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Playtest Scenario.

Posted by A Malign PresenceFor group 0
A Malign Presence
GM, 25 posts
Sat 6 Oct 2018
at 09:12
  • msg #1

Playtest Scenario

Callum, Lira and Oliver Fitzwilliam were nearing the lookout. It was only another two days ride to Littlewater Point, the watchtower where the Mounted Rangers had last been seen. Littlewater had been erected centuries ago, in some long-lost war against Golinlund. It had sat in relative peace until it found new and pressing use against the current "northern troubles."

Hopefully the lost Rangers were just out of supplies, or sick, or dead, and the trio could ride back to the relative safety of some frontier village within the week. In the meantime, however, they needed to cross a bridge. And standing over that bridge were two mounted men, raggedly-dressed highwaymen living the old "toll" cliche. There were routes around this particular bottleneck, but it would add days to the journey. The bandits didn't speak yet, waiting for the party to approach within shouting distance. They were still about 100' feet away, with clear fields to the north, a stand of trees to the south, and the river and the bridge east. The road stretched back west.

[Keeping things very simple for now with a cliche bandit fight. We're starting in the thick of it with you guys already in the field, heading to the action. Iniatitive is 2d6+Dex, I don't see a reason to make it more complicated than that. The bad guys aced theirs, but players win ties. You can also try to talk, of course, nothing has actually happened yet.

Initiative:

Bandits: 13
Callum: 4]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 15 posts
Sat 6 Oct 2018
at 23:23
  • msg #2

Playtest Scenario


Oliver had been in the lead, but had not seen  the men until his horse, Venture have a couple of snorts to alert him. He takes his lance out of it shoe and places it across his saddle as he continues to hailing distance.

"And what can we help you with Gentlemen ?" He asks while preparing for a frontal assault if it comes to that.


-
Lira
player, 1 post
Sat 6 Oct 2018
at 23:26
  • msg #3

Playtest Scenario


Once the men had been spotted and a warning had been past down the line Lira cranes herself to the left to get a view of the men at the bridge. She then right herself and takes the catch off her crossbow as she waits for a response from Oliver's hail.

She glances at Callum from the back of her families old draught horse, Charger while trying not to look down at the height she was at. Something she still has not gotten use to since leaving the farm all those months ago.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Sun 07 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 27 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 19:52
  • msg #4

Playtest Scenario

One of the riders on the bridge, a man in a wide-brimmed felt hat that seemed to be the leader, answered Oliver. He road about 30' toward them as he spoke. "Lots of melt from the pass this season. Me and my brother here have maintained the bridge at great expense, and ask only a toll of..." he trailed off, sizing up the party for a moment. "Fifty gold marks. That's ten per horse, five per person, three for bridge maintenance, one to tax (long live the King) and of course another." He grinned with black teeth. "As a gratuity."

The bandit's voice dropped low. "And your gun," he said, dropping all pretense and gesturing with a nod toward the carbine slung over Oliver's back. It was at about this moment that Lira noticed movement about 80' to the party's south, in the treeline. A man was lying prone in the shade, the long barrel of a musket or maybe carbine partially hidden in the foliage. Lira heard the crinkle of Callum's leathers as he tensed up on his horse next to her; he saw him too.

Oliver, for his part, was too absorbed in the lead bandit's bluster. The man in the hat tossed aside part of his coat, revealing a pistol. He rested his hand on it threateningly, but did not draw it yet.

[OOC: Bandits are all only wearing thick clothing, 8 AC. Rather not reveal all their weapons yet. Combat isn't quite inevitable yet, but their intention is clearly to rob you.
Bandits: AC 8, Initiative 13 (HP 3, 5 and 7)
Callum: AC 5, Initiative 4 (HP 9)]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 16 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 20:28
  • msg #5

Playtest Scenario


Oliver sat upright in his saddle having cocked his pistol in its holster at the side of his saddle as he used the movement of his lance with it brightly sewn pennant to disguise his action. A sigh escaped his lips of to many similar situations both in the distant and near past. "Yes, did a group of riders pass this way not a day or two past ?"

He said nothing more on the extortion effort.

-
Lira
player, 2 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 20:42
  • msg #6

Playtest Scenario


Lira slides off the left side of the large horse, putting it between herself and the musketman. She crotches next to the horses legs with her crossbow cradled in her lap waiting to see what the men to the front will do while watching the man in the shadows.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:11, Sun 07 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 28 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 21:34
  • msg #7

Playtest Scenario

The brigand in the hat seemed utterly uninterested in answering Oliver's question. "I said hand over fifty gold marks, your gun, and that pretty lance of yours," he sneers. The bandit leveled his pistol at Oliver, and over his shoulder the old cavalry commander could see the man on the bridge raising a carbine. The fool appeared set on shooting from the horse, however.

Callum looked like he wanted to ride forward a bit to whisper in Oliver's ear and warn him of the man in the brush, but he was afraid of setting off the trigger-happy men on the bridge if he did so. He waited for now, to see if Oliver would acquiesce to their escalating requests.

[Bandits: AC 8, Initiative 13 (HP 3, 5 and 7)
Callum: AC 5, Initiative 4 (HP 9)]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 17 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 21:53
  • msg #8

Playtest Scenario


"Of course Gentlemen, your toil must be great to keep the road in such great condition." He throws a bag of coins from his saddle bags towards the men so that it dropped short and rolled in the dust.

When their eyes were averted elsewhere Oliver drops from his horse and from one knee fires on the man in the large hat.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Oliver Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Attack with pistol.

-
Lira
player, 3 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 21:56
  • msg #9

Playtest Scenario


Lira fires her crossbow at the musket man

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Lira Initiative.
 Lira rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Attack.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 29 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 23:27
  • msg #10

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Okay, since Oliver didn't really know the musket guy was hiding in ambush, we're going to treat this as a surprise round where everyone but Oliver can act.

Initiative order is:

Bandits 13
Oliver 11 (skipping due to surprise)
Lira 9
Callum 4]

The greedy bandit's eye follow the purse for a moment, but as soon as he spots Oliver trying to get off his horse, he fires instinctively. The shot goes wide, however, carving a sizzling divot into the dirt a few inches away from where Oliver crouches.

A second gunshot, more distant, rings out from the south, and Callum hears a musketball whiz past his head. The man on the bridge makes a shot as well, which unsurprisingly goes wide. There's silence for a moment, then a clatter of guns as the bandits largely abandon their spent weapons. Lira discharges her crossbow into the treeline to no effect, the bolt lost in the tangle of branches.

Callum, for his part, spurred his horse into a sprint, drew his saber, and tried to interpose himself between Oliver and the man in the hat. Oliver would still have time for his shot, however, as Callum had been a bit slow to react, and wouldn't be there in time to cut the bandit leader down.

The man in the hat pulled a worn-looking side-sword from a scabbard, charging forward to hack at Oliver. The rider on the bridge opened his horse up into a sprint as well, charging in Oliver's general direction. The brigand in the felt hat was still much closer, however, and he was about 20' away when Oliver saw his moment to take the shot... there was a loud crack of gunfire, but then nothing. The bandit leader continued charging at him; Oliver had missed!

[OOC: Don't forget to roll Pierce die and add AC to your hit rolls, but in this case a Pierce would only offer a +1 to the AC to bring to 19, still 1 short.]

Meanwhile, Lira saw the man hiding in the trees abandon all cover and all attempt at stealth, breaking from the trees and heading toward the road to assist his brothers-in-arms. He had no mount, but was moving at a dead sprint and fumbling to retrieve a pistol from his hip. He had managed to get about 20' away from Lira and her horse in the time before she'd be able to reload a bolt.

[Bandits 13 (already went)
Oliver 11 (already went, just went with your stated action of dismounting and shooting the leader)
Lira 9
Callum 4]
Lira
player, 4 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 23:39
  • msg #11

Playtest Scenario


Lira moved the string back on her crossbow, puts another bolt into the grove and then puts the weapon to her shoulder. She aims at the man who had begun to run across the field leading her shot slightly.

Lira rolled 22 using 1d20+10.  Attack Bonus +1, DEX +1, Armour +8. Just making sure I have added all the bonuses I should have.

Lira rolled 10 using 1d10.  Damage
Lira rolled 7 using 1d8.  Pierce.


This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Mon 08 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 18 posts
Sun 7 Oct 2018
at 23:41
  • msg #12

Playtest Scenario


Oliver was distracted by the shot from behind and turns to try and catch a glimpse of the person who fired it while taking his eye off the leader. Then realising his mistake he turns back to be confronted by the man running towards him.

When he realises what a position he is in Oliver begins to swing his carbine around on its sling to bring it to bear on the fast approaching enemy. As he does so his left hand scraps the dirt to the side of him taking up a handful of dust, dirt and gravel.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Mon 08 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 31 posts
Mon 8 Oct 2018
at 16:42
  • msg #13

Playtest Scenario

The man running across the field pulls his pistol clear, but too late. He stares in astonishment at the bolt protruding from his chest before he falls to the grass, dead. Pulling back the string on the crossbow, Lira glances north to see Oliver moments from being run down by the bandit leader. But at the last moment, Callum and his steed crash into the bandit, the mailman's saber cutting deeply into the bandit, inflicting a grievous wound!

The momentum and ferocity of Callum's charge knocks the bandit off-course. Pulling desperately at the reins with the bloody remnant of his right arm, the bandit hacked ineffectually at Callum, completely driven off and distracted from taking advantage of Oliver's vulnerable position.

Callum was now in trouble, however, as the other rider from the bridge had finally joined the fray. The second mounted bandit drew a cruel-looking warhammer from his side, and nearly used it to cave in the Golish survivor's head. Callum heard the beating hooves of the second rider's mare at the last moment, however, and ducked out of the way, the heavy weapon missing his skull by inches.

The remaining bandits circled their horses, preparing to charge again. It seems they didn't intend to run...

[OOC: Lira's attack looked exactly right!

I made a morale check for the bandits, but they astoundingly made it. Bandits are in it to win it even though they've whiffed all of their attacks, I guess. The bandit leader is still up, but barely, at only a single hitpoint. Callum jacked him up good.

Bandits 13
Oliver 11
Lira 9
Callum 4]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:43, Mon 08 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 20 posts
Mon 8 Oct 2018
at 19:16
  • msg #14

Playtest Scenario


Oliver aimed and cocked his carbine and took aim at the rider who had just joined the melee, He placed the gold bead of his front sight on the mans chest and pulled the trigger.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Attack.


-
Lira
player, 5 posts
Mon 8 Oct 2018
at 19:21
  • msg #15

Playtest Scenario


Lira turned before the running man had hit the ground and lined up which ever of the two riders to the front of the group that she could see. Once she had a window to attack she left fly with her weapon.

Lira rolled 18 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Lira rolled 9 using 1d10.  Damage.
Lira rolled 1 using 1d8.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 32 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 02:00
  • msg #16

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Okay, so Lira's attack looked right, but I'm not sure where you're getting the +5 for Oliver from? He should have +1 for class, +1 for Dex, and +8 for the bandit's AC for +10. I see you had a correct roll already in the dice roller... either way, it looks like both Lira and Oliver narrowly miss.]

Lira and Oliver's shots go wide as the mounted fighters become a tangle, dusty tumult of a melee. Callum continues his pursuit of the bandit leader, managing to drive the man through with his sword. The corpse of the man in the felt hat slumped to the ground, his horse panicking and charging off in a random direction. Wheeling around to face the other bandit, however, Callum takes a heavy strike from the warhammer, right in the chest. It is nearly enough to unhorse him, but he manages to stay upright and raise his sword in defense...

[OOC: Callum took a Piercing blow for 8 damage, so he's in rough shape. Only one bandit left, though.

Bandits 13
Oliver 11
Lira 9
Callum 4]
Lira
player, 6 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 02:07
  • msg #17

Playtest Scenario


String back and bolt in groove, Lira was mechanical in her preparations before placing the slot towards the man with the hammers chest. Holding her breath she pulls the trigger and lets the bolt fly.
Then the crossbow is off her shoulder and she is reloading again.

Lira rolled 24 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Lira rolled 10 using 1d10.  Damage.
Lira rolled 2 using 1d8.  Pierce.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 21 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 02:13
  • msg #18

Playtest Scenario


Oliver steps up and moves towards the rider, removing his cavalry sword from it scabbard as he does so. He raises the hand guard to his ear and advances on the rider, thrusting forward when he is within range.

Should be +1 for class, +2 for Str, and +8 for the bandit's AC for +11 This round ?

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 25 using 1d20+11.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 1 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Tue 09 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 34 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 05:28
  • msg #19

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Okay, think you got it!]

Callum and the remaining bandit are too consumed in their mortal struggle to notice Lira re-stringing her crossbow or Oliver stalking forward with his sword. Callum and the bandit's weapons clatter loudly against one another until the bandit's horse almost backs up into Oliver. With a cruel thrust, Oliver runs the bandit through before either he or his steed can twist away. Lira holds her fire.

Once the chaos is over, Callum removes his coat and his leather cuirass to inspect his wound. The heavy blow from the hammer broke the skin, and an enormous discolored bruise now graces Callum's sternum, which is miraculously somehow unbroken. Ribs are intact, too. Callum mutters some prayer and pulls a flask of alcohol from one of his horse's packs. He drinks deeply from the bottle, but doesn't seem to get drunk. Callum never seems drunk. [OOC: Callum drinks a flask of alcohol, but doesn't take any inebriation penalties due to his Iron Liver trait. Just a natural reaction to a near-death experience, I think.]

"Were that a sword, I'd be dead," Callum says between gulps. "Captain," he says to Oliver, "if that happens again and I die, you must deliver this to the lieutenant." By 'the lieutenant,' Oliver knew Callum meant Lieutenant Jonathan Frame, the leader of the Ranger outfit they both were hunting. Callum pulled a sealed letter from his hip-pouch, waving it in Oliver's direction. "I hereby charge you in the name of the Golish Royal Mail, and all that." Callum drank again, grimacing and shrugging his cuirass back on. "And second, next time, just give them the damn gun." Callum finished the bottle, and either grimaced or smirked. It was hard to tell.

[OOC: Don't mind Callum! He's just grouchy. That went pretty well, I think. Pierce die were interesting and the whole thing had the exciting, high-stakes rocket tag feel I was hoping for!

The bandits have on them: 5 silver pieces, their clothing, two pistols, a carbine, a musket, a heavy cavalry saber (1-handed weapon), a warhammer (bludgeoning 1-handed weapon), four daggers, five days of trail rations, and a riding horse. You can try to hunt down the other horse if you want, but I will need some kind of check and some idea of how much time you devote to the endeavor.

As far as Callum's injuries, I haven't really figured out healing yet, my bad. Here's my idea: you regain HP every 24 hours. You regain your level in HP from just natural healing and clotting, even if actively adventuring or running for your life the whole time. If you have the opportunity to rest for at least 8 hours during those 24 hours, you instead regain double your level in HP. If you spend the whole time on bed-rest, it's triple your level in HP.

I need to be generous with healing, since it may be a long time before you get reliable magical healing, and is really up to chance whether you get it at all. It also fits the swashbuckly, Shadow of the Demon Lord-y flavor, I think?

You are three days to your destination, and it's up to you how fighting fit you want Callum to be.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:36, Tue 09 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 24 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 20:25
  • msg #20

Playtest Scenario


Oliver took a knee as he looked over Callum's injury, he said nothing until the letter came up, "Don't you worry you can hand it to him yourself. Here let me have a look ?" Oliver does what he can before adding <rose>"We will camp here for the night and see how you are in the morning. Here lets get you comfortable while we make camp. Oliver will give up his bedroll and blanket to Callum if he does not have anything to lay down in.

Then he sees to the horses, removing their tack, brushing and rubbing them down and creating a horseline for the night. Lastly Oliver checks their hooves after the ride and battle making sure nothing has gotten in there. By the time he was finished Lira had a fire going and was working on her tent so he went to help getting everyone's accommodation for the night up.


-
Lira
player, 7 posts
Tue 9 Oct 2018
at 20:35
  • msg #21

Playtest Scenario


Standing and watching as Oliver tried to help Callum with his wound Lira was at a loss to aid him. It had been her mother who was the healer, midwife and bone setter. She had said they would begin Lira's learning once the harvest was in for the year, but then the bad stuff began to happen and her mother stopped talking to her.

She turned so the tears would not flow and began to get the fire ready when she had a few flames licking the wood Lira went and searched the fallen bringing their goods over to Callum and laying them out on his blanket as she went to sort out her tent. Then lastly she fetched some water and put it to boil as she helped Oliver prepare the evening meal using the rations they had found.

As they sat together and finished off the last of their meal Lira asked "Oliver, should we bury the dead ?" A nod as he ate the last of the black bread and then once he was up he offered his hand to Lira and they set to digging the holes they would need. A long and tedious endeavour that was not over soon enough.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 38 posts
Wed 10 Oct 2018
at 07:17
  • msg #22

Playtest Scenario

The group quickly makes camp, while Callum rests up. There's not much to be done other than clean and dress the small laceration where the skin split from the blow. The rest is simply terrible bruising, so Callum does his best to rest and brace himself for the pain to come tomorrow. He shoos away Oliver's fussing, and manages to erect his own tent despite his injuries.

Burning bodies is the common custom along the hardbitten northern border, the better to prevent draugr if a wightstorm blows in from Golinlund. But shallow graves suffice just fine, as fuel is scarce and pyres take time to build. With the graves filled and some food in everyone's stomach, the group rested for the night. Nothing troubled them, and it wasn't too long before they were greeted by the gray light of dawn.

[OOC: So, you rest and we'll fast forward to Callum getting 2 HP back. If you travel three more days, assuming you camp for 8 hours a day (which is fine), he'll be perfectly back at full HP by the time you reach your destination. Assuming no more random encounters or anything of course, heh.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:34, Wed 10 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 25 posts
Wed 10 Oct 2018
at 09:56
  • msg #23

Playtest Scenario

Once they break camp in the morning and after some more food they continued onto their destination. As they rode Oliver took note of the country they pasted and updated the map as they went should someone need it once they returned.

Just before they leave for the open road again Liver will offer up the gunpowder weapons to whoever would like one, if there are no takers he takes the better of the two pistols, checks it functioning and the loads and places it in the opposite holster on his saddle. He also hands out the silver to the others giving them two and taking one for himself.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Thu 11 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 8 posts
Thu 11 Oct 2018
at 01:02
  • msg #24

Playtest Scenario


Lira helped Callum with his own gear and then saw to her equipment as they broke camp. She tied the horse they had acquired to the rear of her own and then fell into their marching order as they moved off.

Lira declines a pistol or carbine, preferring to stick with her crossbow given its excellent performance to date.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Thu 11 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 39 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 05:49
  • msg #25

Playtest Scenario

Callum gladly accepts a pistol and the silver. He isn't personally interested in the long arms, but offers to carry them on his horse so they can pawn them at the next village.  Firearms are sorely needed in border villages, and are worth something nearly everywhere in barter.

[OOC: You can generally sell things for about 10% their buy price, so firearms are worth a bit of gold. Also, I just realized we made a big mistake! Lira's weapon dice (damage and pierce) are limited by class to 1d6. So her crossbow does only 1d6/1d6 + Dex damage.

Oliver has a much larger maximum weapon die of 1d10, so all of his attacks were correct.]

After three days of hard but mercifully dry travel, the trio arrives at Littlewater Point. As they approach, they see clear signs that the watchtower is inhabited. The tower itself is dark, but but the small building at its base seems occupied. Oliver, Callum and Lira can see three men outside, wearing nondescript travelling cloaks as they mill about outside the tower. One tends to a powerful-looking black furred horse. There are obvious fires for cooking and heating burning. These men seem to be staying here, at least temporarily. The watchtower was right on the edge of the Golish border, with a small creek on the northern side supposedly marking the actual edge of the cursed territory itself.

[OOC: Being vague about distance and stuff because I'm not sure what you want to do or how you want to approach. Let me know.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 27 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 06:13
  • msg #26

Playtest Scenario


Given they are looking for a patrol that should be resident at the tower Oliver saw no need to hide their approach. After conferring with Callum and as long as the rider deems it prudent they will ride up to the men at the tower and announce themselves.

Standing off somewhat Oliver stops his mount and rises his hand in greeting before introducing everyone in his party.

-
Lira
player, 9 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 06:33
  • msg #27

Playtest Scenario


Lira follows the others and when they stop to survey the tower she leans out from her draft horse to get a better view before sitting upright again.

She does not offer any advice as to whether they should approach or not, though she was looking forward to a normal bed and something other then preserved trail rations.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 43 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 21:38
  • msg #28

Playtest Scenario

Callum reminds Oliver that the reason they're searching for the Rangers is because they've failed to report in for over a month. They had previously been assumed dead, but if the men before them really were the lost Mounted Rangers, then they may have intentionally gone deserter. But if that was the case, why were they just hanging around the last place they were assigned to patrol? It made no sense.

So Callum reminded them there was a chance these campers, even if they were the wayward Rangers, might still be dangerous. He did not object to simply talking to them, however, as he saw no better option. The Golish courier rode side-by-side with Oliver up the dirt trail to Littlewater, and it wasn't long before they were spotted.

