Story - Part 1 - The way to Icespire peak

You are on your way to Icespire peak. As far as you know the first part of your journey will mostly consist of traveling down the road until it curves away from the mountain. Then you must find your way through the woods and the last obstacle before you reach the mountain will be a swamp surrounding it.

You departed Flowergrove in the morning. You tried to keep your plan a secret but as usual the village elders knew something was up and learned about your plans. They weren't happy with you going on this dangerous journey but seeing that you are fully committed to investigating the ruins they procured some basic gear for all of you as well as rations. There was a nice farewell ceremony and some tears were shed.

You traveled the whole day only interrupted by a short lunch break and it's afternoon now. So far your journey has been pretty uneventful. You left the fields that surround Flowergrove behind and instead the road is flanked by a forest that grows denser the further you travel

Just as you discuss where you'll rest in the evening you hear screams from further down the road.
You run forward and peek around the next curve of the road.
You see a Salimar in a bright blue robe sitting on a tree. The tree is surrounded by six boars that are grunting and digging at the roots of the tree.
A carriage that has been knocked to its side is blocking the road. Two more boars are rummaging through its contents.
Help! Help! Anyone! he screams
Neither the Salimar nor the boars have noticed you yet...

Feb 5, 2023 2:59 pm

Perfect! A "damsel in distress" situation. Thinking Garic says Time for some action! I will try and scare them off first. quietly to his friends.

He then focus a moment then create a illusory sound of a wolf howling followed by withe a bit closer. The sound will come from down wind off to the side in the woods. Hopefully the boar will simply be scared off. It works on smaller beasts but he is not sure about a group this big. If he Kross the sound up it may prevent the boar from noticing any preparations his friends make.

OOC:

Spell touched is a bit vague on its limits so let me know if I go beyond its ability. Probably not an issue atm

Last edited February 5, 2023 3:00 pm

Rolls

Check DC: 4 - Basic - (2d6)

(13) = 4

Feb 5, 2023 4:37 pm

Josiah, who is more wary about this whole affair than anyone else present (he's mostly here because his friends were going), readies the two-handed felling axe he's taken with him as a weapon. "Be careful everyone," he says quietly, looking to the surrounding woods as he moves to the front protectively.

"There may be more boars or worse in the forest..."

Feb 5, 2023 4:48 pm

Don't worry my friends. These are just hungry wild pigs, I'm sure I should be able to befriend them with a little snack. Food makes everyone kind.

Naively, Foldrat grabs a little bit of food from his rations and tries to approach the boars.

Feb 5, 2023 4:55 pm

Vienne shifts closer to Josiah and does her best to watch where he is not. "Six boars is...a lot." Her voice is soft, hopefully not drawing the wrong attention. "Are boars afraid of wolves even?" Akhi gave a small hiss, causing Vienne to correct herself. "Eight boars."

Feb 5, 2023 10:09 pm

Sprout keeps towards the back where he can watch and decide what best course of action to take. "Let's try and avoid bloodshed if possible. These boars are probably just acting naturally."

Feb 5, 2023 11:58 pm

Just one of them will make good eating for all of us, Josiah thinks to himself...

tibbius

Feb 6, 2023 1:24 am

Jahamu grumbles and rears up big. Not for the first time, he wishes that he had the gift of speech with beasts. "We don't want to fight this many boars," he says. "Even one can be as dangerous as me. But maybe we can rescue the Salimar without fighting. Let's see if the boars will let us approach nicely." He begins to swagger bear-style toward the tree, grumbling as he goes.

Feb 6, 2023 2:35 am

Seeing that most of his friends seems to want to avoid bloodshed, Gale slowly approaches the bear along side Jahamu.
You may not have the gift to speak with beast, but I do my friend

Loud enough for the boar to hear he says
Leave that poor fellow alone. If you want food we have some to share. Take it and be on your way

Despite his goodwill he keeps his bow close at hand. If he had learned one thing during his hunting trip is that wild animals were unpredictable.

Last edited February 6, 2023 2:36 am

Feb 6, 2023 11:51 am

Garlic channels his magical powers, imagining a pack of wolves howling. He tries to project the imagined sounds into the distance but his concentration slips.
Instead of the sound of howling wolves he creates a noise that sounds more like the yapping of a small dog. The boars are unphased by this.
While Garlic, Josiah, Sprout and Vienne keep back, Foldrat approaches the boars and two come towards him, grunting and sniffing the rations that he holds out. Jahamu follows suit and the boars seem to be wary.
When Gale speaks to them they slightly tilt their heads to their side.
Hurt our head when the big wooden boar crashed into us. Very pain we have. And hunger. We eat wooden boar and small lizard. Both look tasty

OOC:

Gale can try to convince them to leave by making a test. He has advantage because Foldrat is feeding them

Feb 6, 2023 12:57 pm

Hefting his shields Garic moves if needed to not be too far from Foldrat and Jaham (Basicly 1 zone/move behind them)

Feb 6, 2023 2:12 pm

She shifted her balance, working on not giving away her amusement at the 'wolves' while being both pleased and confused at the fact that the talking was going well. "Hopefully this conversation works out...It seems to be working?"

Feb 6, 2023 3:04 pm

See, they are very friendly! Foldrat says.

OOC:

Do we all understand what the boars are saying? And if yes, can we communicate with them? Or is it only Gale who can?

