You gather outside the guild, where Oren has a pack mule. Marlena is there
with her staff and kit and a bandolier of knives, and Snorri in scale mail
With a slung shield and two axes. He looks a little hung over.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:09, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

Stringfellow shows up wearing chainmail, leather and cloak, with his sword, bow and flute and pouch.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Sun 05 Apr 2015.

Syvanus shows up with his gear, a goodly supply of rations, much of what he adds to the mule along with another water jug. He has added some arrows as well, so he has a double supply (36 regular and 2 alchemical).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Sat 04 Apr 2015.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 3):

Kirpich arrives with his plate and shield clean, but dulled with earth. Chunky follows him, as usual.

Danos arrives with his regular equipment and the large portion of rations he purchased yesterday.

"Here's the contract," Oren said, unrolling a scroll.

It was written in the dense heavy legal language that these contracts were always written in. It appeared to boil down to what he had said previously, while closing off any loopholes that might be used to get around it.

It boiled down to:

1. The Company is a legal entity that exists during the execution of the expedition.
2. Important decisions will be voted on.
3. All goods acquired during the expedition, from the moment we depart to the moment we disperse, will be logged with Oren and considered part of the Expedition Pot.
4. Goods consumed will be counted, and considered part of the consumer's share of the pot.
5. At the end of the expedition, Oren will have all the goods appraised to determine the fair value of the pot.
6. From this value, Oly will first be paid $1200 he is owed. The rest will be divided by the number of surviving party members to determine the value of a share. Oly gets an additional 1/3 share.
7. Party members will be able to take any of the supplies or goods remaining as part of their share, or may wait until Oren has sold the goods on the market and take coin instead.
8. Any member trying to cheat the rest of them by hiding even a single coin will forfeit their share, have complaints lodged against them, and their reputation ruined.
9. Any member found by a 2/3rd majority of other members to not be contributing to the expedition will receive only a half-share.

Point of clarification. If one of us needs to buy something at a village, or we make some money if we stay at a tavern for a night, will that be logged?

So if our Mage has to use a healing potion to heal us all...she is penalized? I think potions/things not used in the common good of the team should be charged off to the member.

Oren addressed Stringfellow first. "Yes. All profit you make on this trip is for the good of the group. You should be using your skills for the good of the expedition. No moonlighting. But if you buy something with your own money, then that's your own business... a purchase isn't profit. But if we find $100, and you spend it, that $100 comes out of your share."

He then turned to Stringfellow. "Mages don't need healing potions to cast healing spells. And hell, if you need healing, drink the potion yourself. I'm pretty sure our priest has healing handled, though."

He spread his arms helplessly.

"But listen - we can't change anything in the contract. Not without spending more money and taking more time, neither of which we have."

"So you can sign it and come along, or you can not sign it and stay here. We'll refund your buy in when we get back in about a month."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Sun 05 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 9):

"That is fair. I sign."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 10):

"If you will prick your finger, and press it here, then sign with this quill."

Ooc: signing costs 1 fatigue point, there is a resistance roll as with Geas, although breaking the oath successfully causes your signature to become unreadable

In reply to Speilgud (msg # 11):

"Well, I don't see anything soultrapping here, so I supose I will
 sign. In for an ounce, in for a pound."

Oren signs it after Marlena.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Sun 05 Apr 2015.

I think it short on concept, but will sign regardless.

Syvanus signs

"I'm fine with signing it."
Stringfellow signs.

"Anything else we need to do before leaving? Or shall we set off."

"I'm ready."

We aren't walking yet?

Ooc we are outside the guild with a guild wizard for the contract... I believe.

"Not everyone has signed," Oren said. "By the gods, you're nearly as impatient as that furry fellow with the spear. And we should see if the priest's elemental can carry anything else."

ooc: We're waiting on Chunky's redesign, I think?

OOC- Guess I should have put a smiley face behind it... I'm just ready to get this show on the road after a 178 messages getting it organized. I have been in games that didn't last that long! (unfortunately) ...

ooc: :D

ooc oh yes, Daros probably wont post till tomorrow.  And Chunky.  Sounds good, I have Easter stuff too.  Stringfellow wsn't trying to rush anyone, he just was curious if there was anything else they needed to do after signing and packing.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 22):

"I can sign it, but I agree with Stringfellow that any group expenditures shout be taken out of the pot, rather than taken out of the share of the individual who hands over the money.

I would also like to know why Oly gets extra. I am not familiar with anything he has said or done that warrants that. I would also like to know how the $1200 that we are meant to owe him was used."

Kirpich will sign it and recover the FP point while people are finishing discussions.

[Private to GM: Also waiting to hear confirmation of changes to chunky to make him better at carrying stuff are OK.]

Oren turned to Kirpich. "Oly's not here. You haven't met Oly. It's Oly and Danos's map; Oly chose not to go on the expedition, but he gave us $800 on the condition that he get $1200 back and a third of a share."

"Oly's $800 is why you had to chip in $160 instead of $260."

He shrugged. "As to what you think, maybe next time? We'll be gaesed to follow the contract as it's written, and it's too late - and too expensive - to change it now.

"In most cases, I'd agree with you. Normally what I'd do is insist the group maintain a treasury to cover operating expenses. That treasury would cover food, lodging, travel supplies... but we're not going to have any money until we're done. Everybody's broke."

In reply to Oren (msg # 24):

"Well then, it would seem fair that whoever wrote the contract covers group expenses then!

Thanks for letting me know about Oly."

He waits until all have signed the contract...

[OOC: Chunky has been rewritten with a basic move of 5 and a basic lift of 45 lbs... current encumbrance 71 lbs, so he could carry another 18.5 lbs...pending GM approval]

Approved.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Mon 06 Apr 2015.

Danos signs, and then straps four weeks worth of rations onto the donkey.

"Looks like we're ready to go!"

Oren stops everyone trying to load things onto the mule. "Alright, listen. We don't want to overburden the beast, or there's no point in having bought it. It can carry another... fifty pounds. That's only seven pounds per person."

"So everyone pick up to seven pounds of equipment - that's 14 meals, or just under five days' worth of rations - to load onto the beast."

ooc: The Mule is carrying 140 lbs, bringing it to Move 3, Medium Encumbrance. It can carry another 50 lbs before getting to Heavy and Move 2.

Danos adjusts his pack, after placing 14 rations on the mule.

OOC: Is there a list of equipment that's on the mule/was purchased for the trip?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Mon 06 Apr 2015.

ooc: Pretty much the Group Loadout from DF 12 x2. Record what you have on the Mule on your own sheet. Easier to track that way.

Crowbar x2		
First Aid Kit x2	
Group Basics 		
Pickaxe	x2		
Pole, 10' x2		
Sack x4			
Shovel x2		
Tent, 4-Man, x2

In reply to Oren (msg # 29):

"I will take one of the healing kits, although I don't have first aid,
And I suppose I can get the cookpot and some more rations."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 30):

"I will take pickaxe, crowbar, and shovel bundled."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:02, Mon 06 Apr 2015.

"You can carry some of it if you want," Oren said. "But unless we can remove ten pounds from the mule - and not add any - we won't be moving any faster. So what's the point?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 32):

https://docs.google.com/spread...JWM/edit?usp=sharing

OOC: I created this basic spreadsheet to help track the equipment on the Mule. I couldn't figure out which stats you were using for the Mule's Basic Lift - the Donkey in DF13 has a Medium load of 132 lbs, but the Large Mule on B460 has a ST of 22 (BL of 96 medium load of 288). Anyway, it should still be useful for all of us to see what is on the mule.

This kind of thing helps me keep track of all this stuff, so I thought maybe it could help if we all kept the numbers in one place instead of going back and forth IC.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Mon 06 Apr 2015.

ooc so basically we need everyone to be able to carry their gear and still move 3, which includes the option to load 7 lbs onto the mule each, which will keep the mule at move 3, correct?

