Chapter 2.3: Return to Hochoch

Apr 30, 2025 3:17 am
It is nearly noon when the party emerges from the Dim Forest into the fields of farms that abut the town, and it is early afternoon when they reach the stone bridge that crosses the Realstream River and the east gate of Hochoch. The populace is excited to see their return: "The Heroes of Hochoch are back! The Heroes are back!"

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

(This is heard with some bemusement by all the other Dungeon Busters/Heroes of Hochoch who never left - Sara, Thacogygax, Albertus, Xana, Klak, Morgran, Durren, Karliel, and Kragga - who have all been working hard for and with the townsfolk but nobody's celebrating them. They come from all over town to greet you and rib you about your celebrity, but their faces fall when they see the grim burden that Myrtha is pulling, and notice that Joseph is missing)

The Jarl family immediately heads to the Temple of Rao to either arrange for accommodations or get suggestions for the same (and also a recommendation for a farmer who would pay a good price for a cow).

Among the many things you could do in Hochoch, there's the proper disposition of Reptile's body, the selling of scavenged goods, the catching up on news with the other Dungeon Busters, there is delivering a report to Olpert, there are accommodations to arrange, and (for some of you) there are trainers to visit to gain levels.

Where do you go? What do each of you do first?
Apr 30, 2025 3:25 am
OOC:
Manthis would say taking care of the body and goods would there besides reporting. And of that Manthis would be just taking care of the goods and leave matters of the body to more religious ones and he is sure that Aanbo is more informed of the current status. Manthis didn't level so matters of a trainer aren't high on his list. Matters of the magic items sits with all this.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/ae/dd/ceaeddfa938824e65b2ebf5522a05c7c.jpg
"Hopefully we can receive a fine price for all that we have brought with us."
Last edited April 30, 2025 3:30 am
Apr 30, 2025 4:13 am
"Abel and Elista Jarl, I hope to meet up with you after we've taken care of some immediate matters," Aanbo says to the departing crofter. "If you can speak to Lady Diana at the temple, please tell her that I will do what I can to help arrange for your lodging and safe keep."

As for Reptile, Aanbo isn't sure what needs to be done, nor who they should contact about it. His monastery performed cremations with meditative ceremony, but it doesn't seem suitable for the fallen warrior. "Myrtha, you've known Reptile longer than us. What would he have wanted to honor his departure?"

Regardless of Reptile's care, Aanbo knows his immediate task is to report to Olpert about their experiences in Orlane and their discoveries in the Dim Forest.
Last edited April 30, 2025 4:14 am
Apr 30, 2025 9:43 am
Chase will say a quick Wardens prayer again for the fallen Retile and will look to Myrtha"If there is a service I would like to attend." He will then look to Aanbo"I will come with you to report to Olpert before I look for my trainer."
Last edited April 30, 2025 9:43 am
Apr 30, 2025 3:39 pm
"We must report to Olpert first, all else can wait," Myrtha responded. "He may have ideas regarding Reptile and our immediate priorities," she continued, "I fear that Joseph's life is at stake, we cannot tarry here."
OOC:
But of course we must train, which will take days, if I'm not mistaken.
Apr 30, 2025 3:44 pm
matmaisan says:
But of course we must train, which will take days, if I'm not mistaken.
OOC:
Three days if Theran and Aanbo train, or just two days if they don't advance to level 3 but others advance to level 2.
Apr 30, 2025 4:09 pm
She continued to ponder all the different tasks at hand.
OOC:
Myrtha's ranked priorities are:
- reporting to Olpert and getting instructions ;
- deciding what to do with Reptile's body ;
- carefully examining (checking for magic items, etc.) and trading our loot to have cash to pay for equipment upgrades and training;
- initiate training as swiftly as possible — Myrtha needs her action surge! ;
- leaving a bag of coins to the Jarls ;
- rush back to Orlane with a plan.
Last edited April 30, 2025 4:09 pm
Apr 30, 2025 4:52 pm
OOC:
To the question of funds, I don't recall if we distributed the coins we confiscated from the Golden Grain Inn: 889 cubs (cp), 496 seals (sp), and 136 eagles (gp). Hopefully the split allows us to pay for training.

I also have documented the following gear that hasn't been claimed or given to players:
three short swords
three light crossbows
four small quivers containing a total of 18 crossbow bolts
seven small knives

Note that I did not write down what was gathered by Arya, Rosemary, Manthis, and Jonel from their previous encounter.
Aanbo confides to Myrtha, "I know we must find Joseph as quickly as possible. I want to travel again, but I fear I must confer with Tuan Vo about... well, about my behavior in Orlane. I've done things that I am not proud of, and I might have betrayed my teachings with the feelings I let surface and how they compelled my actions. I don't think I can safeguard you or Theran or any of the Dungeon Busters until I can come to terms with what I've done, much less rescue our lost companion."

The monk looks to the ground, unable to meet Myrtha's eyes. "Please forgive me. Once we have reported to Olpert, I must take some time in isolation and meditation. If you need to leave before I return, I promise that I will catch up with you. I wish I could promise more."
Apr 30, 2025 5:04 pm
OOC:
Did I miss something? It's entirely possible... but I have Theran at 804xp, just shy of the 900 needed for level 3. So I don't think he needs to train?


Theran agrees that they need to report to their boss. What's happening is grim, and far reaching.

After that, Theran will look into the wealth they aquired in Orlane, and how much the Jarls will need to have a home in the city.

Once their friends are taken care of, Theran will look into improving himself. The task before them seems insurmountable... but the wood elf refuses to be the weak link. And with Aanbo choosing to come to terms with the debacle in Orlane, Theran feels a similar focus is warranted.

"Like Aanbo, I need to take some time. I was unable to save Reptil, and I barely survived myself. I feel as though the rest of you cannot depend on me. I intend to remedy that."
Last edited April 30, 2025 9:54 pm
Apr 30, 2025 9:17 pm
MaJunior says:
Did I miss something? It's entirely possible... but I have Theran at 804xp, just shy of the 900 needed for level 3. So I don't think he needs to train?
OOC:
He doesn't need to train, but he does have enough XP to do so if you want.
Apr 30, 2025 10:11 pm
Chase will look to Myrtha"We don't all need to report. We can handle that part so you can take care of Reptile. I must search out Green Allen for some training before we head back to Orlane. I will have some spells available to me when we return."
OOC:
No we have not split any of the money found in Orlane which Chase will need some to train I believe. How much is training again?
Apr 30, 2025 10:22 pm
OOC:
Training costs 15 Eagles (gp) and 1 day per level. So 30 gp and 2 days to train to level 2, 45 gp and 3 days for level 3.
Last edited April 30, 2025 10:22 pm
Apr 30, 2025 10:40 pm
OOC:
Chase will need 20 more Eagles for training. Also was wondering GM if he could trade his Scale Mail for a Chain Shirt even up? Want to lose the disadvantage on stealth.
Apr 30, 2025 11:18 pm
1. Meet with the Dungeon Busters and offer my services.
2. An offer to go with Manthis and help negotiate a price on those goods as well as mine.
3. Spend time in the tavern to watch for suspicious figures and listen for gossip from alcohol-loosened lips.
May 1, 2025 1:41 am
LOL. Yeah. Tavern after business.
May 1, 2025 12:17 pm
Arya will go first with the others to see Olpert.
May 1, 2025 8:18 pm
"I too must seek a mentor, a sword master to hone my skills so I don’t let any of you down," Myrtha responded. "But I do think we need to report to Olpert. He’ll probably know more about how Reptile’s body ought to be handled. Better than me, in any case… wouldn’t surprise me that the Dungeon busters have arrangements for fallen members, they might even know what would be appropriate for someone like Reptile, what his tradition would be, I mean."
OOC:
@cancerman, Those are the coins found in Bertrand’s chest? I also wanted to check whether the longsword I took from that chest was enchanted. Besides that, I need the 30 go to train two days, and I need to find a sergeant-at-arms or some other professional fighter to give me pointers and run me through drills.
Last edited May 1, 2025 8:19 pm
May 1, 2025 8:33 pm
OOC:
Yes, I think the coinage I listed was what Myrtha found in Bertrand's chest. If there was a distribution, I missed it. Aanbo would need 45 gold, either from that treasure chest or from selling the extra equipment.

Speaking of the impounded gear, do we need to roleplay finding a buyer and haggling a price?
May 1, 2025 8:49 pm
OOC:
I do not believe we distributed any coinage. Kept it all together.
May 2, 2025 5:53 am
The party goes to find Olpert Razorsson. But when they arrive at the Inn of Eternal Rest, there is no sign of Olpert's wagon and desk in the courtyard. Devane Thornhill, wiping down a table after serving drinks to Lienne and the gang of admirers gathered around her today, sees you enter and beams. "Hollo! How ear tyoo chew-day? Goot to see yew!"
May 2, 2025 6:55 am
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/ae/dd/ceaeddfa938824e65b2ebf5522a05c7c.jpg Upon entering, surprised Manthis eyes Lienne immediately. "Always nice to you too. And how I could use some beer." with full intent on taking up some of Lienne's time.
Last edited May 2, 2025 6:56 am
May 2, 2025 7:51 am
"Where's Olpert?" Myrtha spoke up, gently letting the travois in a shadowed art of the courtyard.
May 2, 2025 3:45 pm
Aanbo follows Myrtha, waiting for the answer. He is not interested in food or drink at this time, not with important business to attend.
May 2, 2025 6:50 pm
Jonel takes a seat. It has been a long trip.
"Hail, friend. Could I get something to drink?"
May 2, 2025 8:06 pm
Chase is also awaiting with his friends to hear about Olpert.
May 3, 2025 1:40 am
Devane frowns and shakes his head. "Hi do not know whar hye ist now," he replies in his heavily-accented Keolish. "Byut hye and hyoor frainds haff bin wore king on ze Gilt Haul. Zey wheel be beck four supper." Devane, who lives and works in the Inn, doesn't know where the new Dungeon Busters Guild Hall is located. The beautiful blonde woman Lienne Vereel separates herself from her admirers and approaches.
"I couldn't help overhearing," she purrs, despite having been several yards away and in the midst of her fans (one was singing a song, the other loudly trying to describe her virtues), "that you're looking for the Guild Hall. I know where it is. I would happily guide you there."