The men at the tower see the party coming, and immediately scramble to defensive positions. One man rushes into the tower to retrieve a musket, taking up a firing position behind the watchtower's retaining wall, alongside a man in a cloak with a longbow. The third man mounted the black-furred warhorse and rode down the path to greet Oliver, Callum and Lira. The trio were naturally a little nervous having guns trained on them once again, but out here in the hinterlands of magic-plagued Aventaine, it was an expected response. You never knew which innocent-looking traveler might be a draugr in disguise or some other unseemly undead thing, and warlocks were feared more than respected by the rank and file.

Under the scrutiny of the men at the watchtower, Oliver and Callum advanced, with Lira bringing up the rear. The lone rider on the dark horse lifted a hand in greeting. "Hello there. What brings you this far north? Are you with the Royal Lancers?" As he spoke, Oliver saw two more men emerge from the shadows of the watchtower's entryway. These men did not heft any weapons, yet, but they watched from the distance with a wary eye.

[OOC: The Aventinian Royal Lancers are the other big prestige cavalry force of Aventaine. Whereas the Rangers specialize in keeping the art of the bow alive and performing recon versus magical threats, the Lancers are a more traditional cavalry company, and are the royal family's "heavy cavalry". They've used lances for centuries, but were early adopters of gunpowder weapons and are very good with them, too.

It's up to you if Oliver's former service was with the Rangers, the Lancers, or some other unit. It might have some minor little influence on how this scene goes. Please also make Charisma and Wisdom checks for both Oliver and Lira. Oliver can add Cavalry Commander to the Charisma, and Lira can add Exquisite Physique to the Charisma.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:08, Sat 13 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 28 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 22:47
  • msg #29

Playtest Scenario


Oliver crossed his hands on the pommel of his saddle and replied, "Well met... yes 17th Legart of the Lancers, though I am now retired and you and yur men ? It was fairly obvious what unit he had been a member in, the pennant  on his lance was the black and white with the cross skull of the 17th.


Oliver looks beyond the man on the black horse as he waits for any answer and studies the tower and the ground around it looking to see if these men maybe the victors in some smaller battle.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Charisma
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 9 using 2d6.  Wisdom


-
Lira
player, 10 posts
Fri 12 Oct 2018
at 22:59
  • msg #30

Playtest Scenario


Lira catches a glimpse of the man on the horse approaching, but waits until he has stopped before leaning out to get a better look. She looses her balance and has to use her hand to steady herself against her horses flank. This allows her cloak to fall to the side exposing the top of her ample cleavage, neither Oliver or Callum see it but it would be hard to know if it was on purpose or not.

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Charisma
Lira rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Wisdom.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Fri 12 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 46 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 04:36
  • msg #31

Playtest Scenario

None of the men seem injured from what Lira and Oliver can see, though the man on the horse seems a bit thin and drawn. The party notices arrow-shaped buttons on the man's riding gloves, and the man wears a clasp in the shape of the Mounted Ranger's symbol, an eagle with three arrows in its talons.

"Retired?" The rider asked. He still seemed suspicious, but let his guard down a bit, relaxing visibly. His gaze fluttered toward Lira before returning to Oliver's face. "You're not here to arrest us, then?"

[OOC: There was a chance they were going to attack you, because these guys are kind of... twitchy, for reasons you will soon come to know. But everybody succeeded in their Charisma checks, so they won't attack you unless you attack first. Go ahead and ask whatever you like.]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 04:38, Sat 13 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 32 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 06:06
  • msg #32

Playtest Scenario


"Why would we arrest you ? Your unit has not checked in and we need to talk to your commanding officer... is there something going on here ?"

Oliver looked the man in the eye as he spoke.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 48 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 17:19
  • msg #33

Playtest Scenario

Seeing his chance, Callum pulls out the missive he's been charged to deliver. "I need to deliver this to Lieutenant Jonathan Frame. Are you him? Are you the commanding officer here?"

The man wearing the Mounted Ranger clasp shook his head. "No, no. The Lieutenant rode north about, uh, three weeks ago." He pointed north, indicating the Golish border. There was an awkward silence as the man on the horse stared blankly at Oliver and Callum for a bit. He then shook his head, as if coming to some decision. "Well, no sense standing outside where the draugr might see us. Come in and have some tea."

The man turns the horse around, raising his arm in an open-handed gesture to the archer and musketman behind the wall. The men lower their weapons and seem to relax, standing up from the cover of the wall. The man on the warhorse advances down the path toward Littlewater Point.

Two more men leave the entryway of the tower to inspect the new visitors. Seeing them up close, they are all a bit vaguely worse-for-wear like the rider on the black horse, but none seem injured. Frame's unit was only equipped for a short two week patrol between border villages. Their superiors suspected they were killed by some enemy contact at Littlewater Point, but that didn't seem to be the case: these men all wore the subtle regalia of a Mounted Rangers, and many were equipped with their distinctive bows. They didn't seem to be impostors, but they had been bivouacking here for at least two weeks. Why?

Oliver, Callum and Lira had been hunting a unit of a dozen men, but so far had only seen five, with the Lieutenant apparently fleeing into Golinlund. It's possible they had sustained casualties.

[OOC: I will take a little break here to let you describe your actions and decide whether or not you're going to follow them into the tower. It's a pretty small watchtower, but has a building attached to it that looks like living quarters.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Sat 13 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 33 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 20:40
  • msg #34

Playtest Scenario


Oliver suspects what may have happened here and so has no reason not to enter the tower. He follows the soldier into the building and if directed to he will take a seat having removed his sword and scabbard so he can with ease.

"So.. what is your name first of all ? I am Oliver Fitzwilliam."

He accepts the offered cup of tea with a nod of thanks, drinking deeply.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Sat 13 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 11 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 20:43
  • msg #35

Playtest Scenario


Lira tied up her horse at the hitching post, it was more for convention then anything else Charger would not move unless forced to. When Oliver past her the reigns to his horse she did the same and then turning saw Callum disappear into the tower leaving her outside.

Unsure what to do she stays with the mounts and preforms some maintenance on their feet, checking for stones etc... having pulled a hoof knife from her pocket


-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sat 13 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 49 posts
Sat 13 Oct 2018
at 23:20
  • msg #36

Playtest Scenario

Inside, the party finds a small mess hall. Though not a very large room, the long, empty tables give the place a cavernous feeling. The men have a tea kettle going in the fireplace, and pour the party weak cups from well-used tea leaves.

"I'm Sergeant Cooper," the man from the road says. "You saw Evers and Weirhart outside..." the man continues, offering a few more introductions. Two more men enter from the cramped barracks-room to the west, bringing the total Rangers to seven, with the missing Lieutenant making eight. Four still unaccounted for.

Another room with a closed door and the staircase to the proper watchtower are to the north.

"Lieutenant Frame headed over the river about... sixteen days ago?" Cooper says, glancing at the men gathered around the fire for confirmation. All bob their heads. Cooper nods, continuing, "He ordered us to not enter the tower and wait for his return. Food ran out a few days ago, but Weirhart is a good hunter with that musket of his..."

Outside, no one pays Lira much mind. The horses seem healthy, including the warhorse the Rangers had remaining.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 34 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 00:26
  • msg #37

Playtest Scenario


Grasping the cup with both hands for warmth Oliver asks why Lieutenant Frame crossed the river and had they seen anything out of the ordinary once he had left, attacks on the tower etc... "Have you explored the tower completely ? Why did the Lieutenant advise you not to enter had he seen something when you arrived ?"


-
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:26, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 50 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 06:13
  • msg #38

Playtest Scenario

Cooper nods, answering Oliver's questions. "Yes, we cleared the whole tower when we first arrived. Some local highwaymen were squatting here, and thought to run us off. The Lieutenant shot one, and we managed to fell another half dozen before they broke and ran. Corporal Adams was unfortunately lost, he took a bullet from one of the scoundrels."

Callum grunted, tucking away the lieutenant's letter. "Think we may have met some of the brigands you routed," he commented. Oliver couldn't help but note that the Golish Royal mailman looked crestfallen at the notion of actually entering Golinlund.

"We went up into the tower once, after we first drove the squatters off. Everything seemed normal to me, but the Lieutenant went white as a sheet when he looked into Golinlund. That's when he ordered us out of the tower, and also summoned a daemon in the back office." Cooper jerked a thumb at the closed door to the north, saying this quite casually. It was true that the Mounted Rangers often received special dispensation from the king to practice daemonology, but it was strange to be so blase about it...

"We did go in once more, to bring Adams' and the brigands remains up to the peak of the tower." Cooper furrows his brow a bit before continuing. "To preserve them in the cold, the lieutenant said. I'm not sure what spooked the lieutenant, but he was  a stout man. Unshakable, even. Real lead from the front type. We all serve the lieutenant out of real loyalty, Oliver Fitzwilliam. He ordered us to stay, so we stayed."

[OOC: Go ahead and give me another Charisma check and add Cavalry Commander again.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 35 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 07:14
  • msg #39

Playtest Scenario


"Well first we should probably go up and try and see what the Lieutenant saw at the top of the tower, I will ask our traveling companion to come with us she... has a feeling for these things. You have done your duty and that is all we can ask... You and your men should be proud of that."

"If there is nothing more Sergeant Cooper we should have a look upstairs and then be on our way."

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 12 using 2d6+1.  Charisma.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 12 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 07:16
  • msg #40

Playtest Scenario


Lira come when she was asked and then listen to Oliver as he filled her on on what the Sergeant has said. Other then a quick nod in acknowledgement she said nothing as se followed the men.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 51 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 16:57
  • msg #41

Playtest Scenario

Oliver notices something is distinctively off with the men. Even if they were ordered to stay here, that doesn't really explain why they've been foraging for food, instead of sending someone for supplies. Oliver can't help but wonder what Lieutenant Frame may have done to inspire such bizarre loyalty. And of course the actual orders they'd received made little sense. There was no discernible reason for the men to stay here if the tower was somehow dangerous, and no wholesome reason to bring the corpses into the watchtower.

The men seem otherwise sound of mind and relatively healthy, if a bit malnourished. It is all very suspicious, but when Oliver states his intention to explore the tower, the men make no effort to stop him. The lieutenant ordered them not to enter the tower, after all, and Oliver was of the Royal Lancers, and not at all subject to some Ranger officer's authority.

When Oliver finishes his tea, Sergeant Cooper shows him to the staircase to the watchtower. In the space beside the stairs, the men have set up a small indoor archery range, and many arrows are clustered tightly in the bulls-eyes. Evers and Weirhart go to fetch Lira, and Callum unslings his blunderbuss from his back. He knows the lieutenant isn't in the tower, but isn't about to sit around and drink tea beneath a tower full of corpses and mystery.

Walking halfway up the first flight of steps, the trio sees a dull green glow emanating from the landing on the second floor of the tower. There looks to be two more floors above the glowing one, judging by the height of the tower they'd seen outside.

[OOC: Lira can make an Intelligence check and add her Antiquarian trait. Give me a marching order, too! Callum is all to willing to go to first, being a fighter with a blunderbuss after all.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:26, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 13 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 19:21
  • msg #42

Playtest Scenario


Lira stops the small group for a minute as she studies the glow and then seems to cock her head to one side and took into the nothing above their heads. Her fingers seem to dance over something unseen as she takes another couple steps.

Lira rolled 15 using 2d6+3.  Glow roll.

Callum, Oliver and Lira for marching order.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 36 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 20:09
  • msg #43

Playtest Scenario


Once they were behind closed doors Oliver turned to Callum and Lira, "This is really strange, I have not seen loyalty from men at arms like this before, it is like they are compelled to stay here, regardless it is strange and I think may have something to do with up here and the summoning."

He unslung his carbine and followed behind Callum.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 52 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 20:26
  • msg #44

Playtest Scenario

Having been filled in on the lieutenant's strange behavior by Oliver, Lira knew that Frame was  a daemonologist, having apparently already summoned a daemon in one of the lower rooms. If only Frame had access to the tower, it would have been pretty trivial for him to create some additional other summoning circles.

Something about the thrum and ebb of the glow reminded Lira of the summonings she'd seen at the academy. Summonings could persist pretty much indefinitely if not cancelled by their creator or a third party.

It seemed they were walking into an active summoning, which was confirmed when Callum suddenly let out a horrible gasp and stumbled backward, colliding into Oliver as he tried to flee back down the stairs!

[OOC: There is a daemon summoned on the second landing, please make Morale checks for Lira and Oliver. If you fail, you won't be able to advance into the room for 24 horus, at which point you can attempt the morale check again. If you succeed, though, you can actually negotiate with the daemon.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:29, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 14 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 20:59
  • msg #45

Playtest Scenario


As he last finger drops as if touching a key in thin air Lira lifts her skirts and runs down the stairs past Oliver.

Lira rolled 5 using 2d6.  Morale.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 38 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 21:02
  • msg #46

Playtest Scenario


As his team descend the stairs without him, Oliver raises his arms in exasperation "Well I can't do this without you, Lira wait."


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Charisma roll to stop Lira +1 cha +1 trait.

Not sure if he can but will give it ago.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 54 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 21:09
  • msg #47

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: You can't convince Lira not to flee, it's sort of a magical compulsion. She is fine, though, and perfectly sound of mind as long as she doesn't try to make line of sight with the daemon. If you were to, for example, just try to grab her and drag her through the room with the summoning circle, she'd struggle and fight in terror, even she rationally knew she needed to enter that enter room to progress.

If you want, you can use your roll for that Charisma check as Oliver's Morale roll. You wouldn't add the trait, but wouldn't need it.

Ending a summoning is trivial, you just smudge the summoning circle a bit and it dissipates. Of course, Oliver can try to bargain with the entity before he does so.]

Lira is inconsolable, frozen on the stair with terror, but as Callum squeezes past them both to reach the safety of the bottom floor, the green-limned path to the second floor landing is now clear for Oliver...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:32, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 39 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 21:55
  • msg #48

Playtest Scenario


"Wait here then..." Oliver enters the room with the glow and checks what is going on.

OOC: Thanks I already did his morale roll and he made it just for got to add it from the roller.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 55 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 22:14
  • msg #49

Playtest Scenario

Oliver enters the first landing of the staircase leading up to the watchtower. It's a small 20' by 20' room, and in its center is a ring of daemonic symbols arranged in a glowing green ring. Inside the ring is the slightly transparent image of a well-dressed man in green clothing. He is handsome and clean-shaven, but has a hollow gaze. There is a bow slung over his shoulder. He is completely still and silent, save for his green eyes tracking Oliver's every movement.

The stairway continues up and down, with a clear path edging around the summoning circle.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 40 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 22:24
  • msg #50

Playtest Scenario


Oliver stands looking at the man in the circle. He then asks "I was wondering if you could help me, I am looking for the man who summoned you and what he asked of you ?"

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 56 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2018
at 22:59
  • msg #51

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Daemons really don't talk, and if they do talk, only do enough of it to negotiate new contracts. It's extremely unlikely he'll answer your questions. However, talking to the daemon was enough to get it to offer you a pact. I rolled a bargaining roll for you, and you barely made the threshold of 7.]

The archer in the circle stares blankly at Oliver for a moment, then moves to the very periphery of the circle, just inside the glowing ring of symbols and runes. The man in the circle opens his mouth as if to speak, but a stream of pus and unwholesome blood flows from his throat. Oliver is disquieted, but not quite afraid, as the whole thing has a strange and dream-like quality to it.

The stream of filth continues for a moment, until the man raises his hand and reaches gingerly into the pink void of his mouth. From the stream of pus, the man pulls a thin scroll. Once it's extracted, he closes his mouth and the flood of gangrenous blood and filth ceases. The creature inside the ritual circle then unfurls the scroll for Oliver to read, where he finds written in clear Aven:

quote:
I, Leraje, Whose Arrows Bring Green Death, hereby award the signatory: spells and blandishments to make you beloved by friend and foe, in exchange for an ordeal of hallucinatory visions.


There was then a clear space for a signature. The archer's fine clothing was now streaked with the horrible filth, but the contract presented was somehow miraculously clear. Oliver would have to reach into the circle to take the contract.

[OOC: And to be clear, physically taking the contract does not necessarily mean that you have accepted the terms of it. You can take it and study it, take it and not sign, take it and give it to someone else to sign... etc.

I also forgot to mention, please have Lira make a magic saving throw. I don't think any of her traits apply, but add Wisdom.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Sun 14 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 15 posts
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 00:17
  • msg #52

Playtest Scenario


Breathing heavily as Oliver ascends the stairs Kira stays where she is for the moment.

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Magic saving throw.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 41 posts
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 00:20
  • msg #53

Playtest Scenario


Oliver nods at the entity and reaches in to take it. He then studies the wording for a few minutes to see what boon he would receive should he sign it. Once he is done he places it in the inside pocket of his tunic as he continues up the stairs.

OOC Are you able to be more specific on the boon ?

-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Mon 15 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 58 posts
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 03:16
  • msg #54

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Nope, unless you study it, which takes 8 hours:

quote:
With 8 hours of time and 100 GP worth of arcane reagents, a careful daemonologist can study a pact to try and glean more information about the exact nature of the agreement. With a successful threshold 7 Intelligence check, the daemonologist can ask the GM three yes or no questions about either a pact's Price or Boon. For example, if study a pact's Boon, they might ask the GM:
- Will this Boon allow me to cast a spell?
- Will this Boon increase my caster level?
- Will this Boon allow me to cast the spell Fireball? The GM must answer these questions truthfully, but with only yes or no answers and no additional information. A daemonologist can only study one aspect of a pact at a time: if after studying the Boon, the daemonologist decides he wants to learn some details regarding the Price, he will need to spend another 8 hours of devoted study, and another 100 GP worth of arcane reagents to aid the research.


So Lira can study it, or at least she could if she had 100 GP of reagents and 8 hours of time. It's intended to be kind of a leap of faith, unless you're willing to invest time and effort in knowing exactly what you're signing.]

Oliver knew that daemons were not always clear in the terms of their pacts. They seemed to have their own unique lexicon, and did not always use words in the same way humans did. The boon was always beneficial, and trying to cheat the price was always folly, but as far as what specific "spells and blandishments" were being offered, Oliver could only guess.

[OOC: Also, to be clear, you're going to the next room alone?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Tue 16 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 43 posts
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 03:59
  • msg #55

Playtest Scenario

OOC: Now you say it like that I suppose not.:0


Oliver will listen at the door if there is one at the top of the next flight of stairs. As he returns to the demon on the landing he scuffs the circle to dismiss it and then continues down.

I assume that having dismissed the demon the potential pact still stays valid.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 2d6.  Listen test.

Oliver descended the stairs to where Lira was. "I guess you are not up to going on and I think there maybe undead above. So it would be prudent to regroup and try again."


-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Mon 15 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 16 posts
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 04:37
  • msg #56

Playtest Scenario


Lira shook her head and followed Oliver down she had stopped suck in air but still was not herself. Just before they came to the bottom Oliver turned and handed her a piece of paper, adding "This might be to your liking, look it over at least." The paper had the whiff of sulfur and she suspected what it was as she placed it into her pocket without looking at it.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 61 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 02:17
  • msg #57

Playtest Scenario

As Oliver scuffs the line of daemonic runes with his boot, the strange glow emanating from the summoning circle immediately dissipates. The interior of the watchtower is now much darker, with only the dim light from a few stray arrow slits illuminating the interior. It's plenty to see by, however.

After a moment, the daemonic apparition of Leraje also fades from view, first melting into an indistinct green haze, then disappearing entirely a moment after. Satisfied, Oliver walks downstairs to quickly gather his less stout-hearted companions.

Meanwhile, on the staircase below the first landing, Lira chastises herself for letting the alien and fearsome nature of the daemon get the better of her. She was supposed to be the daemonology expert, not a wilting flower! There was something else, though... a strange lingering sense of doom she couldn't quite shake, even after she'd escaped the daemon's aura of terror. She wasn't sure what it could be, except for a definite understanding that it was bad...

[OOC: I realized I forgot to adjudicate the results of Lira's failed magic saving throw. Now, in a "real" game I feel like I would probably keep this secret, but for the sake of the playtest (and to make sure I don't forget), I will let you know: Lira is cursed!

Now, it's a weird and highly specific curse that, at the moment, doesn't actually do anything. It has a trigger that might cause something bad, though. And no, I'm afraid you don't know what that trigger is, and have no real means of finding it out. I'm being a little generous here in letting you know that Lira was cursed at all.

The other shoe may or may not drop on this over the course of the playtest. I would recommend getting a Remove Curse spell cast on her when you get the chance... which, again, you may or may not get the chance to over the course of this playtest. *mysterious evil GM laugh*

Callum is fine, and made his save despite failing the Morale check, too.]

She shook it off, however, and Lira and Callum followed Oliver cautiously into the second floor chamber. Once they saw that the daemon was indeed gone, the trio approached the second staircase, leading upward. Listening at the door, Oliver couldn't hear anything at all inside. With a small shrug and an affirmative nod, Oliver gave Callum the signal to crack the door. The Golish survivor hefted the heavy wooden door open and began plodding upstairs, his blunderbuss at hand...

[OOC: Please give me Wisdom checks for Lira and Oliver. No traits apply, I don't think.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Wed 17 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 48 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 02:35
  • msg #58

Playtest Scenario


Having regroup and found their courage the party advanced again up the stairs and onto another landing.

