Episode 1

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Oct 27, 2017 1:48 am
Rhone listens to Kray, watching him carefully. Hanging on his every word. Clinging to any sort of comfort that might be found in this shattered world of hers. She holds his hand that he offers.

She looks away for a moment. Thinking. Gathering herself.

She looks back at him, running her hand nervously through her hair. Her green eyes staring right at him. In a soft voice, she asks carefully, "So ...you will take me to my father now?"

Kray can see that she is bracing for the answer.

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 2:07 am
Some of the other Tcho-Tcho come over to Thorn and start asking questions. He cannot understand them. They try to explain. They seem kind and enthusiastic, but of course with the trademark seriousness of expression and low monotone talking style of Tochoans.

They are using hand signals too, but Thorn just cannot get what they are talking about.

One of them walks over to Hinka and asks him a question. Hinko looks at the other Tcho and then responds with a few words.

The other guy comes back over to Thorn and says a word, like a parrot repeating what he just heard. "Jewels"

He nods at Kray like it is a question. Then points to his own eyes and then points outward with two fingers. "Jewels." He nods like a question of, "Yes?".

Thorn gets it. The Tcho-Tcho, masters of creeping pilfering sneaking and searching, want to take a look at the loot score!
Oct 27, 2017 2:38 am
Doirind walks by Maeriks and then stops to look back at him.

"Where have you been living, Maeriks?", she asks him. "Is there anyone left in Driftwood?"
Oct 27, 2017 10:08 am
DMJ says:
Thorn gets it. The Tcho-Tcho, masters of creeping pilfering sneaking and searching, want to take a look at the loot score!
Thorn shoots Hinka a look: mock anger followed by a grin. So Tcho-Tchos share everything, hey, little man?

He shrugs and motions the little men over to a tree, where he sits, his back to it, as they gather around him.

He reaches his hand into the pouch where he put the gemstones earlier and pulls one out for his audience to admire, handing it to the nearest man.

He puts his hand back into the pouch for a blind count. His ear catches Rhone's voice, asking Kray whether he'll take her to her father, and he glances over. The same question has been lurking in his own mind, and he's curious to hear what sort of answer Kray has prepared.
OOC:
About how many gems does Thorn have, DMJ?
Last edited October 27, 2017 10:10 am

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 10:37 am
When able to see and inspect the brilliant blue gem, the Tcho-Tchos are fascinated and immediately launch into a flurry of fast paced low-tone conversation between one another. They look up at Thorn some, apparently speaking full speed to him as well, and even seem to imitate some actions to paint a picture of what happened or maybe some kind of work. He cannot understand a word and can't really get whether the pantomimes are questions or just stories, illustrations, or what. But their enthusiasm and satisfaction is pretty funny and enjoyable to see.

They give the example gem back with a nod and smile and then keep talking with one another as they walk away.
OOC:
Somewhere 60-70 "sky gems"!

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 10:54 am
One of the Tcho-Tchos comes over to signal to Bryn once Hinka is finished talking. Bryn knows him. He is a bola hunter named Imbo.

Bryn finds himself strangely missing Pumji, his assigned "monitor", sometimes annoying because of his long silences, but also the one Tcho-Tcho who would ever speak Dannein.

Signals from Imbo:

Leaving?
Return to Deerhunter village?
Or Return to City?
Oct 27, 2017 12:14 pm
Quote:
In a soft voice, she asks carefully, "So ...you will take me to my father now?"

Kray can see that she is bracing for the answer.
Ivor jerks his head in Kray's direction. The Dannein ex-gladiator has been conflicted for a while now but has no idea what Mercon and the others are thinking.
Oct 27, 2017 3:45 pm
Eyes downcast and hanging slightly back from the group as they re-equip, Maeriks pokes at his armor. So much has passed. Just yesterday he was the idiot. Then he became a warrior. Then blessed by the Tcho Tchos. Then he became the Norach. And then he let his clan be enslaved and slaughtered. He casts a glance at Sorocha, being comforted by Kray. And then watches Doirind for a brief moment, admiring her resolution as she even now is on watch and ready for action again. And then he sees the twisted face of Boann as she flew back from the Hieropnant. He turns his back to the group and begins to sob quietly while donning his armor.
Last edited October 27, 2017 3:54 pm
Oct 27, 2017 3:52 pm
DMJ says:
Doirind walks by Maeriks and then stops to look back at him.