Fellow adventurer Karliel rounds the corner and immediately sees what is happening. "Thank you, Lienne," he puts up a hand, trotting to step in front of her, "We wouldn't want to keep you from your group. I'll show my friends myself, and you don't need to trouble yourself." Lienne pouts prettily. As Karliel begins to lead the Dungeon Busters away, he calls back to her, "I'll tell you all about it over supper!" She stamps her foot and then turns haughtily back to the dozen or so men, young and old, waiting for her at her table. They give a cheer when she returns, and the song starts up again.

Karliel waits until the group is a few buildings' distance away from the Inn before speaking again. He shakes his head, "She'd show you the way, but she'd worm all the details of how your mission went from each one of you before you got there. Sara put it best: 'that girl steals secrets like a pickpocket steals coin.'"
May 3, 2025 1:46 am
Aanbo nods. "You have my thanks, Karliel. We're not in the mood for idle conversation with non-Dungeon Busters, anyway. Please, lead the way."
May 3, 2025 1:48 am
Chase will look to Karliel"Not likely. A guild hall now? Things are looking up."
May 3, 2025 1:49 am
Arya's presence radiated a quiet serenity, her expression calm and still. Yet, she offered only brief acknowledgments, the priestess doesn't want to engage in trivial conversation that will delay them further to meet with Olpert.
May 3, 2025 1:57 am
Karliel stops and introduces himself to Jonel. "Karliel the bard, Dungeon Buster. Pleased to meet you." After exchanging further pleasantries, Karliel says "Let's talk as we walk." There are various people on the streets going about their business. A few of them stop and stare at the large group of adventurers dragging the two litters. "I can see that things didn't go entirely well," Karliel notes grimly, seeing that one of the litters bears a body. "I'd like to think that that's some villain, but I suspect it's either Joseph, Quest, or Reptile." He looks again at the shape of the wrapped body on the litter. "Probably not Joseph, judging by the size. Is it Quest?"

Karliel is silent for a few minutes as he leads the group out the South Gate. Eventually he speaks again, knowing that there is important information the adventurers need to know (and responding to Chase). "Klak closed the deal, and Durren has been organizing the carpenters, and they started building the Guild Hall just after you left." He says "you" to Rosemary, Manthis, and Arya.

"But too much of our business was being overheard, so Olpert decided to set up his workspace on the construction site. We're all doing jobs around town, and Olpert spends his days there. We still don't have lodgings, though, so we're still spending our nights at the Inn of Eternal Rest."

As they turn onto a road lined with town houses, Karliel adds "We're almost there." To Theran, Myrtha, Chase, and Aanbo, the handsome bard adds, "We haven't learned anything more about Black's plans. What do you think about the news these three told you? Does it make sense with what you found in Orlane?"
May 3, 2025 2:13 am
Aanbo considers the question. "Hm. A lot has happened and we only recently met the newer members. I'm not sure I'm up to speed with what's going on. Why don't we talk in full, and in private, with Olpert?"
May 3, 2025 2:32 am
Jonel makes note of the popular woman's hair color and decides to have a chat with her when she is less occupied.
He follows along listening to the new acquaintance's words. Being the newcomer and not really understanding all that is being discussed, he lets them do the talking.
May 4, 2025 5:38 pm
Theran stays silent as they walk, his goal being to reach Olpert before any conversation is had. This last outing had been... rough... and he wasn't of a mood to repeat it over and over.
May 4, 2025 8:04 pm
Myrtha pulled the travois with grim determination. As Karliel hypothesized, she cut through with a short answer. "Reptile. Joseph’s been caught, or worse," but she refused to elaborate. As her companions, she thought the report ought to be made properly, behind closed doors.
Last edited May 4, 2025 8:05 pm
May 4, 2025 8:19 pm
OOC:
Can I make an Insight check to read the bard's body language and manner of speech?
May 4, 2025 9:14 pm
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/ae/dd/ceaeddfa938824e65b2ebf5522a05c7c.jpg
Seeing that Lienne appears too busy, Manthis instead will find himself a beer and relax for a bit. After that he plans to ask around where he can unload those items he wants to sell for coin.
May 5, 2025 4:31 am
OOC:
Given Orlane group's experiences, it makes a lot of sense that they would be suspicious of everyone, even though some of them have adventured with Karliel by their sides in the past. It's wonderful role-playing!

My point in having Karliel talk about it, however, was as a reminder, giving one last opportunity for the Search Party group to complete their mission. One of the things they were sent to do was to tell the Orlane group what the Dungeon Busters had discovered about Bandit Black.
At the end of the row of houses there is a lot with a half-constructed building taking shape set back from the road a little way. In front of it is the familiar Dungeon Busters wagon that Olpert brought with him to Hochoch. Olpert Razorsson is seated on a stool by his little table out front. Morgran the dwarf and Thacogygax the blue-scaled dragonman are speaking with him as your group walks up. Olpert raises a hand, interrupting whatever Thacogygax was saying, and stands up, looking at the litter with concern. He squints a little and says "...Reptile?"

At the adventurers' nod, he calls back to Thacogygax: "Get the others; tell them to come right away." To the dwarf, he says, "We'll have need of your services, Morgran." Morgran hiccups, nods, and swaggers over to examine the body on the litter. "I want to hear what happened. Ordinarily I'd want to wait until we had performed the rites, but it will be a while before everyone can gather."
May 5, 2025 3:07 pm
OOC:
It's up to you: how do you want to play out this return to Hochoch? One option is to play out the interaction with Olpert and the other Dungeon Busters in-character.
As an alternative, I can just summarize the events of Reptile's funeral, the debriefing, finding out about Bandit Black (for those who weren't reading the Search Party thread), and the training if you want to get to deciding what to do next after half of the party gains their levels.
A third option would be for me to create a separate "Hochoch conversations" thread for playing out the interactions/conversations in-character, while using this thread to summarize the outcome(s).

I'm happy to proceed in any of these ways. Let me know which you'd prefer.
May 5, 2025 3:50 pm
OOC:
Personally, I'm fine with a summary as far as the funeral, debrief of Orlane, and any new developments. It actually might help me fill in some notes due to the long RL timeframe between events. I figure Arya, Rosemary, or Manthis would have informed us of Bandit Black during camp, but even if there wasn't a good opportunity at least we'll get the whole story.

You can be sure that Aanbo would tell Olpert everything that happened in Orlane; how many of the citizens appear to be under the influence of the cult while others are innocent and unaware, and how that number changes with each passing day. So far the Spiral-Guys don't act openly, but Aanbo suspects that will change once enough of Orlane's population falls to their sway.

He will also warn Olpert about the troglodytes' activities near Hochoch, such as Bradley's kidnapping. He'll want someone to find Tym the timberman, or at least determine his status.

If they can get enough eagles, Aanbo will want to train with Tuan Vo and meditate on his actions. I have some questions about gaining the next level regarding the skills earned.
May 5, 2025 4:42 pm
OOC:
I can read through the search party thread. I wouldn't want you to have to do extra on my behalf. You can just handwave it as a conversation I have with a NPC off screen. Although I would need to know the level of knowledge they disclose.
May 5, 2025 5:53 pm
spaceseeker19 says:
OOC:
It's up to you: how do you want to play out this return to Hochoch? One option is to play out the interaction with Olpert and the other Dungeon Busters in-character.
As an alternative, I can just summarize the events of Reptile's funeral, the debriefing, finding out about Bandit Black (for those who weren't reading the Search Party thread), and the training if you want to get to deciding what to do next after half of the party gains their levels.
A third option would be for me to create a separate "Hochoch conversations" thread for playing out the interactions/conversations in-character, while using this thread to summarize the outcome(s).