Oliver pulls back the door and then steps behind the postman with his carbine raised and at the ready. If nothing is apparent in the room Oliver will walk in his firearm at his shoulder, its muzzle following the cavalry mans eyes as she scans the room for any threats.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 17 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 17 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 02:37
  • msg #59

Playtest Scenario


Rather crestfallen Lira readies her crossbow once they were on the landing, trying not to look at the circle as she does so. She takes a knee behind the two men so she can get a clear shot should she need it.

Letting her breath out slowly as Oliver opens the door Lira raises her weapon slightly on her shoulder ready to fire should a target present itself once the door and her companion were out of the way.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Wed 17 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 62 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 05:35
  • msg #60

Playtest Scenario

At the last moment, as Lira shoulders her crossbow to ready a shot, she spots a trap!  A thin rope is strung along the top of the last stair, barely visible from that angle and in the dim light of the watchtower. She spots it just in time to warn Callum, who was seconds away from stepping on it...

Of course, the tripwire is blocking actual access to the landing, and no one has the angle to see what, if anything, it is attached to. They could try simply cutting the rope, but that would risk setting off whatever device held it taut...

[OOC: Lira saves the day and spots a trap! The way I see it, you can either try to disarm it in some fashion (likely by cutting the rope) or trying to jump over it. Jumping strikes me as riskier and dumber (since you're jumping up a stair, and also trying to clear a tripwire), so I'm putting that threshold higher.

Strength check versus 9 to jump, Dexterity to 7 to disarm. I don't think anyone's traits apply. It's possible one person can jump over it, and then find an easier way to disarm it. And of course if you cut it, there's not much danger to anyone else.]
Lira
player, 18 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 06:35
  • msg #61

Playtest Scenario


Lira grabs Oliver and then points out the trip wire. She moves closer and traces the path of the wire with her eyes, but get to close and sets the trap off in her eagerness.

Lira rolled 4 using 2d6+1.  Trap disarm.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 49 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 06:39
  • msg #62

Playtest Scenario


Oliver steps back and lets Lira have a go at disarming the trap, who knows what skills she pick up on the farm. He makes his way down the stairs enough so they are out of the way of any potential harm as he lets the girl do her thing.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 63 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 08:31
  • msg #63

Playtest Scenario

Callum wisely makes the decision to stand aside, moving down the staircase along with Oliver and away from any potential danger... save perhaps a sizable explosion. Lira sawed carefully through most of the trap, but the last strand of the rope tugged just enough to set of a thunderous boom! Thankfully it was not an explosion... but a gunshot!

It seems a blunderbuss, quite similar to the one Callum carried, had been secreted along the left-hand wall, its muzzle pointed at the doorframe. Lira recoiled as the shot from the weapon whizzed through the air, carving divets into the stone of the walls. Lira somehow survived miraculously unscathed, pulling her arm back in time. It was a good thing she had spotted the trap... better to accidentally set it off from the relative cover of the stairwell then point-blank after blundering into the trap.

[OOC: So although she set off the trap, I rolled an attack from the trap and gave Lira cover, since she did see it soon enough to try and disarm it while out of the danger zone. It missed by 1!]

After everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief, they come to the second landing. Above them is the lookout of the watchtower itself. This room seems to have been used as a makeshift bedroom for whoever was on watch, or perhaps the lieutenant after he'd ordered his men out and started to lace the place with paranoid traps. There is little here now besides a flea-bitten pallet on the floor, some lightweight wooden furniture, and the stairs up and down the tower.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 50 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 18:52
  • msg #64

Playtest Scenario


Oliver searched the furniture and bed before they continued on up the staircase. Oliver kept and eye out for more traps or other potential hazards now they knew they could be present.

He approaches the stairs and with Callum leading again they begin to climb.


-
Lira
player, 19 posts
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 18:54
  • msg #65

Playtest Scenario


When the shot went off Lira stood bolt upright which may have saved her, either way she was trembling as the other two in her group walked passed when the realised the danger had passed. She brushed the dust, stone chips and powder residue off her bodice and skirts before continuing.

She would need new undergarments as she lifted up her crossbow and as Oliver searched the makeshift bed she looked around the rest of the room before they moved on.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Thu 18 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 64 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 01:08
  • msg #66

Playtest Scenario

Quickly tossing the room, Oliver and Callum find little of note. It appears whoever was staying here took most of their personal effects with them, and they find little except for some long-discarded clothing and other detritus. There is, of course, the blunderbuss that was jury-rigged to the downward staircase, which is still intact now that it has been discharged. [OOC: Free blunderbuss here if anyone wants to take it. Callum feels he doesn't need two.]

 There is, however, a note, intentionally left behind and prominently displayed on an end table.

quote:
To Any Authorities or Whom It May Concern,

Due to a personal, family matter, I find myself no longer fit for my duties as an officer in the Mounted Rangers. Circumstances prevent me from making a more formal resignation. I understand that, in the eyes of my superiors, I will be seen as a deserter, but believe me when I say I had no other honorable recourse.

My men believe I will return to resume our patrol, but this is not the case. I have crossed the border into Golinlund. Do not follow me. There is a madness in my blood, and I seek to end it. You may report me as dead to your superiors, as that will in all likelihood be the case soon enough. My men are blameless in this, and were only following my orders, which I enforced upon them with magic.

It was my honor to serve in the Rangers. Do not enter the watchtower's peak unless you wish to know the full extent of my desperation. Turn back now, and tell your superiors Littlewater Point should be condemned.

Regretfully,

Jonathan Frame


[OOC: Will take a beat here just to ensure you still want to go up despite dire and ominous warnings or whatever!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:38, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 51 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 01:32
  • msg #67

Playtest Scenario


Oliver puts the note into the inside pocket of his tunic after letting everyone read the contents. He votes to press on and see this to the end... he waits for a response from the others while he places the blunderbuss near the stairs for retrieval on the way down. "Fast reload Callum if you need it for the undead I am sure are behind the next door.". Oliver wiggles the weapon from side to side to make his point.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 20 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 01:33
  • msg #68

Playtest Scenario


"I am happy to go on." Lira says hoping to make up for her fright on the stairs and the blunder with the trap.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 65 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 02:08
  • msg #69

Playtest Scenario

Callum squints at the note, then nods. In reference to the blunderbuss, he says: "Good idea. And I suspect you're correct. Well, let's get this over with, then..." He rests the secondary blunderbuss right beside the doorframe. After seeing both Lira and Oliver are in position, he progresses up the last couple of steps and opens the door.

The peak of the watchtower has a small roof sheltering it, but only waist-high crenelations protect one from tumbling off the side. The nest of the tower was empty, save for weather-beaten chair and desk against one corner of the platform, and a looking-glass affixed toward the north end, the side facing the Golish border.

Crowding the platform was, as expected, the former remains of bandits and fallen Rangers the lost lieutenant had ordered hauled here for this purpose. Reduced to skeletons, Frame's magic had apparently bound them to attack anyone who entered here. No less than eight of the creatures stalked forward toward the trio. Callum raised his blunderbuss with a shout, steadying himself to let off a shot.

[OOC: Go ahead and roll initiative. All skeletons have an AC of 7. All are armed with a mix of daggers, light weapons, and one-handed swords. The two in back have shortbows. The tower isn't very large, so they'll be on you pretty quick, and all are within 30' of you and each other.

Initiative Order:


Callum: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 5/5 HP, dagger
Skeleton 2: 5/5 HP, hatchet
Skeleton 3: 3/5 HP, hammer
Skeleton 4: 4/4 HP, short spear
Skeleton 5: 4/4 HP, dagger
Skeleton 6: 4/4 HP, one-handed sword
Skeleton 7: 3/3 HP, shortbow
Skeleton 8: 3/3 HP, shortbow ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:51, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 21 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 02:26
  • msg #70

Playtest Scenario


Lira tried to use the side of the door as cover as she aimed for the closest skeleton with her crossbow. She aimed for its chest as she pulled the trigger on her weapon and let a bolt fly.

Lira rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Lira Initiative
Lira rolled 11 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 52 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 02:30
  • msg #71

Playtest Scenario


Oliver stood high so that Lira on her knee could get a shot through the door. As the door swung open he set his sight down on the first skeleton and pulled the trigger, a miss.

He then dropped the carbine on its sling as he pulled out a pistol.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Oliver Initiative.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 using 1d20+9.  Attack.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 68 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 03:56
  • msg #72

Playtest Scenario

Callum's blunderbuss fires, blowing a chunk out of one of the advancing skeleton's skulls, but not doing much else.  The closest skeleton lurched forward, driving its dagger into deep into Callum's shoulder! He hissed and dropped his blunderbuss onto the stair, reaching instead for his saber. The skeletons crowded around the doorway to the stairwell, trying to mindlessly assault the party.

[OOC: Callum took four damage, other attack you were exposed to was a miss.

Initiative Order:

Lira: 10
Oliver: 8
Callum: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 5/5 HP, dagger
Skeleton 2: 5/5 HP, hatchet
Skeleton 3: 3/5 HP, hammer
Skeleton 4: 4/4 HP, short spear
Skeleton 5: 4/4 HP, dagger
Skeleton 6: 4/4 HP, one-handed sword
Skeleton 7: 3/3 HP, shortbow
Skeleton 8: 3/3 HP, shortbow
Callum: 5/9 HP ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:00, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 22 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 04:31
  • msg #73

Playtest Scenario


Lira worked the action of her crossbow then she throws her dagger as she continues to load her crossbow.

Lira rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 4 using 1d4.  Dagger damage.
No Pierce.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 54 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 04:35
  • msg #74

Playtest Scenario


Oliver tried not to look at the wound that Callum had taken as he fired with his pistol and then retrieved the second for his last shot.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage.
A Malign Presence
GM, 70 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 05:58
  • msg #75

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: I forgot to mention this literally anywhere, but you add bonuses to damage after you resolve the Pierce / Damage die thing. So for Oliver, he'd add his Dexterity to the better die, bringing damage to 8. Lira would add her Dex too, but also takes a -1 penalty for the dagger being silvered, so it's a wash.

Skeletons take  half damage from most sources, too. Since you're just sort of hacking at a horde of skeletons, I'll go ahead and distribute damage where I think it makes most sense. So, you manage to bring one down this round...]

Oliver fires his pistol point-blank into the skull of the same skeleton Callum damaged. Two smoking holes bored into its cranium is apparently too much for the abomination, and it falls to the flagstones of the tower in an inanimate heap.

Lira's tossed dagger landed firmly in the skull of another skeleton, a crack forming on its bleached bone crown. Callum, reaching back, pulled the second blunderbuss from its hiding place behind the door, and fired into the skeletal crowd once again.  He obliterated the skeleton Lira had wounded, her dagger clattering loudly to the flagstones once freed from its temporary, bony sheath. The force of the scattering blunderbuss shot staggered the remaining horde, sending chips of bone flying. Callum couldn't help but give out a short, triumphant laugh, even as the surviving skeletons pressed in around them.

[OOC:
22:50, Today: A Malign Presence rolled 7 using 1d12.  Callum Pierce.
22:50, Today: A Malign Presence rolled 6 using 1d10.  Callum Damage.
22:49, Today: A Malign Presence rolled 18 using 1d20+10.  Callum Attack.

So! Interesting round for Callum. First, his Piercing roll turned a miss into a hit, since it raised the skeleton's AC to 9. He will go with double the damage die, so 12 damage. And since it's a blunderbuss, he can choose to distribute the damage in a 30' cone, provided he has at least 1 damage for every target.

Initiative Order:

Lira: 10
Oliver: 8
Callum: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 4/5 HP, dagger
Skeleton 4: 3/4 HP, short spear
Skeleton 5: 3/4 HP, dagger
Skeleton 6: 2/4 HP, one-handed sword
Skeleton 7: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Skeleton 8: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Callum: 5/9 HP ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:09, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 24 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 06:12
  • msg #76

Playtest Scenario


With relief Lira finally brings her crossbow up to her shoulder again and at the moment the front sight rests on a target she pulls the trigger.

Lira rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 6 using 1d6. = 7 Damage.
Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 55 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 06:15
  • msg #77

Playtest Scenario


With a quick flick of his wrist he brings the pistol to bear and also send s a shot into the nearest skeleton. He hand falls to his sword and he readies his arm to sweep it forth.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 1 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 1d6. = 6 damage, Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 72 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 06:27
  • msg #78

Playtest Scenario

The crack of Oliver's last pistol sends another skeleton tumbling to the floor. Callum, considering his pistols not quite worth the effort in these close quarters, reaches for his sword as well, hacking into the nearest skeleton and cutting through its ribcage with the weight of his blade.

The same skeleton that stabbed Callum earlier twisted its blade, and the Golish man howled in pain. A sword-wielding skeleton staggered to the front, hacking at Oliver with its blade, but the seasoned cavalryman managed to free his blade from its scabbard just in time to parry the blow. A moment later, Lira's bolt thunked into the same skeleton's skull. It clattered lifeless to the ground, and leaving only three of the beasts remaining...

[OOC: Initiative Order:

Lira: 10
Oliver: 8
Callum: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 4/5 HP, dagger
Skeleton 7: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Skeleton 8: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Callum: 2/9 HP]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:29, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 56 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 07:25
  • msg #79

Playtest Scenario


Oliver brought his sword basket to his ear and then stabbed forward with the tip of the blade looking to strike true, but not this time.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 12 using 1d20+10.  Attack

-
Lira
player, 26 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 07:30
  • msg #80

Playtest Scenario


Lira placed her crossbow on the floor and withdrew her short sword from it scabbard. With a flick of her arm she tried to skewer one of the close skeletons. She catches one of the undead and seems to make a solid connection.

Lira rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 6 using 1d6. = 7 Damage.
Lira rolled 4 using 1d4.  Pierce.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 73 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 07:47
  • msg #81

Playtest Scenario

Callum hacked at the skeleton with the dagger who had harried him the entire melee, but to no avail. The creature's dagger failed to pierce deeper through Callum's leathers, however, and he managed to knock the undead creature back a bit for a little breathing room.

With much of the horde thinned, the skeletal archers, standing at the very edge of the tower furthest from the stairs, had a line on the party for the first time. One shot at Oliver, but its arrow clattered uselessly against a nearby crenelation. The second skeletal bowman managed to tag Lira!

[OOC: The skeletal archer got a natural 20, and hit Lira for 5 damage! This should reduce her to 0, but I just realized I think you calculated Lira's max HP wrong! She should actually have 6. 4 from her class, +1 Con, +1 for the Exquisite Physique trait. So she's hanging on with 1 hitpoint.

Also... and this is very important now... please roll a Con-based physical save for Lira, for mysterious GM reasons.

Initiative Order:

Lira: 10
Oliver: 8
Callum: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 4/5 HP, dagger
Skeleton 7: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Skeleton 8: 2/3 HP, shortbow
Callum: 2/9 HP]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 27 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 08:06
  • msg #82

Playtest Scenario


The momentum of the hit from the arrow spun Lira out of the door and back on the landing. She then crawled out of the line of fire and sat upright, looking at the arrow in her shoulder.

Lira rolled 4 using 2d6+1.  Con save.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 57 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 08:15
  • msg #83

Playtest Scenario


On seeing Lira hit and falling to the side out of his line of sight, Oliver let out a yell and barged past the skeleton attacking Callum. He charged the two with bows, sword held high above his head as he brought it down when he was in close range.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Pierce - Not sure if Oliver +2 for Str applies.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 74 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 18:48
  • msg #84

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Saving throws are actually a d20, with the result compared against a threshold set by your class and level. I rolled another save for Lira, but it was still a failure. Nothing seems to happen... yet.  All the same, keep in mind you can spend a point of Valor to automatically succeed in a physical saving throw. Might be a good idea, here.]

Lira hacks at the skeleton attacking Callum before she catches an arrow and is forced to stagger back. Bashing its skull in with the guard of his heavy cavalry blade, Callum manages to finally fell the creature, as well. Oliver unleashes his warcry, charges the archers, and sends one tumbling off the tower to its certain destruction with the force of his blow.

The final skeleton turns its aim towards the closest threat, unleashing a point-blank shot at Oliver. The close quarters does not suit the bow, however, and the arrow falls limply to the ground ineffectually.

Callum and Lira, despite their injuries, move from the stairwell to help Oliver finish off the last skeleton. It struggles, utterly unwilling to die. Lira, still clutching her wound, manages to reload her crossbow and put a bolt into its skull, but still the monster thrashes. Eventually, Oliver manages to twist its skull wholly free from its body, and its bow and quiver clatter to the ground followed by a cascade of inanimate bones. A search of the remains reveals little else but their weapons.

There is also a spyglass affixed to the northern wall of the watchtower, looking out over the river and the Golish border.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 58 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 19:41
  • msg #85

Playtest Scenario


Oliver sees to the wounds of his compatriots once the fight was done. He takes a knee and having made them sit he binds their wounds and injuries while hoping there maybe someone better within the soldiers below.

"I wonder if the magic that the lieutenant mentioned in his letter that made his men stay had something to do with the demon ?"

Once he finished with Lira he started on Callum continuing even if the grizzled old campaigner told him not to.


-
Lira
player, 29 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 19:45
  • msg #86

Playtest Scenario


Once her wounds had been seen to and the arrow removed, which nearly caused Lira to pass out. Lira went and admired the spy glass before taking a peek through the eye piece without moving the object, hoping that the lieutenant had left it pointing in the right direction.

She looks over whatever it shows and then if not apparent she will scan the surrounding area.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 77 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 20:53
  • msg #87

Playtest Scenario

Though Callum lost a good deal of blood, his armor prevented the skeleton's blows from penetrating deep enough to hit anything too terribly vital. He helps Oliver tend to Lira's wounds. The arrow was deep, but miraculously missed most of the major organs.

As the arrow was pulled out, Lira felt incredible pain, but also an ineffable sense of relief. She knew somehow, intuitively, that whatever curse had settled on her after her brush was the daemon downstairs was now resolved.

Once everyone was roughly cleaned up, Lira had a chance to inspect the spyglass. It did indeed seem that the lost lieutenant had left it focused on an item of interest: immediately across the border, less than a day's ride from the northern edge of the riverbank, stood a small fortress on a hill. More of a borderland outpost than a proper castle of any type, it looked at least a couple of centuries old, perhaps built around the same time as Littlewater Point. It was obviously disused, with the eastern wall partially collapsed, but Lira saw a white and yellow pennant snapping in the breeze from the highest tower.

The ruin was visible even without the spyglass, though there did not see to be much else of note around. There were some crumbling remnants of walls here and there, but for the most part the view consisted of the plains and gentle hills the Golish lowlands were famous for.

[OOC: Lira can make an Intelligence check with her Antiquarian trait added, threshold 7. Potentially more information if she really aces it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:30, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 30 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 21:11
  • msg #88

Playtest Scenario


Lira checked the ruin for signs of life, smoke or even people walking around the battlements. She tried to work out what would have caused the Ranger to abandon his men and duty.

Lira called Oliver to come have a look through the spy glass as she adds anything more she is able to work out.

Lira rolled 12 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 5,3.  Intelligence check.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 60 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 21:12
  • msg #89

Playtest Scenario


Oliver then took the time to reload his weapons before he saw Lira looking through the spy glass and the moved to her side before also having a look when she moved aside.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 78 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 21:59
  • msg #90

Playtest Scenario

Callum busies himself fussing over his wounds and reloading the blunderbusses as the rest of the party investigates.

Lira is surprised to see a banner flying over the outpost. While she sees no other signs of obvious habitation - no men on the walls or fires or anything of the sort - she knows firsthand that the disaster that struck Golilund happened over fifteen years ago. Any banner originally flown prior to this disaster would have been frayed to shreds by the wind by now, at the very least. Any banner flown prior to that eastern wall being destroyed, and the outpost presumably abandoned, would have decayed to dust.

While she couldn't say for sure that the outpost was occupied, it didn't appear to be as abandoned as it looked at first blush. Someone had been there within the last few years, at the very least. The white and yellow-gold banner was probably Golish in origin. It featured a heraldic symbol of a lion between two spearheads. Lira didn't immediately recognize the crest, other than probably belonging to some Golish noble family. Perhaps the lieutenant had?

[OOC: Your roll was just one shy of the super detailed info threshold, but still made the check. Frame saw that banner, went white as a ghost, and lit out for that fortress shortly thereafter, but it's not clear why.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 61 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 22:05
  • msg #91

Playtest Scenario


"Well it seems we have the reason the lieutenant left, and it was not only the castle but that banner. I believe we have to investigate the castle and find out what happened, once we have rested and regained our strength. Lets go down stairs and see how the rest of the Rangers are."

Without another word Oliver begins to descend the stairs back to the living quarters of the Rangers. Once at the bottom of the stairs he will let them know what has happened and inquire after some additional healing for his compatriots.

Lastly he will gauge whether the men are still under the spell the officer set up and if they now intend to leave.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Sat 20 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 31 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 22:08
  • msg #92

Playtest Scenario


Lira followed Oliver having nodded at his assessment. She took her time on the stairs and found somewhere to sit once they had made it to the ground floor.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 81 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 01:59
  • msg #93

Playtest Scenario

The remaining Rangers seem to have a difficult time processing Oliver's tale. Once he shows them the note, however, they are able to confirm that it is Frame's handwriting. Two of the men seem badly shaken, but most shrug it off, relieved to be released from their orders.