Feb 6, 2023 3:10 pm

OOC:

Pretty sure it is just Gale, with beast speech
Otherwise if the boar are talking I would be thinking monster and NOT getting closer

Feb 6, 2023 6:05 pm

[b]They are hungry[\b] whispers Gale to the folk near him as he reach for his own ration.

To the boar he replies:
[b]The lizard is too spicy it will hurt your tongue. Better take what we offer and leave it alone[\b]

Rolls

Barter with the boars - (3d6)

(615) = 12

Feb 6, 2023 7:55 pm

Gale grunts and sniffs in the air.
Garic readies himself to defend the group but whatever grunting Gale did seems to work. The boars grunt and gently shove Gale and then feed on your rations.
Foldrat sits down and hands out rations left and right until his pack is empty.
Then they grunt once more and, happily grunting, leave for the woods.

[ +- ] What the boars answered

The Salimar climbs down from the tree. He adjusts his robe and then shakes each of your hands.
Thank you very much for your help. My name is Frazzt! What are your names?
I was riding my carriage down they road when the boars suddenly ran out of the woods and hit my wagon. It was knocked over and I was barely able to climb the tree before they attacked me.
Frazzt looks at his carriage and then turns to you with a pleading look on his face tapping his fingertips against each other repeatedly.
Errrm... It's a bit embarrassing but can I ask you for another favor? Can you maybe put my carriage back on its wheels? And I also had two horses that were drawing it. They fled after my vehicle was knocked over. If you'd be so kind to find them I'd not only replace your rations but also offer you a reward as a token of my appreciation. Without carriage and horses my financial situation would be.... dire

Bosko_b says:

OOC:

Do we all understand what the boars are saying? And if yes, can we communicate with them? Or is it only Gale who can?

Psybermagi says:

OOC:

Pretty sure it is just Gale, with beast speech
Otherwise if the boar are talking I would be thinking monster and NOT getting closer

OOC:

Yes only Gale understood them because of his beast speak trait. Sorry should've made that clearer. I now put it in a spoiler tag, OOC you know what they said but in character you only heard grunts

Feb 6, 2023 8:23 pm

Stand back everyone, this is a job for me! Foldrat spits in his palms and goes to put the carriage back on its wheels.

Rolls

Check (Advantage: 'Strong' Trait) - (3d6)

(556) = 16

Feb 6, 2023 8:42 pm

Though familial with the woods he's no woodman himself so he goes to take a look at the wagon after helping, a bit, with resituating the wagon. Taking a moment to focus Garic will begin using his magic to repair any breaks he finds. If the break process too much he simply does what he can and moves on.

Rolls

Check DC: 4 - Focused spell - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Feb 7, 2023 2:40 am

Josiah waits as their fellows speak with and disperse the hungry boars, standing guard, protecting those who remained in the rear. That includes Vienne, who is cute enough to normally redden the strapping lad’s cheeks when she speaks to him directly. It’s not so bad when she addresses the group, as she does now.

"Aye. Gale’s got this way with animals. And it probably helped that Jahamu was beside him. Smart of Foldrat to feed them, too. See? Off they go."

Soon enough they join the others and hear what the Salimarian merchant has to say. Josiah help Foldrat right the cart without a word, but he’s not so sure about chasing after the trader’s horses without clear mention of what the reward would be.

Giving Garic a wide berth as he works his goblin magic, Josiah looks for tracks, asking, "How long since they’ve bolted, and which way did they go?"

Last edited February 7, 2023 2:41 am

Feb 7, 2023 3:10 am

Sprout smiles at the peaceful resolution that his friends were able to negotiate. Well done, my friends!" Coming near to assist in the righting of the cast, Sprout is caught off guard by the sheer strength that Foldrat exhibits and stands speechless as he observes.

Feb 7, 2023 4:12 pm

Vienne lets out a little cheer and clap when the boars leave. How wonderful of it to be solved only at the expense of some rations! She gives Josiah a bright smile as they join the others. "I have to say that went far better than expected. Maybe this adventuring thing is easier than I thought!"

She wasn't an unhelpful person, but knew that she wasn't able to contribute to the righting of the carriage in any significant way and thus stays out of the way of the others. She cheers them on as she answers the Salimar. "Nice to meet you Frazzt, I'm Vienne." She turns to her friends. "Awesome you guys! And Foldrat, where have you been hiding all that strength?!"

Vienne admits Josiah has an excellent point. The horses could be long gone by now. "Well...if you saw the way they went and we could find their tracks, maybe Akhi could follow them? Or, if the aren't too far, perhaps Garic and I could lure them back with the smell of their favorite food!" Despite talking to the group at large, she looks to Josiah to make sure he knows that she thinks his question is a good one. She has always found that a bit of acknowledgement goes a long way.

Akhi did a mental equivalent of a shrug to her, indicating he would try. The two were never quite sure what would work with their small magic until they tried.

Feb 8, 2023 6:12 am

Josiah flushes a little when Vienne smiles at him, and from where he’s kneeling, looking for tracks, he realizes he hasn’t introduced himself to the Salimar traveler. "Josiah Smelter," he says curtly.

Feb 8, 2023 7:23 pm

After the boars had left Gale sigh of relief. Despite being a hunter, he never liked to kill animals without necessity.
At the mention of horses on the loose he silently proceeds to examine the ground looking for hooves traces and broken branches that he could follow.