I would be happy to place a 1gal cloth bag with 13 rations on the mule.  That would be 6.75 lbs.
With that and loading myself up, I can have 77 rations, which should be close to enough, if needed I have 2 elven emergency rations.  If we get lucky after the first week and someone is able to supplement our rations with fresh meat, or if we manage to find a tavern or village. After we have eaten our loads down a bit of course.

After all, once we get the treasure, we will probably want to avoid people and towns.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Mon 06 Apr 2015.

ooc: The mule is a Small Mule from GURPS Campaigns, ST 18, Move 5.

OOC: Derp, right there on the same page! Thanks.

In reply to Danos (msg # 36):

Chunky already has the group basics and 14 lbs of food from someone, so you can remove them from the donkey.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 37):

"Ok, once we get going, this stuff should get lighter. I know the
route to the border, but I get kinda vague after that."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 38):

"Chunky can carry another 9 lbs before being slowed to 3..."

[OOC: Changes to him confirmed. He can carry 90 lbs before being slowed to 3, ie basic move 5, basic lift 45lbs...]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:41, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

ooc: So does everyone have enough food and a move of at least 3?  If not, who needs what?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:21, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 40):

As Kirpich looks over the supplies to see what else he can help with, he cant help but be amused.

"You do realize I serve a god of Earth, right? I can just ask, and the earth will open a path beneath us, shaping to my desire. I can turn stone to earth, and shape earth, making the digging tools both redundant, and quite frankly, humorous. On shovel for people to bury their waste is fine, but I doubt we will need the rest!"

He will take a First Aid kit and 2x10' poles off the mule to lighten her a little, giving them to Chunky, and take a 4-man tent and put it in his small backpack.

[OOC: Is it plausible to get everyone’s speed up to 4, or is that too much? Also, don't we need 4x10' poles, 2 per tent?

Shape Earth and Stone to Earth, let alone Walk through Earth, are basic spells for an Earth cleric! I can move earth at a rate of 2 cubic yards moving at move 2 all day...due to skill with the spell! I would like to see you dig that fast, even all of you!]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

Danos is ready to go.

OOC: Danos has move 4 with his current load.

In reply to Danos (msg # 42):

OOC: tent poles are 6 feet long and can double as walking staves

Oren turned towards Kirpich. "Look, Priest, I've been doing this since I was fourteen. You know what adventurers do more than anything else? They die. Priests piss off their gods and lose their powers. This happens."

"You think I want to be stuck without tools because you took a crossbow bolt to the face or because Grom decides that wasting your powers on a treasure hunt is a sin? You think you're immortal? You think you can't fall from the grace of Gorm?"

He laughed. "I hope to hell that hubris isn't a sin to your god, Kirpich, or you'll have your powers stripped away before we even get out of the city.

"Any one of us can die. So I brought the tools that will allow any one of us to get back home alive without the others."

ooc: GURPS DF Loadouts only calls for one pole per tent. So these tents apparently need only one pole.

Oren is at Move 4. The trick is getting the Mule to Move 4.

In reply to Oren (msg # 44):

"OK, as you wish. Yes, we can all die, but it is not something we should plan on. Anyway, just saying...well, we are ready to go."

[OOC: That is what I took a tent...does that bring our donkey up to move 4? DF mentioned that a 4 man tent needed 2 poles, that was why I mentioned it.]

"No, that's absolutely something we should plan for," Oren said. "Hope for the best, but expect the worst. This is a lethal business. I would expect at least two of us to die in Shevnia... probably you and I, Kirpich."

ooc: GM do we need two poles per tent or one?

In reply to Oren (msg # 46):

OOC: a 4 man tent requires 2 poles and stands square. A two man tent is
Triangular like a lean to.  A 16 man pavillion requires four 6 foot poles and
Two ten foot poles ( or two five foot poles that screw together....

ooc: Picking up 2 more poles, then.

I am 12 lbs overweight for move 4.

I'm at Move 4. Barely. Any more weight and I'm at 3.

In reply to Oren (msg # 50):

I note that you can replace 2 10' poles with 4 6' poles, for 12 lbs total. I also notice that neither I nor chunky can carry them, as we are both full now. (chunky could carry 0.5 lb more before speed drops to 3)

But that includes one of the 4 man tents, reducing donkeys load by 30 lbs. btw, does this donkey talk, aka shrek's donkey? I don’t want to hear "Are we there yet?" all the way there, or we may be having donkey steaks!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

I got the extra poles, don't worry about it.

In reply to Oren (msg # 52):

"I will die in Groms time, Oren. I do not plan to die before. From the earth I came, and to it I will return, and I have no plans to leave it in the meantime. You do not expect to be able to purchase digging tools closer to where we will need them?"

Oren poked Kirpich in the chest. "Listen, boy-o, I don't tell you how to do your job, don't you go telling me how to do mine. You're a priest, I'm an Agent. This is what I do. I make sure that adventurers have what they need."

"So you worry about Grom and clerical magic, and I'll worry about tools and supplies. Got it?"

"Now gentlemen, please calm down, I'm sure that nobody is trying to tell anyone else how to do their jobs, let's just assume that ideas or comments are simply people trying to be helpful, not interfering.  There's no need for tempers to flare before we even set foot on the road."

Stringfellow attempts to keep things friendly.

"Maybe we are over thinking this.  We know that the area we are going is fraught with bandits, outlaws, and road agents preying on the survivors of the plague and those brave enough to move into the stricken, depopulated area.  We are doubtless going to end up fighting our way through both ways, after all, a party of folks with a pack mule look to be better pickings than a poor farm, for any bandits to hit.  We will need to be careful and watchful, able to trust each other to protect each others' backs.
Doubtless we will emerge victorious against any rabble foolish enough to sally forth against us.  That means loot and salvage, and that means weight. Vigilance may be more important than speed during this journey. Rather than arguing about packs and tools, roles and poles, let us just set forth as best prepared for the trials ahead as we can be.  After all, a quicker group a few miles ahead and dead, is less likely to come back with treasure than a slower, prepared and careful party that works together to overcome obstacles."

Stringfellow endeavors to rally them to work as a group.


15:59, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 12 using 3d6. Diplomacy - 14.

"You're preaching to the choir, Stringfellow," Oren said. "That's exactly what I've been saying. An adventurer's true gods are preparation, professionalism, work ethic, and caution. Your sword may break, your god may abandon you, your spells may fail, but an extra pair of socks in your pack will ensure you don't get trenchfoot from slogging through the swamp all day."

"Everyone has a job to do. And we'd best all see to our own business before seeing to anyone else's. I'm an Agent. What I do is arrange things. I make deals. I find the best prices. I know people, and I know how people work. Logistics."

He put a hand on Stringfellow's shoulder. "Your job is to keep our spirits up, and to spread the word about our deeds so that our personal reputations grow."

"Let's all keep our minds on our business, and our noses out of each others', ya? We're bound by magical contract. Remember that."


ooc: 18:07, Today: Oren rolled 6 using 3d6. diplomacy-14.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 54):

"I am sure the time will come when you check on my work, so don't be so Sensative when I check on yours. After all, I will be one of those who suffer if you get it wrong. Part of being part of a team is mutual accountability. Besides, what if you die on the way...have you given the rest of us enough information to go on without you? You have checked to see if there are no locations closer to our destination, right? If not, let me know when I should summon Groms allies to assist in defending us."

He brushes the offending finger away, but it would not please Grom to get angry for such a minor misunderstanding, so he remains calm.

I am moving at 3 by about 14 pounds. If the donkey can handle those 14 pounds, I can move at 4. Otherwise I move at 3.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 58):

So Stringfellow and Sylvanus would need to offload 26 lbs to move at 4, and everyone else is fully loaded at move 4, right?

ooc: Has everyone posted as present and ready to go?

"Well, I'd rather go with a little extra gear and be ready, instead of scrimping to go faster and then not having something in an emergency."

He warms up with a grin.