[OOC: I rolled saves for the men, and gave them bonuses for the note, but they hilariously whiffed with a series of incredibly bad rolls. Two made it, everyone else rolled less than a five, seriously.]

The men discuss where to go next, with most opting to go to a nearby village to the southeast for supplies before continuing their patrol and trying to make contact with their commanding officers. The two men who seem most shocked by the note are curiously silent during the discussions.

[OOC: Let me know if you want to weigh in, or what you generally want to do from here. Here are the healing rules reposted for convenience:

quote:
Here's my idea: you regain HP every 24 hours. You regain your level in HP from just natural healing and clotting, even if actively adventuring or running for your life the whole time. If you have the opportunity to rest for at least 8 hours during those 24 hours, you instead regain double your level in HP. If you spend the whole time on bed-rest, it's triple your level in HP.


Callum has twelve days of trail rations on him. Keep in mind Lira and Oliver would have eaten 3 apiece. The Rangers' stores are pretty strained, they don't have much to spare. Let me know if you want to rest, move on, hunt for food, try to go to the village with them, etc.

I'll also point out you haven't totally explored the first floor of the watchtower yet. In particular, Cooper told you about an office (next to the staircase) that has another daemon summoned in it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:12, Sat 20 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 64 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 02:25
  • msg #94

Playtest Scenario


"So you are going to continue across the boarder to the castle ? If that is the case we will wait for your return from the village and continue on with you."

Oliver assigns both of his team members light duties, tending the fire maintaining a watch for the next eight hours. He goes outside to see to the horses since they would be going no where for a time.

Oliver will try and get bed rest for Callum and Lira if he is able while the Rangers are away. Once that is over they will search the office and the rest of the 1st floor. Between them Oliver and Lira have another 20 days rations but if Oliver is able to set a few snares around the place he will so they don't have to rely on them.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 82 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 02:49
  • msg #95

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Cool, okay. And yes, since Oliver is uninjured and able-bodied, you can try hunting or trapping. You're a bit limited since you don't want to go to far from the tower (and get caught alone), but it's worth a shot. Go ahead and make a Wisdom check for each day, with a threshold of 7. Your Huntmaster trait definitely applies.

With three days of rest, everyone would restore 6 hitpoints, which would bring Lira and Callum back to full.]

The Rangers explain that they will not be crossing into Golinlund. They're not equipped for it, and their patrol route was only the borders within Aventaine, searching for draugr, dire animals and brigands that have troubled the northern villages. They won't be returning to the tower, but since they have lost most of their horses, they plan on taking a couple of days to actually leave. They pack up what little equipment and supplies they have, tear down their makeshift archery range near the stairwell, and generally prepare Littlewater Point to stand vacant for an indeterminate length of time.

[OOC: Let me know if you want to ask the men anything before they go. Go ahead and make Wisdom checks for Oliver, too, and let me know how long you stay.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 66 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 02:57
  • msg #96

Playtest Scenario


Oliver busied himself in the three days of down time hunting and setting snares for rabbits and the like. If he got a chance at something larger with his carbine he would also take it.

Other then making sure that only the Officer left and no one else followed or accompanied him Oliver will let the Rangers leave. He gives them a letter to deliver to their commanding Officer once they return to their home base which outlines what has gone on and exonerates them of any blame.



Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Hunting Day 3.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  Hunting day 2.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Hunting day 1.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 12 using 2d6.  Wisdom check.


-
Lira
player, 32 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #97

Playtest Scenario


Lira stayed pretty much in the kitchen while she recuperated, though she was loath to as it only brought back memories of her mother. At least she was able to skillfully gut and skin the game that Oliver brought back to the tower.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 84 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 04:55
  • msg #98

Playtest Scenario

The men assure Oliver that none of the Rangers went with Frame. One man deserted, fleeing to the nearby village about a week before Oliver and his party arrived. One of their number died to the bandits on their initial assault of the watchtower, and two more died of disease over the intervening weeks. They thank Oliver for the letter, and take off to resume their belated patrol.

On the second day, Oliver manages to bag a hind with his carbine. It's a bit of work dressing the carcass, but the meat makes for good eating. The third day finds a hare in one of Oliver's snares, which is added to the venison stew.

[OOC: You caught 5 trail rations worth of game with those rolls. So you only need to use four trail rations to feed you guys (9 rations for 3 days for 3 people).]

After three days of squatting at Littlewater Point, Lira and Callum's injuries have healed very well. The barracks beneath the watchtower is completely empty of any useful supplies or equipment, the Rangers having taken anything of value with them when they left. With every other inch of the watchtower thoroughly investigated, the party stacked up by the office to investigate the summoning Sergeant Cooper had mentioned.

An ominous red glow emanated from underneath the door, strongly suggesting that the summoning was still active. Before opening the door, Callum took out another flask of alcohol and chugged it. Then, with a nod of approval from Oliver, he leaned into the door and cracked it open. A glowing red light washed over the party... Oliver and Lira could hear Callum scream and flee as they tried to gather their courage before the daemonic apparition.

[OOC: Callum failed his Morale check, go ahead and have Lira and Oliver make one.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:02, Sat 20 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 70 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 05:45
  • msg #99

Playtest Scenario


Oliver flees as Lira also turns and breaks. It is not until hours latter that he apologizes to those gathered around him at the table. Oliver then spends the rest of the night watching the fire and then takes his turn at watch.

When they try again Oliver is gripped by the same terror and descends the stairs, much to his shame.

-
Lira
player, 33 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 05:50
  • msg #100

Playtest Scenario


Lira is the first to break after Callum and she two runs full tilt down the stairs as she heard Oliver do the same.

After a hearty meal and some sleep they try again and the same happens as Oliver flees and this time Lira is able to steel herself and remain in place, even advancing to the door and listening.

Lira rolled 4 using 2d6.  Listen.

She then decides to check for traps before opening the door.

Lira rolled 4 using 2d6+1.  Checking for traps.

Need some courage potions.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 87 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 06:11
  • msg #101

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Technically speaking, alcohol is a courage potion! Though the trouble is it impairs your skill checks, and most people want to summon daemons so they can bargain with them. The few things to offer Morale bonuses are:

- being drunk
- channeling as opposed to summoning the daemon (not an option here, since you didn't summon or channel it)
- having a ceremonial sword

I have to be careful giving too many ways to get a +1 to Morale, because with a 16 or 18 in Charisma and access to all three, you are guaranteed to make the check. So it's easy to trivialize.]

Callum's courage likewise flees him on the second day. As he and Oliver retreat, Lira is free to listen at the door and check for traps. She sees nothing untoward, save for the mysterious crimson glow. Gathering her resolve and cracking the door open, Lira sees a circle of daemonic runes on the flagstone floor, similar to the scuffed green sigils of Leraje she had seen in the watchtower. These were blazing red, however. Instead of an unearthly archer, in the center of the summoning circle was a large, glowing, downward-pointing sword. The sword was enormous, twice as long as a man was tall. Flames of every imaginable color licked up and down the length of the blade, and its guard was stylized to look like griffin wings. Lira could see her own reflection in the blade, which seemed to jump and skitter with the roiling, multicolored flames in an unsettling fashion.

It was tough to focus on anything but the glowing ethereal sword floating in the middle of the room, but the rest of the watchtower's office had been cleared for the summoning circle, it seemed. Lira could see desks and chairs stacked against the western wall. Empty bookshelves stood against the rear wall, and there were some moldering sacks of grain in the corner.

[OOC: You can attempt an Intelligence check adding Antiquarian with a threshold of 9 to try to recognize the daemon from your studies. You can make a Charisma check adding Antiquarian to try to negotiate a pact.]
Lira
player, 34 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 06:19
  • msg #102

Playtest Scenario


Lira entered the room and looked the sword over for something that might trigger some portion of knowledge she may have.

Lira rolled 12 using 2d6+4.  Intelligence check.

She makes some notes in her journal, given this was the first demon she had seen in the wild as it were. Lira carefully noted the runes and anything else that she could about the circle.

In the end she tries to negotiate a pact with the entity.

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+3.  Charisma check.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 89 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 06:32
  • msg #103

Playtest Scenario

Lira recognizes the apparition before her as a representation of Phaleg, The Warlord. Phaleg was a servitor, the lowest class of daemons, save perhaps the elementals, which were more like living spells than proper daemons. Servitors offered weaker boons than dukes or lords, but the prices were often less taxing. They were rarely dangerous to their summoners, though they still inspired an unearthly terror to witness (as Callum and Oliver could attest).

[OOC: Servitors roll twice for Boons, Prices and Banes and take the lower result. This means that contracts given by servitors are often less powerful but "safer," although this is by no means guaranteed. The RNG is a fickle god, and all that.]

As Lira completed her notes on the strange apparition, her mind turned toward how to bargain with it. She had been told that daemons could sometimes take strange and alien forms, and that servitors tended to be the least human-seeming of the various daemons. She wasn't sure how to talk to a twelve foot daemonic sword radiating flames, so she simply approached the edge of the summoning circle with a clear intention of striking a pact. This was a trick taught to her at the academy. Daemons seemed eager to negotiate pacts, and would approach mortals who were brave enough to stare into their cages.

As Lira approached, she smelled a scent of sulfur, and heard a sound like the clanging of metal. The flames surrounding Phaleg intensified, then seemed to solidify into a contract. The vellum was miraculously untouched by the flames, and close enough to the edge of the circle that Lira could reach out, unfurl it, and read it:

quote:
I, Phaleg, The Warlord, hereby award the signatory: a sword which shall never be sundered until this pact is broken, in exchange for a tithe of one gold coin, interred beneath earth or stone on the night of the new moon.

Lira
player, 35 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 06:40
  • msg #104

Playtest Scenario


Lira took the pact and gave a short nod before scuffing out the circle. She then went to the door and yelled to the two men that the way was safe now and she had dealt with the demon.

She began to search the office while she waited for Oliver and Callim to ascend the stairs again. She started with any desks and cupboards and then moved to the sacks and lastly anything else that was left. Lira also conducted a scan for secret doors or concealed or hidden compartments.

Lira rolled 2 using 2d6.  Secret door search. - snake eyes.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 72 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 06:42
  • msg #105

Playtest Scenario


Once Lira had given the all clear Oliver again ascended the stairs but did not meat the gaze of the young girl as he also began to help with the search.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 2d6.  Secret door search.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 91 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 07:03
  • msg #106

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Actually, I'm going to use the earlier Wisdom roll Oliver made.]

Thoroughly searching the bare furniture reveals a small box hidden under one of the bookcases. Inside the box are many gold coins of Golish and Krastavan mint, along with some carved rune stones and satchet powders of a kind Lira recognizes from the academy. She can use these!

[OOC: 200 gold coins for the party, and 400 GP worth of arcane reagents that Lira can use.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 74 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 07:23
  • msg #107

Playtest Scenario


Still smarting at his failure in courage Oliver is subdued for the rest of the day as they prepare to move out. He did a quick check of the tower and made sure they had not missed anything and then he began to load the horses.

Oliver mounted up and lead the way towards the distant ruin. He also distributed the gold 67gp to Callum and Lira and 66 to himself, the regents he let Lira take.


-
Lira
player, 36 posts
Sat 20 Oct 2018
at 07:25
  • msg #108

Playtest Scenario


Lira mounted her horse which now had the riding horse from the bandits in tow and followed Callim and his stead as they set off for the ruin. She now had two pacts, though she suspected the second might be better in Olivers hands if he decided to take it that was.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 96 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 02:37
  • msg #109

Playtest Scenario

On the day the party decides to leave the shelter of the watchtower, a drizzling rain descends the very moment they cross the river and into Golinlund. This is accompanied with a fog, reducing visibility significantly. [OOC: The poor weather and visibility gives everyone a -2 to attack rolls. If you get indoors, weather is irrelevant. Let me know if you decide to wait out the storm or anything, but it's definitely not a wightstorm and not a big deal. You just got a random event so the weather turned poor...]

Approaching the outpost, in addition to the crumbled eastern wall, the party finds an open gatehouse on the western wall. The outpost was a small, roughly circular fortification consisting of four towers. The southeastern tower was crumbled and gone along with most of the eastern wall, but the other three towers looked to be intact. The banner Lira had spotted earlier was flying from the northwestern tower.

[OOC: Let me know what you want to do or how you want to approach!]
Lira
player, 37 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 03:35
  • msg #110

Playtest Scenario


Lira pointed out the tower where the banner had been flying from to the two men once they had a good view of the castle. She had stopped when the others had and found her cloak pulling the hood up over her head and hoping the rain did not get any heavier.

Lira again watched for the tell tale smoke from any fires that they occupants may have lit, pointing them out if she sees anything amiss. She follows the more experienced members of their group when it came to their next move as the rain slowly dripped from the edge of her cloak.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Mon 22 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 78 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #111

Playtest Scenario


"Well there it be. Well Callum what does your gut tell you, ride up as if we are honored guests or take a wide path around and look for a more hidden entrance ? I am for taking a ride around first to get an idea what we are facing..."

If Callum is in agreement that is just what Oliver will do.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 97 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 03:56
  • msg #112

Playtest Scenario

Callum agrees some reconnaissance is never a bad idea. Lira and the men take a moment to circle the outpost at a safe distance. They see nothing in the way of secret entrances, though  the hole in the eastern wall is large enough for them to ride their horses through. The gatehouse is also wide open, the portcullis left raised. The party can see glimpses of a courtyard, which appears empty, but they cannot see any detail at this distance.

The outpost seems abandoned, besides the flag. They see no fires burning or other signs of recent passage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 79 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 05:41
  • msg #113

Playtest Scenario


"Lets take the hole in the Eastern wall, leave the horses out here for how." Oliver decided that being on foot was a better trade off then being a large target once mounted.

He waited until everyone was off their horses and had taken what gear they needed before leading them up over the rubble and after a quick peak once they were up against the wall through the hole in the wall.


-
Lira
player, 38 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 05:44
  • msg #114

Playtest Scenario


Lira took in their surroundings as they circled the old keep, she kept a eye on the landscape off away from the ruin as well. When the small plan was put forward she had nothing to add or an alternative. Grabbing her equipment she slip down and prepared to move out.

Keeping low as she brought up the rear Lira picked her way after the others looking for any threats or watchers on the battlements.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 98 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 06:09
  • msg #115

Playtest Scenario

Callum helped tie up the horses, then drew his blunderbuss and followed Oliver into the fortress. The trio walked over the tumbled stones of what was once the southeastern tower and walked into the outpost's central courtyard. The small, square courtyard was largely empty besides some crumbling masonry. The most notable feature is a cavalry lance, its haft driven between flagstones near the northwest tower so that its point is sticking upright. A pennant still waves from the weapon, emblazoned with the crossed arrows symbol of the Mounted Rangers.

A covered area with a well and a small building cling to the northeastern wall. The structures seem to have escaped any major damage from the collapse of the eastern wall. To the west is the gatehouse. A large wooden door on the north side of the courtyard seems to allow access to the fortifications. The southern wall of the courtyard has a similar-looking aperture, but the door there was seemingly lost to damage or looters. Someone has stretched a dull brown sheet over the empty door-frame as a crude door.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 80 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 06:13
  • msg #116

Playtest Scenario


Oliver points to the fabric door in the southern wall and then moves towards it with his carbine at his shoulder. He uses his left hand to pull back the sheet and look into the space beyond.

-
Lira
player, 39 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 06:15
  • msg #117

Playtest Scenario


Once they are in the courtyard Lira loads her crossbow and holds it at the ready as they begin to explore the space. She watches the lance for a time, glad that the officer had made it this far and that they may still find him.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 99 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 07:20
  • msg #118

Playtest Scenario

Oliver yanks back the curtain to reveal a bare chamber. It's difficult to tell what this room may have once been used for: a barracks, maybe, or an armory? Whatever it was, all the furniture inside was removed or stolen away long ago. All that is left is dust, shadows, and a single panel of wood, leaning against the far wall, and painted with a target. Some arrows are scattered about the space, clustered around the makeshift target.

To Oliver's right, there is a door that looks like it leads into the southwestern tower. To the left is an enormous pile of rubble, the caved-in remains of the parts of the wall connected to the demolished southeastern tower. They look inaccessible. Oliver notes it's very dark inside the wall, though with the curtain aside there is plenty of light to see into this room.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 81 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 07:41
  • msg #119

Playtest Scenario


Taking a knee Oliver takes a moment to light his lantern, getting a spark from his flint & tinder to light the wick. He passes it off to Lira as he had done several times before.

Then with a little more light on the situation he makes his way to the door that leads into the tower. He looks it over for any sign of a trap and then opens it so they can continue on.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Mon 22 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 40 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 07:50
  • msg #120

Playtest Scenario


Lira takes the lantern and continues to follow Callum and Oliver. She gives the room a quick scan and the focuses on the door looking for anything that may cause them harm. As Oliver looks the door over for traps Lira also adds to eyes to the task.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 100 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 07:53
  • msg #121

Playtest Scenario

The lantern fails to illuminate any tripwires or obvious signs of a trap. Testing the door finds it unlocked. Stepping inside, they enter the ground floor of the southwestern watchtower. A staircase leads up, to the squat tower and battlements, a trap door blocking the way. The staircase also leads down into the earth beneath the outpost.

All is dark save the quavering light of the lantern, and quiet.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 82 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 08:04
  • msg #122

Playtest Scenario


Oliver elects to clear the top of the tower and the battlements before descending below the castle. He leads the way up and will flip the trap door and climb up onto the tower. From this position he will survey the rest of the ruin looking for signs of life or that their arrival has disturbed any of the other "residents".

Then if he see nothing a miss they will begin to pick their way lower into the ruins.

-
Lira
player, 41 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 08:11
  • msg #123

Playtest Scenario


Lira held the lantern high when required and then at arms length as they traversed the tunnels. She also took the time to have a good look over the castle and further into Golinlund. Then she follows after the others crossbow ready in her freehand as they enter the dungeons, storage areas.....


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 101 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 16:14
  • msg #124

Playtest Scenario

Walking the up the stairs to the top of the tower, Oliver and company see no signs of life. The stones of the battlements are slick in the wind and rain, and the party is leery of lingering too long on the unroofed and unsheltered tower, but the upper floors of the outpost seem just as abandoned as the inner courtyard. The wall over the gatehouse connects to the northwest tower, and from there the northwest tower connects to the northeast tower. The southern wall leads to where the southeastern tower once stood.

[OOC: This is confusing, but I'm just describing the layout of the fortress once again. You can walk along the battlements fine, but nothing and no significant objects are up here. Just abandoned battlements.]

Walking back down the stairs of the southwest tower, the party descends into the earth beneath the base of the tower. The staircase leads to a roughly circular stone chamber with an earthen floor. To the east is another archway that appears to be a door frame missing its door. A yellow curtain hangs over the space, blocking line of sight to the adjoining chamber. Flicking yellow light spills out from underneath the yellow curtain.

South, opposite the staircase leading back up to the surface, is a twisted tunnel carved into the earth. It does not look to be a part of the fortress, the walls of the tunnel showing no sign of natural masonry. The tunnel is very dark, twisting deeper underground.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 83 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 19:56
  • msg #125

Playtest Scenario


With a wave of his hand Oliver advances on the doorway and it curtain. He tries to get a glimpse of what is on the other side without lifting the curtain just yet.

If he can't make anything out Oliver will advance through the doorway with his carbine at his shoulder.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Mon 22 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 42 posts
Mon 22 Oct 2018
at 19:57
  • msg #126

Playtest Scenario


Lira lingers a bit behind the others with the lantern held low as they advance on the doorway.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 102 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 06:23
  • msg #127

Playtest Scenario

Callum stands back a bit as Oliver tries to peek behind the curtain. He sees something terrible, something so horrible that he immediately drops the curtain. He barely manages to catch the yell of terror in his throat.

He can't remember exactly what he saw behind the yellow curtain, only that it terrified him to the very core of his being. It is a bit disorienting, being so afraid of something one can't remember...

Luckily, this had become a familiar experience for Oliver, so he understood what was happening. There was a daemon summoned just behind that curtain.

[OOC: Since only Oliver looked, only Oliver made a Morale check, which he unfortunately failed by 1. He's fine, since the curtain blocked line of sight, but won't be willingly able to enter that room.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 84 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 06:45
  • msg #128

Playtest Scenario


"deamon..." Was all Oliver was able to say as he dropped his carbine from his shoulder so it hung on its sling and turned away from the curtain. He took a few steps back....

-
Lira
player, 43 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 06:47
  • msg #129

Playtest Scenario


"Oh, let me have a look." She looked at the demon trough the gap between the curtain and then the rest of the room. If it was all clear she stepped through and looked over the scene.


Lira rolled 8 using 2d6.  Morale.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 103 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 07:04
  • msg #130

Playtest Scenario

Callum likewise quails and flinches when Lira draws aside the curtain again. The summoning chamber looked empty and harmless, other than the daemonic apparition in the center of it, so Lira stepped inside and let the curtain fall behind her.

