Bardi comes out to the cart and confirms the stolen goods.  One idol of Pelor, which with the help of a few burly volunteers you are able to return to its rightful location.  One chest of gold.  Bardi has no record of exactly how much was inside, but is confident it has all been returned.  One leather tapestry.  This item is returned to the wall near the idol.  One crate of Goldenpoint port wine.  Two of the six bottles have emptied.  Bardi decides that you should keep the other 4.  It seems only fitting.

"You're probably wondering how a small band of Beasttamers were able to steal the idol from our temple.  Normally the temple is protected by the champion Arkus.  However, about one lunar cycle ago followers of Pelor from the village Gollag came here to speak with him.  Their small village was under something between raids and a full out assault from vicious Trogs.  Gollag is a Ferisedan village, but they are just too far from Rankor Heights to receive timely assistance.  While it is Arkus' sworn duty to protect Goldenpoint he could not sit by and let believers in Pelor's light suffer.  He agreed to help them."

Bardi sighs and shakes his head.

"Arkus has been gone far too long.  He should've returned by now, and there has been no word from Gollag.  Our falcons return, their messages undelivered.  Something is wrong. I know that we are already in your debt, but I must ask anyhow.  Could you go to Gollag?  Maybe you can find out what happened there.  Even information would be helpful, since we truly are in the shadows.

Now for a little background information.  The Ferisedan clan is another clan that is growing strong on trade with the Empire like the Triplefang.  Their center of trade is Rankor Heights, a brand new walled city far to the south and east, constructed by Dwarven and Empire engineers.  Many of the dramatic changes that are effecting life for the Triplefang are coming in an effort to 'keep up' with the Ferisedan.

Gollag is a small Ferisedan village.  None of you have ever been there, but Holly  knows its location and a little about it.  Gollag is positioned in the foothills of the great eastern mountain range.  She's been told they have excellent forests there.

Snow frowns unhappily, she had wanted to go home, and perhaps investigate the enigmatic eye with the elders, though if she knew Glumr, she was about to be 'volunteered' to assist the temple again.

Snow gave Holly and Mord a curious look to see how enthusiastic they were about moving on to another 'chore'.

Snow does know Glumr well.  He steps forward and addresses Bardi.

"I cannot speak for all of us, but I will gladly accept your request."  He looks to his party and asks "If you have things back in Volge to tend, that is fine.  However, I intend to see if I can remedy this situation.  Who will stand with me?"

Knowing that the rest of the group will stand behind him, he waits for them to all agree they will and then responds to Bardi.

"There is one condition.  You must send word to Volge so our elders are aware of our new quest.  We would not want them to think we have failed or abandoned our clan home.  Also, before we leave, we will need our trail rations replenished, and maybe visit a store front."

While talking, Glumr hands each of the Triplefang one of the bottles of Port, and gestures for them to put it their packs like he is.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Wed 05 Aug 2009.

Holly has no great need to return to Volge, but does know that some of the villages residents worry about her, so the offer to let them know they were off again was one she appreciated.

As to the bottle, she took it reluctantly, and shoved it into her gear.  She would have preferred to have given it to another, but knew it might help in dealing with wounds later.

"Lets get going then"

"Certainly.  I'll have a message sent to Elana by falcon.  I feel that she will be please by the news."

Bardi smiles, and then holds up a finger.

"Hold on.  I'll be right back."

He departs for a couple of minutes and returns with a varnished wooden box, which he hands to Glumr.

"These will come in handy if you run into the Trogs.  I would try to prepare you better, but I'm not sure what to expect.  One can never have too much healing available.  As for food, I'll take you down to the provisioner's.  Travel should be about five days there and five days back.  We can either outfit you with one or two weeks food depending on whether you feel you can restock at Gollag or not."

A quick peek inside the box reveals 12 potions nestled in felt lined compartments.  Bardi leads the party, horse, and cart back down to the base of the hill where you left Rolf and Vidar.

Glumr graciously accepts the gift from Bardi.  "Thank you good priest.  Hopefully these will remain in my pack during our task and not be needed to heal us or Arkus.  This is a valuable gift and we shall use it wisely."

Glumr bows to Bardi and then slips the box into his pack, and then slips it onto his back.  He follows Bardi to the bottom of the hill.  While walking he askes Bardi about Rolf and Vidar and their trustworthiness.

"Friends... Shall we ready ourselves for the road?"  He says to the Triplefang, thumbs locked behind his pack straps and a big grin on his face. "Rolf, Vidar!" Glumr shouts as they approach the two new traveling mates.  "Seems our paths are the same for a bit.  Shall we travel down the road together until they part?"  Glumr's eyes flash blue, telling his excitement of starting this new quest.

Snow regarded Glumr with a look tinged with disappointment, "Go...?  We just got here.  We've been mucking around for three days Glumr.  It's not fair to just say 'go', cause you want to go on another 'grand adventure'.  The task has waited this long, it can certainly wait a hour more for me to clean up, do a little shopping, and figure out what we'll need for food for the trip."

The wine might have been useful for cooking, though Snow couldnt help but notice its weight when she slipped it into her carry all.  Had she known the 'short' trip was going to turn into an outting several weeks long, Snow would have bought stupid along.  Perhaps Snow might be able to barter it away for lighter coins at the market square.

Glumr winks at Snow.  "Dont be so literal my cousin.  forgive my excitment for when I said Go, I did not intend us to leave Goldenpoint at once, but simply to prepare for our next journey.  You should know me well enough to know I'm not one to run off unprepared."

He leans in to whisper to her "And dont be so disrespectful to the preist's gift of the port wine.  While I'm not a fan of port, enjoying ales of wild yeast instead, this is a gift for our duties done and we should accept it with pride."  He pats her on the back, excited to prepare for the next challenge.

Most temple and monasteries that are not in cities or villages are relatively self sufficient, with their own farms and mills, etc.  Goldenpoint has vineyards, a dairy, two mills, a smith, woodworkers, etc.  They are self-sufficient and more.  They produce a surplus of many goods.  Here's a list of some of the items that might be of interest to adventurers:

Potion of cure light wounds - 35gp
Potion of cure moderate wounds - 250gp
Potion of cure serious wounds - 600gp
Potion of bull strength - 250gp
Wooden Holy Symbol - 1 gp
Gold Holy Symbol - 150gp
+1 STR when casting Bull Strength
+1 to turn undead
Flask of Holy Water - 25gp
Bottle of Golenpoint Port - 15gp (very good)
Masterwork mace - 250gp
+1 attack bonus
Can be used as a holy symbol at -2

You can also pick up a tchotchke of some sort for 5 silver.  (From the temple gift shop?)

These prices are for Triplefang.  You notice that other clan members and travelers from the Empire are charged higher prices.

Of note to Snow, you can also buy materials for scrolls and potions here.

For those of you looking to unload goods, the provisioner will buy back bottles of port for 10gp.  The bottles are 1.5 pounds full if you want to carry them on your person, but there also a perfectly good wooden crate packed with straw on the wagon that is purpose-built for carrying the bottles.  The provisioner will pay 20gp for a cure light wounds potion.  You don't need to worry about offending Bardi directly by selling the wine.  He leaves shortly after telling the provisioner about your food requirements.  Still, it's a small community here at the temple.  Word is bound to get back to him.  You can also get your ring, belt, or fishhook appraised here and sell it if you'd like.


There are four cottages at the base of the hill that are used as common rooms.  Each cottage can comfortably sleep a dozen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:10, Sat 08 Aug 2009.

I will gladly help find Arkus, especially if there is a good chance to layeth the smacketh down on some Trogs... if you smell what the Ironfist is cookin'

I dont have anything specific I want to buy other than a night of carousing in the town pub and comfortable bed before we head out again.

So friends... Do you think we should split up and enjoy the market, meet back to sleep in a common room, and hit the trail at first light?

Glumr waits to see that everyone agrees and leaves the party to see the market place.

First he goes to see if he can find more information about the ring he claimed.  He finds a merchant with the most similar wares and asks about the value and possible enchantments of the ring.  He doesnt think there are any, but it cant hurt to ask.

"The name Rolf rings a bell.  I'm not sure about the other person of which you speak.  We get two types of visitor here at Goldenpoint.  There's the worshippers and those just passing through.  We get a lot more of the second type.  Anyone going north and south crosses the river here, and most people going east and west stop overnight too.  Rolf is probably one of the second types.  I don't remember him spending a lot of time in the temple," says Bardi.




Let me clear something up, because there's been a lot of confusion on this point.  According to their claims, Rolf and Vidar are going from Pliffa (north of Goldenpoint) to Silvergate (southwest of Goldenpoint - Volge is also southwest, just not as far).  You guys are going to Gollag, which is east of Goldenpoint.

Maybe this weekend I'll post a map that was not hastily traced in the sand.

"That sounds fine...", Snow comments to Glumr, as she starts to wander off to take a look at provisions for our trip.


I'm presuming we have a shared common area to sleep in for the night.  Snow will have our bundled provisions ready to go in the room after being shown around by Bardi what's available.  She seems pretty content to wander about town shopping and catching up on local gossip.  She'll be at 'the room' they're spending the night in well before dinner time to clean up proper and meet up with her cousins for a comfortable meal.  The day in town seems to have done wonders for Snow's  morale.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Thu 06 Aug 2009.

About mid afternoon Rolf walks up to Snow.

"Are you youngsters done delivering that idol?  We'd better get on the road if we want to make any progress today."


Glumr, the ring appraises for 20gp.  The provisioner offers to give you 12gp for it.

Mord, there's no pub here, but you can carouse around the fire pit, which is nearly as good.

Glurm haggles with the merchant to se if he will give him 15 gold coin.

On a mobile device, so I'm not sure what I would roll for.  Rolled a one anyway. FAIL

Glumr decides to wait on exchanging the ring and then sees what he can find in the line of cloaks.  He could use a dark brown and green one to cover his leathers.  If he can find one he likes he can trade the ring in, else will just continue to wear it on his thumb.

Snow was enjoying a bit of a fresh warm meatroll for lunch.  It was good, she could do as good or better, but it was time consuming to do, and she would need an oven, so Snow handed over a few coppers for her mid day meal.

"We've been wandering around for several days, and now it seems were suppose to do it for a few more weeks.  I wanted to at least do a little shopping and maybe get a good nights rests before moving out.  There no harm in that is there?"


Snow would be curious what the belt was worth, but isnt planning to really sell it, unless it's an surprisingly astronomical price.

Researched things a bit more now that I had resources available.

Glumr would like to get an Explorer's outfit¹ (over the cloak).  He's looking for a nice dark brown with green trim gear, a nice wider brimmed hat to keep the rain out of his collar.  Some nice tall boots with pockets.  A brown scarf (that can cover his face) and belt.  Stuff that is all wearable over his leathers.

Hopefully he can trade the ring for everything he wants and possibly have a few GP left over.

After dealing with goods in the market, he walks down to the fire to see if he can find a cold ale to drink and some stories of adventure to listen to.  He figures he will probably see Mord down there as Mord is known to enjoy a cold drink.



1. This is a full set of clothes for someone who never knows what to expect. It includes sturdy boots, leather breeches or a skirt, a belt, a shirt (perhaps with a vest or jacket), gloves, and a cloak. Rather than a leather skirt, a leather overtunic may be worn over a cloth skirt. The clothes have plenty of pockets (especially the cloak). The outfit also includes any extra items you might need, such as a scarf or a wide-brimmed hat.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Fri 07 Aug 2009.

In reply to Glumr (msg #18):

Mord has been known to enjoy cold ones, warm ones, hot ones... pretty much anything liquid with a kick to it :)

My bad.

I just consulted my notes to find the worth of the belt and I made an error.

The ring appraises for 32gp.
The belt appraises for 20gp.

The provisioner will offer to buy the ring for 20gp.  Glumr tries to haggle with the provisioner, but he does seem to have any leverage on the sale.  The provisioner agrees that the belt is a nice item, but doesn't have any use for it.

Unfortunately, there's no one in the market selling fabric or clothing.  Snow might be the only tailor around.  You could sell the ring now a hope to find a tailor in Gollag, or you could hold on to the ring and hope to find a better price for it in Gollag.

Rolf and Vidar would prefer to leave now, but agree to stay at Goldenpoint overnight with your group.  Rolf rationalizes that Volge is a full three day trip anyhow.

There is some loud partying out by the fire pit that night.  Mord meets a Triplefang berserker named Asbiorn.  He challenges Mord to three contests of strength and Mord narrowly wins two of them, thus taking the contest.  Mord gets to bed late, but everyone wakes in the morning re-energized for the next adventure.

Snow prepares a tasty breakfast and cooks a few extra batches of cheese biscuits for the road.  During breakfast the subject of Gollag comes up.

"What?  I thought you lot were headed back to your home in Volge.  Gollag's flat out the opposite direction we're going,"  Rolf says, sounding a bit betrayed.

Lately, there's been no sign off the eye around.  Then again you haven't been looking for it either.

Weren't they at the return thing, where it was announced that they were being 'quested' to do more stuff for the temple?  ( i thought they were.)  If not, Snow would have made mention at mid day that they were being asked by the temple folks to look into something.

ooc ~

btw...  If Snow is the only tailor around for a long ways, she'll see if she can market her skills while she's shopping around.  Her hair ribbons, and bits of clothing here and there that she's willing to part with for a few coins.  She'll also make herself available to mend and repair things, fixing holes in favorite shirts and what not.

Not looking to make a fortune, maybe break even, make what she spent on shopping and meals and what not?

Rolf and Vidar broke off from the group before you went to the temple.  No one has been intentionally hiding your change of destination from them, this is just the first they've heard of it.  Despite his tone, there's not really any hard feelings over it.  Go ahead and play on from here.



By this I meant that's not what they do here.  They produce food, and port, barrels, chests, wooden boxes, wagon wheels, Pelor related items such as potions, holy water, and holy symbols.  The smith can probably fix weapons and armor.  They might have a supply of some daily mundane items in the storehouse if you were in urgent need of something.

That being said, there are a reasonable number of travelers around with coin.  If you'd like to stir up some business first make a DC15 wisdom (profession merchant) or charisma check to hook a customer or two.  Then make a craft roll to see how well you do.  This would've taken place yesterday.  Maybe you're just wrapping up the crafting this morning.  That and all the cooking, you'd be one busy girl.

It seems Snow is too distracted with pampering herself to have her mind set on making a few coins.

Glumr keeps the ring as there is no benefit to sell it here.

With the group, he apologizes to the two they met. "Our apologies Rolf and Vidar, but we have been tasked with a mission from the temple. As you are going to Silvergate, I guess it is at this point we part ways." e looks at the two arms out and shrugs.

To his party he says "Okay friends... we're well rested and after we've eaten, we should be on the road.  I would like to find our eye friend and see if he (or she) would like to accompany us.  I truly enjoy the music it plays. Much better than a bard because you dont have to put up with all the yammering that comes along with a bard."  He grins and then winks at Holly.


Once breakfast is prepared, Glumr prepares his pack for the road. "Shall we take the cart and horse with us?  We may be able to travel faster and it may come in handy" he says to his friends.  "Let us be on our way as soon as we are ready."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Sat 08 Aug 2009.

In reply to Glumr (msg #25):

Yes, lets travel with the horse and cart.  If Arkus has been injured (or worse) it may make it easier for us to bring him home.

Snow nods, "Yes, were headed out but not home.  Youre welcome to come with us if you want.   A few more kin never hurt to have around when headed into scrap.  More than enough...", Snow glances pointedly at the over anxious Glumr, "...honor and glory to go around i presume?"

"I don't know," Rolf has rubbing his chin.  "What's this mission?  More fetching of misplaced items?"

Rolf and Vidar might join you, but it will take some convincing - a DC12 diplomacy check.  Only one of you can try, assisted (for +2) by one other person with ranks.  However, in this case only one party member has ranks, Snow, and she'd be better off making the roll herself instead of assisting someone unskilled.  If your pitch is particularly compelling I might give you a small bonus to the roll.

Snow gives a slight shrug and a winning smile, "Well were fetching a person more like it.  Goldpoints champion went to investigate something and has been missing with out word for quite a few days now.  We were asked to go find word on his fate and assist him if he's in need of it.  How could we refuse?  It never hurts to be in the good graces of those that can mend your hurts and pains?  I'm sure if you were to come along any good graces we might earn would extend to you as well?  Besides, you've spent the night on our account and i feel badly about it.  If you come along i'll see to it that you have grand meals for the next three days.  We have fresh food for travel, and i should be able to make something good out of that.  I'm told i'm really a good cook...", Snow takes the last cheese biskit and splits it in half offering it to each of them.

"So, who is this guy and where he'd go to investigate what?  The devil's in the details, you know.  We archers are used to being called in after the fact to pull other sods' fat out of the fire, aren't we Vidar?"

Vidar nods.

"And you'll need our experienced guidance along the way.  Why you're barely sprouts!" Rolf continues.

Snow nods and tells all she knows about their tasks.

"That's all there is to know on the chore.", Snow glances at the others to see if she missed anything.

Rolf and Vidar agree to join to on your mission to Gollag.  Glumr goes out over the bridge to look for the eye.  He finds it out about 100 yards from where you left it and convinces it to follow him.  They get some strange looks on the way back to the cart, which the others have loaded up and readied.  A few hours after dawn a group of 6 Triplefang, two horses, and one float eye head southeast out of Goldenpoint around the forests.

The first day goes uneventfully.  Morale is high.  The weather is clear and hot, but not oppressive.  Travel is easy and everyone is healthy and well rested.  There's some talk after the first night of adding Rolf and Vidar (and maybe the eye) to the watch rotation, but nothing is done about it the first night.  You're still passing more Triplefang farms and grazing fields than outright wilderness on the first day, so there a feeling of safety.  On the second day the land thins out to mostly wild grasslands.  You've gotten further from the river.  There are signs of natural predators here and there, mostly white wildcats.  They're common further from human activity.  On the evening of the second day of travel, Glumr can make a survival roll at +2.

