Apr 12, 2025 4:08 am
Theran shifts around a bit, steeling a glance at Aanbo as he lazily ambles closer to the newcomers, leaning heavy on his staff and absentmindedly flicking at a small dark bloom along its haft.
Chapter 2.2: First Encounters in the Dim
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Apr 12, 2025 4:22 am
Arya also give assistance to Chase. That would be all for today already, exhausted of channeling the magic of the gods.The cleric is a striking tanned woman with long, flowing black hair and almond-shaped eyes. Tall and graceful, she possesses a natural elegance that borders on arrogance. Born and raised within the opulent cathedral of Pelor in Gorna, Arya is a prodigy. Her innate magical talent and unwavering faith quickly set her apart from her peers. This, combined with her stunning beauty, fostered a sense of entitlement within her. Arya grew accustomed to admiration and deference, often viewing others with a condescending air. Despite her superior demeanor, Arya is kind and thoughtful in all her grace.
- " Please call me Mother Arkon, I'm a daughter of Pelor, the morning lord that healed your wounds and saved lives today. "
OOC:
Chase +9 HPLast edited April 12, 2025 6:33 am
Rolls
Heal Chase - (1d8+3)
(6) + 3 = 9
Apr 12, 2025 4:42 am
"Um, yes, thank you," says Aanbo. "Well, considering how you knew my name, you have no doubt been given our descriptions by someone, which leads me to believe you were looking for us. Since you mentioned the Dungeon Busters, I assume Sir Oliver was the one that gave you this information?
"Sorry for all the questions," he says as he looks at Theran, his eyes hardened into a warning. "A wise old weasel I once met told me that we can never be too careful around these parts."
"Sorry for all the questions," he says as he looks at Theran, his eyes hardened into a warning. "A wise old weasel I once met told me that we can never be too careful around these parts."
Apr 12, 2025 5:31 am
"Well you can fill us in on the situation as we are heading to Orlane to take of some items that we have collected. And with that in mind we should loot these bandits and take care of the bodies."Description: Manthis is a husky large man in his twenties. Found in common clothing or chain mail. Always with a greatsword & a whip. Pack on a backpack and he is ready to travel. Sometimes you can hear him coming as he likes to play his pan flute. He speaks Imperial (common) & Keolish (Local)
Last edited April 12, 2025 5:38 am
Apr 12, 2025 8:41 am
Myrtha observed the exchange and could not miss her companion’s underlying tension. Stretching up to reach her full size, she turned to the newcomers and spoke with a more authoritative voice.
"Yo! Manthis, is it? Answer my friend’s question, now: WHO sent you?"
There was an obvious edge in her voice as if she were steeling herself in preparation for further violence. Her eyes focused on the swordsman, but they also jumped to the other three newcomers.
"Yo! Manthis, is it? Answer my friend’s question, now: WHO sent you?"
There was an obvious edge in her voice as if she were steeling herself in preparation for further violence. Her eyes focused on the swordsman, but they also jumped to the other three newcomers.
Apr 12, 2025 10:40 am
Questioned Manthis slowly turns about to face questioning Myrtha, "Why Olpert. Chief Olpert Razorson of the local Dungeon Busters, did as we are Dungeon Busters. No idea who this Sir Oliver is? Olpert said you would be in Orlane. Dealing with a bandit situation."As he gazes more about, "One of your number is messing by my count and why would we be advised to make other arrangements? And not proceed to Orlane?
Seems questioned Manthis is also starting to show concern but seems firm in his answer.
He fills in more, "And some as call me 'Manthis the mask' my dear. All three of us are on our first task. Jonel there. We rescued from some unsightly undead. We would have been here sooner except we made an excursion into the dim forest on the way."
Last edited April 12, 2025 11:10 am
Apr 12, 2025 11:09 am
Myrtha’s stance softens slightly, but she is still staring at Manthis, waiting for Aanbo to speak.
[ +- ] Myrtha’s description
Myrtha is above-average height for a woman, densely built, her muscular body quite evident despite the coat of scale mail that covers her torso. For someone as strong as she seems, her limbs are quite wiry. She has obviously seen much toil in the fields, her skin tone tending towards a light brick color, a mix of her flan ancestry and a life lived outdoors. Her silky black hair is cut short, a functional look that suits her practical attire, and straightforward manners. Callused hands suggest manual labour or extended sparring. A longsword stands in its sheath at her hip, and two hand axes hang at her belt; all seem to have seen much use. Their practical tools, not sensual objects. She carries a heavily loaded backpack over which a dented shield with corroding bondings is slung. Her voice is soft, surprisingly sweet for someone so rough around the edges. Her brown eyes sparkle easily in moments of joy.
Last edited April 12, 2025 12:06 pm
Apr 12, 2025 4:15 pm
The monk visibly relaxes, his toes stretching out across the soil. He nods to each person he names. "Well, thank you for that, Manthis the Mask. Mother Arkon. Jonel Steele. And Rosemary."
