[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

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Mayor Castor Wayland

May 26, 2020 2:15 pm

May 26, 2020 2:15 pm

[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

[ +- ] Festival Grounds

Reassembled with dusk approaching, you follow Rupert Wayland across the smaller river and then toward the western edge of town. The large man is a beast, carrying the half-full crate of wine on his back like a pack mule. On the way, you pass more small farmhouses and fields of grain, small vegetables, and that ever-present pipeleaf. If the festival has even a few of these foods on offer, it'll be a feast.

You hear the festival before you see it. The sounds of jaunty pipe-and-fiddle tunes waft toward you, along with shouts, laughter, and singing. Then the smells come, some sort of succulent meat stew, it smells like. Finally, you arrive on the site itself. The area is set up in a large, fenced-in area surrounded by farmland. The large stew you smelled simmers in a cauldron over a central bonfire surrounded by hay bales where joyous villagers sit with their families. A ring of canvas tents circles this central area, each offering some sort of food or drink. A wooden stage has been erected to the eastern edge of the grounds, while the northern area is abuzz with people tending to razorwings tethered to posts.

Rupert Wayland sets your wine down near the entrance to the area. His brother, Mayor Castor Wayland, seems to notice your arrival and head your way. "Glad to see you've made it!" he says, with a toothy grin. "Welcome to the Founder's Festival! I trust you found the documents you were looking for?"

May 27, 2020 8:32 am

May 27, 2020 8:32 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Just quick nod and show of presence ;)
Nekurr wasn't checking the documents, so I'll wait this one until one of the "experts" replies :D

Nekurr looks around, marvelled by the small, but still impressive fair such a small town managed to make.

Mayor Castor Wayland

May 27, 2020 1:58 pm

May 27, 2020 1:58 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I should have included a prompt to let you or Burv comment, too, so here goes!

He regards Nekurr and Bruv. "And I hope my fellow villagers have been cooperative. Any luck tracking down your missing taxman?"

May 27, 2020 5:11 pm

May 27, 2020 5:11 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv nods, "Yea, Oi tink a picture is formin'...

Wot's yet favorite ting ta do at the Fair, 'ere, Mayor Wayland?"

Mayor Castor Wayland

May 28, 2020 2:09 pm

May 28, 2020 2:09 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The mayor lights up at mention of the events. "Take your pick, friend! Dreamer's Leap oughtta be starting up soon. We start with the kids, but then everyone takes a leap over the bonfire in honor of Nature's Lady. Then we've got the knife-throwing contest, of course. Then you might want to make a little wager on the razorwing races--I won't tell the baron if you don't, and rest assured, that all the winnings go to upkeep of those magnificent creatures. Course, a big fella like you oughtta really think about wrasslin' the greased pig! That's always a favorite of the villagers!"

OOC:

Seems we may be down a few players, hopefully only temporarily). But this is a good place to win over some villagers if you want by impressing them in these various contests.

May 28, 2020 4:16 pm

May 28, 2020 4:16 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv nods along as the mayor rattles off the list, "Eh... last toime Oi wrestled a pig, she wanted me ta buy 'er dinner and drinks afterwards.. Ha-har!.", he smiles and laughs at his own jest.

"Wot abou' da Nature's Lady's sacrament? Can outsoiders partake of da purple plant?"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

May 28, 2020 8:37 pm

May 28, 2020 8:37 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar smiles in what he hopes is a reassuring manner at the mayor "Ah yes, I think we found everything we need. Thank you for for being so accommodating"

OOC:

Did we have a few minutes alone as a group to update everyone on our collective findings or has Rupert been lingering with us?

May 29, 2020 12:36 am

May 29, 2020 12:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

OOC:

Did we have a few minutes alone as a group to update everyone on our collective findings or has Rupert been lingering with us?

OOC:

You had some time while he was getting the wine together, so feel free to spitball ideas or reveal anything you'd like (here as a "flashback" or in the OOC).

Mayor Castor Wayland

May 29, 2020 1:04 pm

May 29, 2020 1:04 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Can I get a Skulduggery check from Hildar? Hard difficulty upgraded once: RPP. This pertains to how well Hildar has squirreled away the book he took from the mayor's manor.

Wayland chortles and flashes a grin. "It's all sacraments tonight, my good man. If it's the pipeleaf you're interested in, I'd urge you to try the salad. Chandy Galbernost's dressing is divine—if you'll pardon the expression. But you're also welcome to grab one of the effigies of Nature's Lady from that tent over there." He nods to a tent near the entrance of the field. "Every household'll burn one of those tonight in honor of the goddess. Folks 'round here say that if she sends you good dreams, you know you'll have a blessed harvest in the coming year." The mayor leans in and lowers his voice. "Now this interest in the pipeleaf doesn't have anything to do with some silly laws against the stuff out there in the barony, does it? Some villagers are a bit concerned…"

OOC:

Bringing up the pipeleaf has somewhat spooked him. To allay his suspicions, you can try a Charm or Deception check (both versus RPP, with a setback since he feels his townspeople threatened), depending on whether you do intend to bring up the illicit substance to the baron's representatives or not.

May 29, 2020 3:15 pm

May 29, 2020 3:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

No Bruv doesn't really care about that aspect. We're hired to investigate something else.

But the fact that it might be in numerous forms here, and that everyone burns it in their homes on such a night as this, and that it's expected to bring ppl "dreams" - wherein maybe "bad dreams" are a possibility - all seems like it could be relevant. Both in what we decide to consume tonight, and to the investigation.

That said, I would like to conceal the reason for my line of questioning.

Bruv just shakes his head, "Oi'm a bit of a mystic, and a man of nature myself, Mayor. Oi both recognize the value of soch communion, and more importantly; wasn't paid to care about your pipeleaf. Ergo, Oi do not.

Wot about our other Tax-man? Did 'e care abou' it? Sounds the type to me that might 'ave even jumped at the opportunity to try da stuff."

OOC:

Oh, and Deception check, want to just add the Dif?

Last edited May 29, 2020 3:16 pm

Rolls

Deception

3 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

May 29, 2020 3:21 pm

May 29, 2020 3:21 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

Can I get a Skulduggery check from Hildar? Hard difficulty upgraded once: RPP. This pertains to how well Hildar has squirreled away the book he took from the mayor's manor.

OOC:

If it's large enough to be noticeable amongst his possessions could Hildar have used Mask to make it look like a different book? Like one that looks similar to the others he is carrying? Seems to be within the basic scope of the type of spell, also willing to spend a Story Point to retroactively have applied it. I'm betting on the Mayor not having paid a massive amount of attention to Hildar when he arrived so probably won't have registered exactly how many books he was carrying

May 29, 2020 3:26 pm

May 29, 2020 3:26 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'll probably try to give a boost to that one ;)

"Well, we had no complains about any illegal activity around the area so I'm pretty sure no one is worried about it in the barony." Nekurr adds to Bruv's explanation "In fact, we understand that religious rituals come in many forms and there is no reason to question higher power than ourselves" with that point made, the cleric focus on his own rituals "I for one find those razorwing races truly interesting expressions of devotion."

OOC:

that is not much help... maybe he is not too keen on mixing up goddesses -_-

Last edited May 29, 2020 3:26 pm

Rolls

boost nature man

Mayor Castor Wayland

May 29, 2020 5:04 pm

May 29, 2020 5:04 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Rolling Mayor's Vigilance to resist the Deception check... Final tally is 1 Success, 1 Advantage. Emsquared can spend it as he wishes, just let me know.

Re. Mask spell: So, I'm only calling for the Skulduggery check because the book is so distinctive. It's large, bound with wood slats, and fairly thin. If you think Hildar would have thought to mask it magically, then, yeah, go ahead and roll for that spell. Otherwise, try Skulduggery vs. RPP (and take two boosts for the fact that you are carrying other books already and the fact that the mayor is somewhat distracted by the hubbub). If that fails, you'll potentially have the chance to roll a quick Mask spell to cover it up, albeit with any penalties for doing so silently and without gestures.

Rolls

difficulty

2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Threat

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

May 29, 2020 9:10 pm

May 29, 2020 9:10 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Hmmmmm, in all fairness it probably wouldn't have occurred to Hildar until he was standing right in front of the mayor so let's try Skullduggery but going to use a SP to upgrade my check....

OOC:

GM edit: Don't overlook those two boosts.

Rolls

Skulduggery

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 3 Threat

boosts

3 Advantage

Total: 3 Advantage

Mayor Castor Wayland

May 30, 2020 2:07 am

May 30, 2020 2:07 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

With so many distractions, the mayor seems content to let the pipeleaf fears go. Hildar bristles slightly as the mayor's eyes glance across the Elf's belongings, but Wayland doesn't seem to notice the tome that was taken from his manor.

The man gestures toward the woodpile and flashes his perfect teeth. "Looks like we're about to light the bonfire. I hope you'll consider taking the Dreamer's Leap. Bigger the fire gets, the better your fortune will be, we old folks say. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

OOC:

Nera can make her play to get her bow back if she wants. And last chance to ask any questions of the mayor before you get a chance to do some gambling/gaming/schmoozing.

somebox Inactive forever!

May 30, 2020 5:51 pm

May 30, 2020 5:51 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Dreamer's leap? Sounds weird. Nera is confident if the others talked about it she was definitely not paying attention, not being too keen on matters of ceremony or devotion.

"Oh mayor, before you leave? I had heard there might be an archery contest of sorts?" Nera asks innocently enough.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 1, 2020 7:11 pm

Jun 1, 2020 7:11 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The mayor pauses a moment. "You mean the knife-throwing contest? Absolutely! I'm sure folks'd love to see some outsiders throw a knife or two!" His brother holds up Nera's bow and grunts. "I take it you want to use your bow instead? Problem is, the goddess's sacred implement is the dagger... But I suppose if you were to figure out a way to explain it as an act of devotion..."

OOC:

So, you can try a Hard upgraded Deception check with a setback for the mayor being jumpy (RPP+K) to have armed strangers at the feast if you want to make up some cockamamie story of how the bow is somehow a sacred implement worthy of devotion to the goddess of the harvest (RPP+K).

Or, you can try an Average (PP) Knowledge (Lore) check to find a way to do this through the actual lore of the goddess Aris.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 1, 2020 9:52 pm

Jun 1, 2020 9:52 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar quickly racks his brain for what he knows about the goddess to weigh in on the conversation in Nera’s favour

Rolls

Knowledge (lore)

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 2, 2020 1:12 am

Jun 2, 2020 1:12 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

2 advantage -- related information? Get some other insight? Strain?

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 2, 2020 8:37 am

Jun 2, 2020 8:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar looks thoughtful for a few moments before interjecting with the mayor "I was of the understanding that most of the regarded implements, those considered to be particularly significant to the worship of Aris, are more implements associated with the harvest....sickles, scythes and the like. I mean if you consider the shape of a bow compared with the curve on the blade of a scythe or sickle in addition to the related practice in some areas of having a hunt as part of observances such as these celebrations that the bow could be considered to be a suitable implement....well, from a certain standpoint at least." and he looks at the mayor expectantly.

OOC:

Gonna keep the Advantages towards Boosts if a check is needed to convince the mayor. If they aren't needed for that then could go with any related info

Jun 2, 2020 9:58 am

Jun 2, 2020 9:58 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

implements associated with the harvest....sickles, scythes and the like.

OOC:

Wait... so they think throwing knives is a ... implement of harvesting? Suspicious...

"Well if it is for good fortune, I must that that leap" Nekurr immediately mentions as he looks at the bonfire. "I like this festival already!". The half-catfolk starts to look around, waiting for the moment when he can check out the festival grounds "And the pageant! How does that work actually? I was told outsider may be allowed as judges!"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 2, 2020 10:16 am

Jun 2, 2020 10:16 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

mcneils5 says:

implements associated with the harvest....sickles, scythes and the like.

OOC:

Wait... so they think throwing knives is a ... implement of harvesting? Suspicious...

OOC:

I've updated the clues thread with what Hildar would have relayed to everyone in their brief time alone, or as alone as they can manage here. He has doubt's that the figure they are worshipping here is actually the goddess they claim

Last edited June 2, 2020 10:17 am

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 3, 2020 12:06 am

Jun 3, 2020 12:06 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Mayor's cool with it, so 2 advantage gives Hildar some additional insight.

The mayor chuckles at Hildar's reasoning and Nekurr's enthusiasm. To the Elf, he says, "You've done your homework, friend! No doubt you've noticed that our understanding of religion is a bit different from most." He shrugs. "I mean, most folk don't associate Nature's Lady with a buzzard neither. But after the harvest, we all gotta use a knife to cut the food up, so it makes sense. But..." He gives Nera a grin. "Keep the bow. If folks get spooked, tell 'em I said it was all right." To Nekurr, he adds, "I was going to leave that for a surprise, but we did wanna see if you all might help decide the winner. Pageant's the last major event. Happens during the big feast." As he starts to head off, he yells, "Have fun! Be sure to try the salad!" Rupert Wayland hands Nera back her bow and walks off with his brother.

And with that, you are left alone.

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

OOC:

So, we can split up here as you'd all like. Maybe in pairs at least to keep it manageable? You can try Dreamer's Leap (jump over the bonfire before it gets too big, so earlier is easier), check out the upcoming greased pig contest, bet on the razorwing races (where your old pal the kiddo will presumably be), chat with the contestants for the pageant, chat up other villagers, try knife throwing (or bow shooting), sample the treats on offer ... Just let me know what you'd like to do! Maybe each of you can do one or two things before we progress to the pageant.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 3, 2020 12:21 am

Jun 3, 2020 12:21 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar frowns at the retreating form of the mayor and ponders things for a moment.....

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden)

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Jun 3, 2020 2:19 am

Jun 3, 2020 2:19 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Something clicks with Hildar...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 3, 2020 2:32 am

Jun 3, 2020 2:32 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Score." Nera happily accepts her bow. Looking around anyone can tell she looks ready to get this party started, possibly look for opportunities in skulduggery.

When the mayor has left them to their relative silence Nera first has to get a bit more info. "Okay, give me the rundown: are we expecting any weird ceremonies? Will we eat the food and pass out, our fate in their hands?"

OOC:

Throwing knives use melee (light), or ranged?

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 3, 2020 7:54 am

Jun 3, 2020 7:54 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

As the mayor and Rupert leave Hildar turns to the others "The bird imagery and the use of knives fall under a different god than Aris.....Harridan" he smiles expecting a response but when greeted but several blank looks he quickly carries on "Erm, Harridan is another Zanagan deity, quite closely allied with Arachne. I believe their clergies compete with one another in a lot of respects but they are not beyond co-operation if it is to their mutual benefit" throughout he keeps his voice pitched low so that only his companions can hear him

Jun 3, 2020 8:33 am

Jun 3, 2020 8:33 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

You can try
* Dreamer's Leap (jump over the bonfire before it gets too big, so earlier is easier),
* check out the upcoming greased pig contest,
* bet on the razorwing races (where your old pal the kiddo will presumably be),
* chat with the contestants for the pageant,
* chat up other villagers,
* try knife throwing (or bow shooting),
* sample the treats on offer ...
Just let me know what you'd like to do! Maybe each of you can do one or two things before we progress to the pageant.

OOC:

Pick two? definitely razorwing betting and pageant girls :D

Nekurr looks at Hildar as he mentions all the gods. "So ... we stay away from the salad?"

Jun 3, 2020 2:37 pm

Jun 3, 2020 2:37 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Ya may want to take a look at what they're throwing in that fire, before ya go leaping over it... If dere's purple leaves, you're just jumping over a giant pipe.

An' Oi won't be drinking or eating anyting on offer 'ere tonight. Oi want ta keep moi faculties moine, and we are still on da job... an' Oi suspect dat partaking in dere sacraments may 'ave contributed to... whatever 'appened to our tax-man. Which we still 'ave no real clue of...

If we believe da tax records are forged, we're gonna 'ave ta confront da Mayor about 'at, sometime, too."

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 5, 2020 1:53 am

Jun 5, 2020 1:53 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

OK, will break you up as indicated so far.

Nekurr (& who?)

Nekurr approaches the pile of kindling and branches that have been leaned into a conical pyre. A portly Gnome woman holds back a line of young children who seem eager to do the Dreamer's Leap. Little Peppin Galbernost is among them. "Cat man!" he practically screams. "Are you gonna leap with us?"

OOC:

At this stage, the pyre hasn't been lit, so if you're concerned about pipeleaf being in the mix you can either ask about it (just say so), or scan for it visually or by trying to smell it: Average (PP) Perception check.

Jun 5, 2020 1:55 am

Jun 5, 2020 1:55 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Anybody going with Nekurr? Is Nera headed directly for the knife-throwing contest? (Knives are Ranged, as is the bow -- there's no light/heavy distinction in this setting.)

Bruv want to investigate the food preparations? You could also try magic to try to identify what foods have pipeleaf in them and what ones don't. (Not sure what spell, but we can figure something out.)

Hildar have any plans at this stage? What about Tronus?

Jun 5, 2020 7:04 am

Jun 5, 2020 7:04 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr leaves the group with a prayer "May Fortuna watch over you all" as he quickly makes it to were the betting... *cough* religious practices are more interesting.

As he makes his way to the razorwing's races, little Peppin stops him by the Dreamer's Leap. "oh! you're jumping over this? Isn't it a little dangerous?". Nekurr looks at the pyre suspiciously ...

OOC:

GM edit: Don't forget the boost for Component Casting now that you have cards again.

Last edited June 5, 2020 7:08 am

Rolls

augment

5 Success, 1 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 1 Threat

perception 0/2 + pray

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

boost

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 5, 2020 7:29 am

Jun 5, 2020 7:29 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

Anybody going with Nekurr? Is Nera headed directly for the knife-throwing contest? (Knives are Ranged, as is the bow -- there's no light/heavy distinction in this setting.)

Bruv want to investigate the food preparations? You could also try magic to try to identify what foods have pipeleaf in them and what ones don't. (Not sure what spell, but we can figure something out.)

Hildar have any plans at this stage? What about Tronus?

OOC:

Hildar would stick with Nekur unless anyone suggests he looks into anything in particular

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 5, 2020 8:40 am

Jun 5, 2020 8:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Nera will check out the throwing knife competition, hope there's time for Peppin later.

Jun 5, 2020 2:13 pm

Jun 5, 2020 2:13 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Sorry to split further but Bruv is most/only interested in talking to the pageant contestants. Mostly just wants to try to find out what the "winner" gets. Cuz he wouldn't be surprised if it was sacrificed, or possessed, or something...

Jun 5, 2020 2:15 pm

Jun 5, 2020 2:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Nekurr is interested in that as well, so maybe we can follow that lead on the way :D

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 6, 2020 2:38 am

Jun 6, 2020 2:38 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr & Hildar

OOC:

I added a boost to Nekurr's Augment since Component Casting is in effect again. Erased your threat!

The boy gives Nekurr an offended look. "Dangerous? That's the point, Cat Sir. If you jump over, Nature's Lady blesses you!" As the boy talks, Nekurr and Hildar notice the Gnome woman erect a tall stepladder. On the opposite side of the bonfire is a large tub of what appear to be dry beans. The pyre itself seems to be plain old wood; there's no sign of the purple leaf or the plant it grows on.

The woman urges the children to back up, and she lights the pyre with some flint and steel. A few boys jostle to be the first over, but a portly lad with dark hair wins out. He climbs the stepladder, says, "Blessed be the Founder!" and jumps over the flames--still several feet below the top of the ladder--and lands in the tub of beans harmlessly.

"Are you gonna jump?" Peppin asks the Elf and Half-Catfolk. "I can go before you if you won't be scared."

OOC:

Jumping the flame is an Easy (P) Athletics check at this point, plus a boost for the fact that you don't have to worry about sticking a landing. It will get harder as the night wears on and the flames get higher.

Jun 6, 2020 2:53 am

Jun 6, 2020 2:53 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera

[ +- ] Festival Grounds

OOC:

In the above image, Hildar & Nekurr are at the bonfire at the center of the map. Nera is up in the area northeast of them where you can see a bunch of circles just to the left of two griffins. (The griffins are not there -- that's where the pig is kept.)

With a bit of looking around, Nera is able to find the knife-throwing area. It's not far from a pen where a large hog whimpers and lolls. A burly Human man with a bushy white beard stands behind a large barrel. A middle-aged Human woman takes one of the knives and throws it gingery, but it lands harmlessly in the dirt a few feet in front of her. The Catfolk notices five other knives in similar positions.

"Pathetic, Dabley! Nature's Lady would expect more from you." The woman seems embarrassed, but she merely cursies and walks away. Nera thinks she catches her rolling her eyes as she does so. The big man collects the knives from the dirt and gives Nera a sidelong glance. "So, outsider? You willing to show your thanks to our goddess? Want to try your hand at it? Just throw the knife and hit the hay bales. Easy as that."

Jun 6, 2020 3:01 am

Jun 6, 2020 3:01 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv
As the others disperse, Bruv scans the crowd for the pageant contestants. He sees Lyssie Galbernost, Peppin's sister, helping with food preparations in a tent toward the western edge of the fairgrounds. Looking a bit more, he notices Jacey Tabbins, the smith's daughter, in a heated discussion with a boy around her own age. The pair stand near the stage, perhaps a dozen yards from the bonfire.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 6, 2020 5:48 pm

Jun 6, 2020 5:48 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Really?" Nera is almost baffled by how easy this contest appears to be. She wonders if there is some hidden gimmick, like the ones in those traveling circus communities. "I will try."

Last edited June 7, 2020 5:05 am

Jun 8, 2020 8:55 am

Jun 8, 2020 8:55 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr was not planning on jumping the bonfire as... we was not sure what he would find on "the other side". But not noticing any evidence of that purple drug and seeing Pepin's little happy face he gave in to it. "I think elf man here is not into jumping but I'll go after you". Truth is... Nekurr wasn't one for jumping as well...

OOC:

Advantage to impress the kids and get a bonus when I ask them about the haunted house (the kids were the one who knew about it right?)

Last edited June 8, 2020 8:56 am

Rolls

athletics 0, brawl 2

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Augmented

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Jun 8, 2020 2:30 pm

Jun 8, 2020 2:30 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv will listen in on the conversation from a distance before approaching.

Jun 9, 2020 12:37 am

Jun 9, 2020 12:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera
The smith lays out five knives on the barrel before him. There are three hay bales a short way away. "Have at it, outsider." A small crowd of villagers stops to see what the Catfolk can do.

OOC:

We can just treat these as one check. Easy (P) difficulty for short range, and daggers have Accurate 1 (so add a boost).

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 9, 2020 12:41 am

Jun 9, 2020 12:41 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr & Hildar

With the flames still relatively low, Nekurr has little trouble leaping the flames. The Half-Catfolk lands harmlessly on the other side of the bonfire in the pile of beans. He even manages to bounce right back up and finish the whole thing off with a bow. The children and elders erupt into applause.

Peppin beams. "Did I tell you all that this Cat Man knows the Cat Lady who helped me get my razorwing back?" He then comes up to Nekurr and Hildar. "That was brilliant! Are you gonna come watch the races, too?"

Jun 9, 2020 12:46 am

Jun 9, 2020 12:46 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

As Bruv gets closer to the two teen-agers, he realizes they're a fair distance from the hubbub of the festival proper. He'll have to make pains to not be noticed if he wants to overhear their conversation.

OOC:

Bruv can try Stealth if he wants to sneak up and hide out of sight. Deception if he wants to pretend to do something else. Cool can work for that second approach, too. Any of them is going to be Average with a setback (PPK).

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 9, 2020 3:54 am

Jun 9, 2020 3:54 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Not about to decide against it Nera approaches the barrel and grabs a knife, testing it's weight for a second. Finding it satisfactory she twirls it in her paw and throws it at the hay, striking true.

OOC:

I'll use the advantage to uh, make the twirl seem cool? I don't know if banking for some test later even makes sense given it's just a fun little game.

Last edited June 9, 2020 3:57 am

Rolls

Ranged

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Jun 9, 2020 8:26 am

Jun 9, 2020 8:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Oh this was exciting!" Nekurr tells Hildar after his magnificent jump before Pepin joins them. "Sure! I was already on my way to the razorwings'. You have to tell me all about it!" the cleric seems to be doing a great job at mingling with the locals, mostly the underaged but nevertheless...

Jun 9, 2020 2:37 pm

Jun 9, 2020 2:37 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv mimes an inspection of the stage to try to get closer to the conversation.

Rolls

Deception (Cunning)

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure

Jun 10, 2020 1:30 am

Jun 10, 2020 1:30 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera

Taking the knives into her paw, Nera finds the daggers to have a bit of a different heft to them than standard throwing daggers. Maybe a local specialty of the smithy? The Catfolk holds her breath and hurls all five knives at the hay bales one after the other. And one after the other, they strike—one, two, three, four five—all in the center bale. Once the onlookers have a chance to take in what's happened, they notice that the Catfolk has not only tossed the daggers into the target; she's plunged them into the hay to create a perfect five-pointed star. The crowd erupts into applause.