Holly had kept her distance, especially with the view of both Rolf and Vidar on her being a druid.  At least that meant she could spend more time a little distance away from the cart with Moonlight.  She understands the importance of Pelor, even if she herself follows Obad-Hai, and seems happy enough to be trying to find out what happend to the Champion.  What interests her more is that she is travelling a new path, and one that means she sees more of Obad-Hai's work.  Moonlight seems content he is again the centre of her attention, and also seems more relaxed around both the eye, and their fellow travellers.

At camp, Holly takes the time to help Snow with gathering provisions for the pot.  Her knowledge of nature, and her own caution, should keep them all safe, if Obad-Hai wills it.  Taking her watch, she takes the time to prepare her spells for possible encounters with the cats, and also for other events.

Snow pretty much does her thing.  Provisions werent made for Rolf and Vidar, so food is a little trickier to manage.  She had taken some extra vegetables that she had intended for the horses that she can use to make up the difference, figuring the horse can graze people cant.

Preparing food isnt all that hard to do, and doesnt take up an entire watch.  Snow works on some sewing projects while she does watches.

Wouldn't this be +4 (+2 Wisdom + 2 Ranks): Glumr rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Survival.
Also, Holly had a conversation with the eye last chapter.  We should make that all happen now she's back.

Glumr's first day of travel has been mostly uneventful.  He put his pack on the cart, allowing him to travel light with just bow and quiver on his back.  He passed the time thinking about different plants and birds that they see.  He pointed out a few interesting ones here and there to the group.

At camp, he just sits back and listens to the conversations, awaiting his turn on watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Mon 10 Aug 2009.

What I meant was at +2 to your normal skill level.  In this case that's +6.  You got a 23.

Late on the second day of travel from Goldenpoint to Gollag you start discovering a lot of traces of recent goblin activity in these parts.  There's a real horde of them here someplace - 50 or more.

Holly checked the tracks that Glumr showed them, and nodded.  "Seems we have a bit of activity around here.  Large group you say Glumr.  Can we go around their back trail, or are they headed were we want to go?"  Holly considered her own small tracking skills to try and answer the questions herself.

Turning to the others she is about to say something, and then changes the wording so as not to antagonise Rolf and Vidar.  "Obad Hai will call forth the plants to trap them as he did for our fight with the Beasttamers, but I doubt he'll grant any mists as we have such fine archers in our band."  She makes sure she includes Glumr in this statement.

In reply to Holly (msg #37):

If there is a large group about, we need to make sure we dont setting ourselves up for ambush.  Cooking over a fire would be a mistake from here on out (sorry Snow) until we are in an area that can be defended.  I would gladly pit my club against any 5 goblins, but they live to swarm with many more than that and will drag us down to our doom if we are caught offguard.

The traces are not tracks of a band all moving together.  They have been in these parts leaving behind marks, small filled pits, various detritus, and of course their smell.  Some of it is quite fresh - a day or two, three at the most.  They are around.  You might be able to trace some tracks tomorrow, but it's already growing late and dark now.

Not keeping a fire is a mixed blessing.  On the one hand a fire would make you easy to spot and hunt down.  On the other hand, were goblins to attack at night, as they are often known to do, you would be left with but moonlight to see by.  Even moonlight is unreliable.  In this season rain is common and the skies often cloud over.  Goblins have no problem with such conditions thanks to their uncanny ability to see in the dark.

The terrain is grassland, with only very gentle hills and shallow valleys.  The grasses are rough and greenish-brown.  They are about 1 1/2 to 2 feet high and have gone to seed.  There are some areas of low bushes and occasional trees.  It is probably time to consider where to set up camp and what sort of watches and defensive measure you'd like to take

At the mention of no camp fire, Holly mentions she can cast a spell or two of light if they are attacked, and that although she'd like to be warm, she is happier to be safe.  When asked, she'll volunteer for the first shift so she can prepare her additional Light spell, and be ready for the darkness later on.

Glumr looks around the area to see if he can find an area that is protected from at least on side so that if they are attacked, they can have a side that attack will not come from.  He used his knowledge of geography and nature to find where a spot like this would appear naturally.

Glumr rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Knowledge - Find Protected Area.

Glumr will take the mid watch.  He will take position just outside the party, so he can watch over them.  Bow and arrow in hand, prepared for any goblinkind that might came to visit at night.

First priority is to get camp set up in a defensive manner, just in case they must wake to danger. Glumr thinks that maybe he can set the rope up as a tripwire in an appropriate spot once they find the camp area.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Tue 11 Aug 2009.

Snow doesnt look pleased about the news of goblins at all.

"No fires.  I agree.  We should set up watches as usual and be more alert.  We should also distribute what the temple has loaned us.  Each of us, hold a healing potion to use.  If we dont need it, we return it to the temple, but i'd rather distribute such things now while it's quiet than fumble about for it in the dark in the midst of a fight."



OOC ~

Snow can prepare food with out a fire, it'll just be something akin to a salad or some such.  The food is still fresh, some bread with cheese might be on hand for a reasonabley tasty cold meal is what she has planned on the menu.

Yes, Rolf and Vidar should get one each also, presuming they agree to return it after the quest if they dont use it.  They dont have a stamp on their head that says 'NPC', and what more they're triplefang kin.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Tue 11 Aug 2009.

Mord kicks himself for not asking the temple elders for a light stone.    We can also set up a fire pit at our campsite with twigs and dry grasses that is ready to be lit if needed.


OOC
Light stone:  Simplest thing really - a priest casts a permanent light blessing on the stone and you put it in a sack when you don't need the light.  The rock gets eaten away slowly by the blessing, but it takes weeks or even months depending on the size and hardness of the stone.

For the fire pit:  Dribble some oil in a * across the kindling with a small puddle at one end.  Set the flint/steel next to the puddle.  Sparking kindling is a pain in the butt, sparking oil is not. Once the oil catches, its spreads across the kindling in an X of fire and if your kindling isn't wet, you gotz a real fieyah by the time the oil burns away.

Glumr finds a campsite to the south of a small pond.  The pond isn't very deep, but hopefully any attempt to wade through it would create enough splashing to alert you.  Being on low ground also makes your site less visible, but camping near fresh (although a little too stagnant for your tastes) water with no fire means you might have a few animal visitors.  There are a goodly number of various tracks in the area.  He lays out 40 feet worth of rope between wooden stakes a few inches off the ground on the east and part of the south side.  He's not completely happy with the results.  While the rope make cause the unwary to stumble, he's afraid that goblins would probably spot it in the dark.  Oh well, it's better than nothing.


Mord sets up a fire pit all ready to go, but not lit.

"Does anyone have any lantern oil?" he calls out.

His request is met by shrugs and excuses.  None of you expected a long trip when you left Volge.  You'll have to make do with what you have for now.


You each take a healing potion from the box.  Glumr and Snow now have two.


Vidar suggests that he and Rolf each sit in on one of the middle watches (Mord's and Glumr's), since those are the more dangerous shifts in his mind.  I leave it to a player the finalize the official watch schedule before the night begins.

Since no one stepped forward to set the watch order I'll add Rolf and Vidar.

New watch order: Holly / Glumr and Rolf / Mord and Vidar / Snow

On Snow's watch, between an hour and a half hour before dawn, she hears noises from the cart.  The eye is awake and notices something too.  It's still too dark to see well.

Snow is seated near the watchfire, its been a quiet watch, and she feels rested.  There wont be a fire, so breakfast will be cold.  Without light to see by theres little to do but sit there and pass time counting stars.

The noise makes her blink and wonder if the solitude is making her hear things, still better safe than sorry?  Shielding her eyes she points a finger at the fire pit, a small jet of flame emits from her index finger igniting the oil, kindling, fire very quickly.  Keeping her eyes looked away and shielded with her free hand she hopes to avoid being blinded by the fire flaring up.

Quickly she peers over to the cart, her eyes slightly lidded to avoid ruining her vision to see what was making the noise.  If it was nothing, well they have a cooking fire, if it's something, the sudden fire, might blind them for a few prescious moment for her to stir the camp.

The kindling crackles and lights, providing a dim bit of light.  You peer over at the cart.  There's a large, dark, furry figure about the size of a man but stockier digging through your provisions.  It sound like the figure might be eating some of the food.

"HEY!", Snow gets up quickly outraged on a personal level, "MORD GET UP THEY'RE STEALING YOUR BREAKFAST!"

Without thinking she instinctively makes a plucking motion at thin air, conjuring a Snowball to hurl at the hungry intruder.  "GET AWAY FROM THERE YOU MANGY MUTT!  HOLLY WAKE UP AND MAKE THAT THING GO AWAY BEFORE I PUT IT ON THE BREAKFAST MENU!"

Snow's voice is really loud, border line shrieking.

"Glumr!  Rolf!  Vidar!  Holly's not moving fast enough, you're all hunters!  Wake up and hunt!  Put an arrow in that thing!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Thu 13 Aug 2009.

Holly woke with a start, wondering what had set Snow off shouting like that. Rubbing her eyes quickly, she stood up and called out "Hold there. Let me try and talk to it. Just be ready in case it gets nasty".

With that Holly moved in plain sight and tried to see what it was as she cast a light onto a stone and threw it gently into the cart. She almost cursed as the stone hit the side and landed on the grass.

[Cast Light onto slingshot. Throw into cart.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Thu 13 Aug 2009.

The creature rears back in surprise and lets out a roar.  Sounds like a bear.  The fire is beginning to catch from the tinder.  Everyone can roll initiative.

"Kill it Kill it Kill it!!! or make it go away or something!", Snow's not throwing any more snowballs at it just yet.

In reply to Snow (msg #51):

On my turn, I will move toward it with club at the ready.  I'll swing if I'm close enough and its not already trying to surrender.

Initiative order:
Vidar 22
Glumr 21
Rolf 16
Mord 9 (higher DEX)
Snow 9
Holly 5
Bear 2
Eye 1

The archers stand and ready their bows.  Glumr will step to D13 so he is not looking or shooting over the small but growing fire.

Mord stands and moves to K12, drawing his greatclub.

Holly casts light on a stone, but hasn't thrown it yet (that would be two standard actions).  She can say more now if she'd like to.  Otherwise the archers are likely to fire next round.  Also, if Holly would light to take a different action from casting light now that the situation is more clear, that's fine too.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....plefang/bear_map.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Fri 14 Aug 2009.

Snow backs up to stand by Holly (I12), holding her staff defensively ready to fend off the bear if it charged.  If it does, she'll hold her ground and yell for Holly to RUN, figuring there was no sense both of them ending up on the bear meal plan.

Speaking low to herself she says a quick prayer, "Obad-Hai forgive me" and then calls out to the others, "Don't worry about me.  It's too hungry to talk, so aim for it."  With that she hopes she can aid the archers when she throws her light coin.

The bear moves to engage Mord.  It slashes its claw across Mord's left upper arm, shoulder, and chest.

00:42, Today: Fritzholm rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Bear - Claw to hit.
00:42, Today: Fritzholm rolled 5 using 1d4+4. Claw damage.

Mord has already stood (move action), moved (second move action), and drawn a weapon (free action), so he cannot counter attack this turn.

The dramatic opening chords of a song played by stringed instruments fills the air.  It turns your tension into a small rush of adrenaline.   The Triplefang get a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage now.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....plefang/bear_map.jpg

Vidar (the archer further back) fires off two shots.  The first one flies wide of the bear, but the second one hits the bear squarely in the body.

01:18, Today: Fritzholm rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Vidar first shot to hit.
01:18, Today: Fritzholm rolled 23 using 1d20+5. Vidar second shot to hit.
01:19, Today: Fritzholm rolled 5 using 1d8+1. Vidar arrow damage.

Rolf is less confident firing into combat.  He takes special care not to hit Mord, and his shot comes nowhere near the bear.


Mord, your knowledge of nature tells you that the bear is more dangerous than just the claw attack it made last round.  It can bite while mauling you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

Glumr scowls.  Upset that the party is engaged with a wild bear, he realizes that at this point, the bear is enraged and he has no ability to calm it that much.

He draws his an arrow and notches it into his bow.  Glumr pulls the string back and mutters a blessing to Elhonna.  He takes a breath while he aims, holds it and lets the arrow fly.

Glumr rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Glumr Shoot Bear.
Glumr rolled 3 using 1d6. Possible Arrow Damage.

He can tell as the arrow launched from his fingers that it's not a perfect shot.  He hopes that Elhonna can guide the arrow in.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

I let out an intimidating battle roar at the bear and take a massive swing at him.

11:59, Today: Mord rolled 13 using 1d10+4. Dmg on Bear round 2.
11:54, Today: Mord rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Attack Bear in Round 2.

I suspect a 14 will connect, and if so, 13 damage should help adjust his attitude.  If it continues to attack me, I will do the same in round 3, but if it decides to run I won't pursue.

Glumr's shot hits the bear but does not penetrated its tough hide, falling to the ground instead.

Mord's mighty blow slams into the side of the bear's head and hammers into its shoulder.  The bear crumples to the ground.  Combat in now over.  Animal lovers and veterinarians that would like to see this bear not end up a rug should act soon.

Glumr steps forward and gives Mord a heavy pat on the back.  "Good job my friend.  Your strong arm has once again proved its worth on this trip."

Glumr looks sadly at the bear.  "Poor bear.  I bet he was just hungry.  What happened?  Did the bear attack us?  Snow was yelling for us to attack when I awoke.  I'm thinking that Holly or I may have been able to persuade the bear to leave as we're both experienced with animals.  Poor thing.  We should put it back on it's feet before we leave if we can."

Glumr turns to Holly and says "Holly, after we see that Mord is healed, can you call on your god to heal the bear?  I might be able to do a little, but I am not trained in the healing arts.  I feel bad that we have slain a beast that was only looking for food."

And then to nobody in particular, "I was so worried about goblins that I didnt think about a proper camp.  When bears are about, you should string your food up and hang it out of bear reach, which also will keep them out of camp."  Glumr looks upset.  Slightly blaiming himself for Mord's injury as he should have known better than to leave food about in bear country.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Tue 18 Aug 2009.

One of the things you were trying to achieve with this location was a low profile - a place your campsite wouldn't be easily viewable from afar.  As you might expect there are no tall trees in the area from which to hang your food.   You've also got a lot of food right now.  Your next choice of campsite can include trees, but they're scarce out here in these particular grasslands.

Holly considers Mords wounds, and then casts her best healing spell on him, repairing the gash damage done by the bear.  Moving over to the furball, she checks it out quickly, wondering if it could indeed be saved, knowing already it was unlikely.  Turning to Glumr she says, "Worry not Glumr, for even I today was not prepared for this.  I normally speak with such creatures to calm them, and move them on, but tonight I prepared for combat.  That is why I can heal Mord's wounds, but not stop them.  We are yet young and unprepared.  But with each day we learn more, and gain the wisdom of our elders."

[Casts CLW on Mord.  Repairs 5 damage.]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Wed 19 Aug 2009.

Mord is now fully healed.

The bear is not dead yet.  It can be saved with a heal check (I'll give you a DC of 15 because you have wild empathy) or a Cure Minor Wounds.  The animal will be unpredictable when it wakes up.

Snow goes to see the damage to the provision, giving the bear dirty looks as she looks over wonder how tough bear meat is and the best way to season and tenderize it.  Is a bear pelt difficult to skin and cure she wonders...

Knowing Holly's affinity for mangy wildlife she keeps these thoughts to herself as she sees if anything can be salvaged for breakfast.

The bear didn't eat all that much.  You'd say the damage is about 4 meals.  (For one person not 4 meals for all 6 of you)  As luck would have it none of it was anything you were planning to use for breakfast.  Speaking of breakfast plans, you were planning a cold breakfast, but now you have this campfire going.  Let it burn?  Put it out?  On the one hand it could give away your position to the goblins.  On the other hand - warm breakfast.

"Stupid Bear" Glumr mutters, shaking his head.  "Holly, I've not studied any healing arts, but I've been around animals that I understand some things.  If you will attempt to heal the bear I can try to assist you."

Glumr kneels down be the bear.  "If anything, we should try to prevent it from dying and move on before it wakes.  Else if there is nothing we can do then we should end it's suffering.  Maybe it can pay us back with a pelt or a meal.  Is bear good eats?"

Glumr looks to the group, hoping that they don't see his comment as brash.  He feels it would be poor to waste one of Obad-Hai's creations.

"Either way, buzzards gotta eat, same as worms."

Glumr keeps an eye on the horizon knowing that the fire could attract hostiles.
Glumr rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Spot approaching Goblin (+4, +2).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Thu 20 Aug 2009.

Holly is half tempted to tell Glumr what he can do with his idea to eat bear meat, but simply moves over to the bear to check on its condition, and remove the arrow from its body.  Checking it over quickly, taking care to notice its breathing and movements, and not wanting to wake it up quite yet.  Yet she automatically finds her hand stroking its head, and she hears Moonlight snort a warning to her from his position outside the camp.

Seeing that the wounds are beyond her simple healing skills, she considers whether it is safe to stop the bleeding with one of her spells.

If Holly can cast CMinorW without the bear waking up, she will.  If not she will tell the others to move off and then cast the spell

Holly casts the spell to ease the bleeding, and then steps away a little to see what effect the powers of Obad-Hai has on the bear.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Thu 20 Aug 2009.

The bear will live.  You suspect that it will wake up some time between an hour from now (about dawn) and four hours from now.  If the plan is to douse the fire, pack up camp and move along before the bear wakes up there's plenty of time for that.  You've all had sufficient rest for the night and there's no sense lying around an unsafe campsite.

"We should break camp and get on the road before this beast wakes up.  Let's break camp and start the march on ward.  We can breakfast when we get to a safer area where we are sure this bear's grudge wont come looking for us."

Glumr start to break camp and gestures for the rest of the team to do as well, all the while watching the horizon for any trouble that might appear.

