mild amusement at the scramble to quiet the child, and appease the bat-dog. Looking to Tronus and Hildar, "Should we take da cart on aroun' to a gate? Or, 'ow moch do we really care about it, or need it? Can we just leave it 'ere? Look at da effort it took us ta get it 'ere... It ain't goin' nowhere."
OOC:
Let me know if y'all are looking for a way to get the horses and cart past the palisades. Or if someone's looking for a gate on this side of the village.
Mar 15, 2020 7:08 pm
Nekurr approaches Nera staying very cool "So... how do we catch this one?"
OOC:
I could eventually try to curse the pet misfortune is GGYYBPPP and paralyse is +PP to make it easier to handle the creature
Mar 15, 2020 8:43 pm
OOC:
I'll upgrade any magic or violence used on the critter with a SP. Paralyze curse will be RPPPP. Possible, but pretty tough. ;)
Mar 15, 2020 9:39 pm
Nera reflexively leans back, valuing personal space for the moment. "Carefully." She answers Nekurr, ripping a piece of the jerky and tosses it at the razorwing. She holds the rest outstretched, formulating a plan. "I'm gonna hand you the rest of the jerky kid, can you entice your pet with it?"
OOC:
Assuming there is enough space to hand it, and that the razorwing doesn't attack.
Mar 16, 2020 1:11 am
The boy takes the jerky through a gap between two pylons. "Oh, thanks, Cat Lady. I can probably get Butterbean over here now. Let's see..." His voice changes an octave and gets louder: "Butterbean! Hear boy!" He whistles. The razorwing seems to smell the food and launches into the air. With a few beats of its wings, it alights on the other side of the palisades and gobbles up the ration hungrily. The boy slips a rope around its neck and ties it off. "Got him!" After the creature finishes its snack, the child calls over, "Uh... OK. Good bye?"
Mar 16, 2020 9:28 am
"Well... Since we're going that way, maybe we can... escort you to your parents. You know, make sure you don't get in trouble..." Nekurr moves closer to the boy and whispers a secret "Maybe if you ask the nice cat lady, she can take you on her back!" the cleric moves his cat hears in excitement.
OOC:
Use advantages for the boy to introduces us to his parents so we get a social bonus :D
OOC:
GM edit: Fear grants two boosts. Plus stranger danger, since he only likes Nera.
Last edited March 16, 2020 9:30 am

Rolls

cat charms (bonus from playing fear)

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

boost

setbacks

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Mar 16, 2020 2:08 pm
There's a pause, then, "Um... I guess that's OK, if the Cat Lady is coming." His eye appears between the two pylons again and seems to take in the whole group. "But how are you gonna get over here? The gate's all the way on the other side of the village."

A cursory glance reveals no obvious way through the barricade from your current location. The creek you were on does flow under the palisade, but the clearance is pretty low—about a meter or less between the downward-pointed spikes and the water's surface.
Mar 17, 2020 5:31 am
"I do not offer rides." Nera states flatly, definitely not amused.

Maybe this kid can vouch for us. "He saved me pet monster, they're alright!" Hmm, oh yes.

Turning her attention back to the kid. "Look, how about you meet us by the front gate then? Wait, how far is the front gate."
Mar 17, 2020 12:33 pm
"Maybe we can look for a safe place to tie off the horses where they won't get attacked by critters..."
Mar 17, 2020 2:35 pm
There's no immediately obvious place to tie off the horses out here in the jungle, but the palisade does seem to continue into the swamp at least a hundred yards to the left and more to the south.

"I don't think you can walk to the gate through the swamp," the boy says. "Um... It's all the way on the other side of the village. And there's the Lampblack River, too. You want me to get my Pa? He comes out to check the fence sometimes."
OOC:
If anyone wants to venture into the swamp to find a spot for the horses, they can try a Hard (PPP) Survival check. There are other elements of the situation you can get more information about, too. Just let me know where you're looking and I'll provide difficulties.
Mar 17, 2020 2:44 pm
[ +- ] Spoiler
OOC:
As a refresher, you're somewhere off to the northwest of what is shown on this map. You don't yet know what's on the other side of the palisade, but you do presume that the creek you're by is the same one that you see flowing through the village on this map.
Mar 18, 2020 8:16 am
OOC:
Does the creek look like it can take the cart and horses something floaty?
Mar 18, 2020 1:29 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
Does the creek look like it can take the cart and horses something floaty?
OOC:
Yeah, but the problem is that the palisade goes down almost to the surface of the water. Imagine something like this, but the fence part has spikes on top and bottom and extends across the water:

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/11/29/PPAS/b4b10cf1-e668-4006-a3e4-5aa00a560617-c0ebc29d-0c6e-4a58-89f2-41c02e1aa2d6-River_borderfence2-1.jpg

I'm hoping everyone is safe during the global pandemic. If the lack of posts here is due to that, please be careful and continue to stay safe. However, if folks are seeing this palisade as another roadblock (and are perhaps frustrated), I assure you that things will be much smoother once you get past this fence. I just don't see how a village that wants to keep out the bad, bad swamp would not have fortifications. But there are potentially many ways to overcome the obstacle. I just need you to let me know what you want to try!
Mar 18, 2020 1:53 pm
OOC:
Sounds feasible to me. So you'd say single characters may be able to slowly move past it without falling into the river? If not, can I use a SP to force that?
Nekurr looks at the boy curiously. Calling his father will warn them of the strangers arrival, but given that the cart cannot cross the walls and they definitely need it if they are going to return with all those taxes... "That sounds like a splendid idea my boy! Why doesn't cat lady go with you and help your Pa finding a little raft for the horses to float into the town?"
OOC:
Let me know if you guys have other plans and I can retroplay this
Last edited March 18, 2020 1:54 pm
Mar 18, 2020 3:59 pm
OOC:
I already offered up what I thought we should do, before the sneaking began: head to the gate.

Sneaking in makes it look like we're here for duplicitous reasons.

We could use more magic if it takes that to get the horses there. We can leave the cart as far as I can tell. Did we have any other need of it?
Last edited March 18, 2020 4:00 pm
Mar 18, 2020 4:42 pm
emsquared says:
OOC:
I already offered up what I thought we should do, before the sneaking began: head to the gate.

Sneaking in makes it look like we're here for duplicitous reasons.

We could use more magic if it takes that to get the horses there. We can leave the cart as far as I can tell. Did we have any other need of it?
OOC:
Yeah, sorry if I didn't make it clear enough, but taking the "back way" means there is no gate, at least not that you can see. You all chose to come the way of Lizardfolk and poachers, both of whom you know the village distrusts and actively opposes. Whether the village is actively rebellious is something you haven't determined yet, but you at least know they don't have active watches on the wall, just a wall.

So, you could try to circle the village on the outside of the palisades to get to the gate that way, but that's a half day lost or more, plus lots of chances for people to spot you from the other side.

In the spirit of transparency, having the kid here (as a conduit to his parents) is a way to let you announce your presence (and thus not seem sneaky). If that's the consensus option, we'll have him get his Pa and proceed from there.
Mar 18, 2020 4:59 pm
OOC:
I like this plan with the boy and his pa, but will see if anyone has anything else to weigh in.
Mar 18, 2020 6:14 pm
SavageBob says:
In the spirit of transparency, having the kid here (as a conduit to his parents) is a way to let you announce your presence (and thus not seem sneaky). If that's the consensus option, we'll have him get his Pa and proceed from there.
OOC:
I didn't mean for the suggestion to be sneaky at all.
1. Individual players have a easy way to get in through the small wall gap along the river in case we need to (either to get in, or out!)
2. Nera crosses this gap and goes with the kid, because she's a favourite :D
3. The kid introduces her to his father. That should be a good first contact and get in their "good graces"
4. We have a story to tell so she explain and mentions we need a raft or something to get the cart/horses inside
5. They help us or we go around

We don't really need the gap, since we can probably swim or jump, but I though it would be a nice touch ;)
Last edited March 18, 2020 6:16 pm
Mar 18, 2020 9:33 pm
OOC:
That works. I'll leave it to Somebox if she's prefer to have Nera make first contact (which we can streamline, so others aren't left twiddling thumbs) or would rather have the kid fetch Pa and come back.
Mar 18, 2020 11:47 pm
OOC:
Should probably have Nera do it.
"Stop volunteering me." Nera remarks. Not that she disagrees with Nekurr's plan. "But fine, everyone wait here while I...check it out. Let me just, get over to you kid."
Mar 19, 2020 12:16 am
"All right!" the child says, his voice hitting a shrill timbre that cuts through the sound of insects and frogs. "My Pa is named Bressel Galbernost. This is our farm. I'm Peppin. My Pa's gonna be so excited to meet a real-life cat lady! Uh... Can you climb over the fence? Do you have claws? Can you jump real high?"
OOC:
Climbing the fence will be Hard upgraded for the spikes (RPP). It's not in the official Catfolk description, but I think Nera's claws are worth a boost on this check. Does anyone have rope? Using rope will lower the difficulty to Average upgraded (RP). Claws would still give boosts in that case.
Mar 19, 2020 1:37 am
Tronus whistles and goes to rummage through his pack, "I'll need it back least I'll have to start thinking of you as that ones big sister..." Tronus adds handing over a coil of rope.
OOC:
one medium range length of rope
Last edited March 19, 2020 1:37 am
Mar 19, 2020 1:43 pm
"Got it," Peppin says. "I can tie it to this spiky thing..."
OOC:
Roll 'em up, somebox! Difficulty RP, but B for your claws.
Mar 19, 2020 4:42 pm
Okay, just need to climb this with everyone watching...

Rope in paw, retractable claws on her feet out, Nera begins to scale the wooden wall.
Last edited March 19, 2020 4:42 pm

Rolls

Athletics

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat

Mar 19, 2020 7:45 pm
OOC:
Based on the OOC, y'all are far more evil than I am! Despair would have meant something different, of course...
With the help of the rope, Nera scales the palisade easily and doesn't even really need her claws. Once she's safely on the ground on the other side, she unties the rope and yanks twice so Tronus can recover it. Unfortunately, as he pulls it back in, the rope gets snagged on one of the spikes, and yanking further promises to destroy the length of cord completely.
OOC:
I'll update with more on what Nera sees later today. As for the rope: basically, the rope can be cut down, but it will be useless after that. Or it can be left where it is, offering an easy way to scale the palisade, but perhaps creating an awkward scene when the villagers arrive and see that you've partially neutralized their fortifications.
Mar 20, 2020 1:42 am
[ +- ] Other side of the palisades
Safely on the other side of the palisade, Nera finds farmland. Tall stalks of golden grain stretches far into the distance, swaying in the breeze. This whole place smells like moldy bread.

Peppin breaks into a run, his pet razorwing half hopping, half flying to keep up with him on its leash. Still, the kid only comes to Nera's shoulder, so the Catfolk has no trouble keeping up. Peppin's path leads past something that at first looks like an adult Human, but passing by, Nera notices it's some sort of fake person made of wood and straw. After perhaps five or six minutes of running through the fields, a small farmhouse is visible on the horizon.
[ +- ] Farmohouse
Peppin runs up to the house, shouting, "Pa! Pa! I have someone you gotta meet! I've got a Cat Lady friend!"
Mar 20, 2020 1:43 am
It takes a moment, but a man who is presumably the boy's father eventually comes out of the house. He seems quite shocked to see Nera. "Who— Who in the goddess's name are you? What've you done with my boy? If you've harmed a hair on his head, I swear..."
OOC:
We can assume Nera has the baronial writ with her, as that'll smooth things out. But let me know what your approach is on this guy.
Mar 20, 2020 5:42 am
Nera doesn't flinch as the father flings accusations her way, used to such comments. "Now sir, I am sorry for trespassing, truly; I am Nera. I am here on very important and official business." She holds up the rolled up writ , not bothering to unfurl it.

So this must be what it's like to be a guard.

With her other paw she points to Peppin, paying attention not to touch him in case this -rightfully- protective father tries anything drastic. "I didn't do anything to your son, it was by chance we met, and he wanted you to meet me. So here I am."
OOC:
What's the literacy rate like in general for Terrinoth?
Mar 20, 2020 11:24 am
Tronus pulls down his rope and sighs, "It's like his luck is spreading..." Tronus mutters with a frown looking at Nekurr. He stows the hemp pile now for cutting later to use as a fire starter and makes his way back to the others and waits for rapid footsteps or a meeting to occur with this Mr. Galbernost.
Mar 20, 2020 1:17 pm
Peppin looks angry. "She didn't hurt me! She helped me get Butterbean back!" The boy's father looks to the tethered razorwing. The creature shakes its body from head to toe as if shuffling off the fatigue of its awkward run–hop over. The older man then snatches the writ from Nera's paw, unrolling it and regarding it quizzically.
OOC:
Good question about literacy. I'd guess the literacy rate is higher than in the real Middle Ages, but probably not high in a place like this.

So, based on Nera's approach, somebox, give me a Leadership check. We'll say Average (PP). You get two boosts from the kid vouching for you, another one for the writ, another for being an outsider (since it adds credence to your story), but two setbacks for stranger danger. So that's BBBB+PPK. Don't neglect your Story Points if you need one!
Mar 20, 2020 3:23 pm
Hearing Nera's footsteps speed off, and the beginning of a distant exchange, Bruv will crawl through the creek water, under the clearance of the palisade if he is able, to get to the other side.
Mar 20, 2020 3:48 pm
Nekurr fully confident of the Nera's skills smiles at Tronus and tosses him a coin "Blessed be Fortuna!". He generally stays around half-doing cat things...
Last edited March 20, 2020 3:48 pm
Mar 20, 2020 6:50 pm
OOC:
Just pretend this roll was attached to my last post flow-wise.

This is a social encounter right? I can use advantage to discover the old man's weakness.
OOC:
GM edit: Missed a setback.
Last edited March 20, 2020 6:51 pm

Rolls

Leadership

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

missed a setback

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Mar 20, 2020 8:48 pm
OOC:
Somebox, there were supposed to be two setbacks, which I explained in the long-form post, but I just realized I mistyped the difficulty in shorthand. D'oh! We can still count the check as a success. I'll have his reply later tonight. In the meantime...
As Bruv plunges into the creek, he finds the current much stronger than it looked from the outside. The channel is surprisingly deep, too; the large Orc can't feel the bottom after he gets away from the bank. And then there's the question of things swimming in this monster-infested water in this monster-infested swamp...
OOC:
Emsquared, give me a Hard Athletics check upgraded (RPP) to swim under the palisade. I'll give a boost for the fact that you're swimming with the current, but a setback for the fact that you have such low clearance under the spikes. So, B+RPPK.

You're also welcome to have Bruv have second thoughts and retreat, since it sounds like you assumed this was a much shallower body of water.
Mar 20, 2020 8:57 pm
OOC:
Rolling

Use the Advantage to... float downstream? :P
Last edited March 20, 2020 8:58 pm

Rolls

Hard Athletics

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Mar 20, 2020 9:43 pm
OOC:
2 advantage is good for a Strength or Flaw; it takes 3 to get the Desire or Fear.

Here, Flaw = underestimates women.
The elder Galbernost looks at the writ, then at Nera, then back at the writ. Finally he harrumphs. "Well, far be it for me to be afeard of a lady." The man hands the paper back to Nera. "You look harmless enough. What is it you're after? And why in the name of the goddess didn't you just use the blasted front gate?"

***
Back outside the village, Bruv finds the current too fast to swim in easily, so he finds a root stretching into the water and uses it to slow himself down. He notices bubbles and ripples in the water a few yards away, and a pair of reptilian eyes surface and regard the Orc unblinkingly. Whatever they belong to, it seems to be big.
OOC:
You're right on the fence anyway, so I don't think just getting to move upstream a bit is going to help you any. Instead, let's use the advantage to introduce an important NPC that helps explain why the villagers don't really worry about people swimming into their territory. :)
Mar 20, 2020 10:32 pm
OOC:
Ok
Bruv climbs out of the water to wait with Tronus and Hildar. "'ey got 'is, yea?"
Last edited March 20, 2020 10:39 pm
Mar 21, 2020 5:38 am
OOC:
My bad! I read the paragraph, but didn't post til later, and refereed to the abbreviated roll.
"This was much closer, swamp is difficult to navigate. Slow as well." Nera takes back the writ, stowing it. "And we are here on a private matter unfortunately. Right now we are trying to move our horses and bodies inside the village; do you have a raft we could borrow per chance? We'll take good care of it, promise."
Last edited March 21, 2020 5:38 am
Mar 21, 2020 1:36 pm
OOC:
Let me know (here or via PM) if having a misogynist NPC has crossed a line for any of you. We can always retcon his flaw to something else if it's uncomfortable.
Galbernost's eyes widen. "Well what is it, woman? Are you here on a private matter or official business?" He seems exasperated. "And what's this about bodies and horses? And you came through the swamp!" He turns toward the house and calls out, "Lysentrude! Come here, girl!" A young woman who seems to be in her late teens appears from inside the small house, her hands coated in white flour. "Lyssie, go find the mayor. He should be at out at the festival grounds. Tell him it's high alert at the northwest wall." The girl nods and starts off down a dirt footpath.

Bressel Gabernost turns to Nera. "There'll be no rafts for you or anyone else without the mayor's say-so. Now, you show me where your 'bodies' are." The man then gives Peppin a stern look. "You stay here, Peppin. You done right to come to me about this."
OOC:
So, if Nera doesn't want the cavalry to show up at the wall, she can try one more influence attempt. Leadership, Charm, Coercion, Deception... whatever she wants to try. All difficulties will be BB+RPKK. Otherwise, she can just go with him to the wall, and wait for the mayor to come.
Mar 21, 2020 1:50 pm
From the back of the cart Hildar flips open his notebook and begins making a few notes about the journey, particularly about the method of their transit and making sure to make note of a couple of ideas it has given him for his future research.
OOC:
Still lingering, cold's mostly been fought off so should hopefully be able to get back to a more normal posting pace. Just lingering on the back of the cart for now but if the rest of the group moves off and leaves the cart Hildar will accompany them
Mar 21, 2020 4:57 pm
Nera's eyes narrow. "In that case I'm afraid it would be seen as a direct attempt to interfere with our mission. We have the full extent of the law and authority as was granted by the writ, the one you just fully examined, making any hostile action deliberate, which doesn't look good for you. Also a matter can be both private and official." She folds her arms in a "sassy" manner.
OOC:
I don't know how to lie in this case without it simultaneously looking like a coercion check. Also hope we see more of this guy, can't wait to all bunk at his place.

Damn another two advantage. Uhh what's this guy's strength?
OOC:
GM edit: Adding one more setback, since you're operating against his Flaw (by being a defiant woman).
Last edited March 21, 2020 4:58 pm

Rolls

Deception + Knack for it

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

setback

1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Mar 21, 2020 5:29 pm
OOC:
With the added setback, we dropped down to 1 advantage. But here it is:
Peppin tugs on Nera's sleeve. "Oh, sorry, Cat Lady. My pa can't read. Maybe Lyssie can rea—"
Mar 21, 2020 5:38 pm
Bressel Galbernost's face flushes bright red. "Boy! You hush your mouth! Go inside the house and don't come out till I tell you to." The boy looks down at his feet and slumps off into the small cottage. "Lyssie, go on to the festival grounds and get Mayor Wayland. Tell him to meet me at the northwest wall." The man then points a finger at Nera and opens his mouth as if about to say something. He puts the finger down, then back up, then down again—apparently flummoxed by the whole situation. Finally, he speaks. "OK, Missy, lets go speak to your 'bodies.' But the second I get the impression you're trying to put one over on me, I'll use my baron-given right to place you and your whole merry little band under arrest!"

