Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

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DragonDweller62

Apr 5, 2024 10:48 pm

Apr 5, 2024 10:48 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

https://i.imgur.com/fxtvuVM.jpeg

You have traveled for many days, leaving the last hold of the realm, Solenia, the capital, for the wilder area of the borderlands. Farms and towns have become less frequent, and travelers few. The road climbs higher the further you get into this country of forests and mountains.

The path to the Keep winds up a steep, rocky hill, cutting through patches of sparse yellow grass and wildflowers buzzing with bees. It is the height of summer and the air, muggy and sweltering, smells yet of fresh lavender and pine. The bright azure sky is clear all the way to the horizon, and the sun glints directly overhead like a disk of pure silver. You've become all but blind to the way it flickers every few minutes. Far below the hill the forest spreads north like the nap of an emerald rug. To the south, the land crumbles away to the midnight-black pits and creeping vines of the fens.

This is your last day of travel, and the Keep is just hours away. Some of you can even see its sturdy towers, gleaming in the sun, peek over the next rise. You have traveled together, the rough dozen of you, for safety—even the roads closer to the capital haven't been truly safe in an age—but who knows how your destinies may warp and weave inside the Keep . . . and beyond?

OOC:

Before arriving at the Keep, this is your chance to introduce your PCs in all their glory! Feel free to elaborate on how you all know each other; whether any of you are strangers, friends, rivals, lovers, cousins, ring-bearers and gardeners, etc. Once you've roleplayed to your heart’s content, please roll a d3 and a d10 for each of your PCs—rumor time!

[ +- ] Status

Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead

Apr 6, 2024 2:01 am

Apr 6, 2024 2:01 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"There! Ahead, past yon hill!" Sir Norris exclaims to the troupe, pointing at the distant towers of the Keep... on the Borderlands.

"We've about made it, fellows," the handsome, well-built, bearded and perhaps slightly unlikeable man says with no small amount of excitement. That excitement, of course, is because he is soon be indoors. To have stone walls 'round him, a mug of frothy ale in his hand, and a well-formed wench in his lap. Hollysure, hailing from the distant province of Wrenstead, is not here, on this road, by his own design.

Lord Bransor Hollysure, Norris's father, well now, there was a man. A man with many sons, one of whom, the youngest, never had much interest in... well, much of anything -- beyond carousing, philandering and the like. Certainly the lad had learned to fight from the castle's master-at-arms, learned his letters from the sage, learned the finer points of courtly life from Lady Hemsing. But after years of putting exactly none of that to use, and after the scandal with the Bishop's daughter and the formerly celibate priestesses, Norris had been cast out from the estate by his irate father and four brothers. He was stripped of his titles, his squire and his inheritance, and charged to make his name and own fortune on the frontier if he wished to show his face again.

And so here he was, on this road. Reasonably well-equipped, with his chainmail armor, shield, and fine sword, but with not much experience with adventuring or battle, and with little else to his name...

Rolls

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (10) = 10

Apr 6, 2024 3:58 am

Apr 6, 2024 3:58 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene adjusts the bow on her back. She knew little of her companions, having traveled with them for only a few weeks, largely for the safety that numbers offered. She comes from the elven lands, but she is an outsider even there. It is because of this that she has taken to traveling. She feels the desire to prove herself to, well, herself, mostly. She desires to feel worthy of her heritage, even if she is just a half-blood.

Last edited April 6, 2024 3:58 am

Rolls

Rumor time! - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (2) = 2

1d10 : (2) = 2

Apr 6, 2024 4:04 am

Apr 6, 2024 4:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Natassia regards the others in her company with an admixture of amusement and suspicion. They knew little of her past, and she preferred it that way. Even the one that she had come to call friend, the rangeress Darlene, knew precious little about her. She considers the keep before her. A place for a new start, where no one knew her. But she was concerned that even here, in the borderlands, the Guild's fingers might reach.

Rolls

Rumor time! - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (7) = 7

Apr 6, 2024 3:22 pm

Apr 6, 2024 3:22 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hrmph! "Yes, yes, we can all see it, Sir Hollysure," the elderly wizard says as he walks beside his mule. How he had made it this far on foot, nobody could understand. After all, he was very frail and very crackly. His purple robes were caked with mud, and even his normally white beard (of considerable length) was looking light brown from the road dust. Those listening to his ever-present grumbles knew that a bath was the top of his priorities.

By his telling of it, the knowledge of civilized man has bored him. But past the Borderlands, to the east of the keep that was the last bastion of culture, was knowledge and secrets that would propel him into the ranks of archmagi. No longer a young man, it was dubious he would survive long enough to find them, however.

Clearing his throat again, Hrmph! "Isolde, now remember what we talked about. No more biting the stable hands. Do that, and I'll see to it you have as many carrots as I can find." Many of you had learned to avoid the mule.

OOC:

Feel free to decide amongst yourselves if you are among the select clientele that Isolde the Mule actually tolerates.

Rolls

Rumors - (d3, d10)

d3 : (3) = 3

d10 : (4) = 4

Apr 6, 2024 3:34 pm

Apr 6, 2024 3:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Quit yer grunblin'," grunts the Dwarf, Kraagor. He spoke little of himself. As best you all could tell, he looked like darn near every other dwarf you had seen. Being the only of the stout-folk in a travelling caravan of men and elves had not done his mood any favors. The further from the capital you had traveled, the less he looked over his shoulders.

Wearing only the breastplate of his otherwise impressive armor, the sack hanging over his shoulder clanked frustratingly as he walked. A warpick, a weapon primarily of the dwarves and the elusive gnomes, knocked at his side from its strap on his belt. Very little about this person was quiet.

He had been of the last to join your party, wearing his mustard-yellow hood low over his face. Suspicious, for sure, but there was a saying that the only people that go to the Borderlands are either running to something, or running from something. And as a fighting-dwarf, there would be little to fear on the roads with him at your side.

Where Eltrezar desired a bath, Kraagor needed one.

Last edited April 6, 2024 3:37 pm

Rolls

Rumors - (d3, d10)

d3 : (1) = 1

d10 : (9) = 9

Father Petronius

Apr 6, 2024 4:28 pm

Apr 6, 2024 4:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius, the old priest of Dionysus observed the keep in the distance. "Indeed, sir Hollysure. Such a centre of civilization so far away from main trade routes, I do hope they had wisdom enough to make a well-furnished wine cellar. If not, I can always put them in contact with some of my old business partners. For a reasonable cut of the profits, of course..."

Rolls

Rolls on the rumors tables. - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (2) = 2

1d10 : (4) = 4

Apr 6, 2024 4:32 pm

Apr 6, 2024 4:32 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The mysterious elf accompanying the group did not said anything, she was simply caressing Eltrezar's old stubborn mule, Isolde. Fadrielle had a ways with animals, and the mule had taken a liking to the silent petite elf woman. Humans and dwarves were so noisy, always having something to say... but the elf was quiet, and the mule loved quiet.

As she looked in the distance, Fadrielle could not help but feel excited, not at the sight of the keep, but at the sight of such large swaths of unexplored wilderness...

Last edited April 6, 2024 4:33 pm

Rolls

Rolling on the rumor tables. - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (4) = 4

Apr 6, 2024 5:38 pm

Apr 6, 2024 5:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hearing the words of Sir Norris, Farem hurried his younger brother Bofum to take a look at the Keep. Of noble lineage themselves, the two would be warriors left their comfortable life to escape a life of monotony and duty, but soon enough found reassurance in following the former knight. For sure, life in the borderland would bring them glory and fame, right?

At least that is what Farem was telling to himself, while moving forward. "A keep is a keep" he says to Bofum. "There will be good food, there will be baths, there will hard ground to sleep on... we will be fine. And we won't have to put up with this horrible mule." The young man had a hard time to hide that he was somehow starting to miss his former life.

Rolls

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (9) = 9

Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead

Apr 6, 2024 7:47 pm

Apr 6, 2024 7:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Can you, Eltrezar?" Norris says with a grin. "Can you see it with those old eyes, with those bushy eyebrows?" The former knight has turned to look at the others, walking backwards so he can see the entire collection of travel-weary misfits. Well, they weren't all misfits.

Being Fae, Fadrielle showed some promise -- the woman was sure to be a crack-shot with a bow. Darlene was easy enough on the eyes, and Natassia seemed the type to slip a knife in here and there when one was needed -- always a a good skill. Sour-faced Kraagor and the two Dor boys might be good brothers in arms; Father Petronius and Eltrezar the Medium seemed the types that would likely stay at the keep and never venture into the wilds, if Norris had to bet. The mule was a sorry animal, certainly, and flatulent. Unless those pungent camp smells had come from--

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 6, 2024 7:47 pm

Apr 6, 2024 7:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious had largely kept to himself on the journey. Despite his bulk and his limp, he kept up without issue or complaint. He was not much of a conversationalist, and wore dank, well-worn purple roles that were of a darker hue than the ones favored by the older wizard. Del was an illusionist by trade, but seemed offended and outraged whenever someone asked to see a trick. "Sorceries are not trifling things!" the bald man would say.

And bald he was, and jealous of Eltrezar's hat...

OOC:

Both my PCs rolled the same rumors!

Last edited April 6, 2024 9:29 pm

Rolls

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (10) = 10

Apr 7, 2024 8:01 pm

Apr 7, 2024 8:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The clerical fellow follows along towards the Keep.

Oh I do look forward to entering yon Keep, and spreading Lawful cheer. All will be well indeed, my friends!

Charles, Carl to friends, had heretofore spent time praying and being priestly-minded. Ready to help his traveling friends, and proselytizing only when he feels required to do so.

One might describe Carl as a plate-mailed fellow ready to help in a fight, more than just a feeble priest without battle-minded purpose.

OOC:

Posting Fred next, accidentally posted for both PCs’ rumors here.

Last edited April 7, 2024 8:05 pm

Rolls

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (7) = 7

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (8) = 8

Apr 7, 2024 9:06 pm

Apr 7, 2024 9:06 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fredrick, Fred to friends, expressed similar eagerness at entering said-Keep!

I too am happy to be traveling with such great company! Though I’ve traveled with y’all only a short time, I’m sure everything will be great and nothing will ever go wrong.

Y’all. A colloquialism from Fred’s regional homeland. A long-expressed shortening of you and all, intended as a term of endearment among ideal traveling company.

Last edited April 7, 2024 9:06 pm

Apr 7, 2024 9:11 pm

Apr 7, 2024 9:11 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Following the troupe, Ezra seemed joyful. He was a lean man who had a tendency keep his hood up to somewhat conceal his face. and it seems like the years hadn't been too kind on him. They had finally reach their destination and he was looking forward to having an ale.
Also he was hoping to pilfer the pockets of some of the locals.

Surprisingly it seems like we have made it here with less trouble than I was expecting.

OOC:

character 2 will be finished tomorrow

Rolls

Rumors - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (2) = 2

Apr 9, 2024 2:42 am

Apr 9, 2024 2:42 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Eltrezar wasn't sure about many of his traveling companions. For one, that fat magician kept looking strangely at him. Perhaps the gluttonous one desired his spell book? It was so hard to tell. And then that dwarf, there was something strange and sinister about him.

For much of the journey, he had enjoyed his time spent with the Dor brothers. There was something authentic about them, and he had in his years grown weary of trying to pierce deceptions. It was easy to talk to them. He didn't mind the elf Fadrielle, though she was likely annoyed at the sheer number of times he mentioned that he had been named Tarathiel by the elves.

DragonDweller62

Apr 9, 2024 3:23 am

Apr 9, 2024 3:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Distributing the rumors. . . .

DragonDweller62 sent a note to Harrigan

DragonDweller62 sent a note to WhtKnt

DragonDweller62 sent a note to cowleyc

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kalajel

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kwll

DragonDweller62 sent a note to WhiteDwarf

DragonDweller62 sent a note to ChrSch

DragonDweller62 sent a note to AbbyssalChimera

As you climb, the land fades from sparse meadows to rocky gray crags, and the muggy air gives way to a cool summer breeze. The setting sun spills warm gold over your backs as you reach the top of the hill. Here the Keep rises out of the ground like a claw of battle-scarred stone, all towers and battlements that dig up out of the earth. The entrance is a heavy, iron-banded drawbridge flanked by twin guard towers; right underneath the drawbridge is a deep cleft in the earth—a natural moat—that spans much of the keep's eastern face.

Men-at-arms in blue-and-black-checkered gambesons stand atop the gate and the guard towers, armed with spears and steel caps. A group of them stop and watch your approach, then the leader calls out to you once you reach the lip of the moat. "Hold there, strangers! Who are you, and what business have you here?

All along the parapets, many other men-at-arms pause where they are to peer down at you curiously, as if wondering: will these newcomers be friend or foe?

Rolls

Bofum Dor rumor table - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (3) = 3

1d10 : (4) = 4

Robin rumor table - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (1) = 1

1d10 : (9) = 9

Talyndra rumor table - (1d3, 1d10)

1d3 : (2) = 2

1d10 : (3) = 3

Apr 9, 2024 11:25 am

Apr 9, 2024 11:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Distributing rumors will probably work better with the note/private message tool as it might be best if everyone not able to see everyone else's rumors. It's the one that looks like a square written memo between the quote tools (the quotation mark) and the OOC tool... ;)

Apr 9, 2024 3:17 pm

Apr 9, 2024 3:17 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hrmph! "I am Eltrezar the Medium, known to the elves as Tarathiel, and to the dwarves as Dalomdûmir. I have traveled from the capital with this band, as we have interest in the wilds beyond your keep. We would seek safe beds and food as we tame your wilderness. We have coin to spend, and news to share. Now, would you deny this old man rest from the long road?" It should be noted that nobody assigned the elderly wizard to speak for the group, but he did so with the confidence and ease of someone who had traveled far in his life.

OOC:

If I end up hogging too much attention, please let me know.

Apr 9, 2024 6:23 pm

Apr 9, 2024 6:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene looks up at the people on the walls as if judging their character. "I am but a humble wanderer who seeks shelter, food, and perhaps the opportunity to make some coin. My name is Darlene Dawnstar."

Apr 9, 2024 7:03 pm

Apr 9, 2024 7:03 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Natassia regards the guards with an even stare, looking back at them as hard as they stare at her. At length, she speaks, "My name is Natassia and my business is, like the others, a traveler seeking shelter. I have coin to spend."

Father Petronius

Apr 9, 2024 8:47 pm

Apr 9, 2024 8:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"And I am Father Petronius." The old monk finally added. "As you can see, we are all travelling adventurers seeking fame and fortune on the wild fringes of civilization." He motions broadly to the group around him. "As you can see, we are weary from the road. May we request entry into the keep so we may have access to a warm bed to rest our weary bodies, and a warm meal to fill our bellies."

DragonDweller62

Apr 9, 2024 11:04 pm

Apr 9, 2024 11:04 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The man-at-arms turns away from you to confer with his fellows, speaking too low to hear from the ground. Finally, he shouts the order; the drawbridge is slowly lowered and the portcullis raised with all the sounds of clanking chains and creaking wood. Two men-at-arms come out to meet you, one being the man who just questioned you. "The Castellan sure will be glad for another band of adventurers to help tame his lands. And coin and news are always welcome. Now if you'd kindly stow your arms and follow me."

Passing through the gate, complete with arrow slits and murder holes, you find yourselves in a clean and well-swept yard overlooked by the massive guard towers at your backs. The yard is fronted by a locked warehouse and a stable, with an that alley leads to the rest of the keep beyond. Coming up to meet you is a retinue of two men-at-arms, a robed scribe, and a splendidly-dressed man in shining white plate mail and mustaches.

Sir Baldwin, Corporal of the Watch

"Well met, travelers. I heard of the weariness of your journey, so I'll make this quick. I am Sir Baldwin Godfried, the corporal of the watch here. Here's the short of it: as long as the Castellan and I are in agreement, my word in this keep is law. That means I'd better not hear of any trouble coming out of you lot. If you're lucky, you'll only be banished from the place."

The scribe beside Sir Baldwin and the two men makes sure to get each of your names (whether you give up your real one is up to you). Two hands take Isolde away to the stable, and Sir Baldwin offers his young squire to show to the Traveler's Inn. As you leave with the squire, the only people Sir Baldwin seems happy to have met are Sir Norris, Darlene, and Natassia—though he doesn't seem to recognize the knight beyond his crest, and one could argue that he seems a little too happy to see the ladies.

The sun sets rapidly as you walk, painting the sky a brilliant rose color. The street is quiet, with only a few people sweeping their storefronts or strolling. The air is sweet with animal musk and sweat, and it carries the whicker of horses, the hum of conversation, and the rhythmic hammering of a blacksmith. Down the alley from the entry yard, Sir Baldwin's squire points out to you the smithy, the provisioner's store, the trader's store, the loan bank, and the guild house before stopping at a small fountain square. The fountain is flanked by the aforementioned Traveler's Inn and an unnamed tavern, and it is here where the boy leaves you. "If you have any questions for the Corporal, find me or one of the men-at-arms. They all answer to him."

With that, the Keep is yours to explore.

OOC:

That's that for introductions. Long scene, but feel free to go back and do any roleplaying you want. Also, here you may want to shed your extra PC.

[ +- ] Status

Apr 10, 2024 2:54 am

Apr 10, 2024 2:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Natassia excuses herself from the group. "I'm glad to have met you all, and it was nice traveling with you, but I'm going to see what trouble I can get into." With that, she disappears into the evening.

Apr 10, 2024 2:56 am

Apr 10, 2024 2:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Well, I hope that she finds whatever she is looking for. As for me, I need a visit to the tavern and then to an inn, and a hot bath!" Darlene heads in the direction of the tavern.

Apr 10, 2024 8:39 am

Apr 10, 2024 8:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Too intimidated by the whole scenery, Farem does not dare intervene into the conversation with the Watch or his comrades. He finds it wise to name himself and his brother 'Rod' instead of 'Dor' so as to not attract attention and give up that they actually eloped from their domain.

Bofum finds himself attracted to a couple of hunters bringing back game from the surrounding area. Since that was his main activity back home, he elects to follow them to asks questions. "I will see you around" he says to his brother.

Farem shrugs and follows Darlene.

Apr 10, 2024 3:17 pm

Apr 10, 2024 3:17 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Once again, silently, the elf decided to make her way to the stables. If those stablehands wanted to keep their fingers intact, it was probably best if she stayed with the mule for a while, at least until it got used to its new surroundings...

Father Petronius

Apr 10, 2024 3:20 pm

Apr 10, 2024 3:20 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Upon hearing Darlene's plans, the old priest exclaimed "Yes, that does indeed sound like a wonderful prospect. I could also add a good meal to that. I'm starting to get tired of travel rations..." He then looked at his coin purse, finding it rather light... "I suppose I could always offer the innkeeper to bless his wine cellar in exchange for food and board..."

Apr 10, 2024 3:27 pm

Apr 10, 2024 3:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Throughout the introductions at the gate, the dwarf stays behind the party with hood pulled low. It is easy for him to hide, though he doesn't make a huge show of it. When asked his name, he grunts out "Gorgram."

After being recorded, he heads straight to the tavern with every intention of finding ale, but not a bath.

Apr 11, 2024 2:34 pm

Apr 11, 2024 2:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Allowing Isolde to be taken by the stable hands, Eltrezar finds himself wandering the length of the keep that he is able to access. He notes which building is which (often confirmed by asking a guard or popping his head in), and then sets to procuring a room at the inn.

Apr 11, 2024 5:16 pm

Apr 11, 2024 5:16 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra looks at the remaining party, exhaustion clear on his face he asks ever so short with words Ale then?

Last edited April 11, 2024 5:17 pm

DragonDweller62

Apr 11, 2024 11:04 pm

Apr 11, 2024 11:04 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Anyone who hasn't spoken can join whomever they like.

Darlene, Farem, Father Petronius, Kraagor, and Ezra make their way to the tavern. This is a long, squat building of stone and timber, with windows that face the fountain and spill golden light onto the street. The place is quiet tonight, with about a smattering of patrons here and there who talk in relaxed tones. A hearth roars in one wall, over which a pot of stew bubbles. Wooden stairs one one wall of the building lead up to an attic or loft. Most of the patrons are common folk, except for one woman who has a sword on her belt.

The barkeep, a burly yet cheerful man with a scar across his nose, is wiping down the taps on his kegs when he notices you. "Good evening and well met! Are those new faces I see? Must be; I get all kinds of folk in here but I've never gotten you lot."

A sign on the bar displays the bill of fare, and the barkeep is happy to help those who can't read.

ALE 1 e.p.	SOUP 1 s.p.
SMALL BEER 1 s.p.	STEW 1 e.p.
WINE 1 e.p.	ROAST FOWL 1 g.p.
HONEY MEAD 1 g.p.	ROAST JOINT 2 g.p.
BARK TEA 1 s.p.	BREAD 1 c.p./slice
CHEESE 1 s.p./wedge	PUDDING 1 s.p./bowl
FRUIT 1 s.p.

Meanwhile, Eltrezar enters the inn, a long, low timber building with a hanging sign that declares this "The Traveler's Inn." The common room is warm and bright, with a hearth and benches, and a wooden staircase leads up to a loft. The kind young innkeeper tells Eltrezar that the inn has five private rooms and one common room. The private rooms accommodate one or two guests and cost 1 g.p. per night, while the common room can hold a dozen and costs only 1 s.p. per night.

Apr 12, 2024 3:00 am

Apr 12, 2024 3:00 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Good eve, kind barkeep. Might I inquire if you have some small task that I could perform in exchange for a meal and enough to secure a room at the inn and a hot bath?"

Apr 12, 2024 8:15 am

Apr 12, 2024 8:15 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem stays close to Darlene, eager to hear the answer as well.

DragonDweller62

Apr 12, 2024 6:50 pm

Apr 12, 2024 6:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Well," the barkeep says, "I suppose I could put ya to work for the night. Dishwashing and serving and the like. Mind that's just for when it's quiet—when it's busy we can't have no customers gettin' in the servants' way.

"Name's Bregund, by the way." He offers to shake hands with Darlene and Farem. "I own the place. Usually it's the servants working the front, but on quiet nights like this I let 'em take it easy."

Apr 12, 2024 7:19 pm

Apr 12, 2024 7:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I'm not too proud to wash dishes," Darlene says, gratefully shaking Bregund's hand.

Apr 13, 2024 2:51 pm

Apr 13, 2024 2:51 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Eltrezar holds out two gold coins and says, Hrmph! "I would purchase a room for myself, and ten beds in the common room for my companions. In the morning I intend to begin exploring this wilderness in earnest. Would there be a cartographer in town, or a guard captain with a map of the area?"

