Adventure 0, Thread 2

[attriel]

Current party condition:

Tess: 20/25
Sitara: 26/26
Goater: 19/29
Sarz: 14/31 Bloodied
Flay: 26/26
Turin: 33/33


The fallen trees are burning, providing an easily identifiable signal to the caravan that something is happening. They have stopped, waiting for their guardsmen to return.

The dismembered and scorched bodies of the goblins lay amongst the branches and rocks. A perfunctory review by Sarz and Goater before they return to the group shows no further hidden goblins, and the weapons look to be of mediocre quality.


We won't count the daily power used for shiz, since he posted changing his action while I was working on the combat post. Since Flay killed the other two, there's a lot of attacks against the final goblin before it gets another turn, I'm going to assume someone would have finished off the last couple points that Shiz's attack would have come up short

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Great work, everybody!" Tess says. "Thanks for pulling my bacon out of the fire back there."

Edit: I agree with Sarz. We should see if we can find the source of the gobs, like whether they were part of a bigger force, etc.

[Shiz]

I want to roll a perception check just to be sure we don't miss a cave or burrow or something.

I recommend we rally to the caravan, take a short rest (Sarz heals 3x for 28 (21+7) total) while we discuss our options and what this means.

[Lycos]

I assume that my Beacon of Hope is not expended then?

[Lycos]

Aye, a job well done.

We should take a look at the area a little better after we tend to everyone's wounds back at the caravan.

edit: I do have heal for +9.

/ooc I'll be healing those who need it then.

[attriel]

I assume that my Beacon of Hope is not expended then?

Correct. You did not use it.

[EricStratton]

Flay rubs his left index finger and thumb together while surveying the carnage. Satisfied, he nods his head and waits for the group to finish looking around.

[noptov52]

"I agree. Fall back to the caravan, bandage our wounds, and then we ought to discuss our options with Ravenna."

"I'm all for rooting out the source of these goblins, but our employer might want to know we're leaving."

[Shiz]

"Leaving? No. The caravan gets where it is going first. This spot won't be hard to miss for a few weeks thanks to Flay. We can always backtrack."

*winks at Flay*

[EricStratton]

"Leaving? No. The caravan gets where it is going first. This spot won't be hard to miss for a few weeks thanks to Flay. We can always backtrack."

*winks at Flay*
Flay nods at Sarz. The hint of a smile seen previously briefly makes its return.

[Kiir]

Sitara smiles, thinking that was fun, and follows the group back to the caravan. She kind of hopes they come across some more goblins or something before hitting town, since that little interlude definitely livened things up.

[attriel]

Sarz and Goater poke around the charred expanse for a few more moments before returning to the group (Perception: 6+2, 1+0).

The group then returns, en masse, to the caravan. "Well, I don't suppose any other goblins will bother us after that bonfire you lit. I guess you earned your pay, at least."

Letting the group gather their energies and restore themselves, the caravan moves on down the road.

In camp that night, you notice that the merchants are distinctly warmer towards you. The caravan leader sits down to talk to Turin, "So , how many were there? The fires and the screaming, that must have been some fight. I've fended off a pair here and there, but I suppose without you here, we'd've been overrun by some goblin army." She pauses to shudder at the thought of an army of goblins pouring down the hillside.
"Anyway, thanks for the help. I'd like to give you one of the horses, as an additional 'thank you'. I scoffed at the idea of needing guards, and you convinced me. Thank you."

Everyone heals up overnight what with using surges and such before sleeping. Powers are reset. Yadda Yadda. Are you guys continuing with the caravan or leaving them?

And to clarify: Yes, it's only one horse, and it was given to Turin, the groups leader ;)

[Lycos]

When we get back to the caravan. I begin to start bandaging those who are injured. Hopefully, my skills help. I answer questions when appropriate. If the leader comes over to us, I will fill her in on everything that happened. I still make the request that we use the horses until evening or until we get to our destination, whichever comes first.

Once everyone is bandaged. I think we're all still willing to go out and begin grabbing loot and searching for camp of the goblins. I would prefer that we use the horses to go back out. And I will ask that the leader keep the caravan here while we finish the mop-up operation. If I can't persuade her, I will defer to Goat since he has a pretty good rep with her so far.

[Lycos]

And to clarify: Yes, it's only one horse, and it was given to Turin, the groups leader ;)

Well, I posted before seeing yours.

The horse is the groups until we figure out an equitable split for the group.

I'm also hoping for something off of the goblins worth selling or keeping.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Yeah, there were lots of them. Lots and lots. Check out this doozy!" Tess shows a merchant the neatly healed scar on her side. "I'm glad Turin is happy with the horse, and we do appreciate it, but I trust my senses more when I'm not clomping around on a beast of burden."

I say we should stay with the caravan until it arrives, that's what we contracted for, no?

[attriel]

Well, I posted before seeing yours.

The horse is the groups until we figure out an equitable split for the group.

I'm also hoping for something off of the goblins worth selling or keeping.

Yeah, no problem. And yeah, there'll be drops later, but that was basically yard trash. And it was the first encounter I've been involved in with 4e, really, so I wanted to see how it balanced vs the group

edit: So, uh, did you still want to do the other stuff?

[Lycos]

edit: So, uh, did you still want to do the other stuff?

:lowlol: Well, if what you described ends up being, "You basically find nothing of interest because they were naked and their weapons were staves and they have been burnt to a crisp." Then I guess. I just want to wrap up the encounter.