"Why I recall a tale about an entire army that was defeated by no more than a lack of crowbars.  Yes siree, this army had packed away most of it's arrows in crates as it traveled, to ease the  march.  Well it turns out they were set upon by savages as they went through a narrow pass.  The attackers only came close enough to launch deadly spears, never coming into direct contact.  The army quickly ran through the arrows they were carrying, but the supply group was unable to keep them resupplied fast enough because they only had 1 crowbar and the packing crates on the supply wagons were very sturdy.  The entire army was lost as they were hit from both sides by attackers they could not catch."

ooc: I'd rather not leave behind anything else.  I'm about at bare bones as it is.  Let's just move at 3, we will probably end up weighed down with loot soon enough anyways.  Otherwise we will need to get additional food every week.  That means going into villages or farms once we have the treasure.  I'd rather avoid everyone and all population centers while we are carrying that.
Getting supplies or selling loot on the way is fine, but on the way back I'd rather go non-stop through the wild.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Tue 07 Apr 2015.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 60):

"I too know this tale. Is why I carry crowbar."

Stringfellow smiles at Snorri. "And I've learned to carry 3 enchanted quivers for the most common types of arrows I may need."

Oren started leading the mule towards the city gates. "My parents were adventurers, and when I was young, they'd send me into town to do all the arranging of details. When I was older, in my teens, I sold my services as a henchman to whatever adventurers needed the help."

"While the adventurers were drinking in the tavern, I'd spend my time chasing down rumors of treasure and monsters. If they needed some sort of special gear, it was my time to find a seller. When they returned with rare art and artefacts, it was my job to find a buyer."

He chuckled. "That was my childhood. Second-hand adventuring. Making deals with merchants, with wizards, with the law, with barbarian orc warlords. I've been involved with this life for a decade, and I've come to know it well.

"So put your minds at ease, fellows. You're in good hands. As long as you can keep yourself alive, I'll keep us profitable."

In reply to Oren (msg # 63):

"So we are off at a slow speed then. Let us continue our discussions on the road..."

"Another vital adventuring skill is walking and talking at the same time," Oren said.

"That is a well known truth.  Walking and talking or singing or playing an instrument, all vital skills.  Apt to be coming in a might useful."

Stringfellow lengthens his walk into a maintainable, distance eating stride.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 66):

Leaving the guild, you head for the east gate, which takes you through the mercantile district.
As you approach the gate, you see a string of figures all dressed in brown
and buff uniforms escorting a small domkey cart laden with cheeses. The merchant waves at Oren.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 67):

"Friends of yours, Oren? Perhaps they can shed some light on what we can expect."

Oren approaches the merchant. "Well met. Where are you headed?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 69):

"Bonjour Monsieur Oren. I am returned from my cheese buying
expedition with the guards you outfitted me with. They weill be at liberty
once I retun to my shop, and we will be making another journey in a few
 weeks."

In reply to Martin duPrix (msg # 70):

"We ran into a little difficulty, but nothing outrageous."

"Excellent! I'm glad it worked out for you. Come to me if you need more caravan guards in the future. I'll be out of the city for perhaps a month, maybe longer."

"If I may ask, good merchant.  Which direction did you travel through and what kinds of troubles were encountered?"

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 73):

"We headed out through the south gate looped through the forest to four small towns and then back through the eastern reaches.
The southern forrest still had some of the brigands who had troubled Monsieur
DuPrix on his first trip, but we gave the last of those poltroons what for.
The way back, was different, we saw an orcish warband and traded arrows
with them."

In reply to Quentin (msg # 74):

"An orc war band you say?  Well that's not good.  With luck we'll not encounter them.  How many did you see?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Thu 09 Apr 2015.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 75):

"More to the point, if you traded with them, what were they after?"

Oren stares at Kirpich. "He... no. No, man. No. They fired arrows at each other. They didn't... they didn't literally trade arrows.

"It's an idiom."

In reply to Oren (msg # 77):

"Oh. I never like to jump to conclusions...I have some lovely stones I can trade with them too if they like that sort of trading."

"Hmmm, now I wonder what quality of arrows they have."

"Orcish quality." Oren said.

He looked at the map and tried to see if any of the trouble the merchant had mentioned was on their route.

In reply to Oren (msg # 80):

"I think there may have been a half dozen of them in that group, their arrows were black and barbed. Quentin here matched them shot for shot. You selected me a fairly good group of guards, Oren."

Oren chuckled. "I'd hire them myself if I had the money. I'm glad it worked out, Mr. duPrix."

"Oren, does our planned route take us near there?  If so, is there an alternate path we could take?"

Stringfellow looks thoughtful.

"Although it strikes me that knowing the dangers of an area may prove useful.  After all, I doubt that an orc warband would allow bandits or other predators in their area, so if we can avoid the Orcs, we might not encounter other dangers nearby.  This is just a theory of course."

Oren returned his attention to the map to see if the orcs were on the way to Shevnia. "Mr. Hill, I can assure you that if Orcs are the only danger we face, we can count ourselves lucky."

War bands move constantly... I doubt they'll be there tomorrow

"Agreed."

In reply to Oren (msg # 86):

"Despoilers. Almost a pity, really. I am sure we can put their ill-gotten gains to much better use that funding more pillaging. Less than 10 of them, you say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Thu 09 Apr 2015.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 87):

"We saw six, but they weren't loaded with gear like you guys,
so I guess they were a patrol or scouting party."

In reply to Quentin (msg # 88):

"How far from here were they? I mean, can we expect to see them today, or tomorrow?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 89):

"About a day and a half out."

In reply to Nassim (msg # 90):

"Ah, thanks. I will ask Grom for an escort tomorrow then. Good day, gents."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 91):

"Good luck... wherever you are heading."

"Thank you for the warning, we really appreciate it."

Stringfellow turns to the merchant, inhaling deeply.

"When we get back, I think that I would like to stop by your place and try some of that delicious smelling cheese. I like to toast the cheese and add some fresh honey. I'm already looking forward to returning."

Oren whispered to Goodfellow. "He just got back from selling all his cheese. He's not carrying any. You're only smelling the man's body odor."

"Let's be off, men."

"Erm, yes... let us depart."

Stringfellow makes a little wave and turns to continue down the road.

Whispering back to Oren, while rubbing his nose.  "I thought he said he was on a cheese buying trip, though a little soap and water wouldn't go amiss."

"Buying, selling," Oren wiggled his hand. "Either way. The man smells more like cheese than his cheese does.

"I find it best to buy and sell on the same trip; that way you make a profit both ways. But I don't know if I could give this life up to be a pure merchant... it'd just seem so dull. Danger is where the stories hide, eh, Stringfellow? What's a better story, if we run into that orcish warband, or if we miss it?"

"Oh, audiences always prefer tales of daring do and furious battles.  Though clever fooling of enemies goes over well too.  I suppose that the best mix would be to encounter and kill any orc scouts, while avoiding the main part of the warband through some clever ruse, which can be thought up and added to the tale later."

Stringfellow replies as they start off down the road, again.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Fri 10 Apr 2015.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 97):

"Oh, for the glory of Grom, I hope we meet and defeat those despoilers. Who knows, they may have more ill-gotten gains than we will find otherwise...enough dalliance, let us be on our way."

He heads for the gate...

Syvanus is standing outside the gate waiting on the rest of them...as they approach he heads off walking about 5 paces in front and looking/listening for anything unusual.

19:11, Today: Syvanus rolled 10 using 3d6. Observation.   Made it
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Sat 11 Apr 2015.

Oren walked alongside the mule. "Oi, Syvanus, come back here for a bit, I want to talk to the group.

"First, does anyone want to serve as scout? You should be a good deal faster than the main group. You'll be traveling about an hour ahead, coming back to report regularly or when you spot anything."

"We could take turns, say for three to five hours at a stretch, that would allow the scout to locate suitable locations for luncheon, dinner or a place to bed down for the night.  I'm not an expert in the wild, but I am observant and can be quiet when necessary.  I don't know if being an hour away from assistance would be wise, maybe a three to five miles, or half an hour?"  Stringfellow suggests.