OOC:

Removing two gp from Eltrezar.

Apr 13, 2024 3:10 pm

Apr 13, 2024 3:10 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Me neither!" answers the young warrior to Bregund, eager to prove he can be useful.

Apr 13, 2024 7:37 pm

Apr 13, 2024 7:37 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hello Master Bregund, I'd have a beer and some soup, please.
Ezra tells the barkeep before he proceeds to find a place to sit and see if he might be able to overhear anything useful or interesting from the other patrons.

Last edited April 13, 2024 7:37 pm

Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead

Apr 13, 2024 11:01 pm

Apr 13, 2024 11:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Good day, fighting men!" Sir Norris had shouted up to the soldiers on the wall when the group had arrived and been challenged. "Tis Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead and his entourage, I'm sure word had been sent ahead and we're expected. Fetch the lord, then, go on! Let him know the swords he desires have arrived!"

All of that certainly hadn't worked, but the group had gained admittance to the keep regardless. Quickly enough Norris separates from the group, bidding them best wishes -- making his way to the tavern to negotiate a long-term rate and find the fetchingiest filly in the place.

OOC:

Starting with Delfarious. Sorry for the delay! @%^@$% work.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 13, 2024 11:10 pm

Apr 13, 2024 11:10 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

There was no sign of Delfarious when the challenge at the gate had been issued, and eerily enough the man had emerged from the shadows inside the place after they'd all been allowed to enter and headed for the stables and tavern.

Jealous with his coins, he is none-the-less none-too-keen to sully his skilled, dexterous hands with the likes of washing dishes and chamber pots. He pays for wine, soup, and a private room for the night before choosing a table where he will sup. He's been too long on the road and has blistered feet and a sun-burned head; tonight will be an evening of leisure, before he turns his attentions to the wilds of the west.

OOC:

Paid 1gp, 6sp for the goods. Going with Delfarious as my first PC.

DragonDweller62

Apr 14, 2024 12:44 am

Apr 14, 2024 12:44 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Sir Baldwin, Corporal of the Watch

"Sir Norris, is it?" Sir Baldwin asks when it is Sir Norris’s turn to be recorded by the scribe. "Now that I think about it, your Lord Father did send word ahead of his youngest, most prodigal son, saying things about ‘making a man out of a boy,’ and that we were to ‘hide all our wives and widows.’" Sir Baldwin’s former respect at meeting a chivalric knight is replaced by an impish grin, and Sir Norris can tell that the Corporal is trying to get under his skin. "His words, not mine. Hope it all works out for you."

The night’s business proves to be slow, but Darlene and Farem eventually earn their soup and bread. They don’t have to work for rooms if Eltrezar offers them the beds he bought from the innkeeper. Even though it was conditional, Bregund still thanks them for the help and hopes to see them again.

Bregund is happy to oblige Ezra and Delfarious. As the sit down, the patrons talk about common things: prices in the market, when the next trade caravan is coming through, how dangerous the roads have been getting. "The King should send some knights out there to take care of things," one says to another. "Gods know this country’s got enough of ‘em. That king would knight my cow if I took him to court!"

The other rolls his eyes. "Then why don't you, and let me eat my stew in peace?"

The woman with the sword looks up at this, clearly as interested in this gossip as Ezra is. If Delfarious is listening, he overhears the same.

The innkeeper thinks for a moment before replying to Eltrezar. "There are lots of merchants and traders here who would be willing to sell their maps. I imagine those of the successful merchants must be fairly accurate. Otherwise, the Corporal or the Bailiff might have one to borrow."

"We haven't had a cartographer in residence here, not while I've been around at least. That's a niche in the market waiting to be filled, I'd say."

Father Petronius

Apr 14, 2024 1:35 pm

Apr 14, 2024 1:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

After Darlene was done speaking with Bregund, Father Petronius approached the man. "May I offer your wine cellar the blessings of Dionysus in exchange for a warm meal."

Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead

Apr 14, 2024 3:40 pm

Apr 14, 2024 3:40 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Hurtful accusations, unfounded and untrue!" Sir Norris had said to the Corporal when the man loosed a pack of damned lies upon the cracked stone floor between the two stalwart fighters. "My Lord Father wouldn't know how to tame a wilderness like yon beyond the gates if his life depended on it! So, good Corporal Baldwin, I shall show him!"

Right after I settle in, arrange an expense ledger and see what that barwench, there, with the freckles, is doing tonight after the tavern closes...

OOC:

Norris will be in the background, but with 2gp to his name, while offscreen he'll be looking for different women to bunk up with, will try to open an expense account based on his name, and will generally run the tab wherever he can.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 14, 2024 3:58 pm

Apr 14, 2024 3:58 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Dancing a coin along his knuckles until his food and wine arrives, Delfarious eats and drinks heartily as he listens to the local gossip, juices running down his several chins.

"We are newly arrived," he chimes in at one point, licking his fingers, "and intentioned towards exploring this land and all its depths!"

Signaling the woman with the sword to come closer and join the conversation with an inviting look (many blades will be needed, Delfarious thinks, as many will fall!), the illusionist goes on. "What news is there about the dangers that lurk in these woods and dales, these mountains and hills? Are there unplundered ancient ruins? What can you tell us? I've heard tell there are beast-men prowling from some lair. Is this true?"

"Delfarious the Prestidigitator," the rotund man says by way of introduction if the woman comes over.

OOC:

If this is Morgan, hopefully Norris doesn't take note of her. ;)

DragonDweller62

Apr 15, 2024 9:54 pm

Apr 15, 2024 9:54 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Perhaps you will," Sir Baldwin says, pleased to have gotten a rise out of Sir Norris. Before the knight can say anymore, the corporal is gone.

"By all means, and I thank you for the service," Bregund says to Father Petronius. "I'll show you the cellar."

He opens a hatch behind the bar and takes Father Petronius down a short flight of steps to the cool stone cellar. Along one wall are kegs of ale and wine, and along another is a small kitchen where Darlene and Farem are washing dishes in a basin. in the corner are three servants, two of whom are dicing while the third reads a book. The gamers look up at the newcomers only long enough to register their presence before getting back to their dice, while the reader offers a friendly smile and a nod.

"You’ll have to get in line, then," the commoners say to Delfarious, only slightly mocking. "You're not the first adventurers to come in saying just that."

The woman is a bit put-off by Delfarious’s less-than-stellar table manners, but she comes over anyway. He notes her radiant honey-colored hair and her sea-green eyes that betray more and more excitement as he talks of ruins and beast-men.

Morgan Ironwolf

"Morgan Ironwolf," she replies in turn. "The talk of beast-men is true; I've seen them with my own eyes. It's not just the bandits making the roads dangerous. He won't admit it, but word is that the Castellan is desperate over the situation. And when there are beast-men, there's a lair with treasure."

"I happen to know a thing about ruins, too, but I fear I'm too thirsty to continue." Morgan nods up to the bar. "Unless you could help with that, Delfarious?"

In the midst of all this, Sir Norris gets a tab opened and finds the aforementioned freckled barmaid free for the rest of the night and very interested in seeing where the handsome knight is retiring for the evening. Patrons of the tavern notice the pair leaving the place in good spirits.

OOC:

Morgan has entered the building! The module provided such a perfect place to put her that I couldn't resist >:) .

Father Petronius

Apr 16, 2024 12:12 am

Apr 16, 2024 12:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius took out his holy symbol, and waving it towards the barrels full of ale and spirits, he chants an incantation to Dionysus.

With cup raised high, in your sacred name,
We celebrate your gifts, your eternal flame.
O Dionysus, god of wine, joy, and renew,
In your honor, our spirits forever imbue.

Hail Dionysus, in your mysteries deep,
In the heart of the vine, your promises we keep.
May your dance of life within us forever sway,
In your boundless joy, we find our way.

He then proceeded to touch each barrel, nodding his head in solemn silence each time. When done with the final barrel, he turned to the innkeeper, a warm smile on his face.

"There you go my good friend. Your alcohol is sure to bring joy and merriment to all who partake in it. Now, for the matter of my meal, I'd like a bark tea with a stew, and some fruits for desert please."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 16, 2024 5:55 am

Apr 16, 2024 5:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Welcome, Morgan Ironwolf," Delfarious says with a nod, carefully eying the woman's physique, her possessions, her demeanor... the weight of her purse.

When the blonde speaks of lairs and treasures and ruins, the illusionist puts a finger to his lips and leans in closer so that they may speak quietly. "Are you now?" he says when she declares her thirst, and quick as that the bald man is signaling for a flagon of wine or ale, whatever the lady prefers.

"I can help with a great many things with my talents," the man brags, "but can always use another sword and shield. So tell me about these ruins..."

OOC:

Cost of that flagon was...?

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Apr 16, 2024 10:26 am

Apr 16, 2024 10:26 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Robin and Talyndra had both been travelling together for some time before joining up with the others for the trials of the road.
Robin the half-elf was roughly 5' 8", of lithe build, and a somewhat pale complexion with auburn hair and brown eyes. Meanwhile, Talyndra the elf stood at 6 foot even, bulkier build, and of fair complexion paired with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes that shone like an ocean.
They'd been conversing between one another during the duration of the travel as a few of the others were more taciturn.

Upon the moment of giving forth their names to the scribe, Talyndra gives hers truthfully. Robin, in the other hand, gave them the name of Sparrow.

Reaching the square where others were starting to split off, Talyndra bid everyone a good night and followed Eltrezar to the inn. She takes up one of the beds in the common room gratefully and falls asleep quite quickly
Robin, however, followed the others into the tavern. She slaps down a gold piece on the counter and orders a glass of wine, after it'd been blessed, and a bowl of stew.
She watches curiously as her travelmate had taken up conversation with a courageous woman.
"Hm? Beast-men?" she asks of Delfatious and Morgan. "What's this of beast-men? I've not heard anything of this. Something you've kept to yourself whilst we were on the road?"

Apr 16, 2024 12:41 pm

Apr 16, 2024 12:41 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Surveying the tavern with an ale in hand and a keen eye Ezra decides that it isn't worth it at the moment to rist getting caught with his hand in an other's purse and joins Delfarious at the table.
Do you mind if I join your table, Delfarious?
He afterwards looks at Morgan and introduces himself The name's Ezra, pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Apr 16, 2024 2:13 pm

Apr 16, 2024 2:13 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 says:

The innkeeper thinks for a moment before replying to Eltrezar. "There are lots of merchants and traders here who would be willing to sell their maps. I imagine those of the successful merchants must be fairly accurate. Otherwise, the Corporal or the Bailiff might have one to borrow."

"We haven't had a cartographer in residence here, not while I've been around at least. That's a niche in the market waiting to be filled, I'd say."

Hrmph, Eltrezar clears his throat, "Your assistance is most appreciated. I will try the merchants."

Heading back outside, having put his money down for some rooms, Eltrezar begins retracing his steps to find a trader of sorts. Someone who does not just sell requisitioned goods, but who would have a vested interest in incoming and outgoing adventurers.

Apr 16, 2024 2:15 pm

Apr 16, 2024 2:15 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor drinks.

OOC:

One ale, one stew, and then we'll see about those small beers. Removing 1gp.

Apr 16, 2024 4:05 pm

Apr 16, 2024 4:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

While washing the dishes, Farem attemps to exchange a word or two with Darlene. "Have you heard about the surrounding area? I was given warning about an hermit north of here..."

Apr 16, 2024 5:01 pm

Apr 16, 2024 5:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I had not heard that," the half-elf replies, "The only thing I've heard is a veiled warning about the god of death. But this mention of a hermit intrigues me. Perhaps it is something that we should investigate further."

Last edited April 16, 2024 5:02 pm

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 16, 2024 8:35 pm

Apr 16, 2024 8:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"You may sit!" Delfarious says emphatically to both Robin and Ezra, before adding, "But bound by a pact we will become!"

His finger goes into the air to reinforce his point. "An expeditionary troupe, an adventuring company! We must keep what we know of these wild lands between us, lest loose mouths result in the treasures we seek being plundered by our wretched rivals!"

Sitting back, the big man looks around — at Morgan, at Robin, at Ezra, at frankly any other PC present. It takes him a moment, but he goes on. "So says Delfarious! What say you all? Are we all for it?!"

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Apr 16, 2024 8:53 pm

Apr 16, 2024 8:53 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Oh most assuredly, I am willing!" Robin replies with a grin. "Plenty of opportunity in lands such as this. Making some coin along the way is ALWAYS nice."

"Ah! I forget if I've even said my name proper in the time we traveled here. Talyndra has done much of the talking to the group.
I'm Robin - Robin Quinn!"

Apr 18, 2024 8:23 am

Apr 18, 2024 8:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

A smile spreads across Ezra's face at Delfarious's declaration.
Aye, let it be so. My lips are sealed. A toast to our new pact, then?
He looks around the table raising his ale.

Apr 18, 2024 9:38 am

Apr 18, 2024 9:38 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

WhtKnt says:

"I had not heard that," the half-elf replies, "The only thing I've heard is a veiled warning about the god of death. But this mention of a hermit intrigues me. Perhaps it is something that we should investigate further."

"The god of death?" answers Farem, stopping his cleaning for a second, puzzled. "Is he active here?"

Apr 18, 2024 12:34 pm

Apr 18, 2024 12:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene continues washing, but shrugs. "I don't know. The old man said, 'Beware the god of death,' made a sign of protection, and faded into the crowd."

DragonDweller62

Apr 19, 2024 6:39 am

Apr 19, 2024 6:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Apologies for the late post. It's been one of those weeks. . . .

"I thank you again," Bregund says to Father Petronius. "Gods know the haggard folks comin' in from the wilderness beyond need nothing more than warm drink and warmer merriment. Go ahead upstairs, and I'll see down here about your meal." Bregund then turns to the small kitchen, and in no time is Father Petronius enjoying his meal in the common room.

"The god of death is certainly busy out there," Bregund remarks when he hears what Darlene and Farem are talking about. "If you're planning on setting out soon, all I can say is be careful. I'd hate for something awful to happen to such kind folks."

OOC:

Morgan prefers ale, which is 2 e.p. as opposed to the 1 e.p. pint.

Morgan Ironwolf

Morgan is amused when Delfarious signals her for discretion, but she does as he asks and lowers her voice. "Worry not, Master Prestidigitator. The only secret I've let slip is the one everyone knows. I know how to be discreet." She takes a long quaff of her new ale and thanks Delfarious heartily.

When Robin and Ezra chime in, Morgan is pleased to meet them both and adds, "I stand corrected—not everyone knows about the beast-men. Doubtless you'll see enough of them while you're here to wish you hadn't. Terrorizing the fighters of the Keep and whatnot, making the lands impossible to settle. Most people want not to talk about such dour things, but it's all on their faces."

She listens to Delfarious's proclamation with a humorous expression that is almost-imperceptibly underscored by wonder. "If you mean to invite me along for this merry expedition, just know that I don't work for free. Not that I think you people are grifters or cutpurses; I just want to make it clear from the start that I expect a professional cut of things.

"And—since discretion is always important, I won't say much here—I might be able to take you to those ancient ruins. Cut my losses there once already, but I wouldn't be alone this time. The place is a trove, especially with all the merchants and collectors right here in the Keep. That dusty old stuff has to be worth a fortune to the right buyer."

Since he's looking for a more specialized brand of merchant, Eltrezar's investigation takes him past the more common shops and to the Keep's guild house. This is a two-story building with a peaked roof and splendid marble statuettes flanking the entrance—twin griffons, one with a jeweled scepter under its paws and the other with a jeweled shield under its beak. Already, Eltrezar can hear raucous laughter spilling out of the brightly-lit windows.

Eltrezar enters into a small waiting room; adjacent but railed-off is an office full of desks, chests, and boxes of files. No one seems to be here except a lone clerk. "May I help you, Master? The merchants are at supper, but I can take you to them if you have only a query."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 19, 2024 3:04 pm

Apr 19, 2024 3:04 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Brilliant!" Delfarious says to Morgan and the others, smiling devilishly as he wiggles his thick fingers at the thought of treasure. "We shall visit those ruins and empty them, to a coin! And if we spy beast men, along the way, you stalwart sword and bow-wielders will surely cut them down. Then we could retrace their steps and find their lair!"

On the uncouth subject of payments the bald man is less enthused, and he looks briefly to Ezra and Robin before he responds to Morgan. "Well, those of us who traveled far to get here, together, have agreed already upon equal shares in any of these adventuresome endeavors — as equal as we can make them. Is this what you expect, Lady Ironwolf, or are you speaking of a wage?" His eyes narrow. "Understand that one obviates the other."

OOC:

Ale purchased.

Last edited April 19, 2024 3:05 pm

Father Petronius

Apr 21, 2024 6:24 pm

Apr 21, 2024 6:24 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Having received his warm meal, Father Petronius searches for a spot to sit and eat when he notices a lot of his companions have sat at a single table. Not wanting to be left out, he made his way there, seating himself.

"Well, what did I missed? Are we comparing rumors we've heard on our way here? Well, I for one have heard that there are bugbears in a cave nearby which are afraid of dwarves. Good thing we brought one along with us... Still, those are merely rumors and it might be unwise to bet our safety entirely on hearsay. What have you good people heard about the place?"

He then noticed the newcomer at the table.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I did not noticed we had a guest. I am Father Petronius, a humble servant to Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment."

Apr 21, 2024 6:51 pm

Apr 21, 2024 6:51 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Finishing her stint at washing the dishes, Darlene joins the others at the table, just in time to overhear Father Petronius. "Bugbears! Nasty lot, those. I didn't know that they were afraid of dwarves, though."

DragonDweller62

Apr 21, 2024 8:44 pm

Apr 21, 2024 8:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan Ironwolf

Morgan matches Delfarious's hard look for just a second, then hers becomes mirthful. "An equal share is well enough for me. Anyway I'm sure there is more than enough wealth in those ruins for the whole keep."

"Ah, pleased to meet you, Father," she says when Petronius arrives (followed by Darlene). "I cannot say I've met a bugbear, nor have I heard much about caves aside from what you all have shared—but who wouldn't be scared of an angry dwarf? Ha!"

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 21, 2024 10:46 pm

Apr 21, 2024 10:46 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The group grows, and Delfarious is pleased. A troupe this size would split the booty many ways, but he was quite certain these lands were every bit as dangerous as they'd been hearing, and that while a dozen pairs of eager feet might strike out from the castle... fewer would return each time.

"Done!" the man booms when Morgan agrees to come aboard for a full share. The Prestidigitator nods at both Darlene and Petronius when they chime in, and when the talk turns to Bugbears.

"And I know just how we can test the veracity of these jangles, these conjectural rumors!"

Apr 22, 2024 9:10 am

Apr 22, 2024 9:10 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem follows Darlene soon enough, and overhears the end of the conversation and Delfarious' words. Expectantly, and without taking the time to think, he asks: "Are we planning to go into the caves, right now?"

Apr 22, 2024 12:51 pm

Apr 22, 2024 12:51 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"They should be afraid of dwarves," says Kraagor, finally joining tbe conversation, "and I'd be more than happy to show you all why. I'll need rest first, but soon enough I'll be ready to show what I can do with my warpick."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 23, 2024 4:12 am

Apr 23, 2024 4:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious has a mouthful of wine swishing and swirling when Farem (in the party! Along with the dwarf!) says what he does, and the man nearly sprays the scarlet fluid all over his companions. Choking a little, he finally manages, "What?! No, no! We've only just arrived from that arduous trek! On the morrow! On the morrow we sally forth, equipped and girded for anything!"

Apr 23, 2024 8:59 am

Apr 23, 2024 8:59 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Right." answers Farem, realizing he is somewhat tired with all the walking and dish washing, despite his young age. "That's probably wise..."

DragonDweller62

Apr 23, 2024 10:17 pm

Apr 23, 2024 10:17 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

"And I know just how we can test the veracity of these jangles, these conjectural rumors!"

Morgan Ironwolf

"How is that, Prestidigitator? Unless you mean going there and finding out ourselves?"

At the talk of setting out on the morrow, Morgan looks pleased now that negotiations are settled. "Wise indeed. We must be ready for anything out there."

OOC:

Speaking of: once the party is finished with this conversation, we can transition to the next day. Eltrezar rented ten beds from the inn, and anyone remaining can pay for their own bed or sleep in the stable.

You each will be able to make any last preparations (including going anywhere in the Keep and memorizing spells) before venturing outside the Keep with your active PC. Before setting out, we can also find out whether Eltrezar bought a map from the merchants.

Father Petronius

Apr 23, 2024 11:23 pm

Apr 23, 2024 11:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Of course, illusion!" Father Petronius exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "You're thinking of sending in an illusory dwarf into the caves before us. I must say, that is rather clever..." he said addressing Delfarious.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 24, 2024 5:35 am

Apr 24, 2024 5:35 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious is about to play coy and tell Morgan she'll have to wait and see, but then Father Petronius boisterously spoils the surprise.

"Precisely!" the illusionist roars, jabbing his finger into the air! "We will test this theory without risking so much as a whisker from our own dwarf's beard!"

OOC:

I'm ready to roll. Delfarious is my PC, and he's memorizing Phantasmal Force!

Apr 24, 2024 10:45 am

Apr 24, 2024 10:45 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem has a quick exchange with Bofum, who prefers to sleep in the stables. The young warrior thus enjoys a good night sleep, full of heroic dreams, and is ready to go the next day, armed with a few weapons and a lot of enthusiasm!

Apr 24, 2024 5:19 pm

Apr 24, 2024 5:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene takes to bed and enjoys a night of sleep before getting ready to set out on what may prove to be a dangerous journey. The next morning, she wakes early and prepares her spell of Animal Friendship.

Apr 24, 2024 9:56 pm

Apr 24, 2024 9:56 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 says:

Eltrezar enters into a small waiting room; adjacent but railed-off is an office full of desks, chests, and boxes of files. No one seems to be here except a lone clerk. "May I help you, Master? The merchants are at supper, but I can take you to them if you have only a query."

Hrmph, Eltrezar clears his throat as his strokes his still road-dirty beard. "I come seeking a map, a cartographer, or direction to one or the other. In that order. I come with a band of adventurers that seek to traverse your wilderness, and have gold to spare. Though, more will likely be coming as well."

OOC:

We don't need to get too in the gritty with this conversation, if folks want to start kicking some butt!

