Round 3
Zer-wedula realizing the boar will be on them soon, finds a tree to put between himself and the boar.  For a second, the boar almost gets hungup in the underbrush <rolled exactly 5 on his ref save>, but bulls his way through.  Zer-wedula collects himself and casts daze.  But the spell seems to have no effect and the boar bears down upon them.

Servant takes the other side of the tree and braces the longspear to receive a charge.

Boar comes crashing through the underbrush, and charges at the manservant, who manages to spear the thing through the heart.  With a <crack> the longspear snaps in 2 as the boar ignores it's mortal wound and gores the man who gave it to him.

Tactical Situation Round 4
Zer-wedula is behind a tree (cover with relation to the boar) next to the servant who is on the ground bleeding and being savaged by the mortally wounded wild boar.  The boar has a haft of a longspear sticking out of it's chest, but still keeps attacking.

                           dam      status
Servant                -   8        dying
Boar                   -   28       dying (but still fighting)

<Zer-wedula better buy a lottery ticket, the servant rolls a 20 to hit, and confirms.  Wow.
Boars keep on fighting until -10 hp>

Zer-wedula calmly cocks his crossbow and shoots the boar at point blank range,

"May the steady hand of Abadar guide my bolt," he said.

[18:15, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Shooting the boar. ]

"Motherf****r!" he swore.

Round 4
Zer-wedula distracted by the blood from the servant and boar, shoots and misses.

Boar continues to savage the servant, who takes 6 more dam, but takes 2 damage himself.  He doesn't appear to notice Zer-wedula's shot.  The boar is definitely weakening.
<1 from attacking and 1 from bleeding>

Tactical Situation Round 5
Zer-wedula is behind a tree (cover with relation to the boar) next to the servant who is on the ground bleeding and being savaged by the mortally wounded wild boar.  The boar has a haft of a longspear sticking out of it's chest, but still keeps attacking.

                           dam      status
Servant                -   15       dying? or dead?
Boar                   -   30       dying (but still fighting)

<I want you to roll a d20 3 times and post them in your next response, this is to see how far help is.  As is normal, high is better>
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:56, Thu 12 Feb 2009.

[
21:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 10 using 1d20. help.
21:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 6 using 1d20. help.
21:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 10 using 1d20. help!.
]

Zer-wedula was convinced that Foxglove and Talis were deaf if they couldn't hear the ruckus that he, the boar, and the dying manservant were making.

He hefted the short spear and putting all of his weight behind it tried to drive it into the boar.

[21:33, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 6 using 1d20. Short spear attack. ]

"Curse my weak and stick-like ancestors," he hissed.

Round 5
Zer-wedula tries to poke the boar with a spear, but only manages to attract it's attention.

The Boar turns his attention to Zer-wedula, easily shoving aside the spear and catching him in the gut he throws him into the tree for 8 dam.  As Zer-wedula loses consciousness he thinks he hears a voice, yelling something.

Tactical Situation Round 6
Zer-wedula is unconscious.

                           dam      status
Servant                -   16       dying? or dead?
Boar                   -   32       dying (but still fighting)

<Give me some con rolls(1d20+con mod) for stabilization (by my calculations 7 times, or until you get a 19-20), then give me 3 more d20 rolls as others try to use the heal skill to try to stabilize you.>

[17:29, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 21 using 1d20+2. con roll 1.  ]

[17:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 18 using 1d20. others try 3.
17:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 14 using 1d20. others try 2.
17:30, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 16 using 1d20. others try 1. ]


Zer-wedula drifted in and out of consciousness, hearing his father chide him for leaving the village, turning away from community, nature, and riding on the ebb and flow of the seasons.  Willi's mind was sending concerned thoughts mixed with a hunger for a boar dinner.

Zer-wedula regains consciousness in an instant as the healing energy's flow through him. <regain 10hp> He finds himself in his room in the White Deer with Father Zantus, Aldern and Talis.  Talis smiles "You sure had us worried.     I heard you yelling and came running.  I got there just in time to see it toss you up against a tree.  I managed to distract it, but it didn't take more than a few steps before it died.  You did it, you killed a wild boar."  Aldern continues the story "When I saw how bad you were hurt we packed up and came back.  I salute you sir, not only are you a crack shoot, but you speared that pig right through the heart.  Right now Daviren should be bringing it in.  If it's ok with the Father I say we have a party tonight to celebrate your bravery."  Father Zantus says you should take it easy for a couple of days.  No more pig hunts or anything strenuous, but a party would be ok.

"Please tell me that the manservant who was with me is alright?" he whispered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:09, Fri 13 Feb 2009.

Aldern thinks for a moment "Him, oh he's just some Varisian I hired in Magnimar.  Names, Camlo something or other.  I can't remember his last name.  Why, he was just another lazy Varisian."  In the background Father Zantus just shakes his head at Alderns remarks, and then addresses Zer-wedula "I haven't had a chance to ask if he has family around here to see about a funeral, would you like to pay your respects?"

