Adventure 01 : 03 Discussions, Interrogations, and Traveling Shoes

[Greebo]

The next morning, news is all over town of the attacks, and a great deal more has become known. Historical treasures, museum pieces of little more than sentimental value, have been stolen from the Hall of Great Valor. The sentimental value attachment to the city is immense, however, as they were left behind from the first "Red Hand" invasion.

But by far, those losses pale in comparison to the more shocking news - there were abductions. Seven people have been reported missing - of various ages and positions - apparently at random, but the outrage at this stealing away of citizens in the night is a hot fire in the public places the next morning. Uproar is the best word to describe the city's reaction.

Some good news, however - there is a prisoner. A hobgoblin was apprehended the night before, and is being held for questioning at the stockades.

As you are taking in the news over breakfast (compliments of just about everyone, as your own actions in the previous night have become the stuff of instant legend), a guardsman arrives and approaches you.

"Adventurers! I bring greetings and compliments from Councilman Eoffram Troyas. I am directed to inform you that the Councilman requests your presence in his audience chamber at your earliest convenience. I am to escort you to his offices as soon as you are ready."

[Greebo]

Sorry, I forgot the obligatory...
What do you do?

[Quervo]

Well Lady and Gentlemen, looks like Councilman Eoffram Troyas has been told of our exploits. If you will allow us a few minutes to gather our belongings we will be with you shortly, my good Guardsman.

Jacoby will turn back to the group and will eye up towards our rooms, once upstairs...

How does everyone feel about attention? I could see some small reward, but now with news of missing people I get a feeling we will be called upon. Any thoughts before hand?

[Asharad]

Again, in a flat voice, "I was brought here. Or I came here. In any event I am here. We were all, it would seem, called. This is yet another call and my inclination is to answer it."

[Sagar]

To the party

"I REALLY need to find my missing father.

But maybe this is a step in that direction. I guess I'll go and see what happens.

Let me grab my stuff and I'll be ready."

[Greebo]

In cases like this, if the majority agrees with a plan, then that's the course I'll take unless you let me know in advance that you intend to act on your own.

After finishing your breakfast, you go with the guard to the home of Councilman Eoffram Troyas. You are directed into a large, impressive room and are seated at an equally impressive table. Councilman Troyas enters mere moments later. While he is clearly half-elven, he moves quickly, but somberly. He strikes you immediately as a man of little patience for foolishness, or for unnecessary delays.

As Councilmember Troyas greets you solemnly, he makes eye contact with each of you in turn. "I am considering something, and I wished to speak to you about it in person - and in private."

"The city clearly owes you a debt of thanks for your invaluable assistance, but I am also told your arrival in the city, with the exception of you, Jacoby, concurred almost simultaneously with these attacks. Naturally, you understand that this raises some concerns that must be set to rest before I make any proposals."

"I wish to know more of you. I need to know if you are the right people to resolve this newest problem. Who are you, beyond your names, and what brought you here? And most importantly, why should the city put its trust in you?"

Skill Challenge Convince Councilmember Troyas of your trustworthiness - 6/3. Key skills: Diplomacy, Insight.
Initiative Order:
--> Raj 15
Tor Shere 11
Urvi 9
Jacoby 5
Duma 4

In your first round of this challenge, you should take a moment to introduce yourself to the council member (cue backstory), and then make an attempt to persuade the Councilman of your trustworthiness. Key skills are suggested, but if you can come up with some other skill which could also be useful, you may make an attempt, but they will be biased against you.

Please wait until your turn to post your action, as the previous player's actions can change your available options or likely results.

[Sagar]

(minor - insight: Does he have a prejudice against Dragonborn?)

(Diplomacy +9)

"Councilmember Troyas, My name is Rajkelleran Stormclaw, son of Kelleran Stormclaw. Ours is a pround and prominent family in the dragonborn community.

"A year ago, my father disappeared. I have been searching for him since and my search has led me here. I believe agents in this area are responsible for my father's abduction.

"At this point, I believe our interests coincide. The creatures that would mount an offensive against a town are just the kind of people my father would have investigated and tried to stop. It may be he learned too much, too soon. It may be completely unrelated. I don not know.

"I do know this. Dragonborn are renown for their honor. As a ranking family in the Dragonborn community, our honor is especially important. If I commit to helping you and this town in your current difficulty, I MUST do all in my power to see that through. To do less would shame me and my family and tarnish all the ancestors in our proud lineage."

I had forgotten it. Hopefully, the +9 will be enough to help...

[Greebo]

Don't forget your roll, Sagar

[Quervo]

Removed due to posting out of order.