I'm happy to proceed in any of these ways. Let me know which you'd prefer.
Open to however you want to do it although summary does sound best.
May 5, 2025 5:58 pm
OOC:
I have no interest in Reptile's funeral considering I never met him. I am currently reading through the search party. Would be interested in knowing how much downtime we will have, if any.
May 5, 2025 8:34 pm
OOC:
I am also good with the summaries. Chase would also fill Olpert in on the undead in the Dim. How they seem to reanimate every night. Chase will also make sure to get his trainning.
May 6, 2025 12:04 am
While Morgran is praying over Reptile's body, everyone else is talking at once, trying to communicate important information. Olpert raises a hand to forestall the noise. "I can see there's a lot to discuss. We have a while; why don't you set down your packs and rest for a bit? The well isn't dug yet, but I have broached a cask - everyone can rest and refresh." He points to a tapped cask on the buckboard of the wagon. "If you don't have a mug, I have three for use by the cask." Realizing that this will take a while and they've been hiking all morning, the party starts setting down packs and sitting on them while they slake their thirst. "First of all," Olpert says, turning to look at the newcomer Jonel, "Who is this? Forgive me if I don't remember meeting you in the past. I'm Olpert Razorsson." The grizzled bald human man smiles and bows lightly to the sorcerer. "I'm sure there's a story to tell about how you fell in with these..." Olpert pauses, unsure what adjective to use in this situation, and then amends, "...my associates." He goes to the wagon, reaches inside, and pulls out another stool. Sure, Jonel looks like a dusty backbacking vagabond like the others, but looks can be deceiving, and maybe he's a customer. Olpert sets the stool down by the table and gestures for the man to sit. "Please, sit, and tell me what brings you here today: looking to hire, or looking for work?"
OOC:
I'll do more summary for the other interactions, but I wanted to allow a little space for recruiting Jonel.
May 6, 2025 12:10 am
OOC:
With regards to the distribution of the salvaged items: the Dungeon Busters know that they have a choice: they can turn the goods in to Olpert, and he will eventually sell them and provide the proceeds to the party, or they can find buyers in town, sell the goods themselves, and get the money right away (and possibly get a better or worse deal, depending on interaction rolls).
May 6, 2025 2:32 am
Jonel lowers his hood as he sits and addresses Olpert.
"Mister Razorsson, my name is Jonel Steele. I am what is referred to in some circles as a sorceror. I generally work for town guards and such, doing a bit of cloak and dagger. I fell in with your..employees on the road. I assume they will discuss the particulars with you. I'd like to offer my services such as they are."
He takes a cup and fills it about a quarter of the way, sipping it lightly as he waits for a response.
Last edited May 6, 2025 2:39 am
May 6, 2025 4:43 am
Olpert smiles and shakes Jonel's hand. "Our organization was founded and is still run by Cecily Raptor (though I'm her representative in Hochoch). This town of Hochoch was founded after Cecily cleared the area of monsters generations ago. So adventuring is in our blood. But after we clear a lair, exorcise a crypt, or rout an army, there remains opportunity for people with many and varied skills - heroes like yourself - to continue serving the community. Cecily's vision is to provide a path for heroes to make a living beyond smiting evil. We call ourselves Dungeon Busters, but we also try to make connections in the communities we serve so that, when members of our organization are ready to stop risking their lives, they have other, less dangerous work available for them to do.

"That's what we're doing here. The way it works is this: we find a problem or problems that need the expertise of adventurers to address: bandits, say, or an apex monster terrorizing the region, or the possible disappearance of a neighboring community. Having identified the problem, our adventurers go in and solve the problem. These two," here Olpert points to Morgran and Aanbo, "along with some others, rescued Keb Miller and his family from Black's bandits on their first day here. Because of that success, word of mouth spread, and people started coming to us with other odd jobs that we could do for them - pest control, healing, spellcasting - much less dangerous stuff. Paying jobs. So while these two," here he points at Theran and Aanbo, "went to save that Jarl kid, some of the heroes who helped at the mill were taking less dangerous jobs around town.

"You with me so far? Here's the way it works: you start out doing the dangerous/more interesting work - adventuring - and there's no pay except for food and lodging here in Hochoch and what you earn or find for yourselves. Meanwhile, I'm setting up a pipeline of cushier paid jobs that are less interesting, but less dangerous, too. Kids in wells, cheating spouses, messages delivered, cows acting funny: people pay us - Dungeon Busters the organization - to do these things, and you get a cut. It's not as glamorous as sending demon spawn screaming back to hell, but when you lose a limb or two and are having a hard time swinging a sword as well as you used to, it's good to have a fall-back plan other than begging or dying on the end of a spear."
May 6, 2025 5:26 pm
Jonel returns the handshake noting the strength of Olpert's grip.
"Bandits, undead, other ne'er-do-wells. All in a day's work. I must say that I'd appreciate the opportunity from such an esteemed collective. Should war come, I think you'd agree that I wouldn't make a great frontliner. Nevertheless, you have my word that I'll do what I can as long as I choose to serve your cause.
The more pedestrian tasks I generally leave to the less capable. I do understand the need for a testing stage for a new recruit and also the need to protect the pillars of our community. Room and board seems more than fair.
I do what I do in the name of justice. Sometimes, I have to get my hands dirty. Better to have to wash your hands than to have to pull innocents out of the muck.
Speaking of our findings, I think Manthis has some equipment you might consider having your quartermaster look over assuming the Dungeon Busters are in need of equipment.
Do the Dungeon Busters also serve as the Hochoch town guard? Also, does your organization operate over multiple towns or just this one?"
Last edited May 6, 2025 5:37 pm
May 8, 2025 7:31 pm
Myrtha was relieved to see Olpert and the others, and grateful for Morgran’s ministrations over Reptile’s body. Though she had cared for the mortal flesh, her main concern was having her fallen companion find his way to the eternal hunting grounds of his forefathers, and she feared he might not be able to reach them without proper guidance; she knew, in any case, that she would not have been an appropriate guide.

She would enquire into any funerary arrangements and next of kin that might have to be informed, at a later time.

She waited patiently for the moment where they would report in detail what they had faced in Orlane and near that cult-ridden town.
OOC:
Chipping in a bit late to say that a summary would be perfect. Myrtha needs a couple of days and 30gp to train, and she might be looking to swap some equipment, depending on how much money is left after training and setting some money aside for the Jarls…
May 8, 2025 9:45 pm
As Jonel is welcomed and congratulated on officially joining the Dungeon Busters organization (various party members tell enthusiastic accounts of how he contributed to the group's welfare in the most recent adventure), the rest of the local Dungeon Busters arrive from all over the town and the surrounding countryside. In addition to Morgran the dwarf, Karliel the human and Thacogygax the vaguely-reptilian humanoid (Aanbo explains that Thacogygax is actually something called a thraakon, but he loses everybody in the attempt to explain the whole interdimensional-war-thing that he himself only half-remembers from past conversations. "Suffice it to say, he's from far away, like a stone that fell from a cliff into a river and was rolled many miles downstream by fierce currents..."), Sara the human ranger, the two paladins Klak and Albertus (arriving deep in a metaphysical debate), Durren the awkwardly-formal fighter, and Kragga the burly wizard hurry up in the next several minutes. To no one's particular surprise, they find that Xana has appeared at some point, making macabre jokes.

As for the others, Ogbar the human returned for his native lands long ago, and the absence of the human, Quest, and the halfling, Joseph, is felt rather keenly as the group of Dungeon Busters of Hochoch assemble to honor the memory of their fallen comrade Reptile. As everyone is still greeting each other (and meeting Jonel for the first time), Olpert Razorsson apologizes that they won't be holding a more public funeral service of pomp and ceremony; the organization is not that well-known or beloved by the populace to justify reserving a temple service, and Reptile's professed beliefs do not correspond to an inside ceremony.

Morgran begins the outdoor service with the traditional dwarven invocation, in his guttural, gravelly voice shattered from decades of yelling over the winds at sea. "Ourr brotherr has rreturrned to his home."

Despite their very different backgrounds, the other dwarves know this ritual. "To his home, to his home..." Klak and Aanbo murmur under their breath automatically. The call and response is simple, and the other Dungeon Busters quickly catch on and join in even though it is in Dwarvish.

"Guide ourr brrother to his rrest."
"To his rest, to his rest..."


"Gods, welcome Reptile as yerr guest."
"As your guest, as your guest..."


"Ourr brotherr has rreturrned to the stone."
"To the stone, to the stone."


With this ancient ritual completed, Morgran prays a blessing of Kord over the assembled heroes. Then the seafaring dwarven priest opens the memorial to the rest of the group. The collected Dungeon Busters share stories of Reptile's valor, his virtue, his occasional kindness, and his socially-awkward charm.

When everyone has finished sharing their stories and memories, Olpert arranges for Sara, Morgran, and Durren to carry the body out of the town and set it out for the elements and scavengers to reclaim, per Reptile's clan tradition.
May 8, 2025 11:24 pm
After asking if any of the DB's have magical knowledge, Jonel says farewell to Olpert shaking his hand as he directs him to Kragga. Jonel makes a brief introduction to him before slipping away as the funeral starts.
May 9, 2025 2:11 pm
During the funeral, Olpert notices that Jonel leaves and sighs. He was hoping the new recruit would stick around to see how they are a family and honor each other in death as well as life. Still, he figures that some people deal with death in different ways.