This being a test case is fine with me. :D

[DinbinFanfoom]

Yup, sounds good. I think we learned a lot and you'll better know about NPC vs PC numbers balance. Aside from Tess getting crit'd and Sarz going down quite low, I don't think we were in much danger but it still got the blood pumping. Your "flavour" was good too... not a lot of "you just plain miss" etc. Good work.

[Shiz]

We have nowhere else to go so there is no reason to break our agreement with Ravenna.

If Turin doesn't object, Der Goater and I might want to take turns on point on horseback. Turin is welcome to be included in the rotation.

Goes without saying that for at least a day or so we will be a bit more wary.

[attriel]

Turin answers the questions put forth to him. "No, there were maybe half a dozen of them. There might have been some more in the brush before Flay here turned it into their funeral pyre, I suppose."

When he inquires about the horses, she tells him that all the ones they brought are being used by the merchants own people. And her own spare horse was just gifted to Turin, she points out.

Returning to the site of the battle, the group pokes through the ashes further, looking for dropped treasures or tunnel entrances (Tess 9 Sitara 9 Flay 16 Turin 21). After a little while, they finally give up, deciding that these goblins were obviously just some scouting or hunting party sent out from a larger source. Some signs suggest a direction that they might have come from, but it leads further away into the hills away from the caravan.

[Lycos]

Turin has no problems with Goat or Sarz taking turns on the horse. It makes good sense.

"Gettin your best weapons to the fight as fast as possible works for me." *wink*

Turin will try and remember this spot. Putting a mark on some tree or piling some rocks up a little to make a low lying marker might make it easier to find it later. If we have time, I'll try to put a make shift marker on the side of the road somewhere. We'll continue on our job as agreed at this point.

Turin thanks Ravenna for the horse. "By Moradin's hand, we were guided today to protect you. Your horse is an offering to my and my god. May he bless you in your future endeavors." Turin smiles as he gives his blessing to the woman who was willing to help us.

I have some changes to make to Turin at some point. When do you want me to make the changes? I think I want to change my feat to Dwarven Weapon Proficiency, and I am thinking of changing my god from the original write up.

[noptov52]

Gone to Ireland for 10 days, feel free to play Der Goater.

[Lycos]

Gone to Ireland for 10 days, feel free to play Der Goater.

I'll take the first shot... ;)

Der Goater pulls down his pants and begins to act like a chicken and clucks and pecks at the ground. :lowlol:

[Sagar]

* poof *

:smile:

[Lycos]

I'll take the second shot

Turin drops his pants and begins to act like a rooster and ...

Oh, how original... :lowrazz:

[Shiz]

This is not the roleplaying I signed up for...

[attriel]

The group gets through the evening without further mishap. The next two days through the hills are tense, but apparently news of the bonfire and it's instigators spread rapidly. Even the wildlife seems strangely hushed as you venture through.

By the end of the week, the caravan has reached it's destination. Ravenna pays the group the agreed on 20 gold coins. "I could use some help. I can't take all of you on, but I could use you and Der Goater, Turin. If you'd be interested?"

Sorry, haven't been on all weekend, and work's been hard since thursday's collossal cockups :o

[Shiz]

/ooc do we let Der Goater stay with Ravenna sionce nop's in Ireland for 10 days or does one of us play him? I am loving this so I don't want to wait 10 days.

[attriel]

/ooc do we let Der Goater stay with Ravenna sionce nop's in Ireland for 10 days or does one of us play him? I am loving this so I don't want to wait 10 days.

Grand scale, ten days probably won't see you get very far, so it makes sense that we might want to hang onto him ; If you think about it, a couple days of posts to find anything to do, and then a fight takes two or three days easily, meaning that ten days you'd maybe get through to two fights. Heck, we can throw a barroom brawl and still be in town ;)

[EricStratton]

Flay turns and look at Turin.

[DinbinFanfoom]

I'm game for whatever.

[Shiz]

Ditto.

edit: Ditto to Flay, not Dinbin.

[Lycos]

Turin says to Ravenna, "So, let me get this right? You still want some of us to stay with you and your caravan? But not all of us? Is that correct?"

ooc: Turin doesn't see it possible to break up the group now that we've just begun to really adventure together.

[Kiir]

Sitara gathers her gear and looks at the rest of the group, "Where shall we head now? To town to pick up rumors or back to the goblin ambush to see if we can find trace of a larger infection of the beasts?"

She nods goodbye to the caravan and waits for the party's decision.

[Lycos]

Well, unless Ravenna has another idea, I'll have to turn down her offer, and I say we go back to the goblin attack.

[EricStratton]

ooc: I guess that means we've officially turned Ravenna down. FWIW: I'm fine w/ that.

Flay frowns. "I'm not too excited about traveling more than two days to pick through battle remains. We're here in town. Might as well see what the news is."

[Lycos]

ooc: I guess that means we've officially turned Ravenna down. FWIW: I'm fine w/ that.

Flay frowns. "I'm not too excited about traveling more than two days to pick through battle remains. We're here in town. Might as well see what the news is."

Well, considering that we never found a camp or any supplies, I am assuming that they have a larger force somewhere. I would be interested in checking this out further. However, I think checking out the latest news in the area would be a great thing to do before we make a final decision.

[Shiz]

If there is any signifcant goblin presence in the area, someone in town will have word of it. We should pick an inn that will accomodate us all, then split up and see when we can find out that might pique our interest.

/ooc How big is this town? Name?

[EricStratton]

/ooc How big is this town? Name?
We were told our destination was Lukast.