The daemon appeared as a winged stag made of flickering golden light. Its legs were unusually long and seemed to have too many joints, but it was otherwise proportioned like a normal deer. Its head was crowned with razor-sharp looking antlers, and feathered wings sprouted from its back. The daemon fixed one of its eyes on Lira, pawing at the earthen floor of the chamber. The runes that composed its circle were created from a string of carefully-placed runestones. Lira imagined kicking even one out of place would be sufficient to disrupt the summoning.

The daemon stared at Lira for a long moment, before suddenly speaking. "Who dares?" it asked, in a rough and gravelly voice. The sound of its speech elicited it a yelp of fear from Callum behind the curtain, but the Golish survivor found his courage again once the daemon stopped speaking.

[OOC: It's not unusual for daemons to talk, though they just sort of parrot speech.]

The chamber where the daemon had been summoned seemed specifically designed for this purpose. There was a mural of twelve common daemonological symbols on the eastern wall, opposite the curtain, and a simple wooden bench set against the southern wall. To the north was a dusty wooden door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:05, Tue 23 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 44 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 07:16
  • msg #131

Playtest Scenario


"I am Lira...." She removes her journal from her skirts and begins to makes notes on the summoning ring and the stones before starting on the demon itself. "Do you know who summoned you and why ?" she asked.

OOC: I won't do a post for Oliver he can just cower behind the curtain.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 104 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 07:39
  • msg #132

Playtest Scenario

The daemon makes a strange sound like a horse's whinny, but deep and sonorous. "Lee. Ra," it says, testing out the name. "Lira dares. Lira dares."

"Furtur," it says. "Where lies the storm? A storm that lies. What lies behind the storm, Lira? Lira lies. Within Lira lies a storm. A storm that lies. Lira dares."

As the daemon babbles, it continues scratching into the ground with its hoof. After a few moments, it has scratched the word "Furtur" into the soft dirt. Lira blinks, and suddenly there is another figure in the summoning circle. A young towheaded boy, dressed like an attendant at a royal court. He is carrying a brass horn in one hand and a slim piece of paper in the other, like a herald announcing guests at a ball. But instead of a list of names and titles, the scroll he carries is a daemonic contract being proffered to Lira:

quote:
I, Furtur, The Storm That Lies, hereby award the signatory: a lantern to pierce earthly darkness, in exchange for an ordeal of pilgrimage.


The daemon and its conjured attendant then stood perfectly frozen still, their eyes locked on Lira. There was something dull, almost fearful, and animal-like in their gaze. Like deer that have spotted the hunter.

[OOC: Oh, you can go ahead and make an Intelligence check to try to recognize Furtur.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:41, Tue 23 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 45 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 07:45
  • msg #133

Playtest Scenario


Lira step forward and retrieves the contract before pushing one of the stones. "Lantern.., well that is a first." She waits until the demon has gone before pulling back the curtain and let the two men in.

She makes no mention as to what had passed as she walks to the door having picked up her lantern. Looking it over for traps while the other come forward....

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 86 posts
Tue 23 Oct 2018
at 07:46
  • msg #134

Playtest Scenario


Oliver walks past the girl who has the courage of a Lion and he quickly scans the room before seeing the other door. He let Lira look it over before having a look himself and if nothing is a miss Oliver tries the handle.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 107 posts
Thu 25 Oct 2018
at 06:35
  • msg #135

Playtest Scenario

The door seems bereft of traps, and testing the handle finds it unlocked. Callum opens it up, stepping into the room with his blunderbuss muzzle-first. It was a large, circular chamber, the most striking feature of which was the ornately carved stone sarcophagus at its center. It seems this remote outpost was also a tomb. Even stranger was the fact that what appeared to be a shard of black glass had fractured the stone lid of the sarcophagus, the fragment of shiny black material sticking up from the grave at an angle.

This central chamber seems to also be the nexus of the underground portions of the fortress. By Oliver's estimation, it is directly under the center of the courtyard. The party sees a door similar to the one they entered from to the north, as well as a barred and locked door to the west, though the bars seemed to on this side of the aperture. To the east an enormous metal vault door: the words "CISTERN ACCESS - CAUTION - WATER UNDER PRESSURE" are inscribed in the door in Golish.

[OOC: We aren't worrying about languages in this playtest, and Callum definitely knows Golish and can read anyway, but this will turn out to be a pretty hilarious trap for any party that doesn't have both knowledge of the language and literacy in the same character. Not sure yet it will literally flood the room (the physics of that seem a bit cartoonish, not sure) but it might knock people make and generally make a mess of things.

Lira can make an Intelligence/Antiquarian check for some information, but let me know what else you do.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:47, Fri 26 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 46 posts
Thu 25 Oct 2018
at 09:02
  • msg #136

Playtest Scenario


Lira slowly approaches the stone coffin as she does so she looks for any inscription which may indicate its contents or purpose. She will look into the sarcophagus is she is able and try and work out where the black stone came from, checking the ceiling as she does so.

Lira rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  Antiquarian roll.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 87 posts
Thu 25 Oct 2018
at 09:09
  • msg #137

Playtest Scenario


Oliver first actions are to keep Callum covered as they enter and then to check for traps as they search the room. He takes a closer look at both the doors, but especially the barred and locked one. If he spots anything suspicious or strange Oliver will give a shout for the others.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 108 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 04:37
  • msg #138

Playtest Scenario

Lira knew that this was not an outpost built over an ancient tomb; the outpost and this room were built during the same time period, featuring the same stonework, and appeared to have built in the last century. The sarcophagus was even newer, done in a contemporary style. Sarcophagi were considered ostentatious but not unheard of among the Golish nobility, and this one was carved the swooping, abstract, vaguely floral patterns favored just before the fall. And, presumably, still favored by survivors in the interior. There was a name inscribed on the lid: "Gustav von Roker", but curiously there was no date of birth or death.

As Lira approached to take a closer look at the sarcophagus and the angular object sticking out of it, she realized the black thing piercing the lid of the tomb was a sword! A bizarre sword, certainly, but Lira could see a hilt on one end of the black shard, as if someone had driven it into the sarcophagus to pierce the corpse inside. A thorough search of the room (and a glance at the ceiling) reveals no objects of similar construction or obvious source for the strange material. Though the strange blade has left a sizable crack in the sarcophagus lid, it is too dark to see inside. At least, without removing the lid first, which was now pinned in place by the sword.

The barred and locked door to the west that Oliver investigates has something that looks like a mail-slot at eye-level, clearly meant to be used as a peephole or to pass objects through the door. Cautiously, Oliver lifts the flap, peering inside to see what appears to be an empty jail cell. There is a moldering cot against one wall, and some shackles against another. Everything is caked in a layer of dust.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 88 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 04:42
  • msg #139

Playtest Scenario


Having checked the door Oliver comes and looks over the Sarcophagi and the sword without touching either. He glances to Lira who seems to be making some notes in her journal and then he goes and checks the unbarred door.

OOC: Just wanted to check the sword is normal human size ? Initially I thought it was giant size for some reason.

Taking a knee he listens at the surface while he looks for trip wire and the like.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 2 using 2d6.  Listen check.

Once everyone is again close he will try the handle and open it.


-
Lira
player, 47 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 04:44
  • msg #140

Playtest Scenario


Lira withdrew her journal from her robes and made a not of the name while sketching out the room to add to the rough map she had been making. Once Oliver moved off she put away her book and with one last look at the sword she followed the Dragoon to the door.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 109 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 06:35
  • msg #141

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Ah, no, didn't mean to give that impression. It's a normal-sized "sword," it's just made out of some weird material that is apparently capable of cleaving cleanly through stone.]

After completing her notes, Lira and the men moved to the northern door. Oliver didn't hear anything, but his ears had endured a few more campaigns of gun and cannonfire than Callum had. The Golish mailman reached out and grabbed Oliver's hand firmly, just a moment before he opened the door. Then, in a guttural whisper, he said: "Wait. You hear that? Creaking and rustling?"

[OOC: Figured Callum would try to listen at the door, too. Literally every player I've ever seen has tried to roll listen when someone else rolled listen, or perception, or searched the room, etc., haha. And he rolled very well. Let me know if you still open the door or do something else.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 89 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 08:14
  • msg #142

Playtest Scenario


Oliver picked it up as well, but indicated to everyone to be ready as he was still going to open the door. Which is what he does the stepping back and raising his carbine to his shoulder.


-
Lira
player, 48 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 08:15
  • msg #143

Playtest Scenario


Before Oliver opened the door Lira placed the lantern on the floor where it could illuminate the space beyond when the door was opened. She then also stood back with her crossbow at the ready.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 110 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 18:53
  • msg #144

Playtest Scenario

Callum nods and levels his blunderbuss at the door. Oliver opens it up to reveal another chamber, semi-circular in shape, with the concave wall opposite the door. There was a door similar to the one they had just entered to the left, and another curtain strung over the place where a door once was to the right.

Most notably, however, there were a number of skeletons milling about the room, their dry joints the source of the creaking and rustling Callum had detected. The monsters turned to face the party, weapons in hand, once they detected movement.

[OOC: All skeletons are lacking armor, and have an AC of 7. Door here is a little wider than in the watchtower; Oliver and Callum can probably block off Lira if they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, but the skeletons will be able to attack you three-at-a-time instead of two.

Initiative Tracker
Skeletons: 9
Callum: 5

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1 w/ short spear: 8/8 HP
Skeleton 2 w/ sword: 8/8 HP
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 90 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 19:58
  • msg #145

Playtest Scenario


As the door swung open and they saw the undead in the room Oliver took a knee and shouldered up to Callum as he slightly raised the barrel of his carbine.

He took aim and fired on the nearest skeleton, hearing the lock on his weapon roll forward and the push into his shoulder as the powder ignited.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 6 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 19 using 2d6+10.  Attack.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 6 using 1d6+2.  Pierce.


-
Lira
player, 49 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 20:02
  • msg #146

Playtest Scenario


Lira stepped back slightly and to the right as the skeletons appeared in the lantern light. She raised her crossbow and targeted one in the melee of undead. The bow string sang as she sent the bolt forth on a path of destruction, or at least she hopped it would.

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 18 using 2d6+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 5 using 1d6.  Pierce.
Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 112 posts
Fri 26 Oct 2018
at 23:19
  • msg #147

Playtest Scenario

Oliver's shot went wide, the cramped quarters making it difficult to get a bead on the monsters before they closed the distance to engage. Lira's crossbow bolt shot true, however, embedding itself in the skull of one the creatures. It kept lumbering onward, however, jabbing at Oliver with the short infantry spear it clutched in its cold grasp. The point punched through a chink in Oliver's armor, leaving behind a bleeding puncture [OOC: 5 damage!] A second skeleton hacked at Oliver with a jagged cutlass, nearly beheading him... [OOC: 3 more damage! It had a Piercing blow that turned a miss into a hit... I think it's Valor time for Oliver]

A third skeleton crowded the doorway, trying to stab at Callum, but couldn't get a proper angle between all the tangled, bony limbs flailing to find still-warm blood. Callum retaliated by firing his gun at the same skeleton Lira had struck. Chips of bone flew through the air, but still the creature remained on its feet...

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 1 w/ short spear: 2/8 HP
Skeleton 2 w/ sword: 8/8 HP
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 9/9
Oliver: 7/7]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 91 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 00:00
  • msg #148

Playtest Scenario

Oliver took a step back after the onslaught of blows, he fired a pistol at the nearest skeleton and readied his sword to be drawn.

Yes I will use a valor point, do you want to roll the 1d12 ?

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 19 using 2d6+9.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 1d8.  Pierce.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Sat 27 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 50 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 00:01
  • msg #149

Playtest Scenario


Lira removed another bolt from her quiver and readied it as she pulled back the string of her crossbow. She saw Oliver take a step back but was to engrossed in her reload to see what had happened. She also did not focus on the skeletons in case they threw off her concentration at the task at hand.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Sat 27 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 113 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #150

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: I rolled the 1d12 for you this time, got a 12! So you're at 12 HP, even though that exceeds your normal maximum. Oliver is going big damn hero for a hot second here.

Don't forget, though, that every time you spend Valor as a result of being reduced to 0 hitpoints, you need to roll a Con-based physical save to avoid being Maimed. I rolled this for Oliver as well, and he failed. I rolled on the Maiming table and got "Internal Injury" with a result of 1. So Oliver's maximum HP is reduced by 1 until he can get a week of bed rest.]

Drawing on reserves of strength he didn't knew he still possessed, the veteran ignored the puncture in his side, level his pistol at the head of skeleton his compatriots had already shot, and finished the job. The creature's skull exploded, and the skeleton collapsed.

One down. But of course, another one wielding a hammer took a single rattling step forward and took the fallen skeleton's place.

The hammer went wide, however, and Oliver managed dodge out of the way of the jagged cutlass once again. Callum tossed aside his blunderbuss and drew his cutlass, rallying a defense.

[OOC:

Whiff city for the NPCs.

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 2 w/ sword: 8/8 HP
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 9/9
Oliver: 12/7
Lira: 6/6]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:38, Sat 27 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 51 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 04:11
  • msg #151

Playtest Scenario


Lira raised he crossbow again and then took in the scene of battle as she raised it to her shoulder. Aiming for the skeleton with the hammer she pulled the trigger and let the bolt fly.


Lira rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Attack..  Attack with the right dice this time.

Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Sat 27 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 92 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 04:15
  • msg #152

Playtest Scenario


Oliver drew his sword from its scabbard with a pleasing swoosh. He took another step back and brought his blade to bear with a savage downward cut to the nearest skeleton.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d8+2.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  Pierce.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Sat 27 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 116 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:22
  • msg #153

Playtest Scenario

Lira's bolt passes through a skeleton's ribcage and shatters against the stone of the rear wall.  The cutlass-wielding skeleton managed to nick Oliver again, [OOC: 2 damage] but Oliver answered back by hacking off a portion of its left arm. All the rest of the skeletons were nothing but a tangle of bony, fruitlessly grasping limbs. Callum managed to further damage the same skeleton Oliver hit, but it was still standing...

[OOC:
Important note: you want to add any additive bonuses to damage after multiplicative ones. So, for example, both Callum and Oliver got Piercing blows this round. Oliver rolled a 1 on the damage die and a 2 on the Pierce die, so that's a Piercing blow. He gets his choice of the face value of the Pierce die or double his damage die, which is the same result in this case (2), so he does two damage. He then adds on his Strength bonus after this resolved (not before), so you don't get to double your Strength bonus (unfortunately). So he does 4 damage over all with his attack (2+his Strength mod of 2)... which is cut in half to 2 again because of the skeleton's special property.

It's all a bit confusing, so I just wanted to spell it out. Callum got a Piercing blow, and went with double the damage die, increasing his damage to 8. Then adding his Strength mod, it's 9. But then the skeleton reduce it to 4.5, which of course means 4.

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 2 w/ sword: 2/8 HP
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 9/9
Oliver: 10/7
Lira: 6/6]
Lira
player, 52 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:30
  • msg #154

Playtest Scenario


Again Lira removes a bolt and works her crossbows mechanism. Taking her time so as to not fumble the process, she works as fast as possible.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 94 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:34
  • msg #155

Playtest Scenario


Another slash to his right as he steps forward to engage the skeleton he had previously wounded. He slipped slightly in the dust and stones of the doorway and fluffed his present thus denying a hit.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 1 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 118 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:43
  • msg #156

Playtest Scenario

The undead swordsman proved a remarkably nimble foe, fighting with no regard for its "mortality" as it did. Another wild hack sent Oliver stumbling [OOC: 2 more damage!], and he heard Callum grunt next to him as a skeleton wielding a hammer managed to clip him in the shoulder [OOC: Callum took 3].

Roaring in frustration, Callum lashes out the cutlass-wielding skeleton, punching it in the side of the skull and using the guard of his sword like a knuckle-duster. The undead swordsman's skull shatters!

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 6/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 95 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:57
  • msg #157

Playtest Scenario


As the skeleton tumbled away Oliver slashed again with his sword looking to land a solid blow and give them some breathing space. He would have to find a mace or something similar he thought.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Attack

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d6.  Pierce.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 1d8.  Damage.


-
Lira
player, 53 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 20:59
  • msg #158

Playtest Scenario


Lira raised he crossbow, locked her eyes on one of the skeletons and fired at the undead thing.

Lira rolled 16 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Pierce.



-
A Malign Presence
GM, 119 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 22:02
  • msg #159

Playtest Scenario

The party, lead by Oliver, fought bravely, not giving the skeletons an inch. A second skeleton with a dagger stepped up to replace its fallen comrade, while Oliver's driving blow staggered the hammer-wielding skeleton back a step.


[OOC:

Whiff-o-rama!

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 5/7 HP
Skeleton 5 w/dagger: 4/4 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 6/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Lira
player, 54 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 23:33
  • msg #160

Playtest Scenario


Lira side stepped a bit while she again reloaded the crossbow. She saw bits of the battle and both of the men were still standing so things can't be that bad.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 98 posts
Sat 27 Oct 2018
at 23:36
  • msg #161

Playtest Scenario


Another smash of his blade Oliver tried to push the battle back as the skeleton surged forward. He kept his footing, but seemed unable to connect with any sort of force.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 2 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 121 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 07:40
  • msg #162

Playtest Scenario

The skeletons continued their assault, but their weapons either clattered uselessly off armor or missed their targets with their wild, jerky swings. Callum managed to dash a dagger-wielding skeleton to pieces, its brittle bones cracking under the force of his saber.

[OOC:

Callum maxed his damage roll, and decided to apply it to one of the 4 HP skellies in reach, taking it out entirely.

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 5/7 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 6/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Lira
player, 55 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 07:46
  • msg #163

Playtest Scenario


Lira moved her knee slightly as she again raised her crossbow and looked for a target. It took only a couple of seconds before she had one of the undead in sight and she pulled on the trigger of her weapon. The bolt shot out as it should and she hopped it found its mark.


Lira rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 1 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 99 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 07:50
  • msg #164

Playtest Scenario


There numbers were thinning did they have the upper hand. All had taken knocks and it felt as if the battle was stalling with neither side able to take decisive blows.

Oliver knew the undead were mindless, but their sheer numbers had nearly prevailed. And yet he was still unable to connect.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 14 using 1d20+10.  Attack.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 122 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 16:32
  • msg #165

Playtest Scenario

Callum took a dagger to the chest, wheezing in pain. He answered back with a swipe of his sword, staggering one of the creatures. Lira's bolt landed in the eye socket of the same skeleton, but still it was standing...

[OOC:

Callum took 4! Not too worried, though, because he still has his Valor.

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 4 w/ hammer: 1/7 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 2/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 100 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 19:54
  • msg #166

Playtest Scenario


Oliver continued to come up short and again could not land a hit in the tangle of bone before them.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 14 using 1d20+10.  Attack.


-
Lira
player, 56 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 19:55
  • msg #167

Playtest Scenario


Lira bent over her crossbow again busy in preparation for her next attack.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 123 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 20:50
  • msg #168

Playtest Scenario

Callum howled in fury as a dagger slipped through his armor, breaking his skin with another shallow cut. [OOC: Callum took another hit, was reduced to 0 hiptoints, spent Valor, and made his Maiming saving throw, so wasn't Maimed.] Swinging his blade, he shattered the skeleton with the hammer, sending its weapon clattering to the ground.

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 7/7 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 10/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Sun 28 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 57 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 21:50
  • msg #169

Playtest Scenario


Again up onto one knee and her crossbow at her shoulder Lira found a target, fewer targets she thought as she pulled the trigger.

Lira rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Attack (Natural 20).

Lira rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 1 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 101 posts
Sun 28 Oct 2018
at 22:01
  • msg #170

Playtest Scenario



Oliver thought to drop down and scoop up the skeletons dropped hammer, but instead he again tried to hit one of the undead. He instantly regretted not making the move though as he sword again sliced fresh air.

He was now committed to finding a mace at the earliest opportunity and should the hammer be serviceable that was now sitting on the floor covered with bone dust then so be it.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 15 using 1d20+10.  Attack.



-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Mon 29 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 124 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:36
  • msg #171

Playtest Scenario

Lira's bolt cracked the pate of the remaining dagger-wielding skeleton, and Callum nicked the monster with his sword, but still the beasts persisted...


[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 4/7 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 10/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 102 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:39
  • msg #172

Playtest Scenario


Oliver was becoming desperate in in his desperation he made simple mistakes his old arms master would have slapped him for. He could not how ever he tried connect with these undead.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Attack. Yea this dice roller is getting old


-
Lira
player, 58 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:41
  • msg #173

Playtest Scenario


Crossbow down, bolt out and into the groove, string back and up to her shoulder. Lira was getting good at this she thought as she went through the motions again and prepared her weapon.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 125 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:49
  • msg #174

Playtest Scenario

Callum continued to hold the line, hacking off a portion of the two remaining skeletons. The attacks of the skeletons failed to find purchase in soft living flesh...

[OOC:

The whiff fest continues, but Callum got a hit.

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 3 w/ dagger: 2/7 HP
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 10/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Lira
player, 59 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:52
  • msg #175

Playtest Scenario


Aiming for a skeleton Lira let the trigger go and sent the bolt flying, though she could tell her aim was off as she knelt down to being the process of loading again.