"When it's Syvanus or my turns, we could lighten our load and place our extra weight on the mule.  Then collect it again during the next switch."

Stringfellow tilts his head to the side.  "Oh yes, one other thing.  I am capable of communicating with any one of you from up ahead.  My mind can contact yours, either just passing information, or full communication.  In other situations I can tell if someone is an enemy or lying."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Sat 11 Apr 2015.

"There's not much benefit in switching off, but if you both want to serve as scouts, you're welcome to." Oren paused. "And I'd prefer if you refrained from casting any spells on me. But if you do see anyone or anything up ahead, for gods' sakes, come back and tell us."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Sat 11 Apr 2015.

"Will we be staying on a road, or are we going cross country?  After all, it would be bad if our scout got separated and unable to find the rest."

"My reasoning for switching off would be that the scout is going to be running around a great deal, if they are moving ahead and coming back regularly.  That is going to be rather wearing on a person and may leave them exhausted at an inopportune moment.  I was thinking that it might help to give each person a rest from that."

"Though I suppose that if I am scouting and someone here doesn't mind me communicating with them mentally, I wouldn't be spending as much time running around, though I might still take a few minutes to rest occasionally, if it is safe enough."

"The road, according to the map, but when we're cross country the scout has to be someone who has the sense not to get lost, aye?"

"Now, here's how scouting works, for those of you who haven't been one. We plod on at mule-speed, aye? Scouts move ahead, twice as fast. They go about an hour up, then head back to meet us."

"When they're back, we all rest, they report in. Then they run off ahead again."

ooc: After an hour of travel, an unencumbered scout will spend 1 FP. A medium encountered person/mule will spend 3FP. Unencumbered scouts will have to rest 1/3 as long as everyone else to recover.

Note that this rest time is already built into overland travel times; GURPS assumes that if you're interrupted while hiking, you've only got an hour's worth of FP missing. This implies resting every hour - which, if you're losing 3FP/hour, is basically required anyway.

In reply to Oren (msg # 104):

"I am not opposed to having instant communication, as it will give me time to ask Grom for assistance if we face a serious threat. Otherwise, I am happy to follow directions."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 105):

The East gate is heavily guarded, by men and women in a mix of scale and plate, armed with swords, crossbows and some dueling glaives.  The sergeant gives you a look before waving you through.

Oren gives the sergeant a friendly wave.

In reply to Oren (msg # 107):

Kirpich settles down into his hiking rhythm, with chunky behind him, and the scouts somewhere in front.

Syvanus works to stay ahead of the main body , although he is only perhaps 10 paces in front and working to maintain the pace.

"So. Scouts? Who wants the job?"

"Well, if nobody else will do it, I'll give it a shot today and see if I like it."

Stringfellow moves over to the mule and secures equipment to it until he feels he can move freely.  He then looks at the map and stars off down the road at a faster pace, paying particular attention to the surroundings. He will check in with them after a while.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Sun 12 Apr 2015.

"Go on ahead for an hour, then come back and meet up with us," Oren said.

Stringfellow heads off down the road for 45 min, watching and looking, then heads back a ways to meet the others, if he comes across a nice resting point like a shade tree or creek, he'll stop there and wait for them.

14:15, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 14 using 3d6. perception - 14

In reply to Oren (msg # 112):

The road is fairly clear, with some traces of litter and trash along the way,
 but the brush is cut back from the road for the first several hundred yards,
almost up to the first milestone, but after that, things get a little
scraggly.  You spot a place about two miles further that looks suited for a simple encampment, but there are signs that it might have been used for ambushes in the past.  Off in the distance, you can see a man and a team of
oxen ploughing a field to the south.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Mon 13 Apr 2015.

Danos is humming an elvish tune as he walks.

The plan is to walk until nightfall, stopping to rest and recover FP as needed, which is pretty much what the overland rules assume.

Stringfellow looks around the camp site for a couple of minutes, to make sure that there isn't anyone that is going to jump the rest of the party as they pass by.  He then continues along for another couple of miles before turning back to meet up for the first time, before setting off again for another hour.


08:04, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 13 using 3d6. Perception - 14.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 117):

Stringfellow notices a jay nailed to a tree with an arrow, blood trails down
 the bark. It doesn't look more than a day old, and the arrow has black fletching.

Stringfellow pulls out his bow and makes sure it is ready for action as he scans the area. He looks carefully in the direction the arrow would have came from.

"Now why would someone go to all the trouble of shooting a bird, then leave both the bird and their arrow?" He asks aloud.

He looks at the bird to see if it was shot and hit the tree, or if it looks like someone shot it and then took the arrow and bird and mounted it on the tree like a sign or warning.

ooc: How far away from where that farmer was is this?
What does the terrain look like?  How much cover, trees, shrubbery?

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 119):

The bird looks to have been shot into the tree, possibly for sport, at a distance from up the road, not from either side.

He will carefully move up along the side of the road for a hundred yards or so, looking for any sign of hostiles.

He nearly steps on a couple of branches, but manages to miss them.

09:40, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 12 using 3d6. stealth 12.
09:40, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 8 using 3d6. perception 14.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 121):

About a hundred yards out you find the remains of a small fite, and a lidless
canteen that smells of sour ale.

Stringfellow listens carefully to the area, the moves away back down the road.  It's time to check in with the others, he'll inspect more carefully after informing them of his find.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 123):

Longfellow heads back down the road, and soon meets up with the heavily laden crew.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 124):

"What's up ahead?"

Oren gave Longfellow a grin and a wave as he approached, signalling the group to stop.

"So far all I have seen are old signs.  There is a place up ahead a couple of miles that may have been used by ambushers in the recent past, and I found a curiously left behind arrow with black fletching, used to shoot down a jay and pin it to a tree beside the road. Other than a farmer though I have not spied a soul."

"This is a well-traveled road," Oren said, "And many hunt for sport. Pinning a jay to a tree, though... even if the bird were flying right next to the tree, the arrow would have to be fired with great force to penetrate the bird's body and have enough force to penetrate the bark and wood as well."

He frowned. "It's more likely that the bird was killed and the arrow jammed into the tree after."

"Either way, we have a superhumanly powerful archer, or someone who nailed a bird to a tree as some sort of message. I don't know which mystery is worse."

He hitched the mule. "We'll rest to regain our stamina, and then continue. Head back up to the bird, make a careful look for any signs - when you're recovered, see if you can see tracks near the jay from whoever jammed it there, or try and guess where the arrow might have been fired from.

"We'll catch up to you, and make our next rest stop when we catch up to you."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Mon 20 Apr 2015.

"Sounds good.  I will head back.  The arrow was fired from the road, and it looked like it landed against the tree, rather than being jammed into it by hand.  I will see if I can find our more, at least if it is a safe enough area to pass through."

Stringfellow rests a couple more minutes, then heads off up the road.  Once he gets closer to the area where he left the arrow, he moves close to the side of the road and moves more slowly while stepping on leaves and sticks. He examines the ground for tracks.

Is the farmer still near?

09:47, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 13 using 3d6. perception 14.
09:47, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 15 using 3d6. stealth 12

"The added weight from the bird would drop the arrow, even if it retained enough force to hit the tree," Oren said. "The bird would have to be flying right next to the trunk to be pinned that way, quite unusual for a bird, but not impossible. Pinning only really makes sense if the jay were clinging to the trunk, instead of sitting on a branch. Odd behavior, but again, not impossible."

In reply to Oren (msg # 130):

"Perhaps time to ask Grom for a more warlike companion..."

He begins praying for a club of Grom to be formed from the stones hereabouts...

[Private to GM: Rolled 6 under casting skill, cost 2 fp, time 20 sec]

I would think it is a warning of some sort...likely the Orc's claiming this area... if they were just ambushing folks, they wouldn't warn them.

"This close to Northport?" Oren cocked his head. "Well. They are Orcs. But I don't think an orc would imagine that a small bird stuck to a tree is a warning or territory marker. Doesn't seem very fierce. Oh, you killed a bird. So what, children kill birds. They'd be more likely to use a wolf skull or a dead child."