Holly continued to stroke the head of the bear.  In another time, and perhaps another place she could have sat with it and talked.  For now she wanted to be assured that the bear was safe until it woke up.  For that reason she decided she needed to stay.

"You move off slowly, and I'll catch you up with Moonlight."  Seeing the concerns she quickly adds, "I'll be safe enough.  I'll not be close, just close enough to watch, and Moonlight will be with me.  He's rather good at protecting me really."  Holly looked out to see the horse standing in the dark of the morning light.  Just typical that Moonlight had missed spotting the bear.

No matter what the others said, Holly was determined that the bear would live, and go about it's business.  By staying behind, she also hoped that she could scare it so it didn't follow the trail of the wagon.  If all else failed, she was sure that she could outrun anything else.

The party douses the campfire and buries it so there will be no lingering smoke.  Glumr gathers up his rope.  There's plenty of it to tie the food into a tree in the future.  You might need to use two sacks to hold the current amount.  You pack up and break camp.  The party heads off to the east in darkness.  Holly will catch up later, following the rising sun.  The morning is cooler than it has been.  The grasses are wet with dew.  Shifting winds blow them this way and that.  Snow dishes out a cold but still tasty breakfast at the first rest break.

Holly has treated the bear's injuries to the best of her abilities.  Glumr's assistance was a small help.  He didn't know the principles of healing, but he did have some aptitude for it.  Normally an animal that has been injured this badly has little chance of survival, but the bear has a few advantages.  Being young and male, he has no cubs to care for.  Bears have easy access to food here and little competition.  He will be able to go weeks without confronting other predators.  With luck that will be long enough to recover.  When the bear stirs Holly assumes a dominant but not aggressive attitude.  She makes it clear that the confrontation was the bear's own fault.  He lingers at the pond, drinking.  When she feels he has had enough water she sends him away.  Hopefully the bear has learned to stay away from humans.

Holly and Moonlight have 2 hours of travel to make up, but that isn't a problem since they can move considerably quicker than the cart.  The mid-morning skies darken and rain pours down.  Moonlight sniffs warily.  It is not the weather that troubles the horse.  There are Goblins following them.  Holly notices them too.  They keep they distance for the most part, but once a pair of goblins charge out and throw small spears in Holly's direction before running off.  They come nowhere near hitting.  Holly picks up one of the crude spears to show the others and journeys on.  That is the last she sees of goblins before meeting up with the rest of the party.

It is earlier afternoon and full blown thunderstorms drench the party as they trudge eastward.  Mord lets out a battle cry in response to each lightning strike and thunder rumble.  He is enjoying the storm.  The rest of you...  not so much.

"Why are you all looking so glum, goblins probably have better things to do than mess with people during a thunderstorm and this is about as close as we will get to a bath for several days I suspect"

Snow gives Mord a rather broodish and dark look.  The outdoors...  it's dirty... wet... infested with vermin and wild animals looking to convert you into a meal.  Indoors... clean... dry... warm... and the animals are domesticated pets.  What the hell was Mord so happy about.

Tugging the hood of her cloak lower to keep the rain out of her face, and pulling the cloak tighter around her Snow reflects on the one bit of good news she has.  While she had bathed and cleaned recently the others had not.  The rain should improve the lingering aroma around camp she thought.

At the news of goblins, Snow purses her lips thoughtfully and says nothing.  What was there to say?  They knew goblins were in the area?  Would they not care about the rain and attack in a thunderstorm our did they hve some sense to wait for clearer weather before striking?

"They were following me, back to you!  That means a lot out here.  They'll pick up numbers as they travel.  I reckon they'll attack when they think they outnumber us enough.  At the moment I doubt they know our strength.  Perhaps Glumr and our travelling companions could slow them down if it wasn't actually raining so hard."  Holly made the statement as she and Moonlight took the opportunity to take a breather once they had caught up with the others.

The rain soaks Glumr in his leathers.  He actually enjoys the rain, but these are defiantly the times he wishes he had a nice cloak and hat instead of just these utilitarian leathers.

The news on Goblin brings a scowl to his face.  He hates those dirty little critters and is visibly concerned.

"Do you have any idea how many have been following you?" Glumr asks Holly.  He gives a deep growl.  "Problem with those little bastards is that they are smart and have friends."  He looks to the group.  "The can gather up in large numbers and have been known to ride on wolf creatures.  Likewise, they are quick to put traps and drive you to them, so be weary your step if we run into them."

Glumr ponders what to do in the situation.  "I can go scout them out.  I should be able to hid and observe them without being detected.  I'd like to know what we're up against before we are forced to take a stand against it.  What do you all think?"

Glumr keeps an eye on the direction they have come from, searching the horizon for any trace of Goblin.
Glumr rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Spot Goblin.

"I only saw shadows and images, other than the two that ran forward and tried to stick me with this!" Holly says as she waves the spear around a little.  "The longer we take, the more will come together, even with this storm.  I suggest we find a place to defend, and prepare to bloody their noses with arrows and magic.  If we can get them close together, I can call upon Obad-Hai to again aid us by trapping their feet."

"Then if we fight, we should find a defendable area... Ideally somewhere where where they cannot get to our back, but where we can retreat if need be."  Glumr looks to see if there is anything like that near.
Glumr rolled 7 using 1d20+3. - Nature/Geography knowledge to dertermin is appropriate spot is around but not visible

"We should set a trap and ambush them.  They're unaware of our numbers, they've only seen Holly and a cart likely.  If we have Holly and me camp with the cart somewhere, the rest of you can wait in ambush.  Seeing only the two of us should make them bold before they have the numbers to overwhelm us.  Two helpless women out here should be easier to deal with than a party of 'six'.", Snow comments deadpan.  The misery of the rain not quite making it to her voice, though theres really no enthusism either.

There are no current goblin sightings in the downpour, but they are foremost in everyone's mind.   The terrain isn't providing much of a tactical advantage to the Triplefang.  Flat plains stretch on for dozens of miles in all directions.  The grasses do provide a good (very muddy at the moment) hiding place for an ambush as well as plenty of vegetation to entangle enemies.

Would you like to set up your ambush here or travel onward towards Gollag?

If Glumr would like to journey out on his own and scout for goblins.  He may roll survival (an additional +2 for tracking goblins) and hide (also +2)

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #80):

I dont like the idea of setting up an ambush for goblins we aren't even sure are following us.  If they aren't, we will be wasting time we should be using to get to Gollag and find Arkus.   If they are, they probably know the size of our group already by our trail, smell, and tracks.  In a flat open plain with no significant cover, the chances of us successfully hiding from those glowing goblin eyes well enough to set up an ambush are slim even if they aren't sure of our numbers now.

We should press onward as fast as we are able.  Perhaps we can stay ahead of the alert about us that those two fiends who saw Holly will surely spread.  Meanwhile we need to be thinking about finding a defendable location we can camp tonight.

Rolf/Vidar, have either of you been out to Gollag before?  Do you know of any outposts or farms along the way that might offer some shelter and defense?

"Nay Mord, we've never been to Gollag.  I have no use for a pointless little Ferisedan village.  We're just along to see that you whelps don't get butchered on your first trip out.  It's your druid friend there who knows something about Gollag.  She's the only one who's seen the goblins too," replies Rolf.


You're only on day 3 of your 5 day journey (maybe 6 if you spend time trying to ambush goblins) to Gollag.  It's likely you won't cross any farms along the way today, or even tomorrow.

"If we continue on, I would like to scout them to know how close they are and how many follow us. I can leave most of my gear on cart and travel light to move fast."  Glumr tells his ideas to the group.  "If we stay and fight, I would say that we lay trap.  Mord and the girls can stay with the cart, act as if they are traveling together.  Rolf, Vidar, and I can hid in the tall grass and at the appropriate time we can rise up and fire our arrows at the goblins following us."

Glumr looks at the surroundings to see how vulnerable the party is. Looking at the landscape, is it possible for Goblins to flank us undetected?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Tue 25 Aug 2009.

The terrain is flat and grassy.  For the most part you can be flanked anywhere.  The exception being near ponds.

Things seem to have stalled a bit.  I know that everyone has posted their opinions already, but still the party remains torn between stopping and setting up an ambush or pressing on.  A moving ambush isn't practical since hiding party members must lie down in the grasses to stay hidden.   We'll be decisive here.  Make a simple posting of which option your character is in favor.  The first option to receive two votes will be the party's course of action.

"We move on, we aren't strong enough to ambush anything." Holly says.

"Let us continue onward to Gollag.  I will scout out the goblins and meet back with the group in a day or two most."  With that Glumr puts his pack in cart, allowing him to travel light.

He takes his 2 potions and puts them on his person as well as one from the wooden box.  "I'm taking one of these just in case."  He looks to his party to see if anyone anything to say before he is off.

Glumr temporarily only has Bow, Arrows, Club, Potions, and Waterskin.
Glumr rolled 26 using 1d20+8. Hide from goblins.
Glumr rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Survival: Track Goblins.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Thu 27 Aug 2009.

As luck would have it the party comes across a goblin trap.  It's not to catch humans, but one for snaring animals.  It has fresh bait.  You determine that it was set recently, probably within an hour or two.  Holly and Glumr find tracks and Glumr splits off to follow them.  (He brings just the items he described plus a day's trail rations)

Spending time stopping to examine marks and tracks offsets the speed gain Glumr got from traveling lightly, so he finds himself going about the same speed as when walking with the cart.  About 90 minutes into your side trip the thunderstorms die out to a light drizzle.  You hear grunts and sounds and quickly crouch down deep into scrub vegetation, peering up just enough to make out what's going on.  You didn't expect to come across them so soon.  They must've doubled back.  It's a goblin hunting party of about 12, few of which are non-combatants.  You think there are a couple of magi too.  They're babbling in their horrible little language, very animated.  You know a word or two.  They say their word for humans several times.  You follow them at a safe distance.  They seem to heading in the general direction of the cart. What's more they meet up with 3 more goblins, who join the group.

The day is quickly expiring and the party starts discussing where to camp. The general consensus is that low ground would be just too miserable to camp in after the day's downpours.  Mord picks out a few trees in the distance.  It's as good a place to aim for as any.  You'll need them to keep the food up and away from bears.

Glumr realizes that the Goblins are making fast for the cart.  His best bet is to get out of site of the Goblins and make sure he gets there first.  With the thoughts of the upcoming conflict, he starts his trek, being careful not to give his position away to the goblin party.

The campsite is on rocky ground, a clearing mostly devoid of grass.  The ground here is not as wet as that which you've been traveling on.  Rain water quickly runs off or soaks into the gravel.  Sadly, there is no keeping your bedrolls dry.  The food (that which isn't eaten for dinner) is tied up in sacks and hung high between two of the four old trees here.  Not long before the last flicker of daylight is gone, Glumr returns to the group with news.

"My friends... We have trouble."  Glumr gets the attention of the group, a bit out of breath from running to the camp.  "We are being tracked by a hunting party of Goblins.  We wont be able to out run them before we get to Gollag.  We have no choice but to stand and fight.  I found them and they are after us.  There's about 15 of them, a few may be magi.  They are on their way here and I expect them to attack us tonight.  I say we prepare and ambush them."  Glumr looks to the party to see their reactions.

Glumr looks to the eye, "Mr Eye...  Can we count on your encomanyment to lead us to battle?  Perhaps it will confuse and scare the Goblin filth as well.

He glances around camp trying to determine the best places for ambush.  Perhaps hiding in the grasses?  He looks to the tree to see if it would make a good place to hide and attack from.  GM:  Would the trees be able to be used for cover and an archery platform?

Glumr spits. "Shall we wait for them here? Or move to meet them and attack first? What say you all?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Mon 31 Aug 2009.

The trees might make a good place to leap down from, taking the goblins by surprise, but solid ground is better for archery.  There are wet grasses to hide in around the edges of the rocky slope.  It would make for a soggy, uncomfortable ambush.  Then again, suffering a night of discomfort beats being overrun by goblins.  It's too late to intercept the goblins during daylight.  That could be a major advantage for the goblins.  Intercepting them might be better than waiting for them to strike.  Lots of choices to be made.  If you go to intercept, please give me a general marching order.  If you stay and set up camp, please describe where you want things laid out.

I think here is as good a place as any to make a stand and it will give us more time to prepare and settle down to listen for their approach.  Anything we can set up to provide light in the camp during the battle will even the odds a lot.  Maybe a prayer for light on a low branch above the camp site when the time comes?

Short of that, our ears and noses will be our ally.  Moonlight will certainly know when they come Holly, probably even before we do.

If they follow our trail to this stand of trees, let them see that several of us are here as expected--they might get sloppy and focus on us.  Glumr, Rolf and Vidar should conceal themselves in the grass farther out from the camp so that they can loose their arrows from the fringe on the goblins that approach.  If you three spread out a bit, you each might get a few more of them down before they can close to melee.

"I expect them to come in darkness.  Holly, can you cast a light spell on the feathers of a few of Vidar's arrows?

When the time comes, Vidar, being a faster shot than I, will stand up from concealment and fire the arrows near (or into) the goblins, lighting the area around them and hopefully causing confusion. Rolf and I will then stand and fire at our targets.

Mr. Eye, if you could hold and then launch some explosive music right at the arrows light the area, we might confuse them and allow us to clean through their ranks."

Glumr smiles, happy with his plan and looks to his kin.

"Does this sound like a good plan to you all?  If so, we should start preparing immediately as I expect them to attack tonight."

For the most part Snow is too miserble and out of her element to make many useful suggestion.  She seems to withdraw into herself and linger near the cart.  Cooking a usual distraction for her has been taken away between the rain and requirements of stealth.

Glumr's request ilicts' the first response from Snow in hours, "Magic doesnt work like that.  Her spell likely wont last longer than an hour and will likely be wasted unless trouble is imminent, which hopefully it's not."

Snow was never a pious sort, but she tried to live right, making certain not to break any major rules.  At the moment she was wondering who it was she must have offended to find herself in the rain like this.

"We've managed to elude them so far, should tonight be any different?  We can have 'double' watchs' tonight if theres really a concern."

"No longer shall we elude them... they are on our trail and I truly expect them to be on us tonight."  Glumr looks upset, thinking his companions dont realize the gravity of the situation.

"Over a dozen goblins are tracking us.  I over heard them talking about us.  I think we should prepare.  If it were up to me, I would have Holly, Snow, and Mord make a small fire and camp around it as if they were alone.  Even feel free to sleep if you must but know that battle will find you before sun up.  Vidar, Rolf, and I will hide in the grasses around the camp and when the goblins are upon us, we will rise up and fire our arrows at them.  At the same time, you three would jump up and engage the battle.  Mr Eye should bring loud music to distract them.  They will be so confused that they should easily fall."

Glumr looks to each member of the group.  "Will you follow me with this plan?"

Can we see a map or description of the local area that we may identify our positions?

Snow frowns, wondering why Mord would be with us in camp and not with Glumr in ambush, but is too grumpy to argue.  She's willing to concede the point, on a bright note, Glumr's plan allowed for the prospect of rest and sleep for her, so wasnt inclined to argue the point at this time.

"Other than suggesting that you, Vidar and Rolf stay together, then I can work with the suggestion.  I'll call upon Obad-Hai to send the grass and weeds to hold the main group, and then stand with Mord, or charge as needed.  As to the light spell, that would need foreknowledge of their attack, or me standing besides them.  If needed, I can cast it upon a stone, and sling it myself.  You've seen my shots are good." Holly says at the suggested ambush.  So far they had been lucky to stay out of harms way.  Perhaps tonight would be their best chance to convince the goblins to leave them alone, either by killing them, or by chasing them off.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Tue 01 Sept 2009.

Snow... they need to see me with you and Holly and Moonlight to help convince them we are all here camped out and that there is no ambush.  We don't want them spread out scouring the area, we want them grouped up and focused on what appears to be an easy target until its too late and arrows are flying at them from both sides.

Holly, the only reason I suggested a low branch above us instead a rock or arrow is that we don't want to give them something they can pick up and throw away from the battle or easily cover up.  It would leave us at the mercy of the darkness.

Glumr is happy with the plan.  The Goblins will not find the group easy prey.

"Good good."  Glumr grins. "My only comment would be that I think the three of us archers should not stand together, but in a triangle to surround the three of you.    That way if Goblins try to rush one of us, the others can still tend to their bowstrings.  Likewise we want them to approach you three at the camp and allow some of us to fire from slightly behind.  Mord, I like your idea on the light.  Holly, I would say just cast it wherever it would offer the most light."

Glumr looks about to determine an ideal hiding spot.  "We should find out spots and set up our decoy camp to make it look like we are comfortable and unaware.  Get ready my friends.  I dont think we will find much rest tonight.

Want to have a better discription of the camp area to determine where we should stand.

The party chose this site because it has a pair of trees from which to hand their food and relatively dry (but rocky) ground.  Here is a map of the campsite and surrounding area.  The green area is where the tall grasses start up again.  It is significant for two reasons.  First off, it can can used to hide for an ambush, and secondly it provides vegetation for the Entanglement spell.  A little advanced coordination might allow it to be used for both purposes.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....plefang/camp_map.jpg

I need to know where people want to set up and or sleep, and I need to know what the watch schedule will be like.  The default watch schedule is like so:

Holly / Glumr and Rolf / Mord and Vidar / Snow

"I expect them to approach from that direction."  Glumr points in a line between the trees and across the rocky ground.  This would the the top left corner of the map.  "We should take our positions.  Rolf, Vidar, and I should hide in the grass behind Holly, Snow, and Mord.  You three should rest between us and the fire.  Dont forget that Goblin's have keen eyesight in the darkness.  If we are all in agreement, I say we take our places."

If there is no discussion to change the course of action...

Glumr takes position in the tall grasses (O14 on the map).  He will places an arrow in the ground and has one in his hand along with his bow to be prepared for any signs of Goblin.  Glumr mats the tall grass down to give himself an area to duck and move around without disturbing the grass to give his position away.  Thinking himself clever, he is feeling good about the upcoming conflict.