The smithy lets out a hearty laugh. "Now that was something! The Lady's blessings be upon you, outlander!"

Suddenly, folks in the crowd seem to have taken a notice of Nera's bow. A teenaged girl asks the smith to let Nera show it off. He regards the weapon. "It's not really in keeping with our customs..."

OOC:

Up to you if you want to press it and potentially woo more friends. Boost from the last check, so you can try a Deception on this guy if you'd like at RRP, or Charm at PP.

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 10, 2020 1:37 am

Jun 10, 2020 1:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr & Hildar

Peppin takes off in a trot toward the north end of the festival grounds. "They're not really races," he says between huffs. "The mayor hides something... We've trained our razorwings to find game from the air... So the one that finds the thing first wins." The boy's arrived at a pile of wooden pens, each holding a razorwing inside. He finds his and gives the creature a bite of something. "Applesauce is gonna win this year, I know it!" He looks around. "We should be able to let 'em out in a few minutes. You can place a bet if you want... I think the shopkeeper handles the money."

Melchic Grimbly

Jun 10, 2020 1:40 am

Jun 10, 2020 1:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Bruv thinks he overhears the boy: "...and you know it, Jacey!" But the two teenagers seem to notice Bruv's presence. Their conversation quickly dies as they look around awkwardly.

OOC:

Let me know if you want to approach them. Charm and Deception are the most likely, I think? Both are PP with a boost and a setback (since Jacey knows you, but the boy does not.)

Jun 10, 2020 7:10 am

Jun 10, 2020 7:10 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr stops as Peppin mentions that the mayor is hiding something. For a moment, he though it was a confession, but then realised the kid was talking about some sort of food probably. "Well, let us pray that Applesauce is blessed and finds it first" After some short words whispered to Fortuna, the half-catfolk asks Peppin to introduce him to the shop keeper. "Talking about hiding things, I heard there is a old house around that hides some sort of ghost. That looks like a really cool story!"

OOC:

wasting strain on the races :D

Triumph praying for luck? Can Applesauce somehow find something or point us towards something that the mayor really doesn't want us to see?

Last edited June 10, 2020 7:15 am

Rolls

augment applesauce

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Total: 5 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Triumph

forgot difficulty... 2 maybe?

3 Threat

Total: 3 Threat

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 10, 2020 11:17 am

Jun 10, 2020 11:17 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus remains quiet for the most part at the festival he's mostly only talkative when he needs to be and there's too many things on his mind to not brood. Scratching the back of his neck he adjusts his shield finding himself in front of the Greased Pig contest area.

Jun 10, 2020 3:01 pm

Jun 10, 2020 3:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv waves a gentle hello when he sees he's been noticed, "'Oi! Sorry ta interrupt. Oi was 'opin' ta talk ta Jacey 'ere about da pageant. Ya see, I've been asked ta be a guest judge, an' just don't know a ting about it. So was 'opin' ta learn..."

OOC:

Bruv is trying to conceal the true motive of his questioning, this of course has nothing to do with his role as a judge... and so would prefer a Deception approach. Difficulty?

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 10, 2020 6:01 pm

Jun 10, 2020 6:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera grins triumphantly. While this is the opposite of a low profile, perhaps drawing the crowd would keep the pressure off of the others? Maybe she just liked the attention.

"Oh come now, I got permission to bring it and everything, was looking forward to a chance to use it. What if I made a shot from far away?" Nera elects to be nice, choosing not to argue the questionable correlation between throwing knives and the harvest.

Rolls

Charm

2 Success, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat

Jun 10, 2020 7:36 pm

Jun 10, 2020 7:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

emsquared says:

OOC:

Bruv is trying to conceal the true motive of his questioning, this of course has nothing to do with his role as a judge... and so would prefer a Deception approach. Difficulty?

OOC:

PP+boost+setback (since Jacey knows you, but the other guy doesn't)

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 11, 2020 2:20 am

Jun 11, 2020 2:20 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr & Hildar

Applesauce writhes and shakes like a dog trying to dry off. "Whoah," Peppin says, slack jawed. "He's never looked so ready to fly before. Guess your prayer worked!" The boy scans the field and adds, "I think most of the kids have jumped the pyre now. The flight should start any time now. You should place a bet if you want. Mrs. Tabbins is just over there." Nekurr recognizes the woman; she's the one he bought candied fruits and cards from earlier in the day. The boy smiles. "I'm gonna get Applesauce ready. Uh... I don't know if the village is really haunted. But my dad says I have to go to bed right after the festival ends or the Night Creepers will get me. I've never seen one, but some people say they have bird faces. Maybe Mrs. Tabbins can tell you more?

Jun 11, 2020 2:28 am

Jun 11, 2020 2:28 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus

The hog is currently in a wooden pen with a trough of food soaked in muddy water. The creature snorts and whimpers as Tronus gets near. There are no other people around, as Nera seems to have drawn quite a crowd over at the knife-throwing area.

Jun 11, 2020 2:36 am

Jun 11, 2020 2:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera

OOC:

I'm going to say that for the 2 threat, he agrees, but he ups the ante. (I wouldn't do something this severe in actual combat, but for what is essentially a performance, it seems fun. :)

The smithy harrumphs. "This isn't some kind of game, Catfolk," he says. The man scans around; there's at least two dozen people watching now. "But I have to admit, it does show the Lady's blessing to have so many foreigners here for the Founder's Feast." He shrugs. "What the hell. How 'bout you use the bow... but you do it blindfolded?"

OOC:

Blindfolded, the difficulty is upgraded twice, so it would go from P to RP.

Jun 11, 2020 7:06 am

Jun 11, 2020 7:06 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Right! Let me put something on applesauce. I have a good feeling about him" Nekurr says as he leaves Peppin to ready the razorwing. "Mrs Tabbins, how are you tonight? I'd like to place a bet on that one over there". Suspicious of those ghostly night creepers, he then adds "A nice festival you guys have going around here. I can see it lasting all night"

Jun 11, 2020 2:27 pm

Jun 11, 2020 2:27 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

They see me rollin'...

Rolls

Deception

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 2 Threat

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 11, 2020 3:19 pm

Jun 11, 2020 3:19 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus observes the state of the Hog and their environment as well as food.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 11, 2020 6:02 pm

Jun 11, 2020 6:02 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera desperately wants to ask how the festivities could be seen as anything but games, since they very clearly are.

"Now that sounds interesting. Just remember you're the one who suggested this plan." She's on a roll now, can't just up and quit with such a crowd. Plus she wants to see if she can do it. Taking a blindfold/cloth she takes good look at the hay bale. Confident she has a good enough picture, the blindfold is equipped.

Bow in hand, an arrow is knocked; she mentally imagines where the hay is. Taking a breath through her nose (bad idea, it smells bad), she looses an arrow.

OOC:

What a bummer! Use the advantage to suppress any harmful effects the shot may have caused. If that is not applicable, she's still seen as really cool with the gathering crowd, gotta maintain this newfound public image.

Last edited June 11, 2020 6:04 pm

Rolls

Ranged

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 1 Failure, 4 Advantage, 1 Despair

Jun 12, 2020 12:35 am

Jun 12, 2020 12:35 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr & Hildar

The shopkeeper smiles. "Oh, there'll be plenty of time for fun n' games. Things usually wrap up a bit after midnight, and everyone goes on to bed. The goddess sends her children pleasant dreams on Founder's Feast Night as a sign of her blessings, you see, so you gotta be asleep for that to happen!" She opens her coin box and continues. "So, if you want to donate something, it's not really a wager," she explains. "It's ten silvers, and all of it goes toward our schoolmaster's upkeep. Teaching the children means she doesn't have time for farming like most of the rest of us, you see. But if your razorwing finds the prize, and I draw your ticket, you get to keep whatever it is the mayor's hidden! That's what the mayor's hidden, you see." The woman collects Nekurr's silver and hands him a ticket. It says, "Applesauce 03" on it. "Thank you, thank you. You're too kind—and after buying those candied fruits for the pageant, too."

Melchic Grimbly

Jun 12, 2020 12:40 am

Jun 12, 2020 12:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

OOC:

Let's say the 2 threat mean that the boy doesn't quite buy your story, but doesn't dismiss it outright.

As he gets closer, Bruv sees that the young man's ears betray him as part Elf. He scoffs at Bruv's question. "So, did the mayor send you over here to make sure I was laying off Jacey? She knows well and good that she's the shoo-in to win." The girl starts to protest, but the boy continues: "Admit it, Jacey! Your mother and father are both judges. How do me or Lyssie stand a chance?"

Jun 12, 2020 12:44 am

Jun 12, 2020 12:44 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus

As far as Tronus can tell, the hog pen and its food seem normal. They sure smell that way. The hog itself is a bit dangerous looking, with bristly hair and tusks—not like the more tamed swine seen up in Nornholt.

OOC:

Tronus can try to get more information on the pig or trough if he wants. For the pig, let's say an Average (PP) Perception check with a setback for the bars of the pen blocking the view somewhat. For the trough, it's Hard (PPP) with a setback. Alternatively, he might want to appraise the pig's worth, which will be a Negotiation check tied to Cunning instead of Presence, since so much depends on the way it looks and smells. That one, too, gets a setback for the pen.

Jun 12, 2020 12:52 am

Jun 12, 2020 12:52 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

OOC:

What a bummer! Use the advantage to suppress any harmful effects the shot may have caused. If that is not applicable, she's still seen as really cool with the gathering crowd, gotta maintain this newfound public image.

OOC:

LOL. You actually rolled an extra red there -- the difficulty was only RP. So you get to avoid that despair! So, you miss, but for the advantage, we can make it so the folks don't realize you missed (they assume you meant to hit what you hit.)

Nera hears her arrow whizz through the air, but then she hears it plonk into something... something not like a hay bale... something that sounds like a hard, round object with gushy, wet stuff inside...

The Catfolk quickly yanks off her blindfold, but then the crowd erupts into cheers. Nera sees that her arrow seems to have sailed right over the hay bale and into a melon being carried by a now very wet, and very angry man.

The smithy laughs in spite of himself. "Now that was something else, foreigner! We appreciate the showmanship. You're just in time for the razorwing races if that interests you." The big man addresses the gathered crowd. "So can anyone top that? Who else can invite the goddess's blessings tonight?"

Nera's demonstration seems to have drawn quite a crowd to try their luck at the knives.

Jun 12, 2020 7:49 am

Jun 12, 2020 7:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Don't mention it! It wouldn't be fun to just stay in the corner and look when all of this is going on!" Nekurr tells Vanya as he tries to figure out how everyone having good dreams fit with the bird-like Night Creepers... "If I'm lucky, I'll be taking whatever the mayor's hid as a souvenir!" as he looks for the silver he takes the candies out "Well, good luck for little Jacey. She was so keen about the Pageant before that I'm sure she will be strong contender."

He goes back to show the ticket to Pepin and wish him luck "Mrs. Tabbins tells me that is the Nature's Lady blesses me I'll have some nice dreams today. Any clue what those may be" the cleric asks distractedly as is just making small talk.

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 12, 2020 12:31 pm

Jun 12, 2020 12:31 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus is curious if the breed is just that different in the region, if they domesticated wild hogs, or if it's a recently caught wild hog, or possibly like the land bountiful due to something else entirely going on.

Tronus can try to get more information on the pig or trough if he wants. For the pig, let's say an Average (PP) Perception check with a setback for the bars of the pen blocking the view somewhat. For the trough, it's Hard (PPP) with a setback. Alternatively, he might want to appraise the pig's worth, which will be a Negotiation check tied to Cunning instead of Presence, since so much depends on the way it looks and smells. That one, too, gets a setback for the pen.

OOC:

Whistles all pass but racked up 7 threat... Is that enough for the Hog isn't this a Demon Hell Boar??? to realize he's been found out and he goes Hog Wild? XD Or something in his trough makes him grow bigger...

OOC:

GM edit: Tronus has a rank in Negotiation. Let's see if that's your best bet.

Last edited June 12, 2020 12:34 pm

Rolls

Avg Perception Check on Pig w/ Knack For It T2

3 Success, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat

Hard Perception on trough Check w/ Knack For It T2

3 Success, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 4 Threat

Avg Negotiation Check on Pig off Cunning w/ Knack For It T2

2 Success, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

yellow die

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 12, 2020 6:01 pm

Jun 12, 2020 6:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera bows to the audience, her legend will no doubt grow even in this tiny dirty village. "I believe I shall, there is much left to see tonight yes?"

Before leaving she retrieves her arrow quickly, trying to avoid the upset melon carrier.

OOC:

Really upping the ante for Nera lol.

Jun 15, 2020 2:17 am

Jun 15, 2020 2:17 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera, Nekurr (& maybe Hildar)

Nera pretends not to speak Common for a moment as the melon-carrier curses her for ruining this dessert. The Catfolk pads across the field toward the clearing to the north.

She arrives just as Nekurr says something about dreams to a stern-looking but smiley Human woman. The woman replies to Nekurr's query, "Oh, I'm sure you city folk must think all this religious stuff is a bunch of hooey. But that's what we believe, all right." Her voice turns sing-songey, like a mother reciting something to her children:

"On Founder's Feast, you go to sleep,
"And never ever make a peep.
"Nature's Lady sends good dreams,
"To show you what the next year brings."

She laughs. "I'm sure it sounds like a bunch of nonsense, doesn't it? But that's about it, just dreams of some good things that might happen in the next year." She notices Nera approach. "Oh, do you want to choose a razorwing? It's only 10 silvers, and if your razorwing wins, you might get to keep the prize!"

Jun 15, 2020 2:26 am

Jun 15, 2020 2:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus

OOC:

Sorry, should have specified that Tronus should only attempt one of this checks, not all 3! :) They all were about the same result: 1 success with some threat, so let's say this happens:

As far as Tronus can tell, the nothing more than a domesticated swine, though it must just be a breed that's not as common in the cities. Its trough is full of the kind of slop you'd expect it to be full of. In fact, if anything, the animal seems quite docile.

A voice calls out: "Hey! What are you doing over there? Leave that hog alone!"

OOC:

That's your threat.

Jun 15, 2020 9:41 am

Jun 15, 2020 9:41 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I think I paid last post already

"Dream good dreams! That all I need to know" Nekurr smiles "I can do that!"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 15, 2020 2:38 pm

Jun 15, 2020 2:38 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar has been following Nekurr at a slight distance observing the proceedings with quite a bit of interest. As he goes he makes the odd note about things that take his interest, mainly focusing on the elements that could be elements of some wider worship.

As the woman recites the verse his eyes widen slightly and scribbles the few lines down. "No, not nonsense at all. I always find understanding the differences between local customs to be a way to better understand one another."

OOC:

Hildar is mainly wanting to try and get anymore clues to the entity that the village appears to be worshipping and to try and work out if the people here are knowingly worshipping a foreign Spider god (at least that's what he assumes) or not aware of it.

Jun 15, 2020 3:10 pm

Jun 15, 2020 3:10 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

The 10 silvers comment was aimed at Nera (and Hildar) if they want to make a "wager." Once we establish that, we can run the razorwing race.

I'll reply to Mcneils5 in the OOC thread.

Jun 15, 2020 4:22 pm

Jun 15, 2020 4:22 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv smiles politely and blinks a couple times at Melchic's rant, but otherwise completely ignores him.

Turning to Jacey, "Noice ta see ya again, lass. Excoiting day, ya? Can ya tell me, what 'ave some of the previous winners of da Pageant gone on ta do? Oi tink Oi 'eard mention 'at one lady left da village and 'as gone ta do... great tings in da world? What was it she's doin' now, exactly? Oi forget...
...
And what of oder winners? If ya could point me to some of 'em, Oi could ask dem moiself even?", he gestures about the crowd before both of their views.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 15, 2020 10:49 pm

Jun 15, 2020 10:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Uh, no...thanks." Nera finds this woman rather overwhelming, and is certain if she ran an orphanage it would be run like a prison.

She didn't care for gambling before, she's not gonna start in this village. Might get to keep the prize? Not inspiring confidence there.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 15, 2020 11:57 pm

Jun 15, 2020 11:57 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar thinks for a moment before he hands the money over to ‘bet’ on the race. Whilst he does he is still thinking about everything going on in the village and trying to draw connections between what he’s seeing here and the little he can recall about the cults that worship Arachne or Harridan

OOC:

going with Knowledge Forbidden to ‘cross reference these Aris rites and ceremonies against what you can remember about Arachne or Harridan‘ - he drops the setback die from the check due to his Knack for it talent

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden)

4 Success, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 4 Threat

Melchic Grimbly

Jun 17, 2020 1:39 am

Jun 17, 2020 1:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Jacey begins to open her mouth to answer Bruv's questions, but the other teenager interrupts. "Jacey! You see exactly what I'm talking about?" He turns to Bruv, wide-eyed, pointed ears twitching. "No offense, mister, but why would you even ask about the winners of the pageant if you hadn't already decided you were gonna crown Jacey!"

OOC:

You're gonna have to neutralize this guy to get any answers. Any social skill will be Hard upgraded with a SP (RPP). You may get boosts depending on your approach.

Jun 17, 2020 1:56 am

Jun 17, 2020 1:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr, Nera, & Hildar

"Suit yourself, love," the woman says to Nera. She takes Hildar's ten silvers. "Your friend seems to understand a bargain! Here's your ticket, love. Your Razorwing wins, we draw its tickets for the prize. May Nature's Lady favor you!"

Meanwhile, Hildar mulls over the rhyme in his head... Nighttime, good dreams, sleep, prophecy...

OOC:

For 4 threat, there's a lot of misinformation and uncertainty sprinkled into this note for Holder. :)

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

It looks like the razor-wings are getting ready to take off...

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 17, 2020 3:12 am

Jun 17, 2020 3:12 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera is glad she got to keep her bow, in case of a rampaging razorwing.

Jun 17, 2020 7:08 am

Jun 17, 2020 7:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

It looks like the razor-wings are getting ready to take off...

*Purrs in excitement and anticipation*

Jun 17, 2020 3:12 pm

Jun 17, 2020 3:12 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv turns back to Melchic, still smiling politely, and he extends a hand and pointer finger and swirls the finger in a circle pointing at the ground and tries to conjure an enclosure created of earth and bones vines(!) around himself and Jacey, blocking Melchic outside...

OOC:

So, it's just a simple construct - no moving parts, base Diff 1P. Then Great Summons for the Sil 3 upgrade +PP.

Last edited June 17, 2020 3:14 pm

Rolls

Primal, Conjure, Great Summons

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Jun 17, 2020 3:13 pm

Jun 17, 2020 3:13 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv turns to Jacey inside the earthen enclosure, which is open at the top to let light in, and full of flowering vines on the interior so as not to look frightening - but it's walls are very thick and it is very tall... " So sorry for the interruption, lass. You were going to say?"

Last edited June 17, 2020 3:21 pm

Jun 17, 2020 4:54 pm

Jun 17, 2020 4:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

And so Bruv was thrown into the bonfire for witchcraft :o

Jun 17, 2020 4:57 pm

Jun 17, 2020 4:57 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We've used magic before them already. Not as overt as this, certainly, but no one has batted an eye at casting spells in general.

Also, totally worth it! 😂

Jun 18, 2020 12:39 am

Jun 18, 2020 12:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

As Bruv's magical thicket sprouts around her, Jacey Tabbins's eyes widen. Meanwhile, a squeal of horror betrays shock from the teenage boy, as well...

Rolls

Jacey Fright check

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Threat

Melchic fright check

2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Jun 18, 2020 12:44 am

Jun 18, 2020 12:44 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Threat = she tears her pageant dress. Melchic failed, but not dramatically.

The girl backs into the wall of vegetation out of instinct and catches her dress on a thorn, tearing it. She quickly regains her composure and stands up strait. Dilated pupils and flushed cheeks are the only indication of her surprise at the turn of events. Footsteps outside the enclosure suggest the boy padding away slowly. "He's probably going for help." Her voice is strong, but not exactly friendly. "Now what is it that you want from me?"

Jun 18, 2020 12:48 am

Jun 18, 2020 12:48 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus

OOC:

No rush, Remnant -- just keeping Tronus's story moving as others progress.

A Human woman glides over to the greased hog's pen, surprisingly agile for someone with white hair. "What are you doing here? Folks might think you're tampering with the hog, you hear?"

OOC:

Any social checks on her are PPP, except Charm, which is RPP.

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 18, 2020 12:55 am

Jun 18, 2020 12:55 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera, Nekurr, Hildar

Nekurr, Nera, and Hildar follow Peppin Galbernost over to Applesauce's pen. The razorwing shudders and flaps in its cage, scattering drops of condensation from its fur. It's apparently still emboldened by Fortuna's blessing. "Here we go, Applesauce," Peppin tells the beast in a soft voice. "Remember to use your nose..."

The cages are all lined up, side by side, with hinged tops tied to a long pole. The shopkeeper announces that the race is on, and Rupert Wayland yanks on the pole, pulling open each hinged lid as he does so. The razorwings, four in all, clamber out of their cages and jump into the air. Each of them spreads its wings wide and catches a gust of air. They're aloft! The race is on.

Jun 18, 2020 1:00 am

Jun 18, 2020 1:00 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The bag-things gain altitude and begin circling the field from above. The sight is quite startling, even unsettling, as the large membraneous wings flap in the night sky against a full moon. The impression is of buzzards or vultures waiting for a dying animal to draw its last breath. Peppin explains that the razorwing most blessed by Nature's Lady is bound to win the contest, and he just knows it will be Applesauce this year!

Rolls

Razorwing 1 Perception

3 Success, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 4 Threat

Razorwing 2 Perception

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Razorwing 3 Perception

2 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure

Applesauce Perception

2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Peppin Galbernost

Jun 18, 2020 1:08 am

Jun 18, 2020 1:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

After about a minute, one of the bat-wolf things suddenly turns arrow-straight and dives toward an area behind the main stage. The festival goers ooh and aah at the creature, assuming it must have located the prize. Sure enough, it launches back into the sky with a large buzzard-shaped effigy in its claws.

"Ah, dang!" Peppin says, stomping his feet. "That's Della Bidge's razorwing, Gritty. I knew it was going to be an effigy again!" The boy's disappointment is short-lived, though, as Gritty continues to circle overhead. "What's he doing? He won!" the boy says, wide-eyed.

The creature remains in the sky. Applesauce and one other razorwing both seem to notice the unusual turn of events. Both of them streak toward Gritty, leading to an aerial scrum for control over the effigy. As the three razorwings fight in the air, Peppin is nearly in tears. "No! That's a holy symbol! What are they doing!" Suddenly, the effigy is falling toward the earth, headed directly for the mud slop of the hog's pen...

Jun 18, 2020 1:19 am

Jun 18, 2020 1:19 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Sorry for da teatrics, Jacey. Couldn't stand ta see Melchic keep talkin' over ya...", he gestures to the construct.

"Oi just was wonderin' wot ya can tell me about past winners of da pageant? Who are dey? Wot do dey do now? Even if ya could direct me to past winners present 'ere today?"

Once Bruv can no longer hear the foot steps of Melchic he drops the wall.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 18, 2020 8:01 am

Jun 18, 2020 8:01 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Since speaking with Vanya Hildar has seemed to be lost in thought, barely noticing the start of the race. Peppin's upset seems to shake him out of things and without thinking Hildar reaches out a hand as the effigy falls.....

OOC:

Hildar's first instinct would be to try and 'catch' the effigy with Magic. So Conjure specifically says:

This action represents the ability of a spellcaster to animate objects or create items (or even allies) out of thin air and the aether.

But then the rest of the spell pretty much forgets about animating things. I'm thinking if you're ok with using it that way then it's be a Hard check (1 x difficulty die base plus 2 for Range increases to Medium) unless it needs to be higher due to being a bit further distance? Also any setbacks for size of the thing and the speed it's moving at? As it's an effigy of a vulture the plan is to get it to fly over to Hildar and land on his arm....if the spell works

Last edited June 18, 2020 8:02 am

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 18, 2020 8:43 am

Jun 18, 2020 8:43 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera doesn't pull out her bow just yet, remaining on high alert due to the sudden change in behavior coupled with her inherent unfamiliarity with the customs of this village.

OOC:

What kind of check to try and grab it? Is that even possible from our distance to the falling object?

Jun 18, 2020 9:29 am

Jun 18, 2020 9:29 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

If Hildar's magics don't work Can Nekurr do some sort of slow fall magic?
By the way, having the holy symbol just fly softly into the ground would be pretty much a divine sign, so Hildar may have to deal with that!

Nekurr stays exited jumping and shouting until the razorwings start to fight. Seeing Pepin nearly in tears, and understanding the importance of the effigy to the village, he runs as fast as he can, hopeful getting the symbol in time.