Feb 8, 2023 7:45 pm

Frazzt excitedly claps his hands as Foldrat manages to flip the carriage, seemingly with hardly any effort.
Ohhh! You are really strong. Unfortunately the wheel is broken and... he begins to say but then Garic mends the wheel with his magic.
Oh you surely are a wonderful bunch! Nice to meet you even if the circumstances are a bit... chaotic.
As for where the horses went... I think they went into the woods that way because the boars came from the other side.
Frazzt points at a bunch of trampled plants at the side of the road.

OOC:

If you want to follow the tracks you can make a test to determine wether you are able to quickly find the horses.

Miss_Sadie says:

"Well...if you saw the way they went and we could find their tracks, maybe Akhi could follow them? Or, if the aren't too far, perhaps Garic and I could lure them back with the smell of their favorite food!"

Scrol sent a note to Miss_Sadie

Feb 8, 2023 8:48 pm

After/while fixing the carriage Garic offers to stay and keep Frazzt company if the others go searching for the horses.

He will ask Frazzt about the lands beyond, where he traveled, stories and legends he had heard, where he had been, where he is going, what're he does, where he lives... He even pauses to hear most of an answer before asking the next question.
(Yes Garic was/is one of those kids and hasn't quite grown up yet)

Feb 8, 2023 9:23 pm

"You go find the horses, I will sit for a minute to regain some strength"

Foldrat stuffs his pipe and sits next to Garic while he's asking all his questions. Noticing his pipe-weed pouch is almost empty he asks "Hey, mister Frazzt, I don't suppose you have some pipe-weed in that carriage of yours? You see, I always like to carry a large quantity of the best kind from my own garden, but this time I could not take much with all that adventuring gear we've got with us... Speaking of which, this whole adventuring thing makes me quite hungry..."

Foldrat looks into his backpack, only to realise that he has given all his food to the boars. "My dear Garic, do you think you could spare a piece of cured meat to feed a poor hungry Dwarf?"

Feb 9, 2023 2:00 am

No one told you to give all your food to the boar. Perhaps our host can help you restock.? and he glances meaningfuly at Frazzt.
Not waiting for a responce Garic digs into his pack and pulls a bit of rations for Foldrat and starts to hands it over.
Then with a slightly malicious grin You know, adventureing might be good for all of us. I understand it is quite rough and can have many hardships. Probably builds character. Maybe you have th right of it. We should get used to hardship. Great idea Foldrat! and he moves to put the food back in his pack . . . grining mischeviously and glancing meaningfuly at the dwarfs "stout" toso.

OOC:

Yeah he is still a bit childish. Feel free to help teach/correct him out just let me know if it is bugging anyone

Last edited February 9, 2023 10:22 pm

Feb 9, 2023 7:47 pm

She looks to where Frazzt was pointing and, now that she sees the crushed plants, the direction seems obvious. "All right! I'll give it a try." She pats Akhi on his head lightly and heads over.

Miss_Sadie sent a note to Scrol

Rolls

Check to find horses - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Feb 10, 2023 4:37 am

"Are we going to track down these horses then?" Josiah asks his fellows plainly, examining the ground and the flattened plants. When it seems Vienne has the trail, the broad-shouldered man is ready to accompany and protect her and any others who come along.

Feb 10, 2023 5:17 am

Tossing the food to Foldrat with a smile then gathering up his pack, Garic says Since we are here and can help we should. Foldrat can keep Frazzt safe till we get back.
Joining the others he continues Just tell me what to look for, I'm no tracker though. And he waits to follow thiose who are

Feb 10, 2023 12:11 pm

Foldrat catches the food and gives a 'thank you' nod to Garic but with a slight grin on his face. He then mumbles to himself "Silly goblin, I'll have to teach him good manners..."

"I'll stay here with our new friend as you go find the horses."He shouts.

He then starts munching on the food and turns to Frazzt "So... What about this pipe-weed?"

Feb 10, 2023 1:49 pm

"I'll help gather the horses. Perhaps I'll be of some assistance within the woods." Sprout begins to tread towards the direction of the horses' escape, following after the others.

Feb 10, 2023 2:31 pm

Frazzt goes up to the pile of goods that fell from the carriage and rummages through it. He disappears nearly completely in it and you hear the clanking of metal, wood and potentially glass until he successfully emerges from the pile with a small bag in his hand.
Ah yes! I'm glad the boars didn't eat it. Here's your pipeweed, freshly packaged by the boar tribe in the north. Kind of ironic if I think about it...
Frazzt hands Foldrat the small leather bag. The pipeweed in there has a slightly earthen smell which means that it was given time to refine before packaging it.
I'm also getting a bunch of rations from the carriage Frazzt says and hops onto the carriage

Vienne meanwhile investigates the trampled down bushes at the side. She takes a few steps into the forest and looks out for any signs of the horses. At first her eyes have problems adjusting to the dim light beneath the forest canopy but after a few moments she is able to see the marks of hooves in the soft forest ground and she should be able to follow them without problems.

OOC:

So Foldrat stays with Frazzt and Sprout, Vienne, Garic and Josiah chase after the horses. Correct? What do Jahamu and Gale do?

Feb 10, 2023 6:04 pm

Garic will create a small cloud of floating stars that shed light as needed and directed by the trackers.