"Listen... this is a big world with a lot of things in it that seem interesting, but aren't. Not everything we run across on this trip is going to matter. Some things are meaningless. Some things are coincidental. Some things are dangerous, yes, but for the most part travel is very boring."

"So let's not start jumping to the conclusion that every little thing has meaning, purpose, or relevance. Sometimes a bird nailed to a tree is just a bored farmer playing pranks."

One lives longest by being aware of the possibilities and being prepared for them... it never hurts to be prepared or a bit more alert.

"Sometimes," Oren agreed. "But part of that is learning what to disregard. Few people have the focus to pay attention to everything at once, and living like that 24/7 is exhausting.

"Learning to identify threats and disregard distractions is an important skill."

Indeed it is...

Syvanus rises and follows in Stringfellow's steps down the road.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 136):

His new earthen friend beside him, Kirpich and chunky follow the more experienced travellers.

"I think I will call you Stoner. How does that sound?"

"How many of those can you create?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 138):

"As many as Grom gives me."

"So why not make an army and send them ahead to scour the land of any foes that might be waiting for us?"

While moving slower, Syvanus eventually catches up with Stringfellow.

Anything new?

He carefully survey's the area.


14:23, Today: Syvanus rolled 4 using 3d6. Perception.  A Crit !
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Tue 21 Apr 2015.

"I haven't seen anything that looks dangerous so far."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 142):

The fist of grom, an asymmetrical golem a little larger than chunky forms out of the ground, but nothing else is to be seen on the road at this time.
The group is still about twent minutes from where Stringfellow saw the farmer.

In reply to chunky (msg # 143):

"Because I must be responsible for looking after what gifts Grom entrusts me with. Come along Stoner, we will find you something suitable to smash..."

"So looking after them means finding things for them to smash. You have an interesting and destructive god."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Wed 22 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 145):

"Gracious no. Grom expects us to guide them and look after them. They are not so bright, so they are easily decieved into actions that would bring Groms name imto disrepute. We are to avoid that. Since they are only created to deal with threats, it is up to Groms servants who create them to ensure the threats they deal with are opposed to Groms ideals."

"Grom is very different from the other Earth Gods I've heard about," Oren said. "Does your religion hold that the elementals are created when you cast your spell, or does it say you are binding elemental spirits into physical form?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 147):

"The physical for is created by the spell and animated with only rudimentary Elemental earth spirit in this case. The spirits always exist, the physical form we create"


Ooc, right, gm?

"Ah, so you're not creating the spirits," Oren nodded. "You pull the elemental spirits and bind them to temporary bodies. Misusing the elementals for personal reasons would be abusing and taking advantage of them, and sinning against Grom."

"So you're telling me that they're not toys, they're not tools, they're not slaves, they're not pets, they're not like machines. Let's make sure we only use them when we absolutely must, to avoid getting you in trouble with your god."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Wed 22 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 149):

"Yes. You seem to understand. If there are orc marauders around, using them to guard against orcs who defile the ground with innocent blood is very much what Grom would like, but you are right. They are not pets or toys, but extensions of Grom's power, and like all Groms blessings, not to be abused."

"What if the orc marauders are just, I don't know, killing elves or something that doesn't involve hurting dirt or rocks or the earth? Does Grom even care?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 151):

"Innocent blood on the earth cries out for justice, wether it be elven, orcish or human. Hence, all innocent blood spilt on the earth defiles it, and neither I nor Grom can be happy about that."

"Forgive all the questions, I'm just trying to understand your religion," Oren said. "But why does an elemental god care about moral qualifiers like "innocent"? I thought he was a god of the Earth, not a god of justice or protecting innocents or anything like that."

In reply to Oren (msg # 153):

"Answering questions about my religion is exactly what I am here for! Those who do not care for morals create restless spirits, and the undead spirits kill the land around them. Those who die with honour and dignity rest in peace, and rejuvenate the earth. But those who die unjustly create unrest in the spiritual realm, and this is hat pollutes the earth much more than folk who simply harvest the earths riches, because it can kill all life. Hence, he is considered a good God, because morals are important to him."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 154):

"This is all interesting, and I appreciate the elementals backing us
up, but what objections does Grom have to digging up treasure?"

Stringfellow, even with my full load, I think I shall walk up here with you ... way to many experts back there.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 156):

The theological conversation has brought you far enough down the road to see the farmer and his ox in the field.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 14:49, Thu 23 Apr 2015.

Having no knowledge of human theology, Danos passes the time by attempting to recreate the party all marching along on the back of the mule in miniature. He thinks he's done a pretty good job - especially on the little Stoner.

10:03, Today: Danos rolled 5 using 3d6. Complex Illusion.

"This is important," Oren tells the others, "So we can figure out what we can ask the priest to do with his powers, and what Grom will take his powers away for."

In reply to Oren (msg # 159):

"Grom does not object to removing man-made object from him any more than you might object to someone removing a splinter. Just don't use a proverbial battle axe to do it!"

"No, we'd use the picks and shovels that we brought. What about gold and gems? Does he care about us digging up gold and gems?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 161):

"That would depend on the way in which they were taken more than anything."

As the group arrives, Stringfellow waves to them from where he had been waiting and watching.  He then continues down the road, having not seen anything untoward during his time watching the area.

Syvanus Rises and follows Stringfellow.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 164):

While Oren continues to feel out the limits of divine assistance for this quest, The
archer and bard continue ahead.  The farmer and his ox are a little closer to the road
 as you pass them.

As he gets closer to the farmer, Stringfellow starts quietly singing a song about travelling as he decides to check the only person he had seen in the area.  He casts sense foes on the farmer.


06:28, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 10 using 3d6. Sense foes 14

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 166):

While distrustful, the farmer does not read as a threat.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 13:02, Tue 28 Apr 2015.

Stringfellow smiles and waves as he continues down the road, watching the area on either side of the pathway.

If it's time for a rest, Oren calls for a rest. Otherwise they continue on at their normal Speed 3 pace.

In reply to Oren (msg # 169):

Kirpich keeps his charge under control, and follows the activities of the rest of the group.

"If you don't need them, maybe you should let them go? Or does Grom not care if elemental spirits are bound and enslaved without purpose?"

He paused. "No problem if they are. If your religion is all about enslaving elementals to do your bidding, I won't complain. I just want to make sure you won't get in trouble with your god."

In reply to Oren (msg # 171):

"Escorting us is definitely NOT without purpose. You have a very limited understanding of spiritual matters, it seems. We should try to rectify that. They serve Grom whether they serve me or not. I am obliged to look after them for as long as Grom gives me command over them. It is my responsibility and privilege, and he is glad to assist me. He is not my servant, and is free to leave whenever Grom calls him elsewhere."

"I don't understand your spiritual matters, priest, that's why I'm asking. You think yours is the only religion? You think Gorm is the only god? Gorm isn't even the only earth god, and they all have different teachings."

His voice took on a rhythemed cadence as he spoke. "Now, I'm not a scholar, so I can only tell you what I know from a decade of working with different priests. Lugnar the Earth Lord teaches his followers that to summon elementals is a sin. Gokka the Yellow teaches his priests that elementals are tools to be exploited at will. Hugyak the Hungry is an earth god who absolutely hates all organic life and preaches that some day the stones will rise to take the world back from the living."

"It is in our best interest to see that we don't accidentally sin against your god while you're traveling with us, so I want to know what Grom says is a sin. I don't really care about why he thinks they're sins. Just what we need to avoid."

In reply to Oren (msg # 173):

"I see. Grom is known as king of earth elementals to some. Avoid tearing up the earth without reason, and treat it with proper respect and you won't go far wrong." he replies curtly.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 174):

"Shall we ask this guy about the orcs?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Mon 27 Apr 2015.

"Don't insult dirt. Got it."

When they drew near the farmer, Oren called out to him. "Farmer! Sir! Do you mind if we ask you a few questions? We've heard of orcs in the area, do you know anything about that?"