"Where have you been living, Maeriks?", she asks him. "Is there anyone left in Driftwood?"
Not quite sure how to respond, and more worried that she might have seen his sobbing, Maeriks shrugs and looks down at Reave both to hide his face and for an answer.

"Nothing left." he says, not shifting his gaze from the war club.
Last edited October 27, 2017 3:54 pm
Oct 27, 2017 4:44 pm
DMJ says:
"So ...you will take me to my father now?"
There is no hesitation in Kray's reply, his voice decidedly firm. "No." He gently pulled Sorcha to her feet. Addressing the group, eyes methodically shifting to each individual,Thorn and Ivor in particular, he continued. "Nobody is taking you to your 'father'." The words come out matter of fact, without room for negotiation. "We are not fulfilling this contract. However..."

Kray pulled out his tinder and flint, as if to light the spliff, then cursed under his breath the moment he recognized all of the above were too damp to for use. Returning them to his jacket pocket, he elaborated on the contract and the change of plans.

"...for those of you who have had the distinct... pleasure?" He looked directly at Thorn now, his tone picking up a palpable and sarcastic levity for a moment. "Sound right to you?" Kray was fairly certain Thorn was already on the same page regarding delivering Sorcha to Zaituc; as such, his icy blue eyes refocused on Ivor, narrowing like a bird of prey. "You'll find my word as good as Pylosean metal. You'll also find that you're never lacking for work and your purse is like a whore that's always pregnant with coin. An extraordinarily fat whore, at that." He flashed a smile at Ivor, genuine at that, then suddenly remembered Sorcha was listening.Dammit.

The Mercon Lord, who had never broken a contract, made his point as he approached conclusion. "I'm making the call to break the contract. As such, the burden is on me. Which means you'll get your coin. In full."

Kray could feel the heat of the day coming on now, the humidity simmering with it. It was a welcome change from the confines of the ziggurat, refreshing.

"Thorn, that bonus you're holding. The blue stones. Unless you've got reason to try and talk me out of it, you mind counting out equal shares? Half for us, including Bryn and Maeriks, half for Hinka to share with his men as he sees fit. They've earned it."

Not to mention it will keep their disposition toward us more than favorable.

Kray turned his attention back to Sorcha. "I hope you never need this..." He took out one of his daggers. "This was a gift from my brother, Lysander. He gave it to me the last time we went hunting. Before he di--" He caught himself, as if to protect her from the subject of death, then decided against it. The girl doesn't need things honeyed up. And although his instinct inclined him to do so, it ran sharply against his usual philosophy.

Kray finished. "Before he died." He pressed the hilt of the sheathed blade firmly into her hand. "Don't lose it unless you're burying it deep inside something that bleeds."
Last edited October 27, 2017 4:49 pm
Oct 27, 2017 4:54 pm
He was still gauging Sorcha's well-being as he directed his words at Ivor. "Ivor... I'll assume you and I are of a like mind now?"
Oct 27, 2017 4:57 pm
Ezeriah sent a note to Oxbox
Oct 27, 2017 5:02 pm
Ivor spits on the ground and opens his mouth to mutter a curse on all druids, particularly Scachan and Rutcranna, but glances at Scorcha and swallows the venomous words for the sake of the grieving child. "Aye," he says simply.