Lira rolled 14 using 1d20+9.  Attack.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 103 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:56
  • msg #176

Playtest Scenario


Oliver struck out in fury using the emotions he was feeling and felt purchase as bone crunched and something staggered. He nearly let out a yell as he realised he had hit the dead thing.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 126 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 05:59
  • msg #177

Playtest Scenario

The skeleton shattered under the force of Oliver's blow. Callum swung and missed...

[OOC:

Okay, bring us home! Just one left...

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 9
Skeletons: 9
Oliver: 5
Callum: 5


HP Tracker
Skeleton 6 w/sword: 4/4 HP
Callum: 10/9
Oliver: 8/7
Lira: 6/6]
Lira
player, 60 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 06:05
  • msg #178

Playtest Scenario


Eyes on target, control breathing, pull trigger. Lira could hear her fathers words in her ear as she fired on the last skeleton. It was that first winter that Lira had managed to down the deer and get her family through another couple of weeks of the high snows and then it had all been for nothing.

Lira rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 1 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 104 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 06:08
  • msg #179

Playtest Scenario


Oliver turned as the skeleton turned to dust and then with a swish of his sword blade tried to decapitate the last undead being, just as it ducked and he missed. His sword hit the door frame and slipped from his hand and the sword knot did not save him from the clumsy action.

Away his weapon clattered as he had to take step back.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Attack - Not this time.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 127 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 06:57
  • msg #180

Playtest Scenario

Oliver dodges a thrust from the sole remaining skeleton, and Callum hacks into its side. Lira's bolt pops its skull like a clay pigeon, and falls to the ground in an animate heap.

The party, panting and exhausted, take a moment to collect themselves. Callum's wounds don't seem to terribly deep, though the new hole in Oliver's side will likely take some time to heal.

With the fighting over, the parry can see that the chamber they breached was pretty nondescript, save for the concave wall to the north. There is an archway with a curtain strung over it to the east, and a door similar to the one they'd enter from to the west. A cursory investigation reveals that the door to the west is firmly locked.

[OOC: None of you can reasonably pick the locks, but you can bash down the door with weapons or generally try to deconstruct it somehow with a Strength check.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 105 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 07:08
  • msg #181

Playtest Scenario


Oliver bends down to retrieve his sword from the ground, giving Callum a nod of thanks as he does so. As he moves to ride he instantly regrets the move and clutching his side he has to use his other hand to support himself against the door frame.

Waving off the others concern he takes a minute to compose himself before putting his sword back in its scabbard and then looking around the room.

Oliver searches the skeletons and then talking his time he picks up the dropped hammer and places it in his sword belt. Having a walk around the room Oliver will take a peek behind the curtain once everyone else is ready.


-
Lira
player, 61 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 07:10
  • msg #182

Playtest Scenario


once the last skeleton falls Lira reloads her crossbow and then slings it across her back as she follows the other into the room. She has a good look in the space as she retrieves crossbow bolts and checking their heads she will place those that are still usable back into her quiver.

She then forms up with the others at the curtain.



-
A Malign Presence
GM, 128 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 15:37
  • msg #183

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: As before, made a Morale check for Oliver and only Oliver because he was peeking first before they entered.]

Peeking behind the veil, Oliver sees another summoning circle, composed of arranged rune-stones on the floor. This time, his courage sustains him, and he sees that the apparition in the center of the circle is that of a well-formed man in his thirties, with a full, black beard and a morion helmet. His arms are looped around a blunderbuss he has draped over his shoulders, pacing the confines of the circle with a sort of affected casualness. He looks perfectly like a normal human being, though he never leaves the circle of dimly glowing yellow light that binds him.

Oliver also sees more undead in the room, three skeletons milling about, wielding clubs and knives. There is also a staircase, leading back up toward daylight, and Oliver realizes this room is probably beneath the northeastern tower of the fortress.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:52, Tue 30 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 106 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 20:05
  • msg #184

Playtest Scenario


Stepping back Oliver informs the others what he has seen, he removes his new hammer from his belt and then when the others are ready he will look around curtain and let the skeletons come to them.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Attack.
Assuming the hammer is a light weapon.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d4.  Pierce.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Mon 29 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 62 posts
Mon 29 Oct 2018
at 20:08
  • msg #185

Playtest Scenario


Lira found a spot were she could comfortably fire on the new group of undead, though in her haste to hit something she seemed to fluff her shot. She was sure she could her it clatter off thought the doorway and into the other room as she dropped her weapon down and prepared for another go.


Lira rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 13 using 1d20+9.  Attack.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Tue 30 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 129 posts
Tue 30 Oct 2018
at 21:36
  • msg #186

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: One thing I think you may have forgotten is that throwing aside the curtain would also force Lira and Callum to make Morale checks! Luckily everyone makes it this time, though.

I'm also writing this as Oliver charging into the room. If your goal was to bait them into the chokepoint, that won't work due to reasons (the skeleton's orders wouldn't have allowed you to bait them), so we'll just assume that Oliver gets fed up waiting and goes out to strike them (which he has movement for). Since there's only three skeletons, the natural choke point wouldn't have given you any benefit anyway.

Also, for future fights, we're going forward with "bludgeoning weapons do double damage" as the rule. You guys have made short work of this encounter thus far... ]

Oliver charges forward, dashing the nearest skeleton to pieces with his newly-acquired hammer. Callum, preferring his sword and shield over his blunderbuss for this engagement, cuts clean through a second. It falls to the ground in a dusty heap.

Lira's bolt goes wide, and the last skeleton lumbers over to Callum, swiping at it with a clumsy blow of its club. The bearded daemon smirks with apparent amusement, watching the melee from the confines of its summoning circle.

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 9
Oliver: 8
Lira: 5
Skeletons: 3

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1: 2/2
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:36, Tue 30 Oct 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 107 posts
Tue 30 Oct 2018
at 21:56
  • msg #187

Playtest Scenario


As the first skeleton shatters under his hit Oliver had to stop himself looking at he weapon in his hand. When the other undead thing lumbers past, Oliver makes a back hand attack.


OOC: Yes I was trying to bait them, but no problem. Was I correct in that the hammer is a small weapon ?

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 27 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d4.  Pierce.


-
Lira
player, 63 posts
Tue 30 Oct 2018
at 21:57
  • msg #188

Playtest Scenario


A simple curse is uttered under Lira's breath as she drops to one knee and begins to reload her crossbow with another bolt.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 130 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 07:14
  • msg #189

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Yes, the hammer is a light weapon. Your dice for the weapon are correct.]

The last skeleton's rib cage splintered under the weight of Oliver's new hammer. The chamber fell silent for a moment, until the air was filled with the rich sound of the daemon's laughter. It sounded human, and it looked human, but somehow that only made the knowledge that it wasn't worse somehow.

The daemon said nothing, and continued to stalk the confines of its circle, its arms looped through a blunderbuss that looked surprisingly similar to Callum's. Callum glowered at it as he reloaded his own weapon. This was the first daemon Callum had ever seen, and he didn't like it. "What's so fucking funny, eh?" he growled, pouring some more shot into his weapon. The beast did not answer.

[OOC: Made a bargaining check for Callum, but he wasn't found worthy. Oliver and/or Lira can attempt to bargain, or can pass. All you really have to do is interact with it or talk to it in any way and make a threshold 7 Charisma check. Lira can add Antiquarian to this.]

With the dust of battle cleared, the party found a knife and two crude wooden clubs clutched in the skeletal grip of the undead warriors. There is also a small stack of runestones in the corner, similar to the type composing the daemonic apparition's circle, but of a design and featuring sigils Lira is unfamiliar with [OOC: These were reagents that Lira unfortunately can't use.]

In addition to a staircase leading up back to the outpost on the surface, there is a narrow tunnel extending to the east. It seems to spiral strangely deeper into the earth. It doesn't look like a natural tunnel, but there is also no discernible stonework.

[OOC: Lira can make an Intelligence check with Academy Graduate added.]
Lira
player, 64 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 07:19
  • msg #190

Playtest Scenario


once the battle was done and her crossbow reloaded, Lira removed her journal and began to make notes of what she sees. She moves closer to the ring of small stones and continues to make notes. "Oliver would you mind interacting with the entity ?"

She stands ready with her quill in hand.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 109 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 07:27
  • msg #191

Playtest Scenario


Oliver runs up the stars to check to see that no one is in the courtyard and to get his bearings since they had traveled a bit underground. He comes back down and was going to investigate the new tunnel when Lira asks him to engage with the demon.

"Of course.... Ah hello I don't suppose you could tell us a bit about how you got here ?"

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Cha check.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Wed 31 Oct 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 132 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 07:51
  • msg #192

Playtest Scenario

The daemon laughs again, a sound deep and sonorous. "I was invited, so to speak." He casts a meaningful glance at the circle of glowing runes. "How about you? No, you hacked your way in with burning powder and sword, as is your custom."

"And hammer," he adds, smirking, his gaze darting toward the scavenged weapon still in Oliver's hand. The daemon's eyes then moved toward a spot of blood visible through Oliver's armor, a remnant from the spear-wound he had suffered. "You're injured," he states, with something approaching concern. "The old lion still bleeds, hmm? We can't have that. I'm a hunter too, you know. Blood-seeker, too. Consider this a gift, given in solidarity."

The daemon reaches into a belt-pouch, pulling forth a slim scroll. He pushes the scroll to the periphery of the circle, proffering it to Oliver. Provided he takes it and unfurls it, he sees it says:

quote:
I, Barbatos, The Bearded Hunstman, hereby award the signatory: safe passage through the underworld, in exchange for a ban against impiety.


"Do with it what thou wilt," the daemon says, smiling with an inhuman hollowness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:32, Thu 01 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 111 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 07:57
  • msg #193

Playtest Scenario


Oliver took the scroll without a word. He unfurls it and reads it before putting it inside he tunic. "Have you been here for long ?" he asks.

Did he see anything in the courtyard ?

-
This message was last edited by the player at 08:03, Wed 31 Oct 2018.
Lira
player, 65 posts
Wed 31 Oct 2018
at 08:00
  • msg #194

Playtest Scenario


Lira closes her journal and puts it away before approaching the circle. "Do you know who summoned you ?"

Lira rolled 6 using 2d6.  Cha check.

She looks the entrance of the new tunnel over as she waits for a reply.

Lira rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  Int check.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 133 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 04:52
  • msg #195

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Oh, I missed that you were trying to run up the stairs quick. I'd... advise against it? You didn't explore the whole above-ground part of the outpost, and these aren't the same stairs you came down... Oliver doesn't know if the way is clear. Let me know if you want to reconsider that little jaunt!]

The daemon seems almost ready to turn his back on Lira in disinterest, but she manages to catch the thing's gaze. It stares at her in fascination a moment, then answered: "Someone very brave and very foolish." The way he stared at her, it wasn't clear if he was answering her question or trying to define Lira herself. The spell was broken when the daemon cracked a grin. He tossed a balled-up scroll at Lira, saying: "You know what you are, and you know what I am, and you know what this. Here's yours, lass." He then shouldered his blunderbuss and resumed his idle pacing, though he does answer Oliver's question over his shoulder. "Not long at all," he says simply, though it's anyone's guess what that means to a daemon, or how they might reckon time.

Provided she unballs it, Lira will see an intact if slightly wrinkled contract that reads:

quote:
I, Barbatos, The Bearded Hunstman, hereby award the signatory: that the next sword you touch be fated with conquest, blood and victory, in exchange for a tithe of 250 gold, interred beneath earth or stone on the night of the new moon.

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:06, Thu 01 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 66 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 05:37
  • msg #196

Playtest Scenario


Lira picks up the contract and read it before flattening out the paper and putting it inside her dress. She then proceeds to kick over one of the summoning stone. "Well if the demon is correct it could be he was summoned by our missing officer, though I cannot say for what end."

She goes closer to the tunnel entrance and adds "What now ?"


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 112 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 05:40
  • msg #197

Playtest Scenario


OOC: Right I will have him stay here for now.

Oliver thinks for a bit and then asks "Should we try the locked and barred door in the previous room ?" If there is now objection Oliver will go back and examine the door before trying to break it open.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 2d6+2.  Str check.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Thu 01 Nov 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 135 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 07:24
  • msg #198

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Too be clear, there's nothing wrong with going back upstairs. It was more Oliver running into a different, unexplored dungeon room by HIMSELF that was giving me a "you sure you want to do that?" moment.]

Returning to the semicircular chamber where they'd fought the small horde of skeletons, Oliver gives the door a swift kick. The door was locked, it seemed, but not barred, and the aged wood splintered easily under Oliver's power.

Callum entered first with his blunderbuss raised, but quickly cleared the room. There was nothing alive in here, just a dusty old armory. It looks like gunpowder was primarily stored here, and dampness leaking from above has ruined most of the stores. Still, there's plenty of dry portion remaining to at least reload the party's stores, of which Callum avails himself.

There are grooves in the walls where other weapons were once held, either firearms or perhaps the weapons the skeletons were carrying. Whatever was once there, it was missing now. Still remaining, however, was a massive war-maul, its wooden haft intact and its bulbous steel head glinting and untarnished by time. Oliver had heard of these, favored weapons of Golish forlorn hope units in past days. They still saw some use in the field, doubling as a personal weapon for the more physically imposing grenadiers as well as a tool for battlefield engineering.

Callum emits a low whistle on the sight of the war-maul. "If you don't mind, captain... wouldn't mind having that at hand if we run into more skelly-bones."

[OOC: So as long as we're using current bludgeoning rules and no encumbrance rules, I hope you don't mind if I engage in this cheese for a bit. I happened to get 30 GP worth of unhidden treasure in an armory room, and a skeleton-bashing great weapon just seemed too perfect (especially considering the sizable encounter in the other room). As a fighter, Callum is going to be able to swing this thing around for its full and terrifying 1d12/1d12. Should be fun!]

The northern wall of the armory was dominated by a stolid staircase leading upwards, to what Oliver presumed was the northwest tower. The stony steps spiraled upward and out of sight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:26, Thu 01 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 114 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 08:38
  • msg #199

Playtest Scenario


Oliver stopped for a moment to survey the room and raised his hand when Callum asked to take the maul "No, no you take it." He walked to the base of the stair. "Lets us clear the tower before continuing down under ground and once at the top it will give us a good view of the rest of the castle and anyone below who we may have disturbed by our foray."

Oliver will lead the way up looking for loose flag stones or trip wires as he ascends the stairs.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Thu 01 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 67 posts
Thu 1 Nov 2018
at 08:40
  • msg #200

Playtest Scenario


Lira follows the two men, crossbow at the ready. She watches as Oliver kicks the way clear and is rather impressed at the action. She too stops for a minute to take in the newly entered room and also is slightly in awe of the giant maul against the wall.

She has no objections to climbing the tower so follows the others up.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 136 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 05:30
  • msg #201

Playtest Scenario

Callum shoulders his new toy and ascends the stairs, leading the way. As the party nears the top stair, they come to the lower floor of the guard tower on the northwestern side of the outpost. It is a roughly circular chamber, with a wall of stone to the south and a door leading into northern wall of the fortress to the east. The stairs continue up to the top of the guard tower and the outpost's battlements.

As soon as they leave the darkness of the underground, however, they spot more skeletons milling about this room. Two are standing near a sturdy-looking chest near the western wall, while a third is standing at as a guardian at the top of the steps. The skeletons spot the party at the same moment, and all reach for their weapons...

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 8
Skeletons: 8

HP Tracker
Skeleton 1 w/ Sword: 5
Skeleton 2 w/ Dagger: 1
Skeleton 3 w/ Hammer: 1]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:35, Fri 02 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 116 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 05:42
  • msg #202

Playtest Scenario


Oliver readies his hammer and advances on the first skeleton. He brings his weapon back a makes a seeping attack towards the monstrosity.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 4 using 1d4.  Pierce.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 1 using 1d6.  Damage.


-
Lira
player, 68 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 05:46
  • msg #203

Playtest Scenario


Lira follows the men a up and her eyes are drawn to the chest as the crossbow rises to her shoulder and she targets one of the skeletons standing next to it. With a pull of the trigger the weapons string gives a satisfying twang as the bolt streaks forward.

Lira rolled 12 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Attack.
Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 6 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 138 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 05:55
  • msg #204

Playtest Scenario

Lira's bolt shatters the skull of one of the skeletons before it can even think to move, and Oliver's hammer shatters through the sword-wielding skeleton standing astride the staircase. With the way clear, Callum charges the last remaining skeleton, sending it flying with a powerful strike from his new maul.

The party breathes a sigh of relief. That went smoothly, for once...

[OOC: You guys won initiative and clobbered them. Well done. The chest is a threshold 6 Strength to break, threshold 7 to pick it. You could probably jimmy it open with a dagger to "pick" it, so it's within even this party's purview.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Fri 02 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 69 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 06:05
  • msg #205

Playtest Scenario



Lira moves over to the chest having reloaded her bow. She takes a knee and checks it over for anything that might take her hand off as she looks at the lock. She removes a hair pin from her head and begins to try and reset the tumblers while turning the hair pin, after a couple of seconds she is rewarded with a "click" from the mechanism.

With a hand she shoos the two men back to a safe distance and then standing off to the side she opens the lid with a spare bolt.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 119 posts
Fri 2 Nov 2018
at 06:07
  • msg #206

Playtest Scenario


Once the skeletons are dealt with Oliver searches the moldering bones for anything of value and while Lira set to the lock on the chest Oliver will begin a search of the room.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 140 posts
Sat 3 Nov 2018
at 16:20
  • msg #207

Playtest Scenario

Lira detects no traps or unusual mechanisms and manages to make short work of the lock. Popping the chest open reveals a second, smaller iron box. This is thankfully unlocked, and is filled with neatly ordered rows of gold coins. It's 300 of them, all of an Aventinian mint. There is also a bag of satchet powders and what appears to be human teeth, as well as tiny little slips of paper inked with the same arcane sigil over and over again. It's not one Lira recognizes, though. [OOC: There was about 200 GP worth of reagents that Lira unfortunately can't use.]

Oliver sees nothing of value on the skeletons besides their well-worn weapons. This seems to be an ordinary guardroom at the base of the northwest tower, its furnishings stripped away by looters long ago. Stairs continue up to the peak of the tower, and down into the underground portion the party had just emerged from. To the east was a wooden door leading into the northern wall of the outpost, and presumably (at some point) into the courtyard.
Lira
player, 70 posts
Sat 3 Nov 2018
at 19:05
  • msg #208

Playtest Scenario


Looking in the chest Lira catches her breath, such wealth she had never seen before. Back on the farm if they had a good harvest perhaps her father would have a handful of coppers and a silver or two if they sold a hog, but never anything like this.

She let Oliver bag them up, unsure of the situation and the protocol for such things.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 120 posts
Sat 3 Nov 2018
at 19:07
  • msg #209

Playtest Scenario


Oliver takes the coins and regents and adds them to his gear, he will distribute them latter. For now he was interested in the stairs to the top of the tower. He leads the others forward eager to have a look at the courtyard from a distance.

Leading with his carbine at his shoulder Oliver ascends the stairs watching for anything that maybe a threat.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Sat 03 Nov 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 141 posts
Sun 4 Nov 2018
at 02:12
  • msg #210

Playtest Scenario

The party ascends the staircase, finding the top of the tower vacant. The lookout from the peak of the tower offers a commanding view of the northern and western sides of the fortress. All seems quiet in the remote Golish tundra here on the largely-abandoned borderlands. The battlements and the outpost's central courtyard are all visible from here, and seem vacant and empty.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 121 posts
Sun 4 Nov 2018
at 02:15
  • msg #211

Playtest Scenario


Stepping back from the battlement Oliver turns to the others in their group. "Well that seems to confirm things are still quite. Any objections if we take the door below and see if there is anything in the courtyard ?"

As long as no one offers up another suggestion that is what Oliver will do.


-
Lira
player, 71 posts
Sun 4 Nov 2018
at 02:18
  • msg #212

Playtest Scenario


Lira looks out over the castle and then the surrounding countryside looking for anything out of place or that catches her eye. She does not offer up anything when Oliver asks for suggestions and follows him out of the wooden door below.

Lira rolled 2 using 2d6.  Vision test = blind.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Sun 04 Nov 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 142 posts
Mon 5 Nov 2018
at 01:12
  • msg #213

Playtest Scenario

Seeing nothing unusual, the group heads down to the doors they saw in the guardroom. They lead east, opening up to a long stone corridor. Arrow-slits and small windows are carved into the southern wall, allowing in light from the courtyard and no doubt giving defending soldiers the chance to fire into the courtyard during a breach of the outpost walls.

The corridor is about 30' long, and eventually empties into a small storeroom. There are doors to the south, leading to the courtyard. These were probably the closed doors the party saw earlier, when they first entered the outpost. The doors were locked, but were locked from this side, and the party could easily open them if they wanted. The storeroom looked largely empty, save for a few scattered crates. There was a small corpse huddled in one corner, a rather old one. Its skin was flecked with rot or frostbite, and its faced turned toward the wall.

In addition to the double doors leading to the courtyard, there was a smaller but sturdy-looking wooden door leading east, in the direction of the northeastern tower.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 122 posts
Mon 5 Nov 2018
at 01:18
  • msg #214

Playtest Scenario


As they walk along the corridor Oliver again focuses on the courtyard and tries to see anything from this different angle.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  Visual check.

