[RP] Averancia: Hero's Call

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Oct 3, 2024 1:00 am
Shadowknight says:
OOC:
Regretfully, there are no more enemies in this encounter. (It was supposed to be 2d4 and I rolled 3.) That does not mean that there's not anything else you can't learn from the location or from other matters at hand.
OOC:
A cool encounter. Seemed fitting for a first run as a Party. I suspect our good fortune that there weren't 8 of them.

I threw out a quick entry and passing action for Aundovald to check for clues or gain any insights on the bigger picture from the site. If that generates anything, a great bonus. But I didn't think he would be far-sighted or thorough enough to conduct a deep-dive investigation - at least not without suggestion by others that there was more to be done.

And he looks forward to Market Town now since he has seen it close in the distance.
Last edited October 3, 2024 1:01 am
Oct 3, 2024 1:53 am
Lash says:
Clear of danger, Aundovald takes in the moment of the scene from the high vantage point. This land was still a beautiful place. More importantly, it was his home, so he loved it.

Aundovald made a quick check for valuables carried on the dead fellow. Good riddance to this defeated highwayman. Got what he deserved - turning on his folk like this. Aundovald wonders where the man was from, what his name was, and how he decided to take on a villain's life. How many travelers had this gang thrashed here on the road?

Aundovald makes one more quick search for clues, and then climbs back to the saddle.

After a slow trot back to the carriage, he reunites with the others and listens to any accounts of what had happened elsewhere.
OOC:
I missed this post. I think I was writing a post at the time you were posting.
On the assailant you find:
- fine quality black leather armor (one step lower than masterwork quality).
- a long steel dagger with a leather wrapped pommel that has been cared for meticulously
- a signal whistle made of silver metal
- a short bow
- a quiver with 10 arrows
- a hood and scarf of black fabric
- a coin pouch with 12 silver pieces
- a rolled up piece of parchment. At one point the parchment was sealed with wax (no particular seal design), but the seal has been broken.
- a small satchel containing 2 dry rations
- a wineskin half filled with water

To Whom It May Concern,

Let it be known that the individual bearing this letter is hereby granted authorization to act in the interest of the Duchy's future stability. A substantial reward of 5,000 silver coins is promised for the capture or demise of the one known as the Chamberlain. Said individual must be delivered to a place of our choosing, or proof of death must be provided to receive the reward.

The target travels under the banner of a gryphon rampant, his carriage easily recognized by this coat of arms. The method of interception is left to the discretion of the bearer, provided that the act is swift and conducted away from the prying eyes of the public. Silence and secrecy are imperative.

This commission is granted under the understanding that should the bearer be discovered, they shall not reveal the origins of this letter nor the hand that writes it. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of any reward and an immediate retraction of favor.

Proceed with caution, for many eyes watch these troubled roads.

By Authority of Those Supporting the True Heir of the Duchy


Across one of the corners of the parchment is another word scrawled in a different hand. It reads: "Bitterturn M."
Oct 3, 2024 2:15 am
Rafn kept his composure, hunkered in the tall grass until Ængus arrives. When he was sure it was safe he approached Silver and grabbed him by the hackles. The wolf had busily devoured the eyes of his kill and flashed an evil grin to both Rafn and Ængus as if to say "if you could you would."

Rafn directs Ængus' attention to the corpse he had killed. "Do me a favor and search that guy, I will take care of this guy, Silver made a mess of him." And so he busily got to work searching the bandit.
Last edited October 3, 2024 2:16 am
Oct 3, 2024 2:42 am
Jomsviking says:
Rafn kept his composure, hunkered in the tall grass until Ængus arrives. When he was sure it was safe he approached Silver and grabbed him by the hackles. The wolf had busily devoured the eyes of his kill and flashed an evil grin to both Rafn and Ængus as if to say "if you could you would."

Rafn directs Ængus' attention to the corpse he had killed. "Do me a favor and search that guy, I will take care of this guy, Silver made a mess of him." And so he busily got to work searching the bandit.
On the two assailants, you find
.... everything that was on the other assailant, except for the following:
neither of these two had a rolled up parchment.
- coin purse with 8 silver pieces
- coin purse with 10 silver pieces
- one of them had a satchel with only 1 dry ration
- one of them had an empty wineskin

Also it should be noted that one of the fine quality suits of black leather armor is thoroughly bloodied and lightly damaged and will need a quality cleaning by a tanner or leatherworker before it can be serviceable.
Oct 3, 2024 2:59 am
Lash says:


After a slow trot back to the carriage, he reunites with the others and listens to any accounts of what had happened elsewhere.
When Aundovald returns to the carriage, he finds Lord Amberstead and the driver discussing something rather animatedly. The driver looks over as he approaches. "What news? Are there thieves or brigands ahead?" He gestures towards Lord Amberstead. "I've been trying to get this fool back into the carriage for safety."