Drawing a rosary of large rounded stones strung with metal, he slowly rolls each bead through his rough and calloused palm. "I am Aanbo, of the Dungeon Busters. We have come from Orlane... well, fled should be more accurate. There are things going on in Orlane that are much too big for our small group, so we're returning to Hochoch to report to Olpert, recover ourselves, and see to our companion's memory. I'm honestly not in the mood to explain everything right now, so if you want to know the details I suggest you come with us."
Drawing a rosary of large rounded stones strung with metal, he slowly rolls each bead through his rough and calloused palm. "I am Aanbo, of the Dungeon Busters. We have come from Orlane... well, fled should be more accurate. There are things going on in Orlane that are much too big for our small group, so we're returning to Hochoch to report to Olpert, recover ourselves, and see to our companion's memory. I'm honestly not in the mood to explain everything right now, so if you want to know the details I suggest you come with us."
Apr 12, 2025 5:18 pm
Listening Manthis isn't overjoyed about what he now hears of Orlane, "Seems that Orlane just isn't a good play." as he glances to Arya, Rosemary, & Jonel. He appears to be rather disappointed about the news.
"Okay then we still unite as planned and travel back to Hochoch. We are Dungeon Busters."
"Seems that we have plenty of time to get to know each other for this trip." as he ponders. No nice bed, no snacks, nothing but dead trail rations and his bedroll. He suspects lots of time to play his pan flute.
GM Note: I reformate the character sheet some and upgrade the picture.
Last edited April 12, 2025 6:14 pm
Apr 12, 2025 8:50 pm
After Aanbo and Manthis spoke again, Myrtha relaxed and sheathed her sword. In a completely different tone of voice she addressed the four strangers.
"Thank you for your assistance. We would’ve probably met our ends here without it. I’m Myrtha, of Three Elms Crossing. We’ll have time to catch up on the way… now let me go fetch Reptile."
And saying this, she slung her shield on her back and headed off into the woods.
"Thank you for your assistance. We would’ve probably met our ends here without it. I’m Myrtha, of Three Elms Crossing. We’ll have time to catch up on the way… now let me go fetch Reptile."
And saying this, she slung her shield on her back and headed off into the woods.
OOC:
Unless anything stops her, Myrtha will grab the travois with Reptile on it, and bring it back to the group.Apr 12, 2025 11:00 pm
More alert strong Manthis now fully realizes who the missing party member is. He says with a bit solemn tone to protecting Myrtha, "I shall aid you."He agreeingly heads off with caring Myrtha to fully help with the lost one's travois. With sword swinger Manthis being rather husky & protecting Myrtha not being a weakling herself, they together make an easy team for bringing back the handy travois with dead Reptile on it.
Last edited April 12, 2025 11:09 pm
Apr 12, 2025 11:47 pm
Chase after checking and looting all the bodies Chase will comeback to the group"Well met and thank you for the help. Thank you for the healing my lady."
Note
Chase Brandstone is 6'1" 195 lbs with brown hair braided in multiple braids. He has a piercing brown eyed stare from all his time out in the wilds patrolling the boundaries of his homeland. He comes from a small fiefdom to the far northwest around the forests of Burneal called Agaden Reach.Last edited April 13, 2025 1:04 am
Apr 13, 2025 12:56 am
Jonel bristles a bit at the hostile treatment they are receiving, relaxing a bit once the mood shifts. "Last I checked, we were fighting the same enemy.
Gods, I don't know what we'd do without Arya."
He smiles appreciatively at her.
"I grow tired of these woods and the endless ambushes. I'd like to kick my feet up by a fire for a while. Maybe your boss can fill me in on the details."
Gods, I don't know what we'd do without Arya."
He smiles appreciatively at her.
"I grow tired of these woods and the endless ambushes. I'd like to kick my feet up by a fire for a while. Maybe your boss can fill me in on the details."
OOC:
Is Reptile dead dead?Last edited April 13, 2025 1:01 am
Apr 13, 2025 2:11 am
"I hope you'll forgive my test of your knowledge," says Aanbo as the group prepares to journey. "Just know that the enemy favors deception, and will play the part of the good host while poisoning your food or knifing you in the back. We will explain more once we report to Olpert."
When Chase returns, Aanbo asks, "Did they bear the spiral mark? And if so, any of them a pendant or medallion? Something we can bring back with us to show the rest of the Dungeon Busters and the Reeve."
When Chase returns, Aanbo asks, "Did they bear the spiral mark? And if so, any of them a pendant or medallion? Something we can bring back with us to show the rest of the Dungeon Busters and the Reeve."
Apr 13, 2025 2:24 am
As the others spoke, Arya meticulously searched the fallen evil cleric, driven by a need to understand his allegiance and motives. Undead and now this wicked cleric – a disturbing pattern was emerging in this region.
She caught snippets of their conversation. "I'm simply glad I could be of service and that you all survived," she offered sincerely. - " Unfortunately i wasn't there to save your friend. "
If permitted, Arya carefully examined reptile's corpse, then knelt, offering a quiet prayer to guide its soul in its final journey.