OOC:

I won't roll until we know what happens magically: animation or slow fall (or nothing!)

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 18, 2020 3:15 pm

Jun 18, 2020 3:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Hog's kinda relaxed isn't it? I figure it'd be more cautious around strangers. Tronus by the way." Tronus states frowning a bit and backs up as the woman requests.

Jun 18, 2020 5:30 pm

Jun 18, 2020 5:30 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

Since speaking with Vanya Hildar has seemed to be lost in thought, barely noticing the start of the race. Peppin's upset seems to shake him out of things and without thinking Hildar reaches out a hand as the effigy falls.....

OOC:

Hildar's first instinct would be to try and 'catch' the effigy with Magic. So Conjure specifically says:

This action represents the ability of a spellcaster to animate objects or create items (or even allies) out of thin air and the aether.

But then the rest of the spell pretty much forgets about animating things. I'm thinking if you're ok with using it that way then it's be a Hard check (1 x difficulty die base plus 2 for Range increases to Medium) unless it needs to be higher due to being a bit further distance? Also any setbacks for size of the thing and the speed it's moving at? As it's an effigy of a vulture the plan is to get it to fly over to Hildar and land on his arm....if the spell works

OOC:

Just a quick reply here; I'll advance other storylines later today. I think Hard (PPP) sounds right. Add a setback for the general pandemonium and surprise of the situation.

It's at Medium range in the air. Since this isn't an attack spell, the velocity doesn't matter as much. Hildar could conceivably wait a moment to let it get to Short range before he shoots off the spell. But in that case, Nekurr's spell may take effect first (as IC, you wouldn't have time to discuss, just react.) You get to add the Summon Ally effect for free from your wand, right? So that's covered.

As for Nekurr trying to feather-fall the thing: That sounds like an Augment. We can call it Hard (PPP) with a setback for the surprise of the situation. If Nekurr waits until the effigy is closer to the ground, it becomes Average (PP) with a setback for the pandemonium.

So, maybe Hildar tries first, and if he fails Nekurr gets a go? Once y'all have made rolls, I can advance the storylines.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 18, 2020 6:40 pm

Jun 18, 2020 6:40 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Yeah Hildar wouldn’t wait for it to drop any closer. Ok, here we go then.....

Woohoo, so net 1 x Advantage, Success and Triumph. Could I use the Triumph to get a really positive response to this from the villagers, and the advantage to throw a boost out for someone who may get some benefit to having a bit of a distraction at the moment

[ +- ] Current Status

Last edited June 18, 2020 6:44 pm

Rolls

Conjure on the effigy

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

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Jun 19, 2020 1:11 am

Jun 19, 2020 1:11 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Jacey waits until the plant barrier is dropped before speaking. "Melchic's just mad because he thinks I'm going to win. My mom won the pageant about twenty years ago, and a lot of times, parents and children both end up taking the crown. Melchic's not a bad guy; he's just on edge since his folks died. He could use the purse the winner gets. It's enough to get passage to Tamalir, even Greyhaven or Nerekhall, enough to get you on your feed to start someplace new..."

Suddenly a commotion from the north end of the field draws Jacey's attention. Bruv sees a group of razorwings scuffling in the sky, and then a large buzzard-shaped doll falling to the ground....

Jun 19, 2020 1:14 am

Jun 19, 2020 1:14 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus

The woman ignores Tronus's pleasantries. "I think I made myself clear. You need to get away from the hog. Now."

Tronus doesn't feel any particular compulsion to leave, but just as he prepares a rejoinder, a commotion draws his attention to a large, buzzard-shaped effigy falling directly for the hog pen...

OOC:

We'll say her advantage are that the timing is such that Tronus doesn't get an immediate reply.

Rolls

Coercion

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Advantage

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 19, 2020 1:37 am

Jun 19, 2020 1:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera, Nekurr, Hildar

The festivalgoers hold their collective breaths as the sacred effigy plummets closer and closer to the pig pen. But, at the last moment, the buzzard effigy inexplicably spreads its wings and... flies! The buzzard dive-bombs the hog, then gains altitude once again. It does a loopdeloop through the air, sending the still-circling razorwings to alight on the ground in confusion. Finally, the buzzard effigy flutters down toward where Hildar, Nera, and Nekurr are standing. The canvas effigy comes to rest on Hildar's shoulder. It's a bit heavy--it seems to be stuffed with corn--but the Elf regains his posture after the initial jolt.

After this show, there's a pregnant pause. Suddenly, a voice cries out: "It's a miracle from the Lady! Nature's Lady blesses this night and these visitors!" Mayor Castor Wayland lopes over to Hildar's side, takes the Elf's hand, and raises it. The crowd erupts into applause. The mayor leans in and whispers: "Nice trick. You saved our bacon. That could'a been a mood-killer there." He then steps forward dramatically and says in a loud voice, "So, we have an unusual turn of events. We had a razorwing find the effigy, but then he lost it again. What do you all say that we let Mr. Hildar here keep the holy effigy this year?" The villagers cheer in agreement. "May Nature's Lady bless him!"

OOC:

We can pass the boost to Tronus if he wants it in his dealing with the grey-haired woman. If not, Hildar can regain 1 strain from satisfaction at his deeds. :)

Jun 19, 2020 11:47 am

Jun 19, 2020 11:47 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

and the advantage to throw a boost out for someone who may get some benefit to having a bit of a distraction at the moment

OOC:

Melchic also seems to be the perfect candidate for a sacrifice winner
Also, Anzila is the old lady we saw before right? That could be useful...

Nekurr flight in the air as he jumps to grab the effigy when it ... flies away...

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 19, 2020 12:46 pm

Jun 19, 2020 12:46 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar smiles awkwardly, not really sure how to react with all the attention but he does raise his hand and wave to the crowd whilst the effigy remains sat on his shoulder

Jun 19, 2020 2:36 pm

Jun 19, 2020 2:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We've met Jacey's mom, right? She was the shopkeeper?

Bruv turns to watch the spectacle and just shakes his head as sees his comrades participating joyfully in the honoring of the cult god.

Dey give dis "Nature's Lady" honor and strength by participating in her worship... Wot are dey doing?

He returns his attention to Jacey, "Yer mom, da lady we meet at da shop, won da pageant in her day? How many udder pageant winners are 'ere today? Oi'd loike ta speak ta as many as Oi could, learn about moi judgin' duties."

OOC:

Just for reference, Bob, I'm not actually looking to speak with any of the winners, so I'm not looking for names or new NPCs or anything. ;)

Last edited June 19, 2020 2:39 pm

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 19, 2020 5:59 pm

Jun 19, 2020 5:59 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus is about to comply when he notices and groans, "I'm getting to old to deal with this sort of thing."

"Gar Vanedi protect. SAFE ROAD." Tronus barks out.

OOC:

It sounded like Pig and/or the Pig handler are going to get brained so I'm trying to throw up Barrier to bounce the bludgeoning by effigy coming in. P or PP?

Jun 19, 2020 6:08 pm

Jun 19, 2020 6:08 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Remnant says:

OOC:

It sounded like Pig and/or the Pig handler are going to get brained so I'm trying to throw up Barrier to bounce the bludgeoning by effigy coming in. P or PP?

OOC:

Average (PP) for the range upgrade to Short. But you'd be able to see Hildar save the day. If you still want to use the spell, you can, though -- might have some effect on the woman's opinion of you.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 20, 2020 2:03 am

Jun 20, 2020 2:03 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar, Nera, and Nekurr

The mayor's smile gets even bigger. "Now, who's ready for the main event? Who's ready to wrassle a greased hog?" The villagers cheer wildly. He then turns to the Nera, Nekurr, and Hildar. "We always offer this to guests first. Which one of you wants to go all the way home with this little piggy over there?"

Perhaps on a high from the effigy incident, all three of the outlanders feel like maybe wrestling the pig could be fun...

OOC:

Consider the Charm check as an inkling you feel. It's not mind control, so you're free to wrestle the pig or not wrestle it as you see fit.

Rolls

Charm

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Jun 20, 2020 2:14 am

Jun 20, 2020 2:14 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Jacey pauses to think. "Well... be careful... Melchic's not wrong. If folks see you talking to too many folks, they may think something's up. But..." She scans the crowd. "Uh, my mom won. She's keeps the village shop. Uh... last year's winner, Graham Trygon, left town to try acting in Tamalir, I hear. Um... Thay Gilvers won it the year before that. His dad and mom both won in their day, and they're both here. I think Garrena Yellowbottom won before Thay, but she took the money to go try to join the baron's guard in Cailn Castle, I think. Um... Oh, and Hyacinth Florette won the pageant a few years after Mom. Her family farms on the eastern side of the village. I can't remember if her daughter won when she turned 18 or not. I think she did: Sycamore Florette's her name." She shrugs. "So, yeah, there's at least ten winners here, I guess. Maybe a few more than that."

OOC:

With the whole village here, that's still a small percentage.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 20, 2020 5:20 am

Jun 20, 2020 5:20 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera considers the proposal, it certainly was fun to chase after something in a "thrill of the hunt" way. But then again this was on the dirty ground...

She nudges Nekurr. "Go get them. You've got strong legs."

Jun 20, 2020 3:49 pm

Jun 20, 2020 3:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv nods, "Tanks for talkin' wit me, Jacey. Oi don't wanna stir up trouble. One last ting, dough... Can Oi troi ta mend yer dress? Oi'd 'ate ta negatively impact yer chances at da pageant...

It'd be wit magic, if'n 'at's okay?"

OOC:

Proposing Utility spell, I guess? Or a spin on Conjure?

Last edited June 20, 2020 3:49 pm

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 21, 2020 10:29 pm

Jun 21, 2020 10:29 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar smiles at the mayor until it fully registers what he is asking when his smile shifts to be a little....sickly "Ah....Erm, I mean I wouldn’t be the best choice for such a thing really. I do appreciate the offer but maybe it would be best left to one of my companions?"

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 22, 2020 2:58 am

Jun 22, 2020 2:58 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr, Nera, Hildar

Wayland's smile remains, but his face falls slightly as two of the novel outsiders turn down the offer of facing the greased pig. "Come now, you the villagers'd love to see you face off against the varmint! Winner gets the best cut of ham at the feast coming up." He looks Nekurr in the eye. "Surely you're game for a bit o' fun, right, holy man? Fifty silvers says you can't even touch the piggy, let alone pin it!"

Jun 22, 2020 3:01 am

Jun 22, 2020 3:01 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Jacey Tabbins looks down at her torn dress, tears welling up, apparently trying to fight them. "You... you can fix it with magic? Um... sure..."

OOC:

I think an Easy (P) Utility spell works fine. Feel free to narrate how the magic manifests.

Jun 22, 2020 8:57 am

Jun 22, 2020 8:57 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Well... I mean... that sounds both fun and... eerr dangerous... I bet Bruv or Tronus would put up a better show" Nekurr looks around, all those villages expecting a visitor to take on the wild beast. "So... I just got to grab it right?"

OOC:

I'm guessing this is were the bonus from the seeing the old lady with the pig comes in right? We noticed how she dragged it?

Jun 22, 2020 5:00 pm

Jun 22, 2020 5:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

OOC:

I'm guessing this is were the bonus from the seeing the old lady with the pig comes in right? We noticed how she dragged it?

OOC:

Maybe, maybe not. You know the white-haired woman was leading the pig to the site, and you know she's questioning Tronus about being over by the pig now. Whether that knowledge will pay off in any way is up in the air. I'm guessing Bruv won't want to wrestle the pig based on his internal monologuing. Tronus is another question, but I take it Remnant is still busy IRL and not able to post frequently. So if Nera, Hildar, and Nekurr are a no on the pig, we can move on and have NPCs wrestle it while you all do other things. (The downside to you all in such a case is that you lose some of the goodwill you've built up by participating in festivities thus far.)

Jun 22, 2020 5:31 pm

Jun 22, 2020 5:31 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Nekurr can step in as he is having fun... but he is a bit fearful of the pig

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/XL6hS1WvbCcgqPoplzQvv23oQO57MsX3HbSsGUQDHmvUPTpIAl1QhfA7aq3ABEf4ON2WorN1OMhzK5TDIaBI5oIUjuXJTCO3WbsOQAeUykZNbKKie2qaEZb1R0MxtV69Piro1v-gxvBi

Jun 22, 2020 6:01 pm

Jun 22, 2020 6:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv crouches low, and plants a hand on the ground and pinches the hem of the dress near the tear. Concentrating, he wills the primal forces of nature to respond.

OOC:

Rolling. Will complete narrative after...

That purple die... it tried to come for me!

I'll spend the Advantage to "scrub" the traces of my magic from it, or "hide" my work? If any of that is potentially a thing? Or just generally to increase the quality? I don't know what's going on, but I can only imagine what might come of an "unclean" or tainted Contestant.

All fibers are ultimately from the earth, and so Bruv uses his magic to return them to life, briefly, and wills them to weave themselves back together as they were before, at which point he releases the dress and returns it to it's material state.

"Dere we are. Good as new.

Oi won't take any more of yer toime. Good day, and good luck, Jacey."

Last edited June 22, 2020 6:10 pm

Rolls

Primal, Utility

5 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Jun 23, 2020 12:39 am

Jun 23, 2020 12:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv

Jacey's eyes nearly pop out of her head as Bruv's magic mends her dress. "It... It looks better than before!" she exclaims. "Like it's brand-new again... I mean, this is the dress my mom wore when she won twenty years ago..." Bruv gets the impression the girl doesn't see magic all that often. "Um... Thanks. The greased pig wrassling match should be next. Then we eat, and the pageant happens. I won't be wrassling a pig, but I'm sure the mayor will want you to... I'm gonna head that way now." She starts toward the north end of the field, waiting in case Bruv wishes to follow.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jun 23, 2020 12:41 am

Jun 23, 2020 12:41 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Who'll face the greased hog this year? Who's willing to pin the beast for a piece of meat?" the mayor asks the crowd.

Jun 23, 2020 12:44 am

Jun 23, 2020 12:44 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Don't miss the two new posts before this one on the previous page!

An aged Gnome pushes his way forward and stares up at the mayor. Nekurr recognizes him as Erfan Eswyse, the healer. "Castor, step aside! You know this event's my baby." The mayor stifles a grin as he steps aside for the Gnome. "All's we need are three stalwart specimens to face off against the best boar this village has to offer! Who's it gonna be this year? Who thinks they can top Colt Bronster's record of seven-point-five seconds to pin the beast three years back?"

OOC:

I think it'll be fun for one of you to volunteer, but only if you think your character would do so. We'll begin the event tomorrow; want to give Remnant a bit more time to interact with the woman at the hog pen if he so chooses.

Jun 23, 2020 12:55 pm

Jun 23, 2020 12:55 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr fearfully tries to step back, but bumps into a villager that pushes him forward when Erfan mentions the need for specimens, which makes him look like volunteer. "Fortuna bless me and keep me from death and, really, any injury" he prays under his breath as he notices the inevitable misunderstanding in the mayor's and healer's eyes...

OOC:

Nekurr is up (by accident)

Last edited June 23, 2020 12:56 pm

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 23, 2020 1:14 pm

Jun 23, 2020 1:14 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus' voice trails off as he watches things not pan out as he thought and falls quiet and he moves away as requested and watches for a bit.

Jun 23, 2020 2:02 pm

Jun 23, 2020 2:02 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Is that an Augment, CESN? There may be more more than one way to pin a boar: raw strength (Brawn: Brawl), outmaneuvering it so it trips (Agility: Coordination), using magic (Willpower: Divine)... Just asking, since Nekurr prayed!

Jun 23, 2020 3:46 pm

Jun 23, 2020 3:46 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

nt really, just RPing a pray/curse ;) but talking about augment... didn’t I have one on already?

Jun 23, 2020 4:18 pm

Jun 23, 2020 4:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv comes to the hog-pen and joins his comrades. He ignores the request for volunteers, just shaking his head 'no' if any eyes pass over him in expectation.

Jun 23, 2020 4:32 pm

Jun 23, 2020 4:32 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

OOC:

nt really, just RPing a pray/curse ;) but talking about augment... didn’t I have one on already?

OOC:

You'd augmented the razorwing, Applesauce, but presumably you've dropped that by now.

Jun 23, 2020 4:43 pm

Jun 23, 2020 4:43 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

true. maybe I can really pray then... Nekurr is the worst PC to handle the pig :D

OOC:

So, I'm adding misfortune to the roll and component casting. 2 advantages... extend the curse for another generation so all pigs fear the power of the mighty cat-man? or maybe recover some strain

Last edited June 23, 2020 4:45 pm

Rolls

curse & misfortune for the pig and may his sins be visited until the third generation!

7 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure

Total: 4 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 24, 2020 2:26 am

Jun 24, 2020 2:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

[ +- ] Festival Grounds

OOC:

Everyone should be at the north end of the festival grounds now. The hog's not there quite yet, but we can save your roll, CESN, and just say you do it when it gets brought over to the area in a moment.

"That's the spirit!" Eswyse says, shaking Nekurr's hand as a group of young men begin erecting a makeshift "pen." "We need two more brave souls! Who's gonna face the hog and bring home the bacon?" The Gnome makes eye contact with several people, including Bruv and Tronus, but none bites. Finally, a pair of young, mahogany-skinned Half-Elves step forward and say they'll volunteer. Eswyse gesticulates toward them. "There you have it, folks! Vern and Acorn Taldaris, twin brother and sister, scions of the Terry Taldaris, who pinned the hog, oh, what? Fifteen years back?" The healer shouts over toward the hog pen. "Bring him on over, Galloper!"

Jun 24, 2020 2:34 am

Jun 24, 2020 2:34 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

With the makeshift pen built—a structure about the size of a large garden—the man named Galloper drags the hog over from its pen. The animal tries to resist as much as it can, meaning that the thin man has to practically drag it over to the site. When he gets it close enough, a few teenage boys help him thrust it into the pen, where two of them pour foul-smelling animal grease all over it. The hog whimpers and snorts half-heartedly.

Eswyse invites the three contestants to step into the pen, allowing Nekurr the perfect chance to cast his curse spell on the swine. The creature flops down onto its stomach into the cool night grass. It sighs.

OOC:

So, Tronus has established that this is just a domestic pig, but beyond that, its behavior is peculiar. Some possibilities:

Average (PP) Medicine with a setback for it being an animal rather than a humanoid might determine if something's going on.

Average (PP) Riding with a setback, since it's something a horse rider would be able to determine, but pigs aren't mounts.

Hard (PPP) Perception check with two setbacks for lighting conditions and the smell of the grease.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 24, 2020 2:40 am

Jun 24, 2020 2:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera is thankful she didn't have to begrudgingly join the pig chase to keep up appearances. Standing on the sidelines she focuses on the hog in question,

OOC:

Fun fact, I was gonna make a post where Nera takes one for the team, but instead of posting I went to sleep.

Can I use my advantage to get a hint of something amiss?

Last edited June 24, 2020 2:41 am

Rolls

Perception

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Jun 24, 2020 8:10 am

Jun 24, 2020 8:10 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

This are all pretty bad skills for Nekurr, but he is facing the pig now!

Nekurr stares the beast in the eyes, his back curving, asserting dominance "That is a specimen of fine health" likely, his final words....

Last edited June 24, 2020 8:11 am

Rolls

medicine

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Jun 24, 2020 2:14 pm

Jun 24, 2020 2:14 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

What about Survival as the handle animal skill?

Wow, that was quite the roll. Maybe use 1 Advantage to notice some peripheral detail, about Erswyse or Mayor or spectators? 1 I'll use the other 1 to recover a Strain.

Bruv scrutinizes the situation...

Last edited June 24, 2020 2:17 pm

Rolls

Perception

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 24, 2020 6:45 pm

Jun 24, 2020 6:45 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

OOC:

Fun fact, I was gonna make a post where Nera takes one for the team, but instead of posting I went to sleep.

OOC:

LOL. Story of my life.

emsquared says:

OOC:

What about Survival as the handle animal skill?

OOC:

Good call. For some reason, I thought Genesys had given that function over to Riding, but I just checked, and I'm mistaken. Survival is valid here, but Riding is not.

OOC:

Results for those checks:

SavageBob sent a note to somebox

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

SavageBob sent a note to emsquared

Eswyse raises his hands in the air. "Competitors, ready..."

Jun 24, 2020 7:34 pm

Jun 24, 2020 7:34 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv mutters quietly to any of his companions nearby, "Oi don't tink 'at's a hog... Oi tink 'at's sumpin' wearing a hog-skin."

Shouting aloud, "Nekurr! Wotch yerself aroun' 'at ting, bruvver!!"

Jun 25, 2020 11:48 am

Jun 25, 2020 11:48 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr turns to watch Bruv. Assuming the strong nature orc can see the secret strength of the beast he steps backwards a little, just enough to not be the first one facing that little devil. "Blessed be the lady!" Nekurr says almost giving in to panic, not referring to the Nature Lady, but the villagers wouldn't know. Under that sluggish, sickly facade, the cleric feared the force of nature itself may be hidden!

Last edited June 25, 2020 11:48 am

Jun 26, 2020 1:03 am

Jun 26, 2020 1:03 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"You all know the rules," Eswyse says, slamming fist into open palm. "First one to pin the hog wins. On my count: 1—2—3! Go!"

OOC:

Nekurr, Cool check for initiative, please.

Rolls

Hog initiative (Vigilance; cursed)

Competitor 1 initiative (Cool)

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Competitor 2 initiative (Cool)

2 Success

Total: 2 Success

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 26, 2020 4:59 am

Jun 26, 2020 4:59 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Rupert's left. Guess he didn't care much for the hog wrangling either." Nera remarks in a sassy tone, expecting a better appreciation for 'culture'.

Jun 26, 2020 11:33 am

Jun 26, 2020 11:33 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

keeping the cool while panicking

Rolls

running fast!

1 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 26, 2020 1:18 pm

Jun 26, 2020 1:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

"Rupert's left. Guess he didn't care much for the hog wrangling either." Nera remarks in a sassy tone, expecting a better appreciation for 'culture'.

Hildar looks puzzled for a moment before he leans in and quietly says to Nera "Really? This seems like the highlight of the day, you don't suppose he's up to something do you?"

Jun 26, 2020 1:19 pm

Jun 26, 2020 1:19 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Upon Eswyse's count, the Half-Elf brother barrels toward the hog, crouching over the beast and wrapping his arms around its fat neck. The swine squeals in alarm and pulls its greased neck free, but it seems to have strained itself in doing so!

OOC:

Rolling opposed Brawl vs. Brawl. Malaise = 2 boosts, grease = 2 blacks.

Nekurr's up! Brawl will be the same difficulty Vern Taldaris faced.

Coordination (to try to get the pig to trip) will be vs. RP (with same 2 boosts, 2 setbacks).

Magic? You tell me and I'll give you a difficulty.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Brawl vs. Brawl (cursed) w/grease

1 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Advantage

Jun 26, 2020 1:25 pm

Jun 26, 2020 1:25 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Come here piggy piggy" Nekurr approaches the ferocious looking creature (only to his mind) with little to no conviction.

Rolls

Brawl 0 Brawn 2 Grease 2

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 26, 2020 1:26 pm

Jun 26, 2020 1:26 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

oops, posted before you edited the options. Coordination is the same as brawl.

1 fail + 3 adv. Could I use the advantages to make it more difficult for the elves to grab the pig and easier for me next time?
Something like upgrade them to RR and downgrade mine to PP? Maybe Nekurr's reluctancy makes him look a safer bet to the pig as the animal gets more agitated?

Last edited June 26, 2020 1:31 pm

Rolls

extra roll

2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Advantage

Jun 26, 2020 3:06 pm

Jun 26, 2020 3:06 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Sure: You pass a boost to yourself, and a setback to the female competitor.

All difficulties remain RP+2 setbacks and 2 boosts otherwise.

Nekurr approaches the pig like a seasick matador, making a half-hearted grab for it. The animal grunts and dodges just in time.

"Grab it!" shouts the female Half-Elf. She moves into the fracas and puts a booted foot out, trying to trip the creature.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Coordination vs. cursed pig

1 Success, 7 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 6 Advantage

Jun 26, 2020 3:15 pm

Jun 26, 2020 3:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Let's say for that 6 advantage, she doesn't trip the pig, but she does coax it into the corner of the pen. It's thus disengaged from Nekurr and Vern, and Acorn gets 2 boosts against it on her next turn.

The woman's advance fails to trip the swine, but it does scare the beast into the corner of the pen. There, the pig turns to face its assailants, its four knees shaking with nervousness.

OOC:

Hog just took a guarded stance. This adds +1 setback to attack it: RP+3 blacks (but still 2 boosts for it's malaise).