"If the ambush party is going to sleep in shifts/watchs they should stay together.  Other wise they might sleep through the excitement.", is all Snow really adds to the planning.

Snow sets up her sleep roll by the fire (J7), tucking some of the provisions into the roll to make it look like a sleeping body.  The fire should be enough to keep the animals away, and the fire should be shadowy enough to make identification of the decoy difficult.  Snow isnt sure how the Goblins night vision works, though she's hoping the fire will mess that up as well.

Once done Snow crawls under the wagon (Around H5), and wraps her travel cloak around her to stay warm.  Her travel pouch, while not the best pillow will have to do tonight for a pillow.  She keeps staff nearby, and the sling wrapped loosely around her wrist.  She has (4) sling stones in her belt pouch and she makes certain those are easy to reach should she need them.

She'll glance around to see where the others are before rolling over and sleeping for the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Thu 03 Sept 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #101):

I will rest/take watch around J7... club handy of course.

Holly went quickly about her business, and then prepared herself to pray to Obad-Hai.  Calling on his great influence, she asked for his assistance in the coming night, and for keeping the small group safe where possible.  With that done, she made amends with Moonlight, rubbing him down as she stood her watch, and hoped his keen senses would pick up anything in the gathering gloom.  She planned to sleep near to the fire, knowing it put her in danger, but also that was where the goblins would expect to find her.  She already had her sling ready by her hand, and was prepared to delay and protect as needed.

J7 is already occupied by the Snow decoy.  I'll put you in I8

Moonlight stays alert during Holly's watch.  The archers stay ready and hidden in the wet grass.  Mord and Snow are the first to drift off.  Vidar goes to sleep about half way through Holly's shift.  There's some light rain, but no sign of goblins.  Glumr and Rolf stay awake through Holly's whole shift and into their own.  Glumr slips from his hiding place in the grass a few times during his shift to tend the fire.  His shift passes uneventfully too.  However, there is some commotion on Mord and Vidar's shift.

Please make a listen roll, Mord.  (In order to move things along I have rolled for Mord's listen and initiative)  Everyone can make initiative rolls too.  We'll need those soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:53, Thu 10 Sept 2009.

All of a sudden several vile little creatures leap out of the darkness shrieking and brandishing spears.  A barbed spearhead deflects off Mord's thick armor before he can gather his wits and react.  A volley of javelins joins the grunts and snarls of the crude goblin language which now fill the night air.  However, it is mostly sound and fury signifying nothing.  A javelin grazes the floating eye, drawing blood but not imbedding itself.  Flames shoot from the very hands of one of the goblins (G8), washing all around Mord and igniting Snow's bedroll (thankfully without Snow inside.)  Otherwise the party suffers no ill effects from the initial ambush.

The chaotic events wake those sleeping, and spur Mord and Vidar to action.

Mord, please make a Reflex save (DC 12) to take 1 point of fire damage instead of 3 points.

Initiative order:  (You do not need to post in this order)
Glumr 21
Mord 15
Vidar 12
Holly 12
goblins 9
Rolf 6
Snow 6
eye 5

Mord and Vidar already have their weapons ready.  characters with a +1 or better BAB can get up (move equivalent), ready their weapon, and make an attack this round.  Others will either have to take two move actions to stand and ready, or take other actions that do not require their weapon.

Any attack made on goblins outside the illuminated circle of the campfire have a 20% miss chance for concealment.  If you hit please roll 1 D 100.  A result of 1 to 20 will be a miss.

Glumr receives a +2 to damage on all attacks against goblins.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....oblin_battle_map.jpg

Glumr snaps awake in the commotion.  He grabs his bow and an arrow he planted in the soil, notching the arrow he stands and sees a goblin close to him.

Glumr mutters a prayer to Elhonna and then jumps up with a battle roar and fires at the goblin to his left. The arrow flies true, sinking deep into the chest of the nearest goblin (M16).

"Take that you vile little creatures.  Feel the sting of our steel and fear us!  Your lives are near their ends!"  He yells at them.

Hidden: Glumr rolled 45 using 1d100. Shooting into the DARKNESS.
Damage: Glumr rolled 4 using 1d6+2.
Attack: Glumr rolled 23 using 1d20+6. Shoots M16.

Edit: Damage is 5 -  Die + favored enemy + point blank
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Fri 11 Sept 2009.

Snow awoke to the sounds of combat, and the smell of her food, and some of the provisions burning, "Oh~my~God!  My stuff???", she growls more than a little peeved at the intruders wasting more of their provision.  "You twerps are in SO much trouble...", she mutters as she rolls out from under the wagon to stand.

Move Action ~ Move to I6 and stand up
Standard Action ~ Throw Snowball at (G8) Goblin

footnote ~ Casting spell with right hand / Staff in left hand

17:46, Today: Snow rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Snowball Touch Attack.
17:47, Today: Snow rolled 2 using 1d3. Damage if hits.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Fri 11 Sept 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #108):

12 rolled on DC12 check so took 1 point fire damage

I stand and swing my club at the goblin at H9, but miss with a 7.

Mord's warrior reflexes take over as he twists away from the blast of fire, ducking and shielding his head with his massive shoulders.  As soon as the flames stop showering from the goblin's hands he sweeps his greatclub at the goblin who tried to run him through.  Used to fighting larger opponents, Mord's swing sails just over the creature's head.

Glumr pops up from the grass and fires an arrow from only a few feet away that sinks deep into the goblin's body just below its sternum.  The creature gurgles.  A javelin tumbles from its fingers as it slumps backwards to the ground.

Vidar also stands and fires, quickly picking out two targets.  His first shot impales the goblin who attacked Holly, killing it , but his second shot misses the hazy, dark form in the shadows.

It's Holly's turn.  She's still lying on the ground, but she's no longer being threatened.  After her, we'll resolve the goblins' turn and finish out the first round.

Holly was in the process of drawing her sickle when the goblin dropped with an arrow in it.  With that, Holly stood up and slipped her hand onto one of her slingstones, and began to cast a spell on it.  When she finished, it began to glow and then shine brightly from the magic imbued into it.

[Stand up, Cast Light on stone.  Still in L9.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Mon 14 Sept 2009.

A javelin sails into the campsite and clatters against the almost depleted pile of spare firewood. You're not sure who the goblin was aiming for.  Another javelin whizzes past Vidar.  The goblin who sprayed fire on Mord draws a knife and warily inches closer to Mord.  When he sees his chance he slashes at the towering warrior, cutting his leg and drawing blood. The other goblin is clumsier, fumbling with his spear.  He never gets a clean stab at Mord.

Strange chanting tones are heard from the darkness behind the trees and two erie red orbs arc up over the wagon.  One each strikes Mord and Snow directly in their chest.  The impact feels like you were kicked by an animal.  It knocks the wind out of you and leaves you gasping.

Snow recovers enough to throw a magical snowball at the knife wielding goblin, but he barely manages to sidestep the snowball at the last instant.  He cackles and hurls a short, indecipherable stream of goblin babble at her.

Rolf fires at the nearest javelin tossing goblin and misses.

The eye floats in towards the center of camp.  Along the way he issues forth and blasting fanfare of horns.  It's startling, even to you.  The fanfare is joined by the opening strings of a melody.  You feel a now recognizable rush of morale.  Triplefang now gain a +1 to hit and to all damage rolls.

This round Mord took 2 points of knife damage and 2 points of erie red orb damage, bringing his wounds to a total of 5 point.  Snow took 4 points of magical orb damage.

http://zachery.path.med.umich....oblin_battle_map.jpg

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #114):

Highly "motivated" by the hits these punks are getting in, I adjust my swing on the goblin at H9 and hit a home run with his skull (23 to hit, 11 pts dmg).

I then turn and roar at the goblin attacking Snow: "Pray quickly rodent... You're next!"

Glumr draws his bow and fires at the Goblin who used the burning hands spell.
Glumr rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Fire at burning Hands Goblin.

"By Elhonna..." Glumr groans, annoyed that his shot does not do any injury to the Goblin.

After firing he takes a step to his left (N15).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Wed 16 Sept 2009.

Vidar steps to R14 to avoid hitting Holly and fires one arrow into the goblins at H7 and S7.  The burning hands goblin takes the arrow in the abdomen.  It doubles over and tumbles to the ground.  The goblin at S7 is hit in the leg and howls in pain.

Holly throws the glowing stone in between the trees, hoping to highlight the enemy there, and then slips out her sling to be ready to take advantage of the newly lit figures.

[Holly rolled 12 to hit with throwing stone not including benefit of the Eye, aiming for around E3]

The light stone bounces right into the mage goblins' midst, fully illuminating them.  One of them shouts a single word and all four remaining goblins bolt off in different directions away the the campsite.  Rolf draws his bow back but the goblin nearest him is lost in the darkness before he can draw a bead.  The floating eye keeps blasting out the dramatic intro to its song.

Snow maybe is casting a spell really loud or screaming at the goblins at the top of her lungs in a language probably no one knows before hauling back and swinging the quarterstaff around like a baseball bat to clip one of them across the cheek.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

Glumr looks around to survey the area now that the goblin horde has run off.  "We should search the fallen and finish off the wounded."  Glurm says and spits in disgust over the Goblins.

He moves to check the Goblin his arrow took down.  "Be weary that they dont come back.  We may have driven then off, but they could come back with friends.  We have a few hours till morning. We should really try to get some rest if we can."

"Mord, will you help me move the bodies over to the edge of the grasses and out of our camp.  Worms gotta eat, same as the buzzards."

Glumr keeps an eye on the horizon in case the goblins return with friends.
Glumr rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Spot (+4,+2)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

Snow wails on one of the fallen goblins with her staff and shouts at the others as they retreat.  You can't understand the words but the tone is frightening.

Two of the fallen goblins still require finishing off or saving.  Glumr sets about cracking one's skull with his club.  He'll finish the other one if no one stops him.

There are 4 fallen goblins.  They have the following weapons at armor which are of poor to medium quality and small instead of medium:

2 longspears
13 javelins
4 suits and goblin leather
knife

There is also a medium sized knife of normal quality.

They have 4 small packs containing a total of:
just over a day of goblin rations (goblin eat less and their food is unsavory to humans)
two 30' strands of light rope
6 small game traps
small spade
key
bandages
2 tinderboxes
4 ceramic pint bottle (one contains some sort of alcohol instead of water)
900sp

One of the goblins has a strange pair of bejeweled gloves.


Injury report:
Mord - 5 damage
Snow - 4 damage
eye - 1 damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

Glumr eyes the spoils from the downed Goblins.

"I'd really like to take that medium sized knife, the light rope in exchange for the heavy rope I'm carrying, the alcohol pint bottle, and this old key." Glumr says to his friends. "I'm not taking anything you were eyeing am I?"

"We should also throw some of the javelins on the cart.  They could be useful in a situation.  Wont hurt to have a couple with us."

Snow grits her teeth and gives the dead goblin one more good whack before hurrying over to put out the flames that have lit up her sleeping gear and provisions.

Snow thinks it's a little ghoulish to loot the goblins but doesnt object.  She just wants her fair share of the coins (divided six ways is 150 each?) though after mulling over the goblin possessions she'll ask for the goblin leathers, to tinker with.

Snows not all 'THAT' big, and might find a use for them after altering them a little and SERIOUSLY airing them out.  She'll take the bandages for sewing though she'll concede them to Holly if she wants to use them for their original intent.

She'll look the gloves over to appraise their value since there seems to be jewels sewn into it.

15:28, Today: Snow rolled 7 using 1d20+2. Appraise value of gloves.

Snow's brow furrows a little as she examines the gloves, alot depends on if the jewels are real or just shiny glass, so she's not certain on the true value of the gloves.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

In reply to Snow (msg #124):

I'd like a tinderbox and a longspear to practice with when I get some time. Lets hang on to the key and traps in case we find a use later.  Wonder if the gloves are enchanted?--be careful if they are... never know what curses the goblins might have but on them

OOC: what type of traps are they (metal snare? cage?)

I'd also like to get a heal prayer or some of the bandages and alcohol to dress these wounds.  [Mord now has time to bleed ;-) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

17:40, Today: Snow rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Spell Craft roll for gloves if magical.

Snow nods slightly, "The gloves are magical but, i'm not certain what sort of enchantments are on it.  I suggest we present it to Elana to decide what to do with it.  I can hide it among my other sewing stuffs, if were in agreement that it's okay for me to keep them till we get home?"

Snow doesnt complain about her injuries at this point.  They certainly hurt, but her mind is preoccupied and Mord's injuries look more serious.

Snow regards the long spear and javelins thoughtfully comparing them to her staff.  "That's an excellant idea Mord.  I suppose... I can get used to using the Javelins and Long Spear too.  They certainly look more dangerous than my staff and sling.  If we have them to spare i'd like to try using them too."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

In reply to Snow (msg #126):

OOC: careful you are in far worse shape than i am (12/17 vs 3/7)... if we have to ration heal spells, use it on Snow--one more hit and bye bye mage.

The goblin traps are vicious little snares and kill traps.   They're made up of various combinations of wrought iron, metal teeth, tightly wound springs, and thin spikes.  They wouldn't do much damage to a human, but they could sure hurt a lot.  Just looking at them probably puts you in danger of contracting tetanus.  There are certainly less cruel ways to catch your dinner.

It sounds like you guys plan on keeping virtually everything except the bodies themselves.  Luckily, tossing the whole haul onto the wagon is quick and simple.

Glumr, Moonlight, and the eye keep a vigilant lookout for a goblin counter-attack.  By the time the wagon has been loaded with goblin spoils there has been no sign on their return.

There are plenty of healing potions available.  They restore 1D8+1 hits.  Feel free to roll the result yourself if you want to quaff one.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #128):

I think we could use the traps as warning signals at a camp site, especially if we find a cave or house that forces an approach from a specific direction

I will drink a potion to heal (3 pts back, still down 2).

Snow eventually notices Mord quaffing back one of the temple potions, and follows suit, to ease the tender sting in her chest.

14:16, Today: Snow rolled 8 using 1d8+1. Temple Healing Potion. 

She feels notably better afterwards.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

"I totally over looked those gloves... Nice find.  Perhaps before you put them away one of us might try them on to see how the enchantment effects things.  They might be of use in our upcoming quest, least we should have an idea of their abilities instead of ignoring their potential usefulness."  Glumr says to Snow.  He moves to put the items he was looking at into his pack and trading out the rope.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

"I think that would be a bad idea, they  could be cursed, or an item with limited uses.  I'd rather study it a little more and learn it's nature before using live test subjects."

Glumr's face disagrees, but he gives Snow a nod in agreement.  "If that is what you  think is best. I would expect that Goblins are not the type to keep a cursed item or patient enough to hold an item with limited uses though."

GM: Which Goblin had the gloves?  And was it wearing them?

The goblin who cast burning hands on Mord was wearing the gloves.
Each glove is made of black flexible leather with 7 tiny red or orange jewels embedded between the soft fabric inner layer and the leather outer layer.  All 7 jewels are on the back of the hand as opposed to the fingers or palm.  The crafter did a very nice job of exposing the jewels without danger of them coming loose.  The gloves are actually quite small.  They'd never fit Snow's dainty little hands, much less Glumr's hands.  Goblins are only like 40-45 pounds.  However, you've heard of magic rings that resize to fit the wearer.  Perhaps this is possible with gloves too.

After the healing potions kick in and the adrenaline from the fight wears off you find yourselves quite tired.  It is nearly Snow's shift, but she claims not to have gotten enough sleep to recharge her magics.  This is difficult to dispute, so Glumr and Vidar agree to continue their watch, but within the camp instead of lying in the wet grasses.  Furthermore, Snow's bedroll is charred and partly ruined.  She wonders out loud if anyone, say someone who sleeps in their armor anyhow, is willing to donate their bedroll to her for the remainder of the trip.  Rolf and Vidar merely shrug.  Neither of them brought a bedroll along.

The rest of the night passes uneventfully.  You get a bit of a late start but at least it's not raining when you set out.


Vidar walks alongside Glumr.  He's been pretty quiet during the trip.  Rolf tends to do most of the talking for the archers.

"You're pretty quick, Glumr.  Quicker than me, I'd say.  You should use that when firing arrows.  Sometimes quantity is better than quality."

He stops and shows Glumr how to pick out targets quicker and how to aim while notching an arrow at the same time.

"It'll take some practice to get the hang of, but I'm sure you've got the talent.  I wouldn't try it in a fight yet.  Go with your regular aim techniques in battle until you have it nailed down in practice," Vidar advises.


Mord and the eye are still lightly injured.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:39, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Just a little housekeeping here.  If anyone dispute these numbers or the listing, please speak up.

healing potions carried:
Glumr - 3
Snow - 2
Holly - 1
Mord - 1

Cart:
ornate box with 5 healing potions
Goldenpoint port crate with two empty bottles
50' of hemp rope
30' light rope
34 lbs of food
2 lbs of goblin food
longspear (small)
13 javelins (small)
4 suits of goblin leather (small)
knife (small)
4 small packs
6 small vicious game traps
small spade
tinderbox
3 ceramic pint bottles of water
900sp

Notes about light weapons:
They are -2 to hit when used by medium creatures. (page 113 PHB)
The small knife does 1D3 damage and weighs 1/2 lbs.
The longspears do 1D6 damage and weigh 4.5 lbs.  (This weapon can be used one-handed be medium creatures)
The javelins do 1D4 damage and weigh 1 lb.
The weapons are also of poor quality and will break on a critical miss.

Glumr has the light rope in his pack.  He travels with his pack on the cart when he can, such as now while they are walking.

"Thanks for the advice Vidar" Glumr says quite happy.  "I look forward to the chance to practice the new technique."

While walking, he moves next to Snow.  "Good morrow... I'm glad you're acompanying us Snow.  It's been a nice change to spend time with some of my clanmates."  He winks at her.