The man shuffles off and grabs a sickle leaned up against the side of the house. He keeps it in hand and points with it toward the wheat fields. "All right, then. Lead the way, Your Majesty."
OOC:
We'll advance to the meeting up with the whole group next unless Nera has anything else she wants to do (up to and including knocking this guy out!).
Mar 21, 2020 7:48 pm
Under arrest? That might be a problem...for some of the others.

"Excellent." Nera leads the way.
OOC:
What an exciting entrance this will be.
Mar 23, 2020 1:38 am
Galbernost follows close behind Nera, remaining no more than three feet behind her as she retraces her path back past the straw man to the spiked fence. There, the whinnies and brays of the horses betray the presence of the rest of the group on the other side of the wall. Galbernost gives Nera a sidelong snort and gets closer to the pylons to peer out. "Well," he says, his voice gravelly and gruff, "I gotta admit you're a pretty pathetic band of poachers if you came through the Blackwing in that thing." From the other side, the rest of you see the point of his sickle poke through the slats briefly in the direction of the horse cart. The man heaves a huge sigh. "But I can also tell that you're pretty capable. You gotta be light in the head or good in a fight--or both--to make it through the swamp in one piece." He finishes the soliloquy by raising his voice. "So let's say I take this Catwoman at her word. You're agents of the baron. Say I let you in. How do I know you won't just run me through and go on to kill every man, woman, and child in Buzzards' Ford?"
OOC:
Nera's already worn the guy down quite a bit, but he needs one more push. Anyone other than Nera can to try a social check, and multiple characters can join forces for a joint check (giving up to two boosts). All difficulties are PP. Helping his kid and Nera's calmness have at least earned you no more stranger-danger setbacks.
Mar 23, 2020 8:25 am
SavageBob says:
You gotta be light in the head or good in a fight--or both--
OOC:
Time to prove him right!!!! Cat double furry paw mind strike :)
Nekurr, seeing Nera return, runs to the palisade. "Oh! Where is little Peppin?" he exclaims, surprised that the boy is not following the cat lady 'til the end of his childhood days! "Fortuna's blessing be upon you good sir! I presume Nera here must have shown you the baronal writ correct? As I'm sure you could see there, we have been send as representatives to the Barony. Are you the mayor of this fine town?" The half-cat wiggles his ears as Bressel shakes his head. "Well, a fair mistake of mine. Rest assured that we are no poachers and definitely" he theatrically shivers in disgust "no murderers! But I must admit the maps we were given are a bit... outdated, and the swamp is a bit wilder than we were made believe."
OOC:
Given his flaw, I bet boosting his ego with mistakenly assume he looks like literate mayoral material, might give me a boost? ;)



...Right... so now I just need two strong men to show up and grace me with a help boost just from their manly presence and cancel that threat :D
Last edited March 23, 2020 8:35 am

Rolls

charm

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

boost?

Mar 23, 2020 11:55 am
"You would know the best practices of poachers more likely then us due to frequency of encounter I'd admit but I'd challenge you do such a thing as you state oh so trivially as to get a cart and horse team through the swamp. You as well as I know poaching is illegal and I've no time for such things myself so lets get into it you seem to be a man of some station and a bit of common sense. If you've seen the writ you aren't taking her at her word but acknowledging the responsibilities and authority given in the name of the Baron. Unless you're implying his word and authority aren't good enough. If you don't let us in since we're here on Buzzard's Fort in the name of the Baron for official business what do you think we and by reflection the Baron needs to think when we report back as to why you won't let us in. Is there a reason why decimation of your village is tossed around so lightly by you? If there's not signs of dissention, rebellion, demon summoning, or plague why the bloody hell honestly would you even bring it up. Tronus of Clan Granitebreaker by the way. Lady Nera has he been given you trouble by chance with the Baron's task? Or did he just not read the Baron's writ. I'll have none of that if he's just decided to act all cheeky now I'm too old for that." Tronus states staring daggers at the wall and grinding his teeth and starting to squint.
Mar 23, 2020 12:04 pm
[ +- ] GO Tronus!
Last edited March 23, 2020 12:05 pm
Mar 23, 2020 1:56 pm
After a beat, the man snorts. "Nothing but bad things come from the swamp, old man." He gets a better look through the slats. "You'll understand why I didn't want my boy to come back over here." He starts walking along the palisade, sickle to his side. "Lizardfolk come down. Test the wall. Try to break in, steal our livestock and grain. Then there's the poachers. Even worse. They come in, demand hospitality, throw their weight around. Bottom line: We're farmers, not warriors. You'll understand if I don't want to go down in the sagas as the dolt who let the bandit army in to sack the whole damn village."

The man stops moving about fifteen yards away along the fence. "I'm about to open a secret gate here. But your weapons—put 'em on the horse cart. I'll let you and the horses in but we'll leave the weapons there for now. Or you can all stay out there and get eaten by a barghest or something. You can ask the mayor if you want to walk around the village armed. He's already on his way."
OOC:
Gonna say the threat is that he'll let you in, but unarmed for the time being. You can negotiate with the mayor for weapons later if you want.
Mar 23, 2020 2:05 pm
Tronus looks around for the army slowly and smirks, "Fine with me young man... I don't need a weapon." Tronus states pulling his sword belt off and tossing it into the cart, "Hold on though let me have a look around... You don't want someone seeing this outside this way right." He adds looking around the area to see if someone is scouting the situation and giving the others the chance to make up their own mind.
Mar 23, 2020 2:21 pm
OOC:
If anyone wants to try to hide a weapon, you can try Stealth vs. RP. Being on the other side of the fence is worth a boost. Anything larger than a dagger will get a setback.
Mar 23, 2020 2:55 pm
OOC:
Let me know if I need to make a perception check versus overwatch duty. We might be to surly a holes but I think it's still decent to make sure this secret door isn't revealed.
Mar 23, 2020 3:08 pm
Remnant says:
OOC:
Let me know if I need to make a perception check versus overwatch duty. We might be to surly a holes but I think it's still decent to make sure this secret door isn't revealed.
OOC:
Yes, sorry -- Hard Perception check with two setbacks for foliage and animal noises.
Mar 23, 2020 3:10 pm
Remnant says:
Let me know if I need to make a perception check versus overwatch duty. We might be to surly a holes but I think it's still decent to make sure this secret door isn't revealed.
OOC:
Nice catch! Special after what he just said :D
SavageBob says:
Yes, sorry -- Hard Perception check with two setbacks for foliage and animal noises.
OOC:
Does Nera's talent provide a boost or can we all chip in?
"You make a fair point. No need for these." Nekurr puts his weapons away "Faith is our greatest weapon. After all, Fortuna watches over us."
Mar 23, 2020 3:28 pm
OOC:
I think she's out of short range
OOC:
GM edit: You're all within Short range. Adding in her Alertness advantage.

Rolls

Hard Perception with Knack for It

1 Success, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Heightened Awareness talent

Mar 23, 2020 5:26 pm
OOC:
Bruv will put his iron-shod staff in the cart. But try to walk through with his Cestuses, which really look as much like armor as weapons...

I'll roll the Stealth check invade it's necessary for them, maybe worth a boost if the farmer isn't familiar with such weaponry?

Rolls

Stealth

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Despair

Total: 1 Failure, 4 Advantage, 1 Despair

Mar 23, 2020 7:28 pm
Hildar shrugs and pulls his dagger off of his belt before placing it in the cart.
OOC:
He's not hiding the fact he still has his wand but he's not making it obvious either, he honestly wouldn't consider it to be a weapon as such
Mar 23, 2020 8:12 pm
Tronus doesn't spot any obvious Lizardfolk ambushes or hear anything other than the sounds of frogs croaking and bugs chirping. The survey does suddenly convey the enormity of the marsh the party has just traveled through. So many trees and rivers and vines... Scanning them properly would take hours...
OOC:
1 Strain to Tronus for the threat.

Emsquared: I'm on the fence about the cestuses (cesti?). How about you flip a Story Point, and he doesn't think of them as weapons? No roll required. Sound fair? If you keep the SP and thus the roll, he obviously notices something dodgy going on, but then you can tell me what those advantages amount to.
Mar 23, 2020 8:48 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
Emsquared: I'm on the fence about the cestuses (cesti?). How about you flip a Story Point, and he doesn't think of them as weapons? No roll required. Sound fair? If you keep the SP and thus the roll, he obviously notices something dodgy going on, but then you can tell me what those advantages amount to.
OOC:
I'll take that deal, cuz (in my best Mr. Mackey voice) Despairs are bad mmm'kay?
Mar 23, 2020 9:03 pm
Nera nonchalantly tries to hide her bow between her armor and cloak. Won't be too comfortable.

Rolls

Stealth + Knack for it

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Mar 24, 2020 2:48 am
"Good, good," Galbernost says as the weapons pile onto the cart. "Now, if you'll excuse me for a second..." From the swamp side of the palisade, it's hard to tell what's going on. But Nera sees the farmer push through the grain until the tall stands of wheat swallow him up. "Where is it, where is it..." the farmer grumbles, as the tops of the stalks rustle first here, now there. "Ah, there it is!" comes the triumphant cry.

Suddenly, you all notice a portion of the palisade about three meters wide shudder and ripple as if underwater. Where once the fence had seemed uniform, a nine-foot part of the wall now seems to have sprouted a lock and hinges. Nera sees Galbernost reemerge from the wheat holding what looks like a child's doll shaped like a buzzard. "Little blessing of our goddess," he says to Nekurr. "As long as this thing's in the wheat, the gate's hidden." He puts up a finger to his lips with a smirk. "Now for the lock." The farmer pulls a large, metal key from his pouch and unlocks the double-gate. He pulls the doors open and motions to those outside. "C'mon in. Welcome to Buzzards' Ford."
Mar 24, 2020 7:26 am
OOC:
shall we kill him now? xD
Nekurr thanks the villager for letting them in and takes a good look at the doll, trying to figure out what sort of competition goddess they worship here.
OOC:
Not sure if this asks for a roll. I suspect its more sorcery than gods, but both are probably lore
OOC:
GM edit: setbacks for general unfamiliarity with this area.

Rolls

Lore

2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Threat

setbacks

Mar 24, 2020 1:15 pm
Galbernost notices Nekurr staring at the doll and shoves it into his pouch. "Look, if you're here to loot the village, stop with the act. If you're here for official business, everyone start walking down this path. And no leering. I'll pull the cart."
OOC:
1 threat = he notices Nekurr's interest and it raises suspicions, however unfounded.

I'll narrate y'all over to his farmhouse, but let me know if anyone else wants to do anything before you get closed into the village.
Mar 24, 2020 1:33 pm
"Can't have someone pulling our cart by himself..." Tronus mutters getting ready to assist him.
Mar 25, 2020 1:05 am
Galbernost chuckles at Tronus's offer as one of the others leads the horses through. "I can handle a simple cart by myself, Master... Tronus, right? But, sure, never too many stout shoulders in a place like this." Once everyone's through the gate, Tronus and the farmer pull the cart through. Clearing the hidden gate, Galbernost shuts the gate back and locks it behind him. "Straight down the path, folks. The mayor should meet us there if he doesn't catch up with us sooner." You see Galbernost bring the buzzard doll back out from his pack and throw it discus-style into the wheat field again. The gate disappears from view once again.

The way to his house isn't so much a path as it is a gap between wheat fields. But a couple of things become quite evident very fast: First, it's quite staggering to see so much grain here—you all know that the Barony of Cailn has been cursed with blight since the Third Darkness. But seemingly not so here. In fact, this whole place smells something like dough, or wet bread, mixed with overripe fruit. Second the mosquitos are quite rabid here on the other side of the gate. For some reason, Nera and the farmer don't seem to be bothered by them, but the rest of you find yourselves swatting away blood-suckers every few steps. It might be worth finding out how to avoid the pests.
Mar 25, 2020 8:10 am
"Bloody little..." Nekurr snaps, slaps and curses. "Not a good sign these cursed things! Not a good sign..." the cleric mumbles as he crosses the bountiful fields
OOC:
I'd say an utility spell to keep the pests away, if that's a thing?
Mar 25, 2020 12:30 pm
"Tronus is fine, I'm still out and about working for the clan for a few more decades. Galbernost you having issues with manpower then? That you can trust I take it. And the bugs in here are worse then outside." Tronus makes small talk while they work slapping his arm suddenly with annoyance.
Mar 25, 2020 1:44 pm
OOC:
Utility spell will work as a repellant, yes. Easy difficulty (P), but with a setback for being pestered by bugs. However, you'd need to maintain the spell with a concentrate maneuver, so it's probably in your long-term interest to find some repellant.
The farmer snorts. "Bloody annoying, the little bloodsuckers. I might have some spare repellant, but you'll probably wanna buy a jar from the physic's place." He heaves the cart forward a few more feet. "We're not a big village. One-thirty-five I think was the last census count, and there've been a few babes since then. But Aris has blessed us, so we always feel shorthanded at harvest time."
OOC:
Average (PP) Knowledge (Lore) for more info on Aris. Setback for the bugs.
Mar 25, 2020 1:48 pm
"By Fortuna, where do these pesty things come from?"
OOC:
Keep Knowledge (Lore) away form Nekurr!!!


also... I could always just produce repellant from my endless pockets if it comes to that :D
Last edited March 25, 2020 1:48 pm

Rolls

luck is my repellant!

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 4 Success

Mar 25, 2020 2:16 pm
Bruv tries to be subtle about his casting, not yet knowing how they feel about magic, so he masks his incantations and motions as much as possible...
OOC:
Adding another Setback for trying to be subtle?

That is for bug repellant, btws, and I'll use the Advantage to conceal the casting? Or recover Strain if not that.
Last edited March 25, 2020 2:17 pm

Rolls

Primal, Easy+KK

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Mar 25, 2020 2:56 pm
OOC:
I think hiding the casting makes sense with that advantage. Nekurr's already mentioned Fortuna, so the farmer would just notice him praying. (Don't forget your Component Casting, CESN! Throw a card when you pray to get a boost die! But in this case, that might have made you more noticeable.)

Both of you will need to maintain the spell with a Concentrate maneuver, which may not be an issue until you go to sleep and can no longer concentrate. :)
Bruv and Nekurr both notice the mosquito swarms dissipate from around them, leaving them in peace. Hilder, Tronus, and the horses are still plagued by the pests, though.
Mar 25, 2020 3:03 pm
OOC:
Right! I forgot this would have just one target? Any changes I can re-roll to extend it to non-magical tronus and poor horses?
Mar 25, 2020 3:12 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
Right! I forgot this would have just one target? Any changes I can re-roll to extend it to non-magical tronus and poor horses?
OOC:
You could call it a variant on the Barrier spell. Average (PP) for two targets if you're touching them, or Hard (PPP) if they're at Short range (as you are to everyone now). You affect two targets (potentially including yourself) for bare success, plus one more for each uncanceled advantage. If you want to replace your Utility spell with this option, you're welcome to do so! (Or y'all could just buy some repellant later. :) )
Mar 25, 2020 3:19 pm
OOC:
Depending on what the "concentration interval" is, I may just drop it.
Mar 25, 2020 3:33 pm
OOC:
Why not! Let's go crazy!
Nekurr takes a card from his tarot deck... "Oh!" he says as he sees the card he picked "Not a good sign..." he adds just before dropping the entire deck in the mud, ruining it.
OOC:
how is that possible? There goes my deck!
Last edited March 25, 2020 3:35 pm

Rolls

extend luck

6 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 6 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 5 Threat

Mar 25, 2020 4:07 pm
Hidar tries to ignore the bugs and think on what he knows of this Aris.

Rolls

Knowledge (Lore)

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success

Mar 25, 2020 5:26 pm
OOC:
Remember that the GM assigns the results of threats and despairs rolled. In this case, losing the deck is only one possibility! But it makes sense, so we'll run with it: The deck is lost in the mud! Nekurr can always look for another deck somewhere in town. For the remaining 2 threat, the spell's effects are delayed slightly (by a few minutes).

McNeils, looks like you have Knack for It listed for Knowledge (Forbidden) twice. I'm guessing one of those is Knowledge (Lore)?
Despite his frustration that the cards fall into the mud, Nekurr notices the mosquitos dissipate from around himself, and Tronus -- only to come right back. Nekurr gets a feeling that his prayer might be answered once they make a bit more progress down the path. The horses and Hildar, however, still seem to be plagued by the nuisances.

Despite the buzzing pests, Hildar recognizes the name Aris. She's a fertility deity popular among rural folk in the baronies. Her symbol's usually a dove, so for this village to associate her with a buzzard is a bit abnormal. But small places like this often have peculiar customs.

"Ah, that'll be the mayor there," Galbernost says, nodding toward his cottage in the distance. A few men are standing out front alongside the farmer's young boy and daughter.
Mar 26, 2020 3:26 am
Nera will let someone else do the talking, evidently had her fill of acting as the person in charge.
Mar 26, 2020 8:33 am
"Hello again Peppin! Did you get to play with the cat lady?" Nekurr continues to nurture the kid's inner interest for cats. "Oh! And who would this sweet lady be? Enchanté" the cleric bows before turning to the man that should be the mayor. "Thank you for receiving us under these most strange circumstances, my good sir. We're here representing the Barony. It seems some records got a bit confused and we were hoping you could helps us set them straight"
OOC:
This one looks like a liar and I haven't seen him yet! *Grabs Vigilance Dice*

Truth was the planned strategy right?
Last edited March 26, 2020 8:35 am
Mar 26, 2020 2:08 pm
Peppin gives Nekurr a sidelong glance, apparently not too sure what to think about the other newcomers. However, he gives Nera a big grin as she returns, approaching her for what he hopes will be a hug. "Cat Lady! You're back!"
Mar 26, 2020 2:24 pm
Standing behind the boy is a thin, middle-aged man with a well-trimmed beard and clothing that, while not exactly fine, is a step above that worn by most of the others. Behind him is a much larger man with a dour expression in homespun clothing. A half dozen other men, farmers by the look of them, stand by with various farm implements in hand—scythes, sickles, and pitchforks.

The thinner man grins at the young boy. "Well, now, are the stories true? Looks like the baron's sent us a big bunch of heroes! Peppin here tells me you helped him get his pet razorwing back. Goddess knows what he might've done if you hadn't stepped in." He gives the boy a stern look. "I'm Castor Wayland, mayor of Buzzards' Ford." He gives Nekurr a slight bow. "You say the baron sent you? To what do we owe the pleasure?"
OOC:
So, this scene could turn into a social "combat" -- Depends on how y'all proceed. For now, someone should make a social check on this guy. Nekurr's already set the stage for a Leadership check, but it might make sense to have Tronus step in since he has points in that skill. In that case, Nekurr's wind up is worth a boost die. Helping the kid is worth another. If you show him the writ, that's worth two more boosts. 2 setbacks for stranger danger, a third for your unorthodox entrance into the village, a fourth because Nekurr's spell to repel the mosquitos won't take effect until after this scene.

Difficulty for Leadership is RRP. But let me know if you'd rather go Coercion, Deception, or Charm & we can reconfigure.

If Leadership, final roll will get +BBB (with the writ) + 4K.
Mar 26, 2020 4:37 pm
"Hello kid." Nera will give Peppin a hug. A small one, but a hug nonetheless.
Mar 26, 2020 6:57 pm
"I'm Tronus of Clan Granitebreaker, here with my associates as proxy for the Baron. The explanation of the writ of what our authority entails may have been not mentioned. Lady Nera if you could. We've been tasked with checking on some taxes plus back taxes and hoping you'd enlighten us on what has happened to the taxes accrued."
OOC:
If I need more success I can flip a story point for three more.
Last edited March 26, 2020 6:57 pm

Rolls

Leadership check w/ Knack for it.

