Oct 28, 2017 2:02 pm
DMJ sent a note to Xorthan
Episode 1
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Oct 29, 2017 12:03 am
Edited my last post, here, with the actual numbers of sky-gems everyone gets.
Oct 29, 2017 2:15 pm
Xorthan says:
"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?"
Xorthan says:
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?"
Kray surveyed the group. "Let's hash it out. I want all thoughts on this. Especially the little witch. She'll have insight, I'll wager." Now Kray chuckled, somehow amusing himself at the surreal nature of their predicament and the events of the last couple of days.
Thoughts y'all? And we should still definitely do J's skill checks. Seems like a great way to quick travel.
Last edited October 29, 2017 2:18 pm
Oct 29, 2017 4:22 pm
Ezeriah says:
[quote="Xorthan"]Kray surveyed the group. "Let's hash it out. I want all thoughts on this. Especially the little witch. She'll have insight, I'll wager." Now Kray chuckled, somehow amusing himself at the surreal nature of their predicament and the events of the last couple of days.
Thoughts y'all? And we should still definitely do J's skill checks. Seems like a great way to quick travel.
OOC:
This is really an interesting debate to me. Love to see it.Couple of things I'll throw over the rail to use or not use on decision-making:
The Skills Check course is the way out of this scene and Episode one way or another if you are trying to move out. I laid out the 4 cardinal directions as options for routes. Some are harder than others. Note: you can say "Fuck it" and stand ground, let Glaaki zero in on you and allow the Ulathi to regroup and swarm. That's just a bad choice. I'll be blunt. But it's an option.
The South Route to reach Maudder territory, we already talked about. That one is 7 checks to escape the danger zone.
The North Route, going to Owain Branch and canoeing back down river westward to Zaituc's longhouse with Baoill (Murrogh territory) around the bend, that one is in truth the easiest, closest route. 5 checks to escape the danger zone.
With the Tchos motivated by the sky gem gifts to help out, the first 2 checks are made at Advantage, on any route.
One thing to keep in mind with the north (and then west) route:
Remember that is Murrough territory. Murrogh is at blood-feud against Bat Hannocs. So expect Doirind, Rhone, and Maeriks (this will be up to CB of course) to understand that as a bit of an unsettling option. Bat Hannocs probably expect to have to kill or be killed if they encounter Murroughs. Not going to say if that is necessarily true, and interactions will be played out as they are and should not be thought of as predetermined - but the risk of confrontation would be clear in the minds of Kray and Thorn at least. And Bat Hannoc NPCs will likely have moderate to strong reservations about heading northwest.
If you guys get the convo going, tomorrow I'll write in with Rhone and Doirind's response, since it seems that Kray has opened it up for some give-and-take from the crowd.
Good ish.
Oct 29, 2017 5:50 pm
Kray's mind was suddenly fueled by Thorn's idea. He presented another option, making sure Doirind was well out of earshot, his demeanor expressing his distrust to the swordsman. "You know... perhaps we just slither in before dawn and purge the damn camp. No survivors, no witnesses. Kill every damn living thing and burn it to the fucking ground." Kray was nonchalant about the idea of wiping out the camp and razing it. It was, without a doubt, a familiar tactic and one that he employed as the situation warranted. "We cover up the broken contract and make sure Nemes stays off Sorcha. Hell, he stays off everyone here. Permanent like."
Kray shook his head in dismay. "Of course, that could create enemies were unaware of. Nemes is well connected, and those connections may develop a vested interest in us, upon hearing of his death." Absent mindedly he began to pluck loose tobacco from his spliff. "Of course, we may already be on course for the receiving end of a vendetta. Perhaps we take advantage of the moment and lead this dance."
Key here on lying to Nemes Zaituc (aka the Capcaun) is that I imagine Kray lying to the old bastard will be a high DC check. Which is fine. Gives a shot at circumventing battle. If the Deception fails we need to be ready to throw down hard.