Amberstead shakes his head. "I am certain that if there was some other threat here, we would sense it.... Or someone would at any rate." He turns towards Wilfrid. "That reminds me, Master Aelwynd. I have something for you, once we arrive in Market Town."
Oct 3, 2024 6:16 am
OOC:
The first bullet from a sling would be a bloodless kill.
If I was standing behind a man armed with a sling ~70ft or closer, I would aim for the nape of his neck. The craniocervical junction. Just between his occipital bone, and the C1 vertebrae. The force of impact will shear through the bone, but leave the skin intact.

I wouldn't even throw hard at this point. I would whip from the backswing and step into it. Pointing with my index finger. I would then extend my fingers into a knife hand and continue to release the outer thong of the sling. I could do that all day every day, it is an easy shot.
Rafn when he sees how much of a bloody mess Silver had made just laughs, completely unphased. When he saw the blood he began to look around for plants with high tannin content. Taking the quiver, bow, and blade and stacking them next to the body. He looked at the coinpurse, it stank, but the other primals so worshipped it he took it.

Before committing to stripping the corpse of the leather he looked around for any plants which had tannic acid.
[ +- ] Friends of Birds and beasts

Rolls

Class Ability Throw - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Oct 3, 2024 2:47 pm
OOC:
I'm not exactly certain what you're aiming for here, Rafn. So Let's just say you find whatever it is you're looking for.
Oct 3, 2024 9:35 pm
OOC:
Expansion from previous entry: Aundovald on the south ridge...
Aundovald is impressed by the knife. Fine equipment. He takes it, along with its sheath.

He also claims the coins in their pouch and the whistle.

Scanning the page again, the young armiger looks for words that he can recognize. Frustrated, he rolls the parchment and inserts it back into his pocket.

Upon return to the carriage, he hands the letter to Master Aelwynd. "I found this, carried by a brigand that I felled there on the ridge. I wish to know what it says. Will you read it aloud, Master Aelwynd?"
Last edited October 3, 2024 9:47 pm
Oct 4, 2024 3:04 am
Shadowknight says:
OOC:
I'm not exactly certain what you're aiming for here, Rafn. So Let's just say you find whatever it is you're looking for.
A large cluster of yarrow bush was readily available, Rafn knowing he could boil and retan the leather also takes the soiled leathers. After pulling enough yarrow to do as intended he gathers the loot and carries it back to the wagon.
Oct 4, 2024 4:43 am
OOC:
Quote:
On the two assailants, you find
.... everything that was on the other assailant, except for the following:
neither of these two had a rolled up parchment.
This isn't clear to me. Do you mean that each of bandits had a copy of the parchment, so we now have two of the parchments?
Wilfrid eyes Rafin and the bloody leather he hauls back to the carriage. Wilfrid observes "All that old blood and damage couldn't have happened in the present engagement. I'm sure these brigands have taken their armament from some poor souls."
OOC:
Does Wilfrid recognize the armor as typical of any group or popular leather smith in the region?
As the parchment is read aloud by the Chamberlin (or maybe passed to Wilfrid and he reads it to the group), Wilfrid's mind is abuzz with questions.

"It is paramount that we identify whom is behind the commission of these bounties! The corpses here have few words to say." He takes the whistle from Aundovald and holds it out in front of himself in finger and thumb. "Perhaps tho, they may have friends close by. If we are lucky, they haven't been alerted yet." Wilfrid quickly explains that it's possible the whistle was simply to signal the single compatriot across the chasm, but it is also possible that additional bandits lay in wait further down the road, and that the whistle was to be a signal to draw them in. He suggests a ruse to draw them in, if they do exist.

Rolls

d20 incase observing the leather needs it - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Oct 4, 2024 5:26 am
Constablebrew says:
OOC:
Quote:
On the two assailants, you find
.... everything that was on the other assailant, except for the following:
neither of these two had a rolled up parchment.
This isn't clear to me. Do you mean that each of bandits had a copy of the parchment, so we now have two of the parchments?
OOC:
Between the three of them, there was only one rolled up parchment. The one that Aundovald asked you to read.
Constablebrew says:
OOC:
Does Wilfrid recognize the armor as typical of any group or popular leather smith in the region?
Wilfrid examines the workmanship of the leather armor. It is very neat stitching with black leather piping in a scrolling design, though this wouldn't be apparent from a distance. He can tell, though, that the leather armor is black enough that anyone wearing it could more easily hide in shadows as the leather seems to have been treated with an oil or some other treatment that prevents light from reflecting off of it. The scrolling design may be a signature of a particular leatherworker or may just be a typical design used in armor. If it is a signature design, Wilfrid is not aware of the manufacturer.