"Did you notice the Goblin that threw the fire at us was wearing those red jeweled gloves?"  Glumr says to her, a bit excited.  "I've seen a lot of Goblin and they dont tend to be the most enchanted creatures.  From the tales I've heard over pints in the longhouse, I've heard of magical items that give the possesser the ability to do such things as throw fire.  If these gloves are such a thing, from what I've heard the magic of an item will allow it's master, or mistress," he says with another wink, "to have them fit nice and proper.  I'd put them on as they would make a nice companion to your icy magic."  He looks to judge her expression.  "Goblins are a vile greedy race... I would expect an item of limited uses to be long since spent in their hands.  I'm just saying."

While walking, Glumr pulls his bow out with arrow handy to try to his any wild game that may be scared out of the tall grasses with their passing.  Maybe Coney or Pheasant.   It would be nice to have a hot meal he thinks to himself.  Snow isnt the only one who can cook.  While she may be suited well in a prepared kitchen, Glumr knows how to prepare game using wild herbs and aromatics and to have it turn out delicious enough to suit any hungry friend.  He hopes to have the opportunity to surprise her.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Can the longspear be thrown for any sort of range, since it's one handed and lighter than a spear maybe?

The knife seems pretty use for combat, if no one objects, Snow will take it for cooking and sewing.

Snow regards her ruined bed roll, and consoles herself that she at least wasnt in it when it was burning.  It might be beyond a 'refresh' to recover, but at least she would have some fabric to do 'something' with.

Snow's not the sort to 'beg' for a place to sleep.  She'll apply herself to a solution to the problem.  The bedroll might not be beyond redemption of use, with a little work.  She also has 4 little suits of goblin leather and a day to work on turning it into something useful.  Worse comes to worse, she has her cloak to work with, which was good enough last night and should be manageable for now.

Examining the food, what ever is untouched under her bed roll she saves in the cart.  What ever is partly cooked, is on the menu so as not to go to waste.  She improvises breakfast as best she can but she's under alot of stress so it might not be up to her standards.  She's in a mood though so it might not be a good idea to bring the topic up.

Potion count...
We all start with (1) potion = 4
Temple gave us a box of it = 12

That's a total of 16

First scenario
Holly gave hers away
Mord drank his

Second scenario
Snow drank one
Mord drank one

Potions left 12
Glumr and Snow have their original personal potions=(2)

There are (4) PC's and (2) NPC's, each carrying a temple potion = (6)

That leaves (4) in the box

so Kitty count has us at....
Glumr (2), [where did 3 come from?]
Snow (2)
Holly (1)
Mord (1)
NPC's (1+1)
Box (4)

, adding a quiet burial prayer before departing.  She knows a thing or two about life after death, and she doesnt want them haunting after them, for mistreatment of thier physical form.  [Hey, she's superstitious and young]

Since she had 'time' to drink her potion, and it wasnt under duress, she'll becareful not to break the seal beyond reuseability.  Once done, she'll put a bit of the wine in the cart, lying around for cooking, and reseals the vial, to appear to be a 'potion' of some sort, listed on character sheet as placebo~potion.
]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:55, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Glumr grabbed one from the box when he went to scout.  (Edited the last post, so reread snow as the comment was directed at you).

Glumr sees Snow eyeing her gear and realizes that her bed roll is in bad shape. "Snow, take my bed roll.  I'm used to sleeping on the ground against a tree or rock.  I know that rest is important for you so please take mine and sleep well the next night."  Glumr gives her a genuine smile.  "I am glad you are okay.  If I hadnt tracked the Goblins it may have been you who would be cooked instead of some of the foods.  Glad you are safe cousin."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:33, Mon 21 Sept 2009.

Snow's a little grumpy most of the morning, a night of ruined sleep, her bedroll a mess, the food's burnt... not the best morning for her.

Snow keeps her cloak around her and her hood drawn up a little, looking cold and miserable, from beneath the hood folds, Glumr catches a tentative smile.

"Appreciated Glumr, but where will you sleep?  I'm hoping my bedroll isnt beyond a little mending.  We'll see if your generosity is necessary, but it's appreciated."

"I will sleep where I usually do, on the ground.  I've spent enough time out in the wilds to know how to prepare a comfy place to sleep without a bed roll. Besides.. Mending yes, but the burnt smell is a bit more difficult."  He gives her another wink.

While walking Glumr checks our the key they found on the Golbins and the bottle of alcohol to see if he can make anything of them.

GM: What does Glumr find when he looks at those two things?

Right.  Glumr took a potion before scouting.  I forgot that Rolf and Vidar had potions, so the total remaining in the box in the cart is 3.

The key is about the length of your index finger.  I has a flat 3 circle pattern on the handle end. The lock insertion end has 5 prongs of various lengths, two of which stick out to the sides.  The Triplefang don't have much use for locks, but goblins can't be trusted even by other goblins.  You imagine they'd need to look up anything they didn't want swiped.

Glumr takes a small taste of the alcohol from the ceramic bottle.  It's not overly strong or sweet tasting.  It's probably safe to drink.

The salvaged parts of the damaged bedroll could make a reasonably good winter shawl.  Cut into smaller bits it would make good padding.

Snow keeps most of the bedroll then, and during the day will sift through the goblin leathers, and mix and match with the left over padded bits of her blanket.  With luck, perhaps she might craft a nice fashionable piece of armor between them.

The day's travel is free of goblin hassles.  Glumr finds that hunting while traveling with two horses, a cart, 6 people, a floating eye, and a specific destination is nearly impossible.  If you were to stop and camp for a day you could get some serious hunting done.  Target practice is another matter.  There's always plenty of chances to try out some quicker arrow firing.
I'm going to assume that Holly casts a cure minor wounds on Mord at some point during this day.  The terrain is gradually changing from flat grasslands to hilly grasslands with more trees.  It storms hard in the afternoon, but then clears up.

The party finds a suitable campsite, hangs the food, sprinkles goblin traps around, and lights a fire.  The travels and interrupted sleep of the last two days have generally worn everyone out.  You decide to go with a normal watch schedule, without fancy defensive plans, and take your chances.  Your luck holds and everything works out fine.  By morning you feel refreshed and ready to press on to Gollag.  Holly thinks you'll get there today.

With the rest and healing everyone is now at full HP.

Snow's mood improves after a night of rest.  She's taken on a project, that seems to involve tearing up the stitches of most of the goblin armor and using what's left of her bedroll (after cleansing it all with a cantrip) to make up the different in 'size'.

The armor doesnt look like much at the moment, mostly alot of loose leather armor that looks like so much scrap, though Snow seems suitably distracted and doesnt complain as much while she's working on it.  (A good thing most of you would think)

Time will tell if it's a lovely fashion statement, merely serviceable armor to be discarded asap, or doomed scraps of leather.

Glumr is feeling good.  He'll feel a bit better once his leathers dry out from the storm, but all and all his spirits are great.

He decides that he is going to start practicing the rapid fire tactics that Vidar was showing him and plucks arrows here and there when he can.  Firing them ahead of the group so he can pick them up as the group walks by.

Glumr is looking forward to seeing Gollag.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Tue 22 Sept 2009.

Holly's reckoning gets you close enough to Gollag to happen upon a trail.  By about midday the trail leads you into the village itself.  The village of Gollag is smaller the Volge by about half, but appears to be abandoned.  There are a few signs of combat, and certainly some fresh (within the last month) graves, but not enough to account for the entire populace by any stretch.

You're accustom to finding small abandoned villages here and there.  Many clans are still nomadic by nature.  When a more suitable location arrises they just pack up and leave the old village behind.  However, this doesn't explain Arkus' disappearance.

Everyone please make a Spot skill roll.

"Holly, you've been mighty quiet since the Goblin battle. Did that leave you shaken up?"  Glumr says to her with genuine concern. "Good job on leading us to Gollag."

Glumr feels uneasy.  "By Elhonna, where have all the people gone? There's not a soul around."

He looks around the buildings to see if there is anything that could be useful.  He still needs some garments to better suite traveling and would love to get a sheath for the knife so it doesnt do himself more harm than good. He thinks it should be safe enough in his boot where he's hidden it.

Glumr also moves to check the fresh graves to see if they offer any clues to the situation.  He also looks around the area to see if he find any tracks to know which direction was the exodus.

Glumr rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Survival: Track Exodus.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #146):

Hasty evacuation or capture+forced march are the two exodus scenarios that come to mind.

Do any of the village homes give any indication of one or the other?  For example, if a house would traditionally have a small religious/familial shrine by custom and those few icons/artifacts are gone, Mord would think evacuation.  If they are left behind, Mord would assume probably captured and forced to leave with no opportunity to pack.  Even more so for blankets, extra clothes, etc--things you would selectively take for travel if you had a choice.

Having grown up nomadic, we should have a decent idea of what that would be for an average Tripelfang clansman.

The day came and went quietly all too quickly.  Snow did some ground work on her make shift armor.  The terrain was impressively flat, making it difficult for anyone to really sneak up on them.

When the village came into view, Snow had already put her crafting project aside, it was time to get down to business, but, there didnt seem to be anyone about.  The others began to look about for clues to the whereabouts of the former inhabitants.  Snow made her way about being sure to keep at least one other Triplefang in eye sight at all times.

She was very much use to life in a small village, and the normal things that went about in one, as she made her way through the village, in her minds eye she inmagined the inhabitants going about their day here, to help her figure out what made sense and belongs and what did not.

Obviously there were casualties here as the fresh graves indicated, but why and where was everyone was the question of the moment.

Holly shook herself out of her thoughts, and realised she had been rather quiet, even for her normal self.  Perhaps people had noticed as Snow had also been so quiet.  Holly had always been able to hide behind her.

"They didn't do anything to get me shaken.  I've just been thinking on some of my teachings.  I was lucky with finding this place, as I had been told of some of the landmarks.  But you are right, I should be in the here and now." Looking around, Holly ran her curious eyes over the village, trying to pick out anything that could help them in finding out what had been going on.

Pointing over to something that had caught her attention, she said, "What's that?".

[ Holly rolled a total of 24 for Spot.]

There is usually little to salvage in abandoned villages.  They tend to provide temporary shelter when traveling, building materials, and ready firewood.  All the truly useful stuff has been gathered up and taken along.  Such is the case with Gollag.  You fell confident that they packed up and left in a planned and organized fashion.  Not in a terrible rush.  The question of why still remains.

A careful examination of the fresh graves determines that there are seven marked graves.  None of them is marked when the symbol of Pelor, so you assume none of them are Arkus' grave.  There is also an unmarked mass grave.

Glumr focuses on trying to track events.  It's hard to nail down events with no starting location but he determines two things.  The whole village did not leave as a group.  It looks like they scattered.  He also found some strange unbooted tracks.  He claims they're bipedal lizardmen.

Snow catches a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye, but she doesn't catch it again.  She peers off in that direction alertly, hoping to catch it again.

"What's that?" Holly asks.

She must've seen it too.  They confer and move slowly in the direction of what they've seen.  It's something small and humanoid.  Just one.  A scout maybe?  A scavenger?  No, Holly thinks it was a human child.

"It's okay... Come out, were not here to hurt anyone, we were sent by the temple to assist the Champion.  Can you tell us what happened her?"

Snow tries a tactful reassuring route to see i they can get them to come out.  Aside from her quarterstaff, which could pass for a walking stick she's not really armed.  She's hoping she and Holly look the most harmless of the bunch helps too.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Fri 25 Sept 2009.

Snow's claims seem reasonable and genuine and her tone is certainly non-threatening, so the kid comes out to talk to Snow and Holly.  (Mord too if you're around.  Glumr is still checking the graves and tracks.)  His name is Dain and he's a resident of Gollag.  He' came here because he's looking for Trogs.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #153):

to Dain "who is Trogs"

(I'm guessing he means some kind of pet or other nicknamed small critter... kids don't usually go out looking for Troglodytes)

Glumr continues to scout out the town to see if there are any clues, or to find any useful equipment and items that may have been left.

After checking around, he eventually makes his way back to his clanmates.

Actually you remember Bardi mentioning that trogs attacking Gollag was the reason Arkus went there to help.

"They're monsters.  They sound like this," Dain makes a long wind rushing sound.  "They come here looking for people to take, but they don't find us here anymore. "
"You're big," he adds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:01, Sat 26 Sept 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #156):

"We have come looking to see what happened to the people who lived here, Dain.  Where did they go?"

"Why do you want to find the Trogs?  Aren't you afraid they will take you too?"

I will chew on his answers some, but I ultimately want to ask him about Arkus:

"There is a certain man we seek, Arkus of Goldenpoint. He was sent here before us to help Gollag--do you know if he lives or where we might find him?"

"The trogs came and fought us.  There were some good warriors here, but when they'd kill some trogs more would come.  They had a plan to wipe out all the trogs in their cave but they never came back.  Then there was no one to fight the trogs.  The hero came, but they took him too.  That's when someone declared it wasn't safe in town.  Everyone left.  It's better to take our chances alone.  The trogs have to guess where to look."

"The trogs won't catch me.  I smell them coming.  They stink.  I can run and I can also hide in small places.  I'm quiet and sneaky."

Dain looks to be about 8-10 years old.  He's wearing a green shirt too big for him, a pair of shorts barely peeking out from under the shirt, a brown leather smock (that does fit him) with lots of pockets, and very simple soft leather shoes.

"They took that hero to the cave.  I'm sure he's dead now.  No one comes back."

"Why is that thing looking at us?" Dain asks, pointing at the eye. "Is it an eye spy?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Sun 27 Sept 2009.

Glumr grins at the boy. "No. That is no spy.  It is a friend who is accompanying us because it needs our help."  Glumr then looks to his friends a bit more seriously.

"What the boy said is true.  From scouting the town I found tracks.  Lizard tracks, but tracks that stand on two feet.  Troglodytes.  I could also tell that the people of this town scattered.  There was no organized move out of town."

Glumr looks to the eye "Have you been in these parts before?"

The eye floats over and indicates in blink code that it has not been here.  It also plays a friendly little jingle for Dain.

"Wow, that's not normal," Dain states with some measure of disbelief.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #160):

"That eye takes some getting used to Dain, but it plays spectacular music for our battles too.  Its songs stir my heart and make me fight all the harder."

"So where is your own family and why did you come here looking for the Trogs?"




To Glumr, Holly and Snow:
"I think we need to find this cave Dain speaks of.  We may not have enough numbers to defeat the Trogs that use it but we will at least need to see it for ourselves so that we can tell the leaders in Goldenpoint exactly where it is and what is going on."

"Maybe we can find a spot to observe without drawing too much attention.  We should be strong enough to ambush any patrols that get too close"

"You mean my sisters?  They built a shack in the middle of flat ground, but they're crummy farmers.  I look for the trogs so I'll know what they're doing.  This used to be a good place to find them, but they don't come here too much anymore.  The cave is the best place to find them, but it's pretty dangerous near the cave."

"I don't think you can all hide.  I'll take you to the cave if you want.  There's a lot of you.  I'll have plenty of time to run away while you fight the trogs."

Holly had to laugh at Dain's last comment.  "A born survivor", she thought to herself.  Whilst Snow and Mord had gained the trust of the boy, Holly had been checking out the area where they stood, hoping to spot something that Glumr could use, but now it seemed they had a good enough picture.

Trogs.  That explained a lot, but perhaps not the full picture.  Turning to Dain, and settling onto her knees to be at his level, she asked, "Have there been other animals and creatures new to the area Dain?  Or anything else strange happening?" Holly wasn't sure what she was looking for, but perhaps there was more to the boys story.

Snow waits for Dain to answer Holly's question before asking her own.

"Dain.  Have the Trogs always been a problem?  I dont recall them being a problem in this area.  When did they start attacking people?  More importantly do you know why?  Have you seem the champion at all?"

"We should find a defendable location and make camp.  It sounds like we should check things out to know what we're up against.  But first we need to secure our own location.  I think I saw a building that we could use to protect ourselves until we figure out what we're up against here."

GM:  Am looking for ideally a 2 story building with 2nd story windows and roof access where we could barracade the door and first floor.  Otherwise a 1 story where we can barracade the door, leaving another way out should we need it, and windows where we can shoot from.

"I dunno.  Maybe."



"They weren't a problem really, but they were around every year.  It was when the snow was melting that it started they started taking people.  I saw that hero when he came.  I thought he'd fix them for sure, but he didn't."

It's the middle of the day, so no need to camp just yet, but there is a building that meets your requirements.  There's a lodge with a loft for sleeping - room for 12 easily.  It has one vent at each end, but it doesn't have any roof access.  barricading the entrances might not be easy, but you can pull up the ladders to keep them from getting up to the second floor.  However, Dain does not think you should stay here overnight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Tue 29 Sept 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #166):

"Dain, I think we can defend ourselves pretty well here if the Trogs come around, but where do you think would be better?"


If we do stay, a few of our new goblin traps around the entrances will make a nice alarm... either by going off if they arent spotted or by the noise of being moved if they are

"Where the trogs don't come.  That's where it's safer."

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #168):

"Please take us there so we can check it out while we still have plenty of daylight left.  About how far away is it?"


I figure if its only mid-day, we should have time to decide which we like better and go from there.

"We can walk there today, but I don't think you can get all the way back here before dark.  That's good.  You can camp in the hills."

Anyone opposed to following Dain to the cave today?

Snow is good with the plan, "That's good, so youve seen the Champion.  What happen to him?"

Dain thinks for a moment.

"Well, first he talked to people for a little while to figure out what was happening.  Then he asked us to take him to the cave..."  Dain looks around at you.  "Ya know, he did things a lot like how you guys are."

"I don't know what happened when he went to the cave, but he never came back.  I think the trogs took him.  Somebody said it wasn't safe to stay in Gollag after that."

"I can understand that. The Champion was someone they believed would halt the attacks.  I think Dain is right though.  In the wilderness, it would be easier to not be found.  We can find our own cave perhaps, or simply spend one night without a fire." Holly stepped away from the group for a moment, as she saw Moonlight appear and come to her.  Stroking down his neck, she considered some of the tricks she had taught him, and turned around.

