Let another begin anew...

Intentional, or accidental, pun?

Accidental and took a moment to catch it.  It is good, though.

I'll be AFK until Sunday, 13 Aug afternoon.

The mail might be something good! It did not rust and it is shiny.:)

In reply to Marklin (msg # 4):

'Twas made by the Forty White Dwarves, a most famous group of very pale-skinned Dwarves who make things that don't rust or squeak!

 Chain mail is AC 5 being +1 it is 4,add a shield it becomes 3,and a +1 ring of protection the final AC is now 2

 Do I have my facts straight on the new AC for Marklin,GM?

New armor, new character pic. Considering Marklin's charisma, the pic is accurate.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Mon 14 Aug 2017.

Didn't we just come from Drellin's Ferry.

Yep

I just remembered something. Props to Aldara for thinking of a Darkness spell cast on the Hydra. Well done!

I am confused...is the party's plan to head south from the Blackwater Causeway, toward Drellin's Ferry or north fromt he causeway toward Vraath's Keep?

For clarity's sake, the party did not travel along the Dawn Way to get to Jorr's cabin and the causeway. They followed a lesser used footpath through the forest, the Witch Trail.

North or South?

I say we go west!


But seriously, I think the idea is to travel north for say a handful of miles then set up an ambush on the road. If that does not bear fruit after a day,we head north again and repeat the process.

As a note, when someone makes a change to their post, it isn't flagged as new material for folks to look at.  So oftentimes, changes you make to earlier posts go unnoticed.

How deep is the stuff we're walking around in now, DM Pawn?

I don't understand. You are currently walking either on a dwarf-built road or alongside it in the woods.

Okay. I missed the road part - I was avoiding being chest deep in any muck again.

Also - I defer to the veteran members of the group. Either way is fine with me.

In reply to Kane Taerix (msg # 17):

Gonna burn all my spells, here, but I'm going to open with a sleep spell.  If anyone's left conscious after that, then I'm probably going to chuck an illusory fireball with phantasmal force.

Or does anyone have any better ideas as to what to do with that spell?  Another idea I had in mind was scared travellers, when we hear an approach.  Could distract them just long enough that we can get in a couple of cheap shots.  Maybe even get them to burn some ammunition!

Did Aldara or Valthur have anything to add in character?

I just added mine (thanks for your patience) - Valthur's taking no sides this time.

Taerix: I don't really stress too much about whether characters are in or out of armor while sleeping. Unless a player tells me otherwise, I assume your AC is pretty much always the same as it keeps things simpler without tacking on simulationist mechanics to otherwise abstract game mechanics.

I know it's not realistic and it takes several minutes, and help, to put heavy armor on in real life, but D&D is fantasy and I am fine with overlooking such details if it makes for a smoother game.

Hope that helps and ot doesn't mess too much with how you approach D&D...I know the verisimilitude vs. simulation vs. abstraction can be a hot button topic among gamers :)

Marklins current Ac is 2 due to the +1 Chain Mail,and with Eonis spell in effect, it is 1 for the duration of the spell.

Marklins current Ac is 2 due to the +1 Chain Mail,and with Eonis spell in effect, it is 1 for the duration of the spell.

Hey comrades, bad guys! Do that voodoo that you all do,so well.

Friendly reminder that players should be rolling their own attack and damage rolls, in addition to skill checks, spell effects rolls, etc.

You should have enough information in my posts to determine whether you hit or not, so please also describe results.

At any rate...I will roll these on your behalf if you forget, but I would prefer players take care of dice on their end.

Thanks!

Oops, sorry. Been DMing so long it's hard for me to get all the playing nuances in there.

Just how large are these hellhounds, anyway?

Hellhounds are about 4 1/2 feet tall and maybe 140 pounds or so. So, the size of a large mastiff.

Have our bowman NPC's been beguiled in some fashion?  Perhaps confused by Eoni's attempts to direct their fire?

They didn't seem to attack this past round.  Eoni hoped they'd all fire at the closest hound.

Edit: PS. Love the hobgoblin tactics!  Smart bad guys trying to actually kill us!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Sat 19 Aug 2017.