DragonDweller62

Apr 25, 2024 3:29 am

Apr 25, 2024 3:29 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Sure thing, I just left the opportunity open in case the timing lined up. Here's what happens to Eltrazar:

While in the guild house, Eltrezar follows the clerk up to the second floor and past some rooms to a sort of common room with beds and tables. Several merchants are talking and laughing over plates of roast joint and wine. The best-dressed merchant, a woman in a silk tunic and trousers, offers Eltrezar a fairly accurate map of the surrounding countryside worth 20 g.p. If he can't afford that now, she's always willing to sell at a later date.

Before Eltrezar leaves, the merchant introduces herself as Edwen Thibault, a collector of ancient Thothian artifacts. Since Eltrezar is planning an expedition soon, she's willing to buy any Thothian artifacts he finds at full price.

Apr 25, 2024 8:00 am

Apr 25, 2024 8:00 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra will join the others when it's time for sleep

Apr 26, 2024 12:51 am

Apr 26, 2024 12:51 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Eltrezar coughs at the price of the map, but quickly regains his composure. The price is out of his range for now, but he offers to take notes where he can find them in exchange for a lower price when the time comes. Regardless of if this deal is accepted, he leaves and heads to the tavern.

At the tavern he orders a cheap meal and some wine, knowing that it will likely be the nicest meal he has until he returns from an expedition. But his bones are weary, and he knows it will take a few days. He does let everyone know that he has purchased some rooms for the party.

DragonDweller62

Apr 29, 2024 3:50 am

Apr 29, 2024 3:50 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

My apologies for the late post again. Been busy with finals for school. Thanks for bearing with me.

Thibault accepts Eltrezar's offer graciously before he leaves and joins the rest of the party. When it's time to turn in for the night, each of them knows that this will likely be the best sleep they have for a while. Ready or not, the dawn comes all too quickly. Morgan emerges from her private room to meet you all in the common room of the inn, ready to put the Keep behind her as early as possible.

OOC:

Any last preparations before the party heads out? The Keep has shops for general goods, adventuring gear, and arms and armor; meanwhile, for those so inclined, the tavern is serving all its usual fare for breakfast. I want to abstract this part so we can get to adventuring, but anything else you can think of is welcome. When we're all ready, each of you select one PC to take on this adventure and form a marching order outside the Keep.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 29, 2024 6:40 am

Apr 29, 2024 6:40 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Just a quick note that I'm traveling tomorrow and on the road this week. Might be a little slow. So! Consider Delf ready to rock and roll. And let me know if Sir Norris can make some kind of CHA check to be spotted snoring in Morgan's room. =]

Apr 29, 2024 8:16 am

Apr 29, 2024 8:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Farem won't need additional accommodations, first because he is eager to go, and second because he has no money!

Apr 29, 2024 1:17 pm

Apr 29, 2024 1:17 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Kraagor is ready to roll! He's more than happy to take point in the party. But where are we trying to go first?

Apr 29, 2024 4:16 pm

Apr 29, 2024 4:16 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Darlene has no money to spend on anything extra, so she is ready to move out.

Apr 29, 2024 4:34 pm

Apr 29, 2024 4:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Thanks to unlucky rolls, both my characters are a bit strapped for cash at the moment, so I doubt there's anything useful I can purchase right now. So I'm ready to start adventuring when everyone else is.

Last edited April 29, 2024 4:35 pm

Apr 29, 2024 5:39 pm

Apr 29, 2024 5:39 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Ezra is ready to go as is

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Apr 30, 2024 3:16 am

Apr 30, 2024 3:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Do we have a map, or access to one? Is anything carved into the tables and such?

Apr 30, 2024 1:43 pm

Apr 30, 2024 1:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

We (Eltrezar) were given two leads on maps. The Guilds Hall and the Guards. The Guilds Hall asked for 20gp, and is likely good quality. We haven't tried the guards yet.

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 1, 2024 4:11 am

May 1, 2024 4:11 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Robin is ready to set out!

Been busy and scattered myself, so sorry for the lack of recent posts.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 1, 2024 5:49 am

May 1, 2024 5:49 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Eltrezar getting map leads… the party can pursue those as well? Do you want us to do that in-character, GM? Self has some coin for a map if necessary…

DragonDweller62

May 1, 2024 10:00 pm

May 1, 2024 10:00 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

OOC:

And let me know if Sir Norris can make some kind of CHA check to be spotted snoring in Morgan's room. =]

OOC:

Go ahead and roll a regular Cha check (d20 roll equal to or under your Cha) just for fun.

Harrigan says:

OOC:

Eltrezar getting map leads… the party can pursue those as well? Do you want us to do that in-character, GM? Self has some coin for a map if necessary…

OOC:

It's up to you whether you want to roleplay pursuing those leads and any conversations that might arise. I don't mind abstracting it since it's just preparation for the true adventure, but you may want to act in character to be able to control all the details of your approach. That being said, would you like to speak to the guards and/or merchants, or do you have another idea?

If the party chooses to explore without a map, it can see from its hillside vantage that the road stretches off to the east, following the course of a dark river that winds through the fens to the south. To the north, the ground slopes downward and it's forest as far as the eye can see; same for the fens to the south, although the ground is a lot more level in that direction.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 2, 2024 3:56 am

May 2, 2024 3:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I’m okay abstracting it so we can get underway, but open to RP as well if the team wants. I’m okay just paying the 20gp for the map from the Guild.

Sir Norris Hollysure of Wrenstead

May 2, 2024 3:57 am

May 2, 2024 3:57 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Sir Norris with CHA 9! Handsome, not terribly likable… :)

Ah well. Morgan is a little out of his league at the moment. ;)

Last edited May 2, 2024 3:58 am

Rolls

Very Important CHA Test! (9) - (1d20)

(14) = 14

May 2, 2024 4:16 am

May 2, 2024 4:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

OOC:

I’m okay abstracting it so we can get underway, but open to RP as well if the team wants. I’m okay just paying the 20gp for the map from the Guild.

OOC:

Hrmph! "And I suppose you'll share it with the rest of us?
And not lord it over us as though you were some big-hat lordling?"

May 2, 2024 5:19 pm

May 2, 2024 5:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Here here! I say that from this moment on, it's share and share alike! If we will be dependent upon each other for survival, then we should be able to trust one another." Darlene says adamantly.

DragonDweller62

May 4, 2024 6:41 am

May 4, 2024 6:41 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious pays 20 g.p. and receives a high-quality Merchants' Guild map from Thibault herself. (Map posted in the "Maps" thread; hopefully it shows up clearly for all.) Being a Guild map, it has been edited by countless merchants during their travels down the king's road and their hunts through the forests, so it's remarkably accurate.

Morgan still wants to keep the location of the ruins a secret while the party is inside the Keep, but she reveals that it's in the forest to the north.

OOC:

Since everyone is sharing the map, please all of you feel free to refer to it at your leisure while planning the party's exploration. When we're all ready, please decide the party's course for the day and determine marching order.

Recall that each day of wilderness travel in OSE follows the same pattern: 1. Determine course 2. Losing direction check 3. Wandering monster check 4. Narration, encounter, etc. 5. End of day. Recall also that the party moves at the rate of its slowest member and must rest once every six days of travel or face a penalty from weariness.

May 4, 2024 8:59 am

May 4, 2024 8:59 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem will go wherever the more knowledgeable adventurers will decide to go, but proposes to be in the front row. He is eager to start the day!

Father Petronius

May 4, 2024 12:47 pm

May 4, 2024 12:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius looked at the map rubbing his chin. He wasn't much of an expert in trekking through the wilderness. This was more Fadrielle's thing, and there was no sight of the elf this morning, which meant that she was still probably taking care of Eltrezar's mule.

"I'm afraid I'm not much help in planning this journey. My instincts would be to stick to the road. The forest does seem to come close to it in quite a few areas, so perhaps those could be good staging points to start exploring the woods? Other than that, I'm really at a loss for ideas here..."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 5, 2024 4:02 am

May 5, 2024 4:02 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious hides the map jealously while inside the keep, but he does let the others that have gathered know that he's procured it. As the troupe finishes their preparations and heads out, he plants himself firmly in the middle of the small procession, not too far forward or rearward.

OOC:

How about this -- hope I'm not forgetting anyone... if I am, jump in!

Farem
Morgan
Robin
Delfarious
Petronius
Darlene
Kraagor

Is that everyone? In terms of actual approach, I'd say we're probably two abreast on the road. Heading east towards where the woods come down and almost meet the road. Only then does the map unfurl, and opinions are gathered and bandied.

My questions:

https://i.imgur.com/awIElE4.png

May 5, 2024 8:09 am

May 5, 2024 8:09 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

you forgot about little old Ezra ;)

DragonDweller62

May 6, 2024 3:05 am

May 6, 2024 3:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

To answer your questions:
1. Without saying so much out loud, Morgan points to the clearing in the north woods as the place where the ruins are. "I'm confident can lead the way once we get there."
2. You did indeed come from the west. The map ends where the road meets the eastern edge, and no one one knows exactly what's out there. You'll know when you reach that point by the Doors of the Dark, two black standing stones that flank the road.
3. The post in the Maps thread should tell you that one square = 100 yards.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 6, 2024 5:17 am

May 6, 2024 5:17 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Ezra!" Delfarious nearly shouts when he sees that the man accompanies the group as they set out. "Take up your position, man, it's a-time to adventure!"

OOC:

Any chance everyone can set their sheets to publicly visible so we can check classes and such?

May 6, 2024 6:58 am

May 6, 2024 6:58 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra chuckles and joggs towards the group and takes a place somewhere in the middle of the column, while rubbing his head feeling a slight bit of shame coming over him for having overslept.
sorry 'bout that, I'll be on time next time he states with a grin

May 6, 2024 3:27 pm

May 6, 2024 3:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor takes his place, impatiently, in the front of the party. His armor is on, and it is clear that it is clean but not clean. His warpick rests in his hands at the ready.

May 6, 2024 5:10 pm

May 6, 2024 5:10 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene settles her bow in her hands and makes sure that her sword is secure at her belt. She takes her place in the line-up.

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 6, 2024 10:51 pm

May 6, 2024 10:51 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Robin ensures that all of her needed accoutrements were with her. She tried not to carry much when she could. Everything is tightened down so as to not get in the way should it come to any rough stuff.
She takes her place among the two-fold line and grins a bit.
This oughta be some fun!, she thought.

DragonDweller62

May 8, 2024 7:06 am

May 8, 2024 7:06 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Unless anyone seriously objects, the party will travel east along the road to where it meets the woods. There they will stop and deliberate a further course.

The party forms up outside the gates of the Keep, ready for anything. The sun is just peeking above the horizon, bathing the front of the keep in golden light as the drawbridge slams shut behind the adventurers. As the party picks its way down the Keep's hill, the air grows cool and fresh. At the base of the hill is a fork where the trail to the Keep reaches the king's road. The party can see that the road stretches ever onward before bending around the hills.

As the party goes east, the land slopes up into forested hills on their left. On their right, the rushing Black River bends closer and further from the road. For the next few hours the party walks, vigilant for danger, but the day is bright and cheerful. Birdsong and the scent of lavender drift from the oaks to its left, especially once the forest comes only a bowshot from the road.

It is here beside the river where the party stops to think. The sun is a bit higher in the sky now, but it will be some hours before noon.

OOC:

The party set out at sunrise, which is 5:00am by the clock. It took three hours to get to where the party wanted to stop, so the current time is 8:00am. No encounters yet, but there are certainly monsters in that forest. There is also a chance of getting lost in there, but that's much less of a worry for a party with a druid. What is the party's next move?

Father Petronius

May 8, 2024 1:13 pm

May 8, 2024 1:13 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Looking at the map, it seems we could get closer to the clearing if we continue on the road for a while, but the slope there will be much steeper than it is here..."

Father Petronius continued to examine the map.

"There seem to be a hill not too far from here. Do you suppose that if we climb it, we could get a good vantage point of the clearing?"

May 9, 2024 3:11 pm

May 9, 2024 3:11 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem agrees to climb the hill to have a better point of view.

May 9, 2024 3:37 pm

May 9, 2024 3:37 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Getting under the hill will tell us more. Stone doesn't lie," nonsenses Kraagor. But he agrees that getting on top will help the toplanders, despite knowing deep down that it will help him as well.

May 9, 2024 9:31 pm

May 9, 2024 9:31 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra agrees with the others to reach the top of the hill and tries not to chuckle at Kraagor's musings about stone.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 10, 2024 5:50 am

May 10, 2024 5:50 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Lead on!" Delfarious barks imperiously. "To the hilltop, and a commanding view of this land!"

May 10, 2024 2:49 pm

May 10, 2024 2:49 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Grumbling (and generally smelling), Kraagor marches forward. You'd hardly think he was on his way to adventure!

Father Petronius

May 10, 2024 5:28 pm

May 10, 2024 5:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Do keep up your spirits dear Kraagor." Father Petronius said as he tried to cheer up the dwarf. "Perhaps this hill will also have a cave we can explore."

DragonDweller62

May 11, 2024 5:01 am

May 11, 2024 5:01 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

The hill is a few hours away, so I assume everyone is going.

The party spends the next few hours marching down the road, the sun gleaming as it rises higher in the east. Most of that time is spent climbing the mountain, which is a sharp 50 foot slope of crags and bluffs.

Once the party picks its way up to the peak, it finds a plain wide enough to accommodate your camp several times over. From a general inspection, the place is clean-swept and bare save for clumps of shrubs and boulders at the edges.

From its vantage on the hill, the party can see much of the eastern half of the clearing. All is quiet down there, save for shadowy figures like ants that crawl about by the tree line. At first there looks to be just a few, then more emerge until a dozen or more are milling about around the eastern edge of the clearing. How many truly are and what they're doing could be anyone's guess.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Father Petronius

May 11, 2024 6:57 am

May 11, 2024 6:57 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius peered in the distance, attempting in vain to make out what the silhouettes where and what they were up to...

"Well, at least now we know there is a welcoming committee... Anyone is able to tell what they are at this distance?"

May 11, 2024 8:30 pm

May 11, 2024 8:30 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra moves to the edge to stand next to Father Petronius and peers down the hill.
Argh, no I'm sorry. Maybe they just want show us the right way? He says in jest.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 12, 2024 6:39 am

May 12, 2024 6:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Has anyone a spyglass?!" Delfarious asks vociferously once they have mounted the crown of the high ground.

Peering, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand, he tries to count the tiny figures, to get some sense of how many their are...

OOC:

This is in the clearing, we're seeing these figures, where Morgan says the ruins are?

May 12, 2024 12:58 pm

May 12, 2024 12:58 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Let me check!" says Farem, eager to prove hismself useful. He approaches the figures cautiously, trying to identify what they are and what they are up to. He won't approach too much, staying at a reasonable distance to be able to evade should they try to engage him

DragonDweller62

May 12, 2024 3:43 pm

May 12, 2024 3:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

To clarify, the figures are in the clearing in the north woods where Morgan said the ruins are. That's part of the problem—they're so far away that the naked eye can't see more than black dots moving on the ground.

Morgan Ironwolf

Morgan peers down at the figures and scowls. "Damn, I'd thought we would have more time before word of the treasure spread. Hopefully that's not our competition."

As the party looks closer, it sees the figures advance out of the woods into the clearing, some stumbling like drunks or lepers, some retreating back under the trees. Delfarious is shocked to count up to thirty individuals!

Father Petronius

May 12, 2024 5:27 pm

May 12, 2024 5:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"If they truly are out competitors, they've indulged too much in Dionysus' blessing..." Chuckled Father Petronius.

May 12, 2024 6:07 pm

May 12, 2024 6:07 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"That will just make it easier to stake our claim," snarls the dwarf. His grip tightens, and he fidgets impatiently.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 13, 2024 5:23 am

May 13, 2024 5:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"They are too distant to make out," the illusionist says, "and number close to three dozen! We will need to approach the area with caution..."

OOC:

Traveling the first half of this week so might be a bit slow to post...

Last edited May 15, 2024 10:56 pm

Father Petronius

May 13, 2024 12:07 pm

May 13, 2024 12:07 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Three dozens? Isn't that a bit of a large group to be drunk in the woods?"

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 13, 2024 9:39 pm

May 13, 2024 9:39 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I mean, the larger the party, right?" Robin says coyly, as she lazily peers off in the same direction. Her mind was rather set on finding a good spot to set up her bedding. Perhaps one of the larger clumps of grass and weed would provide a softer headrest?

May 14, 2024 2:41 am

May 14, 2024 2:41 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Maybe we could get closer, to see what we are dealing with?"

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 14, 2024 4:12 am

May 14, 2024 4:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Turning to the mail-clad blonde, as the party prepares to embark back down the hill and move closer to the clearing and the ruins, the bald prestidigitator asks, "What say you, Morgan Ironwolf!? Who is it we’re seeing down there, crawling like ants on a sweet pie?!"

OOC:

Yeah, I’m for approaching… carefully. Maybe with scouts out front when we get closer?

DragonDweller62

May 14, 2024 5:36 am

May 14, 2024 5:36 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan Ironwolf

"Whomover it is, they're sure happy down there. Worries me." She takes a closer look, squinting. "I know of no adventurers who like to travel in such a large company. Though it's not uncommon. The king sends knights east all the time, but knights wouldn't act like . . . that. There are others who would, though: bandits, barbarians . . . beast-men? I think it wouldn't hurt to treat this like the worst case."

OOC:

How do you guys want to approach the clearing? And when would scouts go ahead? It's close to noon right now, and the clearing is still quite far. Refer to the Guild map if you have to, and remember that the slowest member of the party is moving at 60' (20') movement. That means 60 yards every 10 minutes, less any terrain penalties.

May 14, 2024 11:34 am

May 14, 2024 11:34 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Looking at the party below Ezra suggests: "Maybe some of us stealthier types could approach with some care to see who is in our way?

Last edited May 14, 2024 11:35 am

May 14, 2024 2:23 pm

May 14, 2024 2:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem is still willing, and proposing, to scout ahead.

Father Petronius

May 14, 2024 4:26 pm

May 14, 2024 4:26 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"A group of bandits who celebrated too much last night perhaps?" Offered Father Petronius as a plausible explanation. "Still, you'd expect them to sleep their hangover instead of walking around in a daze like that..."

OOC:

Seeing from where we are right now, going back to where the wood meets the road might make us lose too much time. The area in front of us where the forest shies away from the road looks like a good point of entry. The slope there is still not too steep, and it would be less time spent in the forest, thus fewer opportunities to get lost.

May 14, 2024 4:41 pm

May 14, 2024 4:41 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Are you all too yellow to strike down your competition while they're drunk? Bah, perhaps I measured you all wrong." The dwarf complains about this very unwise course of action (charging them being unwise, not taking a long way around). Perhaps it would be better had he remained silent as he had on the journey to the keep.

"Could they be the shambling dead? I have heard stories of those that rise without purpose, unlike our dwarven crypt guardians. I'd love to put a few back in the grave."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 15, 2024 2:53 pm

May 15, 2024 2:53 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Nodding at Ezra and Farem, Delfarious agrees. "Agreed!" he says agreeably. "Let us all make for the woods and then take up a concealed position. Then you scout ahead, and report back!"

OOC:

Bonkers week again traveling… I think we should all move down into the woods, then our scouting party should strike out to the north to get a better look at these bozos…

Father Petronius

May 15, 2024 9:10 pm

May 15, 2024 9:10 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Shambling dead?" Father Petronius mused at Kraagor's suggestion. "Hmm, yeah, I suppose this could be a possibility, but what would create about thirty undead creatures in the middle of a forest... This is disconcerting, I suggest we progress prudently."

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 15, 2024 10:29 pm

May 15, 2024 10:29 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I'm all for scouting ahead!" chimed Robin with a grin. "I AM of a stealthier persuasion, if you catch my meaning. Please, allow me to join~"

May 16, 2024 5:19 pm

May 16, 2024 5:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

So the three of us will scout ahead? Ezra asks the group while looking at Robin and Farem.

May 16, 2024 5:52 pm

May 16, 2024 5:52 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor makes a small racket as he shifts impatiently in his plate armor.

OOC:

He's not the sneaky type.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 17, 2024 6:07 am

May 17, 2024 6:07 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"And report back as soon as you understand who it is, and what they are up to!" Delfarious says as they walk, closing the distance before the trio splits off.

May 17, 2024 8:19 am

May 17, 2024 8:19 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem nods at Ezra.

May 17, 2024 4:59 pm

May 17, 2024 4:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Roughly how far ahead do we let them scout? Like 60 ft.? 90 ft.? 120 ft.?

May 17, 2024 6:01 pm

May 17, 2024 6:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I should think no more than bowshot range.

DragonDweller62

May 18, 2024 4:54 am

May 18, 2024 4:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

After some deliberation, the party decides to move into the forest to the north of it, then send three scouts ahead to see what can be seen. As the party picks its way carefully down the hill and across the road, the sun sinks a bit from its zenith in the sky. Atop a rise, the edge of the forest is dark with knotted trees, yet the party enters.

The party digs itself in before sending Farem, Ezra, and Robin to scout ahead. Once they disappear through the dense foliage, all is quiet for some time.

OOC:

Based on the sun, it's around 1:00 pm, closer to the end of the hour, when the larger party stops to send the scouts out.

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera

May 18, 2024 10:01 am

May 18, 2024 10:01 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

kwll sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera,DragonDweller62

May 18, 2024 3:05 pm

May 18, 2024 3:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

ChrSch sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,AbbyssalChimera

Last edited May 18, 2024 3:07 pm

May 21, 2024 8:29 am

May 21, 2024 8:29 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

kwll sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,AbbyssalChimera,ChrSch

DragonDweller62

May 23, 2024 11:32 pm

May 23, 2024 11:32 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera

The larger party sits not quite at ease, anticipating the scouts' return. Echoes of rustling leaves and snapping twigs make them feel uneasy, as if anything could be out there. . . .

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 24, 2024 4:38 am

May 24, 2024 4:38 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"They've been gone too long! Something must have spotted them!" Delfarious anxiously announces. But then come the sounds, and the illusionist cannot help but creep forward for a better look. Are the scouts returning?!

May 24, 2024 8:42 am

May 24, 2024 8:42 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

kwll sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,AbbyssalChimera,ChrSch

May 24, 2024 12:29 pm

May 24, 2024 12:29 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor's eyes dart with every sound, his pacing having ceased. When the Purple Prestidigitator speaks suddenly, he jumps!

"Quiet, man! I am trying to keep aware of any ambushes!"