"Returning to Hochoch?" she inquired, her brow furrowed slightly. "Don't you think our leader will simply ask us to address this problem together? Though," she conceded, nodding towards the reptile, "burying your friend in town is a good reason to head back regardless."
She caught snippets of their conversation. "I'm simply glad I could be of service and that you all survived," she offered sincerely. - " Unfortunately i wasn't there to save your friend. "
If permitted, Arya carefully examined reptile's corpse, then knelt, offering a quiet prayer to guide its soul in its final journey.
"Returning to Hochoch?" she inquired, her brow furrowed slightly. "Don't you think our leader will simply ask us to address this problem together? Though," she conceded, nodding towards the reptile, "burying your friend in town is a good reason to head back regardless."
Last edited April 13, 2025 2:35 am
Apr 13, 2025 2:32 am
"Believe me when I say we did not make the decision to leave lightly," Aanbo replies, his lips tightening at the thought of the nights spent in hiding. "I've no doubt that we will go to Orlane again, but I think we should be better prepared. And it's better to plan in the safety of Hochoch and the Dungeon Busters than out here in the Dim."
He looks to the road, hoping to spot Bradley. "Plus, the town ought to know to be watchful of kidnappings. Olpert can help organize a guard rotation or escorts for Hochoch's people.
He looks to the road, hoping to spot Bradley. "Plus, the town ought to know to be watchful of kidnappings. Olpert can help organize a guard rotation or escorts for Hochoch's people.
Apr 13, 2025 2:34 am
The gracious priestess nods silently in agreement, its decided then.
Last edited April 13, 2025 2:34 am
Apr 13, 2025 3:21 am
mathias0077 says:
Chase after checking and looting all the bodies Chase will comeback to the group...In examining the bodies and stripping them of everything valuable, Chase is struck by two things:
1) All of them were lean to the point of being malnourished
and
2) None of them had any money, despite having pouches that could be used to carry cash. Normal people tend to carry money on their persons: villages and towns rarely have banks, so people either carry their money with them or squirrel it away in their homes. But even when they hide it, they usually keep some coins on their person to be able to buy a meal or a drink when away from home. None of these men carried any money on them.
Rolls
Secret Roll
What? - (1d8)
(8) = 8
Apr 13, 2025 3:34 am
It is mid-afternoon now. Both parties have been hiking for more than half a day (and the group coming from Orlane was both dragging Reptile and not using the Road).
There are (at least) these three things to decide as a group:
1) how to divide the spoils of the bandits: who is going to carry what?
2) will you look for a place to camp, or try to push through and hike all night to arrive in Hochoch sooner? There is a day and a half of travel - about 24 hours of solid marching - to get back to Hochoch.
3) will you swing by the previous campsite to pick up the rest of the loot left by the undead on the way back west?
There are (at least) these three things to decide as a group:
1) how to divide the spoils of the bandits: who is going to carry what?
2) will you look for a place to camp, or try to push through and hike all night to arrive in Hochoch sooner? There is a day and a half of travel - about 24 hours of solid marching - to get back to Hochoch.
3) will you swing by the previous campsite to pick up the rest of the loot left by the undead on the way back west?
Apr 13, 2025 7:22 am
With Manthis’ company, Myrtha is swift to return with Reptile’s body. She does not oppose Arya’s ministrations, though it is obvious that the warrior-woman has a rather protective stance around the body of their fallen comrade.
"The ones with the spirals seem to be the ringleaders, the true believers… what’s that symbol?" Myrtha asked pointing to the clerical symbol of Merikka. She wondered if this was an evil religious cult, but not being well-versed in matters theological she looked at the one called Mother Arkon, and hoped she might explain.
2) I’m against a forced march, but in favor of of putting more miles between the party and Orlane, they might still be sending search parties after us.
3) Myrtha is unaware of the loot left behind, but wouldn’t mind a short detour for more treasure (though we have a backpack full of coin, and a few other baubles taken from the Inn).
"The ones with the spirals seem to be the ringleaders, the true believers… what’s that symbol?" Myrtha asked pointing to the clerical symbol of Merikka. She wondered if this was an evil religious cult, but not being well-versed in matters theological she looked at the one called Mother Arkon, and hoped she might explain.
OOC:
1) Myrtha could use a ranged weapon, seeing that all she has are the throwing axes at her belt. The longbow and some arrows, preferably, but a crossbow could work as well. The rest of the gear, and in particular the higher quality items might deserve a detect magic spell being cast on them, I guess. My reptilianOSR brain says we should take all the plunder we can carry, but I don’t know how much we can take along.2) I’m against a forced march, but in favor of of putting more miles between the party and Orlane, they might still be sending search parties after us.
3) Myrtha is unaware of the loot left behind, but wouldn’t mind a short detour for more treasure (though we have a backpack full of coin, and a few other baubles taken from the Inn).
Last edited April 13, 2025 7:23 am
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