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 4 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Mar 26, 2020 7:52 pm
You all sensed that the mayor was a bit suspicious at first, but his expression changes at the sign of the baron's seal on the writ. "Ah, yes... This does look authentic," he says as he takes the paper and unrolls it. He reads the document aloud in an authoritative tone, perhaps with a bit of sarcasm in it. "Be it hereby declared that the bearer or bearers of this writ is/are the rightfully appointed representative(s) of the Royal Treasury of the Barony of Cailn, duly appointed to act on behalf of said Treasury and, by extension, to be recognized as agents of the Baron Gilliam Xarles of Cailn, with all rights and responsibilities forthwith granted by said declaration. Be it further known that they shall not be impeded in their official duties pertaining to said Treasury under penalty of Baronial Law, in the jurisdiction of the village of Buzzards' Ford, until such time as their business is concluded in said township/city/village." Wayland rolls the document back up and smiles to the farmers behind him. "They forgot to underline which one it was there, but I'm afraid we're not more than a village, right?" He hands the document back over. "Looks like they're the real deal. I'll ask the rest of you to extend them every courtesy as they go about their business. Now," He turns back to you. "What is your business exactly? We should be up to date on taxes."
Mar 26, 2020 8:14 pm
"Can we staht wit you recounting to os, da last toime you received a Tax Collector, 'ere in Buzza'd's Ford? Just what you remember of when da visit was, an' 'ow da events of da visit transpoired?"
Mar 26, 2020 8:16 pm
"I'd agree your last decade of development has probably expanded rapidly as of late. But yes the taxes if handed off did you get a receipt from someone, man or woman. And for how much." Tronus adds
Last edited March 26, 2020 8:16 pm
Mar 26, 2020 9:58 pm
Whilst the others are talking with the Mayor Hildar hangs back and pays more attention to what he can see of the rest of the village
OOC:
Keeping an eye out for anything untoward/unusual about the village. Especially if there are any other odd symbology that doesn't strictly speaking tie in with an aspect of Aris.

It's Natural I've taken twice not Knack for It - have just removed it and refunded the XP for the moment.
Mar 27, 2020 1:32 am
[ +- ] Village road
As the Galbernost farmhouse lies on what seems to be a main road, Hildar is able to get a sense of the village from the present location. For the most part, it seems like a sleepy little settlement. Other farmhouses lie near or a short distance away from the road, with their own fields behind them in various stages of being harvested. He tries to pick out anything that seems to refer to the goddess Aris from his current position.
OOC:
Hildar can try a Hard (PPP) Perception check with a setback for the movement of people and so on. Plus a second setback for the mosquitos.
"Well, I figure you already know the answers to those questions, don't you?" the mayor says with a chuckle. But a frown overtakes his face. "Your man came here 'bout a month back, I reckon. Red-haired fella. Wasted no time before making a fool of himself—ordering folks around like he ran the place. When he finally came to talk to me, he said we'd been owing back taxes for quite a piece." The mayor shrugs. "Well, I told him we'd pay, of course. But it would take a little time to cobble it all together. Not to mention, your man showed up right in the middle of our monthly Founder's Festival, just like you have. I invited him to the festival, but he refused. Said he didn't have time for—what'd he call it?—'backwoods hootenannies.' I put the fella up in my manor, paid him the next morning, and he left before dawn." The mayor looks over each of you, squints, and tilts his heads. "I... take it he never showed up back at the castle."
OOC:
OK, so there's no good way to do this. If someone's using Deception, I'll just have to ask everyone to be mature role-players and separate player knowledge from character knowledge. I used a combined difficulty of Nekurr's Willpower (4) with Tronus's Vigilance (1), adding a further setback for the rest of the group. You get the impression that he's telling the truth. What would you like to use the 3 threat for?

Rolls

Deception

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 5 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat

Mar 27, 2020 8:44 am
CESN says:
This one looks like a liar and I haven't seen him yet! *Grabs Vigilance Dice*
OOC:
Drops dice and sighs... bad mayor!

He fooled us now, but maybe 3 threats can create a hole in his story that we'll come across latter? Or someone in the crowd is uncomfortable with this story?
Mar 27, 2020 9:36 am
Hildar keeps scanning the area.
OOC:
This should be good......that went as well as to be expected.

For rolls like that I'd say your best bet moving forwards would be to just hide the roll completely or leave the onus on the players to make a check if they think they are lying but even that can telegraph things if the 'bad' side of dice pool is too high
Last edited March 27, 2020 9:41 am

Rolls

Perception

2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Mar 27, 2020 1:52 pm
OOC:
Lest it derail the game here, I'll note that the mayor rolling Deception doesn't necessarily mean he's the big bad or that he's lying about everything. It may just indicate that he's hiding some details from you for some reason.

Also, even if you suspect him (or anyone else), you'll need to find tangible proof of wrongdoing if you're to satisfy your client and employer (and the law). You'd all know that. :)

I like the "someone seems uncomfortable" idea.
Nekurr notices Bressel Galbernost almost say something, perhaps intending to correct the mayor's account, but he stops himself and looks down at his feet.

Meanwhile, Hildar doesn't notice any structures that look remotely religious. Glancing down at his hands, he notices several welts where mosquitos have made a meal of him as he searched.
OOC:
Let's say the mosquito bites may impose setbacks down the road here or there unless Hildar can find relief somehow.
Mar 27, 2020 4:38 pm
Took the money and ran? Probably a good score, but he'd need to lay low for a while to beat the heat. But where? Hopefully not the swamp, probably get eaten.
OOC:
Not to further slow the pace down, but does Hildar get any boost die from Heightened Awareness?
Mar 27, 2020 4:49 pm
somebox says:
Took the money and ran? Probably a good score, but he'd need to lay low for a while to beat the heat. But where? Hopefully not the swamp, probably get eaten.
OOC:
Not to further slow the pace down, but does Hildar get any boost die from Heightened Awareness?
OOC:
He should, you're right! But... no change.

Rolls

Heightened Awareness talent

Mar 28, 2020 9:09 pm
Tronus listens and watches the villagers and looks to the party before speaking, "Although he does not work for me directly I'd like to apologize. His actions were rude, unprofessional, and showed signs of someone that does not give respect or earn it. Again you haven't mentioned their name or proof of a receipt and for how much. Also this festival is that the harvest? I'm unfamiliar with your local culture and verbiage so you have my apologies in that."
Mar 29, 2020 5:11 pm
"Ah yes, we have been told he was a bit... unpredictable..." Nekurr assures the mayor. "Any idea where we may find him? What you describe is a serious crime and he'll have to get him, and hopefully that tax money, back with us." The cleric asks, hoping to get some leads on where the tax money may be. "Though I agree with my friend Tronus here, surely a man of your standards would have the tax collector's receipts in order. I apologise for the insistence but, as I am sure you can understand, we will need to compare them to the records just to have a clear track for the tax offices... Boring bureaucracy, if you ask me." the cleric eyes Bressel and takes notice of his apparent... opposition to the mayor.
OOC:
Not sure if we're still in a conflict. If so, I can roll more of my feline charms ;)
Last edited March 29, 2020 5:13 pm
Mar 29, 2020 6:47 pm
He seems to consider the combination of carrots and sticks on the table...
OOC:
So, I read Tronus and Nekurr are working together to roll both a Charm check (apologizing for the previous tax collector, saying you're not like that), then a Leadership check (but we need to see receipts right away). That lets you roll YYG+boost for both.

Difficulty for Charm is RPP+3K for the fact that you came through the swamps, so he's still wary of you, and for motivational reasons you haven't sussed out yet.

Difficulty for Leadership is RRP+3K for same reasons.
Mar 29, 2020 8:36 pm
OOC:
I can’t add another’s bonus to these rolls... anyone ask ideas? They look pretty tough

I suppose I can roll these and then we can add Bs to it if anyone has any idea :)

His motivation?
Last edited March 29, 2020 8:40 pm

Rolls

Charm

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Mar 30, 2020 1:42 am
OOC:
I'd entertain one more boost if someone can justify it.

CESN, you might also consider buying Knack for It for Charm (Tier 1 talent) when you have 5 spare XP, as it lets you lob off two blacks from Charm rolls.
Mar 30, 2020 3:09 am
Tronus waits for paperwork.
OOC:
if I haven't used my HA and we got points now would probably be good if useable. XD
Last edited March 30, 2020 3:11 am

Rolls

Leadership with knack for it

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage

Mar 30, 2020 1:36 pm
OOC:
So, 2 advantages, and 3 advantages. These should be two separate things. 2 is good for a strength or flaw, 3 is good for a desire or fear. Or trade the 3 in for some other concession not directly related to the receipts.

I'll do motivational facets unless I hear otherwise in the next few hours.
Mar 30, 2020 1:40 pm
OOC:
Could I use my HA to add 3 success to have 2 success?
Last edited March 30, 2020 1:41 pm
Mar 30, 2020 1:52 pm
SavageBob says:
I'd entertain one more boost if someone can justify it.
OOC:
I'd use 2 for the flaw, but that depends if anyone can add a boost to the roll :D
Mar 30, 2020 3:14 pm
Remnant says:
OOC:
Could I use my HA to add 3 success to have 2 success?
OOC:
Absolutely. That'll speed along your request for receipts. But then use the 3 advantage for what? Another Motivation facet? Some other form of hospitality/concession?
Mar 30, 2020 3:27 pm
OOC:
A grant of permission to question anyone in the town?
Mar 30, 2020 5:45 pm
OOC:
Strength: Devoted to his village & its people
"Well, now," the mayor says with a tut-tut. "I must confess your colleague was a mite rude and downright belligerent. If there's one thing I pride myself on, it's the safety and happiness of the people I serve." Wayland twirls his cane around before plopping it onto the ground at his left side and leaning on it. "But you seem very concerned about the receipts for our tax payments, so I'm guessing your man never showed up back at the castle with the money. Shouldn't surprise me, what with how he acted. But I understand your predicament. Tell you what..." He straightens back up and sticks a thumb out toward a hulk of a man standing just behind him. "This here's my brother, Rupert. I'll extend to you the same courtesy I did to your colleague, Mr. Island or Highland or whatever his name was. You're welcome to stay in my manor, look through my books, do what you gotta do. We don't have an inn in town, so it's either my place, or pitch a tent somewhere, which you're also welcome to do. I can help you find the receipt tomorrow morning if you can wait around a bit.

"You might also be interested to know that it's our annual Founder's Festival this evening. We do a small festival each month, but this one..." He whistles. "This one's the biggest. Games, food, music... We've even got a pageant this year! I hope you'll come on down. Might be a good chance for you to see how we do things down here in Buzzards' Ford so maybe next time the baron won't need to ask his tax collectors to sneak in through the back door?" He gives you all a wry smile.

The mayor turns to his brother. "Rupert, why don't you stay 'round the house. Show these visitors in when they're ready. If they want to stay, they can put their things upstairs in the two spare bedrooms. Then show 'em where we keep the books. Should be a receipt in there." Turning back to you, he concludes. "The festival gets underway at sunset. Should give you a couple hours to go around, see the village, talk to folks." Finally, he eyes the cart with the weapons and case of wine on it. "Not sure what you're planning to do with all that. Just know that we're a peaceful village. Folks might spook a bit if you run 'round with swords and pointy sticks. But we do like wine, and it's hard to get the good stuff this far off the track." Finally, the mayor bows. "Again, welcome to Buzzards' Ford. If you need me, I'll be down at the festival grounds getting things ready. Hope to see you soon."
OOC:
TL;DR: He says Kellis Isle was a total jerk. Mayor's brother, Rupert, will let you into the manor house when you're ready to look for the receipts, but might be best to wait till mayor can help in the morning. (He's overwhelmed with festival prep at the moment.) You can also stay there tonight if you wish. No inn, so it's either the manor or a tent unless you have other ideas.

He suggests leaving your weapons in the room so you don't spook locals, but wine might be a good icebreaker with people or a gift at the festival.

Big festival tonight. Games, music, dancing, food, pageant. He invited you to attend. Starts at dusk (about 2-3 hours away).
Mar 30, 2020 5:46 pm
OOC:
I thought I bought Cost reduction with XP and I'm saving for frequency per session no? @emsquared wouldn't that still fall under the writ? @SB If not I'll go with E's suggestion, otherwise maybe a similar deal to get put up at the mayors and a motivation?
Mar 30, 2020 5:48 pm
Remnant says:
OOC:
I thought I bought Cost reduction with XP and I'm saving for frequency per session no? @emsquared wouldn't that still fall under the writ? @SB If not I'll go with E's suggestion, otherwise maybe a similar deal to get put up at the mayors and a motivation?
OOC:
I couldn't tell from your character sheet what upgrade you'd taken. You took the cost reduction, then? No problem if so.

Yeah, I had him offer you free run of his house for the 3 advantage. Not enough left over for more than the Strength motivation from CESN's roll.
Mar 30, 2020 5:55 pm
"Thank you for your hospitality of our station if the evidence points to the village doing their part and that you've also been wronged it goes in the report which is why I've asked the line of questioning, our path may have been skewed but it gave us a different lay of the land so to speak. When being an outsider it's customary to bring a gift at festivals, I'll let the group decide since it's not my personal property solely. This one of the Granitebreaker clan thanks you." Tronus states his hands across his chest revealing the forearm branding of his clan as he bows slightly. "Lets get our horse settled and the dust of the road out our mouths and eyes by the good graces of the Mayor."
OOC:
Cool cool.
Last edited March 30, 2020 5:57 pm
Mar 30, 2020 6:16 pm
"Much obliged, from my family to your clan," Wayland says with a small bow. "Rupert's also your best bet to stable the horses. We've got a barn back of the manor. He can also soap 'em up with our local stuff. Keeps the skeeters away."
Mar 30, 2020 6:17 pm
Rupert Wayland nods and grunts.
Mar 31, 2020 7:06 am
"Well, mister Wayland. If you're going to show us the receipt tomorrow, I may just drop my things and join the party" Nekurr adds happily. "Hilder is the book man here, so he may prefer to stay in a quieter place"
OOC:
How offended does it look like he will be if we check the books?
Mar 31, 2020 11:56 am
OOC:
He gave us run of the house for the main part is how I read it, we are outsiders but not dickish so we're getting better treatment I figure or at least the stock lip service.
Mar 31, 2020 2:40 pm
"Oh, you're welcome to look through the books now if you'd like," the mayor says with a nod. "But it's not long till dusk, so it may be easier if you just wait for my help come the morning. Up to you fellas." He gives a slight bow. "Now, please excuse me. We don't get much excitement down here, so I gotta make sure the festival's up to folks' expectations tonight!" Wayland begins heading down the path. The other farmers disperse, as well, leaving you with the Galbernost family and the mayor's hulking brother.
Mar 31, 2020 2:43 pm
Rupert Wayland takes the reins of the horses and begins walking them toward an adjoining property. "That's where the mayor lives," Peppin Galbernost says, pointing in the same direction. "It's a huge house! Biggest in the village! You gonna stay there, Cat Lady? Pa, can't they stay here if they want?"
Mar 31, 2020 2:44 pm
"That's up to them, Peppin," the father says. "The mayor's place'd mean a warm bed and a fire at least. I'm afraid all our beds are full up, so all's we've got here is a barn out back with some hay. But you did help the boy, so the barn's yours if you want it."
Mar 31, 2020 3:28 pm
"Thank you for the hospitality Galbernost. We've a bit of work to do still tonight, if things are light in our workload tomorrow maybe Lady Nera can come by to assist Peppin in his chores and preparations for the festival. Nekurr though seems to be bored as of late, maybe he'll swing by to help with chores... early in the morning" Tronus states with a sudden smile.
Mar 31, 2020 3:47 pm
"A koind offer, Mr. Galbernost... We'll 'ave a look at da mayor's place, an if it turns out ta be not as 'ospitable as it sounds, Oi may take you up on 'at...

But... could Oi trouble you get a second more? It looked loike you per'aps 'ad something ta say about da Tax Collector's visit, earlier. Would you care ta tell us what you know, now?
"
Mar 31, 2020 4:28 pm
Tronus looks from Wayland to Galbernost and back, "If he made a pass or did something inappropriate to one of your daughters we'll take a statement but maybe not out in the streets due to the matter at hand due to the subject." Tronus adds looking at Galbernost since it might be a touchy subject.
Mar 31, 2020 5:26 pm
Bressel looks toward the receding figure of Rupert Wayland and the horses before speaking. "No, no—it's nothing really." He glances down at the children. "Lyssie, Peppin, you two ought to get back to work. Festival's tonight. Wouldn't want you to miss it 'cause you didn't finish your chores, now would we?" The two children roll their eyes and saunter off into the house before the farmer continues.

"It's nothing to do with me or my kin. More about something the mayor left out of the story." He points off to where Rupert is still visible in the distance. "You can see the mayor's place from here. We're as close to neighbors as you can be in a place like this. So the night your man was staying in the manor, I heard a commotion coming from the place. The next morning, the city oaf—no offense—was gone, and the mayor's liquor cabinet was smashed all over the floor. I asked what happened, and Castor, er, Mayor Wayland, said he found your man stealing liquor and demanded an explanation. The man got in his face, and the two men fought. Way the mayor explained it, he told the man to take the taxes and get the hell out of town. That's why he left so early, 'fore any of us was even really up for the day."
Mar 31, 2020 5:35 pm
"What do you mean? Surely Lyssie will be preparing for the pageant no?" Nekurr mentions with a somewhat faked surprise. "So, if there was was to be something ... strange about that story... we probably shouldn't stay in the Mayor's residence..." The cleric turns to Hildar, casually asking "You know any interesting magic that can be used to catch the mayor trying to frame us?" He looks around a with a curious look "Was the land always this fertile?" he asks Bressel as if it was nothing.
OOC:
I'm literally thinking about recording the act. Is there any magic for that? Maybe some divination that can show the villager what is happening?
Last edited March 31, 2020 5:37 pm
Mar 31, 2020 6:34 pm
Galbernost's jaw drops. "What in Mennara are you blabbering on about, stranger? I'd never say an ill word about the mayor!" He's turning red with anger. "How—what would the mayor be 'framing' you for? Why would you have anything to worry about staying in his place? You got too much wax in those ears? I said your man was getting drunk, pushing folks around, and stealing from the mayor. You intend to do the same? Then, yeah, stay away from the manor—and my barn!" He makes as if to leave. "I've half a mind to let Mayor Wayland know you folks are apparently not on the up and up after all!" He makes as if to leave for the festival grounds.
OOC:
So, yeah -- that didn't go well. I'll allow a Charm or Leadership check to try to calm him down. Either one will be RP with two setbacks for the fact that he now thinks you're out to get the mayor, whom he seems to respect. Deception's an option, too: PP with two setbacks.