May 24, 2024 2:20 pm

May 24, 2024 2:20 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

ChrSch sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,AbbyssalChimera

Father Petronius

May 24, 2024 4:07 pm

May 24, 2024 4:07 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius puts his hand on the shoulder of the illusionist. "Patience my friend, we can only trust in our scouts' skills. They could have been delayed for any number of reasons, not all of them dire. Lets remain vigilant and hope our friends return safe and sound."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

May 25, 2024 1:26 am

May 25, 2024 1:26 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Glowering at the dwarf, and then the priest, Delfarious works his mouth wordlessly for a moment, before he hissingly whispers, really quite loudly, "Yes! Vigilant! Good idea!"

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 28, 2024 10:00 pm

May 28, 2024 10:00 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

AbbyssalChimera sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,ChrSch

DragonDweller62

May 29, 2024 6:33 am

May 29, 2024 6:33 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera

And so the encamped party waits, stewing in their unease but trusting the canniness of its companions. . . . Morgan is just as trepidatious, but bides her time in quiet thought.

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

May 29, 2024 6:52 am

May 29, 2024 6:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

AbbyssalChimera sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,ChrSch

May 29, 2024 9:12 am

May 29, 2024 9:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

kwll sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera,DragonDweller62

May 29, 2024 3:35 pm

May 29, 2024 3:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

ChrSch sent a note to DragonDweller62,kwll,AbbyssalChimera

DragonDweller62

Jun 1, 2024 6:35 am

Jun 1, 2024 6:35 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 sent a note to kwll,ChrSch,AbbyssalChimera

Morgan Ironwolf

Just when it seems as if the scouts will never return, three familiar forms come rustling through the brush. Ezra, Farem, and Robin return to the party, no worse for wear but perhaps a little spooked.

"And where have you been?" Morgan jabs playfully, breaking the silence and probably making someone jump. "Stealing away with the treasure, huh? Certainly took long enough."

Jun 1, 2024 11:31 am

Jun 1, 2024 11:31 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"There was a big camp down there, but it was deserted. People left in a hurry it seems, fleeing to the woods... We also found a stone construction in the center of the clearing, with what seems to be the beginning of a tunnel going down!" says Farem quickly, eager to share what the scouts have discovered.

Father Petronius

Jun 1, 2024 4:22 pm

Jun 1, 2024 4:22 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"A large camp? Can you tell what sort of camps it was? Bandits, loggers, trappers... And how many people did you estimate were living there? And did you find any trace of the stumbling forms we spotted from the hill?"

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 1, 2024 4:48 pm

Jun 1, 2024 4:48 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious lends an eye to the description of what was found as well. "The priest has it!" he interjects enthusiastically. "Who are they?! Why were they here, and how long ago did they leave?!"

Last edited June 2, 2024 5:01 am

Jun 1, 2024 6:19 pm

Jun 1, 2024 6:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Stone?!", says the dwarf, apparently unaware of stereotypes. "And nobody around? Let's go now before they return!"

Jun 1, 2024 11:01 pm

Jun 1, 2024 11:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene is somewhat more cautious. "We should be careful. Whoever they are, they may have left a nasty surprise for unwary intruders."

Jun 2, 2024 7:39 am

Jun 2, 2024 7:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"We did not spot any traps and we have been looking through most of the campsite. I don't think they left any traps." Ezra says with a calm voice.

Last edited June 2, 2024 7:39 am

Jun 3, 2024 12:02 pm

Jun 3, 2024 12:02 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"It is impossible to tell how many people there were, but possibly a lot. And the camp site only showed campfires and nothing much else. We didn't find anyone, or an traces beside the steps of people fleeing." tries to answer Farem to the many questions coming his way.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 4, 2024 5:02 am

Jun 4, 2024 5:02 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

His eyes narrowed and his expression suspicious, Delfarious presses harder. "But what were these folk gathered for?" he asks. "Were they miners? Settlers? Was there no sign of the work they must have left behind? Or of whatever it was that chased them from the camp?"

OOC:

Not trying to belabor this -- happy to move in and investigate more fully if folks are keen!

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Jun 4, 2024 5:52 am

Jun 4, 2024 5:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Robin scratches her head.
"Beats me. We saw them stumbling around from afar, and now we know that was them scrambling to get away. Whatever is, or was, there must have been truly terrifying if is sent people fleeing en masse.
But yeah, we can go back there if you want to see for yourselves."

Jun 4, 2024 9:52 am

Jun 4, 2024 9:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem raises his shoulders, not able to provide more insight.

Jun 4, 2024 12:41 pm

Jun 4, 2024 12:41 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene looks nervous. "Whatever scared them off must be pretty big or damned impressive. Do we want to chance meeting it?"

Jun 4, 2024 12:49 pm

Jun 4, 2024 12:49 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I didn't take on with this company to sit here talking," spits Kraagor, "I did so to wet my pickaxe and to die a rich dwarf. Enough talk about what these men were or were not afraid of, or what they did for paltry coin."

Father Petronius

Jun 4, 2024 4:29 pm

Jun 4, 2024 4:29 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius put a hand on Darlene's shoulder, giving her an empathic look. "I do not have a good feeling about any of this either my child, but this is where adventure seems to call us. Let's start by all of us going to the camp and examining it more closely, see if we can find answers to our questions. Then I guess we can either try to approach one of the stumbling forms or perhaps examine that obelisk and tunnel instead."

Last edited June 4, 2024 4:29 pm

DragonDweller62

Jun 5, 2024 6:31 am

Jun 5, 2024 6:31 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Does the whole party want to check out the abandoned camp and strange tunnel? The sun is sinking below the trees, revealing that it's around half of 5:00 pm. Keeping in mind that you're two hours from the clearing, what do you all want to do?

Jun 5, 2024 8:59 am

Jun 5, 2024 8:59 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem is a bit surprised by some of the proposals. "The people there were many and camping at night. They all fled in fright. Do we really want to reproduce this setup?" he asks naively.

Father Petronius

Jun 5, 2024 5:37 pm

Jun 5, 2024 5:37 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I though of this too, but the alternative is to return to the keep empty-handed. I can't talk about everyone, but my coin purse is pretty slim. I'm not entirely sure I can afford another night at the keep."

Jun 5, 2024 5:59 pm

Jun 5, 2024 5:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I know that I can't," Darlene answers grimly.

Jun 5, 2024 6:31 pm

Jun 5, 2024 6:31 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"And I refuse to return empty-handed like a coward, not when there's something right up ahead!" grumbles the dwarf!

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Jun 5, 2024 9:24 pm

Jun 5, 2024 9:24 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Let us then sleep in the wild!" Robin suggested. "It's free, plus maybe we can see what happens in that place if we make camp far enough."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 6, 2024 7:35 am

Jun 6, 2024 7:35 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious eyes the sun, holding his hand up as though he was grasping it, as though he is considering its descent. He then nods at Quinn.

"We could -- yes! We could make our own camp in a safe place, near enough to this abandoned habitation to keep an eye on it, and then investigate it at first light!"

OOC:

I've got seven days of rations. Let's do this!

Jun 6, 2024 8:08 am

Jun 6, 2024 8:08 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra checks his pack for rations and nods at Delfarious, "I agree, I have plenty of rations for the time being and could share if need be. Maybe we can hunt for some game, even."

Jun 6, 2024 8:25 am

Jun 6, 2024 8:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem shrugs but says nothing more.

Jun 6, 2024 1:22 pm

Jun 6, 2024 1:22 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Fine," spits the dwarf. "We'll sleep on it, first."

He then retrieves a bottle of wine. By the looks of it, it isn't good wine.

DragonDweller62

Jun 11, 2024 3:42 am

Jun 11, 2024 3:42 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The party sets camp and spends the night in the wilderness. Those who keep watch are bothered by distant rustlings and yowling all night, but nothing comes close enough to the camp to disturb it.

OOC:

If anyone had taken damage or cast a spell, here is where healing a memorizing spells would take place. Also, everyone subtract one day of rations from your inventory. If there is anything else you would like to do during this time, post below. Otherwise . . .

Dawn comes swiftly, and the party is again alone in the forest. It's only dawn, but the day looks to be hot with some wind from the lowland fen.

Jun 11, 2024 7:55 am

Jun 11, 2024 7:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Shall we visit the abandoned camp again?" asks Farem expectantly, well awoken and ready to adventure.

Father Petronius

Jun 11, 2024 4:31 pm

Jun 11, 2024 4:31 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Yes, a fresh look during daytime and with more pairs of eyes might pick up clues that were overlooked yesterday."

Jun 11, 2024 8:13 pm

Jun 11, 2024 8:13 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene agrees with the others, checking her bowstring to ensure it is still dry and taut.

Jun 11, 2024 8:26 pm

Jun 11, 2024 8:26 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I agree, we best be at it." Ezra agrees joining the others in preparing for the day ahead.

Jun 11, 2024 11:11 pm

Jun 11, 2024 11:11 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Grumble," grumbles the dwarf who is clearly not a morning person. All the same, he appears as ready as he did the night before.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 12, 2024 5:13 am

Jun 12, 2024 5:13 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Chin up, dwarf! We will soon have in our hands the treasures of these forbidden lands!" Del says effusively. Thinking about what they might find at this abandoned camp, he adds, "And perhaps without even a drop of sweat on our collective brow!"

DragonDweller62

Jun 17, 2024 5:00 am

Jun 17, 2024 5:00 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan Ironwolf

Morgan's eyes glitter at the mention of the treasure. Leaning against a tree, she pushes herself up and adds a spring to her step. "Aye, let's be off!"

The forest is mostly quiet, marked only by early-morning birdsong and the rustle of the party through the grass. Sunlight glints on dew and spiderwebs, and things are much like the scouts remember them. In a couple hours, the trees part and the clearing is revealed.

The abandoned campsite with which the scouts are familiar is still there: several scattered piles of ash, all that remains of several campfires, in a circle of shorn grass. Sooty bootprints are everywhere in the camp, though today they are almost impossible to see. You can only pick them out with the help of the scouts. One set of prints (or many in single-file) leads to the center of the clearing. In the campsite are many erratic prints which indicate a panicked and pained fleeing to the woods.

"Gods," Morgan remarks from her place by the party's side. "They sure were in a hurry."

OOC:

Sunrise is at 5:00 and it takes almost two hours to get to the clearing. It is now roughly 7:00 in the morning.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Jun 17, 2024 7:50 am

Jun 17, 2024 7:50 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Where to now?" asks Farem. "Do we proceed to the stone construction?"

Jun 17, 2024 1:55 pm

Jun 17, 2024 1:55 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Aye, there seems to be nothing left here. I'm getting impatient, the smell of gold is heavy on my nose," says Kraagor, doing his best Evil Universe Yukon Cornelius impression.

OOC:

Ready to keep on keeping on!

Father Petronius

Jun 17, 2024 5:38 pm

Jun 17, 2024 5:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius looked around the camp a bit looking desperately for clues. Even though he was told in advance that the camp was pretty much empty, he was still disappointed by the lack of... well, anything... "Might as well, there doesn't seem to be anything of interest left here... Perhaps, while on the way there, if we spot one of those stumbling figure in the distance, we could always walk up to them and see if they are responsive."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 18, 2024 4:16 am

Jun 18, 2024 4:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious joins in searching the camp, looking not just for petty findings, but also for some signs of what activities these men, and perhaps women, were busying themselves with. He does not tarry in these wildlands, though, and when the others set off he is quick to follow.

DragonDweller62

Jun 23, 2024 5:39 am

Jun 23, 2024 5:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius and Delfarious investigate the area for clues, but indeed there is nothing but ashes and flattened grass.

Once the party is ready to keep on, they follow the fading tracks to the center of the clearing. Still there are the three flat stone platforms, cut too perfectly to be anything but intelligent design. In the center of the largest platform is, again, a dark tunnel leading into the earth.

As the party reaches the stone construction, a group of about ten figures approaches from the edge of the clearing, more than a hundred yards away. It's not easy to make them out at this distance, but their heads look dark and furry, suggesting some non-human race. Most are wielding halberds, and at the sight of you they shriek in fury and charge.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Father Petronius

Jun 23, 2024 4:35 pm

Jun 23, 2024 4:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"To arms companions! We are under attack!" Father Petronius takes out his sling, hoping to let lose a few stones before the creatures reach melee...

Jun 23, 2024 5:01 pm

Jun 23, 2024 5:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Finally!" barks Kraagor, testing the weight of his warpick. He prepares to rush forward once the creatures are within sprinting range.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 23, 2024 7:59 pm

Jun 23, 2024 7:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

At the rate they are running, how many rounds before our foes reach our current position? Perhaps more importantly, how many rounds before the melee is joined if Kraagor rushes to meet them?

Jun 23, 2024 8:40 pm

Jun 23, 2024 8:40 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene lifts her bow and takes careful aim, waiting until they come within short range. As soon as they have, she looses an arrow.

Rolls

Attack and damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (20) = 20

1d6 : (5) = 5

Jun 24, 2024 5:52 am

Jun 24, 2024 5:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra joins Darlene and begins loosening arrows at the closest foe.

Last edited June 24, 2024 5:53 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Damage - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 24, 2024 6:26 am

Jun 24, 2024 6:26 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious remains with the archers, planning to use them as cover if he need be as he casts his illusions...

OOC:

Waiting for the foes to get closer, and see the results of the missile fire.

DragonDweller62

Jun 24, 2024 6:57 am

Jun 24, 2024 6:57 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round 1

OOC:

At their rate, the enemies and Kraagor will meet in three rounds and reach your position in six. Because of their halberds, the enemies will always go last.

Darlene and Ezra wait until the enemies come within short range of their bows (assuming Ezra copies Darlene here; if not, he hits). Meanwhile, Kraagor dashes 30 feet closer to the creatures, at which point he recognizes the wicked snouts of gnolls!

OOC:

The gnolls have AC 5; now waiting to see how the rest of the party will spend their actions. I will use headings for the rounds to make it easier to see how the combat is progressing. Also, recall that you will have to declare spells and melee movement the round before they take place.

Jun 24, 2024 10:49 am

Jun 24, 2024 10:49 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Intimidated and thrilled at the same time by the imminent battle, Farem brings out his short bow and shoots as soon as the enemy is in range.

Rolls

Shortbow shot, damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (7) = 7

1d6 : (2) = 2

Jun 24, 2024 8:22 pm

Jun 24, 2024 8:22 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

More than a hundred yards away is more than 300' away. My sling has a maximum range of 160'. I'll probably have to wait a few rounds before I can let loose a stone...

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jun 24, 2024 8:42 pm

Jun 24, 2024 8:42 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Del is planning to cast a spell, but is waiting until they get closer, until say one round before melee begins. GM Question: with Phantasmal Force, will you allow him to create an illusion of one thing, then turn it into another?

DragonDweller62

Jun 28, 2024 4:32 am

Jun 28, 2024 4:32 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Outside the dungeon, ranges and movement rates are tripled, so 160 feet becomes 160 yards. You could absolutely hit with your sling if you wanted to, but it will be at -1.

Regarding Phantasmal Force: I'll say you can change the form of the illusion, but the gnolls will get a new saving throw each time.

Farem's shot goes wide, whizzing harmlessly past Kraagor. Morgan draws her own short bow and takes a shot at the charging gnolls. Sadly, she misses as well.

OOC:

We will move on to Round 2 as soon as we hear from @AbbyssalChimera or by the end of the week.

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

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

1d6 : (3) = 3

Jun 28, 2024 8:25 am

Jun 28, 2024 8:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

If the charging gnolls are still at range, Farem attempts to fire another arrow. If not he will drop his bow and unsheathe his sword, ready for melee.

Rolls

Shortbow shot, damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (18) = 18

1d6 : (3) = 3

Father Petronius

Jun 28, 2024 3:13 pm

Jun 28, 2024 3:13 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Oh yeah, completely forgot about the whole inside/outside ranges. Very well then, I'll shoot a stone in the first round.

Edit: Oh, might as well make my attack for round 2 as well...

Father Petronius shoots a stone at the charging gnolls. "I suppose parley is out of the question at that point..."

Last edited June 28, 2024 3:17 pm

Rolls

Sling attack. - (1d20-2, 1d4)

1d20-2 : (9) - 2 = 7

1d4 : (4) = 4

Sling attack (round 2) - (1d20-1, 1d4)

1d20-1 : (1) - 1 = 0

1d4 : (2) = 2

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Jul 1, 2024 11:09 pm

Jul 1, 2024 11:09 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Robin, somewhat surprised, draws her shortbow and lets loose an arrow at one of the charging goes!

Rolls

Shortbow - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d6 : (6) = 6

DragonDweller62

Jul 3, 2024 8:35 pm

Jul 3, 2024 8:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Unfortunately, Robin and Father Petronius fire wide of the scrambling gnolls, who raise their halberds and charge closer.

OOC:

The gnolls are now two rounds from Kraagor and five from the party.

Rolls

Secret Roll

DragonDweller62

Jul 3, 2024 8:44 pm

Jul 3, 2024 8:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round 2
Farem lines up a shot and fires at one of the gnolls, wounding it. Father Petronius slings a stone but misses. Kraagor continues to charge ahead, moving another 30 yards; he is now just 100 yards away from them!

Rolls

Secret Roll

Jul 3, 2024 8:47 pm

Jul 3, 2024 8:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"AARGH!!!" says the dwarf.

OOC:

Keeping it easy for you!

Father Petronius

Jul 3, 2024 10:24 pm

Jul 3, 2024 10:24 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius loaded another stone and sent it flying towards the group. "The dwarf will get overwhelmed if he keeps running forward like that!"

Rolls

Sling attack (round 3) - (1d20, 1d4)

1d20 : (5) = 5

1d4 : (3) = 3

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 4, 2024 2:24 am

Jul 4, 2024 2:24 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Kraagor! You are outnumbered, hold your ground! Let them come to you!" Delfarious shouts, even as he suddenly is moving at speed towards the battle, his robes lifted and his feet scurrying.

OOC:

Trying to get within 240' of the battle, then will begin casting Phantasmal Force!

Jul 4, 2024 2:27 am

Jul 4, 2024 2:27 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"AARGH!!!" replies the dwarf, skidding to a halt and digging in his boots.

Jul 4, 2024 3:33 am

Jul 4, 2024 3:33 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene launches another missile at the approaching gnolls.

Rolls

Darlene vs. gnolls - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (13) = 13

1d6 : (4) = 4

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 4, 2024 4:06 am

Jul 4, 2024 4:06 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

😂

Jul 4, 2024 8:02 am

Jul 4, 2024 8:02 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Seeing that he has another chance at it, Farem brings out another arrow and shoots again at the charging foes.

Rolls

Shortbow shot, damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (1) = 1

1d6 : (4) = 4

DragonDweller62

Jul 6, 2024 9:12 am

Jul 6, 2024 9:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor halts; the gnolls are 100 yards away from him and closing. Delfarious moves 30 yards forward, getting into position to cast. Darlene fires at the gnolls but misses. Morgan fires at the gnolls, striking the same gnoll Ezra just hit. The creature nearly stumbles, a second arrow now poking out of it.

OOC:

Delfarious is now 90 feet from Kraagor. The gnolls will move into range of the spell on round 4, or round 3 if Delfarious moves up to Kraagor's position. Either way, he can cast the spell as soon as round 4 (since the caster can't attack or move and cast in the same round).

@ChrSch, @AbbyssalChimera are the last to go this round.

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

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

1d6 : (1) = 1

Secret Roll

Father Petronius

Jul 6, 2024 7:32 pm

Jul 6, 2024 7:32 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"By Dionysus, my aim is atrocious!" Father Petronius lets another stone loose, hoping to hit something...

Rolls

Sling attack (round 4) - (1d20, 1d4)

1d20 : (20) = 20

1d4 : (1) = 1

Jul 7, 2024 5:11 am

Jul 7, 2024 5:11 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene fires again, clearly frustrated.

Rolls

Attack and damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d6 : (6) = 6

Jul 7, 2024 5:57 pm

Jul 7, 2024 5:57 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra will take an other shot at the same Knoll.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20)

(9) = 9

Damage (just in case) - (1d6)

(2) = 2

AbbyssalChimera Inactive for 3 months

Jul 9, 2024 12:05 am

Jul 9, 2024 12:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Robin knocks another arrow to her bow quickly and lets it fly as true as it can.

Rolls

Shortbow - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d6 : (5) = 5

DragonDweller62

Jul 9, 2024 4:39 am

Jul 9, 2024 4:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra and Robin both miss, the arrows whizzing past the ears of their targets. The gnoll party moves another 30 yards closer. They are now 70 yards from Kraagor, 100 from Delfarious, and 130 from the rest of the party. Very soon, Delfarious will be able to cast his spell and the gnolls will come into medium range of the party's short bows.

DragonDweller62

Jul 9, 2024 4:56 am

Jul 9, 2024 4:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round 3
Farem, Petronius, and Darlene all miss—the gnolls are just moving too fast to track! "Don't feel bad, Father," Morgan offers, firing her own bow (and hitting the same gnoll again, who is looking worse for wear). "That aim's not bad for a man of the cloth." Not a moment too soon, she balks at the flawless shot he makes (in round 4, to be resolved later).

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

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

1d6 : (2) = 2

Jul 9, 2024 6:18 pm

Jul 9, 2024 6:18 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Oh, okay, I'm one round in advance...

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 10, 2024 6:04 am

Jul 10, 2024 6:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Move up, my missile-happy friends! Forward to support our stalwart dwarven companion!" Delfarious shouts to the archers behind him, indicating spots to either side of him as he licks each fingertip quickly in turn, digs his feet into the ground and then wiggles his fingers and tongue, preparing to cast his illusion!

OOC:

The idea being to move forward just a little, to improve the range and offer better support as the melee is joined. If it's possible to fire and move in OSE! If it's not, ignore the illusionist!

Last edited July 10, 2024 6:07 am

Jul 11, 2024 5:27 pm

Jul 11, 2024 5:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Grumble, grumbles the dwarf as the gnolls charge closer.

Father Petronius

Jul 11, 2024 6:19 pm

Jul 11, 2024 6:19 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius will move forward as he performs his flawless shot this round...

Jul 11, 2024 11:08 pm

Jul 11, 2024 11:08 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene does as she was instructed and moves forward slightly to close the gap before firing again.

Rolls

Darlene vs. gnolls - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (15) = 15

1d6 : (6) = 6

Jul 12, 2024 8:15 am

Jul 12, 2024 8:15 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra follows suit and also closes in before loosening again.

Rolls

Bow attack - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d6 : (5) = 5

DragonDweller62

Jul 13, 2024 3:40 am

Jul 13, 2024 3:40 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

While Delfarious prepares his spell, Darlene and Ezra move up to fire. Ezra misses, while Darlene will fire in the fourth round. Morgan fires and whiffs it.