Last edited February 10, 2023 6:05 pm

Feb 11, 2023 3:51 am

As she finds the trail she points it out to the others. "I'm not a tracker either, so it is probably safe to assume this trail is fairly prominent. But that's good for us! Let's find these horses." Happily, and with a little bounce to her step, Vienne leads the way along the trail and feels almost like a real adventurer.

tibbius

Feb 11, 2023 5:34 pm

Jahamu has been sniffing around, trying to catch a scent of horses, but the lingering odor of boar has stymied his nose.

He waddles over to Sprout and Foldrat. "Huh," he says as he sits down with a thump, watching the Salimar merchant rummage through goods. "Hey mister Frazzt! Would you like help to reload your wagon?"

Last edited February 11, 2023 5:34 pm

Feb 11, 2023 6:23 pm

Josiah nods at Sprout, happy to have the treefolk's help, just as he's happy to let them take the lead on tracking if they want. He does quicken his step to try and keep pace with Vienne. He wants to tell her to slow down and be more careful, but the words die on his tongue and he just tries to keep close enough to protect her in case something happens.

Feb 12, 2023 11:33 pm

Vienne follows the track along with her friends. As you go deeper into the woods Garic's magical lights prove to be invaluable
After a while you hear neighing nearby. You follow the sound and find the horses, standing in a clearing. A creature looking like a mix between a ladybug and a human and about half as tall as a human is dancing around the horses, occasionally feeding them berries and talking to them
...Aaaand another berry for you Mr. Horse. Shame that you two don't want to play... Only ever want to eat berries. Is this what becomes out of animals that live with humans for too long?
The creature doesn't notice you

Frazzt jumps down from the carriage again with a bunch of rations packets in his hands. There you go. Feast on it he says while handing them out.
Oh a little bit of help would be greatly appreciated. he reacts to Jahamu's offer.
You begin to load the goods back onto the carriage. Each time Frazzt grabs an item he tells a little story that sounds like a sales pitch. Either he wants to sell them to you or he is just so used to do this that he doesn't notice it.
Ah yes a fine work of art by the forest feys. Really fits well over a fireplace. Oh and this knife here is splendidly suited for carving wood. And this puppet here is said to fend of ghosts. The tribespeople near Icespire Peak gave it to me. They said that ghosts have started to appear at the mountain. Ohhhh and this set of cutlery was finely crafted by the dwarves of the silver mountains. It will last for generations. A set like this has been in our family for five generations....

Feb 13, 2023 1:10 am

Sprout steps out into the clearing away from the others, drawing attention to himself only. "Hello there." He waves a hand. "Thank you for catching those horses, they're invaluable to their owner."

Feb 13, 2023 1:11 am

Seeing no danger Garric steps out to great the lady. Hello there. I am Garic. What is your name?

OOC:

distracted by the game and lost the initiative to Sprout. Go team green :)

Last edited February 14, 2023 2:05 am

Feb 13, 2023 6:30 pm

Gale follows the horse tracking party to the clearing. As the other start to talk to the creature, he remains behind and look for signs of other creatures.

OOC:

Pretty hectic week sorry for delayed answer. As a hunter Gale would have been part of the horse tracking party

Feb 13, 2023 9:00 pm

Foldrat sniffs the pipeweed and is delighted by the smell. "My friend, this is undoubtedly some quality leaf you have here; and of a variety I am not sure I recognise. I will need to visit these folks in the North to learn about their methods for growing pipeweed."

He stuffs his pipe, ignites the leaves, and starts puffing. "So tell me, mister Frazzt... Where were you heading with all these goods in your carriage? You certainly seem like someone who travels a lot."

Feb 14, 2023 6:43 am

Josiah has been a little distracted by the beautiful, tiny floating stars, but he stands ready at the edge of the cleaning, waiting to see what the fey creature says...

Feb 14, 2023 8:00 pm

Vienne holds back, but does follow the others just enough to enter the edge of the clearing. As she has no idea what the creature is she watches. It was SO cute! Unknowingly she gets that face you get when looking at adorable baby animals.

OOC:

Sorry for the delay! Last few days have been stressful and I haven't been online for most of them.

Feb 15, 2023 10:02 pm

Ahhhh!!! the buglike creature shrieks, drops the berries it was holding and hides behind one of the horses. After a moment of silence it peeks around the horses legs.
What do you mean by owner? They are my friends now! I mean at least I'm their friend in a hushed tone the creature adds They're still a bit shy I think

Oh yes the northern tribes don't care a lot about the quantity of commodities they have but the few things they produce are very fine.
I was heading to Flowergrove and then off to the south through the low pass. Selling what I procured in the north and getting more goods from the south. It's my first large scale trading trip. I want to be like Salazar the Great, the great trader that had a caravan so large it took a day to pass through a town.
Frazzt answers

Feb 16, 2023 1:22 am

"Oh well, you see, these horses are the beloved horses of Frazzt. They fled when he was attacked by boars - which are gone now - and he does need them back. She moves closer to the little creature and the horses as she continues talking. "They are probably very scared. There were so many boars! It's nice that they ended up near you when they fled."