[Greebo]

Please wait until your turn to post your action, as the previous player's actions can change your available options or likely results.

Er, sorry, that should read:
Please wait until your turn and the results of the previous player have been posted...

[Greebo]

(minor - insight: Does he have a prejudice against Dragonborn?)
Need an insight roll.

"Councilmember Troyas, My name is Rajkelleran Stormclaw, son of Kelleran Stormclaw. Ours is a pround and prominent family in the dragonborn community.

"A year ago, my father disappeared. I have been searching for him since and my search has led me here. I believe agents in this area are responsible for my father's abduction.

"At this point, I believe our interests coincide. The creatures that would mount an offensive against a town are just the kind of people my father would have investigated and tried to stop. It may be he learned too much, too soon. It may be completely unrelated. I don not know.

"I do know this. Dragonborn are renown for their honor. As a ranking family in the Dragonborn community, our honor is especially important. If I commit to helping you and this town in your current difficulty, I MUST do all in my power to see that through. To do less would shame me and my family and tarnish all the ancestors in our proud lineage."

Success (1/0)

"I am sorry to learn of your father's disappearance, but I could not even hazard a guess as to whether the events are related. Where did you say you were from?

"I do know the reputation of the Dragonborn and their commitment to honor. Many years ago, in the first war, several Dragonborn assisted then with the defeat of the Red Hand."

New option: You (the party) sense that your knowledge of History may serve you well at some point in this discussion.

[Greebo]

Damnit.

Quervo posted out of order.

Disregard.

Raj
Tor Shere 11
Urvi 9
Jacoby 5
Duma 4

[attriel]

"I was brought here by my faith. Guided by the hands of the moon. I serve Sehanine with my life, so your faith is to be placed in her, not in me. I know you are an honest man, not because you wear a councilman's dress, but because you worry about us. You question the provenance that brings us to you at this time

"Sometimes coincidence is merely two things happening at once. Sometimes it is planned. In some cases, it is planned that we appear and drive off this beast and it's handlers. It is planned that you put your faith in us, and so we could then use that trust against you.

"But in this case, it is planned by the gods. Fate has led us to this place. Sehanine has guided my hand, the moon has lit my path. I stand before you not in artifice or in guile, but because this is where I am sent to be.

"Trust not in me. Trust in Sehanine, Trust in the power of the gods to bring peace to this town."

OOC: I'm not much for convincing people, but I am a religious fanatic and I was led here by my faith and my god. So I'm trying the religion check to convince him at least of my sincerity. If you want to change it to a really whacked out attempt at diplomacy, that's your call :o

[Greebo]

"I was brought here by my faith. Guided by the hands of the moon. I serve Sehanine with my life, so your faith is to be placed in her, not in me. I know you are an honest man, not because you wear a councilman's dress, but because you worry about us. You question the provenance that brings us to you at this time

"Sometimes coincidence is merely two things happening at once. Sometimes it is planned. In some cases, it is planned that we appear and drive off this beast and it's handlers. It is planned that you put your faith in us, and so we could then use that trust against you.

"But in this case, it is planned by the gods. Fate has led us to this place. Sehanine has guided my hand, the moon has lit my path. I stand before you not in artifice or in guile, but because this is where I am sent to be.

"Trust not in me. Trust in Sehanine, Trust in the power of the gods to bring peace to this town."
Failure: (1/1)
"The Gods may be involving themselves, but those who trust in the Gods to do the work are most oft disappointed. Mortals must act in their own best interests, one cannot rely on divine intervention."

The Councilmember seems decidedly uninterested in discussion religion.

Urvi

[Kiir]

Urvi then takes her turn to speak. "There is no reason for you to trust me. I came here with my friend Tor Shere, I had no set destination in mind, I had met my friend Tor Shere a few months ago while I was traveling, my people are nomadic, and we often travel on our own to learn more of the world. I came upon this town because this is where our journey's led and for no other reason."

[Greebo]

Urvi then takes her turn to speak. "There is no reason for you to trust me. I came here with my friend Tor Shere, I had no set destination in mind, I had met my friend Tor Shere a few months ago while I was traveling, my people are nomadic, and we often travel on our own to learn more of the world. I came upon this town because this is where our journey's led and for no other reason."

Oddly enough...
Success: (2/1)
"I appreciate your frankness. I probably shouldn't, but I find your openness to be encouraging."

Jacoby

[Quervo]

Councilmember Troyas these people have come from far and wide for reasons all thier own. All but Urvi and Tor Shere are unknown to each other. Could it not be more than just a coincidence that Brindal was attacked? I know I for one feel a shadow growing, my dreams have been troubled of late. Could the gods be drawing together those who can fight this shadow? News of the attack said that things left from the War were taken, could someone be trying to bring the goblinoids back under that banner?