[attriel]

/ooc OMG! I wasn't even on long enough to finish reading the daily thread this morning, let alone the RPG thread. Sorry guys

/ooc Lycos: No, she was suggesting hiring the two of you as permanent muscle for her enterprises, which generally involves the running of caravans unmolested. This caravan has completed it's trip, now, and she'd be setting up a new one to a new destination

The city of Lukast is a thriving locale. With nearly 20000 people, the city is nearly bursting at the seams. The original walls for the city were expanded twice before being removed from future city improvements. The city gates are now two miles inside the city, and the portcullis has been incapable of being lowered for nearly two decades. The wall itself is crumbling in places, but no one is worried due to the volume of business conducted daily in the city.

Lukast is the banking center of the region, meaning thousands of gold coins flow through the city on a daily basis. Between river boats, overland cargo, and the general trade of a city this size.

Having found an inn that would service their needs (OOC: Are you getting 6 rooms? One room? 6 billets in a common room? two rooms, men/women dormitories?) the group splits up to expand their search, lest they wind up in a new town facing the same predicament they had earlier.

I'm going to play a little loose with your characters here

Turin takes his horse to a stable recommended by the Innkeeper. They ask a reasonable coin, and they'll be sure that the mount is fed and curried. A small exercise yard is attached to the stables, and for an additional fee they walk their charges some each day to keep them moving. As he talks prices with the stablemaster, Turin keeps an eye out for any other caravans or travellers. He notes only a few folks returning, apparently from a days ride to exercise their own horses (Perception 11)

Goater and Sarz both find taverns and strike up conversations with the inhabitants as they drink and share tales. They learn nothing of value, other than that Lukast has a strong constabulary presence. After some games of chance, Sarz is fairly sure that there's a persistent underworld operating. (Perception 9 and 11)

Flay fares better, searching out a gambling den. He learns that the guards and the guilds have been having some trouble lately. From the one-sided tale he garners, some of the guards have been having trouble staying honest. They take their bribe money, then forget to look the other way at the right times. It seems like there might be something to watch out for, there, since a turf war between soldiers and the crime lords might be .... dangerous (Perception 17)

Sitara goes to the market area, hoping to pick up some supplies she feels she may be missing. And to see what's on the lips of the merchants and the shoppers, as a market square is going to be a hub for rumors and gossip. Interestingly, she learns that there's been an increased traffic to the bankhall of late, carriages rolling in and out almost twice as often as before. She also hears that since the duke of a nearby town died and his two daughters began fighting for the seat of power. (Perception 18)

Tess heads to the docks, to see what she can learn from the cargohandlers and the sailors. She chats amiably with a number of shoremen between ships, and is treated to the sight of a ship limping into port, it's main mast splintered off only 4' above the deck. When the ship docks, she offers to help unload, only to learn that the hold has been torn open and all the supplies looted. "Redeye is back on the sea! His ship came from nowhere, and his men fought like they were driven by demons! The first over the railing took a bolt in the chest, but I swear I saw him carrying a stack of silks, the bolt still embedded in his chest!" Some further inquiry, met initially with incredulity that she hadn't heard the tales yet, followed by many tales of Redeye and his pirate crew. (Perception N20)

I needed to figure out places to send people, since if you split up it seemed kindof weird to split up and then you all go to different bars. It's like splitting up to see what a college campus is like, and you all go to different rush parties ;)

As for changing your character around a bit, this is a perfect time to do it. I said anyone could tweak until we levelled (yes, you get XP for that encounter, no it's not enough to level, yes I'll post it at some point. It's like 150xp apiece)

[DinbinFanfoom]

Ooh! Looks we have different possibilities here, guys. Tess' thoughts:

1) We'll have to be careful about how we act in town. With a strong constabulatory, we don't wanna make any enemies on that side. Yet.

2) Do we wanna get involved with the town's underworld? It's intriguing...

3) "Redeye" definitely sounds interesting... possibly high risk, but the potential for high loot... we're talking a pirate here!

4) Duke's and Daughters? I'm not sure what we'd gain there...

[Shiz]

/ooc in the original thread, there was a reference to a town Nebas. Did we leave that one behind when we caravaned? Any chance of a crude map reflecting where we started and where we are now? I have lost track of the river/sea as well.

[Lycos]

/ooc A map would be nice, but not needed yet. And attriel, I have no problem with you playing loose with my character. :)

Pirates are tempting, but there are some serious downsides to a sea battle. First of all, forget armor. If you fall overboard, you're dead with armor on. I don't think we are ready to take 20 - 30 pirates on. And certain spells can be tricky. Flay's fire spell might just burn up our ship or the one with the treasure on it.

I'm not sure we are ready to take on the Thieves Guild. The corruption thing might have to be an unsettled matter at this point.

The Duke's daughters... Hmmmmm... If we play it right, we might be able to resolve this conflict and get some friends high up who can get us into the circles of people that we need to be in to get more "good" gigs. Royalty usually needs someone to go out and destroy the local evil.

Further thought, let's check into the Thieves Guild thing further. I am assuming that Tess is the obvious choice here with a mage sidekick. Let's dig into the Duke's daughters story a little bit more. I say the pirate thing is a plan B if we need it at this point.

I'll volunteer for the job of checking into the Duke's daughters situation. Anyone want to come with?

[EricStratton]

Flay: "I can escort Tess to the Guild, if bringing a wizard to a den of thieves is...allowed. You know, there could be a good bit of money, not to mention action, if we were to play the crime lords and soldiers against each other...."

[DinbinFanfoom]

"I'm certainly willing to see what we can learn with the local underworlders, but keep in mind 'thieves guild' and 'Crimelords' are often synonymous... We'll have to keep any inquiries light and careful."

