Voyages of Valerie

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Dec 6, 2024 6:38 pm
OOC:
PC thread HERE
From place to place, from job to job, Valerie travels the kingdoms selling her sword to those who pay well enough. She rarely stops, as stopping lets dark memories and unwanted thoughts creep in, and moving forward is what keeps her going.
Dec 6, 2024 6:55 pm
The caravan is finally nearing it's destination and you look forward to some food from anyone other the the resident "cook", which you are convicted just throws flame and salt at anything and takes the leftovers and adds them to water the next day. The 4 massive wagons are pulled by the hefty Bossin, allowing heavier items to be moved though at a slower pace than the river passage to Paphos.

https://i.imgur.com/i3FpWOa.jpeg

The guards all take turns riding the wagons with the drivers or ranging ahead with partners to scout the trail. Though the way has been mapped there are still occasional issues with the new route, especially since the Border Storms started sweeping the wilds. You recall the first of these storms you saw and shudder and what came out of it. Normal beasts now misshapen and often possessing strange abilities. Some have been tamed, like the bossin, but others have to be hunted down. Even worse for the caravan is the fact that these storms can alter the lands they cross, making traveling the wilds unpredictable. Luckily a mage learned that the storms do not affect magically enchanted goods. So now all caravans through the Wilds travel with large weakly enchanted tarps that are draped over the wagons and beast should a Border Storm strike while you are out.

Glancing back at the wagons, a couple miles behind you, you pray to the gods your weather witch is a good as she claims and no storms are on the way. You are startled from your reprieve by a clap to your shoulder.

Danniel
Come on, we need to stay ahead of them. The riders will be bringing up lunch in an hour. Lets just hope the rest of the day is as boring and uneventful as this morning has been.

You know little of Danniel, a lone mercenary that signed on the caravan much like yourself. He tends to be quiet but you learned in your patrols together that though young seems to be filled with tales of wild adventures. His breadth of knowledge seems extensive but you doubt it comes from personal experience due to his obvious age and excessive care he puts into all his duties.
Dec 6, 2024 7:08 pm
Turning back to the "road", more of a half worn track really, you glance ahead. The tall grass and the occasional rolling hill make it easy to follow the road for a distance but you and Danniel have taken to walking to the top of any hill you pass by to glance ahead. The two of you are on the northern side of the track while another pair is to the south. So far the biggest problems the caravan has encountered has been the after affects of the cooks meals. Still you are not sure why but both you and Danniel have been growing increasingly tense today with no clear reason why.

The track continues west of you and to the north you catch ocasional glints of light that you suppose to be the river that Paphos lies on. It used to be a safe way to travel to the new city but recent increases in both monsters and other factions opposed to the cities growth has make travel by water problematic. Though you will have to cross the river at the city the road stays clear of it as the number of monsters near is is higher than elsewhere. But now that you are nearing your destination the chances of encountering them grows daily.

With a sigh you set of after Danniel down the hill and back to checking the land ahead of the caravan. Then something catches your eye but before you can focus on it the motion vanishes. looking around all you see is the tall thick grass and a few mounds of earth, likely from some prairie rodent or the like. There must be a colony of the things as there are dozens of the mounds on the hillside as you descend. Danniel plods on down the hill through the cluster of mounds and calls back to you to hurry up.

As you glance around to pick you path you notice more mounds beside you and a noise makes you look behind to see more there as well. . . . Turning back to call out to Danniel you find you are all alone on the grassy plains surrounded only by grass and small mounds of dirt with holes in the middle of them.

What do you do?
Dec 7, 2024 9:54 am
She kind of liked Danniel. Quiet enough not to be intrusive, usually focused straight on the track, he acted like almost a perfect scouting partner for a short random caravan-guarding mission. Valerie was prepared to shake hands with him, say farewell, and finally part ways to never see him again. And now… Danniel is most likely already dead.

It all happened so fast. A rapid glimpse of blurred movement in the corner of the eye, a terrible realization that something is wrong, and, suddenly, only this menacing loneliness in the swaying grass sea all around.