As for divination, there is a new spell, but I'll need to review how it works. You wouldn't be able to use it until you got to the mayor's manor, though.
Mar 31, 2020 8:13 pm
"Fortuna’s blessings! I seem to have misunderstand the story"
OOC:
Luck of the goddess before I continue: was Isle really stealing from the mayor’s liquor?
Last edited March 31, 2020 8:14 pm
Mar 31, 2020 8:54 pm
OOC:
LOL. Hope I didn't create a misunderstanding via his explanation. But at least you know that the mayor seems to be quite beloved, at least by this family. :)
As Galbernost takes a few steps away, one of the bottles rattles out of the half-empty crate into the mud. The mud covers the label, leaving only the letters YES visible—presumably an answer from Fortuna to her devotee.
Mar 31, 2020 9:20 pm
SavageBob says:
LOL. Hope I didn't create a misunderstanding via his explanation. But at least you know that the mayor seems to be quite beloved, at least by this family. :)
OOC:
I assumed the farmer was gossiping and sharing something suspicious. I even visualised him leaning forwards and hiding his whispers behind his hand :(
"I apologise, I didn’t mean to offend. I’m just confused why te mayor would hide just a blatant example of Mr Isle’s lack of character? There must the a reason for that, because it is a serious crime for a tax collector to attempt just an act! But trust me, we’re here in good faith and it was Fortuna that showed us the difficult path just to bring us to a fine man like yourself"
OOC:
boost from apologising? Can I praise Fortuna and test for a +G. Not looking to fail this charm :(

Still failed... I was hoping the triumph and advantages would get him on the good side but a fail means we’ve been kicked out his place right?
OOC:
GM Edit: Using the Triumph to upgrade your Charm check once (replacing that blank green); adding a 3rd setback, since you have to drop the anti-mosquito charm to maintain the Augment. Final result is 1 Success, 4 Advantage.
Last edited March 31, 2020 10:05 pm

Rolls

Augment teeth whiteness for perfect smile

3 Success, 1 Triumph, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

Charming smiles

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 5 Advantage

roll update

2 Success, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Mar 31, 2020 10:59 pm
Before Peppin leaves Nera pats him on the head, like a wise master about to explain something to a first day student. "Now Peppin, one should always grasp at the... comfier option. Besides, I am positive this is not our last encounter."

During the rest of the talks Nera remains silent, unsure what Nekurr's game plan is besides talking. He's giving Tronus a run for his money.
OOC:
Wowie that is quite a number of posts.
Apr 1, 2020 12:59 pm
"Alright alright calm down, if you can't tell although Lady Nera has her ways so does this wayward one... Sometimes he's not all there, between the mosquitos and the sun maybe he's gone a bit daff... some of the time he's quiet dependable mostly so how about this if you're really angry at him I'll allow you one solid stiff punch on him... I'll even hold him still. Just not the face think of it as a form of bonding. That way in the future he'll mind his tongue before it starts wagging about. Also if you don't hit him in the face it's less likely he'll bite his tongue or lick your fist. Nekurr do you have anything to say or offer up as an apology that won't make matters worse." Tronus offers up.
Apr 1, 2020 2:18 pm
OOC:
Adding a boost from Tronus to Nekurr's roll. He's charmed! Nekurr has 4 advantages to spend, but maybe those are for strain recovery? Let me know.

Also, sorry if things advanced too quickly yesterday. I suspect a few of us are cooped up due to the pandemic, and have more time on our hands than usual. :)
The farmer pauses and blinks at Nekurr and Tronus's attempt to smooth things over. His color returns to normal, and he lets out a hearty belly laugh. "Maybe I just don't understand you city folk," he says with a shrug. "Well, I suspect you'll want to stow your things somewhere. You're welcome to keep 'em here, or try the mayor's place. And let me know if I can direct you anywhere in the village."
OOC:
Any last questions for him?

Rolls

boost

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Apr 1, 2020 3:00 pm
OOC:
Holy Fortuna! Saved by the last dwarf!!!

Yeah, the advantages are after the spell, so I could heal all the strain?

Ah right! I forgot the concentration stuff...How does that work again? Did it drop from the threat?

Yeah sorry for messing up and quickly trying to fix it :(
Nekurr apologies once more
OOC:
No more questions. So far, we have a pretty solid story. We just need to check the receipts and find out here Isle when right? Probably that city nearby with the gambling places fortuna's shrines
Apr 1, 2020 3:04 pm
"Our apolgoies again... you sure you don't want to hit him? It might make you feel better? If you hit him in the stomach just right he might roll his eyes back and pass out." Tronus states graciously.
Last edited April 1, 2020 3:07 pm
Apr 1, 2020 9:19 pm
"I am not opposed to that idea." Nera smiles, some of her pent up stress being released at such a comical and slapstick concept.
OOC:
That sounds like a decent next step, we can save snooping around the mayor's house for tonight.
Apr 1, 2020 9:45 pm
Nekurr pats his stomach discreetly, hoping that Tronus' suggestion is not carried through...
Apr 2, 2020 1:26 am
Galbernost gives Nekurr a wide-eyed stare, followed by a grin. "I'll save that for if he beats me at hog-wrasslin' at the feast!" The man chuckles as he makes for the barn.
[ +- ] Village Map
OOC:
So, current leads/needs:

1) Go to the mayor's manor and snoop around (for receipts or signs of Isle's fight/stay),
2) Get some bug repellant from the general store (Nekurr needs new cards, too),
3) Find a place to stay for the night (barn or manor? Leave weapons behind or not?)
4) Ask around about Isle,
5) Look more into their idiosyncratic devotion to Aris, goddess of abundance (Hildar was working on this, but hasn't shared it with the group yet)
6) Visit any of the locations indicated on your map that look interesting.

Just to make sure it's clear: The fact that they have a harvest at all is really unusual for this barony. The whole barony was cursed and has been for 150 years or so. No crops grow here. It's a blight. So why is this place different?

You have a couple of hours before the festival starts.
Apr 2, 2020 4:44 am
"Well... 'at dinn't turn into a complete disasta. Oi'm tinkin' we should maybe split into a coupla groups. Lotta ground ta cover, lot ta do, yea? An' no one goes off on their lonesome...

Oi'd loike ta just go about town, see what anyone else knows abou' Isle. Bog standard flat-foot stuff. Maybe troi ta figure out what makes 'ese folks tick while Oi'm at it... Moight be a good time ta poke around some other places too? Anyone in for 'at toipe o' investigatin'?
"
Apr 2, 2020 7:51 am
OOC:
Trading post it is!
Nekurr, relieve that he can still breath effortlessly turns to Bruv "An excellent idea! I for one, would still around the village and what for the festival to start." he hand waves like a mad cat trying to get the devilish bugs away "Maybe check the traders around, maybe we can sort this mosquitos and get some leads"
Apr 2, 2020 11:49 am
"I'll head over and look through the paper work... anyone want to assist in auditing or assessing how much damage Isle may have cause we'll need to take on possibly to the report?" Tronus states looking at Hildar and Nera.
Apr 2, 2020 1:42 pm
OOC:
By the way, anyone who is down strain can attempt a Discipline or Cool check to recover strain, as the scene is over.

Sounds like so far we have these initial destinations:

Group 1 (Tronus, ?): Head to the manor.
Group 2 (Bruv, Nekurr, ?): Head to the trading post. (You're welcome to try to get bug balm somewhere else, too. The farmer said he had enough for one person. I'm not trying to railroad you to the trading post by any means.)
Apr 2, 2020 2:02 pm
OOC:
Recover Strain.

Rolls

Discipline, Simple

3 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Apr 2, 2020 2:21 pm
OOC:
Rolls
Tronus shuffles off to catch up to their horse and horse wrangler.

Rolls

Cool

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Apr 2, 2020 2:25 pm
OOC:
No strain on Nekurr from those 4 advantages. He's just 2 Successes and 3 Advantages cool ; )
Last edited April 2, 2020 2:26 pm

Rolls

cooling out just for chilling

2 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

Apr 2, 2020 4:43 pm
Nera double checks to ensure there are no villagers around. "Well, I was hoping to save the manor visit for when no one is awake, but it's always good to scout the locale before trying for the score anyways."
Apr 3, 2020 3:35 pm
OOC:
Mcneils5 seems to be busy with IRL stuff. I'll update things soon; if we haven't heard from him, we'll leave it a bit nebulous whether he's at the manor or out and about so he can rejoin where he would like later.
Apr 4, 2020 2:33 pm
OOC:
True his game is on pause and that was a while back before things got elevated. Maybe post him up in the manor due to sun stroke and bug bites, stays inside and does out clues as to see fit from him big training clues.
Last edited April 4, 2020 2:34 pm
Apr 6, 2020 8:31 am
OOC:
I guess Hildar is the right man for the books, maybe he can go with Tronus and have a preliminary look? Could be worth a B for Tronus
Apr 6, 2020 9:34 pm
Hildar nods "Yes, I think my time would be best served investigating the documents at the mayors house. I'll head there momentarily."
OOC:
Yeah, sorry - the new normal is proving to be a tad tricky :) Hildar will head to the mayors house after hitting up the general store for some repellent
Apr 7, 2020 7:16 pm
Bressel Galbernost points you all in the direction of the center of town; he explains that you'll need to head south till you reach the mayor's manor; those of you interested in the trading post, he relates, should continue down the path from the manor, cross the bridge, and then follow the main road to the center of the village. The farmer has enough insect repellant in a jar for one of you ("We use it when the pigs get troubled by blood-suckers")—a gooey, foul-smelling ooze that has to be rubbed onto any exposed skin. However, his daughter, Lyssie, suggests that most villagers just use local soap. If you bathe once or twice a week, the soap has a natural repellant in it.
[ +- ] Village road
The lot of you catch up easily to Rupert Wayland as he plods through the field along a footpath from the Galbernost farm. The man merely grunts at your arrival, gesturing forward to a house in the distance. As you get closer to the manor, you can make out some of the village beyond. It seems small but lively as folks putter about, presumably making last-minute preparations for the Founders Festival tonight.
[ +- ] Mayor's Manor (Exterior)
Rupert Wayland leads you to a house that, while larger than the others in the village, is certainly not as opulent as some of the places you've been, such as the Dribbage estate back in Nornholt. The clapboard structure sits atop a barren hill, overlooking the village beyond. It seems to be a two-story affair, with a centrally placed hearth. It seems inviting enough; it's certainly better maintained than the other structures you see in Buzzards' Ford.

Your large guide rummages through his pockets and produces a ring of keys, opening the large, wooden door with a creak.
OOC:
Will pause here in case folks have questions for Rupert Wayland. Hildar has repellant if he wants it, so he doesn't have to go to the shop unless he wants to.

Please let me know what you've done with the wine, and whether you are going to go about the village armed or not. Doing so will get setbacks on social checks versus the villagers, so that's the tradeoff. If you've decided to leave weapons behind, have you left them at the farmhouse or are you leaving them here?
Apr 7, 2020 9:43 pm
As he walks Hildar applies some of the repellent trying not to baulk at the odd smell and surprisingly even worse texture. As they get to the manor Hildar nods at the man opening the door "Thank you Mr Wayland. Do you have a moment to answer a quick few questions?" before the man can respond Hildar presses on "I understand there was some upset whilst the tax collector was here. What can you tell us about that?"
OOC:
Other than his wand Hildar isn't armed
Last edited April 7, 2020 9:44 pm
Apr 8, 2020 8:34 am
Nekurr wanders round the village, trying to find that trade post to buy some soap, repellent and replace his ruined set of cards.
OOC:
If I remember this right, it's a negotiation to find stuff? cards' rarity is 2 with a base cost of 25 silver

Rolls

Cat deals (Neg 2 Pre 3)

4 Success, 1 Failure

Total: 3 Success

Apr 8, 2020 2:16 pm
OOC:
CESN: This place has a Rarity Modifier of +3 (agrarian + frontier), but that makes your cards go from Easy to find to Average, so good guess on that Negotiation check! Do you want Nekurr to proceed directly to the trading post, then? Or are you sticking around to talk to Rupert Wayland for a bit? The whole party's still together at this point.
The mayor's brother regards Hildar for a moment with a stoic expression as if churning over the question. "I have work to do." His voice is surprisingly high and soft for someone his size. "I will say that the tax man was a bad sort. He thought he was in charge here. He got drunk, and Castor did what he had to do." He gestures toward the door and makes as if to leave.
Apr 8, 2020 2:35 pm
As he and Nekurr set out into the village, Bruv tries to gather the cunning and guile of the creatures of the forest to assist him in his Investigations.
OOC:
Gonna cast Augment before I'm in full view of the public.
And as Nekurr enters into the shop, Bruv will set about his flat-footing...
OOC:
Then I'm gonna try to gather info from the g general public about our missing man, proposing Streetwise.

Gotta roll the Augment first, and will edit to add the Streetwise after. Diff?

Lol, ok... Can I use those 6 Advantage to transcend mortal life and become a deity?

... I'll just use every one of them to Boost my Streetwise, I guess?
Last edited April 8, 2020 2:38 pm

Rolls

Primal - Augment, Average

7 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 6 Advantage

Apr 8, 2020 5:22 pm
OOC:
This village is so small that the more "canvas the area" uses of Negotiation and Streetwise don't work well. There is literally only one place to buy and sell goods, and I was going to have a traditional social encounter with the shopkeep and folks there rather than abstracting things. But asking around a bit on the way could work. The book definition of Streetwise suggests it's only really useful in an urban environment, and then only for illicit rumors, but can you specify what exactly is is Bruv is looking for?
Apr 8, 2020 5:22 pm
Nera looks...less then impressed by the size of the manor. She doesn't voice her disapproval, at least not until Rupert departs. "Well...not what I pictured. Shall we?"
Apr 8, 2020 6:20 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
This village is so small that the more "canvas the area" uses of Negotiation and Streetwise don't work well. There is literally only one place to buy and sell goods, and I was going to have a traditional social encounter with the shopkeep and folks there rather than abstracting things. But asking around a bit on the way could work. The book definition of Streetwise suggests it's only really useful in an urban environment, and then only for illicit rumors, but can you specify what exactly is is Bruv is looking for?
OOC:
He'd be looking to corroborate the mayor's story via witness accounts or hearsay/simple recollection of what ppl observed without knowing what they were observing. Was our guy seen by anyone leaving at the time that the mayor said? What state did other ppl who aren't the mayor observe him to be in? Was he seen at the ferry/actually leaving town/did he make it that far? Did he have the taxes (wasn't there an actual chest, or is that just in my brain?) when he left?
Last edited April 8, 2020 6:26 pm
Apr 8, 2020 7:19 pm
emsquared says:
OOC:
He'd be looking to corroborate the mayor's story via witness accounts or hearsay/simple recollection of what ppl observed without knowing what they were observing. Was our guy seen by anyone leaving at the time that the mayor said? What state did other ppl who aren't the mayor observe him to be in? Was he seen at the ferry/actually leaving town/did he make it that far? Did he have the taxes (wasn't there an actual chest, or is that just in my brain?) when he left?
OOC:
OK, that's more of a typical social check in a tiny place like this, I think. Streetwise to my mind would be Bruv asking about illicit opportunities, maybe where to get into an under-the-table card game or how to poach the swamp or something. Let's get y'all to the trading post, and there will be some folks there you can ask such questions of.

My wife needs the computer, so I'll update later this evening.
Apr 8, 2020 10:09 pm
Hildar blinks at Ruperts words "What....what do you mean by that Mr Wayland? What di he 'have to do'" Hildar starts thinking about a number of ways he could stop him leaving but opts to wait and see if the softer approach will work.
Apr 9, 2020 12:17 pm
OOC:
If we rewind they're getting ready for the festival tonight I believe.
Apr 9, 2020 2:27 pm
Rupert Wayland scowls and snorts at Hildar's question. "Ask my brother!" The big man lens forward. "Your tax man was bad. A thief. A bully. Brother trusts you. Don't you show him for a fool." He lopes toward the back of the house, leaving the door open. "I have work to do."

Hildar gets the impression the man meant that as a threat, but the attempt falls flat as the large man plods off.
OOC:
Not neglecting Nekurr & Bruv -- just need to get some assets in order before I narrate y'all down the path.

Rolls

Coercion

1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Apr 9, 2020 4:35 pm
"Mr. Erathnir cut the man some slack as you can tell he's not very versed in social protocol with officials, he has work to do and it's not his place to talk ill of the Baron's man even if he was shite... just let him be polite about it and get to his work lad." Tronus states aloud waving to the large man as he walks away.

"We've plenty of time to see what Isle has and hasn't done at the manor so lets get to it... I'm curious even if Isle was actually the real one that showed up or walking around still... so lets investigate and find the truth of the matters and hopefully let the people have a nice wholesome little festival..." Tronus states quietly next to Hildar before walking to the house proper to see what there is in the way of clues.
Apr 9, 2020 6:16 pm
Bruv and Nekurr pick up a dirt path at the mayor's manor, the one Bressel Galbernost indicated would take them to the village center. At a T-junction, they see what appear to be more farmsteads to the east, while to the west a bridge crosses the creek leading back into the swamp. As the Half-Catfolk and Orc cross over the running water, Bruv and Nekurr notice more farmsteads toward the edge of town, but something different toward the village center: Weathered stones arranged into a circle. The path curves around south of the stones before opening up to a sort of village square, apparently what passes for the village's commercial hub.
[ +- ] stone formation
Like the rest of the village, the square has more pigs than people in it, but there are some buildings with signs out front: The inquisitors notice a weaver, a trading post, and a healer of some sort. A group of men sit outside the healer's shack embroiled in some sort of card game. A few others go about their business behind the shops and businesses, which seem to double as homes.
[ +- ] Village Center
OOC:
So, pausing there. This village is small, so "canvassing" type activities don't make much sense. That said, Bruv has 6 advantage to spend! Do you want to use that for boosts to identifying the stones? To getting some sort of magical "feeling" about any of this? To noticing something potentially helpful along the stroll?
Apr 10, 2020 12:52 am
[ +- ] Manor Living Room
As Rupert Wayland plods off toward the back of the house, Tronus, Hildar, and Nera enter the manor house. By simply closing the thick, wooden door, they find that the temperature is quite a lot more comfortable than the humid morass outside. Even better, no mosquitos! This despite the fact that a fire smolders in the hearth across from the front entrance in what seems to be the main living room (J1). The room is cozy enough, with cushioned chairs and sofas. A small shrine in the corner contains a large candle, strips of some sort of dried herb, and several heavily charred effigies of a figure woven from some sort of plant material.
[ +- ] Manor Floorplan
A quick sweep through the ground floor reveals several rooms to the manor house: A lush-looking parlor, replete with finely carved and upholstered furniture (J2), a well-stocked pantry (J3), a dining room dominated by a sturdy-looking table and hand-carved chairs (J4), a kitchen served by the other side of the hearth, where some sort of thick vegetable sludge simmers in a pot (J5), two bedrooms, one with a large bed (J6) and the other with a spartan set of bunk beds (J8), and a small sitting room with an impressive bookshelf with an unimpressive number of books on it (J7). A balcony overlooks this sitting room, from which you can see six doors equally spaced on the second story, which seems to be a set of small but cozy guest rooms (J9).
OOC:
Lots of opportunities to look around with Perception checks or Knowledge checks, just let me know where you want to focus and what you might be looking for, and I'll give difficulties.
Apr 10, 2020 12:40 pm
"I'm not too up on different deities but... which one do you have to have offerings of people dolls made from plants that you burn? Is this related to the harvest?" Tronus asks seeing and stating the obvious.