"Indeed, I would, for it was he who speared the boar.  I was merely a decoy.  In the very least I would like to pay for his rites, Father," Zer-wedula said.

Then, to no one in particular, "Have I missed the meeting of the scholars of Sandpoint?"

Father Zantus starts to say something but Aldern interrupts him "Oh surely you jest, you are obviously a man of quality.  Varisian's are thieves and worse.  I will hear no more about this.  Besides, he died in my employ so I shall take the responsibility.  Anyway, I've got affairs to attend to and will be leaving tomorrow.  If you make it to Magnimar, be sure to visit."  He seems strangly worked up over this.
   After he leaves with Talis, Father Zantus says quietly "Such sentiments are all too common" and that he will let you know about funeral arrangements.  He will also have someone contact the scholars.  He seems to know who you are talking about and seems to find the situation humorous.  You will receive a response that they will have their meeting at the White Deer.
   That evening a curious little gathering is held.  It consists of Veznutt Parooh, Brodert Quink, Ilsoari Gandethus, Chask Haladan  and Vorvashali Voon, all of whom you have previously met.  Off to the side sit 2 ravens and a cat, seemingly having their own little party.  Generally, the meeting has Brodert holding forth on a topic (such as the Old Light being an ancient weapon of fire) and the others picking his view apart.  The other 4 men are spellcasters(3 wizards, 1 bard), while Brodert isn't.  This seems to cause a certain amount of disparagement of his ideas.  It doesn't help that Brodert's theories lack evidence and are proposed in an aggressive manner.  Also in attendance is a woman, Sabyl Sorn.  While she doesn't say much, she is well read and provides a unique prospective on things.
    They discuss the theory behind necromancy and the use of dead bodies.  But again no specific reason is developed.  There are just to many possibilities.  Without more facts, it is not possible to determine motive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:02, Sat 14 Feb 2009.

Zer-wedula listens politely and admits to being concentrated in Enchantment without identifying schools he has given up.  Other than that he is willing to heal, ride with the tide, and wait until his companions unite for further seeking of trouble.

Zer-wedula finds himself the object of much scrutiny from the young, single and female population of sandpoint.  There is much flashing of eyelids and giggling.  He also finds his reputation among the warriors has also taken a jump.  Whether he killed the boar or not, he did not desert the servant and run way. They respect that.
You get a summons to the Mayors office.
<Go to 1.2 Sandpoint>
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Mon 16 Feb 2009.

Zer-wedula blinks several times until he realizes that her father won't listen, not the rat.

"Of course I will aid you," he says.  "Then we shall see, we shall see.  Why don't you lead me to the basement."
[I assume that Zer-wedula currently has the masterwork ranseur since no one said they were claiming it.]

Shayliss takes Zer-wedula's hand and pulls him along to the store, "Thank you so much, I'm not sure how I can repay you for this."  As she enters the General Store; Proprieter: Ven Vinder, she calls "Father?", but there is no answer.  She leads him to a cellar door and cautiously looks inside, before stepping back and looking at Zer-wedula.  "You're so brave, it gives me goose bumps just thinking about them."  She can hold a torch on the stairs if Zer-wedula wants her too.  She is breathing heavy from the excitement and anticipation.

Caution makes Zer-wedula cast Mage Armor on himself before taking up the ranseur and trying the door.

"Hold the light and be ready to step back.  I can hold the doorway with this weapon easily," he ordered the girl.

After she complied he opened the door, not really sure what to expect.

   The stairs down into the darkness look clean and dust free.  In the light from the lamp Zer-wedula can see crates and stuff sitting around, a typical store storeroom.  As he descends the stairs, she follows him down, holding the lamp. At the bottom of the stairs, she puts the lamp into a holder.  Zer-wedula notices she is breathing faster now.

Give me a listen and initiative rolls
19:01, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
19:00, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Listen, with Alertness from Willi.

It was dark and nigh silent.  Zer-wedula held the ranseur ready, should he see a rat, a bat, or a spider.

As Zer-wedula starts to carefully poke around the crates and barrels he hears Shayliss moving something back by the foot of the stairs.  He makes 1 circuit of the room without seeing any dire rats, but when he gets back to the foot of the stairs he finds that Shayliss has been busy.  She's set up a cot by the stairs and as you come into view she is removing her dress, leaving nothing to the imagination.  When she sees you, she throws her arms around your neck and whispers "And now for your reward".

Zer-wedula conquered his momentary confusion and disrobed, carefully placing the silver dagger beneath the cot and the ranseur in arms reach.  It never paid to be too careful.  Then he turned his full attention to Shayliss and gratefully accepted his reward.

   Zer-wedula starts to undressed with Shayliss trying to "help".  This usually simple chore is made more difficult with her "help".  They are both so excited with mutual anticipation that neither hears the door to the basement open or the creak of the stairs.  Zer-wedula is half undressed with Shayliss all over him, when they are both startled by a bellow of rage "What are you doing with my daughter?"  Shayliss pales and says "Father, it's not what you think" as she grabs her dress and covers herself.
   Ok, it is quite obvious.  The cot, the undressed girl and half undressed guy...