The blade slips out of the sheath almost silently. Valerie steps aside, scanning the landscape for mounds—her thoughts are rushing with lightning speed. These creatures—only gods know what they can be around these lands—are fast. It is hard to take down the grown-up, trained, and armed man in the blink of an eye without the slightest squeak—and the fact that beasts have managed to do it terrifies Val. She knows she is pretty skilled in handling the sword, but in times like these, all you can really count on is your pure luck. She blames herself for being distracted, for not paying enough attention to the mounds earlier.

The heart is beating so fast; it almost feels like these things underground can hear its rumbling. Valerie steps back, quickly glancing in different directions and trying her best to stay away from dirt piles—the tip of her blade dancing from side to side. She doesn’t even think about risk in order to assist Danniel; for starters, he is most likely already dead, and secondly—perhaps he was a nice guy, but altruism definitely isn’t the thing that has brought Val so far.
OOC:
Valerie retreats with her sword drawn, spinning and looking around, trying to climb back up the hill and stay as far away from the mounds as possible.

The scouts must have some way of signaling the main caravan—a horn or something. If possible, she signals.

Is the blade glowing?
Dec 7, 2024 2:18 pm
As you pull your blade free and turn around to head back uphill you see not threat but to note that you are now surrounded by the small dirt mounds. You know they were not there when you were heading down hill. Then you feel a tremor under your feet. The ground under your feet shifts and you see a flash of claw and fur as dirt is pusher out from under your feet and you begin to fall. . . Roll a Save Test to jump out of the way
[ +- ] Tests
[ +- ] Save Tests
Dec 8, 2024 1:44 pm
It was already too late. Too late to signal the caravan, prepare for a fight, or even just think about the best tactic to approach this situation. Valerie feels as though the ground is slipping away from her, leaving her in a state of uncertainty akin to free fall.
OOC:
I'm unsure if the "acrobat" trait is appropriate here.

Rolls

Save test to jump out of the way (2d6 basic) - (2d6)

(21) = 3

Danniel

Psybermagi

Dec 8, 2024 3:35 pm
OOC:
When in doubt roll more dice, easy to remove. But that is just me other GM want you to ask before rolling.
Technically a save is not the same as an trait test but I could be convinced that an acrobatic based save could benefit from the trait. For now I will use the fail to move the story so try again next time
With a rush of dirt Valerie finds her footing drop out from underneath her before she can jump aside. Then a blur of color and a wave of nausea washes over you before your feet strike solid ground again and you find yourself in a large cavern. Multiple small holes on the walls and ceiling let light of varying hues into the chamber allowing you to dimly see. In the dim light you spot another figure standing at the ready several feet away and recognize Danniel by his hefty pack and long spear.

Danniel
Valerie, is that you? They got you too huh? and he steps a bit closer to look you over but still seems a bit wary. I'm not sure what they are but whatever they are seem to be small, like to dig, and have so far not hurt me. Only I have no idea what they are trying to do or how to get out of here.

As he talks you look around and asses the situation more. The cavern is dug out of soil and about 30 feet in diameter and about 15 feet high. Looking up you spot 2 holes letting in more light but wonder how you and Danniel would have fit through those, suspecting these creatures, whatever they are, have some kind of magic. Though you ponder a moment you can not recall tales of any creatures that match this situation, so either they are new, very rare, or there are never any survivors.

parrie dog

Psybermagi

Dec 8, 2024 3:42 pm
parrie dog

A soft squeak from off to a side alerts you both and you turn to see a small furred animal poke its head out of one of the holes before climbing out to stand a dozen or so feet from you. It is soon joined by several others that all start at you and twitch their noses. The group of six or so of the small ground rodents begin a cacophony of squeaks, chirps, and small high pitched barks as they stand staring at you.
Dec 8, 2024 4:58 pm
The fall wasn’t so bad.