[ +- ] Initiative

Jun 26, 2020 3:18 pm

Jun 26, 2020 3:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Vern Taldaris's eyes widen as the pig slips from his grasp and dodges two more attempts at it by his competitors. The Half-Elf groans and then bellows loudly as he runs toward the beast and tries to tackle the beast, shoulder first.

Rolls

Brawl vs. Brawl (cursed) w/grease

5 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 2 Advantage

Jun 26, 2020 3:25 pm

Jun 26, 2020 3:25 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The hog goes down! As Vern Taldaris attempts to pin the creature, the villagers erupt into cheers and whistles. The Elf tries to control the creature squirming beneath his own bulk as the hog lets out a loud squeal. But then the sound changes. The squeal shifts to a shriek and then a chorus of clicks. Taldaris eases up a bit as the clicks grow louder and louder.

Suddenly, something bursts out from under the hog's skin. At first, it looks like black specks, but their movement suggests they're alive. Then Vern screams. "What in the—" He stands up, frantically hitting his body, shaking his hands. "It's SPIDERS!"

OOC:

Everyone, please give me a Hard (PPP) Fright Check (Discipline)! You can all add a boost, since Bruv kind of warned you all that something like this might happen.

Rolls

Vern fright check

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Acorn fright check

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Threat

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 26, 2020 6:02 pm

Jun 26, 2020 6:02 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Didn't see that coming..."

OOC:

GM edit: Adding boost from Bruv's warning.

Rolls

What the Pig! Hard Disc Check

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success

boost

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 26, 2020 6:12 pm

Jun 26, 2020 6:12 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"He's probably getting drunk or pulling some scheme, still don't like that gu-WHOA!" Nera's speculation will have to wait as the event became unexpectedly frightening, her body suddenly tensing up!

OOC:

Use the advantage not to cause a scene or do anything harmful/embarrassing? Still got that image to maintain after all.

Last edited June 26, 2020 6:12 pm

Rolls

Discipline

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 2 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 26, 2020 11:30 pm

Jun 26, 2020 11:30 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar blinks in surprise......

Rolls

Discipline

1 Success, 1 Triumph, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Threat, 1 Triumph

Jun 27, 2020 12:56 am

Jun 27, 2020 12:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv recoils from the sight grimacing deeply... he turns away, using revulsion as a cover to scan the surroundings for... anything abnormal.

OOC:

With the Triumph, I'd like to notice anyone who has a reaction of anything other than surprise or horror, or anyone who is feigning a reaction of surprise or horror, or ... some creepy spider mage at the back of the crowd wiggling their fingers 😅? Whatever's applicable.

Last edited June 27, 2020 1:02 am

Rolls

Discipline plus Boost

3 Success, 1 Triumph, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 3 Threat, 1 Triumph

Jun 29, 2020 12:44 am

Jun 29, 2020 12:44 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We'll continue once CESN rolls his fright check.

Then I'll add the four folks who aren't in the hog pen to the initiative order at the bottom.

Jun 29, 2020 8:35 am

Jun 29, 2020 8:35 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

sorry ... weekend showed up unexpectedly ;)

Not boosting as Nekurr was in the pen and may have not heard Bruv's warning:
HEED THIS WARNING! Twisted tail! A thousand eyes! TRAPPED FOREVER!

OOC:

Nekurr triumphantly overcomes his fear, putting it back into those spider! 😂

Last edited June 29, 2020 8:36 am

Rolls

discipline

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Failure

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Jun 29, 2020 2:18 pm

Jun 29, 2020 2:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

So many triumphs! :O Emsquared gave me an idea how to use Bruv's (notice someone who doesn't seem afraid). What about Hildar and Nekurr? Default for success + Triumph is a boost die against the threat for the rest of the encounter. But Failure + Triumph (Hildar's situation) is a different animal that we need to figure out.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 29, 2020 2:33 pm

Jun 29, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

So many triumphs! :O Emsquared gave me an idea how to use Bruv's (notice someone who doesn't seem afraid). What about Hildar and Nekurr? Default for success + Triumph is a boost die against the threat for the rest of the encounter. But Failure + Triumph (Hildar's situation) is a different animal that we need to figure out.

OOC:

Yeah I've been trying to think about that - maybe Hildar get's a flash of insight into what might have caused the sudden erruption of spiders whilst he flees in terror????

Jun 29, 2020 2:41 pm

Jun 29, 2020 2:41 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

Default for success + Triumph is a boost die against the threat for the rest of the encounter.

OOC:

The usefulness of the boost probably depends on how many spiders there are... I guess for a couple of weak enemies it may be worth getting something like mcneils5's and emsquared's are suggesting.

Nekurr happens to notice something that connects the spiders to the mayors disappearance or the cult of the nature lady, something that clarifies what is going on? Since he noticed it before, maybe if it was the old lady the one that caused this and then dragged/switched the hog? (I guess it is obvious this is not the way it usually goes from the NPCs reaction, right?)

Last edited June 29, 2020 2:42 pm

Jun 29, 2020 3:28 pm

Jun 29, 2020 3:28 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

In this case, this is one "monster," even though it's a bajillion spiders. They're kind of a swarm animating the hog's body. I think having a boost against them would be helpful, so I can use Nekurr's Triumph that way.

Hildar & Bruv will each get a hint in a "private" note. That's to come.

It's Nekurr's go, so go ahead and take a turn. Difficulty is PP to hit with a melee-type attack, or less if you use magic (P for a standard divine attack). Boost on any attack as Nekurr feels resolved to stop this treat and save the village!

Jun 29, 2020 4:31 pm

Jun 29, 2020 4:31 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr looks at the elven brothers "That was an unfortunate pig!" he says as a slight spark seems to come out of the greasy flesh when the spiders burst out of the pig, something that can be used to set the creatures on fire easily

OOC:

really? Well advantage for a bonus to set the greasy spiders on fire if someone wants to try it?

OOC:

Don't forget your boost for Component Casting.

OOC:

Adding the hog's defense.

Last edited June 29, 2020 4:36 pm

Rolls

Divine attack + fire?

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure

Total: 2 Advantage

boost

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

black dice

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Jun 29, 2020 4:44 pm

Jun 29, 2020 4:44 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

So many triumphs! :O Emsquared gave me an idea how to use Bruv's (notice someone who doesn't seem afraid).

OOC:

I had edited the roll's post to include a couple ideas...

Quote:

With the Triumph, I'd like to notice anyone who has a reaction of anything other than surprise or horror, or anyone who is feigning a reaction of surprise or horror, or ... some creepy spider mage at the back of the crowd wiggling their fingers 😅? Whatever's applicable.

Jun 30, 2020 12:57 am

Jun 30, 2020 12:57 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Lots to adjudicate here! Here goes:

Nekurr manages to keep his cool despite the disturbing eruption of arachnids from the hog's wound. The priest prays for help against the creature. Almost as if in slow motion, Nekurr spots a villager at the edge of the pen dropping a torch as he flees. The torch tumbles toward the dirt, and for a moment, it looks like the flame might land directly on the beast. But at the last second, the torch's butt hits the railing and lands harmlessly in the grass.

Meanwhile, the crowd by and large panics as hundreds of tiny spiders stream from the hog's wound and cover it's body, crawling into and out of its nose and all over a frantic Vern Taldaris.

"Everybody get to safety!" the mayor calls out to the crowd. People flee every which way, trying to put distance between them and the abomination. From their vantage point, Tronus and Bruv stay resolute. Bruv instinctively scans the crowd for any sign of who might have been behind this sudden transformation...

SavageBob sent a note to emsquared

Hildar and Nera are less sure about all this. Nera, for her part, manages to maintain an outward appearance of cool, even if her paws tremble slightly as she holds her bow. Hildar, on the other hand, feels the urge to flee. Nevertheless, as he looks for the best mode of egress, he realizes something...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

OOC:

Hildar can try a Daunting (PPPP) Knowledge (Adventuring) check if he wants to try for some more insight into this thing's tactics, weaknesses, etc.

Acorn Taldaris leaps after the hog and tries to pull it away from her brother, apparently oblivious to the threat posed by the arachnids.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Coordination versus pig

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage

Jun 30, 2020 1:02 am

Jun 30, 2020 1:02 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Be sure to see the new post on the previous page.

Apparently obvious to the danger, Acorn Taldaris rushes the pig and convinces it to dodge out of her way. As it does so, the spider-infested beast slams up against the railing, sending a blast of spiders spraying forth onto the ground. The creature nevertheless remains fixated on Vern Taldaris. The spiders seem to have given the animal renewed vigor, and its jaws clamp down on the Half-Elf's arm... Vern cries out in pain as muscles and bones crunch in the creature's jaws. The sound alone is enough to make you think twice before getting involved in this scene...

OOC:

OK, 3 PCs are up. The next PC gets a boost from Acorn, but their difficulty is upgraded from the hog (so change a P to a R, plus any ranged attacks get an upgrade because other people are engaged with the hog: ranged attacks = RR). Bruv goes last for his rolled 3 threat.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Brawl attack

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 30, 2020 12:38 pm

Jun 30, 2020 12:38 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar takes a few steps away from the spiders whilst trying to calm his mind and sort his thoughts on what this thing is.....

OOC:

Will reroll...

Last edited June 30, 2020 1:59 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (Adventuring)

2 Success, 3 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Advantage

Knowledge (Adventuring) Reroll

7 Success, 3 Advantage, 5 Threat

Total: 7 Success, 2 Threat

Jun 30, 2020 12:54 pm

Jun 30, 2020 12:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Mcneils5, that check should have been upgraded once, and gotten a boost. You want to re-roll it? If not, those aspects get passed to the next PC, and we'll consider this roll a wash (no advantage to spend).

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jun 30, 2020 1:11 pm

Jun 30, 2020 1:11 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

what's the range from me to the Hog?

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jun 30, 2020 2:01 pm

Jun 30, 2020 2:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

Mcneils5, that check should have been upgraded once, and gotten a boost. You want to re-roll it? If not, those aspects get passed to the next PC, and we'll consider this roll a wash (no advantage to spend).

OOC:

Have re-rolled on my previous post

Jun 30, 2020 2:15 pm

Jun 30, 2020 2:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Remnant: Nekurr's at short range, everyone else is at Medium. If you are looking to melee the thing, you also have to hop the fence, which will be another maneuver.

Mcneils5: I don't think I've ever seen that many successes on a Knowledge check! Infodump incoming in a bit.

Jun 30, 2020 3:08 pm

Jun 30, 2020 3:08 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I know Bruv's last but he's just gonna be casting and closing, so shouldn't impact much if I post out of turn.

Maneuver to leap the fence, second Maneuver to move to Short, Action to cast Augment.

Bruv hops the fence and closes on the spider-abomination... as he goes, he draws strength from the spirits of the earth and animals of the wild. He becomes more bestial in appearance...

Last edited June 30, 2020 3:10 pm

Rolls

Augment, Primal Fury, Sign. Spell

3 Success, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

somebox Inactive forever!

Jun 30, 2020 6:32 pm

Jun 30, 2020 6:32 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera has to keep from gagging at the terrifying sight before as she grabs her bow; when she reflects on this encounter she'll be it will serve as a reminder not to let people take her stuff away.

Not the easiest target... If she can hit a watermelon she can probably thread an arrow between the people who are getting munched on by the hog. Letting an arrow fly it skewers the monstrosity.

OOC:

I believe that's a maneuver to pull out my bow. Good thing I got precise archery!

8 Damage not counting soak. Gonna go with the ol' two boosts to whoever wants em' for advantage, probably need them since most of us are scared of this thing.

OOC:

GM edit: Hog has defense 2 from the grease!

Last edited June 30, 2020 6:35 pm

Rolls

Absolute precision

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Defense 2

1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Jul 1, 2020 1:35 am

Jul 1, 2020 1:35 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Remember, the hog has Defense 2 for being greased up. That causes Nera to miss...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

As Hildar steps away from the fracas, lost in thought, Nera's arrow grazes the hog's back and plunks into the fence beyond. The animal squeals in surprise, opening it up slightly for another attack...

OOC:

Tronus is up, then we'll move Bruv up in his primal form.

Jul 2, 2020 12:41 am

Jul 2, 2020 12:41 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We'll pause a bit longer ... Tronus is up, and Hildar has some potentially crucial information to share.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 2, 2020 8:59 am

Jul 2, 2020 8:59 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

We'll pause a bit longer ... Tronus is up, and Hildar has some potentially crucial information to share.

mcneils5 sent a note to SavageBob

Jul 2, 2020 2:20 pm

Jul 2, 2020 2:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

mcneils5, feel free to have Hildar shout out something short if you want. Talking is just an incidental, so as long as it's nothing too sophisticated (a short sentence or two), Hildar can warn the others.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 2, 2020 4:36 pm

Jul 2, 2020 4:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar stammers out a quick shout as he tries to gather his wits "Fire! Fire should kill the thing!!"

Jul 2, 2020 4:46 pm

Jul 2, 2020 4:46 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bruv will retain his action sequence... May not use my physical attack next round, but want to do the Augment and close anyway.

Jul 3, 2020 12:44 am

Jul 3, 2020 12:44 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Tronus can't do much more than take two maneuvers this round (2 moves, hop the fence and move, draw a weapon and move, etc.), so let's say you can tell us what those two maneuvers were when you get back, Remnant.

Vern Taldaris feels a second wind come over him as a bestial Bruv enters the fray. "Get off me, you damned demon!" His bare fists just slide harmlessly off the pig's hide, but dozens of spiders erupt and scatter into the grass behind the pen.

OOC:

Any PC may go next. Vern passes you a boost.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Brawl on hog

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 3, 2020 5:50 am

Jul 3, 2020 5:50 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

The hog is greased up, are there any sources of fire close by? I'd feel silly if I missed it, I used find in page!

Jul 3, 2020 8:17 am

Jul 3, 2020 8:17 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

There is a fire stick somewhere :D I assume it is still burning no?

Nekurr looks at Hildar surprised. The elf read his books so he must know what he is talking about. That grease also looks like something good to get a properly fried hog. Though the cleric wonder if anyone would eat that now... The half-catfolk looks around the pen and further into the chaos going on the festival grounds. He notices the crazy hog and the torch laying next to it. Can he run? Should he pick up the torch and set the thing on fire? That sounds pretty dangerous... He probably shouldn't be provoking Fortuna at a time like this. Still, he quickly jumps the fence and grabs the torch, staring at the spider pig from the other side

OOC:

Let me try to use the bad habit talent for the fun of it. I'll copy the same spell, so divine attack with fire. advantages to restore strain

OOC:

GM edit: (Forgot to do this last time): Attack spell into a melee combat with a friendly gets upgraded automatically, so rerolling the second P as a R.

Last edited July 3, 2020 8:19 am

Rolls

divine copy from before

2 Success, 6 Advantage, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

red

1 Failure, 1 Despair

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Despair

Jul 4, 2020 1:56 am

Jul 4, 2020 1:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

A spark jumps from the downed torch and catches light on something in the pen. Nekurr's prayer seems to have been answered! Then Vern Taldaris screams. Then he shrieks. His arms start flailing wildly, and his sister shouts, "Vern's on fire!"

OOC:

OK, so, I forgot do do this on Nekurr's attack, but attacking at range into a melee with a friendly always gets an auto-upgrade to difficulty (so a P becomes a R). If a Despair comes up, the attack hits a friendly.

Um, so Vern Taldaris is on fire.

You have 2 advantage to spend, CESN. You could use that to say the pig catches on fire, too, if you want? Or do you still want to use it to recover strain? Remember that Bad Habit lets you auto-heal 2 strain each turn it's active already.

Jul 4, 2020 7:36 am

Jul 4, 2020 7:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

vern’s panic arm waving can set the pig on fire with those 2 adv :D

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 6, 2020 3:01 pm

Jul 6, 2020 3:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Just have him roll around on the ground away from the spiders." Tronus finally states with a frown.

"We've seen undead and devil hounds so far this year and spiders are complicated for us to deal with?" chides the group, "This shouldn't be a problem even with mud in hand for a weapon!" Tronus barks out pulling his shield off his back and moving part of the way.

OOC:

Last round actions, Inspiring Rhetoric Supreme, moving, and pulling my shield with QD. 2 people can get back 1 strain, 1 person gets back 2 strain, all three get 1 boost for next 2 rounds.

Last edited July 6, 2020 3:04 pm

Rolls

IRS Leadership Check Avg

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 6, 2020 3:08 pm

Jul 6, 2020 3:08 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

New round's actions.

"Get to where you need to be once that lad's out take your time focus and kill it." Tronus states clearly, "Get behind me Burning Boy and get your arm in the mud!" he adds since the lad seems to not like a burning fist.

OOC:

Using Field Commander three people can make a maneuver out of turn so it doesn't count towards the 2 cap on your turn and next PC get's an additional boost or 2 if you pulled one of my Inspiring Rhetorical targets.

Last edited July 6, 2020 3:10 pm

Rolls

FC Leadership check Avg

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

Jul 7, 2020 1:49 am

Jul 7, 2020 1:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Holding Tronus's second action for now, as Acorn and the hog still need to go.

Acorn will heal 1 strain for the advantage.

Acorn desperately tries to calm her brother and get him on the ground. The fire on his tunic seems to be spreading as the younger Elf pulls him down toward the earth and grass, but the boy's panic is too much for her to overcome.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Leadership on brother

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 4 Failure

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Jul 7, 2020 1:56 am

Jul 7, 2020 1:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

But Vern Taldaris doesn't seem to be the only one on fire... The grease on the hog catches, and the thing goes up like a torch! The hog screams as flames lick across its bristles and it sheds spiders like drops of sweat. The creature stumbles and tries to leap the fence... Its stubby legs can't seem to get enough height, but in its frenzy, the creature does wedge itself through the railings, and begins to wiggle itself free. In a few moments, it may run off for the trees...

As Tronus tries to gain control over the chaos, Nera, Bruv, and Hildar prepare to act.

OOC:

So it failed its Athletics check, but the 2 advantage let it move past the fence the hard way (with its free maneuver, and a second free maneuver for the 2 advantage).

OOC:

Nera, Bruv, and Hildar are up! Tronus's Field Commander gives you each a free maneuver (in addition to the 2 you can normally take). Also note the strain he healed for 2 people last round. Maybe Bruv and Nekurr should take it? 2 for one, 1 for the other.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Athletics

1 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 2 Advantage

Jul 7, 2020 8:45 am

Jul 7, 2020 8:45 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

"free out-of-turn maneuver for 3 PCs" includes cats?

Nekurr panics as he notices Vern on fire and the firehog goes crazy, breaking the fence in a last desperate push to escape this nightmare. In the chaos, Tronus words hit him as magic, forcing his body into action before he realises what was said, an instinctual obedience to the dwarven cold-headed authority. Nekurr jumps, trips on the fence and falls on Verne, like a blanket smothering the burning flames.

OOC:

move to help is a maneuver right?

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 7, 2020 8:51 am

Jul 7, 2020 8:51 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar moves shakily towards the hog and levels his wand but finds himself struggling to gather his thoughts enough to channel the proper magical energies into an attack.

OOC:

Hildar is fine not getting any Strain back currently. Ok, not too sure what range we're at but going to assume Hildar can use the manoeuvres to shift to Short Range and is going to cast an Attack spell (base 1 x P) with the Fire (+1P) and Impact (+1P) additional effects

So Difficulty is 3 x Difficulty and 1 x Setback for an attack at Short Range, Damage 4, Crit -, Burn 2, Disorient and Knockdown 2

Will use the Advantage to recover a point of Strain (was on 3 before casting, now on 4 total)

Last edited July 7, 2020 8:54 am

Rolls

Attack Spell (+Fire, +Impact)

4 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Boost die

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Another Boost die

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 7, 2020 11:56 am

Jul 7, 2020 11:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

There's also Inspiring Rhetoric so if Hilder wanted 2 strain back and a boost die for the next 2 rounds that's open. Then two other PCs can heal one strain and get a boost die to checks for the next two rounds btw.

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 7, 2020 12:05 pm

Jul 7, 2020 12:05 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Remnant says:

OOC:

There's also Inspiring Rhetoric so if Hilder wanted 2 strain back and a boost die for the next 2 rounds that's open. Then two other PCs can heal one strain and get a boost die to checks for the next two rounds btw.

OOC:

Thanks, I'll leave the 2 strain for someone else and take one Strain back plus the boost (rolled above) so Hildar's Strain is back down to 3

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 7, 2020 12:43 pm

Jul 7, 2020 12:43 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Also since you're the next PC after me another boost from my advantage... I have a cup of coffee I just haven't started drinking it...

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 7, 2020 2:34 pm

Jul 7, 2020 2:34 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Remnant says:

OOC:

Also since you're the next PC after me another boost from my advantage... I have a cup of coffee I just haven't started drinking it...

OOC:

Right, so I included that as well which would take me to 1 Success and 2 Advantage which would stack up to 5 damage and I'll trigger the Burn (2) quality with the advantages (Strain would be back up to 4)

Jul 7, 2020 8:22 pm

Jul 7, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

CESN, yeah, it's a maneuver to offer assistance to another, provided that assistance means you're helping them with some action of their own. As it is, Hildar's shot was the last blow, so we can just narrate you putting Vern out.

Tongues of fire shoot forth from Hildar's wand and engulf the hog. The creature stumbles to its knees, then falls to its side in the dust. Flaming spiders spill out from carcass, but the flames claim them, as well. The fire continue to roast the carcass from the inside out.

Nekurr and Acorn are able to put Vern Taldaris out. The healer, Eswyse, leaps the fence without hesitation and gets a look at the boy. "Now, now, young man. Doesn't look too bad there. They put you out before the flames could do much damage." The Gnome begins patching up the boy's arm where the hog's jaws had it briefly.

OOC:

End of combat. All can make a strain recovery roll (Discipline or Cool). Bit more to come.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 7, 2020 8:23 pm

Jul 7, 2020 8:23 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The mayor jogs back over to the pen from the side stage, where he'd corralled the rest of the festival-goers. "What in the name of Nature's Lady happened? Is everyone all right?"

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 7, 2020 8:35 pm

Jul 7, 2020 8:35 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"I'm not a pig farmer or someone that wrestles greased livestock but your greased pig for the festival tried to eat one of your villagers and had spiders crawling out of its body, possibly controlling it in a parasitic nature... Personally I think a normal greased pig would be a sufficient level of difficulty versus something like this which is more horrific and slightly perceived as unholy if you don't really care for spiders I guess." Tronus comments shaking his head once.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 7, 2020 8:54 pm

Jul 7, 2020 8:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Does the mayor seem surprised by what happened at all?

Jul 8, 2020 12:32 am

Jul 8, 2020 12:32 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

OOC:

Does the mayor seem surprised by what happened at all?

OOC:

It does seem he's both surprised and upset. If you want to try to tell if that's legitimate or a façade, you'd need to try a Vigilance check versus his Cunning: RRRP+2 setbacks for motivational stuff.

Jul 8, 2020 1:06 am

Jul 8, 2020 1:06 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv takes a moment to gather himself, then clambers out of the pen...

"Who's 'og was 'at, mayor? ... You looked pretty upset at someone specific when it's skin burst open...

Moight Oi recommend gettin' a priest of da Nature's Lady to bless dat beast before da wrasslin' next toime..."

Bruv probes not particularly delicately, yet directing his apparent attention to be over the owner of the hog, but having a suspicion that a "blessing" was specifically the problem...

Rolls

Discipline

3 Success

Total: 3 Success

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 8, 2020 2:49 am

Jul 8, 2020 2:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"You'll have to accept our humblest apologies," the mayor says to the lot of you. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. The blessings of Nature's Lady should protect us from... whatever this was." He turns to Bruv and adds, "A different family provides the hog each year. This year it was from our weaver's shop." He looks out over the crowd. "Anybody seen Anzila? She all right?"

Jul 8, 2020 2:49 am

Jul 8, 2020 2:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The woman steps forward. "I am here, Mayor Wayland. And I am as surprised as you are."

Jul 8, 2020 9:58 am

Jul 8, 2020 9:58 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

cooling down. I'll probably focus on the woman's lies first since she's the one that had the hog

Nekurr stands up and helps the brothers to not burn. "You alright?" he asks as Erfan comes running to check on Vern. Reassured by the gnome, the cleric focus on the conversation that started around the hog's spidery nature. The half-catfolk is surprised to find that everyone is surprised at this surprising turn of events.

Last edited July 8, 2020 10:03 am

Rolls

discipline actually

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph

Total: 3 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph

vigilance

5 Success

Total: 5 Success

tronus bonus still up?

1 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 8, 2020 12:13 pm

Jul 8, 2020 12:13 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

mcneils5 says:

OOC:

Does the mayor seem surprised by what happened at all?

OOC:

It does seem he's both surprised and upset. If you want to try to tell if that's legitimate or a façade, you'd need to try a Vigilance check versus his Cunning: RRRP+2 setbacks for motivational stuff.

OOC:

I'll give it a shot.......