But when the funeral is done, Olpert goes to send Joseph to fetch Jonel (as the halfling is the fastest Dungeon Buster), but of course Joseph is missing. So Olpert turns to send Sara (whom he figures would be the quickest to find Jonel), but he realizes that he's just sent her off with Reptile's remains. He sighs, and sends Xana; the little gnome has a disquieting way of getting people to do what she wants. When Jonel and Xana rejoin the group and Durren, Morgran, and Sara have returned, Olpert reviews what everyone knows about the situation in the region, and listens carefully as each of the people in the Orlane party and the rescue party sent to retrieve them give their reports.
OOC:
@KidEnnui - the funeral took some time, and it took a while for Xana to find Jonel, so there is time for the side conversations/exploration that you want to do before this.
The summary includes:
- Bandit activity has been on the rise recently, particularly from a collection of gangs led by a mysterious mastermind who calls himself Black
- no one agrees on what Black looks or sounds like; his underlings have either never seen him, or they've seen someone they think is Black (but no two accounts are alike)
- Black sent some of his bandits to take control of the mill in Hochoch; that gang was working with a separate den of kobolds
- there is a rogue owlbear who has claimed this area as its territory that is eating livestock and unwary travelers
- between the monsters and the bandits, nearly all contact with Orlane, the breadbasket of the region that supplies the majority of food to both Hochoch and Hookhill, has effectively stopped
- Jonbon the bard came from the east and played upon the sympathy of the Dungeon Busters; as soon as he could, he used magic to convince the party to split up, and then he drugged and kidnapped most of the Jarl family.
- Jonbon was trying to take the Jarls to Orlane
- The Dungeon Busters have observed a bunch of troglodyte activity, including kidnappings. In response to Aanbo's concerns about the man, Olpert reports that Tym has been supplying some of the wood, working with Dino the Sawyer who has been cutting it into lumber for the Dungeon Busters Guild Hall.
- A mysterious cult has taken hold of many in Orlane; the cult members are often identified by a green spiral symbol, either as a worn item or some permanent disfiguration. They abduct people at night and take them to somebody identified as "her" to be indoctrinated. The cultists who are residents of Orlane are working with troglodytes. So far they are acting in secret, acting as if nothing has changed with them during the day, but at some point they may reach a critical mass that they can operate openly.
- The indoctrination seems to be very thorough, to the point where many of the cult members have fought to the death, and reasoning with them has not changed their convictions.
- Some of the Orlane residents are aware that something is wrong in their village, but they don't know who to trust. The party has befriended a few that seem unaffiliated with the cult: the hermit Ramne, a retired adventurer, (Alan Clayborn), and two mysterious elves who are strangers in Orlane.
- The Dungeon Busters have confronted and defeated cult members three times while in Orlane: when they were drugged and fought their way free initially, when they were ambushed and almost framed at the barn, and then when they fought free of the Constable Grover's custody to then beat down the innkeeper and his cultist cronies in the Golden Grain Inn.
- There is a secret meeting chamber under the Golden Grain Inn in Orlane, with hidden underground tunnels leading off of it. The captive cultists seemed very nervous anytime the tunnels were mentioned.
- The village of Orlane includes a temple dedicated to the village's patron goddess of agriculture, Merikka. The Dungeon Busters have not explored the eastern two-thirds of the village at all, which includes the temple.
- Jonbon revealed that Bandit Black was "one of the faithful" (this is what the rescue party was supposed to tell the Orlane group), which strongly suggests two things: Jonbon is a member of the cult, and the cult has been abducting and indoctrinating people for months.
- Brenin Owen's representative Reeve Ansola Behir will arrive in Hochoch in the next few weeks. The Reeve travels to different outlying regions of the Duchy to adjudicate various disputes.
- The dead are rising at night in the Dim Forest to attack the living
- Most recently, a team of bandits was hunting for the Dungeon Busters and ambushed them as they were returning to Hochoch.

Having summarized all that, Olpert asks "Is that complete, or does anyone have something else to add?"
May 9, 2025 7:35 pm
"I fear something’s wrong at the Temple of Merikka. The bandits that attacked us were led by one of their priests. That needs looking into. And I fear Joseph’s there with them," Myrtha added, as she racked her brain for additional details that might have escaped Olpert’s detailed summary.

"Oh yes, and that smith we came across on our way to Orlane. Someone of ours should keep an eye on him; might turn out he’ll be another Jonbon."
May 9, 2025 8:13 pm
"The dead seem to only reanimate at night and go dormant during the day. At the camp sight they were at one position when I first went there then the next time I was there they were in a different position."
May 9, 2025 8:30 pm
"I think the measures we took with the ogre, while extreme, should be utilized with any of the fouler monsters we face. I have no doubt if we did such with human corpses, there would be outrage from the community if any found out. It looks very much like we have our work cut out for us."
May 9, 2025 9:56 pm
"We could bind the corpses of those that fell. Seat them with knees to their chest, arms around their knees, and tie them up," suggests Aanbo. "If we suspect that something in the Dim Forest is reanimating bodies, we've left seven more creatures to wander about. We should not be surprised to find that false priest again."

Aanbo continues, "As for the blacksmith, an inspection for that spiral symbol might be enough. Did we check if Jonbon had the same?"
May 10, 2025 8:14 pm
Olpert nods at each of these observations/suggestions.
"Maybe a combination of these different approaches. Bodies can be consecrated to not rise as undead through the application of holy water, which is one of the things that those three took care of with Reptile's body. The problem is that holy water is very expensive to produce - you need a lot of silver. Isn't that right?" He looks to Morgran and Arya for confirmation. "When we get our guild operation up and running, part of the standard deployment procedure is to procure an ongoing source for silver, which is a requirement for fighting lycanthropes as well as undead. But in the meantime, we'll need to go to the temple of Rao for holy water. That's really expensive, so I would recommend that you only look to consecrate bodies that are recognizable. Ones that are long dead - like the ones you ran into on this last trip - are either dead so long that no one lives to remember them or so decayed that they can't be identified. Those ones can just be destroyed. That may sound callous to some of you, and I apologize if so. It's my job to maintain a practical as well as ethical view of our operations."

To Aanbo's comment, Albertus replies: "So far Zahm the smith hasn't done anything harmful, threatening, or even out of the ordinary. He's just been taking odd jobs and mending/making horseshoes. We have no authority to search or interrogate another citizen, and Louis is not convinced that our suspicion is enough to suspend the rights of a freeman in the Duchy. So we've just been checking in on him periodically."

Olpert nods and adds. "It's very important to be careful here. Your report that some people in Orlane are part of a cult and some others are not weakens any case we might have to make an accusation of someone who has done nothing wrong (that any of us have seen, anyway). If we go around proclaiming people as members of an evil cult, we'd better be damn sure they are; it will reflect very poorly on us if we make a false accusation, much less harm an innocent person."
Morgran chimes in: "As fer tha' Jonbon weed, aye, 'e's got a spiral scar like a brand on 'is back. Louis spied it when 'e was bathin'."

To Jonel, Kragga apologizes and explains: "Unfortunately, I can't use my magic to identify the detailed information about magical objects. I know how to do this, but in order to cast the spell, I need to get a rather large pearl. This far from the ocean, such pearls are hard to come by. Until I get a large enough pearl, Larissa is the one you should seek for such identification services."

Olpert then addresses the most pressing concern, from his point of view: "So Myrtha's got the right of it. We need to organize another search party to go back to Orlane and find Joseph. You four are the obvious candidates," he points to Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha, and Theran, "as you're the ones with first-hand knowledge of the village, and you have some friends there. You'll want to rest up, prepare, and take some others along with you - there's more safety in greater numbers. I recommend Arya, Jonel, Manthis, and Rosemary; you've already worked closely with them, and all the others are either helping me here or are engaged in other projects."
OOC:
If there's more that you'd like to discuss, you may. Otherwise, we can move on to selling (either through Olpert or haggling with merchants), paying for services, and/or training (for those with the requisite XP).
May 10, 2025 8:21 pm
Addressing Manthis, Rosemary, and Arya:
"If you guys want to, I'd be fine with letting Olpert sort this equipment out."
He removes a light crossbow and two shortswords from his pack to add to the rest.
"Master Olpert, if there's anything else you need from me, please don't hesitate to ask."
Jonel bows slightly with an informal salute.
Last edited May 10, 2025 8:26 pm
May 12, 2025 3:10 pm
Theran has sat silent. It's... a lot to process. The funeral for Reptile sees him at the front of the group, not looking away as the rights are performed. He stays with Reptile start to finish, almost as if the procedings were his responsibility.

As the others talk about the cult, and accusations, and everything else... he sits. He listens. And when Olpert makes mention of heading back, he simply nods.

Once the party splits, Theran will seek out training. He will also see how much coin they can provide the Jarls, as well as giving the kids the extra toys he had picked up.
May 12, 2025 7:13 pm
Myrtha nods at Olpert’s instructions. "We’ll make our preparations as quick as we can, and make our way back to Orlane, to find out more."
OOC:
Before Myrtha can train, she needs to make sure she has the requisite coin. She’d also want to assess whether Bertrand’s blade is standard issue or a better quality item. I still haven’t adapted her gear also, to take into account the new longbow and arrows…
May 12, 2025 8:17 pm
OOC:
With what we found in Orlane we should all have plenty of coin to train and upgrade gear and still give plenty to the Jarls.
May 12, 2025 8:27 pm
OOC:
How much downtime? Assuming Olpert or another DB takes care of the equipment, I could either study the coded spellbook or do some light spying in the tavern.
May 13, 2025 7:04 pm
Selling loot:
Olpert selling the goods will take longer, but will return a more predictable amount of money. What that means is that you can drop off whatever loot with Olpert, and he will get you half the sale price on each item. This amount will be ready for you in three days.

However, if you wish to sell items so that you have money to pay for training - which needs to be paid up front - someone will need to roll Persuasion to sell the items, and the amount you sell them for could be more or could be less than what you'd get with Olpert (depending on the result of the roll).

That said, I don't think that anyone in the party should be hurting for money.
Just concerning recently-acquired coins, the party has:
889 cubs, 496 seals, 136 eagles from Bertram's chest
10 cubs, 22 seals, 5 eagles from Reptile's pockets
10000 seals, 87 eagles from Derek's lockbox (the "thousands of seals" which you are only counting now)

That's 899 cubs, 10,518 seals, 228 eagles, which works out to the equivalent of 1287 eagles, 17 seals, and 9 cubs. If you divide the coins equally among all 8 party members, that's 160 eagles, 3 seals, and 1 cub per PC on top of whatever money the PCs still have on their own persons. Without trading, that's enough to buy stuff AND pay for training.