Feb 16, 2023 1:32 am

Sitting next to a tree, Garic morons to the others to stay calm. Totally useless as no one is being aggressive but he is trying to reassure the creature.
An owner is like a friend that feeds and cares for animals. In this case the horses pull Frazzt wagon to help him. If they don't go help him now he will be stuck. He needs to get to the other towns so he can help the people in those towns by trading with them.. As he talks he takes a few plant stalks and braids a ring about the size of the creatures head and tosses it over. He then does the same for himself

Feb 17, 2023 11:03 am

"It is indeed like my friends here say." Sprout considers the creature for a moment. "Perhaps, we might play with you for a moment instead."

Last edited February 17, 2023 11:04 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (2d6)

(43) = 7

Feb 18, 2023 4:56 pm

Smelter is more than happy to let his companions converse with the strange, insect-like creature. It's certainly not very threatening, especially when it cowers, so the bearded man puts up his axe on his meaty shoulder, resting it there comfortably as they await a response.

Feb 18, 2023 6:57 pm

"Nice, I am from Flowergrove myself." Foldrat says to Frazzt. You should talk to the other Dwarves once you arrive in town. We are renowned for growing some of the best potatoes and turnips in the region - at least according to us...

My friends and I are on our first adventure. We are heading to Castle Fearstone on top of the Icespire peak, have you been there? The other night we saw some green lights dancing around the ruins, I wonder what these could be...

Feb 20, 2023 11:27 pm

The being listens to your arguments, catches the braided ring from Garic and sets it ontop of its head
But I love them toooooo.... it says like a stubborn teenager. It flies onto one of the horse's back and grabs it with its hands and feet.
You know what. I'm just the owner now. I'm their friend and care for them. I know how! They like berries! It shakes its head in response to Sprout's argument
You play with me and then you go and I have no one to play any more. But maaaaayyyybeeee you have a toy I can keep? Something shiny!

Oh you're adventurers. Well it's obvious somehow. After all you rescued me.
A light on top of Icespire peak... hmmm I haven't really looked at the mountain. It gives me the creeps. But the tribespeople in the swamp around it told me something about dancing lights and that the ghost of the not-ancestor has risen. But they seem to be a superstitious bunch of people so I wouldn't interpret too much into what they're saying Frazzt answers

Feb 21, 2023 12:50 am

Not sure if it will work Garic gathers dinner more material, flexible vines and grades, then focuses on shaping then into a doll b similar to the little creature but smaller. After a minute or more he presents his finished work.

OOC:

the spell is too help shape it and to try to maximize it's durability

[ +- ] doll

My little cousins like these. I'm not sure if it is good enough for you though and he holds his work out as if reluctant to do so

Last edited February 21, 2023 12:59 am

Rolls

Spell touched DC4 - (2d6)

(26) = 8

Feb 24, 2023 2:21 pm

Ohhhhh the little being says. It flies down and snaps the doll out of Garic's hands.
I'll call you... hmmm... Twinkle! it says and dances around with the doll. It sits down with it and starts to play with it in the grass.
While the bug-like being is preoccupied you are able to get the horses back to Frazzt. He jumps and claps his hands
Great! Thank you so much! Please let me get you this as a token of my appreciation he gives you a crossbow with strangely shaped bolts that have a thin rope attached to them.
As you are adventurers this will probably be useful for you. It helps you climb unreachable ledges

[ +- ] Crossbow of climbing

The sun is starting to set and Frazzt is readying his cart.
Thank you again kind adventurers for your help. Maybe we'll meet again. I'll see that I get to Flowergrove before night sets in. Don't want to meet another bunch of boars in the middle of the night
Frazzt steers to cart down the road and disappears behind the next turn in the road.

As the sun is starting to set you stand before the decision to make camp here or try to walk further down the road in order to maybe find a more favourable place to stay.
Also how do you want to organize your night? Will you all just sleep or will you have shifting guard duties?

Feb 24, 2023 3:46 pm

Before leaving the bugirl Garic will talk with her and suggest she find other playmates who either live near her and wishes her.

I am for making camp. Best if we find a place to rest with a bit of shelter and take turns on watch, just in case. and he looks around as they stroll down the road, frequently eyeing Gale as the veteran woodsman.

Feb 25, 2023 12:33 pm

"I agree Garic. No need to push our luck. It may be better to find somewhere less open though." Sprout stands to his full height and scans around for something good.

Rolls

Find a Suitable location? - (2d6)

(36) = 9

Feb 25, 2023 8:36 pm

Foldrat feels very relaxed and tired now that he had food and smoked his pipe. "It has been a long day, we better get some sleep. If someone wants to go first in taking turns I'd be more than grateful - my muscles need some rest after lifting this cart."

Foldrat puts his pipe back in his backpack and looks at the crossbow. "It is a rather ingenious piece of equipment that thing. I'm happy to carry it in my backpack if that's ok with everyone. It will certainly help us in our ascent to the castle."

Feb 25, 2023 9:16 pm

I don't mind first watch. Do we do 8 x 1 hour shifts or 4 x 2 hour shifts for the watch?
As for the crossbow, someone has to carry it. Might as well be you.

Once a suitable site is located Garic will clear a spot for his bedding and dog a hike to lay a small for in. With the fire dunk on the earth and a ring of rocks around it he goes the small for won't draw to much attention. He then sets about collecting deadwood for the fire. Letting busy setting camp and cooking what he can if his rations Garic buns idly.