Rolls

Vigilance

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Jul 8, 2020 1:19 pm

Jul 8, 2020 1:19 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

CESN, remember that Triumph = 1 success, as well, so you get 3 strain back. You can cash that Triumph in for another benefit if you wish, too. Maybe +4 strain on top of that? Or give your nearest ally +2 strain on top of their roll? (In this case, Bruv).

Anzila's Decpetion skills is RRR. Rolling that now vs. Nekurr's Vigilance check above. Final result is 3 Success, 3 Threat.

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

Rolls

difficulty

2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Threat

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 8, 2020 7:00 pm

Jul 8, 2020 7:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera remains on edge, wondering if anything else will burst with spiders and run rampant. The though makes her shudder.

Jul 9, 2020 1:06 am

Jul 9, 2020 1:06 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Brief pause in case Hildar or Nekurr wants to say something.

Jul 9, 2020 8:40 am

Jul 9, 2020 8:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr looks at Anzila "Wasn't it you that I saw dragging the hog ..." he stops and to consider for a moment. "If this one was sick, then we have to check the others!"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 9, 2020 8:50 am

Jul 9, 2020 8:50 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar nods at the mayors words, seeming to accept them before turning to regard Anzila.

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 9, 2020 2:01 pm

Jul 9, 2020 2:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"So you didn't want me taking a closer look at the Hog before the contest was due to normal reasons, for all intents and purposes it was just normal stranger danger offhandedness?" Tronus inquires to the woman who started to shoo him off before things when weird.

"I usually don't but I agree with my associate, lets start with it's feed though, it won't be eating it."

Last edited July 9, 2020 2:02 pm

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 9, 2020 3:04 pm

Jul 9, 2020 3:04 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar nods in agreement with the others "I'll see you over there. I'm going to take a quick look at the remains of the pig to see if there is anything....enlightening about it." he smiles at the slight attempt at humour.

OOC:

Missed about the Strain recovery roll, doing it now

Takes my Strain down to 2

Last edited July 9, 2020 3:05 pm

Rolls

Cool

2 Success, 2 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Jul 9, 2020 3:27 pm

Jul 9, 2020 3:27 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Remnant says:

"I usually don't but I agree with my associate, lets start with it's feed though, it won't be eating it."

And with that cue, Nekurr gets closer to Tronus, whispers as secretively as possible "she knew..." and then silence

OOC:

talking about strain rolls, there was some free strain storing during the battle right? I may "have taken" one of those

Last edited July 9, 2020 3:28 pm

Jul 9, 2020 3:52 pm

Jul 9, 2020 3:52 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Not overtly having anything to do with taxes, Bruv would like to temper the obvious eagerness his allies were showing to investigate the matter, so as not to blow the cover of their suspicions, "This seems loike Buzzard Ford's troubles... but some of our members do have a woide range of knowledge. You moind if dey check da rest of da animals, Mayor? Would miss Anzilla come along too?

We're 'appy to 'elp ensure your people's safety."

Jul 10, 2020 3:49 am

Jul 10, 2020 3:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Tronus can inspect the feed with a Hard (PPP) Perception check with a setback, as it's slop, so very heterogeneous.

CESN, Tronus used a Talent that lets him grant his allies strain with a pep talk. You would have gotten 1 strain back from that, I think.

Mcneils, let me know if you were wanting to inspect the pig in some other way than this...

Kicking the pig carcass and poking at it a bit, Hildar doesn't learn much more than he already knew: This pig was infested with a colony of corpse bugs. The hog and the parasites all seem to have been burnt to a crisp, and the pig remains smoldering.

Meanwhile, Anzila remains stoic. "I only have the one hog. Had. There's no other livestock to be checked. I'm a weaver. I only took to raising that one, Bertrand, I called him, as a gift for this festival. Whatever happened to him, beats me. When I saw the Dwarf man poking around, I chased him off since I didn't want him to tamper with the hog. Poor piggy was looking green around the gills this morning, but I didn't think it was anything serious, and I didn't want to let Our Lady down." She shrugs and sort of frowns. "I think that was a mistake."

OOC:

Remember, Vigilance to see if she's lying or hiding something is versus RRR.

Jul 10, 2020 3:55 am

Jul 10, 2020 3:55 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The healer finishes tending to Vern Taldaris and joins Hildar over at the pig carcass. He kicks at it with his boot and purses his lips. "Looks like corpse bugs. Never had to worry 'bout 'em 'round here." He looks up at the mayor. "Not a good sign if'n one of our livestock got infected."

Jul 10, 2020 8:33 am

Jul 10, 2020 8:33 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr looks at Bruv and quickly pretends he couldn't care less. The orc was right, unless they were willing to assume the last tax collected was eaten by spiders, that is. So, yeah, he was probably right... "Yes of course, like my colleagues said here, I was suggesting you look into the other livestock. We could help if you'd like us to" He doesn't sounds as convincing as Bruv playing the official role, mostly because he can't take his eyes of Anzila... she knew something he was sure of that

OOC:

for the advantages, can I get one of those motivations? probably a desire would be best in this case?

Last edited July 10, 2020 8:39 am

Rolls

vigilance

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 3 Advantage

Jul 10, 2020 2:13 pm

Jul 10, 2020 2:13 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

As the weaver gives her response, Nekurr mulls over her words...

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 11, 2020 12:37 am

Jul 11, 2020 12:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

The only thing that comes to mind if there’s noting obvious would be to use magic in some way to detect if this was the result of a spell or if the hog was ‘simply’ infested with the bugs in a more typical fashion

Jul 11, 2020 1:13 am

Jul 11, 2020 1:13 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

mcneils5 says:

OOC:

The only thing that comes to mind if there’s noting obvious would be to use magic in some way to detect if this was the result of a spell or if the hog was ‘simply’ infested with the bugs in a more typical fashion

OOC:

A "detect magic" spell is valid. Since the thing's dead and burning with fire caused by a magic missile, though, maybe auto-upgrade + setback? So R + Black.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 12, 2020 12:26 am

Jul 12, 2020 12:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

mcneils5 says:

OOC:

The only thing that comes to mind if there’s noting obvious would be to use magic in some way to detect if this was the result of a spell or if the hog was ‘simply’ infested with the bugs in a more typical fashion

OOC:

A "detect magic" spell is valid. Since the thing's dead and burning with fire caused by a magic missile, though, maybe auto-upgrade + setback? So R + Black.

OOC:

Here goes....Hmmmm, if this does show to have been a spell could the Triumph help to glean the exact mechanics of it? If not best thing I can think to use it for would be to find a significant clue on the hog’s remains

Last edited July 12, 2020 12:29 am

Rolls

Detec Magic

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 1 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Triumph

Jul 13, 2020 1:53 am

Jul 13, 2020 1:53 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Meanwhile, Hildar casts a spell to see if any magic inheres in the carcass...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

Jul 13, 2020 8:27 am

Jul 13, 2020 8:27 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Right, and I'm sure no one would want to let the lady down on such an important day like this..." Nekurr comments before asking Anzila "So if you're a weaver, where did you get Bertrand?" he then turns to Erfan " If you're right, you probably need to trace the hog's origin?"

Last edited July 14, 2020 6:11 am

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 13, 2020 9:36 am

Jul 13, 2020 9:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar pokes through the remains of the hog, his face darkening a touch before he turns and makes his way to catch up with the others.

OOC:

Going to keep that info to myself for the moment until theres a suitably discrete moment to fill the rest of the group in

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 13, 2020 12:44 pm

Jul 13, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"So she only had the one pig and wasn't sure she's claiming uncertainty on why it's the way it is after raising it for at least 3 or so months but knowingly put the pig here for the festival knowing it was sick and oddly enough wants to blame it on the dwarf that showed up today... Is that what you're trying to imply girl, this is just a mistake and it has nothing to do with you." Tronus states with a frown pointing towards the remains before inspecting the feed.

OOC:

Well a pass with a Triumph with 2 threat, maybe Tronus pulls out an odd colored piece of tapestry that shouldn't be in the slop that's partially eaten? If possible he picks it up on a stick and looks at the woman to throw back reverse shade... for the threat don't make it start wiggling cus that'd be creepy if it tries to latch onto Tronus and would personally give me the heavy geevies.

Last edited July 13, 2020 12:48 pm

Rolls

Hard Perception with Knack for it.

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat, 1 Triumph

Boost from the Perceptive Bowlady

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 13, 2020 6:25 pm

Jul 13, 2020 6:25 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Remember to add a boost to perception since Nera is close by. Got a bit lost and didn't realize we could roll perception, can I as well or is that overkill?

Nera doesn't like the facial expression Hildar wears, silently still recovering from the gross encounter herself. She drums her fingers on her bow .

Jul 14, 2020 2:08 am

Jul 14, 2020 2:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob sent a note to Remnant

The weaver gives Tronus a stony stare. "My third husband talked much as you do. I was not afraid of him, and I am not afraid of you. All I can say is that the hog was a bit wan, but it did not seem gravely ill. Until you came poking around."

Tronus feels like maybe this weaver is tougher than she looks.

OOC:

Take the Coercion check as an RP cue, as usual. (The boosts and setbacks were for various of Tronus's motivations being stoked.)

Rolls

Coercion on Tronus

5 Success, 5 Advantage, 1 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage

Stubborn

1 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Jul 14, 2020 2:15 am

Jul 14, 2020 2:15 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Eswyse blanches at Nekurr's suggestion of tracing the pig's origins. "Well... Madam Anzila got the pig from me. Yuletide gift a couple years back. The sow's mine, and I ate the sire a few weeks ago for breakfast. Soft spot for bacon, even though I know it can kill ya." He looks to Wayland. "But I haven't seen anything like this from my swine, Mayor."

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 14, 2020 12:11 pm

Jul 14, 2020 12:11 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Sounds like a good one points out the obvious and thinks with logic... Third one? I'll not be the fourth mind you... Don't know why you'd be afraid of me. First you don't know all the details or any of the details of the hog you raised then you know all the details and things go array when a dwarf who daft at raising pigs comes along and looks... maybe the husband aren't the problem... besides if you're trying to pick a fight I've no qualms socking you proper in the mouth though." Tronus spits back, "Look at this one flirting." jabs a thumb at the woman while looking at Nekur a bit shocked. He shakes his head walking to the pig before cocking back his shield arm to dwarf his way into the pig's gut.

"Step back if you don't like getting dirty." he warns others.

OOC:

Using clever retort. And you added for Dwarven Stubborn being one of those setbacks right? Let me know if I have to roll to 'slice' pork belly with the lip of a shield... XD

Last edited July 14, 2020 12:19 pm

Jul 14, 2020 12:26 pm

Jul 14, 2020 12:26 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr laughs nervously as he puts his paw on Tronus shoulder Ah ah, no one if picking any fight right?" he asks Anzila, trying to convince her to be slightly less... oppositional. "So the pig came from you and all the other are healthy?" he asks Erfan. "This would suggest that he got sick later." he then turns to Anzila with a serious expression. "I believe I saw the pig before my friend here approached it, and it looked like it was not doing very well, next to you"

OOC:

I'll refer to when Nekurr spotted her dragging the pig to the festival.

OOC:

GM edit: Adding difficulty, accounting for Motivations.

Last edited July 14, 2020 12:30 pm

Rolls

charm

3 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 3 Advantage

difficulty

2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat, 1 Despair

Total: 3 Failure, 1 Advantage, 1 Despair

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 14, 2020 2:12 pm

Jul 14, 2020 2:12 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I think trying to gut a hog with a shield is probably impossible without destroying what's inside. If Tronus wants to do this, he'll need to flip a SP and roll, maybe versus PPP? May be easier to just borrow a dagger from someone. Cutting it open with a blade would succeed automatically.

OK, Nekurr has failed to charm the weaver, and he also got a Despair! That gives the mayor an upgrade on his next check, plus I'll flip a SP:

The mayor stands up tall and slams his open hand into the fence post with a thwack. "Enough!" he cries to both the out-of-town investigators and the villagers. "I won't abide a bunch of paper-pushers harassing citizens of this village! Now, you folks're welcome here. We're happy to oblige your inquiries insofar as they pertain to your duties to collect the baron's taxes. But this hog's got nothing to do with any of that, so I'll kindly ask you to not overstep your role here."

You all get the impression that pursuing this line of inquiry may be risky. Antagonizing the weaver is unlikely to win you any friends in the village, and the mayor, like many of the villagers you've met, seems reluctant to cede authority to a bunch of outsiders.

OOC:

I'll use the mayor's 2 advantage to say you'll all get a setback on any checks that go against his orders here until this scene wraps.

Nekurr does have 4 advantage to spend from his check on the weaver. How'd you like to use it, CESN?

Rolls

Leadership + 2 upgrades + Knack for It

2 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 14, 2020 2:20 pm

Jul 14, 2020 2:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar blinks in surprise but nods to the mayor "You are quite right of course. I think these surprising events may have shaken everyone somewhat so if you will please excuse any offence." he turns to his companions and quietly suggests that maybe they should withdraw and let the villagers sort the mess out

Jul 14, 2020 2:38 pm

Jul 14, 2020 2:38 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Can I use Clever Retort on the mayor to block that setback?
Once per encounter, your character may use this talent to add automatic 2 threats to another character’s social skill check

also, I got the weaver's motivation already right? maybe I can use 3 for the fear and 1 to avoid anyone else seeing help "help" negatively?

Last edited July 14, 2020 2:40 pm

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 14, 2020 2:47 pm

Jul 14, 2020 2:47 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Fair enough next person about to die shouldn't be helped by paper pushers. This still goes into the report since we can't investigate it'll be vague but we'll state what was said. It's your job to watch and protect the villagers well being not ours." Tronus states back with malice and gets out of the would be pen and walks back to the house and the stable.

Jul 14, 2020 6:52 pm

Jul 14, 2020 6:52 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

OOC:

Can I use Clever Retort on the mayor to block that setback?
Once per encounter, your character may use this talent to add automatic 2 threats to another character’s social skill check

also, I got the weaver's motivation already right? maybe I can use 3 for the fear and 1 to avoid anyone else seeing help "help" negatively?

OOC:

Sure; narrate your Clever Retort, and that's a great use of it to "block" the mayor in this way. We can reserve the "help" advantage to grant a boost to the next PC to make a check. And Anzila's Fear coming up: displeasing her deity.

The weaver seems content to deescalate. She looks to Nekurr and says, "I'm sure as a priest, you understand that I would never do something to displease my deity. Perish the thought!"

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 14, 2020 6:57 pm

Jul 14, 2020 6:57 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Wayland gives Tronus a nod. "I know you folks are just trying to help. Fortunately, we can leave things be for a piece." He looks at the smoldering hog carcass and winces. "I suppose this means there won't be any meat this year. But at least we can rest easy that the rest of the food is safe. Our traditions say the person who provides the hog doesn't bring anything else."

Jul 14, 2020 7:15 pm

Jul 14, 2020 7:15 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

replying to the other post, though I can't remember how I wanted to reply... well, here's something :)

"As far as we can tell, this deity of yours... " Nekurr looks at Anzila "... seems to enjoy causing trouble to us paper-pushers." he looks at the mayor putting him in his place "Putting baronial representatives in danger is something that concern us". Once it is clear they made this our business he adds "But let's not ruin the festivities, we can all look into this later"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 14, 2020 8:39 pm

Jul 14, 2020 8:39 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar moves after Tronus and once he is sure they are out of earshot of any of the locals begins to speak quietly "I examined the carcass of the hog. There are no traces that any kind of magic was involved and i seems that the poor creature was infested via some other method, I suspect we are dealing with some sort of creature. In addition to the spiders there seemed to be the husks of several silkworms"

Jul 15, 2020 1:02 am

Jul 15, 2020 1:02 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

As Hildar shares his revelation about the silkworms, you notice three flurries of activity. First, the mayor seems to be asking Anzila to leave the festival. Two large villagers seem to be escorting her away. Meanwhile, a burly man is dragging the remains of the hog toward the nearby river, presumably to dump it in.

Meanwhile, Vanya Tabbins, the shopkeep, seems to be giving a pep-talk to the handful of pageant contestants over at the stage.

Finally, Chandy Galbernost and other villagers are finishing preparations on the food, while other villagers get in line to get their helpings.

It looks like you have a couple of options: First, you could stay for the rest of the festival, eat, drink, and be merry while the pageant goes on. You still have your half-case of wine to gift the villagers, and Nekurr has candied fruits for the winner of the pageant.

Alternatively, you could make leave and pursue the matter of the corpse bugs in the pig if you'd like. You might make some excuse to leave, or you might try to convince the mayor to let you investigate on his behalf.

OOC:

Feel free to decide what you want to do IC or OOC.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 15, 2020 3:28 am

Jul 15, 2020 3:28 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"That is extremely gross. I liked it better when we were ransacking the mansion. Next thing you know the pageant winner will receive a tiara which transforms them into a giant worm." While not counting on it, Nera makes a face of disgust. "I think we should follow the mayor; we're qualified investigators after all."

Jul 15, 2020 7:23 am

Jul 15, 2020 7:23 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Oh look! the Pageant is about to start!" Nekurr immediately forgets whatever happened with the excitement of the festivities.

OOC:

I think we should follow Anzila/Mayor as well. But would everyone disappear from the festival be too obvious?

Jul 15, 2020 2:04 pm

Jul 15, 2020 2:04 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

As outsiders, you all stick out like sore thumbs here. Whatever you decide to do, it'll be obvious to just about everyone. If the plan is to sneak around, you'll have to figure out a way to excuse yourselves from the rest of the festival to do so.

As a reminder, you all have the impression that there's a strong expectation that you'll stay, and folks have intimated that you'll even be expected to help judge the pageant. Leaving now (whether to pursue the matter with the weaver, or under some other excuse) is going to raise eyebrows.

This isn't me saying not to do it, of course! Go where you think the case is leading you. I just want to set expectations right that leaving now will require some extra legwork.

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 15, 2020 5:31 pm

Jul 15, 2020 5:31 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Tronus is still leaving the festival. =)

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 15, 2020 6:33 pm

Jul 15, 2020 6:33 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We could split up again! Nera could go with Tronus and lie, saying she needs to help him get back to the manor and get some rest, he's so old and hurt something.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 18, 2020 12:17 pm

Jul 18, 2020 12:17 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

After a few moments, you see Anzila being led out of the festival area by two large village men. A third trots behind them, having disposed of the hog carcass in the river nearby.

Mayor Wayland strides toward the now-empty hog-wrestling ring, his face split by a huge grin. "Sorry 'bout that unfortunate interlude, folks. But we're back on schedule. Nature's Lady works in mysterious ways. Looks like this year she wants us to focus on her bounty, all those beautiful pumpkins and squashes and beans and pipeleaves she's given us this year."

Rolls

Charming the villagers

5 Success, 2 Advantage, 5 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 3 Threat

Jul 18, 2020 12:29 pm

Jul 18, 2020 12:29 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

You take a tinge of relief from the mayor's calm ebullience, and the villagers seem eager to get back to the festivities. However, you sense an air of uneasiness among the villagers, overhearing folks grumbling that the hog's malediction has never happened before. Perhaps sensing the darkened mood, Wayland urges the physic Erfan Eswyse forward.

"Uh... Howdy, folks," the Gnome says. "So, the hog was infested with corpse bugs. Good news is it's been dealt with, and there's no further threat to any of us. What you gotta know is, corpse bugs are damned aggressive things. They infest livestock directly. If the pig had infected someone else, we'd've seen it." Eswyse gestures toward the lot of you. "But the baron's folk here stopped the bugs before it got that far. They saved all our lives, and probably saved all our herds, too."

OOC:

Average (PP) Medicine check if anyone wants to second-opinion this medical analysis.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 18, 2020 12:36 pm

Jul 18, 2020 12:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Don't miss the two new posts before this one on the previous page.

"So let's eat! It's time for the main event, the Founder's Feast Pageant!" Wayland proclaims. He then approaches you the "baron's folk." "Sorry again about that unfortunate turn of events. We thank you for your quick action. Anzila's agreed to return to her cottage for the evening, and I've sent a few folks to keep an eye on her place in case she gets sick somehow. Erfan says it's not how these bugs work, that she'd know she was infected, but I figure we'll play it safe."

He gestures toward the stage to the south and says, "If you'll oblige me, I'd like to invite you to join me at my table as judges for the pageant. Folks're quite taken with you after the show you've given 'em this year. It won't be a Founder's Feast they'll soon forget."

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 18, 2020 6:49 pm

Jul 18, 2020 6:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

On standby for Tronus's grumbling.

Jul 20, 2020 9:25 am

Jul 20, 2020 9:25 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekkur approaches the others to talk away from the villagers "Yeah, that Nature Lady's motives are mysterious indeed and I can tell that Anzila is not as devoted as she ... should". He looks at Nera, knowing very well show capable she is finding information.

OOC:

I'm tempeted to roll that medicine, but Nekurr's the defenitly not the brightest, so I'll let someone else take it if they want

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 20, 2020 1:01 pm

Jul 20, 2020 1:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'm literally going back to the big house to get my sword and act dwarven.

Tronus walks back to the place they'll be stay and grabs his sword and goes to check on their wagon and horse, once done he'll take the time to check his sword and sharpen it while sitting in their wagon.

"Only a matter of time..." Tronus mutters to himself.

Jul 20, 2020 2:20 pm

Jul 20, 2020 2:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

So, I'd like to Conjure an Ally, to send after Anzila... but it's not clear to me 1. the intelligence level, or 2. communication capabilities of a summons... Ally is +P over base Dif, and I can command it but it's not clear if it can communicate back. So, could I add another +P to endow it with adequate intelligence to observe/report back to me, her activities? And if necessary as determined by you GM, another +P to ensure I can communicate back and forth with it/it can relay whatever it sees back to me?

Jul 20, 2020 7:22 pm

Jul 20, 2020 7:22 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I think everyone missed the mayor talking to you. Please reply to him before you decide what you want to do. Getting away is not going to be as easy as just declaring that you leave. Or if you ignore him and just start marching off, he's going to react, so let me know if that's really what Tronus is doing.

As for Bruv's Conjure spell, you can always say he's summoning an intelligent spirit of some sort for no additional difficulty. Whatever feels most appropriate to his brand of magic. Being able to communicate with it in real time would need +PP, I think, but it is pretty Druid-y, so feel free to try. Otherwise, the conjured creature can report back as long as it's not discovered and destroyed somehow.

The other issue is that summoned allies by default are visible and appear engaged with you. If you want to summon something that won't be obvious, you may need to add the Range effect to have it materialize at least Medium range from you, somewhere hidden. Or maybe add +PP to make it invisible? If it's mundane creature, we can roll Stealth for it if you want it to slink away unnoticed. Depending on what it is (like a natural creature), it may get a boost to getting away if it's not out of place.

In short, yeah, add +P to make a non-intelligent creature intelligent, or +PP to communicate in real time with something, and +PP to make something invisible. Lots of options, so think of what you'd like to try and we can finalize a difficulty (or adjust after you roll).

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 20, 2020 8:41 pm

Jul 20, 2020 8:41 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

He gestures toward the stage to the south and says, "If you'll oblige me, I'd like to invite you to join me at my table as judges for the pageant. Folks're quite taken with you after the show you've given 'em this year. It won't be a Founder's Feast they'll soon forget."

Hildar nods and smiles "Mayor Weyland it would be an honour...." he glances at the retreating form of Tronus "I'm afraid I cannot speak for all of my companions however.....some of them seem tired?" he finishes with a weak attempt to excuse those in the party who want to withdraw.

OOC:

Sorry, was away for a few days over the weekend but am back now

Jul 21, 2020 2:36 am

Jul 21, 2020 2:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

No worries, mcneils5. Thanks for the layup regarding those who wish to leave the scene. If Tronus and Nera want to just exit stage right, we can run with that. Let me know if that's still the plan, somebox and Remnant.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 21, 2020 6:05 am

Jul 21, 2020 6:05 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera rolls her eyes, whether it's directed at Hildar or part of the act is a mystery. "'Some' of us get very cranky when they've been up too long and get rowdy unless 'some'-one makes sure they go to sleep." She not-so subtly nods her head at Tronus.

OOC:

The plan was to slip away and stalk Anzila and the goons.

Jul 21, 2020 6:20 am

Jul 21, 2020 6:20 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

medical cat then

Nekuur, after suggesting the hog lady is up to no good with her fake devotion to the cool Nature Lady, considers the words of the gnome... this corpse bugs... they didn't seem they obvious when he was up close with the pig...

Last edited July 21, 2020 6:51 am

Rolls

Healthy pigs

2 Success, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Threat

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 21, 2020 12:20 pm

Jul 21, 2020 12:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Yep I'm sticking with the walking away.

Jul 21, 2020 2:33 pm

Jul 21, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

In short, yeah, add +P to make a non-intelligent creature intelligent, or +PP to communicate in real time with something, and +PP to make something invisible. Lots of options, so think of what you'd like to try and we can finalize a difficulty (or adjust after you roll).