Insite +11

[Greebo]

Councilmember Troyas these people have come from far and wide for reasons all thier own. All but Urvi and Tor Shere are unknown to each other. Could it not be more than just a coincidence that Brindal was attacked? I know I for one feel a shadow growing, my dreams have been troubled of late. Could the gods be drawing together those who can fight this shadow? News of the attack said that things left from the War were taken, could someone be trying to bring the goblinoids back under that banner?

Insite +11
+10 actually. Your diplomacy is +11.

Success: (3/1)
"You may have a point - but as I said, even if the Gods choose to involve themselves, mere mortals cannot depend upon such graces. What we do know is that on the surface, this looks something like the Red Hand. And yet, other things are not quite right about it. For example, the emblem of the Hand. When they attacked before, those emblems were neat, precise, and the hand was pointed upward. The armor on the attackers last night seems crudely done, and the hand points downwards. I don't know if this is significant or not."

Bonus: From his manner, it is clear to you that no attempts to cajole or threaten will succeed with Councilor Troyas. (Intimidate will always result in failure.)

Duma

[Asharad]

Duma delivers the following without emotion.

"I am Duma of the Deva, formerly of the angelic host of Ioun and now her servant on this earth. I am here because I awoke again and was drawn here. I know not why, other than I was meant to be at this place and have this conversation.

I am willing to help, for the peoples of the earth should not be troubled by the likes of the Red Hand (fill in any history stuff I know about the Red Hand here).

Your trust is immaterial.

You have a problem which you are unable to deal with or else this conversation would not be taking place. You are free to wait until someone else comes along who can deal with this problem, if you think such a group will materialize. In such an event I will move on and do something else as fate decides.

It does not matter to me in any event. Things will be as they are to be."

[Greebo]

Duma your history is +11 not 9
Duma delivers the following without emotion.

"I am Duma of the Deva, formerly of the angelic host of Ioun and now her servant on this earth. I am here because I awoke again and was drawn here. I know not why, other than I was meant to be at this place and have this conversation.

I am willing to help, for the peoples of the earth should not be troubled by the likes of the Red Hand, as you no doubt remember, since you were involved in much of that fighting yourself, as was your family.

Your trust is immaterial.

You have a problem which you are unable to deal with or else this conversation would not be taking place. You are free to wait until someone else comes along who can deal with this problem, if you think such a group will materialize. In such an event I will move on and do something else as fate decides.

It does not matter to me in any event. Things will be as they are to be."

Success: (4/1)
Troyas frowns at Duma, but eventually nods. "Somewhat tactless, but essentially true. You are evidently the only ones immediately available to deal with this rather urgent problem. Absolute trust is not essential. However, it would also be a serious mistake for me to enlist the aid of those who are actually in service of the enemy."

Note: It is unlikely that there is any other reference to history that will assist you in this conversation.


Raj

[Sagar]

Diplomacy

Councilmember Troyas, my father was heavily involved in the last battle against the Red Hand. It was as a result of that fight that he later became crippled and my mother was killed. I think I better understand why my path has led me here. Perhaps my father learned the Red Hand was rising again, or perhaps he knew enough of the original uprising to show this one to be a ruse. Either way, I think he will be found on this path and not on another.

But let's put that aside. What would you need of us should you opt to use our skills? I would like to know so that we do not, through false pride or lack of knowledge, commit to something that we cannot accomplish. Especially if, by failing, we endanger you or your people.

And, if you will pardon some frank honesty, I would rather not endanger my honor by promising something which I cannot, in any possibility, deliver.

[Greebo]

Diplomacy

Councilmember Troyas, my father was heavily involved in the last battle against the Red Hand. It was as a result of that fight that he later became crippled and my mother was killed. I think I better understand why my path has led me here. Perhaps my father learned the Red Hand was rising again, or perhaps he knew enough of the original uprising to show this one to be a ruse. Either way, I think he will be found on this path and not on another.

But let's put that aside. What would you need of us should you opt to use our skills? I would like to know so that we do not, through false pride or lack of knowledge, commit to something that we cannot accomplish. Especially if, by failing, we endanger you or your people.

And, if you will pardon some frank honesty, I would rather not endanger my honor by promising something which I cannot, in any possibility, deliver.

Success (5/1)

"As I said, I cannot even speculate concerning your father, as I know neither him nor anything more than I suspect is already common knowledge via whispers and rumors after last nights ordeals."