Once they know the area Tronus will let the others know he'll look into the pantry to see what's available for food stores since it tells a tale then over to the books to see what subjects they're about. "If anyone finds the remnant smells of booze or the office where the books are let me know. Yell if you're in danger..." Tronus adds to go and search about.
OOC:
If I get a good roll on a perception in the pantry I'm hoping to gauge how wealthy they are by way of spices and availability of luxury food items like sugar via Tronus' having a mercantile background.
Apr 10, 2020 1:35 pm
OOC:
Knowledge about the specifics of the effigy and shrine will be a Daunting (PPPP) Knowledge (Lore) check. For information on this style of worship, that's just an Average (PP) Knowledge (Lore) check. One boost to both, since you know they revere Aris here.
Tronus finds the pantry to be pretty straightforward. Shelves and cubbies hold what looks like jarred preserves, sacks of dry goods, and cured meats wrapped in large leaves.
OOC:
Tronus can try an Easy (P) Negotiation check linked to Intellect if he wants to gauge the market value of the items on the shelves. If he's more interested in searching the pantry more meticulously, that's an Average (PP) Perception check.
Apr 10, 2020 2:23 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
So, pausing there. This village is small, so "canvassing" type activities don't make much sense. That said, Bruv has 6 advantage to spend! Do you want to use that for boosts to identifying the stones? To getting some sort of magical "feeling" about any of this? To noticing something potentially helpful along the stroll?
OOC:
Could I do all of the above? 1 to notice an important detail, a couple (2 or 3) to identify the stones, and a couple (2 or 3) to get a "magical feeling"?
Apr 10, 2020 4:49 pm
Tronus raids the pantry respectfully looking at what is in there.
OOC:
This seems more in vein with what the premise was trying to do. Update: I found something I think may be of assistance in investigation, but I've no idea what it is, I blame niche markets not being in my forte all the time.
Last edited April 10, 2020 4:50 pm

Rolls

Nego Easy off Int

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 3 Advantage

Apr 10, 2020 5:17 pm
As Nekurr walks alongside Bruv he spots the stone circle. "Those rocks... seem to be neatly arranged don't they?" he asks Bruv rhetorically. The cleric stops, and looks around the village "The whole land but this village is cursed... do you thing..." he points to the stone circle They did have a magical doll... he tries to focus and feel of any magical aura
OOC:
We're carrying the wine right?

How would a cat go to "sense magic"?
Also, my lore is 1 and int is 2. I guess we can roll GY+Bs to identify the rocks?
Apr 10, 2020 5:55 pm
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
You mentioned wanting to give the wine at the festival as a gift, so I figure you left it with the farmer to get later. Bringing it with you would require the horses and/or cart.

Bruv's got Knowledge (Lore) 2, but both of you have the same Intellect, so, yeah, if you put your heads together, you're rolling YY+B vs. PPP on the stones.

The figure in the center can be identified with an Average Lore check, so YY+B vs. PP.

Bruv can trade in 2 or 3 of his advantages to get 1 boost per advantage split up between these two rolls.

Identify magic is a simple Utility spell, so only P difficulty.

Nekurr is still plagued by mosquitos, so setback to any rolls he participates in.
Down the track, Bruv notices something odd about the crops. While most of it looks pretty typical—corn, barley, oats, turnips, and so on—there's also some sort of shrub he can't identify readily. Its reddish-brown leaves stick out against the amber of the grains. (1 advantage)

As they round the stones, Nekurr and Bruv pause to take them in more closely. They appear to be a ring of black river stones and tall stacked boulders. The overall effect is something like an amphitheater, replete with stone benches. There seems to be shrine at the center, where a wicker and corn-husk figure with mossy wings hunches over an altar. Bruv gets a chill as the pair near the stone circle, coupled with a yearning to go visit some place nearby, toward the village square. (2 advantages)

Tronus

Tronus peruses the pantry, trying to ascertain the market value of the goods inside. However, perhaps due to this place's remoteness, or perhaps due to it's isolated nature, he's unable to get much of a feel for the mayor's taste in food. However, as he scans the storage space, the Dwarf does find three vials of a strange unction on a high shelf toward the back. The substance doesn't smell like food as far as Tronus can tell, and in fact, smells most foul.
Apr 10, 2020 8:11 pm
Roomier on the inside. Not having a clue about the deity and effigy nonsense Nera does some snooping of her own, checking out the bedroom in the northwest corner.
Apr 11, 2020 4:30 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
...if you put your heads together, you're rolling YY+B vs. PPP on the stones.

The figure in the center can be identified with an Average Lore check, so YY+B vs. PP.

Bruv can trade in 2 or 3 of his advantages to get 1 boost per advantage split up between these two rolls.
OOC:
I'll put two Boosts into the Hard check, one into the Average.

Maybe use the Triumph and Advantage in some combination to detect if there is any magic/spells active upon any of it, and if so, what kind of magic (Arcane, Primal, Divine, Ynfaernal)?

Or if there is no such thing going on, or not viable, use the Triumph as the equivalent of "change the tide of battle"? Maybe someone heard what were about and comes forward with some information?
Last edited April 11, 2020 4:35 pm

Rolls

Lore v Hard, the stones

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Lore v Average, the figure

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Threat

Apr 14, 2020 1:20 am
OOC:
Sorry for the delay, folks. Holiday and sharing a computer slowed me down a bit.
Nera

During the quick sweep through the manor, Nera hones in on what must be the master bedroom. The room is well appointed, with a large bed, dresser, wardrobe, and washbasin. The floors are hardwood, like the rest of the manor. Over all, the room's not as fancy as some of the places Nera has visited—whether "invited" or not—but it's certainly more luxurious than anything likely to be found in the village's various farmhouses. The bed is covered by an elaborate quilt with appliquéd images of people of some kind.
OOC:
Let me know whether anything in here peaks Nera's interest.
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
Detecting magic is really only a Utility spell (P), so you'd be better off with the second idea, It think. We'll use the Triumph to get a passerby; 3 advantage to make them friendly.
The stones are a mystery to Bruv; he can't quite place them. But the figure seems to represent Aris, the goddess of bounty and harvest. Bruv's encountered her followers in other out-of-the-way places in the baronies, although never an effigy quite so crudely put together as this. But perhaps that just reflects locally available materials.

As the Orc and Half-Catfolk hover just outside the stone circle, a woman passes by with a basket of eggs coming from the direction of the Galbernost farm. "Oh, you'll be my husband's guests, will you?" she says. "Stopping to pay your respects to Nature's Lady, I take it?"
Apr 14, 2020 5:23 am
Pretty comfy. Nera tests the bed for a quick second, approving of it's quality. Now for the fun part.

Nera looks under the bed, mattress and all for any goodies. She'll also want to check the dresser and wardrobe, maybe even the flooring in case anything is stashed underneath.
OOC:
it's more like what doesn't interest Nera.
Apr 14, 2020 6:58 am
OOC:
Right! Forgot tho actually roll :D
Advantages ... can we sense the magic type (just make sure the magic is divine) and/or if there are other sources besides the stone circle?
Nekurr's focus is broken by a friendly voice. He turns to look at the passerby "You must be Mrs Galbernost. It is nice to finally meet you. We were on our way to the village where we saw the altar. As a man of faith myself, I had to stop and pay my respects. The Nature's Lady seem to held in high regard around here."
OOC:
GM edit: Pesky mosquitos!
Last edited April 14, 2020 7:13 am

Rolls

magic sensing

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

setback (pesky mosquitos!)

1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Apr 14, 2020 1:13 pm
Tronus goes to find the others, "Either of you have any experience with poisons or alchemical concontions… I've found a few vials of something most vial but I'm unsure what it is, definitely not for consumption... unless it's extract of Funk Mushroom... but you only use that when you've swallowed a few too many stone in your food for a clean tunnel run... Anyone find the ledgers or remains of the liquor cabinet?"
Apr 14, 2020 2:27 pm
Nera

Knowing that her companions will catch up eventually, Nera realizes she may not have much time if she wants her searches to stay... private. As Tronus's bootsteps echo off the wooden floors in another part of the manor, she has to decide whether to do a cursory sweep of the whole room, or to focus in on one item at a time.
OOC:
Nera can perform one search before Tronus catches up unless advantages or Triumphs permit more. To search the whole room will take a Daunting (PPPP) Perception check. Alternatively, she can check the bed (including under it) with an Easy (P) check, the dresser with an Average (PP) check, or the floorboards (for trap doors or whatnot) with a Hard (PPP) check. Any of these will get an upgrade from a GM Story Point flip, plus 2 setbacks if she wants to be quiet about things.


Nekurr/Bruv

Nekurr prays to Fortuna for some insight into the strange shrine. The cleric gets a feeling of sacredness from the site, but not anything overtly "magical" per se. There's nothing to suggest that the site is used for anything other than the legitimate veneration of some legitimate divinity.

The farmer's wife smiles at mention of Nature's Lady. "Oh, you'll find we've very fond of Nature's Lady in these parts. And she's fond of us!" She gestures at the stones. "Folks say these stones are dragon's bones that turned to stone ages ago. It ain't no fancy church like you got in the city, but it works. We're simple folks with simple religion."
Apr 15, 2020 7:49 am
"I see that the Lady appreciates your fondness yes." Nekurr points to the fields around them. "Has this land always been this fertile?" he discreetly inquires the good woman, wondering if the fertility of this land would have any relationship with the last darkness, when it was supposed to be been cursed. In fact, the half-cat considers, with some luck, the timing will match the tax bump noticed 10 years ago
Last edited April 15, 2020 6:51 pm
Apr 15, 2020 7:55 am
Hildar nods at Tronus "The rudimentary alchemical principles were part of my training. I’m afraid I haven’t put them into practice too much as yet but I may still be able to get an idea of what the contents of these vials is"
OOC:
Hildar was going to start looking for where the records the mayor was talking about would be kept. He’s got Alchemy as a career skill but I’ve not put any ranks in it yet
Last edited April 15, 2020 7:55 am
Apr 15, 2020 2:22 pm
OOC:
Lady's response incoming later today. Waiting on Nera's check for the bedroom. Hildar can analyze the vials with an Average (PP) Alchemy check, but with a setback for lack of equipment. (If he wants to analyze the shrine in the corner, I think I gave a Knowledge (Lore) difficulty earlier. On a meta level, it's very similar to the one that Nekurr and Bruv have stumbled upon, but on an IC level, the folks in the house don't know that.)
Apr 15, 2020 4:05 pm
OOC:
Totally spaced on doing it last night.
Wonder if they'd approve? Bah, I could probably just lie if I need to.

Fearing not the scolding of an old man Nera proceeds to walk methodically on the floorboards, even dropping to the ground and knocking on a few.
OOC:
GM edit: Don't forget your SP upgrade! We'll replace the third purple die with this red:

Rolls

Perception VS Floor

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Threat

Challenge die

2 Failure

Total: 2 Failure

Apr 15, 2020 6:48 pm
Nera

Ah-hah! Nera's search pays off. She notices some discoloration in the wood indicating that the bed is moved from time to time. Thumping on the wood in the vicinity reveals a hollow below the bed under a loose floorboard. Unfortunately, all the noise she's been making has alerted the others that something's up in the room. And besides, the bed is likely too heavy for Nera to move on her own.
OOC:
Without the setbacks, you weren't trying to be quiet, so Tronus and Hildar hear you thumping. The threat means the floorboard is under the bed, so you'll probably need help moving it. But if you want to try alone, it's a Hard (PPP) Athletics check, which I'll upgrade with a Story Point.
Bruv & Nekurr

The woman shakes her head at Nekurr's query. "Sorry, I don't know much about that. We ain't had problems with the crop least as long as I can remember, so for thirty years or more. My Pa and Ma said things were good in their time, as well." She seems embarrassed. "Wish I could help you, but I've never even really stepped foot outside the village, so I don't know if we're doing things differently or not." She smiles. "But where're my manners! I'm Chandy, Bressel's wife. We're excited to have you at the festival later. It'll be a hoot!"
Apr 15, 2020 6:55 pm
Tronus stops the conversation and looks in the direction of the thumping, "If she's stuck someplace while looking around I'm giving her an earful... Lets go make sure she's fine." Tronus grumbles and heads in the direction.
Apr 15, 2020 8:54 pm
OOC:
Ah, I thought the upgrade was only if I tried to be quiet.
Nera tries to look unassuming and involved with the curious floorboards, already spinning a tale which will cover her on all fronts. Internally she is quite pleased with the discovery. Even if they're mad this will change their tune. Plus I can use their muscles.
Apr 15, 2020 11:01 pm
Hildar takes the vials and starts to examine the liquid and after a few moments wrinkles his nose "It appears to be some sort of liquid....asides from that I’m afraid I can’t glean much else about it without any specialised equipment"
OOC:
Advantages to find something of note in the room I’m doing the analysis in maybe
Last edited April 15, 2020 11:08 pm

Rolls

Alchemy

1 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 4 Advantage

Apr 16, 2020 1:29 pm
Nera, Hildar, & Tronus
Hildar can't quite remember where he might have read about the blue liquid in the vial as he and Tronus join Nera in the master bedroom. However, while he isn't able to identify the noxious substance, the odor does spark a thought in Hildar's mind. When he was looking at the religious effigy in the corner, he noticed some half-charred strips of vegetable matter that gave off their own distinct aroma.
OOC:
Hard (PPP) Survival or Knowledge (Geography), or Average (PP) Alchemy check to ID the strips if you'd like. That insight's probably not worth all 4 advantage, so take a boost, as well.
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
Anything further at the stones? If not, where to next? You can see signs in the square indicating a general store/smithy, a weaver, and a healer (with card players out front). There's another building across the way that seems to be in some sort of disrepair, as well.
The woman notices Nekurr swatting away a horde of mosquitos. "Oh, sorry, Sweetie. The physic may be able to help you with that. Or maybe old Tabbins has something in his shop. If there's nothing else, I should get back to my preparations..."
Apr 16, 2020 1:47 pm
OOC:
Just waiting to see if emsquared wanted to chip in and forgot to reply :D
Primalists are like druids right?
"Nice meeting you Chandy, I'm Nekurr, cleric of Fortuna and this is Bruv, himself a man of nature" the half-cat introduces himself and Bruv. "Well, you see, I've hear this was a bad harvest year, but it was probably more int he north of the barony as here all look well" Nekurr explain to Chandy, trying to quickly putting his question off her mind. "Sorry for keeping you. Of course you must go and prepare for the Festival. If you need anything, just let me know. ". Before she leaves, the cleric turns back for one last question "Say... do you have any priest for the Nature Goddess in town?"
Apr 16, 2020 3:03 pm
OOC:
Bruv's planning on asking Nature Herself about all that when the time comes. We've had hints that there's weird cultish religion stuff (hallucinogens) going on here before we left Tamalir, so this isn't particularly news to him. It's going into the file cabinet, a part of the picture forming, but it seemed like our only way to gather information at this point was a Social Encounter.

So I'm ready to move on to the Social Encounter to pursue the items in the investigation I mentioned earlier.

He'd be looking to corroborate the mayor's story via witness accounts or hearsay/simple recollection of what ppl observed without knowing what they were observing. Was our guy seen by anyone leaving at the time that the mayor said? What state did other ppl who aren't the mayor observe him to be in? Was he seen at the ferry/actually leaving town/did he make it that far? Did he have the taxes (wasn't there an actual chest, or is that just in my brain?) when he left?

Find the cracks we need to poke.
Apr 16, 2020 6:33 pm
emsquared says:
OOC:
...but it seemed like our only way to gather information at this point was a Social Encounter.
OOC:
Not necessarily the only option, but talking to folks is certainly a sound tactic. You could look at the ruins across the way if they've sparked an interest. I also mentioned the unidentified purple plant Bruv noticed in folks' fields. If it helps you prioritize, let's say it's a couple hours before dusk, so you can maybe get two or three more things done before then.
The farm woman chuckles at mention of the word "priest." "Oh, we don't cotton to such frills down here really. If I need something, I just come down here to the stones and say my prayers. Much better to see the stars than an old building, my Pa used to say." She gestures across the way. "But there is the old church over yonder. We musta had priests back a piece, but I don't know when that mighta been." She begins moving down the path toward her farmstead. "Hope to see you fellas tonight!"
Apr 16, 2020 10:56 pm
Hildar moves over to the effigy and begins studying the materials found there.
OOC:
Going with Alchemy for the roll.....

Rolls

Alchemy

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Apr 17, 2020 3:43 am
OOC:
Not 100% where anyone is at this point given the posts.
Nera gets in position, assuming a position which screams "whoops I tripped". She waits for...maybe 10 seconds? She doesn't keep track, but the steps have suddenly stopped. Spying on me? No, I'd hear it.

Giving in to her curiosity she stands up and opens the door. "Well aren't you going to come in?"
Apr 17, 2020 8:44 am
"Yes, see you later Mrs Galbernost" Nekurr says as the woman leaves. Then he turns to Bruv "Oh look! There's some people over there playing cards! Maybe we should check them?"
OOC:
Nekurr may be getting distracted with some card playing soon :D maybe a bet to get info out of the men?
I'm guessing Bruv will go check the weird drug flowers or ask stuff around
Last edited April 17, 2020 8:45 am
Apr 17, 2020 6:34 pm
Hildar, Nera, & Tronus

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
OOC:
Just waiting on Tronus's reaction to Nera finding the trap door before advancing here.
Bruv & Nekurr
[ +- ] Updated Buzzards' Ford Map
OOC:
Yeah, I'll start up a conversation with the card players and Nekurr in a bit. Emsquared, let me know if Bruv is joining in or doing to do something else.
Apr 17, 2020 6:56 pm
OOC:
It sounded like we get one Social Encounter to encompass the village's knowledge, so if that's Nekurr's intent with those folks, I'll join him.

And if that is the case, I'll try to Augment before going into it.
Apr 17, 2020 7:36 pm
"Nera you're not Nekurr, do you want us to find you doing something you shouldn't be? There's a gray area lass as long as it's not too long; an accidental step is accidental..." Tronus states with a sigh, "That's why we're outside did you happen on something accidentally? Erathnir I'll be over this way..." Tronus adds nodding in Nera's direction before going over to see what's been found.
Apr 17, 2020 11:00 pm
"This material...." Hildar says fingering the fibres he spotted on the effigy as he moves to join the others "it has narcotic properties if ingested or smoked. As with other pipe weed it is illegal in the Barrony, usually at least. It’s presence here is puzzling"
Last edited April 17, 2020 11:01 pm
Apr 18, 2020 12:06 am
"But you didn't find anything, that's what separates us. Now come help me move the bed, there's a trap door underneath and I bet we'll find something a little more exciting then wheat." Nera holds the door open, a grin on her face.
Apr 18, 2020 3:22 am
OOC:
Moving the bed is a Hard Athletics check, upgraded with a Story Point (RPP). Two others can help, of course, for two boosts.
Apr 20, 2020 12:33 pm
"Well I did find something I just haven't the foggiest what it is, may be drugs, might be alchemic, might be poison, or a laxative..." Tronus states and waits for Hildar after calling him over to assist with the manual labor.
OOC:
Looks like I'm at GGGbbRPP once Hildar is done with his analysis.
Apr 20, 2020 4:46 pm
OOC:
I think Hildar's ready. Roll 'em up if that's the agreed-upon action. Update later for both subgroups.
Apr 20, 2020 5:21 pm
OOC:
Rolls. Update: Lots of groaning maybe?
Last edited April 20, 2020 5:22 pm

Rolls

Hard Athletics Check w/ Upgrade and 2 boosts

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Advantage

Apr 20, 2020 8:23 pm
Nera, Tronus, and Hildar

Intrigued by the trap door hidden among the floorboards, Tronus and Hildar agree to help move the bed out of the way. Each of the inquisitors takes three of the four corners and on a count of three, tries to lift. However, try as they might, the bed refuses to budge. It seems to be made of a dense hardwood, making it difficult to dislodge with sheer muscle power.
OOC:
How do you want to spend the 3 advantage?
Bruv & Nekurr

In the village square, Nekurr is drawn to the card game like a moth to a lantern light. The Half-Catfolk crosses the earthen square toward a building with a dingy wooden sign that reads, "Erfan Eswyse, Physic." Three elderly men—two Humans and a Gnome—sit on small, wooden stools, huddled over a wooden table. They are embroiled in some sort of card game. The Gnome looks to Bruv and Nekurr but otherwise doesn't look up from his game. He throws down a card on an opponent's stack. "And that'll be a full Fisherman's Net, then, Hoggie. I'd tell ya to pay up, but I think the baron's forces of law and order might be here to arrest the lot of us for illegal gambling!" The sarcasm drips from his cracked, high-pitched voice.
OOC:
Trying to speak to them will entail a social check. Charm will be Average (PP) for either of the two Humans, or Average upgraded (RPP) for the Gnome. Leadership is Average (PP) for the two Humans; RR for the Gnome. Deception and Coercion are Average (PP) across the board.