OOC:

Unfortunately, I don't know Terrinoth's beastiary at all, and don't know if there's anything that fits the bill of very small/stealthy and intelligent. Bruv might, I guess, but not gonna worry about it right now... I'll just Conjure a small, common swamp bird. Like equivalent to a sparrow, or something. +Ally and +Intelligence, but no telepathic link, my intent was to have it follow, observe, report back.

Full narrative pending check.

Before Anzila can pass out of sight, Bruv reaches a burly hand up into the air and makes a soft, melodic series of whistles and tweets...

He waits a few moments, whistles again, and waits a few more... but seeing no creatures of the swamp heeding his call, he just lowers his hand and sighs.

Last edited July 21, 2020 2:35 pm

Rolls

Primal, Conjure+Ally+Intellect

3 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 22, 2020 1:40 am

Jul 22, 2020 1:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

Wayland sighs in resignation at Hildar's announcement and Nera's mention of tiredness. "I understand. It pains me to see you go, I must confess. The village was quite taken by your archery and would love to hear your opinions on the pageant. But, alas, I don't have time to try to convince you otherwise, as the show must go on!" He hands Nera a large, silver key as Tronus's silhouette plods off into the distance. "Here's the key to the manor. Make yourselves at home. I'll send a few folks to stand guard outside just in case those poachers show up. May Nature's Lady send you sweet dreams!"

Meanwhile, Bruv tries to summon the aid of a local bird, but he finds it hard to attract one's attention. It may have something to do with the villagers' preference for razorwings. Or could it be interference from Hildar's animated buzzard effigy, still flapping occasionally from his shoulder?

Then the mayor announces, "On to the feast!"

OOC:

If I've misunderstood, and Nera has already left, let me know. That means you'll arrive at a locked manor, but you can still hang out at the Galbernost barn or try to break into the manor.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 22, 2020 3:27 am

Jul 22, 2020 3:27 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Tronus heading off unannounced works even better actually, highlights how he is clearly in need of a someone as important as the mayor would certainly notice if one of their honored guests was missing during such an event.

Nera takes the key. "Do not worry, Nekurr's eye for fashion is far superior to my own. We can always have an archery contest another day, should be fun." She listens to his reasoning behind the extra security, finding it utterly ridiculous. "Oh I wouldn't worry about us Mr. Mayor: I might for Tronus to rest but I'll be sure to keep watch for anything, I'll probably be able to get backup before any damage is done." She assures him, lying through her teeth.

OOC:

Deception roll?

Jul 22, 2020 10:56 am

Jul 22, 2020 10:56 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hearing the mayor's disapointment about Nera's leaving and the announcement of the pageant Nekurr reasures the mayor "Well, I may not be as skilled as Nera and maybe only half the cat she is, but I can guarantee I'll bring twice as much entusiasm for ther pageant competition!" he agree with Nera's remark

Last edited July 22, 2020 10:57 am

Jul 22, 2020 12:51 pm

Jul 22, 2020 12:51 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

OOC:

Deception roll?

OOC:

RYY for Deception, but Nera doesn't suspect that the mayor will back down from putting guards on the house, not after Tronus stormed off and was pretty clear earlier about his suspicions of Anzila. The mayor made it clear he wanted you to drop that line of inquiry, so the guards are part of his demonstration/assertion of authority in the village. (And this is no value judgment on any PC's actions. Just extrapolating what the autocratic leader of a small village would do in such a situation).

In short, you can try Deception to reassure him you're on the level, but he'll still put guards on you. Your better bet might be to try to slip by them undetected.

Jul 22, 2020 3:41 pm

Jul 22, 2020 3:41 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Oi'll 'ave ta bow out of da pageant judgin', Mayor. Apologies.

One of da contestants expressed concerns wit me 'avin' conversations wit other contestants, but not ALL contestants.

So Oi tink it is for da best...

'appy ta watch tho."

Last edited July 22, 2020 3:50 pm

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 22, 2020 3:53 pm

Jul 22, 2020 3:53 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

After the fact but Tronus is not going into the house but the stable to get his sword and to camp out there.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 22, 2020 6:37 pm

Jul 22, 2020 6:37 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Curses. Ah well, I shall just head out as well.

Jul 23, 2020 2:22 am

Jul 23, 2020 2:22 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera & Tronus

Nera pads her way toward the bouncing lantern light in the distance, which she quickly determines is Tronus. A quick glance behind her reveals another lantern light following behind, not too far back—presumably the mayor's "guards." A few dozen yards from the festival grounds, the Catfolk and Dwarf reach the village center. The path to the Galbernost farm and the mayor's manor lies to the left, heading north, while, from what the village map can tell you, the weaver's cottage lies straight ahead at the opposite end of the central commons. In the darkness of midnight, a cottage does stand illuminated straight ahead.

OOC:

So, the path to the barn lies to your left, but you are welcome to try an upgraded Daunting (RPPP) Perception check with two setbacks for darkness to gather information about what's going on at the cottage straight ahead as you pass from Long range. If you want to get closer, the difficulty will fall to Hard (RPP) at Medium range, and Average (RP) at Short range, or Easy (R) at Engaged (basically peering in through the window). All of these except for Engaged will get two setbacks for darkness.

You know you're being followed, though. So you can either go brazenly and try to lie about it when the guards inevitably ask you what you're doing, or Nera can try to sneak away unnoticed if she wants to get closer to the cottage. Sneaking away is Easy, but with two boosts and three setbacks, as it's dark, and there are four folks behind you.

Bruv, Nekurr, and Hildar

The mayor accepts Bruv's recusement from judging duties with a note of understanding and respect, muttering something about the seriousness of the duty and appreciating the Orc's honesty. He then leads Hildar, Bruv, and Nekurr over to a large table just in front of the raised stage, where several town notables are also sat: the Tabbins family, Erfan Eswyse, the ferryman Skeeter Zymph, and a few others. Everyone seems to be a bigwig in the town. As special guests, you are brought large helpings of several different dishes. Your dinner companions describe them with a mixture of excitement and pride: bean soup, fresh-baked bread, black mushrooms, pipeleaf salad, smoked river crawfish, and razorwing sausage.

OOC:

Y'all had expressed some reservations about eating the local food earlier. Is everyone eating and drinking? Trying a spell or two to determine if the food is OK? If so, what spell?

Also, when would you like the mayor to serve the wine you brought?

Jul 23, 2020 11:46 am

Jul 23, 2020 11:46 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We probably want to check the food nutritious and magical properties (one each PC). Theree could be a magic effect on ours but it is also possible the black mushrooms are not something that edible (like we already suspect the pipeleaf salad may have unwanted effects). What would bethose checks?

Nekuur sits down at the table and looks around the food, chatting with the locals to find out what each thing is. He then asks the mayer if the wine may be served now, to show our thanks to the villagers.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 23, 2020 12:24 pm

Jul 23, 2020 12:24 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Hildar feels pretty trusting of the mayor at the moment and wouldn't want to offend so he's just going to sample the food as it comes and try to be polite at the very least, he would be reluctant to start casting spells over anything unless there is something obviously 'off' about it

Hildar smiles and nods as each dish is brought over, making sure to make an appreciative comment and inquiry about the ingredients used.

Last edited July 23, 2020 12:26 pm

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 23, 2020 12:53 pm

Jul 23, 2020 12:53 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Tronus stops his curmudgeon march and looks from his lantern to the men following them to the house and back and starts walking that direction stopping when he gets to a shorter distance, "Where the hell are the other blokes with her? Inside the house with a widow all night? Miss Nera you see anyone outside or lanterns on the ground? It's too far to see spiders crawling about..." Tronus mutters aloud frowning.

OOC:

Getting to short range if possible and I'd imagine the guards would be watching since this was not where I was headed. Unsure if I'd get Nera's team bonus here though.

Rolls

Avg Perc check upgraded with Knack for it in Perception

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Failure

Jul 23, 2020 4:18 pm

Jul 23, 2020 4:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bruv would only consider eating the bread and crawfish. And even those he will inspect for signs of any cooking or combination with the pipeleaf. Need a check? What's the applicable Skill? Perception? Survival? A Knowledge? Something else?

Jul 23, 2020 6:53 pm

Jul 23, 2020 6:53 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

So, some possibilities:

Casting an is-pipeleaf-in-this? spell = Utility = Easy (P).

Asking someone about the ingredients of things = no check required. Just let me know if that's the plan. You can then try Vigilance to see if they're lying to you; Average (PP) check for most folks. The mayor is, of course, a better BS'er, so the check will be harder with him.

Trying to remember ingredients/deduce ingredients = Knowledge (Geography). Hard (PPP) with two setbacks for the village's odd seclusion.

Jul 23, 2020 6:54 pm

Jul 23, 2020 6:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

If Nera is going ahead with Tronus, she can offer assistance. Probably better than just giving a boost for her Awareness talent, since she has a higher Cunning.

Jul 23, 2020 7:00 pm

Jul 23, 2020 7:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Magic it is! 😅

Bruv passes a hand over his food and mutters an incantation that would probably look and sound vaguely religious... but is an attempt to detect the pipeleaf in the food.

OOC:

Use the Advantage to conceal the spell?

OOC:

GM edit: adding setbacks for silence, no gestures.

Last edited July 23, 2020 7:01 pm

Rolls

Primal, Utility

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 1 Advantage

setbacks for no gestures, no speech

2 Failure

Total: 2 Failure

Jul 24, 2020 1:43 am

Jul 24, 2020 1:43 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'll wait to advance Tronus and Nera's story so that somebox can weigh in. How does she react when Tronus starts barreling toward the weaver's hut?

OOC:

Emsquared, casting his spell silently and without obvious gestures is a fairly hefty penalty of 3 setbacks, so 1 advantage might distract one person, but not a whole crowd. I've added in the setbacks, and it's still a success, so let me know if you want to roll with that modified roll instead and use the advantage for something else. If you choose to just cast the spell openly, you might use the advantage for a boost on Deception to say you were praying over your meal or some such. It's a success either way, so information ahoy.

Mayor Wayland pops the corks on the gifted wine, serving a full glass to everyone at the VIP table first. The remaining bottles offer enough for at least a few sips for the rest of the festival-goers. You all notice the three nervous pageant contestants taking swigs. They also seem to be partaking of some local spirits, as do several other festival goers.

Sampling the vittles, Hildar is pleased to discover that the food isn't half bad, especially coupled with the wine you trucked in through the swamp. The local cuisine is unlike most Human food he's tasted, which always seems to be bland in its reliance on butter and salt for flavor, at least in comparison to Elf food. Perhaps because of its unique climate, the village food is at least distinct, making the experience memorable, if not sumptuous.

A couple of seats over, Nekurr finds a friendly interlocutor in the shopkeeper Vanya Tabbins, who remembers Nekurr and Bruv's visit to her store. After a glass of wine and some local spirits, she happily takes on the roll of culinary tour guide, explaining what each dish is and what its significance is to the local area or to Nature's Lady. She seems especially fond of the pipeleaf salad, which she prepared, and urges her guest to try some.

Meanwhile, Bruv asks the spirits of the swamp to warn him away from any foods containing this same pipeleaf, which Hildar has warned everyone has a sleep-inducing effect.

SavageBob sent a note to emsquared

OOC:

So let me know if anyone wants to ask anything else about food or customs or whatever before we begin the pageant proper. And is anyone avoiding any of the food or drink?

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 24, 2020 5:02 am

Jul 24, 2020 5:02 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera will do her best to physically stop Tronus from deviating from the path towards the manor. She places a paw on his shoulder. "If you're going to break the house arrest at least try and be sneaky about it. I can get close but you...will make noise."

OOC:

I would love to try and stop him!

Jul 24, 2020 9:05 am

Jul 24, 2020 9:05 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'll just take the asking approach to make sure the food is safe

Nekurr takes the opportunity to asks about the ingreadients and how their use is related to specific religious customs as Vanya Tabbins introduces each dish. Though he can't tell from her happy chatting if the food will have any secondary effects, he ends up learning a lot about the local cuisine.

OOC:

Advantages can be used for... revealing some relevant religious knowledge (where do the spiders come in or split factions in the village Anzila could be part of?). Maybe some more clues on what the pageant winners are expected to do afterwards?

Running out of ideas, can anyone think about any other useful info a drunk villager can provide? :D

Last edited July 24, 2020 9:11 am

Rolls

vigilance will4

6 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 4 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 24, 2020 10:04 am

Jul 24, 2020 10:04 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Unless something obviously tastes off Hildar will be trying everything offered. He won't eat much of each though, not out of any suspicion as he's grown quite fond of the mayor and is inclined to trust him to a degree but rather just not wanting to get filled up whilst there are still a lot of dishes to try

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 24, 2020 12:16 pm

Jul 24, 2020 12:16 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

@somebox do I get a perception check boost being next to you? Wasn't sure if that's just in certain situations.

Jul 24, 2020 3:11 pm

Jul 24, 2020 3:11 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv mutters to his allies present at the feast, in case they care, "Poipe-leaf in da salad, of course, and da local alcohol..."

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 24, 2020 11:36 pm

Jul 24, 2020 11:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

One boost in close range , two for engaged range with Nera. The plan is to try and stop Tronus though lol.

Jul 25, 2020 1:06 am

Jul 25, 2020 1:06 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera & Tronus

OOC:

So, sounds like Nera is trying to stop Tronus from going closer to the cottage, presumably because she's the sneaky-sneak who can do that undetected. However, if Tronus wants to continue forward (will let Remnant weigh in one more time), somebox, you'd be better off doing a combined check here rather than Tronus making the Perception check. With a combined check, you'd use Nera's Cunning (4) and Perception (2) with Tronus adding hisKnack for It talent (ignore the 2 setbacks), and adding +1 boost for assistance. In this case, with Nera doing the roll, the Awareness talent wouldn't apply.

Just to be clear: This approach is going to make the guards following you mad. There will almost certainly be an altercation. But you will get at least a chance to try a social check to smooth things over.

Bruv, Hildar, Nekurr

OOC:

We can use Nekurr's advantages to get this woman very drunk to give a bit more insight into the pageant. ;)

Hildar nibbles and sips at everything as Vanya Tabbins is only too happy to talk about the pageant with Nekurr. She pines about when she won it some decades back, and how it changed her life for the better. She says winning is the clearest indication that you have the favor of Nature's Lady. Seven of the ten village elders are former winners or spouses of former winners, and other former winners have gone on to obtain other prominent positions in the village. Unfortunately, she notes, every few years, a winner shirks their duty to Nature's Lady and decides they aren't willing to help Buzzard's Ford prosper, and they decide to leave town.

Hearing Bruv's warning about the pipeleaf, Vanya Tabbins takes a swig of the local moonshine and leans in toward the Orc. "Interested in our pipeleaf are ya, dear?" she says, her cheeks flushed. "I was just telling your friend, Nekurr, here that I made this pipeleaf salad special with my family's homemade dressing." She holds up the bottle of spirits and sloshes some to the table. "This stuff's called buzzard custard. It'll put hair on your chest, that's for sure!" She reaches over to pour some for Bruv. "Give it a taste, will ya, dear?"

Jul 27, 2020 8:34 am

Jul 27, 2020 8:34 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Every few years?" Nekurr asks surprise "The way you say it looks more like a cyclic curse" he jokes slightly provoking "How often are those 'few years'?" he pushes the questioning a bit further trying to figure out if there is some sort of spider related... cycle.

Last edited July 27, 2020 8:34 am

Jul 27, 2020 2:14 pm

Jul 27, 2020 2:14 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv smiles, "Oi'm very interested in it...", but he pulls away his cup, sloshing the water around inside it.

"But, in due toime, m'lady...", he raises his cup to her, and takes a sudden interest in his plate of food.

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 27, 2020 2:42 pm

Jul 27, 2020 2:42 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'll let Somebox do the roll for the seeing stuff. If they get all uppity I can talk to them I guess.

Jul 27, 2020 6:45 pm

Jul 27, 2020 6:45 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

OK, Somebox make the Perception check. Then I'll advance both stories.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 27, 2020 9:07 pm

Jul 27, 2020 9:07 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Rolling... What range are we at, still medium?

Assuming yes I would like to use the two advantage for the next check depending on the circumstances (either stealth or deception likely).

Last edited July 27, 2020 9:10 pm

Rolls

Perception

3 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Jul 28, 2020 1:29 am

Jul 28, 2020 1:29 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera & Tronus

OOC:

Remnant said he wanted to get to Short, and the difficulty you rolled is correct for that distance. Roger that on the advantages. 2 boosts it is.

Tronus barrels toward the lit cottage with no regard for the villagers following close behind. Nera, perhaps a bit ill-at-ease with the bull-in-a-china-shop approach, strides along to keep up. As the duo approach the cottage, getting within a stone's throw away, they see that the building is guarded by four bored-looking villagers. Through a window, Nera spots a burning buzzard effigy, which wafts incense throughout the house.

"Hey! What are you trying to pull?" asks one of the guards from behind the pair of outsiders. The four villagers around the house stand up and begin to draw various weapons. "Stand back!"

OOC:

Y'all get one shot at a social check. I will upgrade with a SP, of course. ;P Any social check is going to be average upgraded (RP) with five setbacks (the mayor ordered you to stay away, there are two of you, it's nighttime, and the cottage is off-limits to pretty much everyone right now).

Bruv, Hildar, & Nekurr

The woman seems unsure how to interpret Bruv's dodge of the moonshine, but she stops to answer Nekurr's question. "Nothing that regular, Love. Sometimes folks just don't want to stick around anymore. You never know when the pageant's gonna go to someone's head." Up at the stage, the mayor seems about ready to start the competition.

OOC:

Can Bruv give me a Deception check to see if he hides his avoidance of the pipeleaf? Nekurr, too, if he's avoiding it, as well. Average (PP) with two boosts (for her drunkenness, and for the high level of distractions), but also setback for the fact that she's insistent you drink up. (BB x PP+K).

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 28, 2020 11:58 am

Jul 28, 2020 11:58 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"I didn't see any lanterns with the lot of you, since you're all standing and vigilant there's no spiders coming out of your mouths right?" Tronus states looking at the house guards squinting, "Oi they're acting normal right?" asks the people behind him giving a glance behind before looking at the guards.

OOC:

I forgot I have Knack for it for leadership but a lot of those Setback die were blank anyway. So a pass with 2 threat, for the Triumph how about they or one of them realizes I don't really care about what I should or shouldn't be doing but I am concerned about them getting bugged and rampaging in the darkness of night. Maybe one'll let us know if something happens that's odd since we're closer then the festival.

Last edited July 28, 2020 12:05 pm

Rolls

Leadership Check

5 Success, 1 Triumph, 4 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat, 1 Triumph

Jul 28, 2020 12:09 pm

Jul 28, 2020 12:09 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr will try to avoid eating anything that could be suspicious for as long as he manages to!

OOC:

He ends up eading his and Bruv's food -_- though his cat physiology can make him imunne to side effects?

Last edited July 28, 2020 12:10 pm

Rolls

Feline deceptiveness

6 Advantage, 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Failure, 5 Advantage

Jul 28, 2020 1:20 pm

Jul 28, 2020 1:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

Nekurr will try to avoid eating anything that could be suspicious for as long as he manages to!

OOC:

He ends up eading his and Bruv's food -_- though his cat physiology can make him imunne to side effects?

OOC:

LOL. No, just means she notices you not eating the pipeleaf stuff. 5 advantage, though. Thoughts on that?

Jul 28, 2020 1:31 pm

Jul 28, 2020 1:31 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Not really. Maybe something related to the pageants? and recover strain from the nice meal?

Jul 28, 2020 3:09 pm

Jul 28, 2020 3:09 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bruce's Also Bruv's... Deception

Lotta Advantage... I'll use 3 to recover Strain, 2 to maybe even make her and/or anyone else paying attention believe I have consumed some?

Last edited July 28, 2020 3:13 pm

Rolls

Deception

3 Success, 7 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 5 Advantage

Jul 29, 2020 2:16 am

Jul 29, 2020 2:16 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Been a loooong day. Update tomorrow.

For the party-goers, you can both use as much advantage as you need to represent the hearty meal restoring your strain. I like the idea that Bruv is able to surreptitiously pour out his moonshine while no one's looking, too. That's enough advantage for Hildar to get some strain back, too, if he's suffering any.

Somebox: Any input from Nera? Or is she waiting to see what happens with the guards first?

Jul 29, 2020 6:38 am

Jul 29, 2020 6:38 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Feeling so much more refreshed and unstrained, Nekurr takes the chance to offer a prayer to Fortuna thanks her for the luck of arriving during the festival.

OOC:

I'd suggest Hildar's as the extra target since bruv didn't eat, but any of them seems ok to me :D

Last edited July 29, 2020 6:39 am

Rolls

Augmenting cats + 1

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Jul 30, 2020 1:25 am

Jul 30, 2020 1:25 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera, Tronus

OOC:

Somebox, hope all's well! Please jump in when you're back. I think using the Triumph to make them assume good intentions is a good use of it. The 2 threat indicate that your own escort won't let you ask any other questions. But feel free to try another social check on them if you wish, with 2 additional setbacks (7 total before any Knacks for It).

The guards outside the cottage relax a bit and lower the various farming implements the've brandished. "Appreciate the courtesy check, outlander. We've got the lights out sos the old lady can go to bed and we can head home. All's calm here."

One of the villagers following behind nudges Tronus with the butt end of a scythe. "OK, folks, off we go."

Bruv, Nekurr, Hildar

"That's nice, dear," Tabbins says after Nekurr's prayer. "Nature's Lady and Fortuna are said to be comrades, I'm told. But surely a man of Fortuna knows not to miss a good spirit when he meets one, eh?" She again tries to get Nekurr to drink some of the moonshine—Nekurr and Hildar notice Bruv's glass is mysteriously empty—but then the mayor clinks a glass and speaks.

OOC:

More...

Mayor Castor Wayland

Jul 30, 2020 1:39 am

Jul 30, 2020 1:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Listen up!" Mayor Wayland calls. "Listen up, everyone!" Once the rowdy festival-goers quiet down, the mayor addresses the village. "Friends, neighbors"—he looks at Hildar, Nekurr, and Bruv—"distinguished guests, welcome to the Buzzards' Ford annual Founder's Festival!" The crowd erupts into cheers. The speech continues and goes on at some length. The mayor's a natural glad-hander. He talks about matters mundane, legal, and ceremonial, from how many bushels of grain were harvested this year, to how many poachers were apprehended and turned over to the baron and how many effigies of Nature's Lady will burn tonight in her honor. He's good at making people feel special—he calls at least a dozen villagers by name—and the people seem happy to hear him talk.

Then, he turns to the three outsiders sitting at his table. "Now these, three—there's actually five of 'em, but a couple had to head back after they had a bit too much fun—these three are here on special baronial business. I want to assure them that we the people of Buzzards' Ford will do everything in our power to help them accomplish what they need to do. As for what that is, I'll let them explain." Then, in a slightly lower voice, "You all want to tell everyone what you need here?"

OOC:

Here, I'd like a combined social check. I'm thinking Leadership or Charm are the most likely choices, although Deception is fine, too, if you want to try to lie to the whole village. It's going to be a Formidable check (PPPPP), but you get several boosts: 1 for the mayor's introduction, 1 for helping Pippin, 1 for Nekurr jumping the fire, 1 for Nekurr betting on the races, 1 for Hildar saving the effigy, 1 more since the effigy is still "alive" on his shoulder I presume, and 2 more for the fact that Hildar and Bruv seem to be partaking of the good stuff. 1 setback for Bruv roughing up the kid, 1 setback for being outsiders (Tronus and Nera would have contributed bonuses and setbacks, too, but they left.)

With Nekurr and Hildar augmented, looks like you're GGGG for Deception +BB for unskilled assistance (in addition to the boosts noted below); YYYG+BB for Charm (plus the boosts noted below), or GGGG+BB for Leadership (plus the boosts noted below).

Total difficulty is PPPPP, but 8 boosts and 2 setbacks.

Jul 30, 2020 7:17 am

Jul 30, 2020 7:17 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

In summary:
Deception/Leadership: GGGG+BB + BBBBBBBB + PPPPP + SS
Charm: YYYG+BB + BBBBBBBB + PPPPP + SS

Not sure if Hildar is the most baronial looking amongst us, being elven and wizardly smart ;)

Last edited July 30, 2020 2:17 pm

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 30, 2020 11:16 am

Jul 30, 2020 11:16 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Alright, Outlander thought would be if I was going to do something I'd wait until the guards are gone to do it... you probably checked the area where she was keeping the hog to see if there were more bugs about or something odd to report in since you seem to know what you're doing besides just bringing her back and waiting for her to go to sleep or at least imply it, hope she didn't offer you food or drink and something happens to you tonight... I'd hate to have to cave in your skull when you come at me like the hog." Tronus states with a shrug after being poked. Tronus eyes Nera before heading to the barn to check on their things and the horse, "Word of advise though if you poke someone with the end of the scythe... Be prepared to piss them off and get it shoved up your arse if it's to cover for cockiness or fear... You're good people of the earth... don't act foolish enough to have to be buried in it too soon." Tronus warns while he goes about his business in the barn.