The gnolls move 30 yards closer. They are now 40 yards from Kraagor, 70 from Delfarious and Darlene, 80 from Ezra, and 100 from the rest of the party. This is the time for Delfarious to cast his spell.

OOC:

Darlene no longer has a -1 range penalty to hit. Ezra can only move 20 yards in round, which means he must move 10 yards up or wait for the gnolls to come to him. @AbbyssalChimera is the last to go for round three.

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

1d20+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

1d6 : (6) = 6

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 13, 2024 4:04 pm

Jul 13, 2024 4:04 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

A swirl of arcane words form in Delfarious's mouth as he gesticulates and summons forth the strange, ephemeral energies that lie at his command. Then those words spill out suddenly, gibberish to Those Who Do Not Know, and the spell is cast, the illusion created!

The distance closes between snarling Kraagor, who is like a war dog pulling on a chain, and the growling, barking gnolls. And behind the dwarf, and to his side, a dozen more bearded warriors appear, stepping out from behind him as though they were cloaked by some concealing magic! Bedecked in gleaming mail, they are, and bristling with spears, shields, axes and hammers. They are a silent troop and move to fan out to Kraagor's flanks, protecting their leader from being surrounded and overwhelmed!

"Now, Kraagor!" the illusionist shouts, hoping his trickery will distract or even cower their foes, making them hesitate in their attack, or even turn tail at suddenly being outnumbered! It will require concentration to make the dwarfs look believable, and sweat beads on the bald man's brow as he does just that.

OOC:

Casting...

[ +- ] Phantasmal Force!

Question: just how many gnolls are here in front of us, and how many are wounded?

Also, if Delfarious can't technically create more than one "monster" (I'm seeing them as a unit, and all will disappear if one is struck), I'll re-write so it's a single (giant!) dwarf that emerges.)

Father Petronius

Jul 13, 2024 8:47 pm

Jul 13, 2024 8:47 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius advances again before letting loose another sling stone. "Dionysus, may you guide my aim!" Since it seems calling to his god helped last time, Father Petronius feels it might not hurt doing so again...

OOC:

Edit: Guess I now know what to do to get good numbers in combat. :P

Last edited July 13, 2024 8:48 pm

Rolls

Sling attack - (1d20, 1d4)

1d20 : (19) = 19

1d4 : (4) = 4

DragonDweller62

Jul 14, 2024 5:35 am

Jul 14, 2024 5:35 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

OOC:

Question: just how many gnolls are here in front of us, and how many are wounded?

Also, if Delfarious can't technically create more than one "monster" (I'm seeing them as a unit, and all will disappear if one is struck), I'll re-write so it's a single (giant!) dwarf that emerges.)

OOC:

There are ten gnolls, two of which are wounded. The illusory dwarves do function as one illusory monster per the spell description; when Delfarious orders them to act, they will all do so at the same time immediately. Let's see how the gnolls react:

The gnolls are still charging, still screaming, when the illusory warriors step out from behind Kraagor. The eyes of the closest gnoll go wide, and creature barks the order to halt. The gnoll party immediately takes a defensive stance, halberds pointed forward to create a wall, ready to begin a tactical retreat in the next round.

OOC:

The gnolls are deeply frightened by the illusory dwarves! They will begin to retreat next round (round 4). Whether the adventurers push the attack or let the enemies go remains to be seen.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Gnoll morale - (2d6-1)

(63) - 1 = 8

Jul 16, 2024 8:23 pm

Jul 16, 2024 8:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

If I understand correctly, Kraagor has a 30yd movement outdoors and the Gnolls are still 40yds away.

"Aaargh!" shouts Kraagor as he once again takes to the charge! He holds his warpick high alongside his illusionary brothers!

DragonDweller62

Jul 16, 2024 10:59 pm

Jul 16, 2024 10:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I see Kraagor wants to pursue the gnolls. Will the rest of the party follow? If so, we can continue the back-and-forth attacks with Round 4.

Jul 16, 2024 11:01 pm

Jul 16, 2024 11:01 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

The gnolls haven't retreated yet. Kraagor will charge until they do.

Father Petronius

Jul 16, 2024 11:34 pm

Jul 16, 2024 11:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius advances and lets loos a last stone seeing the gnolls retreat. "Hopefully we've scared them enough so they won't try to attack us again. I suppose those weren't the shambling figures we saw from the hill."

Rolls

Sling attack (round 5?) - (1d20, 1d4)

1d20 : (4) = 4

1d4 : (1) = 1

DragonDweller62

Jul 17, 2024 12:22 am

Jul 17, 2024 12:22 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

cowleyc says:

OOC:

The gnolls haven't retreated yet. Kraagor will charge until they do.

OOC:

You're right; my bad jumping ahead. Round 4 will begin with the characters acting first, and only then will the gnolls begin to move away. Then you can decide whether to pursue or not.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 17, 2024 1:34 am

Jul 17, 2024 1:34 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

How do you interpret the spell, GM? It looks like Delfarious himself cannot move, but perhaps he can move the 20' x 20' illusion up to 240' away?

DragonDweller62

Jul 17, 2024 5:15 am

Jul 17, 2024 5:15 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round 4
As the gnolls freeze in fear, Darlene and Petronius launch whizzing projectiles—stone and arrow—into the mass of awestruck monsters. Petronius knocks one on the head, while Darlene shoots another square in the neck; blood flows quietly through its fur before it crumples to the ground.

OOC:

Kraagor's charge will resolve with Delfarious's action, so that he can charge with the illusory dwarves at his back. Since the illusory monster(s) can be ordered to attack, I assume that you can move it at will on your turn (within the spell's range). And yes, you can't move while concentrating on it.

Rolls

Random gnolls

Jul 19, 2024 4:04 am

Jul 19, 2024 4:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"AAARGH!" Kraagor continues to scream as he charges forward!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 19, 2024 6:22 am

Jul 19, 2024 6:22 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

AAARGH! all the surrounding dwarven warriors mouth silently as they too charge forward, keeping pace with Kraagor!

OOC:

If they come within range of gnolls, you better believe they will attack!

DragonDweller62

Jul 19, 2024 3:37 pm

Jul 19, 2024 3:37 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor and the dwarf army charge 30 yards forward, leaving the gnolls only 10 yards away. Kraagor sees the panic and fear in their bestial eyes, but also a resolute cunning. They hold their halberds up to block your charge.

Jul 19, 2024 7:40 pm

Jul 19, 2024 7:40 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Seeing the looks in the gnolls' eyes, Darlene launches another arrow in their direction.

Rolls

Attack and damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (13) = 13

1d6 : (1) = 1

Jul 20, 2024 12:34 pm

Jul 20, 2024 12:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra will keep firing at the gnolls as well.

Rolls

Attack/damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (13) = 13

1d6 : (6) = 6

DragonDweller62

Jul 22, 2024 3:26 am

Jul 22, 2024 3:26 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra fires an arrow which just glances off the stiff leather armor of a gnoll. Morgan fires, and her arrow sticks another wounded gnoll, knocking it off its feet. It scrabbles to get up.

OOC:

Just @kwll and @AbbyssalChimera left to go before the gnolls.

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

1d20+1 : (20) + 1 = 21

1d6 : (4) = 4

Random gnoll

Jul 22, 2024 2:03 pm

Jul 22, 2024 2:03 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem, still intimidated for participating in his first full scale battle in the wilderness, keeps disciplined and let's lose another arrow as some of his companions do.

Rolls

Shortbow shot, damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d6 : (3) = 3

DragonDweller62

Jul 24, 2024 3:02 am

Jul 24, 2024 3:02 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The gnolls move 20 yards backward, taunting Kraagor and Delfarious's dwarves, goading them to just try and close into melee with squealing barks and growls. The dwarves are 30 yards from the gnolls, which means they can indeed close the distance.

Rolls

Gnoll morale - (2d6+2)

(12) + 2 = 5

DragonDweller62

Jul 24, 2024 3:21 am

Jul 24, 2024 3:21 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round 5
Darlene and Petronius miss their ranged attacks, the projectiles hurling dangerously close to Kraagor. Morgan fires, to the same result.

Rolls

Morgan: short bow attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d6)

1d20+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

1d6 : (3) = 3

Jul 24, 2024 8:23 am

Jul 24, 2024 8:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Seeing the gnolls starting to flee, Farem hesitates for a while, undecided if he should pursue the enemy like some of his companions or let them escape.

Jul 24, 2024 1:56 pm

Jul 24, 2024 1:56 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

How many of the Gnolls are left?

Father Petronius

Jul 24, 2024 2:34 pm

Jul 24, 2024 2:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius grabbed another stone, ready to fling it, but then looked at the damage they already inflicted on the fleeing gnolls... "I think we've made our point."

Jul 24, 2024 7:15 pm

Jul 24, 2024 7:15 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Perhaps you are right," Ezra responds, lowering his bow. "we should conserve our arrows."

OOC:

Is it possible to retrieve arrows?

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 25, 2024 3:56 am

Jul 25, 2024 3:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious's eyes are wide as he stands and gestures grandly, sweeping his hands to move the illusionary dwarves forward, chopping the air to have them slice at the retreating gnolls with their weapons. He has them hold position near Kraagor... where they will attack if their foes come closer!

DragonDweller62

Jul 25, 2024 5:37 am

Jul 25, 2024 5:37 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

There are nine gnolls left, all retreating (unless you engage them). Lacking a rule from OSE or BECMI (that I know of), it will take a round to collect 50% of the arrows you fired (rounding down) after combat ends. E.g. if you fired one arrow, you can't retrieve any. If you fired 2, you get 1.

Jul 25, 2024 2:38 pm

Jul 25, 2024 2:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor yells and jumps and gnashes his teeth at the cowardly gnolls! Deep inside he burns with the fight, but he also finally recognizes that he might be outmatched here.

OOC:

Hanging back with the illusions!

Jul 25, 2024 7:35 pm

Jul 25, 2024 7:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

alrighty, that makes sense. Would you like us to point out that we are picking up as many arrows as we can or is it just assumed that we'll be doing it?😉

DragonDweller62

Jul 26, 2024 7:48 am

Jul 26, 2024 7:48 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Sorry, I meant turn, not round—the one that takes ten minutes. And yeah, I'll just assume ranged attackers will want their ammo back unless they specify otherwise.

It seems like most of the party is in agreement, but anyone undecided can step in. If everyone hangs back and lets the gnolls retreat . . .

The cowardly gnolls hiss and bark, backing away until they are out of sight beyond the tree line of the clearing. For now, the party is alone again. The hatred in their eyes is as clear as a promise.

OOC:

For scaring away the gnolls (but not permanently getting rid of them), the party gets 100 xp! Split among 8 party members, that's 12 xp each (before prime requisite bonuses/penalties).

Jul 26, 2024 1:06 pm

Jul 26, 2024 1:06 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

So how do we handle fractional XP from prime requisites? I've always rounded down, but then again I've played games where I lagged behind in XP because others used a different methods.

DragonDweller62

Jul 27, 2024 2:06 am

Jul 27, 2024 2:06 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

For that, I would say round down. I already rounded down the split xp from 12.5 to just 12.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 27, 2024 9:47 am

Jul 27, 2024 9:47 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Oh, to have an XP bonus!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 27, 2024 2:46 pm

Jul 27, 2024 2:46 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Once the creatures are long gone, Delfarious, sweat beading on his bald brow and one of his eyes twitching furiously, finally ceases his concentration -- resulting in the illusionary dwarven warriors boiling and wisping away like so much steam.

"There!" the man barks before turning his attention to the others. "They may return quickly with reinforcements! We should move quickly!"

Jul 27, 2024 2:50 pm

Jul 27, 2024 2:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Aargh, I was itching for a good fight. I haven't had to clean blood-rust off my spike here in months," gripes Kraagor as he returns to the party. "What about treasure? We still need to find treasure."

Father Petronius

Jul 27, 2024 4:04 pm

Jul 27, 2024 4:04 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

So long as we're all on the same page. :D

"Indeed, lets continue with our exploration." The older priest says as he picks up pebbles and examine them to see if they'll make adequate sling stones.

Last edited July 27, 2024 4:06 pm

Jul 27, 2024 7:08 pm

Jul 27, 2024 7:08 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

can someone explain the difference between xp and prime xp to me?

DragonDweller62

Jul 28, 2024 4:38 am

Jul 28, 2024 4:38 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Each class can get a bonus to the xp they earn, usually an extra 10% or 15%, if their Prime Requisite ability score is 13 or higher. They can also get a penalty of -10% or -20% if the score is lower than 9. For thieves, the Prime Requisite ability score is Dexterity (in which Ezra only has a 10). A character like Morgan will get a +5% bonus to her xp because she has a Strength (the fighter's Prime Requisite) of 15.

EDIT: Of course, hirelings only get half xp because they're just following orders.

Jul 28, 2024 4:02 pm

Jul 28, 2024 4:02 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Do not forget to round down! ;)

Jul 29, 2024 8:24 am

Jul 29, 2024 8:24 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

alright, got it, thanks. :)

Jul 29, 2024 12:55 pm

Jul 29, 2024 12:55 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Having already searched the place as member of the scouting team, Farem simply stays behind and waits expectantly the result of the investigation of the more experienced members of the party.

Last edited July 29, 2024 12:56 pm

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 30, 2024 1:48 am

Jul 30, 2024 1:48 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Can we get a quick refresher on what exactly is present? I know it's a camp, but it's been ransacked and there's nothing to find? Are there specific areas to further investigate? (One of the troubles with slower PbP games... the players get forgetful! Or at least I do...)

DragonDweller62

Jul 30, 2024 5:48 am

Jul 30, 2024 5:48 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

That's a good point; here's the refresher. I will also take this opportunity to describe the area in greater detail, now that there are more eyes than just the scouts.

The party is standing in the middle of the clearing, where there are three broad, flat stone platforms that might be old foundation stones—they're certainly cut that way. The largest platform rises 10 feet off the ground and is 70 feet across. At its northern edge is a dark tunnel with rough-hewn steps leading down. It's too black to see what's down there, but it must lead a ways beneath the clearing.

Morgan Ironwolf

The other two platforms are smaller, with scattered boulders and young trees growing out of cracks in the stone. Nearby, south of the largest platform is a small, grassy mound. Somewhere to the west of you is the corpse gnoll that Darlene killed, hidden from sight by the grass and the distance.

The hastily-abandoned camp is at the edge of the clearing, and the trail you followed to this area faded to nothing as you arrived. It was definitely headed to this spot.

Morgan climbs onto the largest stone platform. "Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you to my ruins! Down there is more treasure than your wildest dreams; I've seen it myself! Some of it, anyway. Shall we descend, my comrades?" She flashes you all an eager grin, her eyes alight with the thought of plunder.

Father Petronius

Jul 30, 2024 3:44 pm

Jul 30, 2024 3:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"We're going to need some lighting down there, I hope someone thought of bringing torches or a lantern." Then Father Petronius turned and looked towards the fallen gnoll. "It might be worthwhile to also search that gnoll, see if it has anything useful on its person."

Jul 30, 2024 4:05 pm

Jul 30, 2024 4:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor stands at the ready, peering down the tunnel with his keen eyes. Such a pity that the race of Man didn't spend more time below ground, and it showed.

Jul 30, 2024 7:12 pm

Jul 30, 2024 7:12 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene checks her supply of arrows and her weaponry. Satisfied, she makes ready to enter the hole.

Jul 30, 2024 7:20 pm

Jul 30, 2024 7:20 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Kraagor doesn't mind taking point. He has short legs and doesn't want to be stuck in the back.

Jul 30, 2024 7:29 pm

Jul 30, 2024 7:29 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

A good strong dwarf up front is not a bad idea, especially if the source of light is further back...

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 31, 2024 5:53 am

Jul 31, 2024 5:53 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I shall light the way!" Delfarious says, kneeling with some effort, working around his big belly. Retrieving his lantern from his pack, he fills it with oil and lights it after securing his brace of throwing knives. With his lone memorized spell spent, the man is relegated down to working with his wits, his light, and his daggers.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Jul 31, 2024 5:54 am

Jul 31, 2024 5:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Figure Delfarious can go in the second row / behind those who are up front...

Jul 31, 2024 9:12 am

Jul 31, 2024 9:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hearing father Petronius, Farem goes on and searches the gnoll, if a little reluctantly. Once done, he makes himself available to enter the underground tunnels, at any position his more experienced companions will find he would be useful.

DragonDweller62

Aug 1, 2024 11:41 pm

Aug 1, 2024 11:41 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem finds the dead gnoll sprawled in the grass, the arrow still in its neck. The only things on its person are its leather armor (which would only fit another gnoll) its halberd, and a couple dead conies (1 day standard rations).

Morgan goes to Delfarious's side. "I will stay with the Prestidigitator. I would take point with Kraagor if I had his infravision."

OOC:

Morgan is proposing to take the second rank with Delfarious, but feel free as her employers to place her wherever you want. For reference, the wilderness marching order, from front to back, was:

Kraagor, Farem, Morgan, Robin, Ezra, Delfarious, Petronius, Darlene.

Also, for Kraagor's infravision to work, he would have to be over 30' ahead of the rest of the party to get out of the radius of Delfarious's lantern.

Aug 2, 2024 8:54 am

Aug 2, 2024 8:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem takes the food but not the halberd, figuring it would be impractical when moving underground. He is happy to take his place in the marching order in the front row.

Father Petronius

Aug 2, 2024 3:33 pm

Aug 2, 2024 3:33 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 says:

OOC:

...Also, for Kraagor's infravision to work, he would have to be over 30' ahead of the rest of the party to get out of the radius of Delfarious's lantern.

OOC:

That was precisely why I suggested the light source to be further back.

"We should have strong members of the party both up front and at the rear to protect from rear attack. Our most vulnerable members should be closer to the centre to be protected by our stronger front and rear guard. Remember, we'll most likely be traveling through narrow and winding corridors. This is not like where we're outside and we seen the enemy com from far away, which grant us plenty of time to position ourselves. In here, an enemy could easily be around a corner or behind a door! Delfarious, I would suggest you having back closer to the rear guard, so that Kraagor does not have to be too far ahead of the party for his dwarf sense to be effective."

OOC:

With Father Petronius' negative modifier to melee damage and relatively low AC, I suggest we put him also nearer the back, somewhere between center and rear guard so he can mostly use his sling more efficiently.

Last edited August 4, 2024 3:38 pm

Aug 2, 2024 5:44 pm

Aug 2, 2024 5:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I'm happy to take the rear guard," Darlene offers.

Aug 4, 2024 10:47 am

Aug 4, 2024 10:47 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

I can take a place between Kraagor and the center of our party?

DragonDweller62

Aug 8, 2024 4:45 am

Aug 8, 2024 4:45 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

So far, I'm reading the marching order like this:

1. Kraagor 2. (30' behind) Delfarious, Morgan, Farem 3. Petronius, Ezra 4. Darlene

I assume Farem will want to stay with Delfarious since, as a human, he needs the lantern to see in the dark. Also, I placed Ezra in rank 3 but it sounds like he would be just as happy in 2. Feel free to reorder as I work on the first post of the dungeon.

Aug 8, 2024 8:05 am

Aug 8, 2024 8:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Farem is OK with this ordering.

Aug 8, 2024 8:23 am

Aug 8, 2024 8:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Ezra is good where he is right now

Aug 8, 2024 2:43 pm

Aug 8, 2024 2:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I suggested Delfarious to be closer to where Father Petronius is so that Kraagor won't have to remain alone so far ahead (and then there's also the fact that with more primitive lighting sources, you want to hold them behind you if you want to see well in the dark in order to avoid blinding yourself, unlike what Hollywood has shown us, but I digress...), of course, it's up to Delfarious whether he follows Father Petronius' advice.

Last edited August 8, 2024 2:53 pm

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 9, 2024 3:07 pm

Aug 9, 2024 3:07 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

My plan was indeed to have Delfarious amidships, behind those in the front, and protected in the rear… so, seeing the order, I’d put Morgan in front of him.

Last edited August 9, 2024 3:07 pm

DragonDweller62

Aug 10, 2024 6:22 am

Aug 10, 2024 6:22 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

In that case, perhaps Delfarious moves to rank 3. I will assume that the ranks are around 5 feet apart, which would let Kraagor stay that much closer to the party so that he can reach them and attack in the same round. He will still be 25 feet ahead, so not too short a distance.

As a reminder to everyone, dungeon adventuring is handled in blocks of ten minutes called turns. First, the Referee rolls for wandering monsters. After that, most actions—including searching, moving into rooms, and using thief skills—take a turn. At the end of the turn, clock ticks ten minutes—torches burn fuel and spells expire.

All this is just recappng the rules. Don't worry too much about whether an action takes exactly ten minutes or not; just be aware that the clock is always ticking.

One more reminder: I want mapping to be important in this game, so I want to try something out. Whoever maps, their PC will be mapping in the game world. Thus, they'll need light to see by and both hands to draw with. Outside the dungeon, the map can be traded around like any other item, but it is also susceptible to damage.

Rolls

Wandering monster check - (1d6)

DragonDweller62

Aug 10, 2024 7:17 am

Aug 10, 2024 7:17 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The party forms up and descends the stairs into the tunnel. The narrow tunnel winds down into the blackness, and Kraagor feels the warm comfort of earth over his head. Suddenly, the walls fall away and the ceiling vaults in a stone arch high overhead. The stairs broaden to 80 feet wide, a long hall that leads 280 feet down to a great stone arch.

A disgusting, sulfurous smell hits Kraagor as he steps into an enormous room, what must be a great hall. The arched ceiling is 30 feet high and utterly carpeted in bats—not an inch of stone can be seen. Kraagor's boots slide in some thin, slimy film across the floor. Kraagor's infravision ends in blackness all around—the room is just too big.

Following behind, Morgan pulls a knowing grimace and holds her nose. Delfarious illuminates the room with his lantern, but the radius of light is still too small to cover the room. The light reveals that the walls are peppered with chipped, flaking frescoes of demihuman figures. Father Petronius, a wise holy man, recognizes the demihuman figures in togas and loincloths, playing lyres and drums at the feet of altars to the gods. The light also reveals that the floor is covered in slippery white guano.

OOC:

The room is too big to illuminate all at once, and perhaps too big to cross in a single turn. Walking from one side of the room to the other will be enough to map the dimensions accurately. Anyone who would like to walk around must roll a Dexterity check with a +2 penalty to avoid slipping and falling in the guano.

Aug 10, 2024 3:49 pm

Aug 10, 2024 3:49 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I guess Father Petronius can volunteer for mapping. Having rolled badly for my starting cash, all my weapons are rather pitiful... Of course, someone else will have to supply him with the mapping implements because, well, low starting cash...