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 9:22 pm
OOC:
Cool scene, y'all. Was that series of posts right there the actual climax of Episode 1?!
That decision to break the contract and keep Rhone under protection is so heavy with story from this last 18 hours.
And you guys used Commitment to Contract at moments throughout! Haha! Sorry Zaituc. You don't get the girl, but thanks for the performance boost, bitch!
I'm feeling the weight of this circumstance for all of the PCs and NPCs. Good ish!
OOC:
Pressing the exfil strategy translation in next post or so. Will be staged up as southern withdrawal along Black Asandra and through Maudder territory - unless I hear otherwise.
Oct 27, 2017 9:39 pm
Sorcha is hanging on every word that Kray speaks. Watching every response from the crowd. For her, this is clearly an overwhelming moment. She is afraid, reeling from suffering the loss of her mom and girlfriends, everyone around her. Now she is essentially in the hands of strangers. Foreigners. It is nearly more than an 11 year old girl can handle and the wave of emotions can almost be seen visibly quaking through her. She is trembling and her body language shows that she is at a loss of what to do to keep from breaking down.

When Kray talks to her and to the crowd, when she hears the answer from Ivor, when Kray gives her the knife, she is overcome. She fidgets with the knife, strokes her hair with her hand, and starts to look around, maybe knowing that she cannot maintain composure much longer.

She nods to Kray because she cannot speak. She is clearly trying to listen to him. She lets out a small cry, tries to recover, but then her composure is broken. Her face breaks into a complete cry. She turns and sobs, looking away. Turning to nod again, but unable to stay steady. She openly cries, sobbing. Still she cannot speak, but tries to smile and shake her head to Kray.

He knows without a word spoken that she is pouring out relief and thankfulness. Like she was just given a small light of hope amidst a tidal wave of loss and uncertainty.
Oct 27, 2017 9:52 pm
After getting herself together in a short moment. Sorcha Rhone wipes her eyes clear and looks through the crowd. She knows the first person she must go to. He is hurting as well.

She crosses to the back edge of the circle, steps around the tree where he is sitting, and puts her small hand on Maeriks' shoulder.

When he looks up, she says nothing for a while. Or at least she does not speak. But she sends the message that she knows and even shares his pain. Tears fill back in her eyes when she sees him. She fights them back again before finally speaking.

"I am so sad Maeriks, and I know you are too," she starts simply, and gives a pause before continuing.

"My mom said that I will have to find a new home." When Maeriks looks up, she looks right into his eye. Again she is on the brink of crying, but fights it back.

"And she said that you would need a new one too."

She looks around at everyone getting ready to go.

"I think we should go together. These men know of other places to go. Maybe it can be somewhere safe."

After another pause. "I don't want you to stay here ...where we used to. Will you go?"

She puts out her small hand to the big man.

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 10:12 pm
OOC:
Alright, Players' Club. Here's the deal:
Last big push.
The Flight from The Borgh Riac.

Glaaki himself, a Great Old One, is on the hunt for you. His goal is to capture a replacement for The Hive of the Collective. You would be great candidates, he knows a little bit about you now, he knows you are in the area, and he's desperate to bounce back from the recent loss at the hands of Dagan and The Hierophant. So the Big Psychic Slug wants to recruit you with the Spine Barb in the High Back program. He needs more steroid super zombies!!

But that is not all of your problems. Dagan, The Heirophant, and all of their minions want you dead now as well. So the Deep Ones are on patrol through the waterways, the lakes, the flooded lands, and all of the murky pools of the Borgh.

Hinka and the Tcho-Tcho are about to bounce. They are going back to their ways of evasion. Going to pull a complete disappearing act. Hinka says he will set you on a path to get you started, describe a route, wish you luck, and part ways.

You need to escape the patrol range of both Glaaki and the Ulathi before nightfall. If you don't, .....it's probably going to be something bad in store for the whole crowd.

A few routes for exfil have been described. North would lead to Owain Branch (the river used in your infil), which would lead back to Zaituc's longhouse and to Baoill. That was probably the shortest and least difficult route, but you are electing to avoid that.

Instead you are heading SOUTH. Following a pathway out that Brynn's team actually used when they sailed in a longboat from Lanberis and Poyam, and shifted to a smaller row boat to dive into the Borg Riac in search of treasre that they had heard about in rumor.

That waterway is called Black Asandra by the Tcho-Tcho. It is south of An Tulecheo and on the other side of a great flooded section of forest. A tough route over both water and land, that will call for some rafting, running, wading, and likely swimming.