[Lycos]

"I'm certainly willing to see what we can learn with the local underworlders, but keep in mind 'thieves guild' and 'Crimelords' are often synonymous... We'll have to keep any inquiries light and careful."

"That's why I know you're the woman for the job.", Turin smirks. "Let's get information. We'll decide after we know the job potential of both of these possible opportunities. Agreed?"

"Any other suggestions are welcome. Just speak your mind."

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Sure. I'm always up for a look around and some discreet nosing!"

[Shiz]

Der Goater and I are going to play it forthright and find the Captain of the Guard/Sheriff and see if there is any bounty work.

Something like "We are newly arrived adventurers. We saved a caravan coming here. Do you know of anyone who might be in need of our skills?"

Der Goater's CHA and my Diplomacy should get us somewhere.

[Lycos]

You know Sarz. Maybe it would be worth mentioning the location of those goblins and see if it falls under their jurisdiction, maybe we can get commissioned to take the rest of them out and get some more cash out of the deal?

[EricStratton]

You know Sarz. Maybe it would be worth mentioning the location of those goblins and see if it falls under their jurisdiction, maybe we can get commissioned to take the rest of them out and get some more cash out of the deal?
"Turin, this is why you're the boss."

"Tess, let's be off."

[Lycos]

"Good luck you two and don't get killed." ;)

[Lycos]

So to summarize that makes...

Flay and Tess to check out the underworld stuff.
Sarz and Der Goater to check with the local sheriff
Turin and Sitara are going to check out the issue with the princesses.

For us, I guess we can start checking into local information on what the problem is in detail. Is the bankhall part of this, or is it another thing entirely. If we have to, we'll check the bankhall first. We can head up there and ask questions.

Also, how far is this town with the princesses in it?

[Shiz]

/OOC Character Change

I am changing Sarz's "Dilettante" ability (choose a 1st level at-will power from another class and gain it as an encounter power) from Wolfpack Tactics (Warlord) to Holy Strike (Paladin):

You strike an enemy with your weapon, which ignites with holy
light.
At-Will ✦ Divine, Radiant, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier radiant damage. If you
marked the target, you gain a bonus to the damage roll
equal to your Wisdom modifier.

His deity is Melora. If it matters why, I just think the movement related powers are going to be tougher to use in a Play by Post game and magic doesn't fit Sarz. Won't hurt to have a bit more anti-undead firepower either.

[noptov52]

/ooc

Question - Why Perception rolls as we investigated the town? I thought perception had more to do with physical senses and Insight/Diplomacy was for talking with people.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Or Streetwise, maybe, but he's the GM. I'll not argue. Especially since I rolled a N20. So, hey, when is the next turn? :)

[Sagar]

Who knows what you failed to perceive...

And some DM's ask for checks to keep their players on their toes.

[attriel]

/ooc

Question - Why Perception rolls as we investigated the town? I thought perception had more to do with physical senses and Insight/Diplomacy was for talking with people.

Uh ...
Because I wrote down the wrong name? :o
I'm sitll looking for 3e's "Gather Information" skill, so I may have grabbed the wrong skill to write down. oops?

That said -- I've got a deployment tonight that's been eating my brains all week (well, actually, it was SUPPOSED to deploy before nop left, so, yeah) ; I'll try to post more later.

I was going to post monday, but then I started trying to draw you guys a regional map for reference, and without shelling mad cash, I apparently either want to draw a dungeon or with MS Paint (actually, I didn't check the dungeon ones, so they may suck too). I swear I'll try to get something soon, even if just the worded posts

[attriel]

Flay & Tess Talk to the Thieves

After leaving the rest of the party, Tess picks the direction she feels most likely to bring her to the guild. Entering a dive called "The Twisted Strings", Tess directs Flay to a table while she moves to get drinks.

Talking to the drinkmaster, Tess lets slip that she and her friend are interested in finding some folks of questionable character (Innuendo 15). "Well, you've come to the right place. I'm not sure anyone around these parts are particularly upright citizens!" He lets out a bark of a laugh while filling two mugs with ale. Tess returns to the table and toys with some stones while they wait. It takes an hour or so before someone slides into an empty chair at their table. "So. What're you two looking for? Your ex-husband take a disliking to your new companion?"

OK, so, logically I should post you through a huge chunk of time since I took so damned long to post ... but since I don't know for sure what you guys are asking or poking for ...

[EricStratton]

Flay gives this "funny man" his best blank face :| and let's Tess do the talking.

[attriel]

Sarz and Goater Seek The Sheriff

Goat and Sarz ask around and get some directions on where to find the chief of the watch at this hour. Heading towards the local jail and office, the two confer on their approach.

Upon arrival, Der Goater presents their credentials, letting the guard captain know about the goblins on the road and giving names of those in the caravan for reference, if he wishes to follow up. Sarz follows up by asking if there's any like work available (DIPL 25)

"Well, not really. I mean, we're always looking for some good watchmen, but I don't think thats what you boys are looking for. We don't get bothered much, here. There's the occasional bandit or pirate or such, but we're a port, kindof expected. Can't say that none of the richer merchants wouldn't want to hire the pair of you on as muscle, but since most of them came in with guards, I expect most of them will go out with the same ones." He shrugs non-comitally.