[Private to GM:
Diplomacy-12: Passed.
Attractive +1, Reputation +1]

In reply to Oren (msg # 176):

The farmer reples to Oren in Shevnian.
[Private to Oren;Snorri Roslvich: "Da! Orcs, bandits and whatever you are."]

Oren switches to Shevnian.
[Private to GM:
"We're simple hard-working travelers. Orcs and bandits? Where are they, and how many?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Mon 27 Apr 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 178):

The farmer points all around and answers in Shevnian
[Private to Oren:In the woods, in the swamp, in the hills, in the army.
They are all about, you can't walk three paces without tripping over a
loupežník (highwayman).  Urhaki,(goblin folk) less so.]

" V lese, v bažině, v kopcích, a to i v armádě.
 Vy nemůžete vzít tři kroky, aniž by splňovalo loupežník.
Urhaki, ne tolek."

Oren gestured back towards Northport, speaking.

[Private to GM: "We're less than half a day from the city. Doesn't the city guard offer protection to the merchants this close to Northport?"]

In reply to Oren (msg # 180):

The farmer shrugs.
"Gardisté hlídají silinici asi jednou týdně."
[Private to Oren: Guardsman patrol about once a week.]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:43, Thu 30 Apr 2015.

Oren frowned, thanked the farmer, then turned back to the others. "The man says that there are orcs and highwaymen about, and the city guard does nothing about it save for sending out a patrol once a week. I don't know why Nightport tolerates it, or why the merchants haven't hired mercenaries to burn the lot of them, but constant orc and bandit attacks can't be good for trade."

He sighed. "So. The area around Nightport is no safer than wilderness a hundred miles away. Ridiculous. I should run for office when we get back, show them how to manage a damn city.

"This changes nothing for us. There are always orcs and bandits and such around. I just thought they'd be kept further from the city. Disgraceful, really."

In reply to Oren (msg # 182):

"I gathered as much. The east gate, and this road are overseen by that louse Yvengi, as this area is under Shevnian jurisdiction, and not subject to
your Aralaise Baron Mabinota."

"Bloody useless," Oren cursed. "Letting a foreign power control something so important to the city."

He thought about it. "Maybe I will run for civic office. Make some much needed changes. Finance it with my share of this job's take."

In reply to Oren (msg # 184):

"You will need to learn who to bribe. Coin is the only thing that moves
the beaurocrats." He spits at the side of the road in disgust.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 185):

"Yes, when there is no fear of the gods, coin become the god and that is indeed a lousy god. Corruption is sure to follow, evidence I and my fellow priests are not as effective as we should be."

"Almost every culture has gods of wealth, trade, and commerce," Oren said. "I think the dwarves have three or four."

In reply to Oren (msg # 187):

"Ah, yes, right you are. Gods that sanction greed, no less. No wonder they need so many laws to stifle corruption. Guess what we have here is a perfect example of what is wrong with greed when not properly restrained..."

"Greed?" Oren shook his head. "No, friend. Trade. Ethical exchange. Most of them. A few of them are focused on greed. But man doesn't need the help of the gods to be greedy and selfish."

In reply to Oren (msg # 189):

"Whilst I agree with you that man needs nothing to be greedy, greed does breed corruption, not ethical trade!"

"And the gods of trade are not corruption. They're purity. The exchange of energy by which both parties are enriched. Commerce is a form of magic."

In reply to Oren (msg # 191):

"Yes. The requirement for fairness or lack thereoff is what defines the trade gods as good or evil"

"Good and evil are human terms. I'm surprise a god of earth - which has nothing to do with good, evil, or human drives - would care. Unless "Earth" is a metaphor? Like with Mokar, the Beast God, only Beast doesn't really mean animals, it's a metaphor for man's inhumanity to man. And I think the Dwarf mountain god is really about duty and stamina?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 193):

"You cant separate the Earth from it's inhabitants. So of course he has to care about the inhabitants."

"Wait, is Grom a god of the element earth or... literally everything? Is he the god of "earth" or "the Earth"? Because those are two very different things, and it makes your magic more powerful if Grom is a god of everything on Earth."

In reply to Oren (msg # 195):

"True. They are different, but not very different. As I mentioned, he is king of the Earth Elementals, lord of the living earth. That can be interpreted in several way, and they are all appropriate in some way."

He smiles at Orens' curiosity. At least the discussion would make the trip go faster even if he was not interested for spiritual reasons.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 196):

The team has moved past the farmer's field and are nearing the place where
Stringfellow found the remnants of the orc camp.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 197):

Kirpich looks around to see if he can see any evidence of when they left, or if they were carrying valuables. "Had they already raided their target?" he wondered, mumbling to himself.

[Private to GM: Search, 3 under skill.]

"They're orcs. Their target is probably 'whoever they see.'"

In reply to Oren (msg # 199):

"Oh, yeah, possibly, but they may also have a more specific target. You should not rule that out."

He is initially surprised that anyone was listening, as he was rather preoccupied with his search.

"Doesn't matter to us much either way. We're not their target, and unless they attack us, they're not our problem."

He kept moving past the orc campsite. "Catch up when you're done picking through their garbage. We're on a fairly tight schedule."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Tue 12 May 2015.

Stringfellow continues his journey ahead of the others, watching his surroundings.

And Syvanus struggles to keep up with Stringfellow...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 203):

Along the road are traces of some kind of combat; many footprints, a few patches of dried blood, and a broken spear lying by the side of the road.

Is there a primary direction or two that the foot prints take? Inspect them to try and identify who/what sort of foot prints the are.

How old does the site look?  Take a quick look around while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

"We can look around for a few minutes, then we should continue on if there are no fresh signs."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 206):

Finding nothing but a broken spear, Kirpich takes the spear head and prepares to continue.

With additional signs of orcs, Danos double checks his weapons for readines.

In reply to Danos (msg # 208):

Kirpich summons a stone ball, and grows it.

[Private to GM: Rolled 11 under the spell skill, 2d cast and grown for free due to skill, grown up to 6d and held.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 207):

Snorri looks at the spear, then at he brush to either side and whistles,
pointing over to one side. "One of them fled this way."

Ooc:  Did the group catch up?  Are we all together?

OOC: Oops, sorry, it looks like I got ahead of myself.

Oren shook his head. "Go after it, if you think it's worth it. I'll be with our mule, guarding our supplies."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Thu 14 May 2015.

In reply to Oren (msg # 213):

"I just don't want them coming behind."

"We can set a rear guard," Oren suggested. "Get Syvanus back here, or is he still trying to catch up with Stringfellow?"

In reply to Oren (msg # 215):

"My friendly Elemental friend can act as rear guard as well. Though not so perceptive, he is resistant to many types of damage. With two of them there, we should not get any rear-end surprises."

"Job of a rear guard isn't to take a hit, it's to let us know an attack is coming before the first arrow is fired. We need someone who can see orcs sneaking up on us."

In reply to Oren (msg # 217):

"Then I will keep an eye on our backs with one of the elementals."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 218):

Kirpich direct the club to follow Marlena's directions.

"Now you look after him, Marlena" he cautions her, but he could not see her using him in any way he or Grom would object to.

After traveling ahead for another hour, Stringfellow turns around to meet up with the group again.

Let's find a place to use as a break area that has some defensibility ... we are only moving slightly faster than they are, so they should soon be here. I hate to walk the same ground three times.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 221):

OCC: make a survival roll and pick which of 3 factors you want;
Concealment, defensibility and comfort. On a success you get two, on a crit
You get three, on a simple fail you get one, on a crit fail you camp under a
Wasp nest or in fron odf a bears den. One roll a day. So far your scouting has only shown clear territory around, with some sign of a fight within the past two days.

Stringfellow manages to stumble across a nice resting spot along a babbling brook that looks very comfortable.  He spots it from a ways away, it is out in the open, but there is some nice shade nearby.

Comfortable, but not particularly defensible or concealed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:56, Mon 18 May 2015.

Syvanus points out anther spot about 75 paces further on.