"I have not asked you to commit to anything, as yet. We will come to that in due time..."

Shere

[attriel]

Shere stands calmly as the others speak. When the councilman looks to him for his contribution again, Shere looks inside himself and contemplates the counsellor, before answering.

"I believe this threat needs to be dealt with, for all of our reasons. If we all work towards the same end, we should work together. Combine our strengths and guard our weaknesses, so that we may move further and faster."

OOC:A! ~ +4 insight to sound reasonable to the man ...

Insight 16

[Greebo]

"I believe this threat needs to be dealt with, for all of our reasons. If we all work towards the same end, we should work together. Combine our strengths and guard our weaknesses, so that we may move further and faster."

Success - Challenge success!

"Indeed. Well said, indeed.

"Very well - let us get down to business then. As you have no doubt heard, the raids last night sought to do more than simply bloody us some. Not only has some of our heritage been stolen by these defilers, but some of our own citizens as well have been abducted by those vile raiders.

"Seven citizens have been captured. The city is in uproar. I am prepared, on behalf of the city, to offer you, adventurers, a handsome reward of 200 gold for the recovery of our citizens, or their remains, if they have met their end. This is of the utmost importance, but in addition, I would like you to also try to retrieve the heirlooms that were stolen from our Hall of Great Valor. I cannot offer additional reward for the return of these items, but please understand - those items are of great sentimental value to our people, second only in importance to the return of our citizens.

"If you accept this task, I will ensure that any support the city can give will be provided. Whatever aid the good people of Brindol can muster will be at your disposal.

"You have already risked much in our defense, even though most of you had no duty to do so. Will you, please, assist this humble city further, and bring the children of Brindol back home?"

[Zyzzyx]

Aw, man... and I was so hoping to see a natural 1 somewhere in the challenge.

[Sagar]

Aw, man... and I was so hoping to see a natural 1 somewhere in the challenge.

Hush you!

[Asharad]

Duma will help, of course.

I'd like to know more of these artifacts which are missing.

Either history of religion, whichever is applicable.

It's plus +11.

[Greebo]

Having received your agreement, the Councilman goes on to give you some basic background on both the missing people and the stolen artifacts.

The missing people
Jalissa - an acolyte of Ioun
Sertanian, Castellan of the Hall of Great Valor
Kartenix, the Guard Captain, and his son, Thurann, age 8.
Mirtala, a cook.
Zerriksa the witch
And Adronsius, a dwarven alchemist

The stolen artifacts:
An ornate, gilded dragoncrest helm
Ceremonial platinum longsword (decorative)
Set of 3 shields bearing the insignia of the Red Hand, each with a charred hole near the center
Set of extensively filigreed iron gauntlets
Heraldic battle standard: Two hands clasped in greeting

"Gentlemen and Lady, bring our people home safe, and bring back our history, and the City will be forever in your debt.

"You may have heard that we have a prisoner. This is true - a hobgoblin is being held at the city stockade. We have learned nothing from him as yet, but you may interrogate him if you wish. However, I know that you adventurers are often quite skilled at tracking, so if you prefer, we can provide you with provisions for your immediate departure. We will not interfere with how you choose to proceed, so long as action is being taken."

What do you wish to do?

[Sagar]

I say we talk. Bluff and intimidate should help.

[Quervo]

I saw take a few minutes to see this hobgoblin. maybe we could learn something usefull.

[Sagar]

Two is enough for a quorum :p

We go to see the hobgob.

[Asharad]

Information is always helpful.

[Greebo]

You find the city stockades with little difficulty. Just as you had been told, there is a lone hobgoblin in stocks and shackles here. His wounds from last night's battle have been bandaged, but a number of tomatoes on the ground near him and on the surface of the stocks indicate that his treatment hasn't been completely kind.

Two guards stand nearby, currently within earshot, overseeing the prisoner and ensuring that the crowds who've gathered to fling rotten vegetables does not get out of control.

He takes one weary look at you and says, "I ain't saying nothin' unless you people let me go."

Skill Challenge Interrogate the Prisoner - 6/3. Key skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, History, Intimidate

Initiative Order:
Duma (20)
Raj (19)
Urvi (13)
Jacoby (13)
Shere (7)

[Sagar]

I will whisper to the two guards, telling them that we need to interrogate the prisioner and to ignore anything we might say or do.

After Duma's turn, I will walk slowly and menacingly towards the hobgoblin. I'll slowly pull out my dagger, and ignite it with sparks of lightning that arc up and down the blade. I will hold the sparking dagger in front of his face and, while looking at the dagger, speak to him in a low, dangerous voice.