With regards to training (which both Myrtha and Chase have brought up), Olpert will direct them to the appropriate NPCs (Durren figured out class trainers a long time ago). WHICH NPC they get directed to depends on which class they want to train; each of the four trainees will need to declare who they are going to train with/in which class they are advancing.

The trainers are:
Barbarian: Gorbar the Sword
Bard: Sahivan "Silk" Singer
Cleric: Diana
Druid: Gwydn
Fighter: Cormac
Monk: Tuan Vo
Mystic: Mironund
Paladin: Njall Magnusson
Ranger: Green Allen
Rogue: Gwendolyn
Sorcerer: Meritocratus
Warlock: Dirk Gerald
Wizard: Larissa the Shadowed

Downtime:
Assuming that both Aanbo and Theran are training, there will be at least 3 days of training to attain level 3.
If Chase and Myrtha train, they will be training for 2 days, and will have 1 day free to explore/interact with townsfolk.
Arya, Rosemary, Jonel, and Manthis will have 3 free days of downtime to explore/sell/interact with townsfolk.

Spellbooks:
Just to be explicitly clear on spellbooks, they are for wizards. Mechanically speaking, there is no benefit to anyone else in reading or decoding a spellbook; they're only good for other wizards. Of course, characters might meet the minimum requirements to multiclass to wizard when they train to gain a level. Roleplaying-wise, it can be fun to incorporate trying to understand the spellbook as a character bit.
May 13, 2025 7:16 pm
OOC:
Theran would have grabbed all of it. I think I as a player got caught up with trying to keep PCs alive and planning our escape and everything else. Thank you for bringing it up.
"The lockbox and chest had a great deal of coin. Whatever we get from selling the equipment we salvaged, I would like my portion to go to the Jarls to help them get settled here in town," Theran tells Olpert before heading off to find Gwydn.
May 13, 2025 7:59 pm
Myrtha will seek out Cormac as soon as she has obtained a sufficient share of the loot taken from Orlane. She also seeks out someone to confirm whether the longsword found in Bertrand’s coffer has any dweomer or other feature of note. If it doesn’t, the sword will also be put to sale.
OOC:
I would hope Olpert could arrange for a detect magic spell to be cast on all the loot, to make sure we’re not underselling any of the items (there were differently-coloured arrows as well, which might prove enchanted)…
May 13, 2025 8:07 pm
Aanbo, satisfied that they've reported all they can to Olpert, addresses the coordinator privately. "I must take a leave of absence for a few days," he says. "I will not be far, in fact you will find me with Master Tuan Vo at the nearby monastery. If there is an emergency, please send for me. Otherwise, I will return."

The monk departs to visit the monastery, hoping to reconcile the conflict between taking lives and sparing them. He saw how killing someone under the influence to do evil promoted just as much suffering when that person's friends and family discovered the act. Yet would sparing the lives of such a person not just leave them to continue their acts of evil? Aanbo doubts that Constable Grover, Donovan, and Hulbar seek to make amends for their acts, and they may even be threatening innocent Orlane citizens this very moment.

And now with reports of the undead, has Aanbo left more fodder for whatever dark force to use against travelers in the Dim? Should he have tried to capture those bandits and turn them into Hochoch's authorities? It would have been difficult while also escorting the Jarls, but not an impossible task, and Aanbo begins to think that the early convenience in killing the bandits may have made things more difficult in the long term.

Aanbo hopes that the wise Tuan Vo may have some insights that could lift this mountainous weight off his shoulders.
OOC:
If nobody minds, I'd like to take the convenient route and divide the coins equally as stated above, where each person gets 160 eagles, 3 seals, and 1 cub. There is some shopping that Aanbo will do, such as replenish his healer's kit, but it's easier for me to track what he's got money-wise if I just know the specific numbers.

And I took it to mean that this coinage is in addition to whatever equipment can be sold? If that's the case, may I request a second summation afterward to know how much to add to my character sheet?
May 13, 2025 9:35 pm
Chase will head off to train with Green Allen but will also let Olpert know where he will in case something important should arise. Chase is excited to get some more archery training. He loves shooting bow. There has always been something calming to and he swears there are times when he can actually call the target to him and know exactly where the arrow is going to hit. He is also looking forward to learning some spells that can help the party when in a jam. Chase is also hoping Green Allen can tell him the difference in the white fletched arrows and their purpose. Also a trading in his scale armor for a chain shirt.
OOC:
I am also fine with splitting the money evenly as stated and letting Olpert sell the gear.
May 13, 2025 10:18 pm
Gwydn
Gwydn is delighted to see Theran again, understanding that it means he wishes to advance in his druidic abilities.

"What animals have you seen today?" the little gnome says (in what Theran has come to realize is the way he starts every conversation), holding out his hand. "Boars? Wild boars?" Gwydn cries with delight on hearing the news, squirreling away the 45 gold eagles that Theran has paid him. He insists on Theran demonstrating the form, and the two of them race off in boar form through the streets and into the countryside.

Over the course of the next three days, Gwydn works on Theran's physical stamina, having him run, jump, and crawl in various animal forms, drilling routines in different attacks to prey on smaller creatures. At some point on the second day, Gwydn shows his apprentice how to draw upon the mycelium network to deaden the senses of small rodents so that they cannot detect Theran approaching in snake form. Then, on the third day, Gwydn directs Theran to use his Chill Touch to kill a goose in flight. Instead of devouring the goose in some animal form, Gwydn insists that Theran remain an elf and "pull out two cubs, quickly!" Puzzled, Theran retrieves the small coins from his pouch. Gwydn then talks Theran through the magic of preserving the goose's body so that it will not decay, putting the coins over the goose's eyes. "Yes; good. As long as the coins remain, the body will not rot, nor can it be reanimated through necromancy." Gwydn explains approvingly, examining Theran's handiwork. "You've done it well. The effect lasts for at least a week, but it will fade over time."

Finally, when the training is complete, three full days have passed. In the end, Theran's magic capabilities have doubled (going from 3 to 6 spell slots, with 2 of them being L2 slots), he always has Blindness/Deafness and Gentle Repose prepared, he gains another 1d8 hit die (now 3d8), and he increases his HP (your choice whether to take the "average" of 5 or roll 1d8).
May 13, 2025 10:23 pm
OOC:
In that case, Jonel asks Kragga if he would be interested in the spellbook. We can play it out or handwave, no matter to me. That really limits me being able to do anything potentially useful for my character. Jonel could pick Kragga's brain or hang out with him. Still think Jonel should spend some time in the tavern. Would also offer the DB's any help they might need, believing in pulling his part and all
I don't think Jonel would want part of anything he didn't work for, only taking a share of the loot gathered by him, Arya, Manthis, and Rose.
May 14, 2025 2:47 pm
Theran will find time during his training days to have Derek's belongings checked for magic (and if need be identified).

He will also hand 20 Imperial Dragon coins to each of the eight active members.
OOC:
Let me know how much the detection and identification costs.
May 14, 2025 3:01 pm
OOC:
Myrtha is looking for detection and/or identification. I might be missing something, but what are imperial dragon coins? And where did Theran run into them?
May 14, 2025 3:14 pm
Before he leaves for the monastery, Aanbo turns over his 'Pretty Good Shortsword' confiscated from the Dim Forest Bandits. He wonders if the craftsmanship might hold additional secrets, and he will return for it once his meditations are complete. Even if it is just a pretty good blade, Aanbo reasons that its light weight will work for quick strikes, as opposed to the sweeping style of his quarterstaff.

The monk also stops by any general or specialty store to replenish the supplies of his healer's kit.
OOC:
Aanbo has 3 uses remaining in his Healer's Kit. I will deduct the cost for a full replacement for sake of brevity and convenience. He'll also hand over the blade for magic detection and/or identification, just in case.
May 14, 2025 8:05 pm
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/ae/dd/ceaeddfa938824e65b2ebf5522a05c7c.jpg
Manthis last seen was in the bar drinking. And currently he isn't there and is nowhere to be found. (Manthis has left the game.) As for where his share of loot goes? Not his problem.
May 17, 2025 4:09 pm
Hearing that someone just named "Cormac" is the recommendation for training her, Myrtha asks around about him. What she hears is somewhat enigmatic; since they've arrived in Hochoch, the Dungeon Busters have heard stories about the scarred champion who has a standing challenge: anyone can bet him that they can last a full minute in the battle ring against him will win his crown of office as fightmaster. So far, he's beaten every challenger, including Albertus, Klak, Morgran, Sara, and Durren from the Dungeon Busters. Xana apparently challenged him in secret, but she won't say anything more about it. Several of the others have encouraged Thacogygax to try his luck, but the gentle thraakon is enjoying his present life and doesn't want any reminders of his time of fighting wars in chains. "Too much this like my life before is when fought I in pits" he says in his broken language (which always becomes more pronounced when he is upset).

Myrtha goes to find Cormac. She's not sure what to expect - a fighting pit, a training hall, a smithy, or even a stable, perhaps? - but she is directed to a small scriptorium where several scribes work diligently at copying scrolls and books or documenting major transactions. One of them looks up at the towering armored woman as Myrtha enters. "You're here for Cormac?" he asks. At Myrtha's nod, the scribe sighs and calls out "CORMAC! You've got another challenger!" One of the scribes raises his index finger in a gesture to wait while he finishes a line of text. Then he sets down his quill, sprinkles some sand on the document, and stands up from his cramped little desk. This is Cormac?