"Yes, dear sir, what do you think?" Zer-wedula asks with all the innocence he can muster.  "As anyone could tell, we were looking for my weasel, which appears to have been misplaced."
"Willi!" he shouts.  "Show yourself, you mischievous little furball!"
07:00, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Diplomacy.

Taking his cue, Willi sneaks into her dress.  Ven replies "Looking for your weasel, then why is she undressed?  And why down here?"  He still looks angry, but he unclenches his fists.  Shayliss looks at you incredulously.

I like it, clever.
"Well, the story is as follows.  Knowing of my history saving the town from first the goblin attack and then raiding the glassworks to prevent further risk to the good townspeople, Shayliss asked me here to look into a more common task," Zer-wedula began.

"It seems she is convinced there is a large rat down here, or perhaps several large ones."  He paused dramatically.  "Or maybe even a skin-changer, a man who can become a rat."

Zer-wedula nodded sagely.  "Whilst I scanned the room with my magics I set my weasel loose to scout about, for she is fearless, fast, and wily; more than a match for any common rat.  Imagine my consternation when she scrambled back here and ran up your daughter's leg.  Never have I seen Willi act in such a manner.  Certainly not when confronted with the horror and death of the glassworks!" Zer-wedula continued, warming to his task.

"Of course your daughter leapt towards me for protection, for have I not punched a goblin in the face?  For her part Willi was winding through our garments like a swarm of angry hornets.  Something is surely amiss down here, good sir.  But to ascertain what it is, I needed to calm Willi.  For that, I needed to catch Willi.  Hence our disarray."

With a certain look of condescending disdain Zer-wedula scooped up Willi and murmured to the weasel.  "Now, if you will leave me to deal with whatever nest of foulness lurks in the basement of yet another building in this town, good sir, I will provide a discrete remedy to the issue."
15:36, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Diplomacy, if needed.

   Ven stands there during your reply, hands flexing into and out of fist form.  When you tell about the potential rat problems, he peers around the basement suspiciously.  When the weasel on cue, pops up out of her dress and shakes his head comically, Ven gives a slight smile and relaxes.  "I haven't seen any such rats," obviously trying to come up with a flaw in your argument.  "But, ok.  Come Shayliss, lets leave this man to his work."
   As her father escorts her upstairs he regains some of his composure "I didn't ask for this so I'll only pay if you find something."  Shayliss' emotions are unreadable as she slips on her dress and goes up the stairs with a long look at Zer-wedula.

[19:05, Today: Zer-wedula rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Search. ]

Determined to find something, Zer-wedula attired himself.  "Well, Willi," he said.  "The man will only pay if we find something, so a detailed and noisy search is in order."

With that he placed the weasel on the floor and set about cataloging the contents of the basement.  Surely there was something of interest, either to himself or to Willi.

Sorry for the delay, I've been trying to get a female prospective on this situation.  Lets continue in this thread.

You find nothing out of the ordinary, just what you would expect from a general stores basement, a little bit of everything—farm equipment, weapons, tack, tools, furniture and food.  There is also shocking supply of alcohol with names from all over.  There is even some from the orc city of Urglin and a case from Riddleport.  You do find a few ordinary rats and spiders, but nothing dangerous.  As you are deciding what to do you hear the door open and Vinder's voice say impatiently, "Are you through yet?  I have business to attend to and can't wait all day."

Zer-wedula marched up the stairs and gave the shop keep a haughty look.  "I never said you had to wait for me.  As is evident from my involvement in saving Sandpoint twice, I believe you can consider me both honest and thorough."

He swished towards the door ignoring all repartee.  "I have found nothing, for the moment."  He began to say something else, then checked himself and left.

Ven's reponse, before he goes down the stairs is a scowl and "Well, ok then."  Mrs. Vinder offers you a piece of pie as you leave, while Shayliss winks at you from behind her back.  Shayliss looks...disappointed.

That evening, Zer-wedula returns to his his room and finds the door unlocked.  What does he do?

He keeps his silver dagger out as he opens the door, ready to repeatedly stab anyone who thinks to do him harm by ambush and surprise.  He thinks of crushing his enemies, driving them before him, and hearing the lamenting of their women.

Well, the woman part was correct.  Shayliss is in your room, laying in your bed.  Most of her is under the covers, but her shoulders are bare.  With a seductive smile she says "My what a shiny dagger you have, want me to polish it for you?"

Zer-wedula smiles and disrobes, "Let us continue where we were before we were so rudely interrupted."  He joins her.

This time, there is no interruption and Zer-wedula has a good time.  He gets the impression that Shayliss is quite experienced for her age.   Afterwards, she gets dressed in a hurry, blows Zer-wedula a kiss and hurries out.

Zer-wedula muses upon his good fortune, then turns his mind to the forthcoming adventures and making scrolls to prepare.

You can assume you have at least a couple of days to prepare scrolls.

Having copied Enlarge into his spellbook, Zer-wedula scribes a scroll of Mage Armor and one of Bull's Strength.