"If needed, Moonlight can track their scent.  If as Dain says they smell to the high heavens, then he'll have no trouble.  He could also tell us if they move past any camp we find.  Kind of tell us where they don't move, so we can pick that point."  With that, Holly begins to pat the horse on the shoulder, and feed him one of her apples.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:45, Wed 30 Sept 2009.

"Do you all think we should march on the cave?  Or should we camp somewhere and have one of us scout it out?  It might be useful to know what we're really up against and have a plan instead of marching up there.  Like Dain said, I dont think our party will be able to hide if we need to."

Glumr looks to his group.  He knows they understand that he is implying that he be the one to scout things out.  He doesnt know if they will be able to sit back for a day and wait this close to the end of their quest.

"If Glumr can stay hidden, it might be an idea if he scouts out the area before we rush in.  I'd like a chance to prepare for a combat underground, as I'm sure Snow would." Holly said as she took a bite out of her last apple, and gave the remainder to Moonlight.  Glad that the horse was beginning to accept the Eye as a companion of the small group, she walked back to join the others.

Snow gives Glumr a unhappy look, "We shouldnt split up.  That's asking for trouble."

Snow hasnt traveled for days, endured the hardships and horrors of a woodsy lifestyle to sit on the side lines and watch her cousin march off to be cut to ribbons by himself.  No sir... she's  come all this way to head out to the cave and die with him...

Snow rubs her temples and wishes the asprins been invented she could use some...

"Lets not doing anything brash or hasty.  For now lets go with Dain to meet his sisters, maybe they can offer us more information?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Wed 30 Sept 2009.

"Dont fear for me cousin.  I feel confidant that my experience in the wilds will allow me to stay well hidden.  I have no urge to face them on my own."  Glumr pats Snow on the shoulder.  "I'm used to taking care of myself." he says and gives her his classic wink.

"I would say have Dain point me in direction of the trogs.  I should be able to track them as I've already found tracks from them while I was looking around the town.  The rest of you should travel to Dain's sisters to see if they may shed any light on this mystery.  Spend the night with them and rest in safety.  Tomorrow we shall both meet back in town here.  We will have much better idea of what happened and what we shall be required to do to find Arkus.  If you all travel together, you should be able to travel in safety."

Glumr points at the house he found earlier.  "The second story of this house will offer safety.  If the ladder is up, then I am up there.  If it is down, then I am not about the town.  Fear not, I shall be waiting up there for your return."

"Dain, can you tell me how to get to the cave?  I want to go watch the trogs while you and my friends travel to see your sisters.  How difficult is it to find?"

Snow's eyes narrow slightly at the patronizing actions Glumr seems to be playing off on her, "Yes Glumr, we travel 'together'.  This includes you.  Either you concede and come with us, or so help me I'm going to give a VERY detailed account of how reckless you've behaved to your mother.  Obad-Hai's beard, I swear youre going to wish the Trogs do you in if you stay behind, cause if you survive I'm going to rat out what you did to your mom."

Snow's hands ball into a fist resting on her hips as she takes on a slightly nasty tone as she tries to a little extortion to get her way.

In reply to Snow (msg #178):

I totally agree with Snow.

"There is nothing to be gained by splitting up Glumr--if your shooting skills are any indication of your hiding skills, we'll have two bodies to find in the cave before the night is over.  This is not the town to practice in."

Glurm looks a bit shocked and hurt.  "My friends...  I admit that my arrows have not done the best to aid us in battle, but have you forgotten our run in with the goblins?  I recall being urged not to go, only to prevent them from attacking us while we sleep."

Frustrated Glumr says "I respect all of you my cousins and friends.  For that reason I will agree to go with you all."    He then turns to Snow "Shame on you my cousin.  My mother has always taught me to follow my heart.  Even if that puts me at odds with others.  She would respect my decision as she knows I am not brash."

Glumr then smiles. "Fear not, as I have said, I will accompany you all to where ever we travel for I respect you all.  And I hope you return it in favor."

Glumr clanks his cane and bow together in the air and exclaims "Let us make haste my friends, for every hour that we delay is another hour that Arkus is potentially in the hands of the Troglodytes.  I do not wish to fail in our quest."  His smile showing that he is in good spirits even though he is in disagreement.

"So...  you want to go see my sisters and not the cave?  I promise you that my sisters aren't hiding your hero," says Dain.

Glumr looks to Snow and shrugs.

Holly settles down again to Dain's height, and wonders a moment.  "Why do you want us to go to the cave so quickly? Is there something you haven't told us?".  Although Holly isn't the most open of people, she does her best to gain the boys trust, trying to show as much sympathy as possible.

[Holly tries Diplomacy, and rolled a 17.]

In reply to Holly (msg #183):

OOC: The issue is time more than location folks.  We cant make the cave and back before dark and Dain is convinced his family's camp is safer than staying here at night.  Recommend we finish whatever poking around we need to do here and then go there to rest.  We can get an early start in the morning.

I'm good with Mord's plan, i just want us to stick together as a party for numerous things.  Rarely does anything good come out from spliting up for the 'hell of it'.  It doubles the game masters work, and god forbid one half gets in combat the other half will have to grind to a halt as that resolves.

Dain thinks about his answer for a moment, giving you time to ponder the situation as well.  To a young boy home is probably a mundane place whereas a mysterious cave crawling with monsters is a location of interest a gateway to adventure.  He doesn't seem quite up to that much adventure on his own, thus he came to the somewhat safer, but still just exciting enough abandoned village.  His gamble has paid off too.  The boy has managed to stumble across a half dozen strangers and a magic floating eye.  What's more, they're on a quest. Adventure paydirt!

"I guess there's no hurry.  There's not really room in the house for everyone, and the barn's not built yet, but I think it's alright if you stay the night," Dain finally concludes.


After finishing up your business in abandoned Gollag you follow Dain back towards his sisters' place.  The boy is easily distracted and travels slowly, but the leisurely pace doesn't really bother you after so many days of more urgent travel.  Your background worry of goblin attack has now been replaced by a background worry of troglodyte attack.  You not sure which is worse.

"Hey, there's a herd!" Dain points out.

Most of you saw the cattle earlier.  Dain changes course to head in their direction.  The cattle are just grazing right now.  Eventually you meet up with Lor Ferrisedan and his boss Kvist.  Kvist is clearly a wealthy man to own so many cattle.  Also with the ranchers is the traveling merchant, Ironbottom.  He seems keen to do business with you.  Ironbottom doesn't deal in food and has a special interest in metal armor of any kind of magical items.

"What's this?!?" Ironbottom exclaims, walking over to the eye in curiousity.  He appears to cast some sort of spell in the eye's direction.  (Spellcraft DC 12 to determine what it is)

Glum steps forward.

"Fear not good sir.  This 'eye' has been aiding our quest and helping us in battle.  I am under the impression that this is not its natural state and it is need of assistance to return to whatever that was.  I noticed that you may have cast a spell against it.  Can you offer any information about our friend that we might aid it further?"

Glumr looks to the three folks they have run across.  "Likewise we have a quest that will take us to the Troglodytes that have run the town of Gollag off.  Might you have any information, or possibly good that may help us in our quest?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Mon 05 Oct 2009.

Ironbottom ponders for a bit.  He's an oddly dressed man.   A chubby man with suspenders holding up pants the like of which you've never seen before, and a coat that ends about mid-chest in the front but continues on nearly to the ground in the back.  He also sports an odd, brown, tall, tube shaped hat with a red band and a merchant's symbol.

"Well sir, I can tell you that it's not a curse.  What has happened to your ocular associate doesn't strike me as divine.  It also seems counter to the very fiber of the druids to create an abomination," he stops, looking at the eye and waving the comment off.  "No offense to you of course.  I don't think a bard could pull it off.  What does that leave?  Master goblin magi?"  Ironbottom waits for you to suggest something, but you don't so he continues.

"I suspect witchcraft."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Tue 06 Oct 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #188):

"Probably so, but we don't know who's witchcraft.  Not that it matters -- this eye has proven itself a strong ally in battle and that's worth more than any fairy tale to me."

"Ironbottoms, my good sir..  You are a provayor of good such as metals and magical items?  Might we trouble you to take a look at some gloves we have come into possetion of?"  Glumr gestures to Snow to show Ironbottoms the gloves.  "What other goods might you have to aid us in our quest?"

Snow's sorta quiet, she's not totally certain, though it's pretty logical that Ironbottoms worked some sorta divination spell, likely detection of magic.


It's often more useful to observce and perhaps be overlooked than to directly deal with someone.  Ironbottom had a greedy 'feel' to him that made Glumr feel generous by comparison that put Snow on edge a little.  For now she was content to stay nearby and watch.  The eye so far had been little trouble so she was content to let it come and go as it pleased, she wasnt about to see it sold into the hands of a coin grubby merchant though.


At Glumr's mentioning of the gloves and Snow, she quirks an eyebrow and says, "No.", giving absolutely nothing away about her thoughts on the matter beyond the single word.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Wed 07 Oct 2009.

"Gloves?"  Ironbottom turns to Snow, but is met with a neutral expression.

There's an uncomfortable pause of nearly a minute where nothing happens.  This seems to throw Ironbottom off balance a bit.

"Er, huh.  Well, maybe I can interest you in buying something.  Is there anything you're in need of?"

"I need a new roof.  Ours leaks," answers Dain unexpectedly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:15, Wed 07 Oct 2009.

Snow gives Dain an amused smile but really doesnt say more.  She's really only going to comment further if Glumr looks like he's going to start making a fuss about the gloves.

If he does, she'll make an off hand comment along the lines of, "I think we have a bow in our possession we can barter off if youre really interested in doing business with the gentleman Glumr...."

Holly had been checking to see whether Moonlight was going to behave as they caught sight of the herd, and therefore missed most of the mans casting on the eye.  As the eye didn't seem distressed by it, she just slipped in besides Snow and let the boys take the lead.

Looking over the new arrivals, and trying not to take offence at the comments about the druids, and witches.  She turned away at the comment about witches, and then started to move off a little.  Calling Moonlight to her, she kept an ear open, but kept her face away from the man Ironbottom.

Moonlight seems more relaxed now by the presence of so many other calmly grazing  animals.  This area gives him a sense of safety that has been absent since you left Triplefang lands.

"I have some sap tar that you could use to seal leaks, but it's more often used in fires for more recreational purposes.  Personally I'd prefer weeks and months of dry sleep to an evening of altered states, as pleasant as that may be," Ironbottom muses.

Dain looks at him with some confusion.

"I don't have any money with me now, anyhow."

Rolf draws Ironbottom's attention away for the coinless child.  Ironbottom starts discussing his stock and showing a few items to the talkative archer.

Glumr frowns.  "Cousin, my intent is not to sell our items, only to see if we can learn about them.  I have no real need for coin as Elhonna will see that I have all I need."

Glumr looks confused and addresses Snow directly.  "I would hate to see us fail our quest because we did not understand how to use the tools we have.  Ironbottoms claims to be an expert of items and may be able to tell us what we truly have in our possession. I would hate to fail our quest and return to Volge to find that we had an item that truly would have made us succeed.  I do not fear that this merchant will take our items from us.  That would not be good for his business name, nor do I feel he could stand against the six of us."

Glum turns to Holly "Hollykun, I think you misunderstood.  Mr. Ironbottoms was saying that Druids would not do such a thing.  He was not associating them to witchcraft."

Glumr turns back to the new trio.  "My apologies for my cousins, they are a bit distrusting to new comers.  I do not know that we need anything, more of just curious if you had any wares that we are unfamiliar with.  I could use a few things but currently am without personal coin.  I have a couple bottles of drink to barter, but that is all."

Snow decides now is a good time to wander off and takes an uncharacteristic interest in Moonlight.  Holly doesnt see her try and bond with animals often, though she's not bad at it for a total novice.

At the moment she's standing near moonlight using slow easy going motions and offers Moonlight some grass she's plucked from the ground with an open flat hand.

Glumr scowls again at how disrespectful Snow is being towards him.  He doubts he will ever figure his cousin out.  He has some words for her, but now is not the time.  He looks to Ironbottoms and shrugs an apology.

While waiting in response to IronBottoms while he deals with the archers, Glumr engages the ranchers in conversation.  "Good sirs.  We are on a quest to find Arkus, the champion of Goldenpoint.  He came to Gollag to assist the town with the Trogladytes and is missing.  Might you be able to shed some light on the events that surround Gollag?"

Perhaps reacting to the standoffishness of the Triplefang Lor and Kvist are curt.  Lor says that he knows of the Champion of Goldenpoint's arrival, but doesn't know what happened to him.  You continue on to Dain's home.


There are no paths or trails to their home.  It just hasn't been there long enough yet.  When you arrive you look over the scene.  There's a shack like you might build for a long hunting trip.  There is some worked dirt covered with a few scrubby plants - weeds maybe.  There are a trio of goats on long leashes tethered to trees.  There's also a wooden pen.  Dain says they keep rabbits there.  There are also a few barrels full of rainwater.

Dain's sisters, Elsie and Holda are out in the field arguing about something when you approach.  They stop their bickering and look your direction.

"Who have you brought, Dain?"

"They're looking for the hero, Holda.  I'm gonna show them the trog cave."

"I believe it.  If I was looking for someone I would send a giant eye to do it too," says Elsie

"Pardon me, but you don't look like holy men.  Who sent you?" asks Holda

Holly didn't bother to reply, as it wasn't Ironbottom that she was worried about.  It was what Rolf and Vidar would think.  From what she already had picked up from them, they would certainly entertain the idea that druids were assosciated with witches.

On arriving at Dain's sisters, Holly hoped that she could find a place to wash, as she knew Snow would likely be thinking the same thing.  She would also like a chance to consider whether she should pass on a little more information that she knew.

"We are not all followers of the bright one, but we have been asked to help here as we had provided a service to the church earlier.  Can I ask how far away from here the Trogs are?"

"Good day my ladies... I am Glúmr, Ranger of Ehlonna, Son of Hólmfastr Triplefang." Glumr bows to the sisters.  "As my cousin said, we are here to recover Arkus, the champion of Goldenpoint as requested to us by the church of Pelor.  We request to camp here with you all for the night for we wish to leave to find Arkus at first light.  Might we also ask that you tell us all that you know of the Trogladytes and what happened to Gollag?"

Glumr feels comfortable in this camp of survivors.  He wonders what kind of hardships the town had gone through to drive this trio so far out.  Their "home" does not look like it will do them well during the winters of the land.

He hopes that these ladies will allow them sanctuary for the night and hopes that they can shed some light on what happened and what they are up against.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #199):

"Perhaps there are some chores we can help you with this afternoon as well.  We have no wish to be a burden to you."

"I was thinking the same Mord.  Maybe after our dicussions I could see if I can go out and hunt some game and find some herbs for dinner.  I nice meal would do good for everyone spirits."  Glumr smiles and claps Mord on the shoulder.

"We use the stream for washing.  It's a bit of a hike but if you just walked all the way from Triplefang lands it wont seem very far at all."

Elsie points in the direction of the stream.  You can't actually see either the stream or the terrain clues of a stream's existance.  It strikes you as poor planning to choose to farm in an area with no running water in sight.




"Far, I hope," answers Holda.

"No, she means the cave.  I can run there in less than an hour."



"You can camp by the fire pit over there.  We used it when we first came out here.  Now we only use it for cooking sometimes because it's bigger," says Elsie.

The vegetation around the pit has all been either cut down, dug up, or matted down.  It's a pretty good place to camp.  Access to water is little issue since they have plenty of full rain barrels.

"For years the lizards were more a curiosity than a problem.  They kept to themselves and we kept to ours.  Why whack a nest of bees if you don't need the honey?  They are nasty, smelly creatures and I can imagine that their cave reeks.  That's what little Dain tells me too.  No one would go there that didn't have to.  Then this year once the snow started melting they came and took away some travelers.  That was at first.  We didn't know what was going on, but later they came right into town.  It was a full scale attack."

You can tell by Elsie's tone of voice and body language that this was a close emotionally traumatic event, but you can also tell that she's recounted the story before.

"We Ferisedan fended them off, but another wave came a few days later and overpowered the few remaining able fighters.  Then they took more people away.  We were scared and didn't know what to do.  The hero you're looking for came from Goldenpoint.  He didn't want to wait for another attack so he and some guides went to the cave.  They never came back.  There was another raid by the lizards after that.  Our elders decided that we would have to abandon the village and scatter.  I think the lizards still come and take people, but at least we're a little safer.  We can't run too far or scatter too much because we still need the help of other clan members.  It's good that you are here tonight, just in case the lizards come."

Holda nods in agreement with her sister's last statement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

"Chores?  You bet there are chores."

Holda gestures out to the weedy field.

"We let the goats graze free and they chewed up all the seedlings.  I don't suppose you can get your hands on an ox or a plow.  Well, we need to do something.  I just don't know what."

You look around.  You're not sure the fields need another plowing, but who knows.  None of you really spent much time learning agriculture even though it seems to be the big new thing.

"And one of these goats is sick...  or something.  I don't know, maybe it ate too much or the wrong thing."

The goats have pretty much grazed circles around the trees they are tethered to.  That's no big disaster since there are a few other trees, but eventually they are going to have to come up with a better system.  You can tell which goat Holda is talking about.  It's just lying there.  Hard to tell anything more from a distance.

"And our roof leaks," adds Dain.

"We could use a barn..." continues Holda.

OK, so they have some problems.  So far things have been alright.  They have been gathering grasses and other vegetation to feed the rabbits, which they have quite a few of.  They know how to lure and trap more wild rabbits too if they need to.  The goats can graze on their own.  There has been plenty of rain providing fresh water and there is the rumored stream around off in the distance.  Their diet has been mostly rabbit meat and scrounged leafy vegetables.  They are all but out of the small amount of salt and grains they got from the Ferisedan stores before leaving Gollag.  They'll need a source of these two things in the long run.  Eventually there will be fruits gatherable in the area, but during spring people just go without.