Last edited February 25, 2023 9:17 pm

Feb 25, 2023 11:21 pm

Sprout looks around along the road and he quickly finds a spot that's perfectly suited for spending the night.
A short way into the forest trees and bushes form a semicircle creating a perfect spot to set up camp for the night.
While you prepare for rest the sun is starting to set.

Which preparations will you take for the rest? Anything you'll do at every rest? RP as you wish

Feb 26, 2023 1:48 am

Vienne tries to help where she can, regretting her lack of knowledge about camping. Maybe this wasn't the brightest idea, but she was here now and threw herself into it.

"Anyone good at scavenging or hunting?"

OOC:

Vienne will learn all she can and help out.

Feb 26, 2023 11:45 am

"Two hour shifts make the most sense to me. We can switch off every other night. I will be happy to take the last watch. I enjoy the sunrise." Sprout will help as he can, being careful to avoid being too close to the fire. When it's time to sleep, he will stand upright near the edge of camp and sink some roots from his feet into the ground for stabilization.

Feb 28, 2023 9:36 pm

Foldrat leans against a tree and lights his pipe. "This looks like the perfect spot, well done Sprout. This almost looks safe enough to avoid us taking turns watching but if we must I'll take the second turn"

He puffs rings of smoke as he watches the others make a fire. "It's a shame we did not kill one of these boars, it would have been perfect for dinner. Is any of you good at hunting? As a farmer, I've never really hunted but it shouldn't be that hard... Maybe I should learn how to use a bow and arrow... Anyway, I better get some sleep now. Wake me up when it's my turn" He closes his eyes and - approximately 3 and a half seconds later - starts snoring loudly.

Mar 1, 2023 2:39 am

I might be able to find edible plants and can take down a hare or pheasent of I come upon one but am no woodsman. I will go see what I cna find. get a litle fire going, just in case. Any one want to acompany me?
Garic will leave one of his eshields and take some gear from his pack to makke roomf for anything he might find and will begin foraging while there is still a bit of light.

Rolls

Foraging (Herbalist) - (3d6)

(421) = 7

Mar 1, 2023 11:14 am

Avoiding being near to the fire, Sprout moves towards Garic. "I will assist you. I may be able to find some edible roots or natural vegetables."

Rolls

Foraging - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Mar 1, 2023 2:07 pm

Thanks Sprout Garic will assist Sprout is harvesting any roots taking note of the plants for furure refference.

Mar 1, 2023 4:23 pm

Vienne bounces over to Sprout and Garic. "I'll help! Even just to carry things."

OOC:

She will mimic what the others are picking up and, if just getting in the way of the gathering, she will carry things they need - or simply go away should they ask.

Rolls

foraging help - (2d6)

(23) = 5

Mar 1, 2023 9:02 pm

Garic sifts through the underwood of the forest. Unfortunately he doesn't find anything edible. All the berries he finds are not ripe yet, the roots he finds are too hard and the only animal he sees is a grey partridge that flies out of a bush and into the distance.
Vienne who accompanied him, tries to catch the latter but it flies through her arms.
Sprout at least is able to find a place where mushrooms grow. They are not enough to nourish you all but at least they are a neat side dish for the ration packs you have to consume.
You count your rations and they should be enough to get you to Icespire Peak. Hopefully you can get more on the way...

You take turns in guarding your campside during the night but thankfully no one bothered you. After a night of well deserved rest you awaken early in the morning and continue along your way...

Well everyone except Josiah. He holds his back and after an hour of marching with you he says I'm sorry lads but I don't think the adventuring life is cut out for me. My back hurts from lying on the ground and I'm hungry. Have fun and take care but I'll return to Flowergrove. Maybe I'll see Frazzt again.
With these words he goes back to the village

The following day is pretty uneventful and after a day of marching the mysterious mountain that is your goal is much closer to you. The following night you once again can see the lights that sparked your interest in the ruins in the first place but in much greater detail. They seem to dance in and around the ruins a bit like tiny comets. A fascinating but eerie sight to behold.

The second night of camping is uneventful as well and the following morning you march on. You are nearing the place where the road curves away from the mountain and you therefore have to continue through the woods.

Just as you discuss on where exactly you are going to leave the road you hear a voice
Hello? Hi? Can I talk to you real quick?
You look around but can't see the person who spoke
No not here. Down here! Hello!
You look down on the ground but can't see anything either
No... I *sigh* here!
Garic feels a slight pull at his pants. He looks down and sees a gopher that's waving at him.
Hey! Erm... sorry to disturb you but I could use your help. Do you have time to lend an unfortunate gal a hand?

Mar 1, 2023 10:38 pm

After looking for any other potential spices of the voice he carefully squats so as to shelter the little bug and replies It will be an honor. How may we be of assistance?
Thinking to himself, were there this many big people in the legends? I never knew they got this small. O hope they stay clear off the road. Shiver. I hope we didn't step on any. And he imagines a world of tiny bug people getting squashed by careless giants

Last edited March 2, 2023 11:15 pm

Mar 2, 2023 9:02 pm

https://live.staticflickr.com/4030/4499922074_646e184546_m.jpg

Well... the gopher rubs its tiny hands together. ... you know I used to be an adventurer like you but then I was turned into this animal. I scouted the ruins of a tower not too far to the east from here. I think they belonged to a wizard of some kind. In there were strange apparatuses, a laboratory and right at the top was a big blue crystal sphere. And somehow I .... I don't know how to say it...activated the sphere? It began to whirl and shoot shining missiles around the room. One of it hit me and then I became this. I fled the tower because somehow everything in there was about to come to life. I think if you deactivate this sphere I'll be turned back to how I was before. At least I hope so. I don't know any other way...
The gopher turns its head and looks at each of you, folding its hands in front of its chest

Mar 3, 2023 3:13 am

Sprout kneels down to speak with the gopher. "Interesting. We may already be heading towards the solution to your problems. Did you see anything on the way in the first time or the way out the last time that might help us successfully get into and through the tower?"