Cormac wipes his ink-stained hand on his ink-stained robe as he walks up to Myrtha and looks her up and down. "Let's step outside to talk," he says, and Myrtha can see that the man is neither young nor particularly old, and his face is criss-crossed by many scars, most from cuts, although one puckered scar on his neck appears to have been from a puncture, and part of the skin around his jaw to his ear was burned long ago. Myrtha is taller than he is, but he is broader across the shoulders.

Stepping outside with Myrtha, Cormac picks up a bamboo stalk from a bucket and starts worrying and whittling the tip with his thumbnail. "I've been wondering when we'd meet," Cormac begins, leaning against the outside wall. He reaches under his robe, rummages around for a bit, and then pulls out a battered golden diadem: the emblem of office of the Champion of Geoff. "You want this, huh?" When Myrtha shakes her head and explains that she wants to learn from him, Cormac stuffs the crown back under his robe and stands up, looking at her with different eyes. "You know, I've been hearing a lot about you. I'm familiar with the Knights of Holy Shielding and how they fight. The Northern Rangers and the Sentry Corps, those are known to me. The Swordmasters Guild, the Kordites and the Clangeddins - I know their styles. But what I want to know is: how does the Valorous Maiden fight?" As he finishes saying this, he lashes out in a furious series of blows with the bamboo stalk, and Myrtha barely manages to get her shield up in time to block them, though the blows push her back more than three paces. The blows stop. "Good," Cormac nods approvingly, "You are wise to not lower your defenses." He squints and looks down the street, first one way and then the other. "Yeeees...yes, I think I can teach you some things."

Cormac charges for his tutelage, to cover the cost of his time and expertise plus the lost income from not working as a scribe. Would he make that much money for just writing?? Myrtha wonders as she pays him the first 15 eagles. As soon as the coin disappears into his robe, Cormac begins with her training, telling her to run. She spends the rest of the day performing various physical feats with Cormac pacing her easily. At one point, panting from the exertion, Myrtha remarks that he has it easy, because she's running in full armor, her pack, and all her weapons, and he's just in a robe. Wordlessly, Cormac lifts his robe to reveal that he has iron weights strapped to every part of his body. As a smith, Myrtha recognizes that he has at least 400 pounds of weight he's carrying so casually (she also recognizes that he's not as broad as he appears - the iron ingots add considerable bulk to his frame - without the weights, he'd have about the same breadth of shoulder as she has).

The first day is exhausting, but the second is even more trying, as he repeats the ordeal of physical performance but interspersed with sudden attacks from different directions. She gets faster at blocks and parries, her awareness grows, and by the end of the day, her adrenalin is so high that she can push herself to go just a little farther and a little faster than she could before she started.

At the end of the second full day of training (and the second 15 eagles), Cormac stops and says, "You're young and a quick learner. You've made a lot of progress. But for you to improve even further, you must use what you've learned out in the world."

With her training completed (for now), Myrtha is now a L2 fighter and gains the Action Surge ability.
May 18, 2025 5:34 am
"Rockhead! You survived!" Tuan Vo, using one of the affectionate nicknames for the dwarf, is delighted to see Aanbo again. "Hey, I guess that means I am pretty good teacher, eh?" He laughs, exposing the large gap between his teeth again. "Are you here to learn more?" Tuan holds out his hand expectantly. Aanbo pays him the thirty eagles that he paid for his previous training, and Tuan shakes his head. "No, it will take more time for you to learn. Another day, at least." Aanbo pays the 15 additional eagles. "Good! First, we warm up!" Tuan begins drills with the nimble Earthshaker dwarf.

Aanbo falls back into the routine of the various forms with little prompting, flowing from one stance into the next. But he is taken aback when Tuan begins throwing random objects at him. "No!" Tuan scolds when Aanbo spins out of the path of an flowerpot. "No! You do not dodge!" Tuan throws a stone at Aanbo, and as Aanbo begins to step out of the path, Tuan has already thrown a trowel at the monk; the handle hits him in the forehead. "When you dodge, this happens!" Tuan Vo chuckles as he picks up the objects and returns them to their spots. "Dodging is good, but a clever opponent can tell where you will go when you dodge. Next you must learn to catch."

Tuan Vo watches Aanbo carefully over the course of the day as he moves and begins to learn how to react fast enough to catch or at least knock aside the missiles that his trainer throws. "What were the tenets of your tradition at the Earthshaker Abbey?" he asks, peppering doctrinal questions in amongst the missiles. After a while, Tuan calls to one of the other disciples. "Harford, come! My arm is tired. You throw." Without expression, Harford stops doing the push-ups he was performing and jogs over to begin throwing objects at Aanbo. His rhythm is very different from Tuan's, and Aanbo gets a few more bruises before he develops the ability to spot the throw. Tuan takes a long sip of water, then gestures again. "Larfa, come!" That disciple obediently leaves off striking the training log. "You stand over...there." Larfa moves to the other side of the courtyard. "And throw!" Now Aanbo has to keep track of missiles flying at him from two directions while Tuan asks him more questions about Earthshaker dogma. "Is it a greater virtue to prolong a man's life in pain, or to end it so that he will feel pain no more?"

On the second day, Aanbo starts with a repetition of the drills he did the first day, with all three of Tuan's disciples running complicated patterns around the courtyard throwing objects at him at unpredictable intervals. Sometimes a disciple on the other side will catch the item and throw it back that much faster, sometimes the throws land on the ground to be picked up by someone else. But at midday, Tuan calls "Enough!"

"Now that you are warmed up," Tuan addresses Aanbo while the others immediately return to other tasks. "I will teach you more of ki. Follow!" Tuan walks away, moving as fast a person sprinting full-out. "Why so slow?" he grumbles at Aanbo when the trainee is unable to catch up to him, but he does slow down to a pace that Aanbo can just barely maintain. Soon enough, they have arrived at the Temple of Rao. The acolytes there open the doors and bow as Tuan walks right in. Tuan leads Aanbo into an interior space where Diana is meditating. Tuan kneels next to her and Aanbo kneels a bit behind them when it becomes clear that there is no space next to them. Eventually, Diana opens her eyes and gives Tuan a stately nod. Silently, she leads him and Aanbo to a room similar to the one where Devek recuperated. There is a man laying on a cot there with a mangled leg, with an acolyte praying over him. Diana touches the acolyte, who looks around, gets up and leaves with Diana.

"You have ki, as I have taught you. I have ki, as you know. But all creatures have ki, even if they do not know. Now I show you: you can use your ki to affect another's ki." Tuan turns to the mangled man, inhales deeply, and then exhales in a number of short, fierce puffs as he pushes his hands out from his stomach toward the injured patient. As Tuan's hands touch the man, the man's labored breathing eases a bit, his color improves, and scabs form as Tuan adjusts the angle of the man's leg. Tuan repeats this twice more as Aanbo observes intently; each time the man's injury heals a bit more. Tuan leads his student out of the room; they bow respectfully to Diana and her acolyte, then leave the temple.

"You saw what I was doing?" Tuan peers at Aanbo and nods. "Heh. Good. Now you try on me." Aanbo begins to imitate what Tuan had done, and the master interrupts him impatiently. "No! You cannot heal when I am not hurt. Hurt me first!" Aanbo shrugs and takes a stance, wondering how he can land a blow on his teacher. But Tuan does not defend himself; the punch lands, but punching him is like punching the practice log. "No! No!" Tuan shakes his bald head. "Use your ki to hurt! Like this!" Before Aanbo can see it, Tuan's fist had glanced off the side of his head, leaving his ears ringing. It was a light blow, but he staggers as some of his life force was drained away in the momentary contact. "See? Feel? Your ki can give, or it can take! Take from me first, then give again!"

The rest of the day is spent with Aanbo mustering his ki and draining Tuan's life force with a punch (and, later, kicks) and then restoring life force with a touch.

The third day is more of the same. Tuan's disciples advance to throwing hatchets and knives; Aanbo is able to block most of them. Then the rest of the day is spent redirecting ki from and to others.

As the third day ends, Tuan serves soup to his tired students and applauds Aanbo's progress. "Now you are better able to protect your friends, neh?"

With that, Aanbo has completed his level 3 training, gaining the Deflect Missiles, Hands of Harm, and Hands of Healing abilities.
May 18, 2025 7:19 am
Drenched in sweat, her short cropped hair plastered to her temples, Myrtha looks at Cormac with respect and thankfulness.

These were two truly harrowing days, reminding her of her very first days of training under the drill sergeants of the Lord’s Keep closest to Three Elms crossing. But this was tougher, more personal, and very practical: she had now experienced real combat on more than one occasion, and unlike her great feat of juvenile glory, she remembered every moment of each of the fights she’d had since taking the road in the employ of the Dungeon Busters. Everything Cormac told her, or illustrated through action, rhymed with or echoed with actual instances of deadly risk faced in the last few days.

She understood Cormac’s teachings all the better for she’d now confronted risks, and pain, and loss that she’d not truly known before. The scribe drill-master was quite a mystery to her still, but he had opened many windows in her mind, and she felt stronger, and better for it.

"The The Valorous Maiden is just some poet’s dream; the girl that survived that day is all she was, and is. Broken as she was, grieving as she still is. Thank you Cormac, for your time and your help. I’ll go and act, and if the gods will it, I will come back to learn more. Good scribing until then!" Myrtha said in parting ways with her tutor.
OOC:
Action surge, yay! What an interesting character, this Cormac!
Last edited May 18, 2025 7:27 am

Green Allen

spaceseeker19

May 18, 2025 5:10 pm
Green Allen
"Green Allen" is the official title of a captain of the Brenin's Scouts. No one knows whether the Green Allen in Hochoch is still working for the Brenin in some official capacity or whether he has retired here. He doesn't seem to do anything in town, going for long walks and interacting with few people aside from Gwydn and Gorbar, but everyone treats him with cautious respect in any case. Lienne has tried many times to get into his confidence, and only gradually did she realize that she weaseled out of him was contradictory and slightly absurd (such as the different names he has presented as his own). As a result, Lienne is burning with curiosity about him, and she is very helpful in showing Chase where to find the Green Allen of Hochoch.