Glumr looks grimly at his traveling companions.  "My friends.  These folks are certainly on hard times.  I expect that their story is similar to most whom have been pushed from the town.  Reckon the best thing to help them would be ridding the area of the Troglodytes.   Not sure if that's something to accomplish, but our task is to find Arkus.  After we complete this task we can better know what can be done for these folks."

GM:  What time is it?  Do I have time to hunt for dinner?

Glumr's eyes flash blue.  "We should prepare ourselves for tomorrow as I expect that the Troglodytes will be less than welcoming.  More so, a group of us coming here from the city make a decent trail for someone to follow.  In fact us coming here has probably endangered these folk more than we can do here to help.  We need to be ready with watch tonight as we might see some Troglodytes about."

GM:  Are there any loft areas where archers can position themselves and fire down at any trouble?

Gamewise, I use two methods of getting food from the wilderness.  Foraging and hunting.
Foraging is simple.  You move half your normal speed during a day of travel and you gather up enough food to get by for the day.  You only need two things to forage, someone in the group with survival skill (You guys have more than enough survival) and bountiful terrain (the grasslands and hills are considered bountiful 3 seasons a year unless there's some major catastrophe)
Hunting requires all day and skill rolls, but I don't have the detail in front of me right now, so I'll have to get back to you on that.

What you can do today is send some people out foraging.  You've got a little less than half the day, but it's close enough.  Each person sent out can bring back enough dinner for 2 people.  However, dinner would be very late and between the farm and the remaining Triplefang cart food, you have a good combination for dinner already.  You can provide barley (for stew) and bread as well as heavily salty foods (Dain and his sisters are in need of more salt in their diet.) and the farm can provide fresh meat, which would be a treat for your group.




Nope.  There's a shack, a rabbit coop, some trees, and a lot of flat ground.

Snow's not a fan of foraging, and given a choice will stay behind in camp.  That's not to say she wont be busy.  Theres ample food in the cart for the party, Dain, and his sisters.  Since they're sharing their home with the Fangs, Snow would consider it a fair trade to provide a meal for the night.

The others can go gather food and what not for the next night's meal, though Snow wont wait for what they bring back to work out a dinner.  She'll welcome whatever help Dain's sisters want to throw in to help with Dinner.

Snow made certain to take alot of spices, i'm sure a basic much used one like salt is among them.  If they look badly in need of salt, she'll offer to give them whatever spices (including salt) she can spare.  Probably not much, but more than nothing at all.  She'll show them the practical uses of the spices and how she uses them.

Snow loves to cook, and if either of the sisters can cook, she'll happyly chatter the rest of the night with them exchanging recipes and methods of cooking.  She'll look over whatever food they have to spare.  If it's borderline she'll freshen it with a cantrip and put it on the menu, exchanging it for good provisions with a longer shealf life off the Fang's cart.

If they protest, she'll wave off their objections indicating that they're offering them shelter and it was a meal was a fair trade for a night under a roof.

Holly volunteers to go off for some foraging, even if it is not needed, so she can spend some time alone with Moonlight, and also to check that their attempts at hiding the cart tracks are likely to succeed.  She quickly points out that Moonlight is more than capable of smelling out any trogs before they get close to her, and that she is fast enough when needed.

"I don't intend to go far, just far enough to check our backtrail, and find some berries and other fodder for the horses.  I'll be back soon enough."

In reply to Holly (msg #209):

"Holly, is there anything you can do for their ill goat?"

I don't have any particular skill at it, but I will check out the spots that are leaking in the roof and see if I can find some materials to repair them.  I'm assuming its a primitive shingle or thatch... not terribly hard to duplicate the pattern if the materials are available.  I will ask the sisters to show me where the worst leaks are.

If something like pitch is needed to seal stuff, what's the common material used in Tripelfang homes and do they have any?

Glumr, Holly, Vidar, and Dain head out on a hunt together.  Glumr is delighted to finally be on the trail of some quail.  The archers are able to bag a few birds during the short hunt.  Dain knows where some wintergreen grows he and Holly gather plenty of leaves (good for flavoring and brewing tea) and berries.  Moonlight also sniffs out some Morels, which Holly happily adds to their collection of edibles.

Mord examines the shack's roof. It's tiled, but pretty chaotic.  It appears to try to run water off in 3 different directions.  Mord figures that it would probably work better if he could set it up to all drain off along a single slope.  Unfortunately, the task would require at least 2 days work, and he doesn't want to tear down their current roof and then run off to fight trogs, leaving them roofless.  Instead he borrows a hatchet and heads out to find a suitable tree for basic materials.  He spends the afternoon and evening splitting logs into thin enough pieces to use as fresh tiles.  Some are useable, others aren't.  It's a good start for today.

Snow and Holda prepare roast rabbit and barley pottage for dinner.  Snow gives Holda nearly all of your remaining salt.  You're not going to need it.  Your whole party has had quite enough salted foods lately and there's still plenty of salted foods on the cart.  The two get girls along well.  Snow can't help but notice that Rolf spends most of the evening chatting up Elsie.

Everyone enjoys the dinner, and it's a fine time to drain those bottles of Goldenpoint port.  The food from the hunt is split between the Triplefang and Ferisedan and prepared for short storage.

Holly begins worrying about the cart tracks, but she and Glumr determine that there's little to be done to cover them.  Additionally, Holly gets side tracked by Mord's suggestion to take a look at the goat.  It turn's out that the goat is not ill at all.  She's pregnant.

Darkness falls and everyone retires for the night.  Holly notes Rolf's absence during most of her watch, but he returns in time for his watch and nothing is said on the subject.  The night passes with no sign of troglodytes.  After breakfast Dain is eager to lead the party to the caves.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:33, Wed 14 Oct 2009.

Glumr is feeling refreshed and in good spirits.  His eyes holding a blue glint, hinting at his excitment on what today's adventure will bring.

"Dain, before we go out to the cave, can you tell us more about it?  How many Trogs have you seen around it?  What are they doing?"  Glumr asks the boy.

"The most I've ever seen was during the big attack.  There were dozens.  Lately, I haven't seen many at all."

Dain doesn't really answer your whole question, but after a couple of follow-up you can see that he doesn't know much that will help you tactically.


Before you leave...

Are you planning to take the cart?  Leave it at the farm?  Outside the cave?  Try to bring it into the cave with you?  What about Moonlight?

OCC - What is the cave in relation to where we are and town?

You guys are West and very slightly South of Gollag.  The cave is North and just a little East of Gollag.  I know it sounds like you're on the opposite side of Gollag, but you're not.

"We should leave the cart, it's too large and slow to be useful and we dont need it to haul our stuff.  We should travel light and just bring what we need."

Glumr smiles.  "I agree cousin.  These folk can tend to our horse while we are away.  Likewise this can be a safe place to rest upon our return.  Let us prepare ourselves.  I expect us to smell the foul blood of those creatures before the sun vanishes behind the horizon."  He claps Snow on the shoulder for luck.

Glumr grabs his pack.  He fills his belt pouch with wintergreen.  He makes sure his potions are hidden away in his boots and leathers.  He feels like they are almost ready.

Glumr addresses the residents "Do you folks have torches we could use?  I fear we are not equipped to enter the cave.  If not, Dain, do you know anywhere in the town where we could find some?"  He looks to his cousins.  "If not, we might be able to fashion some with some rags and sticks.  I've got a bottle of alcohol from the goblins that we can use in place of oil.  Not the best, but it might work in a pinch."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Fri 16 Oct 2009.

It rains lightly as you prepare and eat breakfast.  Dain is eager to show you guys the way to the cave.  He barely eats anything and keep asking if you're ready to leave yet.  The trip there goes smoothly.  The terrain changes noticeably along the way, becoming hilly and slightly rockier with shorter, softer grasses, good for grazing.  Upon reaching the cave Dain asks if you have a lantern.  You look at each other...

Holly has a spell that can illuminate an object for about 10 minutes.  It doesn't seem like that's enough for cave exploring.

It looks like Glumr and I posted about the same time.  We'll say you realized that there would be a light issue before you left.  Dain's sisters don't have any torches or a lantern.

The alcohol rag on a stick idea will work, but not as well or as long as a torch and the bottle will run out quicker than a pint of oil.  Dain thinks you might be able to find some semi-permanent torches in Gollag, but he's not sure.  He seems confident that Ironbottom would have some.

"It's too bad you guys don't have any money," adds Dain.

"We have a little bit of Money, Dain, that some goblins left us."  Glumr winks.

"Torches seem like they may leave us in the dark.  I think we should send a runner to Ironpants with the silver pieces and get a couple bullseye lanterns (or whatever he has) and some pints of oil."

Glumr looks at Mord.  "I know if you leave your armor here Mord, you can out run me.  Otherwise I will leave my pack and run to get the gear and be back  as soon as I can."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Fri 16 Oct 2009.

"We should be able to make do with the make shift torches, to at least investigate a little.  If we run into trouble Holly can work her spell to make certain we dont end up in the dark.  We dont have to go 'that deep' into the cave to investigate for our first excursion.  For all we know serviceable torches and lighting might be available not too far in to the cave networks?  We're here we should at least 'look' inside."

"No.. We don't want the Troglodytes to be ready for us... or do something to Arkus if they think we are after him.   Hollykun's spell will only last a few minutes.  The alcohol I have will not burn bright.  It's fool-hearty to go on without a lantern.  Just as you all would not let me go scout alone, I am not going to let us go into this dangerous situation ill-equipped."  Glumr crosses his arms and looks stern.  He's not going to budge on this issue.

In reply to Glumr (msg #222):

I will make the run to find Ironbottom and buy whatever torch materials/oil/lanterns he has within the limit of our funds.

The oil and some cloth would be the easiest to carry back and the most flexible to use--that will be my preference.  We can get the wood from the leftovers that didn't work out for shingles.

Mord has been wearing his thick hide armor so much that it feels strange to be without it.  He slips some bandages into his pack as padding and the well tied sack containing hundreds of silver coins.  He does a few quick stretches before tossing the pack onto his back.  With a wave he is off.

Mord Triplefang bounds off over the terrain in search of Kvist Ferisedan's herd and the merchant Ironbottom accompanying him.  He runs, not at full speed, but at a pace he could maintain all day if need be.  Soon he has reached the general area where the herd was yesterday.  They could not have gone far, and Mord guesses they would be moving generally away from Gollag.  It doesn't take long to find the herd.  They are easy to spot.

Mord finds Ironbottom and tells him what he's looking for and about how much he has to spend.

"Ah, these are predominantly goblin coins.  This presents no difficulty.  Silver is silver to Ironbottom.  No worry is required, my friend, you have more sufficient funds to outfit your group as completely as you prefer."

He talks Mord out of the plan of buying oil and making his own torches.

"These torches I have are crafted right here in Gollag by a maiden who has been creating them for years.  You can see the quality.  They're all quite uniform and dependable.  When it comes to illumination, I would go with a lantern.  I have a couple of them here.  The diminutive one will cast as much light, but its weight is not so burdensome.  It simply holds less spare oil, so it will require more frequent refilling.  You can't go wrong with either one or both."

He also shows Mord some candles and a fine pair of oil lamps.

"I would not recommend either for cave exploration, but the choice is made by the man with the silver."

"I sell oil in these superlative metal containers.  They seal well and you do not need to worry about them spilling or leaking.  If you bring one back I will refill it at a discount price."

2 matching high quality lamps - 3 silver each (1 pound)
Lantern - 75 silver (2 pounds)
Small Lantern - 65 silver (1.5 pounds)
36 Torches - 2 silver per dozen (1 pound each)
12 candles - 1 silver per dozen - (-)
16 half gallons of oil - 7 silver per metal container - (5 pounds)

"Perhaps you would like to look over some other items you might find invaluable in a cave."

3 Mining picks - 30 silver each - (10 pounds)
6 50 foot ropes - 10 silver each- (10 pounds)
20 iron spikes - 1 silver each - (.5 pounds)
Mallet - 5 silver - (2 pounds)

"Fighting troglodytes is no business to be taken lightly, my friend.  They are vicious and relentless.  You need every advantage you can get.  These weapons will make quick work of the malodorous buggers."

8 Throwing axes - 100 silver each - (2 pounds)
Battleaxe - 100 silver - (6 pounds)
Warhammer - 125 silver - (5 pounds)
Greataxe - 250 silver - (12 pounds)

No kibitzing, players.  Let Mord do the shopping.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:15, Sat 17 Oct 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #224):

"I will take the small lantern, 6 torches, and 6 of the half gallon oil containers.  Were we traveling with the cart, I might be tempted for some of your other wares, but this should be sufficient for our next few days. We may find you again if fortune is kind."

Probably won't be running back with all this to tote, but I will march back as briskly as I can.

Your pack is now 108 silver pieces lighter, but 37.5 pounds of goods heavier.  That's well within mighty Mord's light encumbrance, so you can still run back to the farm.  You just clang a lot on the way.  Just so you know, you now have 6 full days worth of oil.

When Mord returns, you expect him to want to rest, but he merely chugs some water, pulls on his armor and is ready to go.  The big guy isn't even winded.

We'll need a marching order and what equipment everyone is planning to bring.  Everyone still has 3 pounds (3 days) of rations in their packs from before Goldenpoint.  Once Rolf and Vidar take 3 days of rations each there are 18 pounds of food remaining in the cart.  If you'd like to lighten your load and take less than 3 days that's fine, just add it to the cart allotment.  Don't forget that a full waterskin is 4 pounds too.  Holly will volunteer to carry the lantern, but asks Mord to carry the oil.  Each container is enough oil for 24 hours.  Take as many as you'd like.

Dain guides you to within sight of the cave and points it out to you, but even before that Moonlight catches a distant whiff of their smell.  Holly also notices there are no animals around after that point.  The cave has some wood and bone decoration around its entrance and is pretty easy to spot and recognize from a distance.  There is currently no sign of troglodytes around. The sun is high in the sky, but blocked by a grey overcast.  This is as far as Dain goes.  He wishes you luck.

"We should each take a can of oil.  I'll take point with Mord.  The girls can stay in the middle and the two other archers can take the rear.  Vidar and Rolf need to keep eyes behind us."  Glumr grabs his pack as he doesnt want to be without.  He's ready to drop it in a moments notice if he needs to.

"Alright pups, there's bound to be some combat in this cave and I know none of you has had any real military training like Vidar and myself.  Of course, real life experience like this hardens you up faster than training, so you won't be green long."

Rolf draws out an invisible rectangle with his finger in the air.

"It'll be tight quarters in there.  We need to get into formation.  Two by two.  We'll squeeze down to single file if we have to."

"Mord and I will take the front," offers Glumr.  You thought he might wink, but instead the sunlight glints blue off his eye.

"Holly and I should get the longspears.  The weapons have reach and will allow us to fight from behind Mord," says Snow, plucking a spear out of Mord's belt (a bit to his surprise) and handing it to Holly.

"Right you are.  Put this strange music ball just behind you two ladies and Vidar and I will cover the flank."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:00, Tue 20 Oct 2009.

The group moves into formation and walks up to the cave entrance.  Holly pauses at the entrance.  She kneels down and crumples some dry leaves in a pile on the ground.  After several flicks of her flint a spark catches and the tinder burns just enough to light the small lantern.  She tests sliding the hood up and down.  It seems to work pretty well.  With the hood up the lanterns casts light 30 feet in all direction and some flickery shadows beyond that a ways.  The cave entrance does smell pretty rank, but it's hard to tell if it's the natural musty smell of a damp stagnant cave, or if something died inside someplace, or if it's trog stink.

You venture into the cave.  Two things strike you right away.  It's totally dark (except for the lantern light of course) and it's silent (except for your own footfalls and clattering of gear.  Neither of these things is ever really true outdoors, even at night.  Is it creepy or exciting?  You're not quite sure.  This also throws off your sense of time somehow.  You'll know that three hours have passed when the lantern starts to sputter and go out.

The intrepid Triplefang adventurers make their way down the tunnel.  It's usually wide enough to stay side by side.  You find yourself having to duck low stalagmites and ceiling drops often, but can walk standing most of the time.  Firing bows in here is going to be difficult.  The tunnel bends gently of to the right and slopes downward.  After a while it kinks sharply back to the left.  More travel and you reach a drop off of about 25 feet.  The cliff face has a set of metal rungs imbedded securely into it for climbing up and down.  (no roll needed)  There a moderate bend to the right and you're soon wading calf deep in chilly pooled water.  This slows the party down a lot since everyone is stepping slowly and carefully.  You can't see the rock you're stepping on or if there's even anything there below the surface.  It's quite slippery too.  It gets a little deeper and then shallower.  By the time the water is shallow enough to see you footing the tunnel widens out into a cavern big enough that the lantern light cannot extend to all sides at once.   A little searching turns up three other openings.
One is a small upward leading shoot.  It looks like a tight, awkward crawl to who knows where.  Not for the claustrophobic or large members of the group.
The second is a single file passage back vaguely the way you entered the large cavern.  There's a faint airflow into the cavern from this passage.
The third is a much wider tunnel off to the left.
There are also three shallow pools of water in this cavern as well as some higher rock upcroppings.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:46, Tue 20 Oct 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #229):

"If Arkus was taken here, I doubt he was marched or even dragged up the upward passage and it feels like fresh air coming in this narrow passage.  Probably just take us to another cave entrance.  I think we should explore this wider cavern to see if we can find any hint of what happened to him."

Snow frowns over the vast sum of silver Mord spent on oil, but what's done is done.  Theres 792 silvers left, and now is as good a time as any to divy what's up left.

Coincidentally, it splits up six ways nice.  Each triple fang is alloted 132 silvers before we move on.

Snow bundles her share up in a pre counted strings, or swaths them up in cloth to make counting them less of a chore should she wish to spend it.