I forgot to do their attacks. I will take care of that shortly.

Whew! Good captainship, Eoni!

Is it back to medium range and a - 2 for Darkness for the sleeping hobgoblins and those trying to wake them?

Yes, Eoni missed her calling,she should have been a warrior. Usually I rp the leader military type, Marklin is a departure from the norm,but fun.

Medium range, but no darkness penalty as Eoni cast light over the area.

I can't be sure, so I apologize if I'm  wrong, but. My attack does not appear to be included.

It was. I accounted for the attack.

This message was deleted by the player at 01:43, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

It looks like Taerix' damage was applied to Marklin's opponent but not Marklin's solid strike from #141, 7 damage.

Since Valthur has finished off his dog, he can take a break while he waits for Marklin to catch up.  Maybe some posing and witty quips.

"I am nae a marshmallow, ya bloody campfire!"

"How'd ya like yer treat?  But now I be need'n me axe back."

"Stay!  Good dog."

"Play dead!"

In reply to Sarah (msg # 38):

Very good ranged work, folks!

DM Sir, do you allow switching weapons in the space of a round? If so, that's my plan - to shoot next round.

That's fine. Go for it.

 Do any of the downed Hobgoblins have bows? and if so, what type? Thanks

Can we get a last volley from the bowmen before they're out of range?

Also, as a reminder, we're not out of combat yet so curb your posts to fit into one melee round.  They might decide to turn around and come back or turn and fire on us.

"Isnt' it ironic,
Like dung on your wedding dress?"

 I am not sure why,but I think this has turned into my favorite game.

It seemed like something that would be pretty obvious and Jorr seemed like the sort of guy to rely on folksy sayings.

 These Bugbears act and are equipped like Roman Legionaries. The gang is going to have its work out for it.

In reply to Marklin (msg # 47):

Yeah...hobgoblins are a highly militaristic society and definitely a cut above common rabble goblins in terms of tactics.

Hobgoblin warbands are a big deal, hence the reason for the Town Speaker and Captain's concern and their inability to handle the menace with the handful of full-time guards they keep on retainer and the militia they called to service.

 Bugbears Hobgoblins are going to be a tough nut to crack. I wish we had taken one of the two officers, instead of the Grunt we captured. Oh well, better then nothing at all.

Game question: Marklin has  never used a bow, for all intent and purposes. A Crossbow is relatively easy to learn, so he would be ok with that. As for regular bows( Longbows short bows etc) is another matter. Am I to assume, if Marklin attempted to use a Long bow, there would be mega  negative modifiers?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Thu 24 Aug 2017.

In reply to Marklin (msg # 49):

There are no proficiencies in Basic D&D. Fighters are assumed to know how to use any weapon.

 Oh... ok, thanks for the answer... Wonders where he can get a springal on short notice.

 Has everyone posted?

I think we're waiting on Aldara to see if she can charm sleeping beauty.  I believe a kiss should do it.

Then we'll all skedaddle and talk to him once we're safely past the causeway.

If the kiss fails, we'll have to come up with something else.

I suppose we also need a count of any missiles that were easily recovered and not lost to the Witchwood dark.  Arrows probably aren't a problem as we just secured quite a few.  Bolts, daggers, javelins, and spears are a different story.

 I upgraded Marklin's weapons to do more damage. But I must admit, after watching the movie Troy,again,I will miss the spear/

So we are high tailing it out of there, with the loot and prisoner in tow. Are we going to set up came somewhere once they get across the causeway?

I dunno, clerics are purer of deed and thought, all I've got is rope!  Kid's lucky I left my candles at home, he'd have to cut all the wax out of his fur, and his friends back at home would make fun of him, and everything!

I still show the following magic items as unclaimed:

1 potion of gaseous form (unclaimed)
1 scroll of protection from evil (unclaimed)
1 scroll of mirror image (unclaimed)

Do any of you want to claim these so I can remove them from the XP and Treasure thread?

Also, I included the hobgoblins' gear on the treasure list. I believe Marklin said he wanted to take a sword, bow and arrows, but I have not accounted for this yet. What is the plan with the other stuff?

 I suggest that we let the hired help  arm up with whatever armor or weapons they wish. We did agree to give the a share of the spoils.