Valerie swiftly leaps to her feet, filled with intense frustration and even rage. Danniel is alive: talking, pointing a spear, and shifting from one foot to the other, and, ironically, it angers Val far more than the general fact of them being captured in this strange cave.

"Have you suddenly become deaf or something?" she asks, noticeably annoyed. "Could at least cry or scream; I thought you were already dead."

She adjusted the grip on the sword's hilt, brushing a strand of red hair from her face with a free hand.

"These things are magical," Val says with restraint. "Stop talking and be ready to fight."

A nearby squeak forces her to twitch and quickly turn in the other direction. Several rodent-like creatures are present, but they don't appear particularly frightening to Valerie. She frowns, unsure what to do next, and suddenly remembers something essential. She carried this sword around for years for one particular reason: its magically enchanted blade glows every time the owner’s life is in imminent danger.
OOC:
I really need to know at this point—is the blade glowing?

I'm also rolling an additional perception check (with trait advantage) to study the rodents and the cavern more carefully.
Last edited December 8, 2024 5:02 pm

Rolls

Study the rodents and the cave (advantage from Perception trait) - (3d6)

(241) = 7

Dec 12, 2024 3:08 am
OOC:
Sorry about the delay, holiday craziness is to blame
Danniel
With a glare at you quip Danniel mutters I did call you, and what does deaf have to do with screaming as he readies his spear.

You notice that your sword is not glowing but it does have a level of brilliant reflection you have learned is indicative of potential trouble. The rodens are a bit above average size for most rodents but not outside the range of natural beasts of their type. The cavern however is clearly influenced by magic, or more correctly the tunnels that lead to it are. You feel warmth radiate from one side and smell a foul bog from another as a chilly breeze wafts from above.

prairie dog
Then studently all the prairie dog all stand alert staring in one direction. Not quite trusting in their act you are hesitant to follow their gaze but a chorus of yips from other prairie dogs and a hiss from Danniel gets you to glance to the far side of the cavern. There you see another half dozen of the small critters scampering as fast as they can out of one of the tunnels. As soon as they arrive in the large cavern the first batch all split to leave by other tunnels as they emit sharp yips of panic.

snake
Then flicker of light off a quickly pursuing figure gets your attention. Behind the new arrivals, a snake half again as wide as any of the prairie dogs and well over a dozen feet long slide out of one of the side passages. The snake moves rapidly, lunging at the rear most prairie dog. The terrified critter barely jumps aside, avoiding the snakes strike.
[ +- ] Combat

Rolls

Snake Attack - (3d6)

(423) = 9

Dec 15, 2024 9:45 am
Valerie doesn’t even bother to answer. She focuses her attention solely on the strange rodents and their behavior. Something fishy is definitely going on here, and it’s imperative for survival to understand what and why. The blade shimmers a little—a sight of troubles close by, but not an imminent danger. Valerie sighs, as she always dislikes mixed signals and prefers to understand where the enemy exactly comes from. And then, little critters start panicking. 

It didn't even occur to Val for a moment that they could be afraid of her. They are fleeing from a much more threatening and terrifying entity. Could it be that those rodents transported two mercs into the cave to negotiate some form of protection? What a stupid thought!

When Valerie sees the snake coming through the distant entrance to the main cave, she shudders. She lacks the confidence to confront this beast, and Valerie typically avoids engaging in combat with opponents who are significantly stronger. However, this particular fight appears to be destined for her, with no means of escape or alternative options.

She places her second palm on the hilt of the sword and inhales. 

The next few seconds will decide everything.
OOC:
First action: evade
Val will be ready to dodge the snake’s strike. She tries to use the "Perception" trait in order to prepare the best evading route in advance.

Second action: attack
I’m also rolling the second attack with a disadvantage for "opportunist" in case the snake misses, and there will be an opportunity to counterattack.