"I do not like hobgoblins. In fact, I detest hobgoblins. I was SOOO happy when I heard we had one to torture .. to maim... to kill...."

Change tone to one of regret "But they tell me I cannot kill you. They say you have information they need..."

Change tone to one of eagerness.. and begin to carass the air near his face with the sparking dagger. "But they also say, if you do NOT give them information. Then.. ahh then I can have you." I will let a wicked gleam of delight fill my eyes.

"Have you any idea how much pain this can cause?" I'll very briefly touch a spark to his lips and smile as he recoils. "Especially when it is applied in ... other.. areas?" I'll let him imagine what those areas might be. Imagination is almost always more effective than actual disclosure.

Bluff +9

[Greebo]

I will whisper to the two guards, telling them that we need to interrogate the prisioner and to ignore anything we might say or do.
One of the guards frowns at you. "What do you mean 'anything'? This prisoner needs to be in good health for his trial. We're not letting you torture anyone!"

[Asharad]

"I ain't saying nothin' unless you people let me go.Duma cocks his head, then in uninflected goblin says:

That is foolishness. I am surprised, since from what I know of your people (history) you are many things but not fools.

You have come here. You have raided and murdered and killed. These people will not allow you to "go." This is plain and surely you know this.

You perhaps have a chance at avoiding a painful death but it is co-operation and not mulishness.

Answer our questions and you lose nothing. You gain a chance.

Why did you take the artifacts you did?"

[Greebo]

Duma cocks his head, then in uninflected goblin says:

That is foolishness. I am surprised, since from what I know of your people (history) you are many things but not fools.

You have come here. You have raided and murdered and killed. These people will not allow you to "go." This is plain and surely you know this.

You perhaps have a chance at avoiding a painful death but it is co-operation and not mulishness.

Answer our questions and you lose nothing. You gain a chance.

Why did you take the artifacts you did?"
"I ain't no fool - I know you people ain't gonna let me go lessen you get somethin' from me! Well I ain't givin' ya nothin' unless i get somethin' from yous!"

"But I dunno nothin' about no artitfacts. Musta been Sinruth, cuz he never said nothin' ta us about em."

Success (1/0)

[Greebo]

One of the guards frowns at you. "What do you mean 'anything'? This prisoner needs to be in good health for his trial. We're not letting you torture anyone!"

This must be resolved before the remainder of Sagar's action can be applied.

[Sagar]

I'll whisper to the guards, "we aren't really going to do anything harmful to him... but he's got to THINK we will. So don't interrupt. If you think you can leer and seem menacingly supportive, feel free. Otherwise, studiously ignore us. Thanks.

I promise, he will be whole and healthy when we get done."

[Greebo]

The guards wink, and reply, "Not a problem - long as you don't cause any *actual* bleeding, it's all good. But don't think for a minute we're letting him go. He's staying to stand trial!"

[Greebo]

After Duma's turn, I will walk slowly and menacingly towards the hobgoblin. I'll slowly pull out my dagger, and ignite it with sparks of lightning that arc up and down the blade. I will hold the sparking dagger in front of his face and, while looking at the dagger, speak to him in a low, dangerous voice.

"I do not like hobgoblins. In fact, I detest hobgoblins. I was SOOO happy when I heard we had one to torture .. to maim... to kill...."

Change tone to one of regret "But they tell me I cannot kill you. They say you have information they need..."

Change tone to one of eagerness.. and begin to carass the air near his face with the sparking dagger. "But they also say, if you do NOT give them information. Then.. ahh then I can have you." I will let a wicked gleam of delight fill my eyes.

"Have you any idea how much pain this can cause?" I'll very briefly touch a spark to his lips and smile as he recoils. "Especially when it is applied in ... other.. areas?" I'll let him imagine what those areas might be. Imagination is almost always more effective than actual disclosure.

Bluff +9

Your solicitation of the assistance of the guards results in a 25% bonus chance to your success with this skill (+5). Total bluff, 26.

"Hey, HEY you can't DO that! Please! Don't shock me!! NOOOO! This wasn't MY idea! It was all Sinruth!!!"

Success (2/0) (If it wasn't obvious already...)
Urvi

[Kiir]

Urvi takes out her Great Axe, and looks down at the hobgoblin, "So should I take off an ear or a finger first to get him to tell us who Sinruth is?" She looks down at the hobgoblin as if contemplating her choices.

intimidate roll : 16 +1 = 17

[Greebo]

Urvi takes out her Great Axe, and looks down at the hobgoblin, "So should I take off an ear or a finger first to get him to tell us who Sinruth is?" She looks down at the hobgoblin as if contemplating her choices.
Success (3/0)

"Sinruth is our boss! This was all his plan!"