Jul 30, 2020 1:52 pm

Jul 30, 2020 1:52 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

If Tronus expects an answer to any of those questions, he'll need to make another check. Current approach sounds like Coercion. If not, I'll move y'all to the barn.

CESN: Correct. Hildar's the least face-y of you all, so not sure if he'd be comfortable addressing everyone. If we don't hear from mcneils5, feel free to have Nekurr do it!

Jul 30, 2020 2:22 pm

Jul 30, 2020 2:22 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Sorry I meant the most baronial... not sure where the "not" come from :(
Hilder probably looks the most serious and knowledgeble, so I guess the one that would best describe our legal authotity in a baronial and official manner. But I'm just passing the ball to see if mcneils5 wants it :D

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 30, 2020 2:55 pm

Jul 30, 2020 2:55 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Rolls...

OOC:

GM edit: Plus a boatload of setbacks (mentioned above)....

Rolls

Avg Coercion?

2 Success, 2 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

setbacks

2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Jul 30, 2020 3:33 pm

Jul 30, 2020 3:33 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

RE: addressing the village, we have no reason to lie about why we're here, so long as we don't speak to our suspicions which I think we still wish to conceal as any investigator would while an investigation is on progress...

So, Charm? And flip a Story for it?

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Jul 30, 2020 3:55 pm

Jul 30, 2020 3:55 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Hildar would stay sat where he is unless one of you you prompts him to speak, public oration is not really his thing....as for the effigy he would have just kept the spell running to animate it if he didn't find it too taxing.

somebox Inactive forever!

Jul 30, 2020 10:02 pm

Jul 30, 2020 10:02 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I was actually waiting for your response you had planned, every time I get to check Remnant has already responded! I'm on a weird work schedule for a bit.

Jul 31, 2020 2:36 am

Jul 31, 2020 2:36 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

OOC:

I was actually waiting for your response you had planned, every time I get to check Remnant has already responded! I'm on a weird work schedule for a bit.

OOC:

Sorry if we moved along too quickly. I do want to make sure Nera gets to take part in the scene. You want to take one shot at de-escalating the situation with a social check? Average with five setbacks for all the reasons outlined above, but let's say two boots because these guys really don't want to have to fight you. Don't forget the Story Points if you'd rather not face down six villagers. ;)

Remnant Inactive forever!

Jul 31, 2020 12:30 pm

Jul 31, 2020 12:30 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

My apologies, I'll pause responding till you say flip the full curmudgeon dwarf swtich.

Jul 31, 2020 1:59 pm

Jul 31, 2020 1:59 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

LOL. No need to apologize. Pacing is tough in PbP. But, yeah, we'll pause for Nera's input.

Party folks: Someone roll, please! Sounds like Bruv or Nekurr is up. No need to write out an eloquent speech, maybe just summarize the kind of thing you'd say if that's easier.

Jul 31, 2020 3:40 pm

Jul 31, 2020 3:40 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bruv's not the one with the Presence/Charm, so I was assuming winner is leading the actual check with they're attributes would make the room and do the speech... I assume that's Nekurr as Hildar indicated it wasn't him.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 2, 2020 7:27 am

Aug 2, 2020 7:27 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Ok, rather than leave it any longer I'm going to assume the moment stretches for an awkward silence as all three of us sit waiting for one of the others to do the honours and before it get too awkward Hildar would stand and try to speak to the villages....

going to roll first and then fit what he says around it, he's keeping things pretty much on the straight up (as he sees things) so will be opting for Charm

Rolls

Charm

7 Success, 9 Advantage, 2 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 5 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 2, 2020 7:37 am

Aug 2, 2020 7:37 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

After a long few moments of the mayor staring at them all expectantly Hildar blinks and then stands. For a moment it seems like he is not going to say anything as he stares into the crowd of assembled villages with a pretty panicked expression but a discrete kick under the table from one of his companions seems to start him going "Ah, yes. Our business here. Well, erm, it is quite simple really. I'm sure you are all aware of the gentleman the Barron sent here recently, Kelis Isle, well he did not return from visiting your fine village. We have been tasked to find him and help the poor fellow if he has gotten himself into any trouble. After all if there is a threat on the roads nearby the Barron wants it to be dealt with to ensure those under his protection...." he gestures to the assembled throng "...are, erm, protected.". At that he pauses and smiles for a second before sitting down again

Aug 2, 2020 5:13 pm

Aug 2, 2020 5:13 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Well done! XD So, you rolled two blues too many, but that doesn't change the results much. 4 success is enough that you're now "accepted" in the village and won't get any more stranger danger setbacks, at least. Then those 5 advantages. Ideas for that?

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 2, 2020 9:16 pm

Aug 2, 2020 9:16 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

Well done! XD So, you rolled two blues too many, but that doesn't change the results much. 4 success is enough that you're now "accepted" in the village and won't get any more stranger danger setbacks, at least. Then those 5 advantages. Ideas for that?

OOC:

Huh, read it as 8 +2 for unskilled assistance - my bad!

Thinking the advantages could just go towards general boosts for those interacting with the villagers unless anyone else has any better ideas?

Aug 3, 2020 9:50 am

Aug 3, 2020 9:50 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Sorry guys, weekend got in between and I didn't notice it was probably Nekurr's turn to talk :(
I agree with the mcneils5 about the advantages. Making the villagers more confortable about sharing information would be a good side effect of the elven eloquence :D

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 5, 2020 12:40 am

Aug 5, 2020 12:40 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

OK, I'll say that the 5 advantage are good for some chatter from the villagers. (I'm not sure how many more boosts you're going to need with them).

The villagers pause for a moment, taking Hildar's words into consideration. There's an odd silence, the only sounds those of chewing sausages and shucking crawfish. Finally, the mayor begins clapping. The rest of the villagers join in, and a few even cheer. Hildar, Nekurr, and Bruv overhear some chatter from the nearby tables:

"That tax collector was a brute. I'm glad this lot is better."

"That's the fella I told'ya 'bout! Walkin' all 'round with a map, circling people's houses and whatnot..."

"Isn't that the bloke who fled to Tamalir with all the taxes?"

"I'm sure glad they're just looking for that churl and not expecting us to pay those damned taxes. Again."

"I never met the other bloke. Heard the mayor had to put him in his place."

Finally, Mayor Wayland stands up and clinks his glass to gain everyone's attention again. "The moon rises high in the sky, and the festival must come to an end, I fear." There are some boos and hisses. "But we sure have saved the best for last, folks. Yes, that's right: It's time for the Founder's Feast Pageant!"

Aug 5, 2020 12:52 am

Aug 5, 2020 12:52 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Over at the weaver's hut, both the villagers escorting Tronus and Nera and the guards outside the weaver's hut seem infuriated by Tronus's scolding. "Just who exactly do you think you are, old man?" one of them asks. "And where do you think this is exactly?" asks another. Their farming implements-turned-weapons are now brandished quite explicitly...

OOC:

Let me get a Cool check from Tronus, Vigilance from Nera.

Rolls

Cool

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Cool

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Vigilance

2 Success, 3 Advantage

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

Aug 5, 2020 7:01 am

Aug 5, 2020 7:01 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr can barely contain his excitement for the coming event, scratching his ear with a paw and almost purring.

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 5, 2020 12:05 pm

Aug 5, 2020 12:05 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Someone with scars older than some of you have been alive, I guess you're really doing this. It's the baron's land technically and if you're wavy weapons at his proxy you know what I'm about to do." Tronus states with a sigh.

Rolls

Cool

3 Success, 1 Advantage

Total: 3 Success, 1 Advantage

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 5, 2020 10:24 pm

Aug 5, 2020 10:24 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"For the record, this won't look good for either of us." Nera wonders if she can lie her way out of several injured/killed hicks.

Rolls

Vigilance

2 Success

Total: 2 Success

Bressel Galbernost

Aug 6, 2020 12:39 am

Aug 6, 2020 12:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bressel Galbernost stands up and raises a hand to get everyone's attention. "Mayor, with your permission, maybe we should give our guests a bit of background about what this is all about?" The mayor nods, and the farmer continues. "So, the rules are pretty simple. Every year at this time, any child who has reached their eighteenth harvest since the last Founder's Feast gets to participate in the pageant. We call it that, but it's really more of a... recital I guess? So, anyway, this year, three youths have reached that milestone. Uh, including my little Lyssie." He looks to his daughter with a smile, and the girl blushes and looks away. "What they're going to do is each take a turn reciting part of the story of how Buzzards' Ford was founded. Uh, hence the name of this festival, I guess. Then the judges decide who did the best."

OOC:

More...

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 6, 2020 12:42 am

Aug 6, 2020 12:42 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The mayor nods. "Thanks, Bres. Don't you forget: The contestants have their work cut out for 'em. We judge 'em on how well they remember the story of our humble village's founding, sure. But we also pay attention to their poise, diction, inflection, and even their outfit. Nature's Lady appreciates a good-looking tunic and a sparkly necklace, let me tell ya!" The villagers laugh, and the three contestants seem a bit more relaxed. "So, we don't expect you all to know the history of our village. But we appreciate you city folks' eyes and ears on the how of their performance more than the what, if you catch my drift." He looks to Bruv, Nekurr, and Hildar. "Any questions before we hear from the three fine folks entered in the contest tonight?"

Aug 6, 2020 12:46 am

Aug 6, 2020 12:46 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Nera and Tronus: Looks like it's going to be PC, NPC, PC, NPC, NPC. You get the first go. Everyone's at short range of everyone else. Who wants to act?

It seems evident that the guards seem intent on restraining Nera and Tronus, but the pair may just have the edge over them for a moment...

Aug 6, 2020 7:32 am

Aug 6, 2020 7:32 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nekurr looks at Bressel confused and then comments for Hildar's and Bruc's ears only "I thought we were going to see some pretty ladies and... this is a fancy poetry show?". He stops as he considers this turn of events "You guys think there's any chances spiders show up in this story?"

The half-catfolk then turns to answer the mayor following up the general good mood "Everyone loves a good-looking tunic and a sparkly necklace. From what I can see, the Nature's Lady seems to have good taste." he instinctively looks at the contestants, stopping a little longer on the two girls he met before.

Last edited August 6, 2020 7:38 am

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 6, 2020 12:54 pm

Aug 6, 2020 12:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I'll let Nera go first in case she'd like some distance

Aug 6, 2020 2:55 pm

Aug 6, 2020 2:55 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv mutters back to both his allies, "Oi suspect that a mass incantation - a group ritual - is a part of it... Whedder it mentions spoiders or not.

Dis is an 'onoring of whatever dark power dey worship 'ere. Just loike 'is 'ole ting you've been participating in so gleefully. Knowing or unknowing.

Oi'd urge you both to at least ward yourself... wit your magic... against whatever dey do. Or even troi ta counter whatever magic dey might be working.

'at's wot Oi'll be doin'."

Aug 6, 2020 6:54 pm

Aug 6, 2020 6:54 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Em, you bring up some interesting options if Bruv is worried about magical effects from the pageant. It looks like Primal is a bit lacking in the magical defense department, but is Bruv casting an Augment? Nekurr cast Augment on himself and Hildar, but Bruv isn't benefitting currently. Difficulty's Average (PP) with 3 setbacks on the check if you want to hide your gestures and utterances.

Another possibility is that any one of you can try the Counterspell maneuver. Just means you're concentrating on foiling opposed magic out to medium range for the cost of a maneuver. Nekurr's sustaining his Augment, so if he did this, he'd be unable to do much of anything else but maybe talk. But Hildar and Bruv working together could upgrade the difficulty of any villager spell casting by two.

Aug 7, 2020 7:28 am

Aug 7, 2020 7:28 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I think me and hildar will have a +G from last time I prayed. I could switch to barrier, but that's jsut one turn, or curse the villagers, but I'd probably need to identify the spellcaster and... last time I did that the pig burst into spiders. though Nekurr could easisy suggest a prayer to pretend he is not casting a spell

Aug 7, 2020 2:00 pm

Aug 7, 2020 2:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bump for Nera's action. She can still try Deception (PPP) if she wants to de-escalate. She also has the Quickstrike talent, which adds a boost to attacks versus anyone who hasn't acted yet (in this case, everyone).

Aug 7, 2020 4:28 pm

Aug 7, 2020 4:28 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Bruce's crap now you guys know Bruv's full name! :P just gonna counterspell, unless/until it becomes apparent that something more significant is manifesting, or whatever.

I'd like to do it subtly though if it's usually overt...

And I do want to point out that Bruv bowed out of the judging, so he's not going to remain at the table. He will position himself somewhere close but not out in front of everyone.

Last edited August 7, 2020 4:29 pm

Aug 7, 2020 5:00 pm

Aug 7, 2020 5:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Sounds good. From my read, Counterspell is just a matter of mental focus, so it won't be obvious unless someone is looking for it. Just keep in mind Bruv* can't wander too far away, as Counterspell is limited to medium range.

*Funny that your autocorrect turns Bruv to Bruce. Mine always wants Nera to be Near but leaves the other names alone.

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 7, 2020 11:07 pm

Aug 7, 2020 11:07 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Sensing the rising tension will soon explode, Nera helps it along and is the first to react. She pulls out her bow and fires it straight at one of the villagers, not bothering to see if it connects as she is preoccupied with immediately running away from the soured villagers.

OOC:

I just read the bump after making a post. Oops, lets stick with the combat, my brain is not in the mood sadly.

Good news is the initiative works great due to quick strike! I need to spend some XP, will try to do so this weekend.

I will use both advantage to give 2 setback die to the first villager to act, as a representation of their surprise. Plus I don't want use rapid archery just yet.

Upgrading check for painful blow:

[ +- ] Painful Blow

Last edited August 7, 2020 11:13 pm

Rolls

Ranged + Painful blow + quick strike

4 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 2 Advantage

Aug 8, 2020 2:39 am

Aug 8, 2020 2:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

You were at short range, so that should have only been PP. Even if you are running away, that's a short-range shot followed by a move maneuver, I think. I'll ignore the third P.

The Catfolk launches a volley of arrows. In the stillness of the night, the sound of arrowheads plunking into their chests—one, two, three—sounds like a sickle cutting wet hay. Two of the men fall against the weaver's hut and slide to the ground dead. The third finds his hand pinned against the wall.

The Catfolk launches a volley of arrows. In the stillness of the night, the sound of the arrowheads plunking into the clapboard hut echoes across the village square. One of the guards outside the cottage laughs. "You missed, cat lady!" But then his eyes widen as he realizes his sickle is pinned to the side of the cottage with a pair of arrows. His companions realize much the same.

Aug 8, 2020 2:45 am

Aug 8, 2020 2:45 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The three villagers escorting Nera and Tronus stop for a beat, not comprehending what they've just seen. "You... You killed them..." Their eyes are wide in terror. One of them drops his sickle to the ground and begins running back toward the festival grounds. A second drops his rake and joins him. The third pauses briefly as if unsure what to do, but then follows course and runs.

OOC:

Tronus is up! Forgot to mention that there's only moonlight and the flicker of lanterns, so you're all at 1 black on checks.

The running escorts are now one maneuver away from long range. They can reach the festival grounds in two more turns.

The three villagers escorting Nera and Tronus stop for a beat, not comprehending what they've just seen. They clutch their makeshift weapons close. "Uh... you see here! Don't make us run and get reinforcements! You drop that weapon, now!"

Tronus and Nera realize that the villagers don't really want to fight. But they do seem more than willing to run back to the festival to get reinforcements if the pair offer more resistance. And after the mayor's explicit request that they leave the weaver alone, the pair of outsiders realize Wayland likely won't take kindly to learning that Argus Inquiries flagrantly violated his orders.

OOC:

Take the above as a roleplaying aid, but as always, you're welcome to bury your reservations and continue ignoring the mayor if you wish.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Coercion

4 Success, 3 Advantage, 1 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 3 Success

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 8, 2020 2:54 am

Aug 8, 2020 2:54 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Meanwhile, back at the festival...

Mayor Wayland gestures toward the stage. "Well, let's get to it, shall we? Our three contestants tonight are none other than Lyssie Galbernost, Jacey Tabbins, and Melchic Grimbly!" The three teenagers stand up from their seats at the front. They mount the stage from a makeshift staircase of vegetable crates and stand awkwardly while the villagers clap.

The mayor continues. "So, why don't you get us started, Lyssie?"

Lysentrude "Lyssie" Galbernost

Aug 8, 2020 3:08 am

Aug 8, 2020 3:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

We'll run this concurrently with the pursuit/fight. One contestant per round in the other scene.

Lyssie shuffles forward, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. Her white, homespun dress is simple but elegant, and her intricately braided hair decorated with garlands of local flowers. She takes a deep breath, then begins reciting what seems to be an oral narrative:

"It was a time of great darkness. Dragon hordes scoured the skies of Cailn, capturing innocents and torching homes. With entire cities in flames, common people had nowhere to turn. Sanden, priestess of Aris, bravely led a band of refugees into the marshes, where the dragonspawn would not find them. The great goddess Aris gave her a sign: A buzzard drinking from a mighty river. There she should found a village. And Nature's Lady was right: The land was good. The crops grew tall, and the livestock thrived. Yet after only a three harvests, the dragons cursed the land. A blight hit the barony of Cailn, and Buzzard's Ford was not spared. Villagers starved. Sanden knew that in a few short months, the village would be no more."

Lyssie stops and backpedals to join the other two contestants. She doesn't notice a small ceramic jug a few steps behind her; she knocks it over and trips over her own feet, landing on her bottom. Nearly in tears, the girl takes Jacey Tabbins' hand and stands back up, barely holding back tears.

The villagers clap, but it's clear Lyssie didn't do as well as she'd have hoped.

SavageBob sent a note to SavageBob

Rolls

Lyssie Charm check

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Failure, 5 Threat

Total: 4 Threat

Aug 8, 2020 7:42 am

Aug 8, 2020 7:42 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Interesting choice for the exit manoeuvre" Nekurr comments nodding absentmindedly 🧐

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 8, 2020 8:35 am

Aug 8, 2020 8:35 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar nods along as Lyssie conducts her recital and winces as she stumbles. As the crowd weakly clap he joins in politely, not wanting to be too enthusiastic lest she feel he was mocking her.

Aug 8, 2020 1:53 pm

Aug 8, 2020 1:53 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

The Catfolk launches a volley of arrows. In the stillness of the night, the sound of arrowheads plunking into their chests—one, two, three—sounds like a sickle cutting wet hay.

OOC:

Well, I don't feel NEARLY so bad about my earthen wall now... 😅

Aug 8, 2020 2:22 pm

Aug 8, 2020 2:22 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

emsquared says:

OOC:

Well, I don't feel NEARLY so bad about my earthen wall now... 😅

OOC:

LOL. I hope I've done my due diligence in hinting that violence against the villagers at this point is going to have consequences—from the mayor, your employer, your boss, and potentially the baronial legal system.

However, after sleeping on it, I don't want to make what happens next seem like a punishment. So if the intent wasn't to kill, somebox, let me know. Nera can make the attack non-lethal. With arrows, that would mean adding either two setbacks to the check (to represent a called shot on their weapon hands to knock the weapons out), or one setback and two strain.*

Or we continue on! I just want to make sure I've given you every opportunity to continue non-violently if that was the intent.

*(Mechanically, called shots are Aim maneuvers. You can Aim once for free and add 2 setbacks, or Aim twice for 2 strain and reduce that to one setback.)

Aug 8, 2020 2:57 pm

Aug 8, 2020 2:57 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv listens to the story-line of Buzzard's Ford but pays little attention to the stage presence or performance of the participants. Instead he keeps am eye to the surroundings, actively scanning the crowds and surroundings for anything off ...

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 8, 2020 9:50 pm

Aug 8, 2020 9:50 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

I forgot called shots were a thing in Genesys! Yes please I was not going for kills, instead incapacitate, hinder even (which was my intention with the use of painful blow), fun as becoming a wanted criminal here might seem.

I will add a setback and two strain. Let me know the net total score to verify I know what I'm working with.

Rolls

Setback

1 Failure

Total: 1 Failure

Aug 9, 2020 6:05 pm

Aug 9, 2020 6:05 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

somebox says:

OOC:

I forgot called shots were a thing in Genesys! Yes please I was not going for kills, instead incapacitate, hinder even (which was my intention with the use of painful blow), fun as becoming a wanted criminal here might seem.

I will add a setback and two strain. Let me know the net total score to verify I know what I'm working with.

OOC:

Tronus & Nera

OK, check out the modified two posts above. Essentially, the guards are disarmed and can't recover their weapons without straining (thanks to Painful Blow). The escorts have reminded both of you that causing anything more of a scene here is likely to bring down the whole village on you (what would have happened if we'd gone ahead with the kills. ;) )

Tronus is up. I'm not trying to wall the weaver off from you, just represent the fact that the mayor doesn't want you poking around her hut (for any of several possible reasons, including trying to keep you safe while you're his guests). We're still in structured time, but Tronus is welcome to try another approach to getting access to her if you want, like a Negotiation check. Or abort mission and let Nera use her sneakiness to try to gather information once you've gotten to your evening destination.

Hildar, Bruv, and Nekurr
At any point, you're welcome to roll a Daunting (PPPP) Geography, Average (PP) Lore, or Formidable (PPPPP) Forbidden check to cross-reference the poetry with what you suspect you know about similar village pageants (Geography), lore about the goddess Aris (Lore), or details about the evil bird and spider gods Hildar brought up (Forbidden). You're at two setbacks at the moment, since there are two more contestants. After the next, you'll be at one setback. After all three, you'll be a 0 setbacks, but if this is some sort of spell, that's when it would pop off.

Bruv can give me a Daunting (PPPP) Perception check with a setback for dim lighting to represent him scanning the crowd for signs of unusual activity. If he's focused in on just the mayor or another person, the difficulty goes down to Easy (P). One roll will represent the whole pageant.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 9, 2020 9:59 pm

Aug 9, 2020 9:59 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Hildar will go with Knowledge (Forbidden), he has Knack for It with that skill so will ignore the setbacks

Adding 2 x Boost dice from the Flash of Insight talent (triggered by rolling a Triumph)

So net 3 x success, 4 x Advantages and a Triumph - could the Triumph be that Hildar know for definite whether a spell is involved or not here and whether it is beneficial or harmful (happy to roll the Advantages into that as well if needed)?

Last edited August 9, 2020 10:03 pm

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden)

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

Total: 3 Success, 1 Triumph

Flash of insight

4 Advantage

Total: 4 Advantage

Aug 10, 2020 12:30 am

Aug 10, 2020 12:30 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar ponders the tale so far...

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

OOC:

Hildar's advantages are still unaccounted for. They can be used to boost another Forbidden check (as the story gets told more fully), or could boost Bruv's Perception check if you'd like.

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 10, 2020 9:20 am

Aug 10, 2020 9:20 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar leans in to Bruv and Nekurr and quietly whispers "I don't get the feel that they are working towards casting anything at the moment. If there is a threat coming from this it seems like it will be of the more mundane variety"

OOC:

I'd like to split them if possible. 2 x Advantages to Bruv's Perception and 2 to my next Knowledge (Forbidden) check

Aug 10, 2020 12:18 pm

Aug 10, 2020 12:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Roger that, mcneils5. Remnant, you're up in the structured encounter. I'll advance the pageant at the same time to keep us roughly in sync.

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 10, 2020 12:19 pm

Aug 10, 2020 12:19 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Says the men who brandished weapons at us, the Baron's proxy, then realized trying to attack us wasn't a good idea after the fact and want to run and get someone else to deal with your shite pile not the fact that you're actions can be taken as an act of aggression against the Baron himself but that you attacking a surly dwarf and a young lady is not easily... She shouldn't do anything of the sort if she's a clever girl... Who's to say you lot won't try and cut her down and drag her body off someplace and make up a story once she lets go her bow. Makes me wonder what really happened to the first fellow who came through these parts." Tronus states shaking his head.

OOC:

Using Clever Retort to give them 2 threat from Tronus throwing shade.

Aug 10, 2020 12:34 pm

Aug 10, 2020 12:34 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

now, that was unexpected... A regular fail would do...

Nekurr takes Hildar's word in and continues watching the contest. He's not too bothered about magic spells anyway, but a goddess showing up to lead a bunch of refugees into a god-forgotten swamp? He wondered why Aris would do that.