The Green Allen is a half-elf, still slightly boyish-looking despite the claw scar across his face and the many similar scars on his thick hands. "Thank you, my darling," the man says to Lienne, then turns to Chase. "How are you, old friend? I haven't seen you since we survived that battle in the troll wars!" He smiles at Lienne again. "Excuse us; we don't want to bore you with our war stories." He bows over her hand and kisses it gallantly. "Surely you are a vision of the Woodshaper, sent to bless us all. My heartbeat counts every moment until I see you again!" The Green Allen turns and walks away with Chase while Lienne tries to figure out whether the mention of the "woodshaper" is significant.

"Very clever people are easy to distract with a puzzle," the Green Allen says as they walk, their path taking them out the North Gate. Chase begins to speak, but the Green Allen raises his hand to signal that they should be quiet a little longer. Once outside the city walls and heading along the north road, the Green Allen addresses Chase again. "I could ask why you've come to me, but I know it already. I've kept track of you and Sara both since you arrived. You want to learn more. I could ask you to demonstrate your worthiness, but I know that, too. All the demonstration I need is your effort to learn and a financial contribution. You're an adventurer, and you're working for Cecily Raptor's organization, which means both success and prestige. I'll train you for 30 eagles."

Chase is perhaps a little taken aback by this blunt presentation of such a large amount. Taking that pause as indecision, the Green Allen says flatly, "I have a lot to teach, and you have a lot to learn. Accept the offer or not."

Chase accepts the offer and pays the huge fee. "Good." The Green Allen begins to expound on various topics, seemingly at random, but gradually Chase discerns how the different topics - the forest, thaumatology, archery, woodcraft, orc anatomy - are actually relevant and related to one another. Within hours, they have entered the Dim and left the road behind them. The Green Allen shows how to use everyday items to shape and bind the thaums all around them to produce supernatural effects: spells. He explains how magic is sympathetic, and so the materials you use determine what effects you can produce. The Green Allen shows how to forage for different materials in case the magic effect requires something that isn't readily available: a bug's leg, for example, or a bit of fur or the leaf of a particular tree. As Chase expresses interest in refining his archery, the Green Allen takes him to a clearing. Reaching into a pouch, he takes out a bit of charcoal and, while explaining what sorts of spells would use that, begins to draw on the boles of smooth-barked trees at the edge of the clearing and beyond. Soon enough it becomes clear that he is drawing surprisingly good representations of orcs and goblins. He then has Chase run through drills, nocking, drawing, loosing as quickly as he can. When Chase has exhausted his quiver, the Green Allen walks him through each arrow, reminding him of his anatomy lessons, and explaining how Chase could improve his targeting for better effect. Then they retrieve the arrows, and do it again. And again. And again.

By the time they return to Hochoch at the end of the second day, Chase has learned two spells and has the Archery fighting style.
OOC:
He also gains the extra hit die for L2. Correct me if I'm wrong about the archery style; it really seemed like that's what you were choosing. Also, pick the two spells that Chase now knows.
May 18, 2025 5:41 pm
OOC:
Yes archery was I wanted. I also wanted to see if he could tell me about the white fletched arrows that were a little heavier in the tip. I also want ed to trade in my scale armor for a chain shirt. So trading in my scale how much would a chain shirt cost? 35 eagles?
Last edited May 18, 2025 5:58 pm
May 18, 2025 7:14 pm
The exhaustion from the near-daily regimen of physical training helped Aanbo establish a clear mind during downtime. A clear mind prepared to meditate on the flow of ki within himself and within others, now open to resolving the conflict of life and death. Aanbo realized that while everyone deserved a chance for redemption, true mercy also required the understanding that sparing the life of evil meant endangering the lives of others, much like removing a blockage of ki to allow life's energy to flow onwards.

The cult in Orlane was like the patient's mangled leg, a wound that threatens to poison the rest of the body. The flow of ki within the town needed to be restored, even if should be as gradually as Tuan Vo did for the patient. Aanbo resolved to remove the cancerous sores from the town, however long it would take.

Before he left Tuan Vo's monastery, Aanbo asked permission to sift through the garden for plants that might help speed restorative healing and stave off infections. He also shared the recipes he found in the Temple of Pae for the healing potion and the awakening agent; if anything the monks would have a useful reference in the event either was required.
May 19, 2025 12:11 am
START OF THE SHOPPING MONTAGE!

Before the four heroes who are ready (Aanbo, Chase, Myrtha, Theran) leave for training, the party asks Olpert to sell their loot and provide the proceeds. Before he accepts this task, Olpert calls Kragga over. In his gruff, low voice, Kragga explains "Hey guys, I still can't use my arts to identify the nature of any magical items or devices - I need to get my hands on a pearl of great price for that, and there are none to be had here in Hochoch. But I can look over the stuff you brought back and tell if there ARE any magic items in the batch. How does that sound?"
May 19, 2025 12:33 am
"Sounds great. What do you think of these arrows?" Chase will hand him a white fletched arrow.
May 19, 2025 12:37 am
Aanbo nods with approval of Kragga's offer. He regrets not confiscating Constable Grover's weapon, but the time was not right to be lugging around such cumbersome steel.
May 19, 2025 1:06 am
"Fine by me "
Few could stand up to the golden standard set by his mentor, and this one surely fell short. Jonel had no doubt that he could have made short work of this. He begins to question if leaving the spellbook in Kragga's possession would be a waste.
May 19, 2025 7:30 am
"I wonder if this sword bears any enchantment," Myrtha stated, setting the heavy blade in its scabbard on the table next to Kragga.
OOC:
Can we assume all items plundered during our foray have been set up for detection, or do we have to declare each item individually?
May 19, 2025 2:36 pm
matmaisan says:
Can we assume all items plundered during our foray have been set up for detection, or do we have to declare each item individually?
OOC:
It's all of them. I would have posted already, except that I'm in the process of collating all the items that the party has gathered, where they came from, and which character has each one (or whether they are on the travois still). I should have been tracking this from the start. It's taking a bit of time, because the party has left loot behind a number of times (not just with the Constable, either).

There are several magic items.
May 19, 2025 3:58 pm
Kragga passes his hands over the party and the travois in a complicated series of gestures, muttering under his breath. Then he pokes and prods each of the adventurers, ferreting out the items that they are carrying that are magic.
OOC:
Note: I am not including any of the gear that you have started with, only the stuff that you've picked up during the adventure.
Note 2: I am also not including any of the NPC Dungeon Busters in this list.
Aanbo is carrying:
- green spiral pendant from cult bandits
- pretty good short sword from cult bandits
- silver bowl from the forest temple
None of these are magical.

Arya is carrying:
- green spiral pendant from cult bandits
- holy symbol of Merikka from cult bandits
- silver dagger from dead adventurers
- book of poetry from dead adventurers
None of these are magical.

Chase is carrying:
- a bone die from dead adventurers (MAGIC)
- thieves' tools from dead adventurers
- pouch of ball bearings from dead adventurers
- 3 white-fletched arrows from dead adventurers (MAGIC)
- 15 black-fletched arrows from dead adventurers
- two short bows from dead adventurers
- staff from the dead adventurers
- short sword from dead adventurers
- club from dead adventurers

Jonel is carrying:
- light crossbow from cult bandits
- two short swords from cult bandits
- spellbook from dead adventurers
- an earring from dead adventurers (MAGIC)
- a red gem from dead adventurers (MAGIC)

Manthis is nowhere to be found, having left just after Theran handed out the coins.

Myrtha is carrying:
- a longbow from cult bandits
- quiver with 9 arrows from cult bandits
- +1 spear from Donovan (MAGIC)
- clothing from Bertram's chest
- aprons from Bertram's chest
- a longsword and scabbard from Bertram's chest

Rosemary is carrying:
- a pendant from dead adventurers (MAGIC)
- cooking utensils from dead adventurers
- a potion from dead adventurers (MAGIC)
- holy badge of Heironeous from dead adventurers

Theran is carrying:
- two silver rings from cult bandits
- black leather armor from Derek (MAGIC)
- shortsword from Derek
- stiletto dagger from Derek
- five gems from Derek
- potion 1 from Derek (MAGIC)
- potion 2 from Derek (MAGIC)
- potion 3 from Derek (MAGIC)

The gear that has been dragged around on the travois is:
- seven small knives from cult bandits
- 18 crossbow bolts from cult bandits
- two light crossbows from cult bandits
- three short swords from cult bandits
- falchion from dead adventurers
- four javelins from Reptile
- two handaxes from Reptile
- explorer's pack from Reptile
- battle horn from Reptile
- a guard badge from Reptile
None of those items are magical.

Once again, Kragga apologizes for not being able to identify the nature of the magic items. "The pearl I had used before vanished." He looks puzzled and angry. "I suspect thievery, but I'm not sure. We've been conducting a search to discover if anyone has tried to sell a pearl recently, but no luck so far." He says this, but some of the older Dungeon Busters who know him better suspect that he may have just misplaced the pearl and is trying to save face with this talk of 'thievery.'

Let Olpert know which of those items you want him to sell.