It should also be apparent to everyone that the fine quality leather armor is sturdier and more practical than hide armor for defensive purposes.
Oct 4, 2024 5:37 am
Lord Amberstead grimaces as the letter is read loud, agreeing with Wilfrid's conclusions. "It is most likely one of the noble houses, though which one? I do not recognize this penmanship, and of course no seal or heraldic symbol is present."

He suggests that Wilfrid hold onto the letter as his scribe's eye may catch some detail that the rest of them would miss.
Oct 4, 2024 6:39 am
"Well the bastards sure want to kill this good lord." Rafn said and hung the leathers off the back of the wagon. "These poor sods are in uniform, well were. Now they are taking a dirtnap. Ængus has a better quality suit but I can mend these leathers, I am keeping this recurve. Take this dagger, it is quality and you need a means to defend yourself." Pulling the blade free from the harness he thrust it into Wilfrid's hand nimbly, he pressed it into Wilfrid's grip. "I am also taking the quiver." Rafn could not abide a lack of transparency.

"All that is possible is within Him..." He trailed off midsentence.

Rafn kitted himself out and even tacked on another fur. A belt and harness, securing a wolverine's pelt to his chest by the swordbelt which was too big for his waist. This Wolverine wore a rich golden strip, flecked with blue flecks along the length. It was bedazzling, truly a rare specimen enormous as well compared to the average mustelid. He pat the fur as he roused from his trancelike state. Where he stared at the sun for exactly one second. Turning his eyes back to meet Wilfrid's.

Silver looked at his entranced master, tucking an ear back, tilting his head. He sniffed at Rafn curiously.

Rafn stared at the sun for exactly one second. His pupils contracted to pinholes. He turned back to Wilfrid looking him in the eye. The boy too shared the mutation, as did Silver who stood at his heel. All enormous specimens with blue hair. Mutated perfectly. Rafn didn't blink often so his all too jaded eyes met Wilfrid's. Rafn saw the burning intelligence in Wilfrid and had so many questions. Still looking into Rafn's mutant eyes, with the heterochomia forming bands of silver, emerald, and copper, with flecks of blue and red throughout. Up close it was clear how far from baseline the teenaged beastlord was.

While Audnovald requested Wilfrid's attention. Rafn turned it to his wolf.

The way the Wolf worshipped the ground he walked on. Constantly sniffing and licking Rafn in tribute. Something in his sweat. Even now, Silver licked almost obsessively at Rafn's thighs. Silver was painting his bloody jowls all over Rafn who didn't seem to notice. Silver made a rather pathetic yawp. Rafn then picked him up overhead and gave him praise in a rather silly voice. "Who is a good little wolf for eating the bad man's face? You! Oh how'd you get so small!??!" Rafn's shoulders carried the now helpless wolf fairly well. He was only swaying slightly from exertion. Silver curled his tail between his legs for a moment but decided he was comfortable and safe. Slowly it curled back into a full curl. The wolf relaxed completely its muzzle drooping between Rafn's thumbs. When Rafn set the wolf down it yawned and made a quiet squeak, a surprisingly high pitched and tiny sound considering Silver's size. Silver would not lay, but he sat down, clearly smiling.
Oct 4, 2024 6:34 pm
After hearing the words of the parchment scroll, Aundovald asks, "Who would claim to be this "true heir of the Duchy" as the letter states?"

Now, pointing to the scrawled letters written on the margin corner, he asks directly to Master Aelwynd, "What does this writing say?"

After hearing the answer, he repeats it and continues the questioning. " "Bitterturn M." What does this mean?"

He expands the question to Amberstead as well. "Lord Chamberlain, do you know of a "Bitternturn M."? Could it be a place? A man's name or monniker?"

Thinking over the content of the letter even more, Aundovald begins to develop an understanding - or at least a speculation. He looks back at the carriage. The Chamberlain's identifying coat of arms is emblazoned on the side of the vehicle. The flags and markings of royalty appear flagrantly obvious now, like targets.

Aundovald speaks out assertively, loud enough for the Chamberlain to hear while still keeping his eyes forward, studying the carriage and the road ahead. "Lord Chamberlain, I would make a suggestion that you should take seriously...."

-----------
OOC:
Aundovald shares his belief that the Chamberlain, and even the party, is in danger if the Chamberlain continues to reveal himself openly. There is a bounty on his head. His carriage and travel method have been clearly identified. Aundovald expects the attacks to continue and perhaps even intensify in Market Town, since these bandits clearly were nearby to the town. It holds to reason that they got the invitation of mutiny and murder there, and likely others received the same or at least know about the ransom.