Assuming he see's nothing on their walk along the corridor Oliver stops for a minute to survey the store room. He goes and looks at the corpse first and begins a search of its possessions if he is able. When he is done Oliver will unlock the doors to the courtyard but not open them, he wants to give them options should things go South and they need to escape.

Oliver suggests they make their way to the northeastern tower and continue the above ground search.


-
Lira
player, 72 posts
Mon 5 Nov 2018
at 01:21
  • msg #215

Playtest Scenario


Lira also took the time to scan the courtyard as they walked along the corridor.

Lira rolled 12 using 2d6.  Vision test.

Lira was going to look at the body, but it seems Oliver has beaten her to it "Make sure it's dead Oliver." she adds as she searches the crates.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 143 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 06:53
  • msg #216

Playtest Scenario

What they can see of the courtyard from this angle reveals that it's much as the party left it; eerily vacant. They can see the lance with the Mounted Rangers pennant still planted there, swaying in the breeze.

As Oliver bends down to inspect the body, Lira's warning comes just in time. He turns, looking at her for a just a moment, and hesitating just before touching the corpses. And then it moves. Lurches...

Callum gives a frightened shout, firing off his blunderbuss. The shot nearly takes off the corpse's head, but still the thing manage to get up, reaching out for Oliver. "Draugr," Callum managed to growl, reaching for his sword.

[OOC: Okay, Lira's vision check I think was good enough to avoid any surprise.

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 8
Draugr: 6

HP Tracker
Draugr: 1/5]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 123 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 07:10
  • msg #217

Playtest Scenario


Oliver pulled his sword free of it scabbard as he staggered back. Bringing the grip to his ear as he brings the blade forward and a long sweep towards the undead thing.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 12 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 21 using 2d6+10.  Attack. Not sure the AC.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 6 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
Lira
player, 73 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 07:13
  • msg #218

Playtest Scenario


Lira had to swing her crossbow on its sling as the undead thing began to stir. She aimed for its chest and let loose the bolt.

Lira rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Lira rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 144 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 07:27
  • msg #219

Playtest Scenario

Oliver manages to behead the thing and draw his sword in the same motion, killing it just inches before it can strike. Lira's bolt lands in its torso a moment later. The withered, ancient corpse collapses to the stone flagstones of the storeroom, well and truly dead this time. It possesses nothing other than the decaying fragments of meager clothing it wears.

"I'm pretty sure that was draugr," Callum muttered, clearly a little shaken. "I've never seen one quite so up close before, but the weak ones can lay dormant for long periods, only waking up when it smells something to eat. Like us."

"Their touch is worse than death, you know," he adds, before dutifully reloading his blunderbuss.

Testing the door to the east, leading to the northeast tower, the party found it unlocked. Doors to the south, leading to the courtyard, were locked but accessible from this side.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:19, Tue 06 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 124 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 07:31
  • msg #220

Playtest Scenario


Oliver nodded along to Callums description of the undead, as he took a closer look at the corpse. "I think it is down for good now." he adds. He takes his canteen from his belt and offers it to the others before taking several mouthfuls himself.

Putting it back on his belt Oliver will open the door to the Northeast tower and enter.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Wed 07 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 74 posts
Tue 6 Nov 2018
at 07:33
  • msg #221

Playtest Scenario


Lira retrieved her bolt from the corpse and placed it back onto her crossbow as she reloaded. She too took a look at the body, this being the first time she had seen the monster that her parents had used to scare her into submission.


Once she has had her full she follows Callum and Oliver through the door.


-
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:11, Wed 07 Nov 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 145 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 05:14
  • msg #222

Playtest Scenario

The draugr was wrinkled and emaciated. Callum was unable to say with certitude if this was a typical example of draugr-kind, or if this was a particularly malnourished specimen. He did mention, however, that frostbite-blackened skin was a telltale sign of the draugr, though that could apply to any sort of fleshy undead thing when wintertime came round in frigid Golinlund.

Opening the eastern door, the party comes to the northeastern tower, or what remains of it. While the southeastern tower of the outpost was entirely reduced to rubble, much of the eastern wall remained. But not, it seemed, the parts that allowed access to the fortifications. The southern wall of the guard room was dominated by a large pile of spilled and broken masonry. The stairs leading down into the underground portions of the outpost were still intact, however.

While otherwise identical to the other guardrooms the party had seen, this one was notable for the first to show any signs of habitation. There was a brazier, lit in the northeastern corner near the stairwell, still crackling faintly with active embers. Depending on how high the wood and oil had been stacked, it had probably been burning for only a day or two. In the northwestern corner, near the door the party had just entered from, was a small lightweight stand or desk and a chair. There was a tin plate and some flatware set there as well, of a type commonly used by soldiers in the field.

Oliver and Lira also notice a small pressure plate set on the top step of the staircase. Ropes connected it to a pulley, from which dangled a small satchel, hanging over the brazier. It certainly looked like a trap of some kind. It would have been difficult to spot walking up from below, but was quite easy to see here, from the top of the staircase.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:45, Wed 07 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 125 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 06:07
  • msg #223

Playtest Scenario


Oliver slipped into the room and moved the sling of his carbine off his shoulder, he brings the weapon up as he cocks the lock. While the others searched or dismantled the trap Oliver guarded the staircase.

Oliver took a knee and checks for signs of passage from whoever had been using the space, foot prints or the like in the dust of the floor. Once the search and trap was dealt with Oliver decided it was time they confronted whatever was below and he prepared to descend into the lower level.


-
Lira
player, 75 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 06:15
  • msg #224

Playtest Scenario


Lira wondered over to the desk and took a knee as she checked for any obvious traps or trip wires. If the piece of furniture had drawers she would search them before standing and checking for any other hiding places.

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Search.

Lira will go dismantle the trap as well and she takes a look in the satchel. Before she lowers it down she moves the brazier with Callums help, Oliver being somewhat occupied with the staircase.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 146 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 07:22
  • msg #225

Playtest Scenario

Lira is able to disarm the trap with little difficulty after she and Callum move the brazier. Inspecting the satchel finds it to be full of gunpowder, spare ammunition and nails. Stepping on the pressure plate would have no doubt sent the charge into the brazier, detonating and peppering the area with embers and shrapnel. Likely not fatal, judging from the distance between the pressure plate trigger and the brazier, but nasty. An alarm, maybe?

A quick search of the room reveals a drawer in the table. Inside is a pouch containing fifty gold coins, again of Aventinian mint. Little else in the room is salvageable or looks recently-used.

Glancing down the staircase, Oliver sees it is very dark below, but recognizes the vague shapes of the room where the party had encountered the summoning of Barbatos, the bearded daemon with the blunderbuss. The room was dark now, no longer illuminated by the flickering light of the summoning circle.
Lira
player, 76 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 07:46
  • msg #226

Playtest Scenario


Lira again lifts the lamp as she follows the others down the stairs, she recognizes the room and does a quick sweep of the floor looking for new tracks before again following the two men as they enter the narrow tunnel on towards the second set of stairs.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Thu 08 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 126 posts
Wed 7 Nov 2018
at 07:48
  • msg #227

Playtest Scenario


Oliver begins to descend the stairs and once at the bottom he sweeps the room with his carbine before entering the tunnel that leads to another set of stairs. He stopped for a moment to look for traps or tracks and then continued down.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Traps & Tracks.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Thu 08 Nov 2018.
A Malign Presence
GM, 149 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 07:12
  • msg #228

Playtest Scenario

A cursory search of the entrance to the tunnel reveals no obvious tripwires or other traps. There don't seem to be any signs of obvious, recent passage, either. The tunnel has twisted walls and is strangely composed, smooth and almost glass-like in parts. Lira thinks it might be caused by volcanic activity, but she isn't sure. And that wouldn't make any sense at all for Golinlund...

[OOC: I forgot to mention the results of Lira's earlier intelligence check to identify the tunnels, but she didn't quite make it and is kinda clueless.]

The tunnel is very dark and largely featureless, but after a turn Lira's lamp illuminates four strange, scrawny, one-eyed ape-like creatures. The creatures stare at the party, dumbfounded, for a moment, before they suddenly erupt in aggressive hooting and screeching. All but one are armed with sticks they wield like clubs, and as soon as they raise them to attack, Callum instinctively fires his blunderbuss, peppering the swarming creatures with shot.

[OOC: You're fighting likho! They all have an AC of 7. They all have a unique, evil eye gaze: they inflict a -1 penalty to attack rolls and skill checks for anyone they're looking at, stacking to a maximum of -2. The likho are essentially staring at the individuals they intend to engage, so Lira and Oliver both take a -1 penalty to attack rolls, while Callum is taking a -2.

Callum got a Piercing blow with his blunderbuss again, but a low-damage one, so he just used it to soften them all up.

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 11
Likho: 8

HP Tracker
Likho 1: 6/7 HP
Likho 2: 6/7 HP
Likho 3: 6/7 HP
Unarmed Likho: 2/3 HP]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:13, Fri 09 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 131 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 07:25
  • msg #229

Playtest Scenario


Oliver raises his carbine at one of the creatures and pulls the trigger. He feels the familiar push back on his shoulder as the powder ignites and sends the bullet forward.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 1d10.  Pierce.


-
Lira
player, 77 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 07:28
  • msg #230

Playtest Scenario


Lira drops the sights of her crossbow onto one of the beasts and lets a bolt fly, as she instantly drops the weapon and begins to reload.

Lira rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Attack.

Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Pierce.



-
A Malign Presence
GM, 150 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 07:53
  • msg #231

Playtest Scenario

Oliver's carbine kicks in a manner almost comfortable and familiar. The blue-skinned little goblin is splayed out on its back, dead, from a direct hit. Lira's bolt likewise lands right in the eye of its target, and the unarmed likho falls howling to the ground before it dies.

The remaining two creatures, perhaps fearing the thunderous boom of gunpowder, or perhaps simply seeing the fates of their fellows, dropped their sticks and ran scampering into the dark, deeper into the tunnel.

[OOC: These things failed their morale check pretty hard, haha. Let me know if you immediately chase after them, let them go and try to track them, etc.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 132 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 08:02
  • msg #232

Playtest Scenario


Oliver raises his hand to let them go as he reloads his carbine. Once the task is done and no one else raises any concerns they continue on. He stops for a moment when Lira indicates she want to look the corpses over, and once that task is done the move off.

"Lets be careful in our approach, I am sure these beasts will regroup in greater numbers so be vigilant. That and we have a lieutenant still unaccounted for who is as well armed as we are."


-
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Fri 09 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 78 posts
Fri 9 Nov 2018
at 08:03
  • msg #233

Playtest Scenario


Finishing reloading her crossbow even when the monsters turn tail and flee Lira asks to look at the bodies before they continue on. She takes a knee and searches them before getting up and following the others.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 151 posts
Sun 11 Nov 2018
at 22:39
  • msg #234

Playtest Scenario

Callum nods, reloading his blunderbuss and letting the remaining creatures scamper into the safety of the dark.

Lira stoops down to take a closer look at the two corpses. They are diminutive but surprisingly human in seeming, albeit with a single, staring eye and numerous ivory horns on their head. One of the dead things has three horns, the other five. Though she hasn't seen one of them up close before, Lira has read of these creatures at the university: likho, malicious little goblins that seem to mysteriously appear in the presence of cursed items or people, particularly cursed items that have been left alone for a very long time.

Once the party is fully reloaded, they progress further past the bend in the tunnel, coming to  a heavy-looking door awkwardly installed in the the smooth, strangely grooved tunnel. Oliver spots the fleeing likho scurrying beneath a small gap beneath the door and the tunnel floor. The gap looks to have been painstakingly dug out with likho claws, and is only large enough for them to barely wriggle through.

The party arrives just in time to see the last of the potbellied little goblins wedge itself under the door, leaving the chamber empty. However, a moment later, a large snake slithers out from beneath the same space. A loud rattling sound fills the air as it approaches the party, then coils up, ready to strike. It is still too far away to hit anyone, however, being about 15' away from both Oliver and Callum, and 5' from the door. It shakes the rattle on the end of its tail, staring the party down in defiance. It appears to be an ordinary snake, but is a large and dangerous-looking specimen, measuring about three feet long.

[OOC: Give me a Charisma reaction roll for anyone trying to interact with the snake, or roll an attack roll if trying to attack it. Let me know if you do anything else.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Sun 11 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 79 posts
Sun 11 Nov 2018
at 23:00
  • msg #235

Playtest Scenario


Lira stops for a second as she slightly lowers her crossbow as the snake appears. There was something strange in its behavior, at least to her.

Lira rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Cha check.

"Was it protecting the little goblins ?", she thought. Lira raises her hand in greeting to the snake.


-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 133 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 00:10
  • msg #236

Playtest Scenario


Given the distance to the threat and that the snake was not at this point trying to attack then Oliver held off shooting the thing while it seemed that Lira was trying to strike up a conversation with it.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 152 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:16
  • msg #237

Playtest Scenario

The snakes hisses and continues shaking its rattle, but doesn't seem to otherwise react to Lira's gesture. Callum makes a a tentative gesture toward the door beyond the snake, but it hisses and snaps at him. Callum retreats back instinctively, and so does the snake. It resumes staring at them, guarding the door, its forked black tongue slipping out to taste the air every few moments.

"It's a Golish rattler," Callum mutters. "Not too uncommon in the southern parts, like near the border here. They usually rattle to warn people off, but as far as I know, they can't be trained to guard doors."
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 134 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:26
  • msg #238

Playtest Scenario


Oliver steps forward and sees if the snake will react to his presence better then it had the others, though he could not think why it should.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Cha roll.


-
Lira
player, 80 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:26
  • msg #239

Playtest Scenario


"IS it magical...?" Lira asks no one in particular.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 153 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:35
  • msg #240

Playtest Scenario

The snake seems to tolerate Oliver's presence until he gets within about 10', then it begins hissing loudly and snaps at him as he did Callum. It continues rattling all the while. It seems more interested in scaring him off then actually fighting him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Mon 12 Nov 2018.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 135 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:38
  • msg #241

Playtest Scenario


With no other way forward at this time Oliver decides to press the issue with his sword. He tries to scare he snake again before attack only as a last resort.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

-
Lira
player, 81 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:39
  • msg #242

Playtest Scenario


Lira moves closer as well hoping that numbers might be enough to send the snake "running".

Lira rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 154 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 01:48
  • msg #243

Playtest Scenario

As the party closes in, the snake refuses to cede ground. When Lira steps close enough, it lashes out at her as well, but she manages to snap her leg back in time. The fangs miss her by inches, and she swears she can feel the breeze from its savage movement it passes her by.

Callum, reacting quickly, kicks out his boot and stomps the snake, perhaps hoping to pin it to the ground and prevent it from striking anyone but him. As soon as his heel pierces its scales, however, the snake vanishes! It's a curious and unnatural sight, with the image of the snake blinking out of existence the very moment Callum touched it.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 136 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:13
  • msg #244

Playtest Scenario


Oliver blinked in fascination at the magic as it winked away. He said nothing as he approached the door looking for threats and then proceeded to try the handle and open it if he is able.

-
Lira
player, 82 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:14
  • msg #245

Playtest Scenario


Lira nearly clapped in glee as the snake disappeared "What a wonderful thing." she said.
As Oliver approached the door Lira again took up the lantern and her crossbow ready to follow the Dragoon through should the door give.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 155 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:21
  • msg #246

Playtest Scenario

Callum snorts in amusement as the snake disappears. It's not clear if it's due to the magical trick or Lira's reaction to it.

Oliver tugs the door but finds it firmly locked.

[OOC: Strength threshold 9 to open the door. I think you lack the means to pick it. Let me know if you do anything else.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 137 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #247

Playtest Scenario


Oliver grabs the handle with both hands and with his leg as leverage he gives the door a sharp tug.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Str check.


-
Lira
player, 83 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:34
  • msg #248

Playtest Scenario


Lira follows the others through the door with her crossbow up and at the ready. As she moves she tries not to swing the lantern so they can at least see what is behind the door, if she needs to Lira will stop at the threshold.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 156 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 02:44
  • msg #249

Playtest Scenario

There is a loud snap from the poorly-constructed door frame as Oliver wrenches the lock free from its casing. The door may be strong and sturdy, but the frame and lock sure weren't.

The door opens onto a continuation with the long, curved, unnaturally smooth tunnel. About 20' feet away are the two likho who had escaped earlier. They had apparently stopped to lick the wounds left by Callum's blunderboss shot, but turned to face the party once they breached the doorway. The likho seemed to have found their courage as they turned, hooting and snarling, to leap at the party with their claws! Callum fired his blunderbuss again defensively, but this time the shot went wide...

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 9
Likho: 8

Health Tracker
Wounded Likho 1: 6/7 HP
Wounded Likho 2: 6/7 HP]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 138 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 03:14
  • msg #250

Playtest Scenario


Oliver dropped to his knee and lined up the small beast in the sights of his carbine. He slowed his breathing and applied pressure to the trigger and watched as his shot went wide of the goblin.


Oliver let his carbine fall on its sling as he unholsters a pistol.


Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 14 using 1d20+9.  Attack.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Mon 12 Nov 2018.
Lira
player, 84 posts
Mon 12 Nov 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #251

Playtest Scenario


Lira saw the goblins and aimed her crossbow at one. She watched as the bolt skipped off the stone in front of the goblins then hit the roof of the tunnel before falling to the floor.


Lira rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 16 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 157 posts
Tue 13 Nov 2018
at 22:21
  • msg #252

Playtest Scenario

The likho throw themselves at the party with reckless abandon, their shots pinging ineffectually off the walls. Clawing and grasping with surprisingly strong claws, one manages to slash Oliver in the side [OOC: 4 damage!] and the second wraps its talons around Callum [OOC: 3 damage]! Callum manages to strike back, quickly drawing his sword and driving it through the creature's gut.

[OOC:

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 9
Likho: 8

Health Tracker
Wounded Likho 2: 6/7 HP
Callum: 6/9 HP
Oliver: 2/6 HP]
Lira
player, 85 posts
Tue 13 Nov 2018
at 23:06
  • msg #253

Playtest Scenario


Lira continues with her reloading and snatches a glance at the two beasts just as they land hits on the two team mates.

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 139 posts
Tue 13 Nov 2018
at 23:10
  • msg #254

Playtest Scenario


Oliver shy's away from the goblins hit and struggles to bring his pistol to bear. A quick snap shot seems to solidly connect with the beast and Oliver retrieves his second pistol.



Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 20 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 3 using 1d8.  Pierce.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 158 posts
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 05:18
  • msg #255

Playtest Scenario

The last remaining likho staggers as it catches Oliver's bullet. Weakened, the thing cannot gather the strength to move to dodge as Callum pulls back the blade of his saber and decapitates it. Panting and dabbed at his arm where the likho had grabbed him, Callum shakes some blood free from his sword and returns it to its scabbard.

The tunnel continues onward for about fifty feet, before coming to another shoddily-constructed door. Testing the handle of it reveals that it is unlocked. The tunnel is otherwise featureless, merely strangely smooth and subtly twisted as it has been along the entire length so far observed.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 140 posts
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 06:25
  • msg #256

Playtest Scenario


Oliver can feels the dampness under his armour from the last attack "Those little buggers have a bigger bite then I would have thought." As they move along the corridor Oliver keeps an eye out for anything that the goblins might have secreted away given that this was probably their refuge.

Opening the door when everyone else is ready Oliver waits for the light from the lamp Lira is holding to bathe the area beyond.

-
Lira
player, 86 posts
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 06:26
  • msg #257

Playtest Scenario


Just finishing the reload of her crossbow as Callums sword sends the head of the monster bouncing over the stone floor Lira stands up and picks up the lamp. There is little she can do for the men's wounds, but hopefully they will not be underground for much longer she thinks.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 161 posts
Sat 24 Nov 2018
at 07:05
  • msg #258

Playtest Scenario

Opening the door, the party sees another length of peculiarly twisting tunnel, but also the bright light of a lantern bobbing in the darkness, about thirty feet down the tunnel. There they see a rangy, coal-haired man with a scraggly beard fighting off three likho. He has a cavalry saber in his left hand and a lantern in his right.

[OOC: Go ahead and roll initiative, let me know what you do. You don't necessarily have to help him against the likho, but things are moving at combat-pace so we need initiative.

Initiative Tracker
Callum: 8
Likho: 6
Frame(?): 4

HP Tracker
Likho 1: HP 8/8
Likho 2: HP 3/3
Likho 3: HP 3/3
Callum: 6/9
Oliver: 2/6]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 143 posts
Sat 24 Nov 2018
at 07:30
  • msg #259

Playtest Scenario


Oliver realised that this man could be the one they seek so he fired on the small beast. He takes knee and lines up the shot before pulling the trigger on his weapon.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Initiative.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Attack.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 10 using 1d10.  Pierce.


-
Lira
player, 87 posts
Sat 24 Nov 2018
at 07:33
  • msg #260

Playtest Scenario


Lira snapped off her shot from the crossbow she held and in her haste may have fluffed her shot. It was hard to follow the bolt before she began reloading her weapon.



Lira rolled 12 using 2d6+1.  Initiative.