It is going to be cutting it close, but the goal is to get out of the danger zone by nightfall by reaching some southern trails that are used by another Dannein clan known as the Maudders. From there, movement should be faster, and there should be opportunities to find rafts or boats at the ends of the trails along the edge of the Naas River. From there, a cross back across the great river would bring everyone out of the Danneinkiff, and back to the relative safety of the close Gap Lands near Kingswall and Merewatch in Jeres.

Game mechanics to follow.
Predictably, we're going to ROLL IT OUT!!!

DMJ

Oct 27, 2017 11:18 pm
OOC:
I'm going off the rails with a mechanism that I used once at a great success. Everyone was really nervous about it, the rolls were intense, but it was a lot of fun.

Ripping it off at near-total plagiarism from a Dungeon Magazine mini-module. It was written in a 4e format game. I didn't know 4e but this mechanic was pretty cool I thought:
It's called a Skills Challenge. Maybe that's old hat to you guys, but I had never heard of it until last year.

Since I thought it was cool, it's up on the stage now to close the Episode 1 show down. Either the Easy Way or the Hard Way. You guys are along for the ride I guess, but your destiny is in your hands plus the chaos of the dice. Same as it ever is.
Skills Challenge: Flight From the Borgh Riac

The group has to submit various Skill Checks. Results will determine the outcome of this event.

Terms of Success: Collect 7 Success at Skills checks BEFORE getting 3 Failures. (Note: this is for SOUTH Route via Black Asandra to Maudder trails. Other Routes are available, but at different number of successful checks for overall successful escape)
What happens: The team evades and makes movement successfully, escaping a detrimental encounter.

Terms of Failure: Fail 3 Skills Checks
What happens: The team falls behind or suffers otherwise costly setbacks or delays. Specific encounter is undisclosed, but it will be a detrimental encounter.

Example Skills that will work:
WIS Survival: PC uses knowledge of terrain and the environment to aid in the escape in some way
INT Nature: PC recognizes something about the natural features of the environment (plants, animals, weather, environmental presentations, etc.) that gives some kind of edge to keeping up movement.

Other Skills Might Work as well:
Players are invited to sales pitch or make a proposal why a certain skill might work, suggest ways that they could use the skill in some manner that would help get everyone ahead. DM will work with players to hash out specifics if it is a generally persuasive case.

Limits on Frequency of Skills used:
Each player can only use each of his skills once max.
The same skill can be used by different players up to a maximum of 2 times.

Requirements of Participation:
Each PC must contribute at least one Skill Check roll. Team effort to get through this.

Special Boost from Roleplay: If Thorn is giving out loot as suggested by Kray, this will translate out as a pretty good payoff. The Tcho-Tchos are very motivated by the contribution, and sort of break away from their original plans and orders. They are going to stay with the group a little longer than they should and help out on the evasion. They put everyone on good footing with opportunity at the beginning, and describe thoroughly helpful hints that can help out in the immediate next steps - insider info that gives a bit of an edge to the first PCs to roll checks. In sum,...
First two checks are made at Advantage.

Difficulty Rating of each check: Determined randomly BY THE PLAYER MAKING THE CHECK!
I think that labeling DC on this sort of thing is sort of arbitrary, so we are going to embrace the subjectivity of it. Overall, these will individually be a rating between Easy and Intermediate. Collectively the set should be doable, but not really automatic.
Before each check, in the same post, Player will roll 1d6 to determine his own DC which he is facing in the immediately following roll for the check itself.
DC results as follows:
1 - DC 11
2 - DC 12
3 - DC 12
4 - DC 13
5 - DC 13
6 - DC 14

NPC Participation: It's up to you guys. I will allow Sorcha Rhone and Doirind to offer a maximum of 1 check each if you guys want it. Also though it's fine with me if they sit it out and just serve as followers.
Will go ahead and cut to the chase on their best scores.
Doirind has +5 to WIS Survival.
Rhone has +7 Nature, +7 History, +6 Stealth. That's enough. Up to you to let me know how she might use it.