Another option: we show up and cover the broken contract as Kray describes in the above and solidify Sorcha's freedom by ambushing the camp, zero survivors. Dark Thrones black ops, kill em all and let God sort em out.
Kray shook his head in dismay. "Of course, that could create enemies were unaware of. Nemes is well connected, and those connections may develop a vested interest in us, upon hearing of his death." Absent mindedly he began to pluck loose tobacco from his spliff. "Of course, we may already be on course for the receiving end of a vendetta. Perhaps we take advantage of the moment and lead this dance."
Key here on lying to Nemes Zaituc (aka the Capcaun) is that I imagine Kray lying to the old bastard will be a high DC check. Which is fine. Gives a shot at circumventing battle. If the Deception fails we need to be ready to throw down hard.
Another option: we show up and cover the broken contract as Kray describes in the above and solidify Sorcha's freedom by ambushing the camp, zero survivors. Dark Thrones black ops, kill em all and let God sort em out.
Oct 30, 2017 1:19 am
"I've already got all of Pylos chasing me," Ivor growls, gesturing to his bicep where the slave brand used to lie before he and the other gladiators cut them out with knives, "I'd really rather not add the Capcaun and half of fucking Voldruv to it by crossing the old devil and and then running." Ivor plants the haft of his trident roughly in the ground. "Truth is, I owe the man a debt for helping me and Qiu out of Pylos. But fuck all of that. I'm not about to hand the girl over to the likes of Scachan!" His bile rising, Ivor is unable to keep the venom out of that last name uttered. He looks at Kray levelly. "If your silver tongue won't do for the Capcaun, our steel will. But not in the back and not in his sleep. Frankly, Mercon, I'm surprised you're so willing to burn the old goat and sink your business dealings along with him."
Oct 30, 2017 3:22 am
" I don't know this guy you call Capcaun personally, but if he is half as bad as you guys have talked about, I don't think we should fuck with him and try to lie about the girl." he says looking quickly at Sorcha "People like him with plenty of wealth and connections tend to be able to cut through the bullshit and see it for what it is. Bryn sighs How the fuck did I get caught up in this? We are fucked either way and I don't know what the right answer is, so we might as well try to have sugar lips whisper some sweet nothings into Zaitucs ear and hope for the best. I'll just make sure my blades are sharpened."
Oct 30, 2017 10:56 am
Ivor says:
"...Frankly, Mercon, I'm surprised you're so willing to burn the old goat and sink your business dealings along with him."He manufactured a cynical smile for Ivor and replied. "Burning old goats is part of doing business, mercenary." The last word was emphasized, cordial, illustrative of the fact that Ivor was new to this profession and less experienced with Kray's business dealings at large. "There are plenty of goats in the pasture, and, much like the arena and pits you used to call home, sometimes old goats just need to be put down. Let's just call it early retirement."
Kray's voice was cool, sounding almost honeyed. "And stealth will remain on the table as an option. Zaituc is not to be underestimated. Tactics will be chosen on practicality. There is no room for misplaced honor in our predicament. It would be a contrivance, a grave mistake at the expense of lives. Would you have others die for your honor?"
His thoughts went to Talius and Qiu, not to mention all the men he'd led to die over the last decade. Wars, raids, stealth ops, protection, policy enforcement for nobles... just some of the work a Mercon mercenary found himself grinding at.
Demon. Rutcranna's words echoed in his mind. A word used in children's stories. Now it seemed so much more.
Would I just be taking everyone here to die?
He very much wanted to know Sorcha's thoughts on Nemes. She might have at least a vague notion of what they were up against.
Last edited October 30, 2017 10:56 am
Oct 30, 2017 11:09 am
Bryn says:
"... we might as well try to have sugar lips whisper some sweet nothings into Zaitucs ear and hope for the best. I'll just make sure my blades are sharpened."