Mar 3, 2023 3:26 am

Curoius about this strange situation Garic holds out his hand and tries to use his magic to feel any lingering enchantments on the gopher.

Rolls

Focus Spell Toched DC4 - (2d6)

(53) = 8

Mar 3, 2023 2:00 pm

The little gopher person is so cute! She isn't against helping the little thing, although being turned into one herself would be...bad. Seeing what Garic is doing she crouches down to do the same, encouraging Ahki to help her if he can.

OOC:

She is looking for what kind of enchantment it might be instead of purely if there is one. Talking gopher seems pretty enchanted to her to begin with.

Last edited March 3, 2023 2:00 pm

Rolls

Spell touched - (2d6)

(44) = 8

Mar 4, 2023 3:05 pm

I...I...I think that the door is still open. You shouldn't have any problems to get into the tower.
The tower has three floors. On the first one is some kind of workshop, the second houses a laboratory and on the third is the crystal sphere.
When I ran away a lot of things began to move in the tower but I was too scared to take a closer look.
The gopher looks at you with its dark eyes and a tilted head Sooooo... will you help me? I don't want to sound too whiny but I was nearly eaten by a fox two times. So I'm not really keen on keeping this form

Garic feels magical power encasing the gopher like a shell. Whatever kind of magic this was, it was very powerful and it's clearly beyond your power to break the enchantment on your own

Vienne can feel the magical power too. While she tries to determine the kind of enchantment Akhi attempts to eat the gopher, which of course is impossible but its snake nature just took control of the spirit animal
This distracted Vienne so much that she can't concentrate any more.

Mar 4, 2023 3:25 pm

The tower sounds interesting as well as too valuable and dangerous to be simply abandoned.
I think we can at least look into this. East you say? Turning to the others Shall we?

tibbius

Mar 5, 2023 9:52 pm

"Sounds good," grumbles Jahamu with his cheerful growl.

Mar 6, 2023 12:49 am

"It would seem the sooner the better as well. Can you hide yourself well enough until then friend?"

Mar 7, 2023 1:18 pm

Best you come with us and guide us through this tower Garic says. Scooping up the rodent adventureer he sets it atop his pack over his shouder. Lets go!
Excited by the prospect of adventure in a wizards tower he sets off under the gophers directions . What is your name? he asks the gopher as they continue towards the tower.

Mar 7, 2023 1:31 pm

Yes! I have a burrow nearby... Which sounds like a strange thing to have if you're not used to be a gopher. Just call out for me at this place here when you're done. My name is Martina, by the way. The tower is this way. Just follow the trail I made through the underwood. Thank you so much! the gopher responds and runs away

You follow the described path through the forest for about an hour when you approach a clearing. In the middle of the clearing is a massive tower made out of finely carved stone blocks. The top of the tower has fallen off and its debris are littering the clearing, leaving only the three floors that Martina described. The plants in the clearing are all grey and dead.
Traces in the mud and some tools laying around hint at the fact that someone recently moved some of the debris in order to access to the door at the base of the tower.
The door is halfway open. You peek into the next room which seems to encompass the whole ground floor. From what you can see there are a lot of tools on shelves and workbenches that line the wall.
A massive shelf laden with mechanical parts made out of brass blocks any further inspection of the room without entering it.

OOC:

I assume that the rest of the party is okay with inspecting the tower too ^^
If not you can still voice your concerns before you enter the tower

Mar 9, 2023 2:56 am

Sprout moves to push the front door completely open and cautiously moves into the first room if nothing reacts to the door moving.

Mar 9, 2023 12:26 pm

Looking around Garic says Waste not, want not. That's what my dad taught me and he will collect the tools scattered around the tower before trying the others to head inside the Tower.

Mar 10, 2023 4:15 pm

After taking time to calm Ahki, Vienne drifted after the others to the tower. It wasn't in the best of shape, that was for sure. "This place is...a dump. And so many tools..." She looks around and attempts to see any light from the top floor, in case the sphere is still activated.

Mar 12, 2023 9:07 pm

Garic picks up the tools and puts them into his backpack.

[ +- ] What Garic finds

Sprout leads the foray into the tower.
As he's already seen the ground floor's walls are lined with shelves and workbenches. A large shelf full of cogs, springs and other mechanical parts divides the room in half. Behind the shelf you can see the stairs leading up to the second floor. Vienne looks up the stairs. She thinks she can hear a faint hissing sounds as well as the reflections of flashes of light
Five human-like figures are behind the shelf too. They seem to be made out of the same, mechanical parts that you find scattered around the room. They are completely made out of brass and hold a sword in their right hand. Plates of brass cover the torso as well as the joints. The "face" of these figures is formed by a plate with three holes forming a triangle that's pointing down. They are scattered around the room and standing completely still

Mar 12, 2023 9:28 pm

Quietly Garic guesses Magical security? he had heard of golems and other magical constructs in the stores of adventure he loved to listen to as a child.
These will be the first he had seen of any and he is curious, though a bit nervous.