Aug 10, 2024 3:56 pm

Aug 10, 2024 3:56 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Guano I can handle. Caves back home are filled with bats. But this amount is absurd. Try not to alert them, or you'll be covered in the stuff in moments."

Kraagor marches forward, not intending to stomp but doing so regardless. It doesn't take long before he is as covered as he ha described, finding the floor far more slick than he had believed.

Last edited August 10, 2024 3:57 pm

Rolls

Dexterity (7) - (D20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 10, 2024 4:43 pm

Aug 10, 2024 4:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

As soon as they are underground, and when the vast extents of the first chamber they encounter are revealed, Delfarious bubbles and twitches with excitement.

"This place is enormous, and ancient! There are untold riches and magics down here, just waiting for discovery!" the man says as he raises his lantern for all to see better. When Kraagor moves ahead through the bat guano, the illusionist follows him, but slowly.

"Move carefully, friend dwarf! Slipping in this will a mess make indeed!"

OOC:

I propose we take our time with this exploration -- going slow enough to not risk the roll, or to gain a bonus if possible.

kalajel, thanks for mapping! Does "Adventuring Equipment" come with what we need? If so, D will set Father P up with what he needs. Suggest our first (slow, say two turn) pass is to map extents, exits, features. Then look for secret panels, doors, passages?

Aug 10, 2024 11:48 pm

Aug 10, 2024 11:48 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene nervously watches the darkness, fully expecting something to jump out at them. Moving cautiously, she attempts to cross the room.

Rolls

Dex check (11) - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Aug 10, 2024 11:48 pm

Aug 10, 2024 11:48 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene nervously watches the darkness, fully expecting something to jump out at them. Moving cautiously, she attempts to cross the room. Unfortunately, she also hits a slick patch and ends up covered in guano.

Last edited August 10, 2024 11:49 pm

Rolls

Dex check (11) - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Aug 11, 2024 9:55 am

Aug 11, 2024 9:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Probably unwittingly, Farem moves forward and attempts to help his companions who seem to fall one by one in the slimy cave.

Rolls

DEX roll (12) - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 11, 2024 3:35 pm

Aug 11, 2024 3:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Happy to just roll, but was waiting for the GM to weigh in on my idea... but it's moot if we're not actually going slowly!

Rolls

DEX (9) Roll if Needed - (1d20)

(9) = 9

DragonDweller62

Aug 12, 2024 4:47 am

Aug 12, 2024 4:47 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

OOC:

I propose we take our time with this exploration -- going slow enough to not risk the roll, or to gain a bonus if possible.

Does "Adventuring Equipment" come with what we need? If so, D will set Father P up with what he needs. Suggest our first (slow, say two turn) pass is to map extents, exits, features. Then look for secret panels, doors, passages?

OOC:

Let's say a sheet of paper plus ink is 1 gp, which you can spend now to say you bought it at the keep.

I actually like the idea of moving slowly to avoid slipping. Now you have a choice. The party can use its full movement of 60' per turn, taking about 3 turns to cross the room. If it moves at half that, you won't have to roll to avoid slipping, but you will also be doubling the amount of turns (and wandering encounter rolls).

I also forgot to mention what happens if you fail your check. Anyone who slips in the guano takes a -1 penalty to their Charisma (which may affect NPC Reactions) due to the stench, which is cumulative up to -3. Assuming the party meant to stay together, I will give Kraagor and Darlene the opportunity to move more slowly and retcon their fails if they choose.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 12, 2024 6:52 am

Aug 12, 2024 6:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Paying the 1gp for the mapping supplies. And everyone knows where I stand on the slow and careful exploration!

Last edited August 12, 2024 6:52 am

Aug 12, 2024 2:05 pm

Aug 12, 2024 2:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene takes it slowly and easily.

Aug 12, 2024 2:52 pm

Aug 12, 2024 2:52 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor looks back at the others who had opted to take it slow. If the dwarf had smelled before, he stunk now.

OOC:

4 Wis and 6 Cha. A little guano isn't going to make a difference.

Father Petronius

Aug 12, 2024 3:28 pm

Aug 12, 2024 3:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius accepts the mapping implements from Delfarious. "Yes, I do agree with Dalvarious, we should move slowly as to avoid slipping down in all this guano. This should give us plenty of time to circle and map this large room and note the many tunnels which leads to it."

OOC:

Okay, So 'Ill start working on a map as soon as I can. What about the tunnel that led us here. When were were outside, which direction was it facing and roughly how long did we had to walk before reaching this room?

Aug 12, 2024 3:55 pm

Aug 12, 2024 3:55 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Ezra slows down along with the others and provides light for Father Petronius.

DragonDweller62

Aug 14, 2024 7:18 am

Aug 14, 2024 7:18 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Picking himself up from the slippery guano, Kraagor continues to scout ahead of the well-lit party. He quickly disappears from the rest of the party's view. First Kraagor, and then the party, bumps into heavy corpses littering the floor of this chamber—pig-faced orcs and snarling gnolls. The bodies are slashed and broken as if a great melee took place here.

After roughly an hour of fanning out over the huge room, the party fully maps out this place. They stand in a 200' square room with frescoes wrapping around the walls. Bats do indeed cover the entire ceiling, and guano the entire floor. Anything that could be called furniture has probably long since rotted away.

In the middle of the north wall, a crumbling set of stone doors are flung wide (the threshold is about 30' wide), but it is too dark to see what lies beyond. In the middle of the east and west walls are similar passages (but without doors) that are each 40' wide. Both are also too dark to see into.

Also at the end of this hour, Ezra's torch begins to gutter as the flame eats the last of its fuel.

DragonDweller62 sent a note to cowleyc

Finally, for context, the stairs down to this first room were 60' wide and extend 240' in a straight line from the southern wall of the entry hall.

OOC:

The smaller, earthen tunnel to the surface isn't on the dungeon map, but I imagined it as a crude shaft spiraling downwards for a couple hundred feet before meeting the real stairs. Definitely newer and cheaper than the dungeon itself. Final note: Farem hasn't declared what he wants to do yet, so I assumed he was exploring with the party. If it's anything else, let me know and I will resolve it in the hour the party is exploring.

Rolls

Wandering monster check

Wandering monster check 2

Wandering monster check 3

Wandering monster check 4

Wandering monster check 5

Wandering monster check 6

Aug 14, 2024 8:04 am

Aug 14, 2024 8:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem follows his companions at their pace, holding light for the others if need be.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 15, 2024 1:07 am

Aug 15, 2024 1:07 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Unhappy with the amount of guano on his boots, Delfarious examines the humanoid corpses. How long have the things been dead, then man muses silently to himself. Are they rotting? Covered in bat shit like the floor? Is there a way to tell who one the battle?

Checking one of the dead creatures for coins and other valuables, the bald man motions with his head to the other bodies, instructing his fellows to loot them.

Aug 15, 2024 12:03 pm

Aug 15, 2024 12:03 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem nods at Delfarious, and cautiously starts searching the nearest corpses.

Aug 16, 2024 8:08 am

Aug 16, 2024 8:08 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

With his torch gone Ezra joins the looting efforts, careful so he won't slip and fall.

DragonDweller62

Aug 16, 2024 8:39 am

Aug 16, 2024 8:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I forgot that Darlene also has infravision, so reposting the note with her included:

DragonDweller62 sent a note to cowleyc,WhtKnt

There are about a dozen orc bodies and a dozen gnoll ones. Looting them, the party finds axes, clubs, and spears among the orcs and halberds, greatswords, and longbows among the gnolls. All the armor is dented and torn beyond repair (and none of it is sized for a demihuman anyway).

The orcs have six days of trail rations among them, cured meat and other hard stuff. Surprisingly, among some of the gnoll bodies are kobolds, their canine snouts flecked with blood. Each kobold, dressed in ragged leather armor and with a crude spear, has 20 cp on its person.

OOC:

There are three kobolds total.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Kobold copper pieces - (3d8)

(884) = 20

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 17, 2024 1:40 pm

Aug 17, 2024 1:40 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Pile the best of weapons, there!" Delfarious says as he pockets the coins for division later. "We can retrieve them on our way out if we do not find superior troves below, deeper within the bowels of this place!"

When the group is ready to move on, He gestures to one of the dark passages leading out of the huge chamber. "Shall we start there?!"

OOC:

Suggest we investigate the eastern passage out of the room.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 17, 2024 2:45 pm

Aug 17, 2024 2:45 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Is this close to what we're looking at?

[ +- ] Map of Dungeon - 1

DragonDweller62

Aug 17, 2024 7:35 pm

Aug 17, 2024 7:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Those squares should be 20' instead of 10' each. Otherwise, that map is perfect so far. I now realize that "200' square" refers to area, not perimeter. In the future I'll use that phrase correctly, lol.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 17, 2024 11:06 pm

Aug 17, 2024 11:06 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Delfarious will correct going forward!

Aug 19, 2024 8:44 am

Aug 19, 2024 8:44 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

After doing as instructed, Farem nods at Delfarious, ready to explore further.

Aug 19, 2024 12:35 pm

Aug 19, 2024 12:35 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor takes the lead once again, much to the chagrin of those with a nose.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 20, 2024 4:56 am

Aug 20, 2024 4:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Eastern open doorway, then!

DragonDweller62

Aug 21, 2024 12:45 am

Aug 21, 2024 12:45 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Harrigan says:

Unhappy with the amount of guano on his boots, Delfarious examines the humanoid corpses. How long have the things been dead, then man muses silently to himself. Are they rotting? Covered in bat shit like the floor? Is there a way to tell who one the battle?

If it still interests Delfarious, the corpses are only a few days old, but it's impossible to tell who won. Everyone is pretty equally hacked up.

The party slowly and carefully moves out of the great hall and begins along the east passage. The colorful frescoes end at the threshold (even the guano peters away). From there on, it's just bare stone walls carved out of the living rock itself. The hall continues east past the range of the lantern.

DragonDweller62 sent a note to cowleyc

Rolls

Turn 1: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 2: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 3: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 4: Wandering Monster Check

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Aug 21, 2024 1:55 am

Aug 21, 2024 1:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene keeps a close watch at the rear of the party to be certain that nothing comes up behind them.

Aug 21, 2024 8:15 am

Aug 21, 2024 8:15 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem keeps silent, breathing steadily while watching Kraagor intently.

Aug 21, 2024 3:25 pm

Aug 21, 2024 3:25 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Careful now, plague bearers be waiting for us. Rats. Big ones, four of them. Best scare them away lest we all end up looking as decrepit as that Eltrezar fellow."

DragonDweller62

Aug 22, 2024 12:24 am

Aug 22, 2024 12:24 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

At the sound of Kraagor's voice, the rats stop in their tracks and become defensive. The biggest one rears up almost to Kraagor's height and hisses! (Even though the rest of the party can't see this, they can assume as much from what they hear.)

Aug 22, 2024 8:59 am

Aug 22, 2024 8:59 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Hearing his companion, Farem immediately takes hold of his bow and aims an arrow at the first rat he sees. He does not shoot yet, though.

DragonDweller62

Aug 23, 2024 3:48 am

Aug 23, 2024 3:48 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Right now Kraagor is the only one who can see the rats. The dwarf is half-outside of the party's 30' circle of light (technically 25' away), and the rats are 45' further. If Farem wanted to target a rat, he would have to stand at most 30' away with the lantern (in that case, Delfarious or the whole party might want to tag along).

Since it's a standoff, initiative has not yet been rolled. If combat breaks out, I will attempt an On the Fly Battle Map.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 23, 2024 6:55 am

Aug 23, 2024 6:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Headed to a con this weekend so posting time will be at a premium... if the party asks, Delf will absolutely move 10' or more towards the rats to illuminate them.

Aug 23, 2024 8:40 am

Aug 23, 2024 8:40 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Farem heard Kraagor mention rats, thus his decision to bring out his bow. Let's say he won't move until he sees one.

Aug 24, 2024 2:23 pm

Aug 24, 2024 2:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor whispers loudly (hardly a whisper, truly), "Bring the light closer, man. Or stand back and let me crush some bones."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 25, 2024 4:12 am

Aug 25, 2024 4:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious does as requested, moving closer to Kraagor with mincing steps, clearly worried about what lurks in the dark!

DragonDweller62

Aug 25, 2024 8:07 pm

Aug 25, 2024 8:07 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious moves the light closer to illuminate the giant rats (let's say the whole party moves together to maintain rank and vision). As soon as the rats are in the light, their beady eyes gleaming, they screech and attack! Morgan recoils in disgust.

OOC:

Above is the encounter map. Between the walls, the golden box represents the light from Delfarious's lantern. It will be impossible for the human PCs to see (and therefore attack) outside of this range. Rat 1 is the biggest one that hissed at Kraagor.

EDIT: Reminder that Kraagor will always go last in this combat because of his heavy warpick.

Rolls

Party initiative - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Giant rat initiative - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Aug 26, 2024 7:39 am

Aug 26, 2024 7:39 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem shoots at the nearest rat!

Rolls

Shortbow shot, damage - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (16) = 16

1d6 : (4) = 4

Aug 26, 2024 3:27 pm

Aug 26, 2024 3:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene follows suit, releasing an arrow at the nearest rat she can see.

Rolls

Darlene vs. Rat (short bow) - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (19) = 19

1d6 : (3) = 3

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 27, 2024 1:21 am

Aug 27, 2024 1:21 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Holding his lantern aloft, Delfarious pulls a vicious-looking throwing knife from a vest pocket and takes aim... before he too joins in the barrage, hurling the knife with a flick of his expert wrist!

Rolls

Knife Throwing! - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Throwing Knife Damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

DragonDweller62

Aug 27, 2024 10:06 pm

Aug 27, 2024 10:06 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem skewers the biggest and meatiest rat with an arrow before it can even put its front legs back on the ground. Darlene similarly skewers the rat behind that (rat 3). Delfarious tosses his knife. It almost misses but slashes the rat (rat 2) across its flank. Rat 2 stumbles weakly.

Morgan targets rat 2 with an arrow from her shortbow, finishing it off. Petronius slings a stone at the last rat (rat 4). The rat's head explodes from the impact, its lifeless body thumping to the ground.

OOC:

Combat over! This encounter is worth 20 xp total, but remember that the party has to get back to the Keep first.

"Good riddance to bad rubbish," Morgan says, stowing her shortbow.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Giant rat morale check

Giant rat morale check #2

Morgan shortbow attack, damage - (1d20+2, 1d6)

1d20+2 : (14) + 2 = 16

1d6 : (6) = 6

Petronius sling attack, damage - (1d20+1, 1d4)

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

1d4 : (3) = 3

Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am

Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Should we be keeping track of ammo expended? Darlene would gather arrows that could be reused.

Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am

Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Should we be keeping track of ammo expended? Darlene would gather arrows that could be reused.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 28, 2024 2:25 am

Aug 28, 2024 2:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Well done, everyone!" Delfarious says as he moves forward cautiousness, throwing more light down the corridor, aiming to retrieve his throwing knife...

DragonDweller62

Aug 28, 2024 3:27 am

Aug 28, 2024 3:27 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

DragonDweller62 says:

OOC:

Lacking a rule from OSE or BECMI (that I know of), it will take a [turn] to collect 50% of the arrows you fired (rounding down) after combat ends. E.g. if you fired one arrow, you can't retrieve any. If you fired 2, you get 1.

OOC:

You should be tracking ammo in conjunction with the rule above. (I'll add it to the rules thread so it's easy to find.) This counts for bolts as well. Since stones are free from the ground, you should never run out barring exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, this means that you can't recover any arrows from this combat.

While the archers find only broken arrows, Delfarious can easily retrieve his trusty knife. Morgan smiles wryly at him. "You can say that again. We're damned lucky no one got bit."

The hallway continues to the east past the lantern light, so when the party is ready they may continue exploring. The lantern gutters a bit, and the party (especially Kraagor) gets the sense that about two hours have passed underground.

Aug 28, 2024 9:03 am

Aug 28, 2024 9:03 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem is at the same time relieved the combat was so short and thrilled that he was able to contribute positively. Seeing his broken arrow and the morbid sight of dead rats, he frowns, tries to shake the image from his mind and falls in line to continue the underground exploration.

Aug 28, 2024 1:05 pm

Aug 28, 2024 1:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Save one for me next time," grumbles the dwarf who moved too slowly to get any of the action. Arrows were an elf's game, and had no place in a dungeon!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Aug 29, 2024 6:08 am

Aug 29, 2024 6:08 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"These rodents were of rather unusual size," Delfarious says aloud, to no one in particular. But then he turns to Morgan when she mentions it was lucky no one was bitten.

"You're suggesting these vermin are diseased? I suppose you are quite possibly right! Kraagor! We will doubtless have need of your axe and shield, but be in no hurry to be gnawed on by the likes of these!"

DragonDweller62

Aug 31, 2024 6:01 am

Aug 31, 2024 6:01 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan Ironwolf

"Very unusual size; must have come in from the swamp. It seems they didn't get any of us. . . ." Morgan takes a quick count of the party. "Say, what happened to that little thief friend of ours? Not Ezra, the half-elf Robin—if that is her name. I suppose we may run into her on the way out . . . or we may not.

"Anyway, shall we press on, companions?"

OOC:

Next post will see the party advance down the hall. That will be coming later today or tomorrow.

DragonDweller62

Sep 1, 2024 9:50 pm

Sep 1, 2024 9:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The party continues down the passage, which runs east from the main hall for a total of 120' before turning north. After that, the hall stretches 200' to the north. The way is dark and musty, but no more creatures rear out of the dark to menace the adventurers.

The walls are once again plastered with frescoes, but these ones are heavily torn and faded. They are also much darker in hue and tone, displaying scenes of Biblical destruction—cities burning, statues toppled, people crying in despair. The flickering of the lantern only makes them that much more terrifying, shadows seeming to animate the flames and screaming faces.

Father Petronius inspects the artwork, his face growing concerned. "These robes . . . some of these figures are priests of Set. That is the god we call Thanatos, but the ancient Thothians knew him by another name. If priests of Set worshipped here, we may be standing in their tomb. When that faith was purged, those that weren't martyred were sealed away in their own temple."

As Petronius explains, Kraagor notices something odd about the eastern wall of frescoes. Where the plaster is peeling away, some of the construction looks far newer than the rest of the wall. In fact, the fresco, albeit centuries old, looks newer than anything here.

OOC:

If/when the party is done investigating here, the hall turns west after its 200' run.

EDIT: All that walking only took 6 turns. I accidentally rolled for a 7th turn, but that won't occur until you turn west at the end of the hall. For anyone keeping score, it has been three hours in the dungeon (and you entered in the morning).

Rolls

Turn 1: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 2: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 3: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 4: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 5: Wandering Monster Check

Turn 6: Wandering Monster Check

Secret Roll

Turn 7: Wandering Monster Check

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 1, 2024 10:21 pm

Sep 1, 2024 10:21 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Presume we are checking for traps, team, or is Kraagor steamrollin' the way out front?

Sep 3, 2024 2:45 am

Sep 3, 2024 2:45 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Kraagor may be dumb and ugly, but one thing he isn't is dumb. Slow and steady.

Last edited September 3, 2024 2:45 am

DragonDweller62

Sep 4, 2024 6:43 am

Sep 4, 2024 6:43 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Got it. From now on, while Kraagor is taking point, I will assume he's keeping all senses alert for traps. Now I'll finish the crawling above.

Sep 4, 2024 8:24 am

Sep 4, 2024 8:24 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem looks at the frescoes, impressed by the scale and content of the scenes. "In what kind of doomed place did we enter?" he asks, as much to himself as to the others.

He looks around for anything unusual and, failing that, makes himself ready to continue walking with the party.

Sep 8, 2024 4:54 am

Sep 8, 2024 4:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Not thinking, Kraagor takes his warpicks to that very section of wall, newer than the others! Diggy diggy hole!!!

OOC:

I really lost track of time here, didn't realize it had been so long since my last post!

DragonDweller62

Sep 9, 2024 4:19 am

Sep 9, 2024 4:19 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

No problem at all! It happens, which is why I left space for anyone to chime in. For the record, concurrent searches will altogether take one turn.

Kraagor begins chipping away at the wall, loosening ancient plaster and stone alike. Farem scans another part of the wall, but can't find anything else of note. Pretty soon, Kraagor uncovers what looks writing, but chittering from the north draws much of the party's attention.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Secret Roll

Party is surprised - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Sep 9, 2024 4:42 am

Sep 9, 2024 4:42 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene is on her feet in an instant and readies her bow.

DragonDweller62

Sep 9, 2024 4:54 am

Sep 9, 2024 4:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Four chittering creatures enter the circle of light, huge hairless bats with the proboscises of mosquitoes! The stirges buzz hungrily, completely taking the party by surprise—except for Darlene.

The creatures split up and plunge with their needles. Stirge 1 attacks Morgan but bangs against her shield. Stirge 2 goes for Delfarious but overshoots its target. Stirge 3 attacks Farem, stabbing into him, and stirge 4 finds similar success with Ezra.

OOC:

While the rest of the party is surprised, Darlene may act with her ranger's awareness. After that, we will roll Initiative as normal for Round 2. For targeting purposes, the stirges are now in the same spaces as their targets.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Darlene initiative - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20+2, 1d3)

1d20+2 : (12) + 2 = 14

1d3 : (3) = 3

Stirge 2 attack and damage - (1d20+2, 1d3)

1d20+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

1d3 : (1) = 1

Stirge 3 attack and damage - (1d20+2, 1d3)

1d20+2 : (19) + 2 = 21

1d3 : (2) = 2

Stirge 4 attack and damage - (1d20+2, 1d3)

1d20+2 : (20) + 2 = 22

1d3 : (1) = 1

Sep 9, 2024 8:21 am

Sep 9, 2024 8:21 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Screaming with pain, Farem immediately brings our his sword and faces his opponent.

Sep 9, 2024 7:56 pm

Sep 9, 2024 7:56 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene lets fly an arrow at the one attacking Morgan.

Rolls

Darlene vs. Stirge - (1d20, 1d6)

1d20 : (2) = 2

1d6 : (3) = 3

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 10, 2024 1:04 am

Sep 10, 2024 1:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Ah!" Delfarious screams as one of the bloodthirsty creatures buzzes him. Holding his lantern high to provide the party with light, he tries to move behind Morgan when he can, out of the line of fire!

OOC:

I know it's not really his turn yet, just doing a little narrative jig.

DragonDweller62

Sep 10, 2024 2:51 am

Sep 10, 2024 2:51 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene fires at stirge 1 over Morgan but misses, her arrow whistling into a wall.