You're starting with 2 setbacks. You can assume one of those is due to a general dislike of baronial outsiders attempting to push folks around.

You can each take a crack, or one of you can narratively assist the other. I'm not seeing this as a full-fledged social encounter, but it's not a one-roll resolution either.

Remember, Nekurr is still plagued by bugs. Bruv will be, too, if he drops his Utility spell to cast Augment and maintain that.

You've heard this guy sells something against bugs. No social check to just ask about that.
Apr 21, 2020 7:20 am
OOC:
I forgot to actually spend the last 5XP on knack for it, so I'll try that now and remove those pesky setbacks :D
Nekurr gently looks at Hoggie's hand and then up to the gnome . He waves his hands, trying to get the mosquitos away "I wouldn't call just an activity illegal exactly... It's just a token of appreciation from the good men of this town to Fortuna, isn't it?" The cleric looks around for a place to sit "Mind if I join you good people?" he asks politely before trying to figure out which on of them is Erfan Anyone here has one of those repellent things we're heard about? These little devils are driving me crazy?
OOC:
0?
Last edited April 21, 2020 7:22 am

Rolls

charms on little people

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Apr 21, 2020 12:14 pm
OOC:
Is three enough to realize you don't move the bed to get the door open and that there's any easier way we just don't know what that is?
Apr 21, 2020 1:18 pm
OOC:
Well, it's enough to realize that the mayor must rely on his brother to move the bed for him (meaning he must know what's in there). It's enough to also realize that the ledgers are likely not in there (since the mayor suggested they'd be accessible). You also recall that Isle stayed the night here, presumably in one of the guest rooms.

I'm not saying you can't get into the trapdoor, mind you. Just that you'll have to change your approach somehow, and that the bed will indeed need to be moved.
The three men ignore the offer to join them at cards. "I'm Erfan Eswyse," the Gnome says. "Skeeter repellant costs 25 silver. Enough for the both of you, I reckon. If you prefer repellant soap, you can try the general store 'cross the way."
OOC:
Wash result means they aren't charmed, but at least they aren't hostile.
Apr 21, 2020 2:58 pm
Tronus grunts a few more times and stops, "Okay enough..." he looks at his two helpers and their arms... "We need a different approach I think we're not got the brute force probably the Mayor's brother has."
Apr 21, 2020 3:26 pm
OOC:
Rolling that Augment.

Assisting Nekur.
"Sorry ta interupt, not Oi'm sure ya could always use someone new in da pot?"
Last edited April 21, 2020 3:30 pm

Rolls

Primal, Augment

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Assist Charm

Apr 21, 2020 11:58 pm
"Disappointing..." Nera pouts, trying to think of a way to remove the bed. "Probably shouldn't ask about it, doubt I can squeeze under..."
OOC:
Don't suppose I could use a skill to showcase Nera's definitely real cunning problem solve skills.
Apr 22, 2020 12:36 am
OOC:
To Somebox: There are plenty of other places where Nera's skillset will come in handy. That said, I'm open to other suggestions to getting at whatever's under the trapdoor, but I'll need y'all to propose them. :)
"Don't listen to 'em, boys," the Gnome tells the other card playes, leaning in. "It's... what d'ya call it...? Entrapment." He pops up from his stool and gestures toward the building. "So, you fellers wantin' the repellant or you fancy tryin' your luck with Tabbins' soap over yonder?"
Apr 22, 2020 8:28 am
"Sure, I'll like some repellant! Feels like I'll be eaten alive if I stay out here for too long. I'm sure we can negotiate a visitor price. Since bathing with the the local soap does the trick, I'm sure you don't get much "repellent business". Nekurr tries to haggle the price down a bit, mostly to keep the conversation flowing and the distrustful gnome engaged.
OOC:
I'm warning up for the next part, so the negotiation is friendly and disinterested and with a ... joke? Not sure if that is worth a boost ;)

By the way guys... I'm starting to suspect these mosquitos... Remind me to tell that to Hildar :D These bugs could be spreading something...
OOC:
GM edit: Difficulty
Last edited April 22, 2020 8:30 am

Rolls

Negotiation

2 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

boost

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

difficulty

2 Failure, 2 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Threat, 1 Despair

Apr 22, 2020 1:52 pm
OOC:
Oh, dear. He's still quite distrustful, hence the setbacks. Net result is 1 Success, 1 Threat, 1 Despair. I'll pause to see if Bruv wants to offer a boost via some assistance; might wipe out the Threat at least!
Apr 22, 2020 10:27 pm
"You can make it a double-sale, if ya give os a fair shake?"

Rolls

Negotiate, Boost

Apr 23, 2020 2:14 am
OOC:
1 Threat = he only has one bottle left. 1 Success gets a 5% discount, so let's say 23 silver. The despair (as will become apparent) is that he is completely convinced you are here on a mission for the baron that you're not actually on...
"Sure, sure. Always happy to offer a discount to you po-lice types." Eswyse says, opening the door to the establishment and stepping into the darkened interior. "Keeping us safe from ourselves. Right?" The inside of the cottage includes an assortment of jars, flasks, and bottles along with some bundles of herbs being hung out to dry. You see a couple of cots in a small adjoining room. You also spot some hair on the floor; old Eswyse seems to be a barber, too.

The Gnome pulls up a stool and grabs a bottle from a higher shelf (albeit one Bruv could reach with ease). "Afraid I'm down to a single bottle of the stuff, so you'll have to share. Should be enough for both of you for a day or two, though. That'll be 23 silvers, if you please." He turns back around and faces you with a defiant look. "I'm sure you're quite disappointed, eh? No contraband anywhere to be found. Be sure to put that in your report to the baron."
OOC:
Remnant, Mcneils5, and Somebox: Where are y'all looking next? Trying another tactic on the bed/trapdoor? Leaving it for later? If so, where to?
Apr 23, 2020 9:13 am
OOC:
contraband! That is an opening there :D
Nekurr hands over the silvers and listens to the gnome talking about weird stuff that they are not related to... that is, until he mentions contraband! They know these people dislike poachers which could prove useful. "Why do you mention that? Have you seen a lot of contraband here lately? " he looks at the little man as he takes the repellant. "We were following some poachers when we got lost in the swamp. Nasty people those three."
OOC:
Vigilance mostly to check if he will be hiding something in his reply.

Maybe playing his motivations? He either dislikes the poachers or he is in cahoots with them...

Rolls

Vigilance (insight?)

2 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 4 Advantage

Apr 23, 2020 6:49 pm
OOC:
Rolled his Deception not because he's necessarily lying, but because Nekurr seems to suspect he is lying. 2 Advantage remaining. Use?
The Gnome seems a bit puzzled by the mention of poachers but recovers quickly. "Oh... You're after poachers is it? Well, they do come here from time to time. Try to throw their weight around, demand this, demand that. Often need healing, then 'spect not to hafta pay for it." He shrugs and chuckles. "Mayor usually locks 'em up till one of us can escort 'em to Nornholt for trial." Nekurr and Bruv get the impression he's being truthful.

Rolls

Deception

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Apr 23, 2020 7:57 pm
"Maybe we can get Bruv to...magic it away. Guess I'll just loo- do other things. Still got that ledger to look through." She does not sound enthusiastic about the prospect of pouring through this ledger.
Apr 23, 2020 9:17 pm
SavageBob says:
2 Advantage remaining. Use?
OOC:
I'm guessing his flaw is distrust of authority/stranger, so maybe his strength can be informative?
Last edited April 23, 2020 9:18 pm
Apr 24, 2020 1:39 pm
"Look, 'parently word 'as gotten 'round abou' 'oo we are.

Bot we're not 'ere lookin fer contraband. Our business is as much out-reach, as anyting. Our cart of goods we 'ad as gifts, was largely lost ta Lizardfolk tho... Surely ya can sympathize with 'at?

Let's change da subject, no bizness.

Wot can os outlanders expect at da festival t'noight?
"
OOC:
Proposing a Deception here myself. Try to alay his suspicions some, learn something else? Leaving the Dif (or no-roll call) to you, Bob.

Also let me know of/when I owe you Sustain Strain.

Rolls

Deception

3 Success, 4 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 4 Advantage

Apr 24, 2020 3:15 pm
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
Deception makes sense -- your real reason for being here is to find the back taxes and Kellis Isle's whereabouts. You succeed with 2 advantage, yours to spend.

I think you can drop your Utility spell versus the mosquitos now, assuming you put on the gunk he just sold you. That leaves your Augment, which you can keep up without needing to spend strain, then.

His Strength (from CESN's advantages) = He's a creative thinker (finding loopholes, etc.)
"So you were following poachers and got attacked by Lizardfolk. And now you're here to lick your wounds, is that it?" He chuckles. "I heard you came in the back way to try to catch us out or something. It's the kinda thing I'm a mite likely to do. I appreciate your creativity, at least." The Gnome shrugs his shoulders and leans on the counter. "Well, the festival's as good enough a place to forget about the Lizardfolk and poachers as any. We do one each month, but tonight's the big one: The Founder's Festival. Happens on the full moon after the harvest. What can you expect, lessee... Lotsa food, lotsa music and dancing, some games... Razorwing races, wrasslin' a greased pig..."

Rolls

difficulty

1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Apr 24, 2020 3:28 pm
Hildar, Tronus, and Nera
[ +- ] Manor Floorplan
OOC:
Sorry if keeping you from the trapdoor deflated the group in the house! I swear you'll have another crack at the thing. Where else do you want to investigate? You'd assume the ledger to be on the shelf in the study (J7). You also haven't tried to find the mayor's liquor cabinet (where he claims he had his altercation with Isle), nor have you investigated the guestrooms where Isle presumably stayed the night (J9). You're welcome to look at other parts of the manor, as well.
Apr 24, 2020 3:56 pm
OOC:
What kind of Knowledge would it be, to know about any particular monsters/creatures associated with full moons?

Oh, and I'll recover Strain.
Last edited April 24, 2020 3:57 pm
Apr 24, 2020 7:40 pm
emsquared says:
OOC:
What kind of Knowledge would it be, to know about any particular monsters/creatures associated with full moons?
OOC:
Depends on the monster/creature type. Lore will get you magical creatures allied with civilized races, religious figures, gods, etc. Forbidden will get you demons, undead, and curses. Adventuring will get you more general monsters and threats. There's arguably some overlap we can negotiate. Say Average (PP) for any of them for some general information.
Apr 25, 2020 12:30 am
Stone circles, full moon, abnormally fertile lands... Wot are 'ese folk into...
OOC:
Give Lore a go.

Spin the Triumph into a neighboring branch of Knowledge if there was something relevant "out of reach" to Lore?
Last edited April 25, 2020 12:33 am

Rolls

Average, Lore

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

Apr 25, 2020 6:33 pm
SavageBob sent a note to emsquared
Apr 25, 2020 7:59 pm
Making good on her word, Nera will make for the study where she must face her greatest adversary: The written word. Okay, hopefully it says something easy, like "Ledger".
Apr 25, 2020 9:05 pm
"Razorwing races? That sounds like a fun place to bet... arrr, pray. If you gentlemen would like me to offer some prays for you as well, I'll drop a word with Fortuna" Nekurr starts planning the night events as he starts to see "Fortuna's hand" on the festival. As he is checking the gnome's wares, mostly for spare decks of cards, but to see if there is anything else of interest, the cleric continues chatting "I've noticed that abandoned building over there. The village seems to be well maintained. Any interesting story behind that?"
Apr 27, 2020 1:34 am
Nera
SavageBob sent a note to somebox
Nera finds the small study near the base of the stairs. A couple of chairs flank a table, and the guest rooms up above open onto a balcony that overlooks the reading area. The entire back wall is given over to a huge bookshelf, but it looks almost comically large with only about two dozen books scattered about its shelves. A thin layer of dust coats most of the shelves and the books.
OOC:
Nera can try an Easy (P) Perception check to spot books that look like they may have been accessed in the last month (since that's when Kellis Isle was here).

If Tronus or Hildar want to look over the books more thoroughly to get a feeling for the mayor's tastes in reading, let me know.
Nekurr & Bruv
The Gnome chortles at mention of Fortuna. "Oh, you're a priest, I take it? Or at least you're making like one to keep the poachers unawares? Well, if it's religious duty for ya—feigned or otherwise—the races are for you. Oh, and I nearly forgot the pageant. We elders pick the young person who best represents our traditions and values. Pretty big honor!" He seems to be getting caught up in the thought of the festival, but then he seems to remember he's not supposed to trust you. "So, you asked about the abandoned building. Which one you referring to? The old church maybe? Or the the old Courbet place?"
Apr 27, 2020 8:33 am
OOC:
I was asking about the one pointed out in the map, I think it was on the other side of the lake. I couldn't find the map again :(
"This sound really fun. Good man Galbernost had already got me at the pageant but those razorwings, you're totally right, looks like the place to be! So you do festivals like this every month?" Nekurr asks a bit surprised "That seems to be a lot of work and needs good organisation and disciple... and maybe a bit of creativity!" The half-cat then looks past the window to the old building just behind. "I'm not sure which one that is, but both seem out of place to me, this being such a thriving community, I'm bet someone would love to repair those places "
OOC:
Not sure If I can play his strength to get him to easy a little bit more after having rolled that much already
Apr 27, 2020 3:22 pm
[ +- ] Updated Buzzards' Ford Map
OOC:
Well, consider it a bonus that you've learned about a second abandoned building due to your questioning! :)

I've added the updated map to the IC Player Resource Thread so you can find it more easily in the future.

I agree; another Charm roll is due. You get a boost for playing to his Strength and another for being a customer now. Total is Charm+BB+RPP[KK], but you ignore the two blacks thanks to Knack for It.
Apr 27, 2020 3:28 pm
OOC:
Hello little person ;)

What are the odds of 3 failures???? well, apparently 1.701%... against 65.431% of at least on success 😅

So , probably not going to keep this social for long, so no need for more motivations. 3 advantages to get extra information on the abandoned buildings (both I suppose) and...

the triumph.... either slip some info about "Something off" going on around here, maybe find something unrelated but crucial to the case, like the relationship between the purple flowers, the strange liquid at the manor and Isle "strange" behaviour... Other ideas?
Last edited April 27, 2020 3:36 pm

Rolls

charms

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 5 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Apr 27, 2020 4:38 pm
Not about to be intimidated by such dusty tomes Nera scours the shelf for her target.
OOC:
Advantage to find something which at least looks of interest?
Last edited April 27, 2020 4:39 pm

Rolls

Overkill perception

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 2 Advantage

Apr 27, 2020 8:28 pm
Hildar scratches his chin whilst considering the bed ’Well I’m sure I could do something to move the bed but it would be difficult to do so without it being obvious it had been moved.....perhaps that is an option best left for later". He turns and moves to the door "I’m going to see if I can find this ledger in the study"
Apr 28, 2020 1:04 am
Nera
OOC:
Are Hildar and Tronus with Nera?
Based on fingerprints and other marks in the dust, Nera easily spots two books that seem relatively clean. One is a leather-bound journal or some sort, while the other is a stack of papers bound between wooden slats. As she takes the two tomes off the shelf, the Catfolk notices the unmistakeable glint of silver... a good 18 silver pieces in a small pouch.

Rolls

how much money? - (2d25)

(162) = 18

Apr 28, 2020 1:18 am
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
Yes, unusual roll indeed! But that's what makes this dice system so much fun for improv-friendly gamers. :) I'll say the Triumph gets you some crucial intel about the pipeleaf. The advantages get you some tidbits about the things you asked about. But the failure means he wants you to leave.
Erfan Eswyse guffaws at mention of the abandoned buildings. "Slight correction, there, outlander: We have a monthly festival, but only one Founder's Festival per year. That's the big one, you see?" The Gnome keeps chuckling as he hops down from his stool and walks to the door. "Now, if it's poachers you're after, I wish you luck. You'll find no pipeleaf here, but I'm glad you're not here to try to stop our people growing it. We know full well those damned purple plants are against the Baron's law. But they're such an important part of our religious devotions to Nature's Lady, I'm sure the Baron would understand." He opens the door and gestures toward the outside. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I really should get back to work. The old church is just across the way if you're interested old buildings. The Courbet place is up by the mayor's manor." He leans in, conspiratorially. "Careful with that one... kids say it's haunted!" He lets out a raucous belly laugh as he waits for you to leave.
OOC:
If you want cards, I'd suggest the Trading Post, nearby. The old church is closeby, as well. Let's say you have time to visit two more locations before it'll be time to head to the festival grounds, maybe three depending on what happens.
Apr 28, 2020 6:34 am
SavageBob says:
Nera
OOC:
Are Hildar and Tronus with Nera?
OOC:
I think Hildar would have lingered in the bedroom for a little bit considering how to move the bed so he’s probably on his way down now but not quite to the study yet if that’s ok (gives Nera free reign for a bit)
Apr 28, 2020 8:01 am
"Sure, sorry for keeping you from your work" Nekurr looks at the very busy men playing cards."I'm sure everyone's putting a lot of work into this Festival, from what we've seen so far" The half-catfolk starts to move in the direction of the Trading Post "See you at the Festival" he adds to the men before he leaves.
Apr 28, 2020 12:23 pm
OOC:
ICly Tronus explained he's giving her space in case she does do something shady. Once Hildar is done Tronus will join him stomping the way there.
Apr 28, 2020 1:15 pm
OOC:
Roger that. We'll wait to hear from Somebox if she wants Nera to pocket any of that stuff or do anything else before you two arrive.
Apr 28, 2020 2:18 pm
Bruv mutters conversationally to Nekurr as they head to the trading post, "Wot if our guy partook of their "sacrament" not knowing wot exactly it was? Or even was provided it unknowingly? Boi someone 'oo knew it might take 'im off 'is rocker? And wanted 'im off 'is rocker coz 'e was takin' "their" money...? Changes da optics on wot might 'ave 'appened..."
Apr 28, 2020 3:48 pm
Nera will place both books on the comfy looking chair, her eyes drawn to the ever tempting pouch. She counts out the silver and is on the verge of pocketing it, only stopping when she remembers she's on very important legitimate business. Must resist...but I want it...no, have to be good. Her face scrunches up as she uses all her willpower to place the pouch back in it's hiding place, ears down from either irritation or sadness -possibly both-.

I'll just keep it there. And if the mayor is a dick, then I'll take it. That seems fair. Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself she looks to find Hildar, wondering what he could be doing.
Apr 28, 2020 3:58 pm
Nekurr agrees with Bruv's observation. "You noticed it as well? This pipeleaf... What is that? If it is illegal it can't be good. Isle was here during the last festival right? We can't be sure, but as far as we know he was a respectable changed man before that festival happened. But he did try to steal rom the mayor. I agree something is not right here..."
OOC:
rolling for identifying the illegal plant? I've got GG on all knowledges except lore with is GY
Last edited April 28, 2020 3:59 pm
Apr 28, 2020 6:14 pm
OOC:
Remnant & Mcneils5: I'll let you two announce your appearance to Nera. :)

Emsquared & CESN: Hildar already identified the pipeleaf on p. 12 of this thread, but IC, you two wouldn't know what he found. You're welcome to make another roll on it: Hard (PPP) Survival or Knowledge (Geography), or Average (PP) Alchemy check. Putting your heads together nets a boost.
[ +- ] Shop & Smithy
Bruv and Nekurr apply the bug repellant before they bid the Gnome goodbye, and stepping outside, the effect is immediately apparent. The bloodsuckers are nowhere to be found! The smell is a bit off-putting, but the two investigators find they get used to it before too long.