When pressed about the city paying for the extermination of the goblin menace in the hills, he chuckles. "You say you fought half a dozen beasties? They must've been an advance guard, if there's an army!" He smiles condescendingly. "Even if I believed you two, the fact is that you took out half a dozen goblins. An army is going to be much much larger. I couldn't, in good conscience, do anything that would encourage you to go face them. Sorry lads"

[DinbinFanfoom]

OK, so, logically I should post you through a huge chunk of time since I took so damned long to post ... but since I don't know for sure what you guys are asking or poking for ...
ooc: I guess technically, we don't either, so I'll take the initiative:

Tess: "The horny fellow? No, we're just friends. Flay and I represent a slightly larger group of creative adventuring types looking to make some coin and stay under the radar. We're just trying to get the lay of the land in town here, really... what kinds of things we want to get into, like employment opportunities, or what kinds of things we DON'T want to get into, personalities to avoid, that sort of thing. I've heard of this Red-Eye fellow... what's that all about? And that Duke and his daughters... any opportunities in THAT power struggle?"

[attriel]

Turin and Sitara Look for Information

Turin lets Sitara take the lead, going back to where she heard the rumors initially. They spend a little more time asking discreet questions, but get no particular further information on the topic (13). They do learn that the town in question is about 3 days away by carriage, and that the duke's area of influence would have included their current residence.

Moving on to the bank hall, they ask around, trying to get a feel of the situation and what, precisely, is happening in it. Their questions meet with the same tepid response (15), but they learn that the carriages rolling in and out are going to finance the duke's daughters as they wage a slow war against one another. Apparently there's no armies or mass killing, so no one is quite sure where the money is going, precisely, but a great deal of it has gone out in the last two weeks. Some further inquiry (21) reveals that, apparently, both sisters are slowly running out of their individual accounts, but that the duchy's account is untouchable until one of them is proclaimed.

It seems that the duke had been waiting for them to get married, so that he might name a male heir rather than his contentious daughters.

[Lycos]

Turin and Sitara Look for Information

Turin lets Sitara take the lead, going back to where she heard the rumors initially. They spend a little more time asking discreet questions, but get no particular further information on the topic (13). They do learn that the town in question is about 3 days away by carriage, and that the duke's area of influence would have included their current residence.

Moving on to the bank hall, they ask around, trying to get a feel of the situation and what, precisely, is happening in it. Their questions meet with the same tepid response (15), but they learn that the carriages rolling in and out are going to finance the duke's daughters as they wage a slow war against one another. Apparently there's no armies or mass killing, so no one is quite sure where the money is going, precisely, but a great deal of it has gone out in the last two weeks. Some further inquiry (21) reveals that, apparently, both sisters are slowly running out of their individual accounts, but that the duchy's account is untouchable until one of them is proclaimed.

It seems that the duke had been waiting for them to get married, so that he might name a male heir rather than his contentious daughters.

To Sitara...

Doesn't seem like there is much information here. It looks like we'll have to head out to talk to this other town if we are going to get more information. And with the lack of money, well, I don't see any monetary gain even though I would prefer to go over and broker some peace between these two daughters.

I think we need more information to know how to proceed with this.

Atty: Have these daughters taken any action against one another or is this all posturing right now?

[attriel]

ooc: I guess technically, we don't either, so I'll take the initiative:

Tess: "The horny fellow? No, we're just friends. Flay and I represent a slightly larger group of creative adventuring types looking to make some coin and stay under the radar. We're just trying to get the lay of the land in town here, really... what kinds of things we want to get into, like employment opportunities, or what kinds of things we DON'T want to get into, personalities to avoid, that sort of thing. I've heard of this Red-Eye fellow... what's that all about? And that Duke and his daughters... any opportunities in THAT power struggle?"

Tess & Flay

"Ah, well, then. That'll cost ye too." He waits until Tess has placed two silver coins on the table. "Now, you have questions. I can give ye answers. First, you wants to stay on our good side. You're doing pretty good so far, so no worries there. Only Red Eye I know of is the pirate. We gots no beef with him, he gots none with us. The duke, well, that's kindof a problem isn't it? Until someone is declared, well, all those taxes are just collecting in his storeroom here in town. Nothing to be done with them without a seal on the documents. All those poor villagers going hungry. Roads being beset by villainous elements. It's horrible, I tells you, what might happen. But his daughters? Oo! Tempers, both of them. Twins, yaknow. No one's ever known which is the oldest. The midwife was a mute, so I suppose you could say she held her tongue. I guess she didn't want no preferential treatment for either one. Mother died before they was more than babes. But they are both something to look on. I won't mind kissing either their hands, I tell you. Or a bit more.

"As for things to do in town. Well, I suppose if you, and your group of 'creative adventuring types' are interested, there might be some work we could toss your way. There's some on the watch is not working for the city like they should. Watch overseer is one of them. So he won't turn out the rest for it. Now, if we did something about it, taking back our fair city, well, then they'd say we were just cold murderers, and that'd be bad for us. Because we're not, are we? No. But you? You're not from around here. You could come up with something, how they attacked you or how you caught them giving weapons to hobgoblins. Someone was raising the dead. Some story, you'd be OK. We've got people in high places, we'd see to it that you were kept out of the stocks. You interested in helping out our fair city?"

[attriel]

Atty: Have these daughters taken any action against one another or is this all posturing right now?

All you have is third person, but there's no reports of armies or assassination attempts or wizards levelling towns or anything. The money is going there, and as far as anyone here knows (which they hear from teh carriage drivers and guards usually), nothing is happening with it.

[Lycos]

All you have is third person, but there's no reports of armies or assassination attempts or wizards levelling towns or anything. The money is going there, and as far as anyone here knows (which they hear from teh carriage drivers and guards usually), nothing is happening with it.