As they travel along, Snow has a piece of chalk handy that she uses to mark the walls with an arrow pointing back the way they came.  If they need to leave in a hurry they follow the arrows out.  In her other hand she has one of her candles.  It's not particularly bright, but will be a handy back up illumination if something happens to the lantern.

Snow nods to Mord, "That makes sense to me Mord."

Snow pauses by the pools of water curious where they're coming from... Dripping from above? underground pool? filtered in from the cave opening?

Trogs were amphibious, and would likely be directed towards the way they came.

"If the Trogs use this water there should be tracks of their activity?", Snow glances at Holly and Glumr to see if they can confirm this.

At 'intersections' Snow will mark several arrows to make it very obvious which way is out and leave a little candle to mark the arrows.  The candles will only last a hour, and she only has five of them.  If we have to beat a hasty retreat it'll be well worth it.

Mord considers turning Snows frown upside down ;)

Glumr stows his bow and grips his walking stick by the narrow end, showing it to be the club it truly is.  "I agree Mord."  Glumr nods.

He takes some wintergreen from his belt pouch and crushes it into two small balls then places one up each nostril.  "It might help with the smell" he says to his companions and offers them some from the pouch.

Glumr looks to see if he can find any signs that would show them a clue on the direction.
Glumr rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Track Trogs.

OCC - Is the cave open above us?  Not understanding the reference to the out croppings.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Wed 21 Oct 2009.

Snow shakes her head slight, and politely declines Glumr's offer.  She wants to keep her senses as sharp as possible to help stay alert to the coming and goings of things around her at the moment.

If the smell gets much worse she might change her mind.

Snow's candles provide a more accurate measure of time underground than the lantern.  One has already burned down to a nub.  It's useless as a candle now, but Snow hesitates to discard the last bits of wax and tucks them into her pouch before lighting a new one.  It's generally hard to keep the candle lit down here in the breezy, damp cave. Even though Snow was careful with it the first one went out a couple times and she had to re-light it from the lantern's flame.  Also, lacking a candle holder, Snow is using a scrap of leather around the base of the candle to keep occasional drips of hot wax off her hand.

It's very tricky to track creatures along rock and through pools of water, but somehow Glumr has hit upon a successful technique of some sort.  Holly follows with the lantern close by and offers helpful tips on which scratches are natural and which are unnatural.  It also help that many trogs have passed this way.  The upcroppings of rock I spoke of are the high ground in this cavern They get to be up to 6 feet above the level of the water in the pools.  The roof of the cavern is higher here than it has been previously.  There's no danger of bumping your head, but there's no opening to the sky either.  The troglodytes' travel path through this area is mostly to and from the wider exits - the one you entered from and tunnel off to the left.  The tracks avoid the pools.  You find evidence of a fire and a broken discarded tool that looks unlike tools you're familiar with.  If you were pressed to guess, you would say that no one has been through here in the last 2 or 3 days.

Glumr, please roll a D20 regarding the wintergreen stuffed up your nose.  Amusing results occur on a 1 or a 2.

Glumr rolled 10 using 1d20. Wintergreen in Nose.

"I think we should follow the tracks"  Glumr states the obvious.  "Let's check these large tunnels out and see if we can find Arkus."

You travel down the tunnel to the left.  By the time you've left the open cavern behind you the tunnel has already begun to narrow and grow shorter.  It's not long before you notice signs of carving.  From there on the tunnel has clearly been made artificially larger and there are occasional wooden braces and supports along the walls and ceiling.  You reach a point where there is a crude stairway carved into the right side wall leading down.  No further effort has been made to expand the tunnel ahead, but it does continue.

It is pretty clear to all using Mord's earlier logic it is likely that the trogs took the hero through the larger stairway branch.  After a short discussion you descend the stairs.  They join another tunnel that runs about 20 feet wide.  Left or right - there's no obvious clear path here.
It's eerily quite and the stench is stronger.  There's little or no air circulation.  The floor is uneven and damp, not as hard as the solid rock underfoot in the rest of your travel so far, but more gravely and muddy.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #238):

I ask folks to be as still as possible and listen for any clues that might tell us which direction to go at the left-right tunnel.

Glumr rolled 7 using 1d20+4. Trackin Trogs.

Glumr crouches down to look at the loose floors.   Unfortunately he can not really make anything of it, shedding no clue on the direction in which to go.  He looks at his companions and shrugs "I've got nothing."

Snow takes the moment to brush her fingers over the walls thoughtfully.  Tunneling, bracing, and underground constructions.  From what she recalled they werent the sort that did such things.  Was something else at work here, or were the Trogs simply making use of an abandoned area, perhaps dwarvern?

Regarding the wall thoughtfully by candlelight, Snow tries to discern how well kept the braces and what not are.  At the intersection, she'll try and discern if one tunnel is better kept than the other, and suggest that path.

If all else fails, she'll suggest turning 'right'.

The braces appear to be new.  There's no rot in the wood.  Maybe the tunneling and the stairway is new too.  The walls that have been cut back are rough and uneven, but good enough for their practical purpose.  The stairs are also made more form function than style.  Is mining out a cave something a troglodyte would do?  It doesn't seem like it, but you know so little about them.

A hush falls over the group. Everyone holds their breath.  Mord listens.  It is so quiet, but there is at one point the faintest sound.  Mord thinks it came from the right.  It's hard to be sure.

Glumr finds a couple faint, mostly warn-away tracks, but they are on the first steps going up, which does you no good.

All else fails.  Snow suggests you turn right.

You travel a good distance down the wide tunnel.  Your steps echo in strange ways which causes you to keep stopping and listening for something you thought you heard, but nothing's ever there.  Snow's second candle is about spent when you see something along the right wall.  From far off it looks like possibly a root with several lighter colored somethings woven into it.

Snow waits, idling where she stands, letting the others investigate.  She takes the short break, to fish a fresh candle from her pouch to replace the one that's nearly spent.  They're spending longer in the cave than she really expected.  It's less cave and more underground complex.

Glumr feels uneasy and tries to see if he can spot any trouble.

Glumr rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Spot Trouble.

If there is no trouble, then...

Feeling that danger is not eminent, Glumr moves to check out the object on the right wall.

"Look at that thing...  It looks like a root with several lighter colored somethings woven into it.  I'm going to check it out." he says to the party.

It turns out not to be a root, but carved wood.  There are bones, worn flat, intertwined with the wood.  The bones have some symbols carved into them that mean nothing to Glumr.  The whole thing looks similar to the decorations near the entrance.

Fresh candle lit, Snow procedes to take a look at the colorful carvings to see if she can discern anything useful from it.  Holding the candle close enough to illuminate, but not burn, she purses her lips thoughtfully as she looks it over.

Holly moves the lantern closer as well, to see what Snow is checking out.  She had been quiet throughout the walking in the tunnels, happy to let the others lead and for her to simply follow.  Now there was a chance for her to supply some support to the group.  She tried to identify the root that was the centre of the activity.

[Knowledge check roll of 8 in total.]

"It's not a root." Glumr says to his group.  "It's the same decorations that were out by the entrance."

The party gathers around the wood and bone item that is attached to the wall and floor.  Holly thinks the wood is a strange type.  She hasn't seen it in the Triplefang lands.  Snow recognizes the symbols as a phonetic form of Dragon.  The words are a bit strange.  But it's pretty clear that it's a warning.  There is clearly danger.  Her best guess is BEWARE OF DARK.

"I've seen these symbols before.  They're... runes... i think.  A warning of some sort.  Warning us to be watchful of the dark... or the void... or something like that.  It's pretty vague language with alot of nuances.  I... I dont think it's Trog."

Snow's brow furrows a little as she tries to recall if Trogs... amphibious lizard sorts that they are, have closer linguistic relations to goblinoids or kobolds...

Admittedly, you all know little about trogs.  If and when you encounter them you may be able to sort out fact from fiction and bring home some genuine information.  You know they stink and that they are some sort of reptile.  Glumr says that he's certain they are not goblinoids.  Also, by their tracks they walk upright and have sharp claws.  Holly insists that a creature cannot be both a reptile and an amphibian.  After sorting it out in her mind Snow decides that troglodytes' primary language is probably Draconian.  Mord points out that reptiles are slow and lethargic in cool places such as these tunnels.

What does this all have to do with a warning about the danger of darkness?  It's hard to say.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #251):

I gots da plan... lets find a Trog and make him tell us what it says.

"'Ware the dark?"  Glumr asks Holly rhetorically.  "I don't like the sound of that.  How are we doing on lantern oil?"

He looks to Mord and chuckles.  "I'm not positive my friend, but I'm thinking the Trogs are probably not going to be very friendly when we do find one.  Just saying.  Let's see if we can bring this with us."

OCC - Can we bring the piece with the writing along with us?  If so, I'm going to pull it off and stick it in my pack.

Glumr is excited and a bit nervous.  He's heard stories around a pint or two of the Troglodytes and adventures through underground dungeons.  He never believed that the road would take him where it has.   He grips his club tightly, checks his quicker, and mentally feels prepared.  His eyes flash their tell of blue.

"Let's find Arkus and leave this foul place."  Glurm says quietly, then spits.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Wed 28 Oct 2009.

"Sounds a good idea to me."  Holly says as she moves away from the warning, wondering if it was part of the structure, or placed here in the tunnel.

She considered the work that had been done in the tunnel, and the effort undertaken.  She didn't recognise any great gems or gold running through the stone, and wondered what would drive people, or trogs, to dig out this wide tunnel.  Perhaps there was something hidden here, that was worth all the effort.  Holly looked around, to see if anyhting had been uncovered in the tunnel.

Snow's looking the runes over thoughtfully, if Glumr reaches for it she'll slap his hand away, "Your packrat nature is going to get someone killed someday and then what am i going to tell your mother?  It's just a sign but it could just as easily be a trigger for an alarm or trap.  "
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Wed 28 Oct 2009.

Sorry about slacking off on the description.  This part of the tunnel you are in now is quite wide, but it's natural.  There are no wooden braces or carved walls down where you are now.  The section of tunnel above, and the stairs were mined and worked.  Holly's right, though.   That is a lot of effort to put forth.  For what?

The pieces of bone on which the symbols are written can not be simply slipped out, but you can break the surrounding wood.  That is just what Glumr does.  He gets his knife out and carves at the wood until he can pry the pieces of bone free and slips them into his pack.  The wood now looks less decorative and more like vandals have had at it, which they have.

What now?

Doh!  RPoL got me.  Snow got a post in there while I was posting.

Glumr takes Snow's advice to heart and decides not to take the pieces of bone out.  Everything still looks unvandalized.

Glumr looks to Snow a bit hurt and chides her a bit.  "I'm not being a packrat, I figure this sign would be of importance to what this cave is, and what it means to the town of Gollag.  I'm sure the elders there would want to see it to better understand the region.

Cousin, I am not here for my own needs, but to help the people. The more they know will help preserve them in this hostile region.

Let's forget this and carry on then."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Wed 28 Oct 2009.

"Odd, the way you seem to take a certain amount of glee into walking into the maw of certain danger, I'd think that the fever of adventure and grandoise dellusion of glory have taken hold of your senses.  Trogs live here.  Should we find ourselves at their mercy, it would be nice not to have been caught ransacking through thier home without thought.  How well inclined would you be towards strangers ransacking through your things?"

"If by 'things' you mean the town of Gollag... It makes me mad.  I'm not going to take it sitting around.  I've come here to find Arkus and see what we can do about ridding the area of these creatures.  They've not been the innocents here.  I have nothing but contempt for them."  Glumr spits.

"We're in their home.  Sign or no, I expect nothing but a hostile encounter when we find them.  Come now, let's keep moving.  The less time there is solid stone above my head the better." Glumr gestures for everyone to keep moving down the tunnels.

Snow glances at Holly and lets out a deep breath, "He really is going to get someone killed.  By then... it'll be too late to do anything about it."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Wed 28 Oct 2009.

Holly smiled as she said, "Indeed Sister.  Sometimes I think the gods gave him the wrong body.  The way he puts himself in harms way, he should be built like Mord, to get himself out of the problems."  Holly then moved over to Glumr, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I would leave them Glumr.  They are here for a reason, and I for one would say they should stay.  Lets find Arkus, and get out of here first, then worry about what has been unleashed from this natural chamber."

The party presses on.

The tunnel stays as wide as it has been, about 20 feet wide and 20 feet high at its highest point - room enough for missile fire.  There's some airflow here and the smell isn't bad.  The floor is somewhat bowl shaped, so its a few feet higher near the walls.  The floor there is also solid rock.  It's more mucky and gravelly in the middle of the tunnel.  It's very quiet.  Any sound echoes.  However, the party has become better at moving without making much noise.  Everyone is keeping a sharp eye out and listening carefully as you go.

Everyone please make Spot and Initiative rolls.

Snow has all but given up seeing anything around Mord's massive bod, which seems to blot out her view of the tunnel ahead.


In an attempt to move more quietly, Snow perhaps pays more attention to the noise she's making when she should be attentive to the ambiant environment.


She is however on edge and very alert to act should obvious dangers make itself known.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #263):

Mord is becoming distracted by his hunger.  He longs for a snack his grandma used to make on the campfire for all her grandchildren -- sugary bread dough put on a skewer to roast over the flames-- skewbies she called them.  Yum!

Glumr feels that trouble is lurking, but he's not sure why.  He stows his club and readies his bow and quiver as opportunity of the cave system allows it.  His eyes flash the blue tell of excitement.

Unfortunately, if Glumr was focused more on his equipment then his surroundings, he may have noticed the trouble ahead.  Something experience will teach this young ranger.

Glumr rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Spot Trouble.
Glumr rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Tue 03 Nov 2009.

"Hey!" Vidar shouts, firing an arrow at the roof of the cave.  "There's something up there."

His second shot strikes home.  You hear a high pitched shriek of some sort.

The eye blasts out loud horn fanfare which snaps you into action.  The sound echoes off the seemingly endless tunnel walls.

Everyone now gains a +1 to hit and damage rolls.

Rolf catches sight of what Vidar was shooting at and fires at it too.  He hits.  Some sort of grey mass of what looks vaguely like a bat's wing, but much larger falls to the tunnel floor next to the eye.

"Lookout, there's still one up there," warns Rolf.

Just then everything goes completely pitch black.

Init order
21 Snow
21 Vidar
19 Glumr
17 Eye
15 Rolf
10 Monster
 8 Holly
 7 Mord

I need actions for Snow and Glumr.

Even in the Dark, and with the others doing their own thing around her, Holly did what she had been taught to do when plunged into unnatural darkness. "Obad-Hai light this place with your presence", she called forth her spell.

[Holly casts Light on the stick of the torch she is carrying]

Snow mutters, "Gee... we spent all that silver on a lantern and were still in the dark...", in a tongue no one should be able to really understand.


Snow passes a hand over her candle to be sure the flame went out, and that the candle is no longer lit...

(Presuming the fires went out, and it wasnt a magical 'black out'...)

Snow concentrates, and channels her arcane energy as she's been taught and makes a squishing circular motion over her head as she works a quick spell.  Several motes of electric blue lights glimmer into existence to provide 'poor' lighting (5' of lighting and another 5' or so of dim lighting).  It's not the best lighting but will at least be enough to keep us from stabbing one another and give us a clue when something is rushing to melee us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OR ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Presuming the candle is still lit, and Snow can feel the heat from the candle)
(Not a good roll to identify the source of the magical darkness, if that's what it is...
19:45, Today: Snow rolled 9 using 1d20+6. Spell Craft ~ Identify Magical Darkness. )


"It's not a natural darkness.  We need to back out of here or concede that we're going to be fighting blind..."

Snow flattens to one side of the wall and starts to side step back the way they came in an attempt to escape the magical darkness.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Wed 04 Nov 2009.

"It's not a natural darkness.  We need to back out of here or concede that we're going to be fighting blind..." says Snow.

Having darkness drop down upon them, Glumr is fast to react.
OCC - Did Glumr see what Vidar was shooting at?

Not sure where we are in relation to the room and each other.  Assuming that we are about mid room, and the party is at Mord and Glumr's back, leaves him only one direction to be able to swiftly move.

Leading with arrow as piercing weapon.

Considering what ever cast the darkness on the part would try to position it in the middle of the group, and the fact that his retreat in blocked by his companions, Glumr rushes forward in hopes to beak through the darkness, arrow leading least he should rush into whatever is attacking them.  "Get the lantern out of the darkness" He yells to his companions.

Snow, Vidar, Glumr, and Rolf all retreat away from the center of the group.

Something thumps Mord hard across the shoulder, and drops onto him.

Mord takes 3 points of damage.


Holly casts a spell on her lantern.  The area around Mord, Holly, and the eye is now illuminated dimly.  There is some strange grey thing about the size of a dog on Mord, battling him with its tentacles.

All attacks on the monster have a 20% miss chance.
I need Mord's action next.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:17, Thu 05 Nov 2009.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #272):

Mord easily breaks free of the tentacles, pushing the beast off with his mighty boot in its chest.  He then steps back and takes a powerful swing at it with his greatclub.  The blurry darkness helps the beast avoid the full force of the blow but it is still enough to stagger it for a moment.

"Fear not foul beast! Mord Ironfist has plenty more for you this day... come get some!"

Pleased that her actions have helped Mord to stay away from danger, she moves to put the warrior between herself and the grey monster.  Slipping her hand into her pouch, she pulls out a stone and prepares to wind up her sling.  With luck she could step away from the cover of Mord and hit it when the sling was ready.

[Holly will prepare her sling this turn, to attack next.]

I don't think Mord actually rolled his 20% miss chance so I rolled for him.

Mord's blow not only staggers the strange creature, but seems to kill it.  The darkness winks out altogether.  The party is left standing in a wide area.  The lantern glow is a bit stronger now that it's magically enhanced.  Two grey corpses lay on the ground.  They're similar to octopi but with rubbery winglike membranes between the tentacles.