Aundovald suggests that the Chamberlain take on a disguise, donning everyday clothing and covering his face as much as possible. Aundovald also suggests hiding the carriage somewhere in the woods or a gully and riding the rest of the way on the horses, perhaps at least to a nearby farm where they might be able to get some information on the town or even purchase another mundane cart if needed.

Aundovald wants to hear what Lord Chamberlain Amberstead thinks about continuing to Market Town. Does he have allies there, loyalists and troops whom he can truly trust and take sanction with? Or should he instead return to his place of safety in Red Stone, now that he knows the clear and present danger?

The information on the letter seems to change the parameters of the venture. How should the party respond? Aundovald knows that it would be a bad look for the newly commissioned retainers if their employer, and the current leader of the region, was slain while under their care. Aundovald prefers delivering Amberstead to the quickest place of safety, then separating from him to move onward to their own mission in the north, though he may not say that so bluntly to sound callous.
Last edited October 4, 2024 6:58 pm
Oct 4, 2024 6:54 pm
Lord Amberstead listens to Aundovald carefully.

"I appreciate your concern. But my presence is needed to raise the men at arms for the defense of Blackhill. I will of course take what precautions are necessary, and once I am surrounded by men loyal to me and Duke Frederic, I hope that your fears will be assuaged. As for Bitterturn, the name sounds familiar, but I cannot place it."

He looks over to the driver, then back to the heroes of Averancia. "Do you think it is safe to continue?" He recalls, briefly, Master Aelwynd's warnings of future dangers.
Oct 4, 2024 6:56 pm
OOC:
If he can find a discreet moment that is right for it, Aundovald tries to talk to the carriage driver, candidly and in relative privacy.
After learning the man's name, Aundovald asks, "I saw you speaking with great concern at the Chamberlain before. You seemed animated about something. What do you reckon about these goings-on?"

If the driver seems like he is hedging, withholding, or just hesitant, Aundovald adds a bit of pressure, "I am speaking directly - understand it. Do you know anything that we should consider? If so, tell it to me now - without hesitation or side-stepping, man!"
OOC:
Not trying to overly harass this guy, just hoping to do a quick check to make sure he's not on the take - I don't think so, but want to be sure. And even if he is loyal, hoping to see if he might have a suspicion or a suggestion, something he could reveal. Maybe he knows something being close to the Chamberlain, something he might think to mention but the Chamberlain would not.
Last edited October 4, 2024 6:56 pm
Oct 4, 2024 7:04 pm
The driver, one Jareth Mullen, shrugs helplessly as he finally ascents to the demand. "I was just... trying to make it clear to the Chamberlain how dangerous the roads have become lately. He says he's doing what he can, but it seems like more can be done." He shakes his head ruefully. "And now we have mercenaries after the Chamberlain directly? Things are becoming more dangerous by the day. The bandits and highwaymen were bad enough."
Oct 4, 2024 7:07 pm
OOC:
I don't want to bog the flow with 20-questions over-talking, just hoping for a quick clarification. I suspect Aundovald would know this already, but I think I've lost the ball somewhere about exactly how aligned our paths are with Amberstead's on this trip, and for how far / how long.

Has it been the intent for us to take Amberstead all the way to the front lines at Blackhill, like us serving as armed guards?
Or are we supposed to get him to Market Town, where he is going to raise up a force there while we launch out on our own?

Last edited October 4, 2024 7:09 pm
Oct 4, 2024 7:22 pm
Lash says:
OOC:
I don't want to bog the flow with 20-questions over-talking, just hoping for a quick clarification. I suspect Aundovald would know this already, but I think I've lost the ball somewhere about exactly how aligned our paths are with Amberstead's on this trip, and for how far / how long.

Has it been the intent for us to take Amberstead all the way to the front lines at Blackhill, like us serving as armed guards?
Or are we supposed to get him to Market Town, where he is going to raise up a force there while we launch out on our own?

OOC:

The second option. In Market Town, Amberstead will try to raise up a force, while the other heroes purchase horses and whatever other supplies they might be able to get a hold of. It will probably take a week to raise up a small army, but the heroes will go ahead as the vanguard and to hopefully get a better handle on the situation in Blackhill.
Oct 5, 2024 2:13 am
OOC:
Does anyone else want to examine anything at Oak Hill (the current battle site), or should we proceed to Market Town. It's only a few hours away now. I know that one player is out of town for right now, so unless there are further actions, we'll continue on tomorrow.
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