DragonDweller62

Sep 10, 2024 3:00 am

Sep 10, 2024 3:00 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round Two

The stirges (3 and 4) on Farem and Ezra dig their proboscises in deeper and painfully suck the blood out of their prey, dealing 3 damage to each.

Meanwhile, stirge 1 stabs at Morgan, who strafes to the side. Stirge 2 swoops over to Petronius, stabbing into him and beginning to suck his blood.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

OOC:

The party is up (including Kraagor)!

Rolls

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Party (except Kraagor) initiative - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (1) = 1

1d3 : (2) = 2

Stirge 2 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (18) = 18

1d3 : (1) = 1

Sep 10, 2024 3:29 am

Sep 10, 2024 3:29 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Not about to let a stirge get away alive, Kraagor engages the one trying to eat Farem! Alas, his slow Warpick fails to make a solid connection, like trying to swat a fly with a hammer!

OOC:

OSE has some simple rolls!

Last edited September 10, 2024 3:30 am

Rolls

Attack - (d20)

(10) = 10

Damage - (d8)

(5) = 5

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 10, 2024 4:23 am

Sep 10, 2024 4:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Cursed bloodsnipes!" the party's big-boned illusionist cries as he tries to smite the one harassing him with his staff. The bald man knows his companions need help, but he will not be able to provide it while his winged foe lives!

OOC:

Attacking with staff.

Rolls

Melee Attack with Staff - (1d20)

(11) = 11

In case 11 is a hit... Damage - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Sep 10, 2024 8:28 am

Sep 10, 2024 8:28 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Farem's cry of rage, triggered by his wounds and his determination to cut down his foe, accompanies the blows he aims at the stirge facing him!

Rolls

Sword attack - (1d20, 1d8)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d8 : (2) = 2

Sep 10, 2024 3:05 pm

Sep 10, 2024 3:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene, recognizing the threat these creatures pose, switches to her sword and swings at the one attached to Delfarious.

Rolls

Darlene vs. Stirge - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

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

1d8+1 : (5) + 1 = 6

DragonDweller62

Sep 11, 2024 10:12 pm

Sep 11, 2024 10:12 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Father Petronius cries out, trying to smash Delfarious's stirge with his club. Morgan swipes her sword at her stirge. None of the party lands a hit.

OOC:

EDIT: Used the wrong name below but the rolls are Petronius's.

Rolls

Delfarious attack and damage - (1d20-1, 1d4-1)

1d20-1 : (12) - 1 = 11

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

Morgan attack and damage - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

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

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

DragonDweller62

Sep 11, 2024 10:53 pm

Sep 11, 2024 10:53 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round Three

As Ezra collapses from blood loss, stirge 4 pops free of its victim and buzzes over to Darlene (J5). Meanwhile, stirge 1 continues to harry Morgan. Stirge 3 sucks more of Farem's blood, dealing another 3 damage. The same thing happens to Petronius, who can't seem to strike stirge 2.

Morgan steps around stirge 1. Stirge 4 misses Darlene entirely.

OOC:

The party is up!

EDIT: This is a bad time for me to keep confusing Delfarious and Petronius. For clarity, Farem and Petronius are being fed on by stirges. Morgan and Darlene are being attacked but not fed on.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Party initiative - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (1) = 1

1d3 : (2) = 2

Stirge 2 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (17) = 17

1d3 : (3) = 3

Stirge 4 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (5) = 5

1d3 : (1) = 1

Sep 12, 2024 1:25 am

Sep 12, 2024 1:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Faroe," cries out, using the wrong name, as his companion is left a husk of a man by the stirge. He swings recklessly at the bloated flying anteater.

Rolls

Attack - (D20)

(5) = 5

Damage - (D8)

(7) = 7

Sep 12, 2024 2:33 am

Sep 12, 2024 2:33 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene yelps as the stirge comes at her, swinging wildly.

Rolls

Darlene vs. Stirge - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

1d20+1 : (10) + 1 = 11

1d8+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

Sep 12, 2024 8:54 am

Sep 12, 2024 8:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Somewhere in the Keep, Bofum Dor feels a surge of anxiety, as if something terrible just happened. But he does not know what yet...

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 13, 2024 5:34 am

Sep 13, 2024 5:34 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Ezra! Farem! Petronius!" Delfarious cries as suddenly half of their number are on the ground. "No! Fight, Morgan, fight, Kraagor! Darlene! To us, fight back to back!"

OOC:

Attacking with his staff while trying to get in a defensive formation!

Edit: Sigh. =]

Last edited September 13, 2024 5:34 am

Rolls

Staff Attack! - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Possible Staff Damage - (1d6)

(1) = 1

DragonDweller62

Sep 13, 2024 3:15 pm

Sep 13, 2024 3:15 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor and Darlene still can't hit the quick-winged stirges, but Delfarious slaps one through the air! Morgan recognizes the need of the dying man next to her and swings her sword at stirge 2 sucking Petronius's blood. Petronius attacks his stirge as well. Both miss their attacks.

OOC:

Technically Delfarious is in melee where movement isn't as free. In the next round, he can step over Ezra's body to be back-to-back with Darlene at I5 or around Petronius to J4.

EDIT: Which stirge is Delfarious attacking? Morgan will also declare melee movement in case I5 is still vacant next round.

Rolls

Petronius club attack and damage - (1d20-1, 1d4-1)

1d20-1 : (3) - 1 = 2

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

Morgan sword attack and damage - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

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

1d8+1 : (5) + 1 = 6

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 13, 2024 3:23 pm

Sep 13, 2024 3:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Um, can we can a whole new set of d20s? ;)

Sep 13, 2024 3:33 pm

Sep 13, 2024 3:33 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Harrigan says:

Um, can we can a whole new set of d20s? ;)

I'd like to use my black/gold character killers for this game. They work just as well against monsters.

DragonDweller62

Sep 15, 2024 5:49 am

Sep 15, 2024 5:49 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round Four

OOC:

If you guys are switching dice, I would use my heavy metal ones. The PCs are dropping just as hard lol. Rolling initiative. . . .

Stirge 3 pops from Farem's lifeless husk and speeds at Kraagor. Stirge 1 continues to circle around Morgan, who bats it away with her shield. Stirge 2 finishes off Petronius before getting slapped through the air by Delfarious. Dazedly, it buzzes off with a belly full of blood. Stirge 4 makes another pass at Darlene but only scuffs her leather armor.

OOC:

Stirge 2 is retreating from melee. For this round, you get a +2 attack bonus against it. The party is now up.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Party initiative - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d3 : (2) = 2

Stirge 3 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (5) = 5

1d3 : (2) = 2

Stirge 4 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (10) = 10

1d3 : (1) = 1

Sep 15, 2024 1:28 pm

Sep 15, 2024 1:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene doesn't let up, pressing the attack against strige 4.

EDIT: Really?!

Last edited September 15, 2024 1:29 pm

Rolls

Darlene vs. Stirge - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

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

1d8+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

Sep 15, 2024 1:52 pm

Sep 15, 2024 1:52 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor begins fighting for his life as the stirge approaches hom with visceral intent!!!

Rolls

Attack, Damage - (d20, d8)

d20 : (11) = 11

d8 : (6) = 6

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 15, 2024 4:43 pm

Sep 15, 2024 4:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Stepping over and past his downed companion, Delfarious allows the blood-laden insert-bird-thing to fly away. Instead, he darts in and tries to swat the one harrying Darlene from the air!

Rolls

Staff Attack - (1d20)

(11) = 11

I think that's a miss, but just in case damage... - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 15, 2024 4:44 pm

Sep 15, 2024 4:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

It appears I also need a new d6!

Morgan Ironwolf

DragonDweller62

Sep 18, 2024 3:27 am

Sep 18, 2024 3:27 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan swings frantically at stirge 1, which is still whizzing about her menacingly. "We've got to," she grunts between swings, "lose these things!"

Rolls

Morgan sword attack - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Morgan sword damage - (1d8+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

DragonDweller62

Sep 18, 2024 3:38 am

Sep 18, 2024 3:38 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round Five

Stirge 1 dives at Morgan again. Stirge 3, fat on blood, makes a lazy attack at Kraagor then prepares to flee next round. Stirge 4 attacks Darlene again. Morgan sidesteps and parries stirge 1, while the other two miss, no doubt drunk on blood or desperate from hunger.

OOC:

Lucky rolls! The party is up.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Party initiative - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (15) = 15

1d3 : (1) = 1

Stirge 3 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d3 : (3) = 3

Stirge 4 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (3) = 3

1d3 : (1) = 1

Morgan Ironwolf

DragonDweller62

Sep 18, 2024 3:49 am

Sep 18, 2024 3:49 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan swings around and slashes at stirge 1, but the wily creature flits away. "Die already!" Morgan screams.

Rolls

Morgan sword attack - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Morgan sword damage - (1d8+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Sep 18, 2024 4:04 am

Sep 18, 2024 4:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor shouts something in Dwarfish that should never be uttered before a bearded maiden, as he continually tries to swat the oversized insect with his warpick

Rolls

Attack, Damage - (d20, d8)

d20 : (2) = 2

d8 : (5) = 5

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 18, 2024 7:31 am

Sep 18, 2024 7:31 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Seeing Morgan wounded, Delfarious joins in trying to drive off the buzzing, bloated, disgusting creature!

OOC:

Oi yoi yoi.

Last edited September 18, 2024 7:31 am

Rolls

Staff attack on S1 - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Sep 18, 2024 3:16 pm

Sep 18, 2024 3:16 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene desperately strikes at Stirge 4 with her sword!

Rolls

Darlene vs. Stirge - (1d20+1, 1d8+1)

1d20+1 : (8) + 1 = 9

1d8+1 : (5) + 1 = 6

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 18, 2024 5:34 pm

Sep 18, 2024 5:34 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Circus music plays...

DragonDweller62

Sep 20, 2024 2:41 am

Sep 20, 2024 2:41 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Round Six

OOC:

Rolling initiative. . . .

Outnumbered now, stirge 1 makes a pass at Delfarious and gets ready to flee. Stirge 3 flits away from Kraagor, leaving itself open to attack. Stirge 4 zips again at Darlene.

OOC:

Kraagor has a +2 combat bonus against stirge 3 this round.

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Stirge initiative - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Party initiative - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Stirge 1 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (16) = 16

1d3 : (1) = 1

Stirge 4 attack and damage - (1d20, 1d3)

1d20 : (7) = 7

1d3 : (1) = 1

Morgan Ironwolf

DragonDweller62

Sep 20, 2024 3:03 am

Sep 20, 2024 3:03 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Delfarious!" Morgan cries, hacking at the bloated creature on her employer. Gritting her teeth and steadying her hand, Morgan chops her sword through the air. Delfarious feels a rush of air and a sucking feeling in his neck, and the stirge is in two pieces at his feet.

OOC:

Thank the cruel dice gods lol. Their ways are mysterious.

Rolls

Morgan sword attack - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Morgan sword damage - (1d8+1)

(8) + 1 = 9

Sep 20, 2024 3:26 am

Sep 20, 2024 3:26 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"You don't get to flee, you oversized mosquito!!!"

OOC:

Narrator: "It did."

Last edited September 20, 2024 3:33 am

Rolls

Attack, Damage - (d20+2, d8)

d20+2 : (7) + 2 = 9

d8 : (4) = 4

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 20, 2024 6:56 am

Sep 20, 2024 6:56 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Ah!" Delfarious cries as the blood-sucker swoops at him, and as it wounds him with its sharp proboscis! But then the thing is in twain, slain by Morgan and her sharp blade! This leaves the illusionist to turn back to Darlene and try to help her!

OOC:

Oooooh yeah!

Last edited September 20, 2024 6:57 am

Rolls

STAFF ATTACK WAAAAUUUUGH! - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Staff Damage - (1d6)

(5) = 5

DragonDweller62

Sep 20, 2024 2:50 pm

Sep 20, 2024 2:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Stirge 4 crumples like a limp rag and slaps lifelessly into a frescoed wall. The party is finally alone amid the corpses of the stirges and their friends.

OOC:

Combat is over and one turn has passed. The party stands to gain 52 total xp (before modifiers and now split among three PCs and a retainer).

Morgan Ironwolf

"Gods," Morgan sighs, "I never really knew them but . . . what an awful way to go." She shakes her head and sits against the wall.

With time to rest and recover, the party can finally see what Kraagor uncovered in the wall. Under the frescoes and new stone is stone door that fits into the wall like a glove. The top is rounded, and etched from top to bottom are hieroglyphics. "I guess the only person who could have read that is on the floor," Morgan says flatly.

Rolls

Wandering encounter this turn - (1d6, 1d10)

Sep 20, 2024 2:59 pm

Sep 20, 2024 2:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"They died the way they lived", mutters Kraagor as he trails off. He stares at the script for some time, as though trying to memorize the sigils.

"Well, best not let their gold go to waste!" With a complete lack of etiquette or reservation, he begins rooting through their pockets!

DragonDweller62

Sep 20, 2024 3:40 pm

Sep 20, 2024 3:40 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan doesn't stop Kraagor, and he gets the sense that she was thinking the same thing.
- - Ezra had among the usual adventuring gear (including a grappling hook and thieves' tools) 32 gp.
- - Farem had no gold, just adventuring gear.
- - Father Petronius had 2 gp.

Sep 20, 2024 5:44 pm

Sep 20, 2024 5:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene refrains from looting the corpses but does stand watch while the others do so. "Should we take the time to bury them?" she asks no one in particular.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 20, 2024 10:15 pm

Sep 20, 2024 10:15 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious doesn’t dirty his delicate hands by rifling through the possessions of his dead companions, but he does watch carefully as Kraagor pockets the loot. When the lockpicks and other delicate thieves’ tools surface, the spellcaster clears his throat and wiggles his fingers towards the dwarf. He’d like those, please, he’s silently saying…

Before moving towards the door to try and decipher what he can, to check for some mechanism to open it, the rotund prestidigitator glances at Darlene. "We should at least offer to our callous gods them in a burning, or pile rocks atop their bodies! But not before we find some grand treasure. They will have died for nothing if we leave here empty-handed!"

OOC:

Are we using any kind of bandaging rules, or is our only healing rest or magical in nature?

DragonDweller62

Sep 20, 2024 11:59 pm

Sep 20, 2024 11:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Rest or magic only, but you can get away with sealing off part of the dungeon or camping in the wilderness.

As a time reminder, you've been in the dungeon for three hours, so above ground it's 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning.

DragonDweller62

Sep 21, 2024 12:18 am

Sep 21, 2024 12:18 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The language of the hieroglyphics (ancient Thothian, if Petronius hypothesized correctly) is sufficiently unreadable to Delfarious, but if he knows modern Thothian then he may be able to pick out some ancient root words.

OOC:

If Delfarious is well-traveled, he can roll an Intelligence check to see if he knows modern Thothian. If so he would be able to pick out one in every ten ancient hieroglyphs.

Sep 21, 2024 12:27 am

Sep 21, 2024 12:27 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor pockets the money, but hands over the tools to the sorcerer. He had been useful earlier, but looked a fool flailing his staff about!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 21, 2024 3:17 am

Sep 21, 2024 3:17 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

On a 1-3, Delfarious is very well-travelled! On a 4-6, he's a blow-hard who just -says- he's well-travelled!

Edit: he is well-travelled indeed! And knows a smattering of Thothian!

Last edited September 21, 2024 3:19 am

Rolls

Is Delfarious well-travelled? - (1d6)

(2) = 2

INT (9) check... - (1d20)

(5) = 5

DragonDweller62

Sep 23, 2024 8:58 pm

Sep 23, 2024 8:58 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Using his scarce knowledge of Thothian, Delfarious attempt to parse the older text. All he can make out is:

. . . PORTAL . . . SET . . . GOD . . . LIFE . . . SEALED . . . ETERNITY.
Morgan stands watch over the end of the hall, waiting with a hand on her hilt for the next nasty surprise to loom out of the darkness.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 24, 2024 2:48 am

Sep 24, 2024 2:48 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious relates what he can read from the hieroglyphics to the others, then adds, "a dark god, was Set! And his temples and palaces were renowned for their traps... and their treasures!"

OOC:

Are there hinges or other obvious means of opening the door? Buttons or panels to push, etc.? D will look for traps and trip wires, but also ways to open the portal. He'll probably start by tapping it in various places with his staff...

Sep 24, 2024 5:11 am

Sep 24, 2024 5:11 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Dark gods? The tales talk about their cursed blades being powerful and frightful. Keep poking, human!"

Kraagor will begin examining the wall opposite, searching for any stone buttons leading to a secret door.

DragonDweller62

Sep 25, 2024 1:52 am

Sep 25, 2024 1:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

After a careful search, Delfarious concludes that there are no traps nor tricks. In fact, the door swings open on two hinges concealed on the reverse side. He spends the rest of the turn just pushing the heavy door ajar. Behind it is a hallway so dark that the shadows seem to swallow up any lamplight that makes its way inside. Needless to say, you can't tell how far it goes.

Meanwhile Kraagor searches the opposite wall, but after ten minutes he hasn't found anything yet.

Morgan continues to keep watch.

OOC:

If Darlene takes an action it will be resolved during this same turn.

Sep 25, 2024 1:57 am

Sep 25, 2024 1:57 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene peers down the newly revealed hallway to see if her infravision detects any heat patterns.

DragonDweller62

Sep 25, 2024 2:11 am

Sep 25, 2024 2:11 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene can't see any heat tones down the hallway (and neither can Kraagor were he to check).

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 25, 2024 3:58 am

Sep 25, 2024 3:58 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Checking his lantern (how many turns have passed?), Delfarious holds it aloft to check the passage behind the door he was investigating...

[ +- ] Maybe the current map?

DragonDweller62

Sep 25, 2024 5:23 am

Sep 25, 2024 5:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Perfect map, except I want to correct some mistakes on my part. A typo said that the east hall continues for 120' before turning north, when I really meant 160'. Also the north hall is a square too long, but that's probably a misunderstanding since I was counting the junction of the halls in the length of each one. Next time the hall turns I'll be more specific. Finally, the north hall doesn't end there but continues west for an unexplored distance.

Including the current turn of Delfarious searching the stone door, 21 turns (three and a half hours) have passed. It's almost time to refill the lantern, and the time upstairs is around 9:30 am.

DragonDweller62

Sep 25, 2024 5:32 am

Sep 25, 2024 5:32 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious holds his lantern up to the doorway, but the light only reaches just inside the door before being eaten by shadows.

OOC:

In gameplay terms, the lantern only illuminates the first 5' of the hallway, leaving the rest dark. If you stick the lantern in further, it will still only have a 5' radius.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 25, 2024 5:52 am

Sep 25, 2024 5:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Closer? The red 'P' is the party.

[ +- ] Adjusted Map

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 25, 2024 5:55 am

Sep 25, 2024 5:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Magical darkess!" Delfarious hisses. "See the gloom, how it crowds the light! How it seeks to smother it!"

Turning to his companions, he raises an eyebrow as he holds the lantern aloft... clearly expecting one of them to enter this spooky space...

DragonDweller62

Sep 25, 2024 2:53 pm

Sep 25, 2024 2:53 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan stirs then, but not to take Delfarious's invitation. "Hark," she commands, pointing her sword at the south end of the hallway, "something approaches." As she points, a dark shape creeps out of the shadows.

OOC:

@kwll feel free to introduce yourself now.

Sep 25, 2024 3:54 pm

Sep 25, 2024 3:54 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The dwarf stands at the ready, unaware that this dark shape is controlled by a benevolent figure in a other universe, something akin to a god.

Sep 25, 2024 8:58 pm

Sep 25, 2024 8:58 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene readies an arrow and aims at the darkness.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 26, 2024 2:34 am

Sep 26, 2024 2:34 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Show yourself! Who goes there!?" Delfarious says, turning from the secret passage to shine his lantern to the south.

"Ready with that arrow!" he whispers as he tries to make out the shape...

Sep 26, 2024 8:21 am

Sep 26, 2024 8:21 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Her bow and arrow pointing forward, Fenna moves into the area lit by the party's light source, trembling. "Who... Who are you? You are not one of these creatures?" she says. Then she falls on her knees and pleads: "Food! I need food! I have not eaten in days, please!"

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 26, 2024 1:14 pm

Sep 26, 2024 1:14 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Hold, Darlene, hold!" Delfarious says, putting up his hand to keep the woman from accidentally letting fly.

"You! Girl! Put up your bow! Tell us your name and your purpose here!"

OOC:

Love the intro! Can you give us just a little on her description, kwll? How old she is, her condition, what she’s wearing, etc.?

Sep 26, 2024 5:23 pm

Sep 26, 2024 5:23 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene lowers her bow but keeps the arrow nocked, watching the newcomer carefully.

Sep 27, 2024 5:16 am

Sep 27, 2024 5:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"First she wants food. Next she'll want a share of the treasure. Show her the door and let's move on," grumbles Kraagor showing no sympathy towards the stranger.

OOC:

Not actually going to push you away. Kraagor just complains a lot.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 27, 2024 6:02 am

Sep 27, 2024 6:02 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Wait, Kraagor!" Delfarious says to the dwarf. Taking note of all the bodies on the ground, he adds, "Think! She may be of use to us..."

Sep 27, 2024 6:15 am

Sep 27, 2024 6:15 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"It's your job to think, sorcerer," he spits out. "It's mine to crack skulls. If you say she can be of use, then you handle her."

OOC:

Oh, I understand the irony of Kraagor "Rolls Sevens" talking to Slay-farious about knocking skulls.

Sep 27, 2024 8:54 am

Sep 27, 2024 8:54 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The thief drops her weapon on the ground, showing large, brown eyes at the party while the dwarf and the magic user are arguing. She doesn't cry: it seems there is not enough water in her body anymore for tears to form. Her slim green-black cape's hood is down, making her long, dark hair apparent, and even though she is kneeling, people can see the dark leather armor protecting her. Any other weapon is hidden at this point, to the exception of a short sword scabbard.

She waits, not knowing what to expect, while looking intently at Darlene.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 27, 2024 2:21 pm

Sep 27, 2024 2:21 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The armor and the blade are telling, along with the bow. This is no lost waif, no imprisoned and then escaped villager.

"You name, girl," Delfarious repeats imperiously. "And your purpose here!"

Sep 28, 2024 2:38 pm

Sep 28, 2024 2:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene looks at the girl, feeling her heart melt. Finally, she says, "I will not let someone suffer needlessly." She offers the girl some water from her waterskin.