Lira rolled 18 using 1d20+9.  Attack

Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.
Lira rolled 2 using 1d6.  Pierce.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 163 posts
Sun 2 Dec 2018
at 01:49
  • msg #261

Playtest Scenario

Lira and Oliver's shots go wide. Callum, not wishing to shoot into the fray, charges at the nearest likho with his newfound maul. There is a loud bang, and one of the likho is reduced to a fine red paste on the tunnel floor. [OOC: Callum got a piercing blow and rolled a hilarious 18 damage. That thing is dead.]

One of the likho slashed into the mysterious man's side, causing him to grunt with pain. The second took a sluggish swing at Callum with its club, and missed.

[OOC:
Small book-keeping note: I think Oliver's initiative should be 10, since his Dex mod is only +1. Makes no functional difference for this particular fight, though.]

Initiative Tracker
Lira: 12
Oliver: 10
Callum: 8
Likho: 6
Frame(?): 4

HP Tracker
Likho 1: HP 8/8
Likho 2: HP 3/3
Likho 3: HP 3/3
Callum: 6/9
Oliver: 2/6
Frame(?): 11/14]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 146 posts
Sun 2 Dec 2018
at 02:03
  • msg #262

Playtest Scenario


Oliver drew his sword from it's scabbard and drove the attack at the last likho. With a reverse slash he tried to find his mark. Alas it was not to be and his sword only found the air above the beasts head.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 16 using 1d20+10.  Attack.

Oliver has Quick Reflexes: 1 or does it not stack with his +1 from Dex ? Thanks. 


-
Lira
player, 88 posts
Sun 2 Dec 2018
at 02:04
  • msg #263

Playtest Scenario


Lira placed his foot in the stirrup and pulled back on the string until she heard and felt the snap as the stop engaged. Removing another bolt from her quiver she placed it in the notch and raised the weapon to her shoulder.

-
A Malign Presence
GM, 164 posts
Mon 3 Dec 2018
at 05:32
  • msg #264

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Ah! I forgot about Quick Reflexes, my mistake.]

Though Oliver's swing goes wide, Callum manages to splatter a second likho on his backswing. The rangy man with the sword manages to skewer the final monster, running it through.

With the last likho slain, the man who matches Jonathan Frame's description wheels on the party. His bloodied saber hangs limply in his right hand, while he pulls a fine-looking pistol from with his left, pointing it in the party's direction. "Alright," he snarls, still panting from the effort of hacking apart likho. "Who the blazes are you people? What do you want?"

[OOC: Please give me a Charisma check from both Lira and Oliver. He's not about to fire, but he's twitchy and might.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 147 posts
Mon 3 Dec 2018
at 05:40
  • msg #265

Playtest Scenario

In reply to A Malign Presence (msg # 264):

"Jonathan Frame, that is you isn't it ? My name is Oliver Fitzwilliam and this is Lira and Callum. We have been charged with finding you and your unit, you were the last part of those orders as we found your men at the tower."

Oliver re-sheaths his sword as he talks having cleaned the blade. He makes no threatening moves though he is rather uncomfortable having a pistol pointed at his chest.

"Would you mind lowering your weapon we are no threat to you."

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 8 using 2d6+1.  Cha check.


-
Lira
player, 89 posts
Mon 3 Dec 2018
at 05:57
  • msg #266

Playtest Scenario


Lira looked around Oliver and kept herself side on to the potential shooter and his weapon. She looked around the corridor and tried to work out if the man with the gun had been caught out by these beats like they had or if he was residing here.

Lira rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Cha check.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 166 posts
Mon 17 Dec 2018
at 20:35
  • msg #267

Playtest Scenario

Frame's breathing is quick and panicked at first, but as he surveys the dead likho at his feet and sees the party lowering their weapons, the hand holding the pistol begins to quaver with palpable exhaustion. As the adrenaline flees him, his shoulders slump in either relaxation or defeat.

"My- my men?" He stammers, lowering the pistol but keeping a firm grip on both his weapons. "Are they alright?" Then, noting the remnants of the Royal Lancers uniform that Oliver still wears, he asks, "Are you from the Lancers? Are you here to arrest me?"
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 149 posts
Mon 17 Dec 2018
at 22:10
  • msg #268

Playtest Scenario

In reply to A Malign Presence (msg # 267):

Oliver rubs his chin as he looks the man over as he speaks, when he is done Oliver replies "Yes your men are fine and have moved off to the village to replenish their supplies before returning home. I am retired from the lancers or at least I am on leave. We have no intention to arrest you, there was concern for you and your men so we were dispatched to find you. My colleague Callum has a letter for you."

Oliver lets Callum through to deliver the letter.


-
Lira
player, 90 posts
Mon 17 Dec 2018
at 22:23
  • msg #269

Playtest Scenario


Lira stayed behind the others as they spoke with the disheveled officer.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 168 posts
Tue 18 Dec 2018
at 06:46
  • msg #270

Playtest Scenario

Seeing his chance, Callum wastes no time in presenting the letter. "A delivery for Jonathan Frame, by order of the Golish Royal Mail," he says in a reflexively perfunctory fashion, pulling out the battered envelope and presenting it to the man presumed to be Frame.

Frame holstered his pistol, but kept a loose grip on his sword as he reached out and tore open the seal of the letter. Glancing around the chamber, Lira can see that Frame doesn't appear to be living here. It's a bare section of tunnel, leading forward about forty feet or so before coming to a door quite like the one they entered. Since they had just walked through a locked door, Frame presumably must have had some legitimate access to the place, but there was no furniture around, let alone a bed or campfire or anything like that.

Frame unfurled the letter. It was fairly long, multiple double-sided pages, but in a large and ornate script...

[OOC: Let me know if you do anything else or just sit there and watch Frame read the letter. He is definitely still keeping his distance but is quite distracted by the letter.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 151 posts
Tue 18 Dec 2018
at 07:02
  • msg #271

Playtest Scenario


OOC: Both characters will just watch and wait.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 169 posts
Thu 20 Dec 2018
at 04:17
  • msg #272

Playtest Scenario

Frame is quickly absorbed in his reading of the letter. He reacts with shock and surprise to early portions of the letter, but begins to weep as he continues reading. By the time he's finished, he has slumped against the wall, sobbing inconsolably, the letter in one hand and his sword in the other.

[OOC: Okay, let me know what you do now.]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 152 posts
Thu 20 Dec 2018
at 07:32
  • msg #273

Playtest Scenario


"Lieutenant Frame would you please enlighten us as to what is going on here ?" Oliver doubted the officer had just been pacing the castle killing its inhabitants and given the furnishing he supposed this was not his living quarters.


-
Lira
player, 91 posts
Thu 20 Dec 2018
at 07:35
  • msg #274

Playtest Scenario


Lira stayed behind the men and just listened to the exchange. When Lieutenant Frame begins to sob she looks around the men, but does not move or say anything.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 178 posts
Thu 17 Jan 2019
at 00:58
  • msg #275

Playtest Scenario

Frame, apparently too overcome with emotion to muster a meaningful answer, does eventually relent and allow the party to read the letter. Assuming they do so, they see it is dated about six months back, is written in Aven with a florid hand, and says in full:

quote:
My Dearest Brother,

When you first left, I was furious at your perceived abandonment. It took me until my teenage years to realize that your intent was to protect me. Our father's overly-aggressive "pruning" of the family tree put us both in danger as long as you remained at home. With the golden child gone, and our dear brothers deceased, I was our father's only remaining option for an heir. You know full well what his tutelage and attention was like, but you spared me my life, for what it is worth.

It is my shame to admit that I have followed in our father's grim profession. I had little option. And as I'm sure you're aware, with your special dispensation from the Dragon-Eater, that this shared vice of ours has its own allure. I daresay I have excelled at the family craft, at least as much as one can in our nascent field. At the very least, I've been able to learn a portion of our father's grand designs. With this knowledge, it is my sad duty to report that your attempt to outrun your identity was in vain. Whether your intention was to save me or yourself, I'm afraid you have failed, for we are both in danger.

You know our father's temperament as well as I. In retrospect, it was perhaps naive of us to assume he ever intended to truly die, to leave his occult and earthly treasures to an heir. I don't know how we ever underestimated his selfishness. Though, as you are aware, our father has been dead for five years now, he has preserved some semblance of his being through an array of magical devices, secreted throughout old Dunsfort. The details are too complex to go into here, but suffice it to say, our father's harsh training in our youth was not intended to weed out the weak or prepare our minds for rulership, as he claimed. It was instead to prepare our bodies as his vessels. Mine in particular, I suppose, as you so wisely eluded his grasp. I can feel him even now, tugging at the loose threads of my mind.

We don't have much time. I have a plan, but in case it doesn't work, I hope this letter reaches you. They say the old Royal Mail still carries out its duties, even if it takes longer than it used to. His influence is strongest when there is only one vessel - one son. His plan after you left was to let nature take its course, influencing me only when he had to and biding his time like the youngest man in a tontine, waiting to possess the body of the surviving son. But I have studied his arts, and more than one von Roker can cheat death. If I am successful, I will no longer live, but may yet outlive us all. I will be immune from his influence in this state... like a controlled burn through the paternal line, my corrupted blood will be unable to conduct the curse. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, and I'm not sure it will work, but nor is he. And that scares him. And by the saints that's good enough for me.

The ritual circle is drawn, and I must begin. I'm writing this letter to say goodbye, my brother. This black science, this transmutation of the soul, will not leave me recognizable on the other end. Please do not come looking for me, for what remains will not be your Gustaf. If you see the von Roker banner flying from any Golish hills during your patrols with the Rangers, promise you will ride the other way. Whether the colors were hung by me or our father, I guarantee you that a monster resides beneath.

Be safe. Be better than us. Love,
The Late
Gustaf von Roker


After enough time has passed for the letter to be read, Frame manages to find his voice. "My name is not Jonathan Frame. It is Johannes von Roker. I'm from Golinlund. And that thing in the sarcophagus was my brother."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:07, Fri 18 Jan 2019.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 158 posts
Fri 18 Jan 2019
at 20:35
  • msg #276

Playtest Scenario


Oliver read the letter and then pasted it to the waiting hands of Lira who looked to be very interested in it contents. A glance to his right he looked at Callium before addressing Johannes von Roker.

"So how can we help you and your family ? Your brother is he "permanently" dealt with ? And your father have you managed to find these vessels his essence still dwells within ?"

Oliver waited for an answer to what he felt were the most pressing issues, the Lieutenant seemed to have delayed what could possibly been a disaster, but they would probably need to to move quickly to end the threat.


-
Lira
player, 92 posts
Fri 18 Jan 2019
at 20:45
  • msg #277

Playtest Scenario


Lira read through the letter a couple of times and then traced over the important passages again with her finger as he brain tried to compartmentalize the information and then bring up relevant pieces of knowledge to the situation.

It was hard she was sure there was something continued with in the letter but her brain could not get past von Roker seniors situation and how he may have done it. Finally she asked "Do you have you fathers or brothers notes on the rituals or preparations for their transformations ?"

Lira rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Wis check.
Lira rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  Int check.
Lira rolled 8 using 2d6+4.  Antiquarian check.

OOC: Not her best rolls.


-
A Malign Presence
GM, 182 posts
Mon 21 Jan 2019
at 04:24
  • msg #278

Playtest Scenario

Johannes shakes his head in response to Lira's question. "No, this is the first I'm hearing of this. I assumed he was dead and gone, I did not thing it was possible..."

With a weary sigh, he turns to Oliver. "He is dealt with for as long as that sword is through his heart. As soon as it is removed, however, the monster will be on the hunt again. He is... very dangerous. I know a little magic, but I am not as accomplished a sorcerer as he. But he must sleep in that sarcophagus, and that is when he is vulnerable. So I waited, and took advantage when I could."

"I wasn't previously aware of my father's devices... you know him as Edward Olson, though his true name was Elias von Roker. 'Olson' was an invented family name, one of similar prestige to the von Rokers but without a history of oppression and scandal behind it. He posed as a noble-born refugee from Golinlund, a philanthropist using the vestiges of his family wealth to invest in his new home in his twilight years. I was familiar with his reputation, but kept my distance for fear he would recognize me. I thought perhaps this was a genuine moral transformation in him, but I always doubted that. This letter confirms he was always what I suspected him to be."
Lira
player, 93 posts
Mon 21 Jan 2019
at 05:46
  • msg #279

Playtest Scenario


"Is there a library or study used by your father or brother ? What about possessions your father held dear are they still in the castle, I must admit that I to thought this sort of thing was impossible...."

-
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 159 posts
Mon 21 Jan 2019
at 05:49
  • msg #280

Playtest Scenario


"Perhaps your Brother had already dealt with your father ? Was there smashed items when you arrived at the castle ?" Oliver knew this was very much beyond his areas of knowledge and he suspected Lira was struggling to decipher the situation as well.

Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 9 using 2d6.  Wis check.
Oliver Fitzwilliam rolled 7 using 2d6.  Int check.


-
This message was last edited by the player at 05:53, Mon 21 Jan 2019.
A Malign Presence
GM, 188 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 03:15
  • msg #281

Playtest Scenario

[OOC: Sorry, just adjudicating the dice rolls... I forgot about Lira's, which weren't great, but not bad. She could hard-confirm that Gustaf von Roker is some kind of deathless; she was taught about these at Rivai but hasn't had an opportunity to study or see one. It's understood that any attempt to prolong one's life through magic results in a deathless. They're considered very dangerous, as their humanity never survives the process. Lira doesn't know much concrete about their abilities, however. She is correct that returning to life after a long period of death, like the senior von Roker is apparently attempting, is unheard of, as is influencing the thoughts or actions of your kin from beyond the grave.

This sort of thing is considered impossible by "responsible" daemonologists, if there is such a thing. Not "I think Johannes is lying" sort of impossible, more like "This is cutting-edge dark magic stuff" sort of impossible.

Between the letter and the fact that Johannes just told that you their father used the alias Edward Olson, Oliver's checks are good enough to remember that Edward Olson was a well-like philanthropist in Dunsfort who died a few years ago (five, according to the letter). He was a minor Golish nobleman who fled to Aventaine with some of his wealth intact; what he didn't use purchasing himself a modest townhouse in Dunsfort, he spent supporting the arts and providing succor to the poor. Oliver never personally met him, but he was well-regarded. Oliver knows he's buried in a small mausoleum in Dunsfort.]

Johannes shakes his head, looking thoughtful. "No, there was nothing like that when I arrived. This place was long abandoned. I don't know all of my family's holdings; no doubt a lot changed since I left and the chaos of the fall. I do know that most of our property is far, far north of here, beyond what is now called The Quakelands. This fort was a minor military outpost the von Rokers had been saddled with. Not a place of prestige for my family."

Lira remembers that the construction of this fortress looked relatively new, within the last century or so. This is a minor and relatively modern military installation near the border, and likely not a stronghold for a vain and power-grasping warlock.

"My brother says," Johannes continues, gesturing toward the letter, "that the devices are secreted throughout Dunsfort. I don't think whatever Elias was planning has much to do with here. This is just where Gustaf was hiding out... before I found him."
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 164 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 03:34
  • msg #282

Playtest Scenario

In reply to A Malign Presence (msg # 281):

"So what happens now ? Do you need help, should I inform the authorities ?" The connection between Edward Olson and the elder von Roker and Dunfort would seem to lead them to the town.

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Lira
player, 94 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 03:35
  • msg #283

Playtest Scenario


Lira again stayed silent only removing her notebook from her sleeve to make a few more lines of script before returning it to her garment again.


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A Malign Presence
GM, 191 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 06:01
  • msg #284

Playtest Scenario

Johannes seems a bit overwhelmed by Oliver's question. Or at least as overwhelmed as he still had the capacity to be, after reading that letter. "That is a good question. I most dearly need your help, but..."

A pregnant silence hangs in the air as Johannes tries to pin down exactly what he wants, and whether or not there is anything Oliver, Lira and the Golish postman actually can do for him. Just moments ago he had believed himself alone in a private (if magical) quarrel with his estranged brother. But the presence of new allies and the expanding scope of his blood feud took some time to absorb.

"If you can head to Dunsfort and shut down my father's devices, I can stay here and guard the remains of my brother. I... I know he is beyond redemption, but I can at least ensure no one and nothing removes my glass saber from his heart. If I can keep him contained in that sarcophagus, and you can stop whatever Elias von Roker is up to, then maybe the long, bloody history of the von Rokers can finally come to a peaceful end."

The man formerly known as Jonathan Frames sighs heavily, running his fingers through his greasy, scraggly beard. Weeks of hard living on the Golish border have clearly done this young officer no favors, and yet he looks Oliver in the eyes and pleads to remain at his post. Or not quite his post... he did ensorcell and then abandon the men under his command at Littlewater Point, after all. A post of his own choosing, perhaps. "Please, I know I'm asking a lot of a Lancer right now. But can you cover for me? Tell your superiors you found my corpse, or that you couldn't find me at all, or something like that? If I come back I face a discharge at best, a hanging if I'm not careful. When I saw the von Roker banner flying across the border I knew I couldn't abandon my legacy, that I needed to find out what had happened to the brother I left behind. I knew I might discover something loathsome... and I have no regrets. I accept my fate. But surely you recognize there's no going back for me, Oliver?"

[OOC: So you're essentially right that the next phase of the adventure is to rush back to Dunsfort and investigate, but that's assuming you give a shit in the first place. And even then, you need to decide what to do with Johannes. He wants to stay behind and guard his brother's sarcophagus, but that's just what he wants to do. That doesn't necessarily mean it's the best thing to do. Here are some other options:

- Team up with Johannes to kill Gustaf von Roker, once and for all. This is pointedly what he was trying to do before you all showed up... and gave him a letter that explained the reasons for Gustaf becoming a deathless. Maybe he'd still go for it? And with your help actually survive the fight?
- Convince him to come back to Dunsfort and face justice, but come clean about being Johannes von Roker.
- Convince him to come back to Dunsfort and face justice as Jonathan Frame.
- Convince him to come back to Dunsfort incognito so he can help you hunt down the "devices" his father supposedly peppered around Dunsfort.
- Figure things are probably fine unless somebody comes to this remote outpost and pulls the sword out, and convince Johannes not to throw his life away guarding the undead corpse of his vampire brother.

Or... like, any other crazy thing? We're past the initial adventure phase and going into sandbox territory. You might even decide that this von Roker blood feud stuff is Golish foolish that you will have no part in! Up to you.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:10, Tue 12 Feb 2019.
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 166 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 06:46
  • msg #285

Playtest Scenario


Oliver looked at those collected around him and then spoke. "I cannot speak for the other but I believe the best route to be successful is if we or I..." He again looks at Lira and Callum. "Go to Dunsfort and try to destroy your fathers devices and then return to help you with your brother. We may find something among your fathers possessions that will help with our second problem."

He lights his pipe before adding. "I cannot lie and say I found your body, but I can say I did not find you at the border fort, my superiors can make of that what they will. Is that agreeable... to all of you ?"


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This message was last edited by the player at 07:04, Tue 12 Feb 2019.
Lira
player, 95 posts
Tue 12 Feb 2019
at 08:12
  • msg #286

Playtest Scenario


Lira nods once Oliver is finished "I will go with you." She does not say anymore other to step back from the expanding cloud of smoke from his pipe.


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A Malign Presence
GM, 193 posts
Thu 14 Feb 2019
at 00:07
  • msg #287

Playtest Scenario

The lost von Roker looks palpably relieved by Oliver's suggestion. "That's more than I could possibly ask of you. Thank you. I will hold down the fort - a bit literally I suppose - until you all return. We can deal with what to tell the brass later, but for now I will gladly remain 'missing in action' a bit longer."

[OOC: Let me know if there's anything else you want to do here. There are a couple sections of the dungeon left unexplored: the part where Johannes himself was staying, as well as deeper into the likho-tunnels. If you talk to Johannes about it, he'll explain that the only part of the dungeon he hasn't personally explored yet is deeper into the likho-tunnels. He suspects that these were the personal quarters/labs of Gustaf, and was searching them for some clue as to why his younger brother decided to do this to himself. Now that he has the letter, he doesn't have much motivation to do this anymore; according to Johannes at least, the presence of some many likho is a good indication this tunnel has been abandoned awhile. He was exploring it out of frustration, desperation and boredom more than anything else.

I'll also point out that you have some arcane reagents, a few contracts from daemons, and access to an accomplished daemonologist in Johannes/Frame (at least, one more accomplished in Lira, in the sense that he at least has some active daemonic pacts). He can't, like, ready your contracts and tell you exactly what they do or anything, but if you wanted to take some time (and spend some reagents) to study the pacts, I would probably give you a circumstance bonus from his input. Assuming Lira is willing to ask for his help, of course...]
Oliver Fitzwilliam
player, 167 posts
Thu 14 Feb 2019
at 00:42
  • msg #288

Playtest Scenario


Having ask and had the layout of the castle explained and learning that the laboratory may still be at the end of this passage Oliver suggests that they check it out so as to leave no stone unturned that may help and to clear the fort so that von Roker does not have to fight whatever maybe lurking down there alone. "Will you come with us ?" he asks as he prepares to continue down the tunnel.


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Lira
player, 96 posts
Thu 14 Feb 2019
at 00:43
  • msg #289

Playtest Scenario


Lira was going to ask about the various pacts and so forth that they had collected, but in the end when Oliver suggested continuing on she decided to wait until they had finished the current business.


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