12:00, Today: Syvanus rolled 8 using 3d6. Survival-woodlands -defensive, concealment, comfort.

[Private to GM: Skill is 14]

Syvanus points out a low hill top with an almost circle of rocky outcrops and a trickle of water coming down one side... It is defensible and has a spring, assuming no rocks, it may well be a comfortable spot to spend the night.

"Ah yes, that looks good too, might not have the same nice cushion of grasses, but safety is probably useful too."

Stringfellow looks longingly at the sun-drenched, soft-grass framed stream. "Well, I suppose that music can be inspired by harsh surroundings nearly as much as by lovely, comfortable places."

Stringfellow sets off towards the hilltop Syvanus pointed out.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 226):

"Aye. If orcs start shooting arrows, safety is a lot more comfortable, thank you!"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 227):

Snorri shrugs and begins to set up one of the tents. And unloads the mule with Oren.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 228):

Kirpich follows the leads of the others and asks Chunky to help in setting up the tents, under the direction of the scouts.

He then creates some food.

He even surprises himself with the quality of his creation!

[Private to GM: 21:16, Thu 21 May 2015: Kirpich Rockson rolled 3 using 3d6 ((1,1,1)). Now that is what I call cooking! Pity to waste the crit now...lol]

After helping with the unpacking and the tent set up, Danos breaks out some of his rations and munches happily.

"With orcs about, we should be especially careful with our night watches. And we probably shouldn't have a fire, unless anyone has a compelling reason? I'm just a city elf - what do you outdoorsman all think?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 229):

OOC: Kiprich created essential food!

The campsite, while on minimally higher ground, is surrounded by trees and a
 few boulder, and is near a small spring. There is a fairly good view of the
surrounding land... and from it as well.

If you wish to cook, I can build a small underground fire that will shed little light or smoke and allow cooking. It's also a source of fire should we need to light torches.

Stringfellow follows Danos lead and pulls out some rations after he fills his wineskin with purified water from the spring

In reply to Narrator (msg # 231):

Kirpich finds the food he has created is of unusually high quality, so he puts it at the bottom of his food pack and eats the regular Rations it replaces.

He directs his club to stand behind a boulder and attack any who attack the camp.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 234):

"A shielded fire sounds like a good idea."

Syvanus nods and digs a small pit about a hand span wide with a smaller tunnel leading back at an angle to feed air into the bottom of the fire. He then finds some stick and twigs which he uses to make kindling. He concentrates briefly and the sticks burst into flame.


09:38, Today: Syvanus rolled 8 using 3d6. ignite fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Fri 22 May 2015.

"I'll take the middle watch, who wants the others?"

I can take one...say after yours...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 238):

"Then I can take the first watch."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 239):

"Let me see where we are."
She towels slowly, and crackles of green fire roll down her staff.
"" We made about sixteen miles today. I guess it will pick up as we
She'd supplies."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Mon 08 June 2015.

Stringfellow pulls out his flute and begins quietly playing some relaxing songs to help everyone unwind and settle in for the night.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 241):

There is a rustling out in the bushes...

Syvanus stands and nocks an arrow.  Something moves, watch the rear and sides too

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 243):

Along with the rustling, you can hear someone whistling the same tune Stringfellow was playing. A moment later, a roughly dressed man steps out
 of the shrubbery with his hands raised. He has an empty knife scabbard at
his waist.

Hold and state your business...

Stringfellow puts away his flute and pulls out his sword as Syvanus draws his bow.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 246):

"Club, please investigate that, but don't hit him...yet."

He summons a ball of stone...

[Private to GM: Rolled 4 under skill, 2d and grown by 2d to 6d for free from skill.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Wed 27 May 2015.

Danos' bow is quickly in his hands, and he knocks an arrow.

With his telescopic vision he scans the opposite side of the camp from where the stranger arrived, looking for anyone trying to come up behind them.

In reply to Danos (msg # 248):

"I was one of the patrol, we were attacked and scattered. Do you
have any food to spare?"

Stringfellow starts humming the song he was playing as he focuses on the man and casts Sense Foes.


11:08, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 10 using 3d6. Sense foes 14.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 250):

Kirpich quickly lowers his pack and offers some rations to the man.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 251):
"Thank you." He says in Shevnian-accented Aral.

As he chews, he looks thoughtfully about the camp.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:17, Sat 30 May 2015.

Stringfellow puts away his sword and asks the man what happened to him.

He lowers his bow and takes the tension out of the bow, but leaves the arrow still knocked. He watches the stranger closely, as he seems too interested in the camp. The poor waylaid traveler is an old ruse to get inside a camp and help an attack from the inside.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 254):

Kirpich directs "Club" to stay close to the new arrival as he repacks the pack from which he drew the rations, and returns it to Chunky's back, as he listens to the travellers tale. He also keeps an eye out for others around.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 255):

"I have had to make do with what the farms offer, and what I can
trap without a good knife. There is only so much you can do without a good
blade."

Where were you attacked and who did it?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 257):

"Not far from here, a few days walk. The patrol was attacked by bandirs, and few escaped the battle. Those that did were broken, stripped
of weapons and forced to fend for themselves."

In reply to Peytor (msg # 258):

"Do you know where their camp was?"

You did not stay together? There is strength in numbers, even if unarmed.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 260):

"The bandits had archers, so the patrol scattered."

Understand, but thought you might join up later...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 262):

"The bandits killed the patrol leader, so we have to find our way
 without orders, and only shame and blame await if we make our way back to Domu Leska."

Danos keeps his eyes trained on the horizon, scanning for movement. "We have heard of orcs moving through the area. Do these bandits include orcs, or are we dealing with two separate roving bands of marauders?"

That name does not ring any bells... where is that?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 265):

"The patrol has a small base in that town, might be a few days north."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 266):

Ooc: a real map will be up in a day or two.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 267):

Map updated

In reply to Narrator (msg # 268):

Kirpich will try to see to the mans needs, inviting him to join them if no-body else objects.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 268):

Roughly where are we on the map?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 270):

Northport is labeled as Antillus, with little Shevnia marked as Malo Shevnia.
 You are about halfway down the road to Domu Leska, at the edge of the northern forest.

"I would not be against allowing the guard to travel with us to Domu Leska.

Stringfellow then decides to bring up a concern he has been having.
"I do think that we should tighten up our traveling order though.  Staying within a mile of each other at the very least, far visual range, so that if one part of the group has problems, the other knows and can help, or can at least prepare themselves before the trouble reaches them.  The way we have been traveling is too dangerous for such a small group as ours. If an enemy or ambusher either hits the scout, or avoids the scout and hits the main party, the other part of the group will know nothing until it is past time to check in.  Splitting up like that is fine for large formations, but we are a small party that should stay within mutual support range.

We now know that there are bandits who are adept enough to ambush trained soldiers and use bows from hidden positions.  We need to be able to regroup quickly if there is a problem."

I agree with Stringfellow... we have been in a very risky  arrangement.

"Yes, I agree with Stringfellow as well. We've seen far too many indications of marauders to take chances."

I thinkmthe advance scouts should be no more than a bow shot ahead and no less than a stone's throw. That way it is difficult to have us all in the ambush.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 275):

"I agree. We can't take any chances in this terrain."
He gives a hard look toward Peytor.

In reply to Oren (msg # 276):

Kirpich says nothing, letting others decide this question. It is not his forte.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 277):

"Who is taking first watch?"

"Our good cleric has volunteered previously for the first watch. I'd like to join him if noone objects - I think doubling up on the watches makes sense given how much activity we've seen today."

Syvanus goes over to Mariena and whispers something in her ear.

[Private to GM: I do not trust this fugitive...I may be most wrong, but do you know any Wards that might warn us of anyone sneaking up on us?]

Syvanus then eats  and finds a spot to settle down and rest, being an Elf, he needs less sleep, but he needs some rest. He keeps his bow in his lap with an arrow knocked and his quiver is still on his back, although his pack is on the ground beside him.