Ahh, ok. I thought it was the money leaving their town and they were running out of cash. This could be interesting if we wanted to check it out.

Unless Sitara has any other questions or ideas, I would say we go back and report to the others what we have found.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Tess: "I'll present your proposition to our group and be seeing you again if it meets with their liking.... Mister...?"

ooc: if Flay doesn't object, I think we should return to the group and get their feedback

[attriel]

Tess: "I'll present your proposition to our group and be seeing you again if it meets with their liking.... Mister...?"

ooc: if Flay doesn't object, I think we should return to the group and get their feedback

"Jest tell the man that you want to talk to Jennis"

[Shiz]

"Well, that was a dry hole, Goat. Before we head back to the group, let's see if we can find some of these merchant caravan guards and see if they have had an goblinkin interactions the last few weeks."

[EricStratton]

Tess: "I'll present your proposition to our group and be seeing you again if it meets with their liking.... Mister...?"

ooc: if Flay doesn't object, I think we should return to the group and get their feedback
Flay nods and gets up.

[Lycos]

Turin waits at the bar for the others to return. We'll get a room so that we can discuss our thoughts and plans. I will use my ritual that allows our conversations not to be overheard from outside the room. Yes, I'm that paranoid. :mrgreen:

Once everyone returns, I suggest that we eat and drink a little. :D Then we can retire to the room to discuss our information.

My impressions and initial thoughts...

I'm leaning towards looking into this corrupted town official. The money is not going anywhere for the duke's daughters. I would propose that this guy is behind it and is taking the money or going to wait until they are out of cash and raise his own army against the daughters. My general plan would be to end this guys corruption, and still gather the money in confidence. Then address the daughters themselves for a peace plan. I would like to see their money diminished to the point where they can't wage a war against one another. Plus, it sounds like brigands and other nasty folks have become a scourge to general populace. Performing some acts of justice against those guys would be fun.

What do you guys think?

[DinbinFanfoom]

Tess tends to leave the strategic thinking to the brainiacs of the group. You guys decide on a mission, and we'll do our best to carry it out.

[Shiz]

My understanding was that the official is NOT corrupt and the thieves want us to take him out. Maybe I am confused. If my understanding is accurate, then someone should go talk to him. He might spill some info to a sympathetic ear professing a disgust for looking the other way.

[DinbinFanfoom]

My understanding was that the official is NOT corrupt and the thieves want us to take him out. Maybe I am confused. If my understanding is accurate, then someone should go talk to him. He might spill some info to a sympathetic ear professing a disgust for looking the other way.
Seems likely that he's trying to get us to eliminate the last guard who WON'T go on the take... maybe I should try to discretely follow up the story from the other angle? Find some way to casually see what's going on from one of the guards in question, without actually saying so... something along the lines of:

"Hey, what's up? You guys very busy around here? How safe is this city? Anything I should watch out for?"

Assuming they are human, I could try to turn on a bit of charm.

[Shiz]

Do it. Maybe this one good guard can be a line to something interesting. Bat your eyelashes, buy him dinner, etc!

[noptov52]

Goat assents silently to Sarz and follows him in search of other caravan guards.

When the group reconvenes and Goater learns about the heir situation, he will be very interested. After living in a city among the lowest of the low, he rather fancies the idea of moving up the social ladder - if there is a reasonable opportunity to do so. If it is a jump to the top, so much the better. He's smart enough to know it'll take some mighty deeds to even have an outside chance, but potentially marrying one of daughters has entered his long term plans.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Do it. Maybe this one good guard can be a line to something interesting. Bat your eyelashes, buy him dinner, etc!
Tess heads on over to see if she can get the "other angle" without being obvious. We don't wanna be played for fools.

[attriel]

I'm leaning towards looking into this corrupted town official. The money is not going anywhere for the duke's daughters. I would propose that this guy is behind it and is taking the money or going to wait until they are out of cash and raise his own army against the daughters. My general plan would be to end this guys corruption, and still gather the money in confidence. Then address the daughters themselves for a peace plan. I would like to see their money diminished to the point where they can't wage a war against one another. Plus, it sounds like brigands and other nasty folks have become a scourge to general populace. Performing some acts of justice against those guys would be fun.


Clarification: The duke was (and daughters are) in another town, about 3 days ride. The money is coming from the bank, drawing off their individual accounts, and going to where they are.

And yes, some of the various details have been intentionally vague. Because you're getting this from talking to people, not reading a script. Just in case you were curious why you had different interpretations of things.

[Lycos]

Do it. Maybe this one good guard can be a line to something interesting. Bat your eyelashes, buy him dinner, etc!

Agreed. It's worth checking out.

[Lycos]

Clarification: The duke was (and daughters are) in another town, about 3 days ride. The money is coming from the bank, drawing off their individual accounts, and going to where they are.

And yes, some of the various details have been intentionally vague. Because you're getting this from talking to people, not reading a script. Just in case you were curious why you had different interpretations of things.

Thanks, I was unclear about where the money was going. I thought it was coming in. :mrgreen:

[attriel]

Hrrm. I guess we're waiting on me, aren't we? For some reason I thought you were all still deliberating (although I do note that most of you have jumped on Sagar's new campaign too, since I'm so slow ;) )

Sarz and Goater find where the merchant guards hang out and converse with them. They hear various tales of goblins and bandits in various areas, but nothing sounding like a concentrated concerted effort, as such.

Tess heads out alone to try her luck with the troublesome guard. She steers the conversation around, getting information from him slowly (24). Overseer of the evening watch. Ten years as a guard. He says he has a number of guards loyal to him who will support him as the next Commander of the Watch.