Jacoby

[Quervo]

Listen, I can't get you out of this, what is done is done. What I can do call this bloodthirsty gang off you, but you have to tell us what the plan was, and what do you know of this Sinruth? You tell us what you know and I will see about getting you out of these stocks and into a cell and a chance at living.

"Words of Friendship" +5 power bonus to next Diplomacy check

Diplomacy +11

For a total of 36, (love that natural 20)

[Greebo]

Listen, I can't get you out of this, what is done is done. What I can do call this bloodthirsty gang off you, but you have to tell us what the plan was, and what do you know of this Sinruth? You tell us what you know and I will see about getting you out of these stocks and into a cell and a chance at living.

"Words of Friendship" +5 power bonus to next Diplomacy check

Diplomacy +11

For a total of 36, (love that natural 20)

Success (4/0)

Morrik glares at you at first, but his expression softens somewhat (for a Goblin). "Aye its true these stocks aren't comfortable, and I know if you were in my clutches, I wouldn't be lettin' you go either.

"The plan was simple. Get captives, and cause damage. Sinruth, he's the leader of the new Hand, and he's worked out a deal with the walking corpses at our base that requires captives. They gotta be fed, see? And its your people, or us!"

Duma
Raj
Urvi
Jacoby
-->Shere

[Shiz]

Grody to the MAX!

[attriel]

Pushing back his hood again, Shere relaxes his control over his features, allowing the feral feline grin to spread slowly as he watches.

In Goblin: "I don't much like dogs. I don't think Bobo here," pointing at Duma, "is particularly invested in your well being. Or lack. Or, well, anything, really. And I don't think the rest of them can understand us right now." He walks forward slowly as he speaks.

"I need you to tell me everything. How to find your hovels. What these walking dead are. Where they came from."

Edit:
I was apparently not particularly worrisome to his world-view here :o
Intimidate 7

[Greebo]

Pushing back his hood again, Shere relaxes his control over his features, allowing the feral feline grin to spread slowly as he watches.

In Goblin: "I don't much like dogs. I don't think Bobo here," pointing at Duma, "is particularly invested in your well being. Or lack. Or, well, anything, really. And I don't think the rest of them can understand us right now." He walks forward slowly as he speaks.

"I need you to tell me everything. How to find your hovels. What these walking dead are. Where they came from."


Failure (4/1)

Morrik spits at your feet. "You are no warrior. You are scum!"

Penalty: Intimidate no longer available for this challenge. -2 to all remaining skill checks for all players.

Duma

[Asharad]

Again, in goblin:

"What is your name?

I am glad that you are wise enough to realize cooperation is your best chance at survival. Traditionally your kind use (history check) as a base of operations, although I admit it has been some...time...since I walked among you. Is that still the case and if so, where is this Sinruth running to? Running, I can not help but notice, without you."

[Greebo]

Again, in goblin:

"What is your name?

I am glad that you are wise enough to realize cooperation is your best chance at survival. Traditionally your kind use caves and tunnels as a base of operations, although I admit it has been some...time...since I walked among you. Is that still the case and if so, where is this Sinruth running to? Running, I can not help but notice, without you."
History 15+11-2 = 24
Success (5/1)

"My name's Morrik and I'm a proud soldier of the Hand! Sinruth knows the hand can't destroy itself for the sake of just one of its fingers! The Red Hand will rise again! Through us, it's true descendants! Sinruth will be back at Castle Rivenroar by now, plannin' our next mighty attack against your pathetic kind!"

Raj

[Sagar]

Diplomacy (+9)

"Are you telling me the Hand now uses Walking Dead?!?" Raj lets his voice drip with scorn.
"How can you call youself a 'proud warrior' if you hide behind such filth! I bet you cringe when they walk by... Sidle up and lick their little bony toes. Or are they rotten sacks of meat?

"You miserable cringing cur. I bet you couldn't even tell me what kind of walking dead they are. I bet you are too busy cringing and whimpering to see who controls them. You probably don't even KNOW where the keep is, do you?

"A real warrior would know. A real warrior would want the undead filth gone. A REAL warrior would rejoice to see such unnatural cancer removed from his proud pack!"

[Greebo]

Diplomacy (+9)

"Are you telling me the Hand now uses Walking Dead?!?" Raj lets his voice drip with scorn.
"How can you call youself a 'proud warrior' if you hide behind such filth! I bet you cringe when they walk by... Sidle up and lick their little bony toes. Or are they rotten sacks of meat?