Oct 30, 2017 2:24 pm
Sorcha Rhone stands close to Kray as the conversation develops. She listens carefully and watches everyone speak their input. She looks over at Maeriks too, with a worried look in his direction.
She is slow to speak and quiet when she does. But when there is space in the interchange, she asks, "I have heard there is an old druid who stands with my father?"
When that is confirmed, she adds, "No one can get away with a lie while a druid listens. The druid is a master of the Old Words. He will be able to sift what is true from what is not."
This reminds Kray and Thorn some of the words they heard a few days ago, and the same that Ivor has always heard growing up in Nangh Stuc...
...the recent captured Gand from up north (slain previous hour in the druid circle offering) were thoroughly interviewed and interrogated, by Zaituc's crew but also by Scachan. It is said that no one can talk to a druid for any length of time and successfully lie to him. Druids have ancient ways to understand the words of all men, not just their words but their intentions. Scachan says that the Gandish knew absolutely nothing about the Bat Hannocs, nothing about a witch. They had come from the mountains. They knew of one other Gandish war party separate from their own, but those raiders were further north.She also asks if Murroughs are there as body guards. She seems nervous about it if she is told that Murroughs are around.
In all of this, Rhone definitely is not driving the conversation. She is only asking questions and seems consigned to the fact that others are in charge. Though there were moments in the Throne Room, with the inspiration and direction of Rutcranna behind her, and then later when she confronted the Hierophant for the sake of the team and her mother, when Rhone seemed like an adult and beyond her years. At the same time it is obvious that she is just a little girl, a child who will follow, do what she is told, and quietly accept the decisions of adults.
She goes back to being quiet. But continues listening attentively.
She is slow to speak and quiet when she does. But when there is space in the interchange, she asks, "I have heard there is an old druid who stands with my father?"
When that is confirmed, she adds, "No one can get away with a lie while a druid listens. The druid is a master of the Old Words. He will be able to sift what is true from what is not."
This reminds Kray and Thorn some of the words they heard a few days ago, and the same that Ivor has always heard growing up in Nangh Stuc...
DMJ says:
...the recent captured Gand from up north (slain previous hour in the druid circle offering) were thoroughly interviewed and interrogated, by Zaituc's crew but also by Scachan. It is said that no one can talk to a druid for any length of time and successfully lie to him. Druids have ancient ways to understand the words of all men, not just their words but their intentions. Scachan says that the Gandish knew absolutely nothing about the Bat Hannocs, nothing about a witch. They had come from the mountains. They knew of one other Gandish war party separate from their own, but those raiders were further north.
In all of this, Rhone definitely is not driving the conversation. She is only asking questions and seems consigned to the fact that others are in charge. Though there were moments in the Throne Room, with the inspiration and direction of Rutcranna behind her, and then later when she confronted the Hierophant for the sake of the team and her mother, when Rhone seemed like an adult and beyond her years. At the same time it is obvious that she is just a little girl, a child who will follow, do what she is told, and quietly accept the decisions of adults.
She goes back to being quiet. But continues listening attentively.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Oct 30, 2017 3:21 pm
Kray listened attentively as Sorcha spoke.
Dammit. One less option.
He had to smile to himself at the little witch's addition to the strategy session. "Good to know." His next words were aimed at Bryn. "So much for using sugar." Although Kray was becoming more comfortable with the idea of turning Nemes' camp into a mass grave with each passing second, he always preferred more options.
A new concern pressed at him now. "Sorcha... tell me... what's got you worried about the Murroughs?"
Sorcha says:
"No one can get away with a lie while a druid listens. The druid is a master of the Old Words. He will be able to sift what is true from what is not.He had to smile to himself at the little witch's addition to the strategy session. "Good to know." His next words were aimed at Bryn. "So much for using sugar." Although Kray was becoming more comfortable with the idea of turning Nemes' camp into a mass grave with each passing second, he always preferred more options.
A new concern pressed at him now. "Sorcha... tell me... what's got you worried about the Murroughs?"