OOC:

Well, I guess spiders shoot out of the sky now with those 4 threats. Though Nekurr obviously knows nothing about Aris, maybe he could remember rumours about some gods impersonating others during the dragon war? Not explicetely that the evil spider took Aris place, but maybe some other evil god tried its luck with Fortuna? Just something pointing in that direction if that is the case or relating Aris with the spiders

Last edited August 10, 2020 12:40 pm

Rolls

cat lore

1 Success, 1 Advantage, 1 Triumph, 5 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 4 Threat, 1 Triumph

Aug 10, 2020 1:43 pm

Aug 10, 2020 1:43 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Remnant, Clever Retort is an out-of-turn incidental, so it can be used without taking away Tronus's turn. It means that their Coercion check still succeeds -- no matter how cowardly Tronus finds them, or how much he thinks he has jurisdiction here, he realizes that they are going to get backup regardless. But you can spend those 2 threat you added however you'd like. What are you doing with them? And what is Tronus's move this round? You still get a maneuver and an action, or you can agree to return to your night's lodgings without further incident.

CESN, that was a successful check. The Triumph counts as a success, but for some reason, the GP platform doesn't account for that in the calculations. 4 Threat means your understanding will be pretty vague, though.

Nekurr considers the story thus far in relation to what he knows about the gods of Terrinoth...

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 10, 2020 2:05 pm

Aug 10, 2020 2:05 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Understood.

"If she's dead or gone in the morning I'll be looking for you all..." Tronus advises moving to the direction of the Mayor's barn once again, "Also wipe my blood off whatever you poked me with." Tronus states and marches off.

OOC:

I'll use the two threat to have him had nicked me or at least think that's what happened to lead to the boil over.

Aug 10, 2020 4:42 pm

Aug 10, 2020 4:42 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Rolling... just to give the everyone a heads up cuz it takes a Story Point, I'm considering at some point here using my Heroic Ability - Sixth Sense (Nature) - to get an info dump.

Rolling Perception.

Just noticed Hildar have me a Boost too... Adding.

Last edited August 10, 2020 4:45 pm

Rolls

Perception, Daunting+Setback

6 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 3 Success, 1 Threat

Boost

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Aug 10, 2020 5:49 pm

Aug 10, 2020 5:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

emsquared says:

Just noticed Hildar have me a Boost too... Adding.

OOC:

Right! I get and extra G from the last prayer right? I keep forgetting it :(

Rolls

+G

1 Advantage

Total: 1 Advantage

Aug 11, 2020 12:48 am

Aug 11, 2020 12:48 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The villager looks at his pitchfork, and his eyes widen in shock. "Thought that was the butt end, I did..."

One of his companions thumps him on the head with a knuckle. "Way to go, Simon! Roughing up the mayor's guests!"

The third starts walking. "Come on, you lot. Let's get 'em to their lodgings. I assume you're staying at the mayor's manor, right?"

Aug 11, 2020 12:49 am

Aug 11, 2020 12:49 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Yes and Hildar should have rolls an extra G, too! To keep from stalling, I'll interpret that as an additional insight for Hildar:

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

The mayor introduces the next contestant, Jacey Tabbins. The daughter of the shopkeeper and smith walks to the front of the stage with poise and grace, a smile on her face. She recites the next portion of the tale:

"The people begged Nature's Lady to save Buzzard's Ford. But the famine continued. The river swelled with the bodies of people who had died of starvation. And worst of all, the priestess Sandan herself nearly died of the mosquito's disease. The priestess, mad with illness, wandered out past the river and into the swamp. With their leader gone, the villagers knew the end was near."

Jacey does her best to add a tinge of sadness to what is presumably the dark second chapter of the three-part story of Buzzard's Ford. But, while she avoids any obvious mishaps like Lyssie faced, the villagers seem largely unmoved by her performance.

SavageBob sent a note to emsquared

SavageBob sent a note to SavageBob

Rolls

+G

2 Advantage

Total: 2 Advantage

Charm

4 Success, 1 Advantage, 6 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure

Aug 11, 2020 7:42 am

Aug 11, 2020 7:42 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Should they be telling these horror stories to kids?" Nekurr asks Hildar who's sitting next to him.

OOC:

Oh no, mad cleric walking into the swamp? That doesn't sound good. I'll keep loring a bit more, relating the story with the little Nekurr knows

Rolls

what lies in the swamp? (lore)

1 Success, 2 Advantage, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Threat

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 11, 2020 11:26 am

Aug 11, 2020 11:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar listens to the next part of the tale intently and doesn't seem to register Nekurr's words. We're missing something here he thinks to himself....

OOC:

Assuming difficulty and everything is the same for the second part....

Last edited August 11, 2020 11:27 am

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden) + extra Green

5 Success, 3 Advantage, 6 Threat

Total: 5 Success, 3 Threat

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 11, 2020 11:33 am

Aug 11, 2020 11:33 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Yes." Nera answers flatly. And here she was constructing a ridiculous story about how Tronus was her lover and thus very protective. Another time. "I will want my arrows back, if you mind."

Aug 11, 2020 12:00 pm

Aug 11, 2020 12:00 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Threats = vagueness...

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

The village guards are only too eager to return Nera's arrows, as they are quite unable to move without her retrieving them.

Melchic Grimbly

Aug 12, 2020 2:02 am

Aug 12, 2020 2:02 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The mayor claps longer than the others after Jacey's lackluster performance. He then announces the third contestant, Melchic Grimbly. The young man walks forward confidently and clears his throat before continuing:

"After seven days and seven nights, Sendan returned to the village. The priestess revealed little of what had transpired during her days and nights in the marsh. She said only that Aris provided for her needs and sent to her guides who taught her how to thwart the blight afflicting Buzzard's Ford. The villagers could not ignore that Sendan now worked miracles. She healed the sick and raised the dead. Crops grew once more. Livestock flourished. That autumn, the village celebrated her return at the first Founder's Festival. Buzzard's Ford has flourished ever since. Long live Buzzard's Ford! Long live the family of Sendan Wayland!"

As much as he might gesticulate and enunciate, Melchic's speech doesn't seem to touch the villagers. He does get the advantage of being the last contestant, however, and he gets the loudest round of applause for that.

Rolls

Charm

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Advantage

Aug 12, 2020 2:08 am

Aug 12, 2020 2:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

The villagers escort Tronus and Nera back to the Galbernost farm. At first there's a bit of confusion, as the horses are not there. But it soon becomes clear that the horses were brought to the mayor's much finer stables and put of there for the night. A short walk to the next property reveals that this is the case. Both horses are found happily munching hay in the well appointed mayoral stables. The cart is nearby, and it's even been washed.

"So, you're staying here, I take it?"

OOC:

Again, your stuff is here, but you're not obligated to stay in the manor if you don't want to.

Aug 12, 2020 6:39 am

Aug 12, 2020 6:39 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Wait! Did he say Wayland?"

OOC:

I'll keep my keen analysis. This raising dead people doesn't sound vary nature to me and we've met goat man recently. Advantage to connect whatever is going on to the Mayor since it runs in his family?

Last edited August 12, 2020 6:41 am

Rolls

on go dice!

1 Success, 3 Advantage, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 1 Advantage

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 12, 2020 10:08 am

Aug 12, 2020 10:08 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar nods in response to Nekurr but is still trying to work his way through the information in Melchic's performance

OOC:

Going to use Hildar's Natural Talent to re-roll that....well, slightly better. Will use the two advantage to recover the couple of points of Strain Hildar has, he's found this whole process quite relaxing really lol

Last edited August 12, 2020 10:18 am

Rolls

Knowledge (Forbidden) + extra Green

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 3 Failure, 4 Threat

Total: 1 Failure, 1 Advantage

Reroll

2 Success, 5 Advantage, 2 Failure, 3 Threat

Total: 2 Advantage

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 12, 2020 12:32 pm

Aug 12, 2020 12:32 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Yes, unsure of the others but I'll be staying out here." Tronus states moving between the horse and cart checking things before climbing in, checking his weapons and settling in for the night.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 12, 2020 2:14 pm

Aug 12, 2020 2:14 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Beyond what Hildar has already surmised, nothing much more stands out in the young man's recital. Nekurr comes up with something of a hypothesis, though.

SavageBob sent a note to CESN

The mayor strides over to the front of the stage. "One more round of applause for these three young people. How 'bout it?" The villagers politely clap, then he continues: "So, now it's the moment of truth. We'll turn it over to the judges! I hope you good folk can help me pick a winner from these fine performances." He then turns his attention to HIldar and Nekurr. "And I'm eager to see what our two guest judges think about all this."

OOC:

We can move onto the judging when y'all are ready. Pausing in case you have any questions or want to do anything else before the festival ends.

Aug 12, 2020 2:14 pm

Aug 12, 2020 2:14 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Back at the mayor's property, the villagers shake their heads at Tronus's insistence on sleeping with the animals. "Uh... suit yourself. We'll be around if you need anything." They look at each other and shrug, then take up positions near the front of the manor and start up some idle chatter.

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 12, 2020 4:09 pm

Aug 12, 2020 4:09 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Hmm no bathroom for relief around here in the barn... I'm feeling sleepy." Tronus mutters closing his eyes.

Aug 12, 2020 5:20 pm

Aug 12, 2020 5:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv is relieved that their festival appeared to be a fairly mundane honoring of their deity, whatever that was, at least for now. No trances, or chanting, or anything.

But he still suspected the winner of this pageant - or some other unlucky substitute, like a wandering tax collector or investigator - could wind up a sacrifice to something, some time, before this is all done.

Have to just remain vigilant, and keep digging..., he shrugs.

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 12, 2020 10:18 pm

Aug 12, 2020 10:18 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera follows Bruv into the barn, looking at him expectantly. "You are staying in here right? No charging into potential social danger yes?"

Tronus Granitebreaker

Remnant Inactive forever!

Aug 13, 2020 11:52 am

Aug 13, 2020 11:52 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"I have my sword now... hopefully no danger, it will likely not be social if it is." Tronus states not opening her eyes.

OOC:

Bruv isn't really the grumpy sort btw, Tronus is when he rub him the wrong way he's the covered in flux at the forge so to speak.

Aug 13, 2020 12:36 pm

Aug 13, 2020 12:36 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Well, as you mentioned, it's difficult to judge the accuracy of the story itself, but I think Jacey's dress was particularly eye-catching and you can see it is a well tailored hand-work." Nekurr starts unaware of Bruv's magical touch. "You can tell they were all very nervous given the importance of the event. Though Melchic add a very good poise and diction, I think it lacking in empathy. Lyssie had a better inflection. It is difficult to say who I'd choose."

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 13, 2020 12:47 pm

Aug 13, 2020 12:47 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Can I do some sort of check to see if I can figure who the crowd was most well disposed towards? Or rather who would cause the least strife within the villagers if they were picked? Based on their rolls there didn't seem to be any standout performances to base things on....

Aug 13, 2020 12:53 pm

Aug 13, 2020 12:53 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

That's a great idea :) I just took their rolls and made something from there. I think it may have been:
Melchic (+ adv) -> Lyssie (+thr) -> Jacey (+ fail)
So only Jacey actually failed.

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 13, 2020 2:19 pm

Aug 13, 2020 2:19 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

All three failed, but Melchic got 4 advantage, Jacey got a total wash, and Lyssie got threat. I was trying to convey through the narrative how the crowd was reacting, but basically, they liked Melchic best since he was the last one who got to describe the triumphant return of the priestess, Sendan Wayland.

"Oh, hold your horses, there, mister!" the mayor grins after Nekurr gives his comments. "We gotta do these deliberations in secret, you see. Don't want the kiddos to feel ashamed, ya see..."

The mayor invites Hildar and Nekurr to huddle with the other judges. (Apparently, Gauis and Vanya Tabbins have judged in the past, but they recuse themselves with their daughter in the competition.)

The group of five villagers includes the mayor, the healer Erfan Eswyse, the ferryman Skeeter Zymph, and a pair of past winners you haven't yet met, the Gnome dairy farmer Paisley Petty, and the Human schoolmistress Mirulda Clothil. They deliberate for a few minutes, giving Hildar and Nekurr the opportunity to chime in with thoughts. It soon becomes clear that there's a split decision:

Eswyse likes Lyssie Galbernost. "The Galbernosts are good folks, and they could use a win."
Petty likes Melchic Grimbly. "He's a natural choice."
Clothil likes Melchic Grimbly. "Since his parents died, he has no one."
Wayland likes Jacey Tabbins. "She looked radiant up there."
Zymph likes Jacey Tabbins. "Her parents have done a wonderful job raising her right."

It seems that Hildar and Nekurr have the deciding votes and could skew things toward any of the three contestants if they both picked the same one. The judges look to them expectantly. "So who is it?" the mayor asks.

OOC:

So, if you agree with Bruv—whoever wins is destined for something bad—take that into account. You're welcome to each try an independent Vigilance check if you want to pick up subtleties in the conversation. Let's say Hard upgraded (RPP) with a boost since you're so close up.

Aug 13, 2020 2:40 pm

Aug 13, 2020 2:40 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"I agree with Eswyse, Lyssie only had a minor problem by the end, but it was just the nerves. She set the scene very convincingly"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 13, 2020 3:35 pm

Aug 13, 2020 3:35 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

CESN says:

"I agree with Eswyse, Lyssie only had a minor problem by the end, but it was just the nerves. She set the scene very convincingly"

OOC:

Sneaky, leaving Hildar on the hook for deciding lol

Hildar considers all of the villagers opinions for a few moments.....

OOC:

Gonna try reading the room, spending a SP to upgrade the check....rolled an extra green from the Prayer but if that doesn't apply here just discount it....well, going with the deciding factor being how well disposed Hildar is now to the Mayor, surly he wouldn;t intend any harm to come to the winner. Can I use some of the advantages to pick up on something about the villagers/mayor and some to mollify any bad feeling from the decision?

Hildar comes to a decision "I would have to cast my vote for Miss Tabbins. I found her delivery held a most respectful amount of gravitas for the dark times she was describing"

Last edited August 13, 2020 3:40 pm

Rolls

Vigilance

6 Advantage, 2 Failure

Total: 2 Failure, 6 Advantage

Aug 13, 2020 3:49 pm

Aug 13, 2020 3:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

OOC:

So, if you agree with Bruv—whoever wins is destined for something bad—take that into account. You're welcome to each try an independent Vigilance check if you want to pick up subtleties in the conversation. Let's say Hard upgraded (RPP) with a boost since you're so close up.

OOC:

Because sending one kid over another to some potentially unknown fate is a better option than none? 😅

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 13, 2020 4:43 pm

Aug 13, 2020 4:43 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

LOL, emsquared. I had geography in mind; Lyssie lives next door to where y'all are staying, so you could have kept an eye on her easier. But it's not a "wrong" decision to go with someone else.

SavageBob sent a note to mcneils5

"Then we have a winner," Wayland says with a wink. He stands up to address the crowd, clapping his hands for attention. "We've come to a decision. The winner of the Founder's Festival pageant is none other than..."—The three teenagers look at the mayor with wide eyes—"Jacey Tabbins!"

Lyssie and Melchic look down at their feet as Jacey comes forward with a smile. Her father rushes to the stage and lifts her on his massive shoulders. Her mother taps Nekurr and reminds him about the candied fruits before rushing up to kiss her girl.

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 13, 2020 5:32 pm

Aug 13, 2020 5:32 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Good, good." Nera pats him on the head, half sarcastic half genuine. "I'm going into the manor, maybe get some fresh air afterwards... you stay here and keep some semblance of peace, don't neeed the locals thinking we're up to something." She states casually, examing an arrow for signs of damage.

OOC:

Plan is to go into the manor, and sneak out the back or a window in a room assuming I can bar it.

Aug 13, 2020 8:33 pm

Aug 13, 2020 8:33 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

LOL, emsquared. I had geography in mind; Lyssie lives next door to where y'all are staying, so you could have kept an eye on her easier. .

OOC:

ah yes right! Totally what I was thinking with my vote. Sure sure😆

Nekurr grabs the candied fruits and adds to the mayor’s words "And the price for the winner is...

[ +- ]

Last edited August 14, 2020 6:46 am

Mayor Castor Wayland

Aug 14, 2020 1:56 pm

Aug 14, 2020 1:56 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Jacey accepts Nekurr's candied fruits with a smile and thanks him with tears streaming down her face. Other villagers present her with prizes, mostly foodstuffs and crafted items, like dresses. The mayor places a laurel of local wildflowers on her head and gives her a small purse with coins in it, presumably the amount villagers have mentioned as enabling previous winners to make their way to the big city if they choose. Jacey waves to everyone in the crowd from atop her father's shoulders.

Chandy and Bressel Galbernost comfort their daughter, Lyssie, who is also crying. Melchic Grimbly looks up to Jacey and congratulates her, but he is also obviously disappointed by not winning.

Mayor Wayland shakes awake a man who is drooling and snoring on his table. "I see Wycle Herringbone's already dreaming of Nature's Lady!" the mayor calls out over the cheers. "Thank you all for a wonderful Founder's Feast. Thanks to our guests for making this a night none of us will ever forget." He then walks a few steps toward the stage and pats a wooden crate filled with buzzard effigies. "Don't forget to burn your effigy to Nature's Lady tonight, everyone. May she send you blessed dreams!"

People begin to stream out, each family taking one of the effigies on their way toward the path leading back into town. Hildar and Nekurr find themselves stifling yawns, as well.

OOC:

Can I get a Hard (PPP) Resilience check from both Nekurr and Hildar? The prayer is still in effect, so you get to add +G to your roll.

Aug 14, 2020 2:01 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:01 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

[ +- ] Manor Floorplan

Nera gives the guards a nod as she opens the manor's front doors. She finds herself back in the front parlor (J1). A fire roars in the fireplace.

OOC:

Where'd you like to sneak out? Check the floorplan above for ideas.

Aug 14, 2020 2:03 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:03 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Buuurrrnn *yawn* figies"

Rolls

blessed resilience

2 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 2 Failure, 1 Advantage

Aug 14, 2020 2:03 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:03 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

"Buuurrrnn *yawn* figies", Nekurr falls flat on the ground sleeping 3 days straight!

Last edited August 14, 2020 2:04 pm

Rolls

blessed resilience

1 Advantage, 4 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 4 Failure, 1 Threat

Aug 14, 2020 2:04 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:04 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Wait! something strange happened! double post?

Last edited August 14, 2020 2:05 pm

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 14, 2020 2:32 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:32 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar tries to smile and nod along with the mayors words but keeps finding his eyes getting heavy

Rolls

Resilience

3 Success, 1 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Threat

Aug 14, 2020 2:49 pm

Aug 14, 2020 2:49 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Well, I don't know which act of paranoia it was, but it seems like at least one of my conspiracy theorizings paid off(-ish) - that assessment assumes I want to be awake for whatever happens next 😅

Does Bruv have any chance to notice their sleepiness or any associated mannerisms as abnormal? i.e. do they LOOK drugged, or otherwise "under the influence"?

Aug 14, 2020 4:20 pm

Aug 14, 2020 4:20 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

emsquared says:

OOC:

Well, I don't know which act of paranoia it was, but it seems like at least one of my conspiracy theorizings paid off(-ish) - that assessment assumes I want to be awake for whatever happens next 😅

Does Bruv have any chance to notice their sleepiness or any associated mannerisms as abnormal? i.e. do they LOOK drugged, or otherwise "under the influence"?

OOC:

Both Nekurr and Hildar suffer 1 strain for their threat rolled to represent general fatigue.

At this point, Bruv would notice that the two just seem sleepy. The hour is late, after all. But y'all have dug up enough information on the pipeleaf to know that it's known for its drowsiness-inducing qualities, so it'd be reasonable to suspect that's not helping any.

Aug 14, 2020 5:05 pm

Aug 14, 2020 5:05 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Bruv moves in close to his allies as they walk and speaks low, "Olroight, well, Oi tink we need ta keep an eye on da goings on in da village t'noight...

Our man disappeared in da noight, wit dese effigies burnin'. Maybe da past pageant winners who "left town"after deir victory left in da noight too?

Anyway, our day ain't ovuh yet.

You lads ready?"

Hildar Erathnir

mcneils5 Inactive for 9 months

Aug 14, 2020 7:48 pm

Aug 14, 2020 7:48 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Hildar tries and fails to stifle another yawn "Yes....I’m ready"

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 17, 2020 5:30 pm

Aug 17, 2020 5:30 pm

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

Nera heads toward the dining room (J4). At least she thinks it's for dining. The back exit seems almost too easy, she leans against it, listening for any grumbling guards.

Aug 18, 2020 12:26 am

Aug 18, 2020 12:26 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Somebox, why don't we abstract this a bit just so you get a chance to do some recon but we also get the group back together and start Session 4? Let's break this into four rolls:

1) Stealth (to get past the house guards): RP (I'll upgrade with a SP) + 1 boost for darkness
2) Stealth (to sneak up to the weaver's house undetected): RPP (also upgraded with a SP) + 2 setbacks (for darkness and the crowd) + 1 boost for darkness (you can't see well, but they can't see you either)
3) Perception (to see what you can see from outside the weaver's house): RRPP + 2 setbacks (for darkness)
4) Stealth (to get back to the house): PPP + 1 boost for darkness + 1 setback for darkness (they can't see you, but you can't see where you're going)

If at any point you get a failure or despair, stop. But if you get advantage, decide how to use it, and if you get threat, I'll adjudicate at the end of the chain of rolls.

somebox Inactive forever!

Aug 18, 2020 11:05 am

Aug 18, 2020 11:05 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

Nera goes on a fun sneak mission....With the knack for it talent. Also using stealth paragon for second check which has empowered (boost to all skills while active) which I added to all subsequent rolls just in case, and diminish (enemies in short range add setback die to rolls), not sure how diminish will play into this.

Wow very nice results!

House stealth results: Use the advantage to book it, we're on a time limit here.

Weaver house Stealth: Paragon to remove first purple die and give me 1 advantage, maybe try to find a small detail on the approach to the house?

Perception: Overhear someone let some info slip while spying on them?

Sneak back home: Cover her tracks, find an object or overhear a conversation from villagers leaving the festival (if the time syncs up) which gives her a great cover story?

Okay I think I'm finished. WAIT I reread heroic ability rules and it only lasts one turn, so subsequent boosts should be ignored, I think I still get some advantage at least. Guess you're supposed to upgrade the duration...

Last edited August 18, 2020 11:33 am

Rolls

House Guards

3 Success, 5 Advantage, 1 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 2 Success, 3 Advantage

Weaver house stealth

4 Success, 2 Advantage, 3 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success

Perception

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Sneak back to house

6 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 1 Threat

Total: 4 Success, 3 Advantage

Aug 19, 2020 1:19 am

Aug 19, 2020 1:19 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

OOC:

You did so well already that you likely don't need the extra dice, but I would suggest that the "extra boost" and "extra setback" of empowered and diminish should probably both get applied on opposed checks, especially since I'm trying to make the rolls as player-facing as possible. In other words, if you're rolling Stealth versus Vigilance, that's a player-facing roll and would by RAW get the boost, but there's no setback since the enemy isn't actively rolling. But I'm cool with saying that the enemy setback should probably flip over to become a boost to you, as well. So I'll roll those to Perception roll. (Not the Stealth checks, as you wouldn't need to get to short range of the guards to sneak by.)

Oh, wait, but thanks for reminding me about the one-turn thing for the Heroic Ability. I had already written my post when I read your addendum, so take this GM freebie! :) It's not a bad thing that y'all know the mayor and the weaver aren't exactly buddy-buddy.

Child's play. Nera slips past the mayor's house guards with no trouble at all, finding them sitting on the front steps chatting mindlessly. It's a simple enough matter to just pad along behind the house and then slip right back to the center of town by the path she just came in on. In fact, the familiarity saves Nera a good amount of time she might otherwise have spent wandering around.

With the moon hidden behind clouds, Nera glides through the darkness in the village square. Flickering candlelight spill from the slats in the weaver's shutters. As she nears the cottage, Nera notices the guards there have erected one of those buzzard dolls, but they haven't lit it yet. Maybe they're waiting on permission from the mayor?

At the cottage, the Catfolk slinks under the wooden slats in the fence and then over to the side of the house. She flattens herself against the wall for a moment to make sure the guards (or the weaver) haven't noticed her approach.

SavageBob sent a note to somebox

This seems like something the others should know. Nera slips back under the fence and heads back toward the mayor's manor. As she nears the bridge near the festival area, she can see torchlight moving her way, so she quickly returns to the back door and slips back into the manor.

Rolls

adding boost to Perception check on the weaver's house

1 Success

Total: 1 Success

Aug 19, 2020 8:48 am

Aug 19, 2020 8:48 am

Re: [IC] Death & Taxes (Session 3)

SavageBob says:

This seems like something the others should know.

OOC:

Talking of which, I guess it's not nearly as relevant but I'll just put it here before I forget to share it. Nekurr will mention this when he wakes up :D

[ +- ] Lore

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