Kragga suggests: "I have not met with her yet, but I understand there is another wizard in Hochoch. She is called 'Larissa the Shadowed.' If she truly is a magician, she might have the requisite material and ability to cast such a complicated and arcane spell." He sniffs disdainfully. "I wouldn't hold my breath, though."

Everyone recognizes that as pride, not an actual assessment of Larissa, whom he does not know. Durren has already identified her as the Wizard trainer, so she will be able to cast more complicated spells than Kragga can.
May 19, 2025 4:19 pm
Aanbo retains the shortsword and silver bowl. He turns over the spiral pendant to Olpert as a reference for other Dungeon Busters and the eventual arrival of the Reeve, in case anybody encounter more troglodytes or cultists near Hochoch. "I prefer that at least one of these symbols is kept for evidence," he says. "I understand that we can't just search everyone without justifiable cause, but at least we know what to look for."

For the remaining non-magical equipment, Aanbo leaves the decision to everyone else since they might find a use for such gear. If the proceeds from any sale is meant to be distributed to the Dungeon Busters, Aanbo volunteers his share for the Jarl family.
May 19, 2025 5:46 pm
OOC:
Not to make this any harder than it has to be, but I threw in the crossbow and two shortswords with the rest. Rosemary took the red gem if memory serves. I intend to keep the earring and I'll just give the spellbook to Kragga. Removing all from my sheet.
Edit: I was wrong. Rosemary handed Jonel the gem. Not sure how I missed that. Sorry.
Last edited May 19, 2025 6:06 pm
May 19, 2025 6:17 pm
Later, during Chase's days of training, his mentor the Green Allen examines the white-fletched arrows. "I'm not sure, but I believe these are similar to others I've used in the past. If I'm correct, these are fire arrows."
OOC:
Fire arrow: on impact, a fire arrow ignites. If what it has hit is flammable, that is set on fire, too. Creatures hit with a fire arrow takes 1d4+1 additional fire damage when it is hit, and 1d4 fire damage at the start of its turn (action to make a DC10 DEX check to extinguish the flames on the creature).
May 19, 2025 6:41 pm
"Thank you Kragga, this is most helpful," the warrior responded, warmly. She had not adventured with the half-orc wizard, but had frequently found his presence reassuring, and his talk kind and useful.

Once she determined that the sword was not magical, she stepped over and dropped it onto the travois. She had owned a decent blade for years, there was no point wielding the weapon of an evil man, unless it could have been put to use bringing about the greater good. She kept the longbow and arrows, and also set aside Reptile's hand axes, battle horn and guardsman badge as keepsakes; her own axes she set on the travois, to be sold with the rest of the confiscated gear.
OOC:
Bertrand's clothes and apron will also be put to sale, or given away. I believe Chase will be wanting the spear, although Myrtha could equally put it to good use. What do you think, @mathias0077 ?
May 19, 2025 8:01 pm
"Thank you, Kragga. I have something you might be interested in if we could speak in private for a moment."
Jonel entrusts the deciphering of the spellbook to Kragga letting him do with it as he sees fit.
May 19, 2025 8:33 pm
Chase will nod "Thank you Kragga. This was much help." Chase will keep the dice and all the arrows black and white. Everything else he will leave for sale and those proceeds can also go to the Jarls.

@matmaisan If you want to keep the spear that is cool with me. I have some neat arrows.
May 19, 2025 8:35 pm
Chase at the end of his training will thank the Green Allen."My eye seems keener already with the bow. And these arrows will sure come in handy. Thank you for the training and info."
May 19, 2025 11:48 pm
After leaving training Chase will head to the tavern and have a mug of ale. As he sits he will pull out the bone die he looted and give it a roll.
May 21, 2025 1:21 am
Theran enjoys his time training with Gwydn, giving in to the embrace of nature. It's work, but it's enjoyable work. Something about losing himself in the process...

"Thank you, Gwydn. I hope I see you again sooner rather than later."

Eventually he wanders back to the Busters. Theran intends to keep the potions, but if anyone else wants any of the gear they're welcome to take it before the remaining equipment is sold off.
May 21, 2025 1:32 am
Chase will talk with Theran to see if he can get the leather armor that was taken from Derek. Chase will then take the leather armor to Larrisa to enquire if she could tell him what it is.
Last edited May 21, 2025 1:41 am
May 21, 2025 1:40 am
"Certainly. Although I am unsure what the enchantment is. It may be a problem in its own right, so be cautious," Theran replies to Chase.
May 21, 2025 1:43 am
"Thank you, and yes I am going to try and find out what it is before I use it. I know it was owned by a very evil man. Maybe it was the armor that made him that way." Picking up the armor"I will take it to Larrisa and see if she might be able to help."
Last edited May 21, 2025 1:44 am
May 21, 2025 2:39 am
"Do let me know what you find out, would you? Curiosity and all," the wood elf remarks.
May 21, 2025 9:13 am
Three days with unchecked evil festering in the forest chafed at Arya's sense of urgency. However, her remarkable self-control prevented rash decisions. Instead, she sought out Diana the town's other cleric, to share the unsettling events of their recent journey and entrust her with the holy symbol of Merikka found on their adversaries.

Having secured her lodging at the inn for the coming days, her companions from the DB will find her in front of a table at dinner, surrounded by locals drawn to her radiant presence and eager to hear tales of Pelor or simply to bask in her serene beauty and grace.
May 22, 2025 5:57 am
After Aanbo and Theran have completed their training, Olpert returns with the proceeds of the sale of the various items. Split between the 7 adventurers (Aanbo, Arya, Chase, Jonel, Myrtha, Rosemary, Theran) and the Jarl family, each gets 16 eagles, 11 seals, and 6 cubs.

With enough experimentation, Chase finds that he can call what number will be rolled on the magic die.

As all this is happening, Morton arrives in town. Morton had been inducted into the Dungeon Busters organization some time ago, but was doing various odd jobs for Cecily. When he recently finished those tasks, Cecily announced that Morton was ready to take a position at a field office, and asked him which office he wanted. Remembering some of the people who started with him weeks ago, Morton asked after them. As soon as he found out that they had gone on to Hochoch, Morton had selected that destination.

Chase heads off to consult with Larissa. Once again, Lienne proves very helpful to the ranger, though she takes his arm and walks with him through the town, sharing intimate details of various passersby with him as they walk. Eventually, she leads him to a small cottage and gestures for him to continue. "I don't get along with Larissa," she says, "But tell me about your visit afterward!" A somewhat portly man answers the door. "Yes?" When Chase explains that he wishes to consult with Larissa, the man nods, calling over his shoulder, "You've got another admirer, dear!" He winks at Chase. "ANOTHER ONE??" comes the good-natured yell from inside. "Tell him to go away! I've already had too many rangers wooing me today!" At Chase's frown, the man laughs. "Haha! Come in, come in; that's just our little joke. You may enter." The man introduces himself as Barl, Larissa's husband. Larissa, a cheerful woman with greying hair, is busy with some baking, flour puffing from her hands as she waves at him. But Chase notices that, as bright and cheerful as Larissa seems, the light of the fire and the several candles in the house doesn't fully touch her, as if she is in the shade of something between her and every light source. She puts the tin in the oven and wipes her hands on her apron. "Well!" she says, smiling kindly up at Chase, "You want something identified, is that right? It takes time and effort; I can do the first item for 25 eagles."
May 22, 2025 9:44 am
Chase will enter with the armor "Hello my lady." with a slight bow"Yes I would like to have this armor and bone die identified ." Chase will hand Larissa 25 eagles.
OOC:
I will give my share from the equipment to the Jarls. I have deducted the 25 eagles for ID. Is Rosemary still playing? Haven't see a post in awhile.
May 22, 2025 1:01 pm
Larissa identifies the black leather armor as leather armor +1.
OOC:
Chase has already figured out what the bone die does: he can choose a number, and the next roll of the die will come up with that number.
As for the Jarls, you're welcome to donate that to them, but remember that they are already getting that amount from what would have been Manthis' share, as he's disappeared.
May 22, 2025 4:25 pm
During her third day in Hochoch Myrtha would visit the Jarls to see how they are settling down, and visit the merchant streets / quarter to examine weapons and armor that might be necessary.
OOC:
I've updated Myrtha's sheet, adding the coinage, the spear+1, and the longbow to her inventory. She'll also buy a quiver and 20 arrows to go with her recently acquired longbow. She'll be looking for other adventuring gear that might be useful (list to come), and might consider buying a steed, a pack animal, or a small cart. That would allow the party to carry more, and to have decent camping gear and rations at hand, if necessary.
May 22, 2025 9:37 pm
Chase after finding out what the Leather Armor is will go back to the room provided by the DB and remove his Scale armor and don the black leather. He will then find Olpert and donate the scale armor in case a new recruit need it.
May 22, 2025 9:47 pm
As Chase moves back into town after dropping off his old armor he sees Myrtha doing some shopping and heads over to her."How are you doing? I know Reptile was a big loss for you. You forge strong bonds while traveling and fighting beside someone. That was the biggest reason I liked being a Boundary Warden. I lost a friend on a mission when we were young and fresh in the army. It was hard." Looking around he will change the subject."Doing some shopping? I think it would be wise if we all bought a horse. Move around quicker, carry more, and have fresher legs for the fight."
May 23, 2025 3:01 am
Finished with his own training, Theran will start looking into the possibility of better armor, although... nothing metal. Perhaps a hardened wood breastplate? He didn't think he had the coin to afford it, but he had to at least determine if such a thing was even available.

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