Rolls

Perception for observing the surroundings and boosting evading chance - (3d6)

(616) = 13

Basic evade - (d6)

(2) = 2

Basic attack - (2d6)

(52) = 7

Additional "opportunist" attack - (d6)

(1) = 1

Dec 16, 2024 3:29 am
As you move to confront the snake the blade shifts from a sparkling reflection to a definite glow, indicating your opponent is dangerous. Moving in to strike you scan the surroundings quickly determining that there are no other threats than the snake and the prairie dogs have all retreated to the entrances of several tunnels. The light spilling from many of the tunnels gives sufficient light to help navigate the rough terrain of the cavern. Preparing to dodge you slash the snake, and your blade sinks into it's long body.
OOC:
Typically I count any test as an action, but looking around is quick enough so no worries.
Danniel
Moving to the other side of the beast to support you Danniel strikes at the snake with two quick thrusts.

Rolls

Spear attack Vs Snake - (2d6, 2d6)

2d6 : (62) = 8

2d6 : (36) = 9

snake

Psybermagi

Dec 16, 2024 3:32 am
snake
The large snake thrashes about at the three blows. Giving up on the fleeing meal it rears up to strike at Valerie then another at Danniel.

As the fangs sink into your thigh you feel a burning sensation begin to spread along with your racing blood. You can tell by the shout of pain and drain of color from Danniels face that he is suffering from the snakes venom.

Roll a Save Test or take another damage and attack with Disadvantage until you succeed on a Save or 1 minute passes.
[ +- ] Save Tests

Rolls

Snake Bit - (Valerie:3d6, Danniel:3d6)

Valerie:3d6 : (225) = 9

Danniel:3d6 : (652) = 13

Danniel Save - (2d6)

(23) = 5

Dec 22, 2024 1:30 pm
Valerie winces as the fangs enter her thigh, piercing fabric and flesh. The snake moves extremely fast—faster than the human eye can possibly catch. The leg explodes with a flash of pain, but Val’s sword cuts through the beast’s scaly skin in response. There is no time to think, analyze. The deadly venom is probably spreading higher already, but there is nothing that can be done while the damn snake is alive. So, Valerie strikes again, and again. The pain, along with unnecessary thoughts, drowns and dissolves in the flow of adrenaline.
OOC:
I'm not sure whether I need to roll an attack at this turn if I'm already doing a save test, so I will roll two strikes (for 2 actions) just in case.

Rolls

Save test - (2d6)

(21) = 3

basic attack 1 - (2d6)

(43) = 7

basic attack 2 - (2d6)

(53) = 8

Danniel

Psybermagi

Dec 22, 2024 3:02 pm
OOC:
You are correct to attack. The snake has gone so it is your turn. Because you failed the Save test you took 1 additional damage and your attacks would be with disadvantage, 1d6. This removes the 2nd d6 on each of your rolls. Fortunately for you it does not affect the outcome.
If you click on the ~ Tiny Intro ~ button below the rolls section you can view the help sheet there. Inside the collapsed "Tiny Dungeon section", under the "Guides" header, you should find more reference on how the system mechanics are applied.
[ +- ] Disadvantage
Danniel
Still wincing Danniel continues his assault with you

Rolls

Danniel Attack - (1d6, 1d6)

1d6 : (2) = 2

1d6 : (2) = 2

snake

Psybermagi

Dec 22, 2024 3:10 pm
snake
Your strike manages to penetrate the snakes scales. Now bleeding from multiple sources between yours and Danniels attacks the snake turns to flee back the way it came. It is only then that you note the prairie dog have not been idle. Several of the things flee from the now collapsed tunnel that is full of dirt and rubble from the hurried excavation work. Looking around you notice that similar efforts are being done on all the passages large enough for the snake to easily move through. As soon as the snake move in one direction all the nearby workers flee into smaller side tunnels. Bleeding and trapped the snake retreats to a dark corner and begins pushing into what you assume to be a partially collapsed tunnel.
[ +- ] Zones (distances)
The snake has moves out of the Close zone to Near so it will take 1 action to move close enough for melee attacks. Do you wish to chase and attack or let it go

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