Finding the general store is as simple as finding the building with the "TRADING POST" sign hanging out front. The building seems to be part of a compound of sorts, with a shop, house, and workshop all contained within a wooden fence. The sound of hammer on anvil resounds from the workshop—apparently a smithy—while a teenage girl sits on a stool in the courtyard mending a tear in an otherwise fine dress. She hums a happy tune until you approach, looking up in curiosity.
[ +- ] Girl
Apr 30, 2020 7:58 am
"Hello my good girl" Nekurr tries to catch the girl's attention with a catchy smile. "Are you not preparing for the festival?" he asks as he looks around the place, locating shop. "You know if anyone is in?" he points to the shop's door as he asks the girl
Apr 30, 2020 2:57 pm
The girl smiles. "Oh, I'm getting ready for the festival, all right. I'm gonna be in the Founder's Pageant! Just putting the finishing touches on my dress." She pauses, and looks toward the shop. "Mama's in the shop. Papa's in the smithy." But she seems more interested in festival matters. "Uh... We don't get many outsiders here! Are you coming to the festival? Are you gonna be judges?"
May 1, 2020 7:57 am
"Oh I see! That is a lovely dress to take." Nekurr encourages the little girl given her obvious enthusiasm. "Do you think I could be a judge?" he asks.
May 1, 2020 1:24 pm
She blushes and shrugs. "I think so... Usually the village elders judge, but Lyssie Galbernost told me that you saved her annoying, idiot brother Pippin from getting himself killed flying his razorwing, so now her pa says you may get to sit with the mayor as his special guests..."

The hammering from the forge stops.
May 1, 2020 1:35 pm
OOC:
What? now I have Lyssie and Jacey counting on my vote! ;)
"Oh really?" Nekurr asks excited almost before Jacey finishes talking. "Is it common for visitor to be special guests at the festival. I mean, were the last people that visited this lovely village judges for the pageant?". the cleric looks in the direction of the forge as the hammering stops.
OOC:
Trying to figure out if Isle had a special place during the festival when he was around...
May 1, 2020 1:53 pm
CESN says:
OOC:
Trying to figure out if Isle had a special place during the festival when he was around...
OOC:
Like strapped to a stone slab in the middle of the circle? ;P
Bruv's content to let Nekurr talk to the girl and just gawks around the shop for now.
May 3, 2020 6:53 pm
Mayors House

Hildar walks into the study and nods at Nera before his eyes latch onto the books on the chair "Ah, are these the ledgers then?" he asks as he moves straight over to them ignoring everything else in the room
May 4, 2020 2:38 am
OOC:
Sorry if things are hectic Mcneils5! I do fully appreciate the pressures we all are under at the moment. So, I hope folks don't mistake my attempts to maintain forward momentum with frustration over a slower-than-normal pace. :)

So, quick weekend post in that spirit for the folks in the manor:
Hildar quickly determines that the leather-bound book is the village's financial records. The wood-bound stack of papers, on the other hand, is something unusual that will require a bit more investigation to identify.
OOC:
Hard (PPP) Knowledge Lore check to identify the provenance.
May 4, 2020 3:08 pm
Hildar quickly burries himself in the tome

Rolls

Knowledge (Lore)

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

May 4, 2020 5:11 pm
Nera, Tronus, & Hildar

The strange collection of papers immediately draws Hildar's attentions—more so than some stuffy financial ledger. The wooden binding has no label, but the pages inside seem to be rubbings made from carvings. The language seems ancient, maybe dating to the Talindonian age, the first great era when Terrinoth was united under a single king. The Elf is fairly certain he could decipher the script, but it would take some time...
OOC:
I'll use the Threat to mean Hildar isn't able to determine the specific language, only that it's ancient. This equates to a setback on the next check made regarding the rubbings.

Hildar can try to decipher the whole book (let's say it's five rubbings) with another Hard (PPP) Lore check (with the Setback). Let's say a default to one hour per page, but this could be sped up with Advantages and Triumphs.

Alternatively, he can make a Hard (PPP) Lore check + Setback to skim over them and try to get the gist of what the book is about in about a half hour.

Either one of these approaches may open up and require further Knowledge checks to identify proper names and the like, but these would be instantaneous, just representing the Elf's learned knowledge.
Bruv & Nekurr

The young girl squints her eyes, thinking about Nekurr's question. "Uh... There was an outlander at the moon festival last month. But that's different. We only do the pageant once a year, at the Founder's Festival. And it ain't only..." She sits up straighter. "Um, it's not only about looks, either! We have to recite the..."
May 4, 2020 5:14 pm
A voice booms from inside the smithy. "Jacey! That's enough! Finish your work inside." The young girl purses her lips and furrows her brow, but does as she's told. A muscular man with white beard appears in the entryway to the workshop, holding a large hammer. He watches the girl to make sure she complies.
OOC:
Emsquared mentioned perusing the shop -- it's through a closed door. Has he entered the shop, leaving Nekurr out with the smith? If so, I'll narrate that, too.
May 5, 2020 4:35 am
Nera watches Hildar work for a little bit, hoping he will say something profound or thrilling. Alas, he does the opposite; she decides to find her own excitement. And here I was gonna ask for some lessons, but it seems so...boring. Didn't that...Isles, Isla, whatever it was; wonder if he left anything behind in his room.
May 5, 2020 9:07 am
After a little while Hildar mutters "This is old, very old. Quite surprising to see such a tome in a place like this. It is fascinating though...." he trails off as he starts to skim through the book trying to pick out any interesting bits of info to focus on later.
OOC:
Going for the quick option to start off with....seems logical to use the Advantages for boosts on the check to decifer the full thing if that's ok....
Last edited May 5, 2020 9:08 am

Rolls

Knowledge (Lore)

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 2 Success, 4 Advantage

May 5, 2020 1:06 pm
SavageBob says:
OOC:
Emsquared mentioned perusing the shop -- it's through a closed door. Has he entered the shop, leaving Nekurr out with the smith? If so, I'll narrate that, too.
OOC:
Nah, he'll stay with Nekurr.
May 5, 2020 1:13 pm
[ +- ] Manor Floorplan
Hildar & Tronus

As Nera scurries up the stairs, Hildar carefully considers the pages of the strange book.

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
OOC:
I've given Hildar some information on the content of the weird book, so let me know if you still want to devote Hildar to a full translation, or if you'd rather try a Daunting (PPPP) Knowledge (Lore) check on the name you've uncovered and use the Advantages on that. (As a GM, I'd nudge you away from a full translation at this point, as it will occupy Hildar for several hours. Maybe a task for between adventures.)
OOC:
Tronus is free to look through the ledger. It's an Average (PP) Knowledge (Geography) check to see if everything is in order. Take a boost for having the ledger from the baron's treasury to compare it to. This will take about a half hour.
Nera

Once atop the stairs, Nera finds a long balcony/hallway that overlooks the study. She's able to see Tronus and Hildar looking at the books from her perch up here. The hallway is long, with six doors. It'll take some time to search them all...
OOC:
Searching a room is an Average (PP) Perception check, but it takes about 30 minutes per room. You probably don't have enough time to search them all thoroughly before nightfall. However, Nera can try to determine whether any of the rooms have been used more recently with a Hard (PPP) Perception check first, with a setback since a month has passed since Isle was here.
May 5, 2020 1:18 pm
"Hi! You must be the owner. Lovely girl you have there." Nekurr greets the man with a friendly smile. "Nekurr and this is Bruv. We heard we could find some supplies here"
May 5, 2020 3:51 pm
Nera would absolutely love to dig through each and every room for items of interest or profit, but she'll start with the more important matters first. If free time becomes available she will have to check later.

Rolls

Perception

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

May 5, 2020 8:19 pm
Hildar mutters under his breath "Sovereign of the Silken Thread....a figure of worship perhaps....why does that name seem familiar......"
OOC:
Going with the daunting check for the name.....I'm assuming the 4 x advantages can be used for 4 x boosts but just discount them if you meant something else.....

Rolls

Knowledge (Lore)

5 Success, 4 Advantage, 5 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 1 Threat

May 6, 2020 12:57 am
The man snorts at Nekurr's greeting. "Yeah, I'd heard the rumors. More taxmen about. And so damned soon after your awful colleague was here!" He nods at the closed door. "Shop's through there. Maybe Vanya'll be in a mood to sell you something."
OOC:
Nekurr can try an Average upgraded Charm check (RP) with 4 setbacks (some for motivations, one because he saw you talking to his daughter) if he wishes to turn this guy's attitude around. Or you can just say good day and go into the shop.
May 6, 2020 1:14 am
Nera
Once atop the stairs, Nera does her best to identify any signs of recent use—smudges on the door handles, footprints, fingerprints in the dust—but she turns up nothing. By the time she gives up, the Catfolk realizes she's wasted precious time. She'll probably only have time to search two of the rooms before sundown.
OOC:
The Threat equals wasted time. I've rolled randomly to determine which room is the "correct" one, so let me know which one you want to search first. Again, Average (PP) Perception for each one, upgraded for the first with a Story Point: (RP). Advantages and Triumphs can buy you back more time and perhaps let you search another room if need be.
Hildar & Tronus
OOC:
I'll roll for Tronus if we don't hear from Remnant before midday tomorrow. Mcneils5, that was some roll!
Hildar runs the sobriquet over in his mind a few times, trying to remember where he's encountered it before. Suddenly, it hits him!

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
OOC:
It's possible Knowledge (Forbidden) might turn up more information if you want to try it. Daunting difficulty (PPPP) this time with two setbacks for reasons that may become apparent if you succeed..

Rolls

Which room? - (1d6)

May 6, 2020 5:16 am
OOC:
Well odds are against me so to start I shall pick...number 1.
mumbling something about having far too many guest rooms Nera simply walks into the first room (to her) and gives it a rundown: odd smells, loose items which were forgotten, hopefully something more obvious.
OOC:
Well with the advantage can I make up for lost time?
Last edited May 6, 2020 5:17 am

Rolls

Searching

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

May 6, 2020 7:35 am
SavageBob says:
Nekurr can try an Average upgraded Charm check (RP) with 4 setbacks.
OOC:
Always a good time to make friends :D I'm going to counter the taxman bit, hopefully getting a bonus from guessing his motivation
Nekurr smiles at the clear dislike the man has for taxmen "Not your regular taxman I'd had. We're both man of faith. I'm a cleric of Fortuna and my friend here is sort of in communion with Nature itself" Nekurr sneaks a quick look in the direction of the stone circle , as he mentions Nature "We're actually more interested in finding that other taxman than the taxes he never returned with."
OOC:
Noooooo, these people are tough to crack :( Need some prayers to get another G soon
"Before we check if Vanya would like to sells something, is there anything you'd recommend we buy for the festival tonight? "
Last edited May 6, 2020 7:38 am

Rolls

charm

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

May 6, 2020 6:27 pm
Tronus & Hildar

While Hildar considers the strange document, Tronus compares the two ledgers. It soon becomes apparent that the two books match up perfectly. The one exception is that Mayor Wayland's ledger shows a large tax payment given to Kellis Isle about a month back. To Tronus's eye, this looks pretty humdrum and routine; the baron's ledger shouldn't match up, since Isle never returned to the castle. What's a tad out of the ordinary is that Isle didn't sign the mayor's ledger, whereas the previous tax payments all have signatures from the baron's representatives.

Nera
OOC:
Sure, 2 advantage is enough to shave 15 minutes off the search. If you get 2 more, you'll have time to search a third room if you need to. However, remember that I said I'd upgrade your first search (to RP), so upgrade the next one instead!

I'm also open to creative uses of Story Points! Flip one (or get a Triumph), and maybe Nera turns something up that gives her a better idea of which room Isle stayed in.
Nera tries the room on the far left. She finds the door unlocked -- indeed, the door doesn't seem to lock at all. There's not much in the room, just a simple bed with a thin quilt, a wooden washbasin against the wall, and some foul-smelling water in a pitcher. The room has a window that looks out onto the fields behind the manor; this, too, has no lock, but it is closed.

Nera tries the bed, looking under and behind it, and between the mattress and frame. She looks into the pitcher and washbasin, and around the window sill, but nothing stands out to her. She makes record time, though, giving her an opportunity to try another room...

Bruv & Nekurr

The blacksmith grunts and shakes his head. "Well, your taxman ain't here. Damn fool nearly woke my whole house up when he ran out in the wee hours. Probably already gambled our silver away in Tamalir by now." He gestures toward the door. "Buy whatever you damned well please. Now if you'll excuse me." He returns to his forge and anvil, and the clanking of his hammer begins again.

Rolls

Knowledge (Geography)

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success

May 7, 2020 7:29 am
"Strange people in this village, don't you think?" Nekurr asks Bruv after they are on their own and makes it to the shop, where he hopes to find a new deck of cards for his routine... prayers
Last edited May 7, 2020 7:29 am
May 7, 2020 1:37 pm
"Mmm, Oi guess 'at's da word for it...

Dey clearly 'ave sumpin' unnatural goin' on here. Throivin' loik 'is in da swamp. And dey're clearly very... supportive... of wotever force 'at is, 'at keeps it goin' for 'em.

Wot's da force? Wot do dey 'ave ta do for it, ta keep deir good thing goin'? Protect da area from those 'hoo'd spoil da land, loik poachers? Let deir inner 'animals' loose boi smokin' some stuff? ... Sacrifoice, maybe?

Where's our man fit in oll 'at? If anywhere.
"
May 7, 2020 4:11 pm
OOC:
Oh dear, RP coming up for this check. If I can't bank this advantage for extra time, I'll use it for adding a boost to my next search.
Boring... A barren room as far as Nera is concerned. She continues her search in Room #2.
Last edited May 7, 2020 4:11 pm

Rolls

Harder Search

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

May 7, 2020 6:50 pm
Bruv & Nekurr

The door trips a small bell as Bruv and Nekurr enter the dusty shop. Some of the merchandise is lain out on shelves, while other items hang from hooks on the walls. It's all decidedly rural: plows, scythes, flour sacks, flails, hoes, shovels, and the like. The room is long and opens onto a kitchen area with a cauldron over the hearth. A woman sits at the table and looks up from chopping rutabagas. "Oh, come on in. Come on in. You'll be the baron's tax collectors then? I'm Vanya Tabbins. What can I help ya with?"
OOC:
Feel free to try an Average Charm check on her if you'd like; might influence how forthcoming she is with wares and information.
Nera
OOC:
May I use that advantage to give you a hint?
The second guest room is much like the first: Simple bed, blanket, washbasin, and jar of stinky water. The only difference is that this room has no window, which makes it a lot darker and stuffier than the last one. The Catfolks thinks that she'd much prefer one of the other rooms with a window if she were to stay here.

Nevertheless, her search turns up nothing interesting. Neither this nor the previous room seems to have been used in some time.
May 7, 2020 10:25 pm
As Hildar reads he begins to get more and more drawn into the documents, muttering various snippets as he pulls his other notebooks and starts consulting the things he’s noted down from the other times he has been studying recently.
OOC:
Knack for it gets rid of the setbacks on the check....
Last edited May 7, 2020 10:26 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden)

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

May 8, 2020 4:10 am
OOC:
Please, my ability to remember useful details has failed me it seems.
May 8, 2020 9:56 am
"Hi Vanya, I'm Nekurr and this is Bruv. We're looking for some supplies to contribute to the festival and, I've seem some people playing cards by that nice pharmacist's shop, Erfan I think. You don't have some of those here do you? They looked exactly what me and my friend would like to keep our travelling interesting."
OOC:
Showing interest in the festival is charming enough?

Since I'm bonding over the festival... maybe she can tell me something really relevant about it that may turn out as a critical clue?
Last edited May 8, 2020 9:57 am

Rolls

charm

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

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat, 1 Triumph

May 8, 2020 8:00 pm
Bruv & Nekurr
OOC:
So, Triumph = she's clued you in, perhaps inadvertently, on something you investigators should be paying attention to. The Threat is that she's kind of forced you into buying something worthless in her folksy way. :)
The shopkeeper smiles almost apologetically. "Bless you, sirs, bless you! I can only assume it was Nature's Lady who brought you here." She stands up from her stool and puts down her vegetables to consider the shelves. "Now if it's cards you're wanting, you're in luck. I keep 'em in stock for those old fools who play all day at Erfan's across the way." She sets a deck on the counter. "There ya go." She scans the shelves and purses her lips, arms crossed. "Now, if you want to make an impression at the festival, I'd suggest you buy a gift for the winner of the Founder's Feast Pageant. Not to brag, but I won it not 20 years ago! It's a big deal, if I do say so myself. Lots of winners past have left the village to find their way in the world... I hope our Jacey takes the crown and decides to stick around...!" She plops down a small bundle wrapped in paper. "How's about some sugared fruits? Anyone'd love that!" With a smile, she adds, "That'll be 30 silvers, please."

Hildar & Tronus
OOC:
So, two clues, but the threats obscure them a bit...
Hildar thinks for a moment more on the names he's found in the strange tome...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
Nera
Nera glances down and notices the others getting ready to leave the study. She may only have time to search one more room. There seem to be three more with windows, one more without.
OOC:
3, 5, & 6 on the map have windows. You've searched 1 & 2.
May 8, 2020 8:45 pm
Bruv fishes 15 silver out of his pack, and while he does so he speaks casually, " 'ppreciate the guidance on yer customs... But, eh, Oi did want ta say... we're not tax collectors. Or, at least not in da way ya tink... We're trying ta recova da taxes, yes. Bot not from ye lot... We suspect da Barron's man 'as made off with em. So... no worries... we're not 'ere for yer money.", he plants the coins on the counter.

"Bot... well, if ya had any information about yer recollections from the actual Tax Collector's stay, I know it was long ago now. Or 'is departure... Or tings you've 'eard from others. When did he go? Wot did he say? Or buy? Wot or who did 'e 'ave wit 'im? Any information loike 'at you could provide about that toime would be 'elpful."
OOC:
Some half-truths wrapped in half-truths to try to tease out some more info? Proposing Deception...
May 8, 2020 9:48 pm
OOC:
there is a clue there? she only talks about the pageants and we're totally not checking that ...
May 9, 2020 3:39 am
That would have been useful information... It seems Nera is not above sassing herself. Still, it narrow the search down a little, and so she searches the room corresponding to her favorite number: 5.
OOC:
Well if I can get another hint I think that's for the best, unless I actually found it.
Last edited May 9, 2020 3:40 am

Rolls

Room #5

6 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 6 Success, 1 Advantage

May 10, 2020 2:46 pm
Hildar stares at his notes with a frown on his face "How on Mennara would a Zanagan spider cult have gained a foot hold here? What's special about this area?" he mutters to himself before quickly gathering up all of his notes and stashing the tome they found here in with his other books for deeper study later. He turns to Tronus "Perhaps we should see if Nera has found anything else?"
May 10, 2020 7:32 pm
Bruv & Nekurr
CESN says:
OOC:
there is a clue there? she only talks about the pageants and we're totally not checking that ...
OOC:
Well, the pageant seems to be a big deal, as several people now have been abuzz about it. And in an insular, isolated town like this, it might strike you as significant that pageant winners sometimes leave the town behind. Keep those facts in the back of your mind as we progress to the festival. :)
The shopkeeper looks up to the side and scratches her head at Bruv's question. "I'm trying to remember what I can about your colleague," she says. "I was in the shop when's he come, but from what I hear, he was all hot and blustery, demanding to see the mayor right away. After that, I only saw him at the moon festival, just a-pouting, and keeping to hisself. Dour ol' fella left early, I assumed to get some sleep." She frowns, apologetic. "Wish I could say more. Well, I suppose I heard he did leave early the next morning, galloping down toward the ferry at some goddess-forsaken hour. The ferryman might know more about that."