Oct 30, 2017 4:06 pm
"The Murroughs have had a blood feud against Bat Hannocs for over thirty years. I am afraid that they would kill me. And Maeriks and Doirind too if they go."
Kray watches her. She has mannerisms like almost any kid her age. A quiet way, likely processing information different than an adult viewpoint. He can tell that her mind is swirling and she is dealing with a lot internally.
Kray believes that she has something else on her mind. Why shouldn't she after all? There is so much going on. But even though that is true, Kray feels like he reads that she is struggling to decide something. Maybe wondering if she should say something, but she is hesitant to. He can tell that something is bottled up inside of her and it gives her a lot of stress.
Kray watches her. She has mannerisms like almost any kid her age. A quiet way, likely processing information different than an adult viewpoint. He can tell that her mind is swirling and she is dealing with a lot internally.
Kray believes that she has something else on her mind. Why shouldn't she after all? There is so much going on. But even though that is true, Kray feels like he reads that she is struggling to decide something. Maybe wondering if she should say something, but she is hesitant to. He can tell that something is bottled up inside of her and it gives her a lot of stress.
Rolls
Insight
Oct 30, 2017 4:18 pm
"What you tell this man you would do? " Maeriks breaks into the conversation, trying to get caught up. His face is a clean juxtaposition of the rest of his body, having just been wiped down to remove the evidence of his tears. Sorcha and Kray get the big man caught up. Maeriks blinks constantly, scrunching his brow as he does so, trying to focus and understand.
"This man is a deamon? How can he be killed? " Maeriks pictures them, in flight from Glaaki and Deep Ones, stopping to fight a demon, then being overwhelmed by their pursuers. "Maybe Glaaki can figure that out? Bring Glaaki there and they fight, then we kill who is left."
Norach Maeriks Mac Hannoc ✎
Vitals
Combat Proficiency Setting (+3 available): Attack Bonus +3 / AC +0
AC: 12 (12 Hide +2 DEX +0 proficiency)
HP: 19/37
Temp HP: 0
Initiative: +2
Status Effects: None
Death Saves: +0/-0
Hit Dice: 1/1 Druid, 4/4 Fighter
Weapons and Armor
Equipped
Armor: Hide (12)
Both Hands: Maul "Reave" / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (2d6+4) / Heavy, Two-handed, bludgeoning
"Reave" War Club
Carried
Maul "Reave" / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (2d6+4) / Heavy, Two-handed, bludgeoning
Handaxe / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d6+4) / Light, thrown (range 20/60), slashing
Dagger / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d4+4) / Finesse, light, thrown (range 20/60), piercing, lanyard
Javelin x 3 / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d6+4) / Thrown (range 30/120), piercing
Tactics
Refresh rest times noted in parentheses
Action Surge: 0/1 (short rest)
Second Wind: 0/1 (short rest) (bonus)
Savage Attacker: 1/1 (turn)
Spell Casting
---Level 1 0/2 (long rest)
---AB: +7, Save DC 14
Barbaric Justice:
---Must be acting on specific tenets of the Barbaric Code of Honor
---Roll with advantage (STR, CON, Some WIS, Attack, Damage) 0/1 (day)
---Add additional damage die on critical hit
Saving Throws
Brown text indicates proficiency
Strength: +4
Dexterity: +2
Constitution: +3
Intelligence: +1
Wisdom: +7
Charisma:-1
Feats
Savage Attacker: Once per turn, reroll damage dice and choose result to take
Great Weapon Fighting: Reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice
Improved Critical: Crit on 19 or 20
Gourmand: Detect poisoned food, prepare special meal on long rests
Polearm Master: Opportunity atk enemies coming in range. Bonus attack.