"You miserable cringing cur. I bet you couldn't even tell me what kind of walking dead they are. I bet you are too busy cringing and whimpering to see who controls them. You probably don't even KNOW where the keep is, do you?

"A real warrior would know. A real warrior would want the undead filth gone. A REAL warrior would rejoice to see such unnatural cancer removed from his proud pack!"

Success - Encounter Success!

The hobgoblin glares at the dragonborn, "You don' have the first clue, lizardskin! The Hand doesn't serve the walking dead! We bartered with them for a suitable headquarters for our rise to power! If you think you're so daggum smart, I'll tell you what! I"ll show you how to get there, and why don't you just prance on up there and see how smart you are as my lads and our hosts chop up your tail for steak!"

Reward: The proud yet foolish Morrik gives you crude directions on how to find the lair of the Hand, confident that your bravado will result in your demise at the newly rising Hand, under the guidance of their leader, Sinruth. After giving you the directions to this "Castle Rivenroar", he steadfastly refuses to anything more, no matter how much you press, beyond, "You just go find out, Sinruth is waiting!" and cackling.

[Greebo]

You have met with the Councilman and been contracted to do a job. Rescue the citizens of Brindol who were captured by this new Red Hand uprising, and if you can, bring back the historical treasures of the city as well.

You have interrogated one of the attackers, and learned all you believe you can.

What is your next move?

[Asharad]

Do I know anything about castle Rivenroar?

[Sagar]

I think we'd better high tail it to the keep before more townsfolk become appetizers.

Anyone need to pick up anything before we go?

How far away is the keep? Should be beg horses to speed up the trip?

[Greebo]

"How far away is the keep?"
According to Morrik's directions, the headquarters are a day's march distant to the northeast through some quite difficult terrain.

[Sagar]

"How far away is the keep?"
According to Morrik's directions, the headquarters are a day's march distant to the northeast through some quite difficult terrain.

Rideable terrain or should we forgo horses as impractical?>

[Greebo]

From the description Morrik gave you, the horses may save you some travel time, but the ruins of the old castle itself are in a long deserted area of the mountains, now only accessible by an old mountain path. How well the local horses, used to city streets, will fare on such potentially treacherous terrain is an open question.

[Asharad]

Also, horses cost money.

[Sagar]

Unless we can weasel them from the councilguy.

[Greebo]

It occurs to you that, while horses might speed travel time, you also need to transport prisoners. That either means up to 7 extra horses, or some wagons, neither of which will boost your travel time any.

[Sagar]

OK, I guess it's time to head out. Grab a drink and some munchies and let's hit the road. Oh, and don't forget to tinkle before we go. There are no rest stops on this trail....

[Greebo]

Skill Challenge: Tracking the Goblins (8/3)
Group Challenge
Primary Skills: Perception, Nature
Mandatory Skill: Endurance

On each round, declare your intend to roll a primary skill or assist another party member on a primary skill roll, and roll for endurance. If you are rolling on a primary skill, include that roll as well.

[Greebo]

I will allow you to post your intentions over multiple rounds, as well. Be sure to label each endurance roll by round "Endurance Round 1" "Endurance Round 2" etc. This is not a role play encounter, and I think we can accomplish it quite quickly.

[Sagar]

Raj marches on, keeping a sharp eye out to help with perception checks.

(I'll roll two rounds to help speed things up).

[Greebo]

Raj are you assisting or rolling perception? If you're assisting, you don't roll percep, just endurance. (See discussion, I messed up a bit on the explanation)

[Quervo]

I will primary for perception

[Asharad]

I'll assist Urvi with nature (+4).

[Greebo]

Urvi's Rolls
Nature +9
Endurance +4

[Greebo]

Tor Shere's rolls, Endurance +2
Assist - Perception (+4)

[Greebo]

Based on Sagar's directions in the discussion thread I'm ignoring his Perception rolls and treating him as an assist.

So what I have is:
Urvi - Nature (Assist by Duma)
Jacoby - Perception (Assist by Raj and Shere)

Round 1:
Nature: DC18 Urvi 24 (+ Duma?) = 24 or 26 - Success! Thanks to Urvi's mountain background, you are able to avoid a treacherous looking slope and find a safer, more stable path over a steep rise in elevation.

Perception: DC15 Jacoby 16 + Raj 2 + Shere 2 + Morrik's Map 5 = 25 Success! Following the map (as crude as it is), you repeatedly encounter large numbers of hobgoblin tracks, assuring you that you are headed the right way.