Nera

With the sun dipping toward the horizon, Nera knows that the mayor or his brother will no doubt come looking for them soon. With two more rooms with windows, the Catfolk tries another one, more or less a random. But by now, she has the routine down pat. Windowsills? Nothing. Cistern? Zip. Jug? Nothing but smelly water. Bed...

As she slips her clawed fingers between the mattress and the wall, she fells a slight bulge under the quilt. Pulling this up reveals a folded piece of parchment. Nera opens it and finds that one side is an official writ of some kind (it looks rather like the one that Rathin Vintoloness gave the group from the baron's treasury). On the other side is a crude map of the village with a few of the buildings circled.
OOC:
Will leave it to you all to decide if Nera heads downstairs or if Hildar and Tronus head upstairs. You have time to check one more room (upstairs or down) if you wish, but with the knowledge that your hosts will likely be back any minute now, so you presumably don't want to be caught doing anything shady.
[ +- ] Map from Room
May 11, 2020 12:09 am
OOC:
Also realized I overlooked emsquared's Deception suggestion! I think the story you gave is close enough to truth that no roll is required to ask about Isle.
May 11, 2020 7:55 am
OOC:
Right, that's what I was going to probe now, but didn't have time :D
Nekurr adds another 15 silver to Bruv's. "Oh right, checking the ferryman is a splendid idea! He may know where out little friend ran off actually". The half-catfolk casually mentions of Bruv before probing a bit deeper into what Vanya said "Well, if I may say, it doesn't surprise me you won the pageant at all. It seems your daughter may be getting these sugared fruits this year as well. It must run in the family." he smiles before putting on an excessively surprised expression "But you're saying the pageant leave this lovely town? After such an honour? Why would they do that? You're not saying that prefer that dirty and noisy place around here, what's it's name... Talamil?"
OOC:
Component casting is available again right? :D
Last edited May 11, 2020 7:56 am
May 11, 2020 1:30 pm
"Oh, I know!" Vanya Tabbins says, mirroring Nekurr's surprised expression as she drops the silvers into a pouch. "It's a real shame it is when they leave for Tamalir, or Dawnsmoor, or goddess knows where. But when we do get travelers such as yourselves, it can spark a bit of wanderlust in the young folk, I suppose." She shrugs her shoulders and sits back down at her vegetables. "Better to stick around, help your community, like I did, I think." She begins chopping, giving you the impression that perhaps she's not in the mood for more chatting.
May 11, 2020 4:45 pm
Score. Now why would someone hide a map? Dead drops maybe? Very excited to have found something, Nera hustles down the stairs to find her snooping companions, proudly holding the map. "Look what I found."
May 11, 2020 4:59 pm
Looking at Nera's proffered parchment, Hildar and Tronus quickly determine that it's a writ from the baron's treasury. The document conveys Kellis Isle's authority to collect back taxes from Buzzard's Ford. The map on the other side is crudely drawn, but the four locations circled are clear: The mayor's manor, the trading post and smithy, the weaver's shop, and the ferry.
OOC:
As a reminder, you all need to let me know when you're trying to ascertain the truthfulness or authenticity of something. For instance, if you suspect someone might be lying, or if you suspect this is a forgery of some kind. (Not saying it is, but instead using this as an example.)
May 12, 2020 7:09 am
"I hope we're not disturbing the festival too much by visiting. Good luck for the pageant. Maybe it will be your daughter's turn this year " Nekurr leaves the shop and turns to Bruv when it is safe to do so "Well, now that she mentions the ferryman, we haven't confirmed that Isle actually left the village have we?"
Last edited May 12, 2020 7:10 am
May 12, 2020 2:42 pm
"Nope. Nor what, if anything, or who, if anyone, 'e moight 'ave 'ad wit 'im."
May 12, 2020 3:25 pm
Vanya Tabbins points Nekurr and Bruv in the direction of the ferryman. The path takes them past both the weaver's shop and an abandoned church—now little more than a ruin. The road then winds past a few small gardens, hog pens, and farmhouses, but then the swamp foliage encroaches. The thick trees beat back the dying rays of the later-afternoon sun.
[ +- ] ferry
The earthen path leads to the banks of the Flametail River, here a boggy, black mass covered in green foam. A ramshackle shelter overlooks a boat launch where a flat-bottomed barge floats on the river, tethered to a rope that extends over the river to a similar structure on the other side. A middle-aged Human with light-colored hair is tying off the barge when you approach.

He regards you cooly through squinting eyes. "You're too late," he says, spitting into the roiling muck below. "I's just closing things down to head over to the festival. Or've you come to pay me the fare you owe me?"
May 14, 2020 11:02 am
"We were hoping to ask you a few questions actually" Nekurr replies reassuring the man that they are not looking to cross the river. "Though I think we probably should start with that story about paying what we owe
May 14, 2020 1:47 pm
The man finishes tying the knot and stands up to face you. "Well, word is you all came 'round from the swamp-way and had to be beg to be let into the village. With horses no less!" He pats his pouch. "Hear that? Empty. My wages comes from ferrying folks back an' forth. You folks so cheap you can't pay for a ferry and come through the swamp instead? That means the Zymph family don't eat." He shrugs and stands to full height, hands on hips. "Fare's one silver each, plus a gold for each horse and cargo. That's 35 silvers you folks owe me."
OOC:
Rolling with a couple of boosts because you actually do want information out of him...
You get the impression that he'd settle for a lot less -- maybe 20 silvers or so? But he seems to be resolute that some form of "tax" is due for your arrival at the village by unorthodox means. He might be reluctant to talk without some form of compensation.

Rolls

Negotiation

2 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Failure, 1 Advantage

May 14, 2020 10:47 pm
Hildar begins to study the documents that Nera has found, making comparisons between them and the documents they were issued with before they journeyed here.
OOC:
Thinking the best way to check the documents are valid is to try a direct comparison with the documents we have, not sure what I need to make for a check on that
May 15, 2020 7:15 am
"Oh, I mean, we were pursuing other matters and got a bit lost back int he swamp... We didn't mean for the Zymph family to ... erh" Nekurr grabs some coins and gives them to him "Here, even though everyone seems to think we're here just to take from the village, that is not true. You see, we're not really tax-collectors, we're just looking for the tax collector... any ideas where he may be?
OOC:
I'll just "randomly" pick 20 silver from my pocket without counting... I can see now why Nekurr is always out of cash ;)
May 15, 2020 1:51 pm
mcneils5 says:
OOC:
Thinking the best way to check the documents are valid is to try a direct comparison with the documents we have, not sure what I need to make for a check on that
OOC:
So, no roll required to determine that the wording of the two baronial writs is identical. The one Nera found is the same as the one your client gave you, just with Kellis Isle's name in the place of your group's.

However, if you want to be certain that the one Nera found is not a forgery, let's say you can roll either Knowledge (Geography) or Perception. I think the idea is that you would roll against the (hypothetical) forger's Skulduggery skill for the difficulty. There are only examples of this sort of character in Star Wars (nothing so far in Genesys), so we'll go with that: RRPP for the difficulty ("Forger" from Edge of the Empire core rulebook). You get two boosts for having an authentic document to compare it to. Success means you can definitively say that the document from the guest room is authentic. Without equipment (like a magnifying glass or something), add a setback, as well.

I'm OK with saying that, regardless of what skill you use, you benefit from Nera's Heightened Awareness talent for +2 more boosts. So, Perception or Knowledge (Geography) +BBBB vs. RRPP + Black.
May 15, 2020 1:56 pm
CESN says:
"Oh, I mean, we were pursuing other matters and got a bit lost back int he swamp... We didn't mean for the Zymph family to ... erh" Nekurr grabs some coins and gives them to him "Here, even though everyone seems to think we're here just to take from the village, that is not true. You see, we're not really tax-collectors, we're just looking for the tax collector... any ideas where he may be?
OOC:
I'll just "randomly" pick 20 silver from my pocket without counting... I can see now why Nekurr is always out of cash ;)
OOC:
So, saying you aren't here to collect taxes isn't entirely true -- your client has hired you to both find out what happened to Isle and to get the back taxes. In fact, your pay is supposed to come as a cut of whatever moneys you collect. Want to try a Deception check to convince him of that?

PP for difficulty, plus 2 setbacks and 2 boosts for motivational reasons that haven't been sussed out yet.
The man accepts the coin and makes a show of counting it and putting it in his purse. "Bit short, but it's a start," he grumbles. "What's this about a tax collector? You mean the red-headed fella who was here few weeks back?"
May 15, 2020 2:10 pm
SavageBob says:
So, saying you aren't here to collect taxes isn't entirely true
OOC:
I mean... by now everyone already told us that the taxes left with Isle so, unless we find evidence otherwise, I guess Nekurr as no reason to believe the main focus is finding Isle so it would have not been said to deceive I suppose
"Yes, exactly that one. Do you know what happened to him? He should have reported back a while ago..."
Last edited May 15, 2020 2:13 pm

Rolls

deception

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

May 15, 2020 3:16 pm
OOC:
Bruv can "Assist" with a 4 Cunning...
"He's suspected of walkin' off with it all. Anyting you can recall would 'elp build our case..."

Rolls

Additional Deception dice

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

May 15, 2020 9:15 pm
Hildar subjects the document to intense scrutiny
OOC:
Going with Knowledge (Geography).....oooooffffff, wellnet 2 advantage and a despair......Advantages to have a bit of additional info that might have been missed on the first pass (like a scribbled note on the back of the map or something) maybe
Last edited May 15, 2020 9:22 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (Geography)

3 Success, 6 Advantage, 3 Failure, 4 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 2 Advantage, 1 Despair

May 18, 2020 3:11 pm
Tronus, Hildar, and Nera

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5
As Hildar is finishing up his analysis of the documents—sniffing the writ Nera found but putting it up to his nose—a nasally voice wafts in from the next room. "What've you got there, outlander?" Glancing up, Nera, Tronus, and Hildar find that Rupert Wayland has come back inside.
OOC:
Deception versus him is RR. Or tell the truth; up to you!
May 18, 2020 3:19 pm
Bruv & Nekurr

The strange man looks from Nekurr to Bruv then back again, weighing your words as frogs croak from the waters. "Good. We ain't rich enough to pay the baron's taxes twice, you know what I'm saying?" He straightens up as best he can, but his posture seems a bit stooped. "Your taxman came roaring through here in the dark of night. I was sound asleep, but he rang the bell like a madman and demanded to be let across. I told him to come back in the morning, but he threatened to box my ears if I refused." He shifts from one foot to the other and points across the river and shrugs. "I ferried him across, and he rode off into the night on the Tamalir road."
May 18, 2020 6:46 pm
Nera puts her hands behind her back, assuming an innocent stance to clear away any suspicion. "Oh, just a map Hildar insisted on making soon as he could. "
OOC:
Upgrading deception >:)

Use the advantage to determine how concerned he is to find us gawking over something.
Last edited May 18, 2020 6:49 pm

Rolls

Deception

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

May 19, 2020 8:55 am
"Really? In the dark of night?" Nekurr fakes surprise as if no one had mentioned that before. "Why would anyone do that? And to be that pushy!" Nekurr looks, in a very obvious way, to "haunted house" close the to mayor's residence "I mean, one would say he saw a ghost!"
May 19, 2020 2:06 pm
OOC:
CESN: Remember that the smithy mentioned this same detail, more or less: He said he was woken up in the dark of night by the sound of Isle fleeing the village.
"Heh," the boatman flashes a crooked-toothed smile. "I heard your boy got chased outta town by the mayor. He was stealin' booze or something. Figures. He probably stole the tax money, too." He looks to you, pauses. "That all? I gotta get to the fair grounds for the festival. Should kick off here in a little bit."
May 19, 2020 2:09 pm
OOC:
How much he cares = He seems not to care.
Rupert Wayland regards Nera for a moment, stone-faced. The Catfolk can almost hear the wheels turning in the big man's head. Finally, he speaks. "OK." He points a meaty finger toward the open front door. "Festival's starting. Brother asked me to to get you."
May 19, 2020 9:10 pm
"Oh?" Nera's head is racing, festivals are great spots for cons and the like. "What kind of attractions will there be? Perhaps an archery contest?"
OOC:
Being a bit cheeky with the suggestion lol. If not Nera won't bring her bow.
Last edited May 19, 2020 9:13 pm
May 20, 2020 3:09 am
The man looks at Nera for a beat as the wheels turn yet again. "No archery. Knife throwing contest, though. Uh..." He doesn't seem used to talking in extended sentences. "Animal races. Greased pig. Pageant." He squints his eyes, confused. "You want to do an archery contest? We can ask..."
OOC:
Nera can try a Charm check on the guy if you want to convince him to advocate for an archery contest (giving you a plausible reason to keep the bow). RP difficulty, add a setback for his confusion.
May 20, 2020 7:04 am
Nera doesn't really feel like wooing Rupert at all. Still, nothing ventured...

"It'll be fun, and what better place to hold a contest?"
OOC:
Well, it's something!
Last edited May 20, 2020 7:04 am

Rolls

Shot in the dark charm

2 Success, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Threat

May 20, 2020 2:12 pm
Hildar, Tronus, and Nera
OOC:
Weird result! Let's say you've bought yourself a bow at the festival, but it will be out of reach for the time being (unless Nera opts to leave it behind after all).
The man smacks his lips and sniffles before sticking out a large hand. "I'd better hold onto the bow. Folks might spook if armed strangers show up. We can ask Brother about the contest when we get there." The mayor's brother gestures toward the open manor door. "Wait outside," he tells the lot of you. "I need to tend the hearth fire. We can leave in a few minutes."

Bruv & Nekurr

With the ferryman closing up for the evening, you decide to rejoin the others back at the manor house. You realize you might have a chance to at least walk by the abandoned house others have mentioned, but without directions, you face the possibility of getting lost and being late for the festival.
OOC:
Option A: Just go back to the manor the way you came. We'll fast-forward to you rejoining the others.

Option B: Try to swing by one of the abandoned buildings for a quick look-see (basically enough time for one check there). The ruined church is on your way back through the center of town.

The "haunted house" is supposed to be near the mayor's house, but you don't have firm directions. You can either ask the ferryman for them, or try to wing it. Winging it will require an upgraded Knowledge (Geography) check to find with two boosts, one for the map, one for unskilled assistance from the PC not making the roll.
May 20, 2020 3:37 pm
Bruv looks to Nekurr, "Let's foind da others, hm? Er, if ya want ta do some pokin' aroun' da haunted place, maybe Oi just let you to it, as sneakin' ain't moch my ting..."
May 21, 2020 9:04 am
Nera is unhappy Rupert has decided to be responsible. Alas she does not voice such complaints, she's testing her luck enough as is. Oh no, I'm turning into Nekurr.
May 21, 2020 9:30 am
As Rupert wanders back inside Hildar mutters quietly to Nera but makes sure Tronus can hear as well "The map you found appears to be genuine....well, it would have been difficult to get as close a forgery to the documents we were given without an existing sample to work from at least. These locations" he points to the circled manor house, smithy-trading post, weaver's shop, and the ferry "Seem to have been of particular interest to our predecessor and from the smell it seems that someone rested a glass of brandy on the writ although I am not sure whether that is of any significance or not. We need to check in with the others and see if they have found anything else untoward in the settlement."
May 21, 2020 2:07 pm
OOC:
CESN, let me know if Nekurr plans to swing by either abandoned building; if not, we'll cut to your arrival at the manor.

Mcneils5, I don't think the group is apprised yet of what you learned about the weird book, either (it was in a private note to you).
May 21, 2020 3:22 pm
OOC:
if the church is on the way, probably worth looking through the door to check if there is anything familiar or interesting inside?
OOC:
GM Edit: It would be Perception for active searching. Bruv has Cunning 4, so we can keep the roll, but I'll add a boost for Nekurr's help.
Last edited May 21, 2020 3:22 pm

Rolls

Vigilance maybe?

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 4 Advantage

boost

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

May 21, 2020 4:53 pm
[ +- ] Ruined Church
Returning the way they came, Nekurr and Bruv take a quick glance at the ruined church in the village square. The ceiling of the structure has largely caved in. A tower of some sort still stands, but there's nothing in it, such as a bell or statue.
OOC:
5 advantage on that check. What would you like to use it on? Can't be related to things directly perceived about the church, since you failed the Perception check, but other ideas?
May 22, 2020 2:13 pm
OOC:
Well... recover strain is the default in case there's advantages left.

Maybe we didn't notice anything in the church because we got distracted by something happening outside of it? Maybe something we could see through a cracked window of the ruins or hear from some place nearby? Something unrelated to help tying some loose ends?

So 3 adv for a "cases converge" and 2 for maybe some valuable insight for noticing something during or about the festival?
Last edited May 22, 2020 2:13 pm
May 22, 2020 8:46 pm
OOC:
Recovering strain is always a possibility (and can be important in certain situations), but it's usually more fun to use advantage for other things in my opinion! I can work with what you said.
There's a lot of activity in the town square, so Bruv and Nekurr find themselves a bit distracted as they try to get a look at the rundown church. For one thing, there's an older woman leading a rather irritable pig from a pen behind the weaver's shop; it's squeals and her curses pierce the quiet as she eventually gets the beast to follow her toward the festival grounds with some sort of food in her hand.

Meanwhile, outside the trading post, the smith, Gauis Tabbins, seems to be embroiled in a heated exchange with the physician, Erfan Eswyse. The burly Human leans over the Gnome and gesticulates toward the ferry. "You know those taxes have been spread all over the gambling dens of Tamalir by now, Erfan, admit it!"
May 22, 2020 8:49 pm
The Gnome hops up and down, nearly bumping his head on the bigger man's chin. "I don't know that, Gaius! As I said, I was sound asleep like most of the rest of the village, so I didn't hear that man leave like you did! But the taxes be damned. They're here for our pipeleaf... Too much coincidence they come on the night when the whole village up and smokes the stuff! We have to be careful..."

The two men notice you emerge from around the church. They both regard you cooly, the Gnome giving you a slight tip of his hat as you pass. You figure it's probably not the best time to interrupt whatever they were talking about, so you continue back toward the manor...
OOC:
OK, that's 2 advantage to see the pig and its owner, and 3 to overhear that juicy conversation. No time for another social encounter, unfortunately. We'll start with the festival after the weekend!
May 25, 2020 2:39 pm
Bruv and Nekurr find the rest of the Argus team outside the mayor's manor. Rupert Wayland, the mayor's brother, emerges from the house, closes it, and locks it with a key form his belt. You inform him that you have a gift for the village, the rest of the wine, so he heads to the Galbernost barn to fetch the remaining bottles. You find yourselves with a few moments alone to touch base about what you have discovered so far.
OOC:
I'll get Session 3 started later day, but I wanted you all to get a chance to share what your characters have learned if you'd wish. Feel free to do this IC or OOC. Of course, we can assume that you apprise one another of your progress even if you don't post anything. But Hildar particularly has a bit of info that he learned that I don't think has been widely shared yet.

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