The rest of the party waits at the inn as Tess heads out to work her magic.

[Lycos]

Tess heads out alone to try her luck with the troublesome guard. She steers the conversation around, getting information from him slowly (24). Overseer of the evening watch. Ten years as a guard. He says he has a number of guards loyal to him who will support him as the next Commander of the Watch.

The rest of the party waits at the inn as Tess heads out to work her magic.

Ok, I'm a little confused. Did she get to talk to him or not? The top part looks like she talked to him, but the last line appears to note that she has just left.

[Shiz]

Frankly, I am stumped as what we do from here. I am not inclined to make a 3 day march back the scene of Flay's conflagration and then wander the hills looking for green men, but I don't see a lot of action here. I don't want us to split up.

[EricStratton]

Flay is willing to take the unsavory's job if that's all we got.

[Shiz]

Sarz will refuse to be someone's assassin for hire.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Wow, that seems like really hard work! And so ambitious! You and your men must really love this city and it's people. That is very commendable. Do you get a lot of trouble? Are there any dangerous elements a traveller should avoid in town?"

[EricStratton]

Sarz will refuse to be someone's assassin for hire.
Flay looks disappointedly at Sarz. Then sizes him up...just in case.

[attriel]

Ok, I'm a little confused. Did she get to talk to him or not? The top part looks like she talked to him, but the last line appears to note that she has just left.

The first paragraph happened before everyone got together ; then there was conversation, then Tess headed out and everyone else waited.

I only get linear progression in the post, though, so it's hard to show the flow of time reliably :/

[attriel]

"Wow, that seems like really hard work! And so ambitious! You and your men must really love this city and it's people. That is very commendable. Do you get a lot of trouble? Are there any dangerous elements a traveller should avoid in town?"

"The town is reasonably peaceable. The rogues know that the watch means business, so as long as you stay in the patrolled areas nothing should bother you. I could show you the watch district, if you'd like, and we could get something to eat?"

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Sounds great, I'm a bit peckish, actually. Hey, I have a cousin who might be moving out this way in a few months; great strapping lad named Errol, pretty good with a staff, and as virtuous as driven snow, so much that we tease him at times. He tends to be a bit naive though... he'd need some guidance. Would he be a good fit? Should I send him to see you?"

ooc: geez, he's not coughing up much about if he's under pressure from rogue elements... though that's not the sort of thing you drop idly to strangers.

[noptov52]

"I could show you the watch district, if you'd like, and we could get something to eat?"

Bwa chicka wah wah

[Lycos]

Sarz will refuse to be someone's assassin for hire.

Just an FYI, Turin would be with Sarz on this as well.

[noptov52]

Der Goater has no love for self-important town officials and has no qualms about killing the watchman if he's up to no good. In this case, Goat's experience on the streets leads him to suspect the thieves guild wants to use the party as pawns.

Goat is with Sarz, correct?

"I don't like the smell of this business with the thieves guild. It reeks of a setup."

"As soon as we KO that uniformed lummox, the sneaks will betray us to the watch. The stubborn roadblock is removed and the Watch gets 'justice'. Everybody wins."

"Except. Us."

[Lycos]

Turin listens to Der Goater's theory and suggestion.

Yes, it seems so far that this is a genuine person trying to do the right thing. I say at the least, we let him know that the thieves guild is looking to knock him off. Anyone up for fighting the thieves guild? :D That could get ugly quick, and I'm pretty sure they have more resources than we do. Might as well fight the pirates instead. :|

We could go off and see what is happening with these daughters. A brokered solution might be a good thing for our reputation and get our foot in the door for more upper scale customers.

Turin is going to take time out and meditate on the current choices of jobs trying to get a sense from his spiritual connection to his god as to what the party should do.

[Lycos]

Where are we in this thread?

If we are done diliberating, Tess, it might be best that you break the news to the good guard about his targetness.

If no one has any other ideas, I think we should head off to check out the town 3 days away so that we can further investigate this issue with the Duke's daughters.

[Lycos]

/ooc It might be a good thing for the party leader (myself or whomever wants to do this) to wrap up our current daily progress if there has been action in the thread. And it would be good for the GM to do a short wrap up note on the day's activities pending as well as giving feedback on where his understanding of where we are heading in the storyline

Does that sound productive?

[Shiz]

Yes.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Where are we in this thread?
If we are done diliberating, Tess, it might be best that you break the news to the good guard about his targetness.I was waiting for some feedback on my last Tess-Talk, actually. Maybe I didn't communicate that well...

[attriel]

"Sounds great, I'm a bit peckish, actually. Hey, I have a cousin who might be moving out this way in a few months; great strapping lad named Errol, pretty good with a staff, and as virtuous as driven snow, so much that we tease him at times. He tends to be a bit naive though... he'd need some guidance. Would he be a good fit? Should I send him to see you?"

ooc: geez, he's not coughing up much about if he's under pressure from rogue elements... though that's not the sort of thing you drop idly to strangers.

"Sure, have him look me up once he joins up. In a couple years I'll be head of the guard, that's the kind of mentor a boy can really look up to." He thinks for a moment, then continues, "You look to be an honest person, I've heard of some troubles with a goblin horde out in the hills. Current commander's not interested in looking into it, haven't been enough reports to be worth sending guards through the hills. I think there's something out there, been a few too many reports lately. A caravan just came in, reporting that they were attacked by goblins and only the help of their hired guards was able to drive it off.