-------------------------------------------
OOC:
So there it is. I know it might be a bit unusual, a bit confusing. But read it over again. If we get it rolling, I think it will be more clear as we go.

I know we are in a weekend schedule, but this can be as slow or fast roll as we can all accommodate. It's fine if we get a jump on it over the weekend, but it's also fine if we need to step away for a time and pick it back up Monday.

So who's up to bat first?
Do this and close this game OUT!!!
Oct 28, 2017 12:42 am
Hinka leads the next movement.

He and his two assistants direct the group, running at high speeds on a barely visible trail. Everyone is struggling to keep up.

The small partially hidden trail loops around the ziggurat to east, moving the group overall to the south.

Eventually they reach one of the many small waterways in the Goatswood. Hinka, Imbo, and Misix uncover a cached set of boats. The group works together to get the 4 canoes into the water and launch.

Now everyone is rowing southward, starting the race to reach the Maudder trails south of Black Asandra before nightfall.

It will be a journey across land and water, and several tracts that are a mixture of both. These are going to be tough hours of great risk. Everyone has to work together to stay alert, press continually for movement, and make good decisions on the fly.
OOC:
When anyone is ready, take a shot.

Send a quick message of what roll you want to use, maybe an idea or two of what you think could happen, what kind of scene might be cool, how is the character trying to contribute.
Go ahead and make the roll for DC and for the Check.

I'll accept most unless it is something clearly non-applicable (maybe something like Persuasion or something like that, can't see how that could help).

The first 2 are made at Advantage if Thorn made the loot share with the Tchos, first come first served.
Oct 28, 2017 1:46 am
DMJ says:
"So ...you will take me to my father now?"
Thorn's curiosity quickly becomes concern as he mentally projects how he will persuade Mercon, should the next words out of his mouth be at odds with Thorn's growing conviction. The first time one breaks contract is always the hardest—
Ezeriah says:
"We are not fulfilling this contract. However...for those of you who have had the distinct... pleasure?" He looked directly at Thorn now, his tone picking up a palpable and sarcastic levity for a moment. "Sound right to you?"
Thorn is relieved and a little surprised. He nods faintly at Kray's question. Good. This could have been awkward.
Ezeriah says:
"Thorn, that bonus you're holding. The blue stones. Unless you've got reason to try and talk me out of it, you mind counting out equal shares? Half for us, including Bryn and Maeriks, half for Hinka to share with his men as he sees fit. They've earned it."
OOC:
Half goes to the NPCs. Of the remaining gems, dividing into 5 shares as equal as possible for each of us. What's the actual number, J?
Thorn nods, more obviously this time, and begins to divide the sky-gems, delivering half of them into the eager hands of the Tcho-Tcho who mentioned "jewels" in the first place. giving 25 to Hinka to distribute among his people as he sees fit. He doles out seven each to Kray, Ivor, Maeriks, and Bryn. Then he approaches Doirind.

"You've earned this," he says simply, and hands her five of the sky-gems.

As the party begins to head out, Thorn walks next to Kray.

"Never knew Pylosean metal's weakness was defenseless children," he chuckles softly, then raises his hands, letting his friend know he jests. "Not that I don't agree with you. I do. Somehow Rutcranna's actions back in that room fully persuaded me to accept her estimation of Zaituc over his estimation of her. What about you?"

They converse for a bit, and then Thorn shares another thought that has been weighing on his mind.

"The Capcaun hired mercenaries to find the girl and bring her back. When he realizes what we've done, do you agree he'll do it again? Kid could be sentenced to a life of constant running... Does he even know what she looks like? What if we took the easier way out of this shit-hole and tell him she died in the rescue?"
OOC:
If it's not too late, Thorn's putting out the idea of going North. If this causes a collective groan and eye-roll, sorry. (Canadianese for "Fuck all of you, I'm awesome." We could still do DMJ's funky skills-challenge, right?
Last edited October 29, 2017 12:03 am
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