In reply to Danos (msg # 279):

"No objection, though I will have Groms club with me."

[Private to GM: I am guessing he will release his creation every night to Groms control, and create a new one every morning, rather than try to maintain control.]

Stringfellow settles in to sleep, his sword near to hand.

Danos settles in for the first watch, his bow in his hand and his blade on his belt.

"Then our companions can rest easy knowing they are well protected."

In reply to Danos (msg # 283):

"Indeed."

He rests, toying with a very large stone missile, lobbing it against trees to enjoy the crunching sound, before summoning another and going to investigate his previous handiwork.

Syvanus hears the crunch, looks aaround, then jumps up...when he sees what is happening he yells   STOP! Trees are living creatures! You kill indiscriminately?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 285):

"Not at all. But a tree has no soul; it exists the be useful, and practising combat skills and getting firewood at the same time is useful"

He begins to gather some of the dead branches for firewood to keep warm those settling down to sleep.

Who says they have no soul? You are merely deaf and can't hear it's pain ... and green wood does not burn.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 287):

"That is why I am using dead branches. Whether trees or people, the dead have no soul."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 288):

The big man shakes his head.
"Elves be elves, but heaving rocks at the woods draws attention."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Fri 12 June 2015.

In reply to Peytor (msg # 289):

"Ah, stealth. Never my thing. Sorry about that."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 290):

There is a rustling in the distance...

Danos raises his bow and trains the arrow on the movement. In a whisper, he says to Kirpich:

"Can you send your elemental to see what that is."

Maneuver: Aim. Telescopic Vision.

In reply to Danos (msg # 292):

"Club, if you please..."

Syvanus makes sure his arrow is still knocked and the others are ready to hand ... he checks back toward the other side  of their camp, in case it's a diversion.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 294):

Club shambles noisily into the thicket, flushing out an irritated looking
Boar with an arrow caught in its side. The animal charges the elemental,
Grazing it as it runs off.

In reply to earth elemental (msg # 295):

Kirpich looks around.

"Did we put that arrow in the pig? Club, come back now..."

I certainly haven't ... but perhaps we should... it is suffering and it would provide for many.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 297):

"I am not opposed. But my concern is more for us. If we did not shoot it, who did?"

Can you still see it Danos?

Danos attempts to track the creature as it flees.

15:36, Today: Danos rolled 11 using 3d6. Perception 14.

I doubt it went too far if seriously injured ... but who shot it and where is a fine question.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 301):

Danos can see the injured animal as it dashes through the brush.

Danos points out its movements to the others.

"I don't think I'm hunter enough to catch it. Would that be of any use to us, anyway?"

In reply to Danos (msg # 303):

"I am more interested in who shot it, and how near they are."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 304):

[Private to Danos: make a vision roll to describe the arrow]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 305):

Kirpich says nothing and tries to be stealthy. Well, keeping his mouth shut anyway and looking for the shooter.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 306):

The former patrolman looks sharply out into the woods.

In reply to Peytor (msg # 307):

Marlena looks toward Peytor, then to Syvanus and quietly says
"I am getting kind of sleepy..."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 308):

Kirpich looks around in all directions, casting dispel magic in some of the darkest locations or if he sees anything, including once at Marlena...

[Private to GM:
21:30, Today: Melchizidek rolled 13 using 3d6. Dispel Magic.
21:29, Today: Melchizidek rolled 7 using 3d6. Dispel Magic.
21:29, Today: Melchizidek rolled 16 using 3d6. Dispel Magic. ]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 309):

"Hey! I appreciate the blessings of Grom, but I might have had a spell running..."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 308):

You sleep, I'll watch for a bit... who else is going to be up?

Danos attempts to identify the arrow.

10:31, Today: Danos rolled 6 using 3d6. Vision 16.

In reply to Danos (msg # 312):

"That is true, but I was concerned there was a spell running that should not have been. If you were about to fall into a magical sleep, none of your spells would be particularly useful...so I wanted to avoid that. I apologize if that was not the case. I will continue my watch with you, Syvanus."

Syvanus nods... Good, your spells and my Bow will keep us a bit safer.

In reply to Danos (msg # 312):

[Private to danos; the arrow is of clean looking  wood with fletching made from pheasant feathers, yellow with burgundy striping. Orc arrows, by comparison, are fletched with crow feathers and glued with tar. Your arrows are fletched with hawk feathers, and most municpalities use goose feathers. Someone hand made that arrow out of game they shot themselves]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:40, Tue 23 June 2015.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 315):

Marlena stretches, and steps over to Syvanus.
"I might not be the only one that needs to go to sleep."

Danos relayed what his keen eyes were able to pick out: "It is no orc arrow. It looks like it's been feathered with pheasant - that's a handmade hunter's arrow."

In reply to Danos (msg # 317):

Peytor starts slightly at hearing this.

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 316):

Perhaps so... I will stay awake and see you safe.

"Peytor, does this style of arrow have some significance to you?"

In reply to Danos (msg # 320):

At the news of a hunters arrow in an escaped quarry, Melchizadek relaxes a little.

"Guess that hunter had to find something else to eat then."

In reply to Danos (msg # 320):

"The bandits use arrows like that."

"Well, let's hope the bandits missed their meal and are too hungry to take on a clutch of well-armed travelers. If not, we will just need to keep an eye out."

In reply to Danos (msg # 323):

The rest of the night passes uneventfully, although Peytor needed a little
"assistance" from Melena to sleep through the night.

Rested, Syvanus eats a moderate breakfast, shares some tea with Melena and suggests he and Stringfellow continue as the lead scouts

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 325):

Before breakfast, Kirpich creates another earth Elemental, a Club of Grom, the previous one having being released to serve Grom when he went to sleep the previous night.

[Private to GM: 09:09, Today: Kirpich Rockson rolled 9 using 3d6. Create elemental. ]

He then rests over breakfast to recover his energy.

Stringfellow eats and prepares to move out.  He intends to stay within visual distance of the main party today.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 327):

A few  miles out,  and Stringfellow can eerily smell roast pork, and hear terrified   squeals at the same time.

Syvanus Touches Stringfellows arm and points to some concealment by the roads side.
From there they try to determine where the pig and the fire are. Syvanus flashes a light at the others to indicate trouble.

Stringfellow prepares his bow and moves carefully towards where the sound is coming from, listening for further clues.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 330):

Kirpich will direct chunky to cover, as he moves to some cover himself and suggests others do the same, after seeing the signals from those in front.

[Private to GM: Perception roll 4 under.]

Syvanus covers Stringfellow's move with his bow.

Seeing the lead scouts grow wary, Danos readies his bow and draws an arrow.

In reply to Danos (msg # 333):

Danos can see into the trees, and can just make out the smoke of the fire.

Ooc.  Just clarifying.  Danos sees the smoke from the main party's location?

Do Stringfellow or Syvanus see anything other than the sound and smell up front ahead of them?  Or is the smoke behind us and we passed it?

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 335):

Danos can see the smoke because of the type of vision he has.

Stringfellow continues moving carefully towards the sound.

With the scouts too far ahead to warn, Danos alerts the companions at the cart.

"Watch out. Looks like there's a fire burning there, maybe those bandits cooking up breakfast."

In reply to Danos (msg # 338):

Marlena begins to cast something, green sparks dancing at her fingertips.

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 339):

Snorri readies his axe, and looks askew at Peytor.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 340):

Kirpich moves into the trees, following others as they move towards the fire Danos mentioned, attempting to use this odd stealthy approach that he is not very good at...probably due to the Club of Grom wading through the bush ahead of him. He  creates a stone missile and grows if as he goes.

[Private to GM: Rolled 7 under skill to cast.
Rolled 1 over stealth..]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 341):

The scouts are angling from one side, the rest of the party from behind.
As Kiprich snaps a twig, there is a growl ahead.

Danos stays with the wagonmule, bow at the ready and arrow drawn. He won't hesitate to help the party, but his first priority is protecting their food and equipment.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Thu 02 July 2015.