Last edited March 13, 2023 4:40 am

Mar 13, 2023 1:25 am

"Be careful!" Sprout whispers to caution the others. "Remember what the gopher said about things being alive in here. Maybe if we don't disturb them then they won't disturb us."

Mar 16, 2023 12:42 am

She glances at the potential golems before returning her gaze to the upstairs. "I think I see lights and...hear hissing...do any of you guys?"

Mar 16, 2023 3:27 am

Let's check it out Deciding that standing about don't solve anything Garic moves around the shelf to makes his way to the stairs while keeping an eye on the armor.

Last edited March 16, 2023 3:27 am

Mar 16, 2023 7:47 pm

As soon as Garic moves towards the stairs the humanoid figures' "eyes" flare up in a green light. They emit words in a language that you don't understand and move at you

OOC:

Combat time!
Roll initiative by rolling 2d6 and adding up the result
If any of you have an equal or higher result than the highest result of the walking armors (a 10) the group goes first.

See my information regarding combat rules. You all start in the Near zone

Rolls

Armor 1 Initiative - (1d6+1d6)

(4) + (1) = 5

Armor 2 Initiative - (1d6+1d6)

(2) + (1) = 3

Armor 3 Initiative - (1d6+1d6)

(4) + (6) = 10

Armor 4 Initiative - (1d6+1d6)

(1) + (1) = 2

Armor 5 Initiative - (1d6+1d6)

(5) + (5) = 10

Mar 17, 2023 12:43 am

Garic readies his shields

OOC:

ok so not too self. 2d6 doesn't add together. 9 is just a bit low sigh 😔

Last edited March 17, 2023 12:44 am

Rolls

Initiative - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Mar 17, 2023 2:18 am

Despite his caution, Sprout is caught off guard by the sudden motion of the golems. He pulls what seems like a length of wood from his back and prepares himself to fight.

Last edited March 17, 2023 2:21 am

Rolls

Initiative - (2d6)

(25) = 7

Mar 19, 2023 10:34 pm

Vienne jumps, startled, but recovers to take her chakrams off of her hips and ready herself to fight.

Rolls

Initiative - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Mar 22, 2023 8:45 pm

Gale, Foldrat and Jahamu spring into action as they see the constructs move...
You act slightly faster than the constructs and have the possibility to lland a few blows before they retaliate

OOC:

Gonna roll for Bosko_B, General_ET and tibbius

EDIT: Great! Foldrat rolled a 10. You go first I'll bot the others as soon as you've acted and then the constructs will react

Rolls

Initiative Foldrat - (2d6)

(46) = 10

Initiative Gale - (2d6)

(12) = 3

Initiative Jahamu - (2d6)

(13) = 4

Mar 23, 2023 12:17 am

Garic move to obstruction the way of the golem and swings his shield at them

[ +- ] Barfighter

OOC:

ignore the 3rd attack if I had to use a move action

Rolls

Bar fighter Shield attack - (2d6, 2d6, 2d6)

2d6 : (31) = 4

2d6 : (66) = 12

2d6 : (45) = 9

Mar 23, 2023 9:15 pm

Sprout thrusts his spear over top of Garic at the golem, using his height to his advantage.

Rolls

Attack 1 - (3d6)

(262) = 10

Attack 2 - (3d6)

(311) = 5

Mar 24, 2023 1:38 pm

Vienne aims so as to not hit her companions and tosses her chakrams, neatly catching them on the return rebound, her bracelets giving off a slight jingle as she moves.

Rolls

Attack 1 - (2d6)

(12) = 3

Attack 2 - (2d6)

(31) = 4

Mar 24, 2023 1:56 pm

OOC:

Is Vienne a weapon master with her chakrams? If so the attacks use 3d6

Mar 24, 2023 4:23 pm

Garic jumps forward and swings his shields around like a whirlwind hitting a construct that was advancing at Vienne twice. The first hit is especially devastating sending parts of the machine flying through the room. The second attack finishes it off sending it crashing to the ground
Sprout hits the next construct in "face" with his attack
Vienne takes a few steps back and sends her chakrams flying at the same construct but they miss, knocking down a few springs from the shelf nearby

Gale jumps back a bit and shoots an arrow with his bow which narrowly misses
Jahamu in turn jumps at the next construct. His right claw lands a hit at it and rips off an armor plate
Foldrat swings his axe in a wide arc back and forth hitting a construct both times

OOC:

Critical hit for Garic. 2 damage instead of 1! Nice!

Vienne has to change zone to near in order to use her ranged attack. This uses one action, leaving only the second one for attacking. I did this for you but if you want to act otherwise just tell me ;)

Rolls

Gale bow attack - (2d6)

(44) = 8

Foldrat attack #1 - (2d6)

(22) = 4

Foldrat attack #2 - (2d6)

(15) = 6

Jahamu Claw attack #1 - (2d6)

(63) = 9

Jahamu Claw attack #2 - (2d6)

(33) = 6

Additional die - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Additional die - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Additional die - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Additional die - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Additional die - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Mar 24, 2023 4:36 pm