Morgan Ironwolf

DragonDweller62

Sep 29, 2024 3:23 am

Sep 29, 2024 3:23 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Morgan sheathes her sword but keeps and hand on its hilt. She gives Fenna a hard stare while waiting for her to answer Delfarious's questions.

Sep 29, 2024 11:04 am

Sep 29, 2024 11:04 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna makes sure to drink first, her throat feeling so dry that she cannot talk before doing that. "Fenna. My name is Fenna. I went here with some fellow... adventurers, because we heard there were... treasures to be found. They all died, the last one to these horrible blood sucking birds. I was able to escape and hide for a few days, not daring to move." She looks down, looking at the same time ashamed and exhausted.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Sep 29, 2024 11:02 pm

Sep 29, 2024 11:02 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Ah!" Delfarious intones as he comes closer, his moving lantern making their shadows dance. "A dungeon-delver, then! An explorer of the unknown! We too are bold treasure-seekers, and have found these environs deadly, girl. How well do you know these passageways? If we join forces, is there some treasure that was held just out of your reach? That we could... share?"

OOC:

How are we all doing, in spells of resources? The lantern almost needs to be refilled, I'm down one HP and have no spells. Should we fall back, or press on for one good score?

Last edited September 30, 2024 12:37 am

Sep 30, 2024 1:55 am

Sep 30, 2024 1:55 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Darlene is at full health, for whatever 2 hp is worth, and has but one spell, animal friendship.

Sep 30, 2024 8:12 am

Sep 30, 2024 8:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I have nothing to share, sorcerer. What you see is what you get from me, in terms of treasures." Looking at the party in front of her, she adds: "Is it just the four of you?"

OOC:

Given past recent pas events, maybe it's better if we are at full capacity before delving deeper?

Sep 30, 2024 2:11 pm

Sep 30, 2024 2:11 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor looks dumfounded at the prospect of leaving before finding treasure! "There must be something here, or else why would those corpses have been stacked so high! I say we press on."

OOC:

9HP, biznitch!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 1, 2024 5:16 am

Oct 1, 2024 5:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The illusionist speaks not of the dead, but nods towards the dwarf as he answers the newcomer.

"I am not asking that you share what’s in your pockets or pack, girl, but your knowledge of where we might find the treasure Kraagor so craves. Did your group explore some passage or hall where riches were visible, but had to be left?"

Oct 1, 2024 8:08 am

Oct 1, 2024 8:08 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I have little knowledge of the caves around. I was mostly in the dark the whole time..." answers Fenna, still a little ashamed, her cheeks becoming slightly more red.

Oct 1, 2024 3:50 pm

Oct 1, 2024 3:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Oh hush, Delfarious, you're frightening her! I'm sure that we'll find something for our efforts... and losses," she adds sadly.

DragonDweller62

Oct 1, 2024 10:43 pm

Oct 1, 2024 10:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

You should be able to see this on the map but, as a reminder, there are three exits from this hallway. You can go north into uncharted dungeon, back south into the main hall, or east into the magically-darkened secret hall. Turn 22 will begin when the party starts moving again or takes a mechanical action (not RP).

Oct 1, 2024 10:55 pm

Oct 1, 2024 10:55 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"It would seem we're of two minds. Let us take a vote. And as I'm twice the man as any of you, I vote twice. Two times deeper in, let us find our gold."

Oct 2, 2024 8:10 am

Oct 2, 2024 8:10 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Still unsure of the posture to adopt, Fenna doesn't say a thing. She collects her bow, and makes herself ready to move though.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 6, 2024 5:43 pm

Oct 6, 2024 5:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Gauging the girl with a look, Delfarious knows she is no lost tavern wench or farmer's daughter. She is clad in leather armor, and wields her bow as though she knows well how to use it.

"Forward then!" the bald man says with a raised, insistent finger. Then, to the surly dwarf, he adds, "Can your kind smell gold, Kraagor? Is there truth in that? Do we press on down this hall, or slip in and explore this magical darkness?!"

[ +- ] Hoping this is about right for a map...

Oct 6, 2024 7:28 pm

Oct 6, 2024 7:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Aye, and the smell of food is strong here. The darkness through this door is likely to hide the most valuable."

Oct 6, 2024 8:28 pm

Oct 6, 2024 8:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene looks fitfully at the magical darkness. "We should rope ourselves together, so as not to lose anyone. Does anyone have any rope?"

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 6, 2024 8:42 pm

Oct 6, 2024 8:42 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Two questions for our GM: First, does 'Adventuring Equipment' include rope? Second, have we looted the bodies of our fallen for coins, gear, armor and weapons? Because if not... I suspect -that- is happening.

Overall, sounds like we're for the secret passage!

DragonDweller62

Oct 7, 2024 2:05 am

Oct 7, 2024 2:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

1. Rope is adventuring gear for the purpose of encumbrance, but it's also an individual item. 2. Kraagor took the money off the corpses, but I kept the actual gear in vague terms. I'll print the full inventories below and you can pick and choose:

[ +- ] Father Petronius Inventory

[ +- ] Ezra Inventory

@kwll it looks like you deleted Farem since I can't see his sheet. Do you remember what was in his inventory? I remember there was no money.

I believe Kraagor pocketed all the money but gave the thieves' tools to Delfarious, but you can all decide how to split the stuff up. I don't think anyone had a will (which would still only be legally binding if you got caught). In any case, the secret passage post is coming soon!

Oct 7, 2024 7:57 am

Oct 7, 2024 7:57 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Here is the inventory of Farem. I removed it to be able to apply Fenna, since one can only have 2 characters in the game I think?

# Armor (500 cn)
- Chainmail (400 cn)
- Shield (100 cn)

# Weapons (90 cn)
- Sword (60 cn)
- Shortbow & 17 arrows (30 cn)

# Backpack (80/400 cn)
- Lantern
- Oil flask
- Tinder box
- 8 Rations (standard)

Oct 7, 2024 2:59 pm

Oct 7, 2024 2:59 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Kraagor would have taken the money, lantern, oil, and tinderbox. He would have left the arms and armor, though may be considering bringing it back to the Keep.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 8, 2024 3:31 am

Oct 8, 2024 3:31 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"We will salvage what we can from our decease fellows later," Del says as he pulls the rope from Ezra's pack. Glancing at Darlene, he adds, "Tying ourselves together is a sound strategy. Something was hidden down this passage. Something valuable enough for them to have hidden the door. Traps may lie beyond!"

Saying that, he offers the end of the rope to Kraagor, who clearly will go first.

OOC:

For marching order I recommend Kraagor, Darlene, Fenna, Delfarious.

Oct 8, 2024 5:49 am

Oct 8, 2024 5:49 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Stand back, I'll take the lead. There is no darkness to dark for a dwarf. Except that dark..." Kraagor stares into the middle distance for a moment or two, clearly thinking back on some memory. Eventually, he shakes his head and marches forward, warpick in hand.

Oct 8, 2024 9:44 am

Oct 8, 2024 9:44 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna does as instructed, not sure yet how to relate with the dwarf and magic user. She is happy to stay close to Darlene though.

DragonDweller62

Oct 8, 2024 2:28 pm

Oct 8, 2024 2:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"I will take the rear," Morgan says. "A tight squeeze like that will leave us open to attack from both sides." In no time the party tie themselves together and set off down the secret passage.

OOC:

As promised, beginning Turn 22 with a wandering encounter roll. Before reading on, please decide how much slack to leave between each PC. The party has potentially 100' of rope if they use both Kraagor's and Ezra's. I will assume 5' each unless someone corrects me.

The darkness swallows the party as they enter; Delfarious's lantern gutters (drops to a 5' radius) and even Kraagor's dwarven senses completely fail him. He finds himself relying on the lantern to see anything. The roof of the hall is arched, and frescoes wrap around the walls and ceiling. The images begin with pyramids amid a desert, then a sandstorm, then a hall where animal-headed figures march.

DragonDweller62 sent a note to Harrigan

Rolls

Turn 22 Wandering Encounter - (1d6, 1d10)

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 9, 2024 3:12 am

Oct 9, 2024 3:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Couple of things — before we went into the passage, Delfarious added half a pint of oil to the lantern, adding 12 turns of use, making for 14 remaining. With as dark as it is in there, he’d recommend that someone else carry the other one — from one of the PC corpses. If people have torches, we might all want a light source. (Since we are not all bunched up.)

Regarding the rope, a 5’ gap between each of us sounds about right, but that’s also a reason to carry at least one more light source.

Question: for mapping purposes, how far due east to we get in this tunnel?

The group moves carefully, quietly into the cramped space. Even Kraagor quiets to a degree, as the strangely muted light puts all of them on edge. Foward they creep, through the frescoed tunnel, but then Delfarious has a vision! Or is it?! Is the figure real?!

"Stop!" he hisses suddenly and urgently. "Stop! Do you see it?! Kraagor, do you see it, right in front of you! The shrouded figure in black… telling you to halt!"

Last edited October 9, 2024 3:12 am

DragonDweller62

Oct 9, 2024 4:12 am

Oct 9, 2024 4:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Noted about the lantern. Anyone can use their light or make other preparations as well. Don't worry about breaking up the scene if it means having a fair chance to prepare.

At the present you have traveled 60' due east. Note that the party movement speed went up to 90' (30') since its slower members died or left. Moving 30' more will end Turn 22 and begin Turn 23.

Oct 9, 2024 4:17 am

Oct 9, 2024 4:17 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Of course I can see it," snaps Kraagor, lying. "But you have a way with words, sorcerer. I would defer to you in this matter."

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 9, 2024 4:43 am

Oct 9, 2024 4:43 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Looking past the others, Delfarious narrows his eyes in that preternatural gloom and speaks directly to the apparition. "Guardian! Do you seek to guide our safe passage here, or do you jealously guard some moldering treasure that lies beyond?! Speak, dark spirit! Give voice to your spectral warning so that of doubt regarding your intent — there is none!"

OOC:

Suggest we ID exactly who has a light source before we go too far with this…

Also, I love playing this bozo.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 9, 2024 5:00 am

Oct 9, 2024 5:00 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Potentially silly question: does this ruin / dungeon have a name that we've learned?

Oct 9, 2024 12:16 pm

Oct 9, 2024 12:16 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna brings out a torch and lights it. She looks at Delfarious and Kraagor with concerned eyes when they mention an apparition. She unsheathes her sword by precaution.

Oct 9, 2024 3:38 pm

Oct 9, 2024 3:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene draws an arrow and fits it into her bow, keeping the string loose, but ready for action should the need arise. She looks anxiously for the apparition.

DragonDweller62

Oct 9, 2024 10:49 pm

Oct 9, 2024 10:49 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

So it looks like Delfarious and Fenna are holding light, while Kraagor and Darlene are readying their two-handed weapons.

The party can't see anything in the darkness beyond Fenna's torch, making it impossible to tell if Delfarious is speaking to a real entity or just empty air.

[ +- ] What Delfarious Sees

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 12, 2024 5:14 am

Oct 12, 2024 5:14 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Delfarious scowls deeper when the figure he's beginning to suspect only he can see speaks to him. Suddenly, he's shuffling and squeezing past the others in the narrow tunnel, his girth making the effort a difficult one.

"Can you?!" he says to Kraagor as he slides past the dwarf, drawing a throwing knife as he goes. "Can you see the thing that tries to lure me to some horrific death?!"

And then, saying that, the illusionist hurls the blade at the apparition!

DragonDweller62

Oct 12, 2024 11:08 pm

Oct 12, 2024 11:08 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Rolling an attack for Delfarious.

The knife disappears into the darkness, seeming to do no harm. At that moment, however, the spirit looms out of the darkness. Suddenly visible to everyone, it throws its hood back to reveal glistening white fangs set in the head of a fearsome black-furred creature, something between a jackal, a fox, and a greyhound. Its eyes glow the color of fresh blood.

"Fools, all of you!" it booms in its thunderous basso. "Try as you might, there is no fighting Death! You are not ready for what lies beyond! Soon I will come for you all, and I will not be so merciful!" With that, the being billows its black cloak and becomes one with the darkness. The party is once again alone in the hall.

Rolls

Delfarious knife throw - (1d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 13, 2024 5:18 pm

Oct 13, 2024 5:18 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Pee trickles down Delfarious's leg, thankfully beneath his rich purple robes. Hopefully the others will not see! But his face is also white with fear and his words fail him for long seconds.

"T-there! You s-saw that then?!"

Oct 14, 2024 7:46 am

Oct 14, 2024 7:46 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna shivers at the sight of the menacing figure. "I saw it alright!" she answers, trying to shake off some terrible memories.

Oct 15, 2024 1:42 am

Oct 15, 2024 1:42 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Nicely done, turning it against all of us. I thought you had a way with words, sorcerer." He practically spits out that last word.

"Now, let us delve forward and escape with our riches before it comes back." With that, Kraagor pushes forward!

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 15, 2024 4:52 am

Oct 15, 2024 4:52 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Cowed by the phantasm, Delfarious says nothing to Kraagor or Fenna, but just resumes his place in the single-file marching order following behind the others.

Oct 15, 2024 3:28 pm

Oct 15, 2024 3:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene chooses not to respond. In truth, she was as frightened as the rest of them, but she refused to let it show. Her face remains stoic.

DragonDweller62

Oct 15, 2024 10:39 pm

Oct 15, 2024 10:39 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Shaken but alive, the party continues east through the secret tunnel.

OOC:

Rolling for Turn 23.

After another 60' (making the tunnel 120' total), the shadow suddenly ends as if a thick black curtain had just been lifted. The party finds itself in a wide, shadowy chapel bathed in dim green light. The walls are draped from ceiling to floor in heavy black curtains, and in the center of the room are eight black marble pews in two rows. The pews are each 40' wide, and some hold motionless figures in black robes that are sitting or praying.

The green light is coming from four large incense burners, one in each corner of the room, each trailing a thick, sweet smoke. In fact, the smoke is a little too sweet. . . . The party starts feeling sleepy. . . .

OOC:

Everyone make a save against poison. Rolling for Delfarious:

Rolls

Turn 23 Wandering Encounter

Delfarious save vs. poison - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Oct 17, 2024 4:05 pm

Oct 17, 2024 4:05 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor quickly takes a gulp of air, hoping to avoid sucking in any more of the toxic fumes

Rolls

Save vs Poison (DC8) - (d20)

(19) = 19

Oct 17, 2024 4:11 pm

Oct 17, 2024 4:11 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Darlene begins to backpedal out of the room.

Rolls

Save vs. poison (11+) - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Oct 18, 2024 8:05 am

Oct 18, 2024 8:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna moves back as well, trying to inhale as little as possible of the poisonous atmosphere.

Rolls

Poison saving throw (vs 13) - (1d20)

(20) = 20

DragonDweller62

Oct 19, 2024 3:12 am

Oct 19, 2024 3:12 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The PCs who avoided the toxic fumes watch as Delfarious turns a concerning shade of white and collapses thunderously to the floor. Thankfully he's still breathing, but any attempts to wake him up will be in vain. He looks for all the world as if he's caught in a pleasant dream.

Oct 19, 2024 11:43 pm

Oct 19, 2024 11:43 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Kraagor leaps forward to try pulling out the sorcerer's bulk.

OOC:

Adding some rolls in case.

Rolls

Str (12), Save (9) - (d20, d20)

d20 : (8) = 8

d20 : (9) = 9

Oct 21, 2024 9:25 am

Oct 21, 2024 9:25 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna scrambles to help the dwarf bring Delafarious to (relative) safety.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Oct 23, 2024 5:17 am

Oct 23, 2024 5:17 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Zzzzzzz!

OOC:

Back! Hoping Delfarious retrieved his thrown dagger a few moments ago, and that this map is correct-ish...

[ +- ] Current Map

DragonDweller62

Oct 25, 2024 6:09 am

Oct 25, 2024 6:09 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Ok, Delfarious retrieved his dagger. That map is right, but I deliberately withheld the measurements of the chapel since the party didn't get a chance to explore it fully yet. And now that Delfarious is magically asleep, someone else will have to continue his map for the time being.

The combined efforts of Kraagor and Fenna are enough to secure Delfarious's dead weight and get his limp form to a safe position. The rest of the party is safely out of the room (Kraagor is at the threshold), but they will have to brave more of the fumes if they hope to explore the green chapel.

Oct 25, 2024 9:11 am

Oct 25, 2024 9:11 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna takes a piece of cloth and binds it tightly to her nose and mouth. "Let me explore a bit. If I am not back in 5 minutes, something will probably have happened to me." she says, before holding her breath and plunging into the fumes to explore a bit.

Oct 26, 2024 5:16 am

Oct 26, 2024 5:16 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Be swift about you. If you die in there, you're on your own."

DragonDweller62

Oct 28, 2024 10:38 pm

Oct 28, 2024 10:38 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

With a binding over her mouth, Fenna makes the save against poison with a +2 bonus. Rolling random encounter for Turn 24.

Fenna finds that the room is 160' on each side, with 40' wide passageways in the north and south walls. There are five figures sitting at the pews: three in the front row, one behind them, and one in the back row. The figures are statue-still, and nothing disturbs the room except Fenna and the lazily wafting smoke from the braziers.

OOC:

If Fenna succeeds the poison save, she can keep exploring freely.

Rolls

Turn 24: Wandering Encounter

Oct 30, 2024 4:44 pm

Oct 30, 2024 4:44 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

Fenna attempts to keep from breathing the deadly vapors...

Rolls

Poison saving throw (vs 13) - (1d20+2)

(9) + 2 = 11

DragonDweller62

Nov 2, 2024 7:19 am

Nov 2, 2024 7:19 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

The party watches Fenna case the room, then keel over and fall asleep in the center aisle of the pews. Like Delfarious, she is alive and breathing but seemingly impossible to wake.

OOC:

Fenna can't relay what she saw, but anyone who explores themselves will find the same scene.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Nov 2, 2024 2:12 pm

Nov 2, 2024 2:12 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Damn! What now?" Darlene asks in frustration.

Nov 2, 2024 2:25 pm

Nov 2, 2024 2:25 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Bah, I'll get her out. But I get both shares of whatever treasure we find."

Kraagor takes one of the sacks from his belt, soaks it with his water skin, and ties it around the lower half of his face; 'tis what dwarves do in dangerous mines. He steps into the chamber to retrieve the thief.

Rolls

Poison Save (DC 8) - (d20)

(5) = 5

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 2, 2024 5:27 pm

Nov 2, 2024 5:27 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

What's up now, Darlene? :)

Nov 2, 2024 11:50 pm

Nov 2, 2024 11:50 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Just riffing off of Fenna going sleepytime. That's all.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 3, 2024 1:35 am

Nov 3, 2024 1:35 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Oh, I know. I’m just saying it’s down to you! (And Morgan)

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 9, 2024 4:28 am

Nov 9, 2024 4:28 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Down to Morgan then? Or has this story run its course?

Morgan Ironwolf

DragonDweller62

Nov 13, 2024 6:01 am

Nov 13, 2024 6:01 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

This is a good place for Turn 25. Rolling encounter below.

Morgan blinks as Kraagor thuds to the ground, out cold. She looks to Darlene. "Well, seems it's down to you and me. I'd charge in heroically, but maybe you have a better plan?" At the same time, Delfarious begins to stir. It seems the fresh air of the hallway is doing him some good, but Kraagor and Fenna are out of luck.

OOC:

Delfarious is now awake and active again. Sadly, Fenna and Kraagor will remain stuck unless someone saves them.

Rolls

Turn 25 Wandering Encounter

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 13, 2024 7:13 am

Nov 13, 2024 7:13 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Wait!" Delfarious says from the ground, where he lies utterly still.

Lifting a finger -- but only a finger -- he goes on. "Ladies! Take precautions! The room is dangerous! Who has rope?! We should tie the rope to anyone going in... so that we may pull them back out again!"

OOC:

Del has the adventurer's pack. I don't recall if that contains rope!

Nov 13, 2024 2:28 pm

Nov 13, 2024 2:28 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Dangerous?! It's downright diabolical! It doesn't kill you, but it disables you and leaves you there as prey to whatever happens along. Hmmm, this will require some thought. I doubt that, even if we have rope, we can resist the vapors' effects for long enough to retrieve either of them, which would only leave more of us disabled. No, there has to be another solution." She paces as she ponders.

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 14, 2024 4:21 am

Nov 14, 2024 4:21 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Morgan!" Delfarious exclaims as Darlene fusses about another approach. "Do you know how to tie a lasso and throw it?! Or have you -- a grappling hook!? You could fish for our friends, and pull them to safety with your prodigious muscles!"

OOC:

To be clear, the first idea is to tie the home to someone who rushes in to grab and extract one of our friends. And if they collapse, we outside the room with the other end of the room just pull them clear.

Question: is this a gas or some kind of enchantment, can we tell?

DragonDweller62

Nov 17, 2024 4:13 am

Nov 17, 2024 4:13 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

I recall that Ezra had some rope but I think Kraagor took it. In any case, Morgan has plenty of rope (50') and she's happy to give you some.

If I haven't mentioned it before, the poison is a gas that's coming from the four braziers in the corners of the chapel. The way they smoke makes it clear that this is some kind of poisonous incense.

Nov 18, 2024 1:05 am

Nov 18, 2024 1:05 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Does anyone have any iron spikes? If we could plug those holes, then the gas might clear from the room."

Last edited November 18, 2024 1:05 am

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 18, 2024 5:22 am

Nov 18, 2024 5:22 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"If the effect is from the incense," Delfarious says from the floor where he lies musing, still, "One should be able to cover one's mouth and nose with a protective scarf! And in holding one's breath, rapidly retrieve the others! And indeed, one could even douse or disable the braziers! Darlene, this is your calling, your moment! You are the one! Tie the rope 'round your waist so Morgan may pull you to safety should something untoward befall you!"

Nov 18, 2024 8:31 pm

Nov 18, 2024 8:31 pm

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

"Me? What makes you think that I can hold my breath that long?" Darlene begins to protest but realizes the futility of it. With a sigh, she ties the rope about her waist and ties a cloth over her nose and mouth. She checks the knot on the rope and takes a few deep breaths before sucking in and holding it. She makes her first focus extinguishing the braziers, using water from an excess waterskin (one of the ones that were formerly owned by those who have left us). She stays within the smoke only as long as her breath lasts before emerging and letting her head clear.

Last edited November 18, 2024 8:32 pm

Rolls

Save vs. poison (11+) - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Delfarious the Prestidigitator

Nov 19, 2024 3:19 am

Nov 19, 2024 3:19 am

Ch. 1 - The Keep on the Borderlands

OOC:

Nice! And hopefully that prep and approach might have nullified the need for a Save, or helped with it!

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