Skills
Brown text indicates proficiency
Acrobatics +2
Animal Handling +6
Arcana -2
Athletics +4
Deception -1
History -1
Insight +6
Intimidation -1
Investigation -2 (Passive 8)
Medicine +6
Nature +0
Perception +4 (Passive 14)
Performance -1
Persuasion -1
Religion -2
Sleight Of Hand +2
Stealth +2 (Passive 12)
Survival +6
Tool Proficiency
Cook’s utensils, Herbalism kit, Vehicles: Water
Languages
Dannein - Native
"This man is a deamon? How can he be killed? " Maeriks pictures them, in flight from Glaaki and Deep Ones, stopping to fight a demon, then being overwhelmed by their pursuers. "Maybe Glaaki can figure that out? Bring Glaaki there and they fight, then we kill who is left."
[ +- ] Maeriks Mac Hannoc
Norach Maeriks Mac Hannoc ✎
Vitals
Combat Proficiency Setting (+3 available): Attack Bonus +3 / AC +0
AC: 12 (12 Hide +2 DEX +0 proficiency)
HP: 19/37
Temp HP: 0
Initiative: +2
Status Effects: None
Death Saves: +0/-0
Hit Dice: 1/1 Druid, 4/4 Fighter
Weapons and Armor
Equipped
Armor: Hide (12)
Both Hands: Maul "Reave" / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (2d6+4) / Heavy, Two-handed, bludgeoning
"Reave" War Club
Carried
Maul "Reave" / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (2d6+4) / Heavy, Two-handed, bludgeoning
Handaxe / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d6+4) / Light, thrown (range 20/60), slashing
Dagger / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d4+4) / Finesse, light, thrown (range 20/60), piercing, lanyard
Javelin x 3 / Attack Bonus: +7 (STR 4 + 3 proficiency) / Damage: (1d6+4) / Thrown (range 30/120), piercing
Tactics
Refresh rest times noted in parentheses
Action Surge: 0/1 (short rest)
Second Wind: 0/1 (short rest) (bonus)
Savage Attacker: 1/1 (turn)
Spell Casting
---Level 1 0/2 (long rest)
---AB: +7, Save DC 14
Barbaric Justice:
---Must be acting on specific tenets of the Barbaric Code of Honor
---Roll with advantage (STR, CON, Some WIS, Attack, Damage) 0/1 (day)
---Add additional damage die on critical hit
Saving Throws
Brown text indicates proficiency
Strength: +4
Dexterity: +2
Constitution: +3
Intelligence: +1
Wisdom: +7
Charisma:-1
Feats
Savage Attacker: Once per turn, reroll damage dice and choose result to take
Great Weapon Fighting: Reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice
Improved Critical: Crit on 19 or 20
Gourmand: Detect poisoned food, prepare special meal on long rests
Polearm Master: Opportunity atk enemies coming in range. Bonus attack.
Skills
Brown text indicates proficiency
Acrobatics +2
Animal Handling +6
Arcana -2
Athletics +4
Deception -1
History -1
Insight +6
Intimidation -1
Investigation -2 (Passive 8)
Medicine +6
Nature +0
Perception +4 (Passive 14)
Performance -1
Persuasion -1
Religion -2
Sleight Of Hand +2
Stealth +2 (Passive 12)
Survival +6
Tool Proficiency
Cook’s utensils, Herbalism kit, Vehicles: Water
Languages
Dannein - Native
Oct 30, 2017 5:01 pm
Thorn puts a hand on Rhone's shoulder and speaks softly to her.
"Child, you're hesitating. We are your guardians. We are on your side. Speak your mind. The more we know, the better we can handle whatever comes next, yes?"
"Child, you're hesitating. We are your guardians. We are on your side. Speak your mind. The more we know, the better we can handle whatever comes next, yes?"
Oct 30, 2017 5:02 pm
Xorthan says:
Thorn puts a hand on Rhone's shoulder and speaks softly to her."Child, you're hesitating. We are your guardians. We are on your side. Speak your mind. The more we know, the better we can handle whatever comes next, yes?"
OOC:
Send Persuasion check on this.load next