"I'm looking for a group of folks that would be interested in going out and clearing them out. I'm hoping you know someone who might be interested in helping me. This would be quite a feather, and so I'm willing to pay 200 gold, plus 1 coin per goblin killed. If you find anyone interested, have them get in touch with me."

He stands up, puts coin on the table to pay for the meal and leaves before Tess can decide how to respond.

[Shiz]

YAY TEss!

[Lycos]

Awesome!

The problem is that he might be killed off before we get this job done. With this threat on his life, we might be needed in the short term to protect his life?? What do you guys think?

[Shiz]

If the Thieves were not willing to do it themselves before we got here, they probably aren't going to do it while we go handle this.

[Lycos]

If the Thieves were not willing to do it themselves before we got here, they probably aren't going to do it while we go handle this.

That might be true, or they just couldn't find any suckers to take the job, yet.

[attriel]

That might be true, or they just couldn't find any suckers to take the job, yet.

I assure you, he will not die whilst you are gone. Paranoid much?

[Lycos]

I assure you, he will not die whilst you are gone. Paranoid much?

Hey! I resemble that remark! :lowlol:

[DinbinFanfoom]

He stands up, puts coin on the table to pay for the meal and leaves before Tess can decide how to respond.
Awesome. Tess didn't much feel like haggling after all of that song-and-dance anyway. :lowlol:

"Looks like we have a concrete lead on work, if we want it, boys! Are we in? This captain-wannabe seems a bit cocky, but is a straight arrow, at least at first glance."

[Lycos]

I'm in! :D

[EricStratton]

Flay definitely wants in.

[Shiz]

I want more of those gobbies.

[DinbinFanfoom]

"Sounds like we can make some cash and sweeten our standing here in town if we take this one on", Tess explains to her compatriots. "This could lead to bigger and better things if it works out well!"

Since it seems pretty much unanimous, Tess will return to the guard with the party and see if they can learn more about the mission they plan to undertake.

[Shiz]

Did we get paid enough to buy horses, and if so, do we want them? Turin has one already is why I ask.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Did we get paid enough to buy horses, and if so, do we want them? Turin has one already is why I ask.
From our last job? I don't think so. From this job? We haven't been paid in advance...

[Lycos]

We should look into getting another horse if we are going back to the goblins. Should we pool our money together? Does that make sense?

[Shiz]

That is a nice thought, but we walked here just fine. I am not pooling my money just yet. No offense.

[Lycos]

That is a nice thought, but we walked here just fine. I am not pooling my money just yet. No offense.

No offense taken.

[EricStratton]

That is a nice thought, but we walked here just fine. I am not pooling my money just yet. No offense.
Agreed.

[attriel]

Did we get paid enough to buy horses, and if so, do we want them? Turin has one already is why I ask.

You got 20g for the last job, and yes she paid Turin. I don't remember the price of horses offhand, but I doubt that's enough for 5 more horses.

[EricStratton]

You got 20g for the last job, and yes she paid Turin. I don't remember the price of horses offhand, but I doubt that's enough for 5 more horses.
75g per horse.

[Lycos]

Ok, we got this offer to go back to the goblins. Let's make our last actions before we head off. If there are none for you just say so.

We got 5 people in our group, right? That makes 4 gold each.

*Turin hands out the gold due to everyone.*

When everyone is ready, I'll get the horse and mount up with my stuff on it. :D

[EricStratton]

Flay is ready to go.

[Shiz]

Ready.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Tess is ready also. 200gp is certainly more reasonable than their last engagement. "4gp won't even buy 10 days of rations!"

She vows not to risk her neck so cheaply this time. And to kill a LOT of goblins.

[attriel]

Ok, we got this offer to go back to the goblins. Let's make our last actions before we head off. If there are none for you just say so.

We got 5 people in our group, right? That makes 4 gold each.

*Turin hands out the gold due to everyone.*

When everyone is ready, I'll get the horse and mount up with my stuff on it. :D

Flay, Sarz, Tess, Turin, Goater, Sitara is 6? OK, say it was 30g so it divides reasonably

[DinbinFanfoom]

Flay, Sarz, Tess, Turin, Goater, Sitara is 6? OK, say it was 30g so it divides reasonably
"Dear Diary: Got paid my cut for our last escort mission. Less than I'd hoped, but what ya gonna do? PS: Maybe we should get another accountant..."

[Lycos]

"Dear Diary: I still have them fooled. The extra 10 gold that I got from our last adventure is going to get me a nice hammer upgrade. I can't wait. Those suckas! They're so stupid they won't even notice when I get the new dwarven chainmail!" :rotflmao:

[Kiir]

Sitara is ready to head back out and destroy some goblins.

[Lycos]

Noppy, what about you? Are you coming?

[noptov52]

Sorry, I didn't realize it was waiting on me. Der Goater has no problems with going goblin stomping - it sounds like a fun way to cause some well deserved chaos among the goblin tribes, not to mention hone his skills and pad his bank account.

[Lycos]

Ok, atty, I think that accounts for everyone. We head off for the location where we engaged the goblins before. I marked the spot on the road. Hopefully, that helps us find it faster.

[noptov52]

I marked the spot on the road. Hopefully, that helps us find it faster.

There's also a patch of burnt vegetation ;)

[attriel]

I'll resume scouting the trail again, if nobody objects, sneaking as I can, making best use of cover.

*stops gluing stuff to Turin*
"What?"

PS: Did you get the creds I sent you to my mapping site? It's a bit improved since I sent them. If you don't wanna use it, that's up to you too, but it's working out well for us in game 3.

YEah I did, I just haven't had time.