Endurance DC10 Raj 18, Jacoby 12, Urvi 20 - Success (Three or more PC's roll > 10) En route to the mountains, you must swim across a very cold, fast river. Fortunately, you are able to resist the freezing cold and cross without incident, and drip dry fairly quickly.

End Round 1: Success 3, Fail 0

[Asharad]

Oops, sorry, missed a roll.

[Greebo]

Round 2
Nature: DC15 Urvi 16 + 0 (duma) = 16 - Success! Urvi's uncanny sense of mountain terrain successfully navigates you through what you took to be a dead end.

Perception: DC18 Jacoby 25 + Raj 2 + Shere 0 + Morrik's Map 5 = 30 Success! The trail is extremely clear and you lose no time in following it.

Endurance DC10 Raj 15, Jacoby 14, Duma 14, Shere 10 - Success (Three or more PC's roll > 10) An awesome thunderstorm erupts in the distance. From the sound, it is pounding part of the route you left an hour before.

End Round 2: Success 6, Fail 0
I reversed nature and perception DC last round but it had no impact
You guys are gonna just skip right though this one too I think...

[Sagar]

Raj are you assisting or rolling perception? If you're assisting, you don't roll percep, just endurance. (See discussion, I messed up a bit on the explanation)

I am assisting with perception checks. >10 = +2 to perception roll for primary.

[Asharad]

Thank goodness Urvi is good at this, because I am no help whatsoever!

[Greebo]

Round 3
Nature: DC15 Urvi 18 + 2 (duma) = 20 - Success!

Perception: DC18 Jacoby 17 + Raj ? + Shere 0 + Morrik's Map 5 = 22 Success!

End Round 3: Success 8, Fail 0
END Challenge! Perfect Score!

Damnit, there goes that 32 x 42 map...

You follow the tracks up a narrow mountain pass to the ruins of the old Castle you were told about by Morrik. Castle Rivenroar itself is long since deteriorated into a few crumbling walls, but you find a clear trail to the remains of an old outbuilding that leads to a flight of stone steps that sink into the ground...
And I have to get my status report done, NOW, so...

Prepare marching orders for me please. Narrow formation (5' corridor), Standard (10' corridor) and broad formations.

[Kiir]

I should probably be in the front or back, front is probably better since I am the big bad tank goliath!

[Sagar]

Front, definately.

I can go second or 3rd. My attacks are close - they affect only those near me.

[Greebo]

Don't forget to tell the DM what you want to do next.

I mean, I could assume you descend the stairs, but I dunno, you might wanna do a survey of the ruins first, mark out where you want to put the pool, etc...

[Sagar]

Do we have a good scout? We should pause and get an idea of what is around. I don't want to run right on up and find 20 mobs on the other side of the building.

[Quervo]

I have high insight and perception, i am also skilled in thievery. most of my skills are range 10 so i can take 4th or back

[attriel]

Shere, disheartened by how ineffective he's been in general so far, drifts to the back of the party to take rear guard.

"I have some luck at stealth and noticing things, but lately Sehanine has seen fit to punish my presumption and set me in my place, so I may perhaps not be the one to go looking right now."

[Greebo]

The sun sets. Crickets chirp. The early summer air is cooling quickly.

[Sagar]

Hmm.. Tor has the best stealth at a measly 3.

Anyone want to volunteer to scout or shall we all go together and just rattle the dust off the rafters with our thunderous stealth abilities?

[Kiir]

"Meh who needs stealth, I have an axe!, that being said it might be worth while to let someone scout around outside so we aren't hit from behind, and that is not knowledge the earth felt it was worth providing me." Urvi states.

[Greebo]

The night continues to get darker as you discuss what your best plan of action should be.

[Kiir]

"Why don't we let Jacoby scout about some before we enter the area, he can then report back and we can decide what tack we want to take?" Urvi suggests since the group doesn't seem to have a plan yet as to what to do or how to enter the crumbling ruins.

[Quervo]

I will try and take a look around the entrance trying to be as unubtrusive as possible.

+10 insight
+8 perception
+2 stealth

[Greebo]

Quervo --> http://www.legendsofwestwood.org/forum/images/buttons/roll.gif

[Quervo]

It looks like nothing has been here in the past few hours... the rain covered up anything I could have found. Other then that I didnt see anyone or thing watching.

What do you guys what to do?

[Sagar]

Sounds like we head in.

[Kiir]

Urvi takes the lead, loosening her Great Axe as the group enters the remains. She keeps an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary, since she doesn't want to be surprised by 20 hobgoblins coming at her unnoticed.

[Sagar]

I'll go second behind Urvi.