If they're Magic-User scrolls, I'll take the scrolls.  Gonna have to study them when we get to another settlement, though.  I did ask about inscribing them during our downtime in post #957 of the last OoC thread, but didn't get a response.  Thinking phantasmal force is a little more beneficial for now, though...
Speaking of spells, do we all have time to refresh them?  Because I'd like to actually try to charm the hobgoblin, rather than strangle him, if that's alright and we're all rested enough that I can do that.



Just now noticed that, thank you!  I was kinda worried the darkness would cause as much hindrance as not, to be honest.

In reply to Aldara (msg # 59):

I didn't see that you asked about copying them to your spellbook. If that's the case, let's assume you did it when you returned to town.

Nobody has fully rested yet, so no new spells.

  Hey Guys,

 In the effort to speed things along,can we say that there was a discussion with the group in teh shelter,to decide on the next course of action?

 We can either return to the town,or we can set up another ambush,in the hopes of catching a bigger fish. Or..we can tackle the castle ruin.

I'd prefer to do it in character.  If we want to speed it up, then just make sure everyone makes clear what they'd like to do, or in Sarah's case, a clear shrug.

Sarah has her ways of communicating what she wants.  Oh yes; she has her ways.  :)

New player still along for the ride - whichever you want is fine with me.

Were we able to rest long enough for any natural healing?

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 65):

Yeah. Normal healing and spell recovery rules apply.

How many points in natural healing?

In reply to Marklin (msg # 67):

From the House Rules thread:

Hit Points Regained from Resting: Characters heal 1d3 + level + Constitution bonus hit points/day.

Many thanks. I forgot to go look there. Baaad me. :*(

FYI Marklin is back to normal hit points

We have been doing this for over a year. Huzzah for us.

Great job, everyone!

Congrats, guys!

In reply to Kane Taerix (msg # 73):

You'll be a part of the years to come, I feel!

Going to note those two spells as scribbled-down, then.  Now I've got protection from evil, and protection from good!  Good thing, too, since Aldara gets on nerves both good and bad!  Were we using BECMI, she'd learn timestop to get on everyone's last nerve.

Charm person, sleep, and phantasmal force on the menu today, folks!  Going to charm our Burly Bully Buddy once I get confirmation that I've at least re-memorised that spell.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Mon 28 Aug 2017.

I thought I was the only one up at this hour! Where are you guys, anyway? I'm in the Midwest, USA.

South Carolina (EST)

Middle of NY (EST).

Note that I don't think any of our NPCs needs the armor or swords, just arrows.

EST: Ohio


Gaston     5
Lenny      5
Anders     7
Jorr       8

That is their AC, I think some of them could use the mail and shields.

I'm in Minnesota (CDT).

Did we win yet?

I think Aldara was just waiting on the go ahead that she'd had time to review her spells before attempting the hobgoblin.

 If we give the Hobgoblin prisoner some tea and cookies,he might tell us what we want to know. :)

The cultured, erudite hobgoblin.

 If the charm person does not work,a red hot dagger blade, applied to the right spot can do wonders for loosening a tongue. However, I am not sure how the goods in the group would feel about that.

Taerix would not oppose to the threat of a red hot blade, but using it would cross the line.

 Hopefully the charm works, and we won't have to go there.

 Marklin,Kane and now Eoni are outside. Aldara, Vulthur and the hired help are inside,with the prisoner AKA Aldara's new best friend.;)

 No idea where Kor is.

We are waiting for Aldara to ask question of the Hobgoblin,yes?

Yes, Aldara and Valthur are in charge of the interrogation.  Don't wait for input from anyone not in the room, or Sarah unless she starts glaring at Aldara, too.

I think Aldara is just building some suspense!

While we have this break, remember that time when Valthur was knocked unconscious by a bunch of zombie kobolds? I looked back and found that I was unconscious for almost an entire month in RL (Oct 31 - Nov 30). My wife kept making fun of me because I kept checking in only to find I was still unconscious. To this day, she refers to this game as "the one where you were unconscious for two months"!

Ahhhh, fun times.

 I think we should pat ourselves on the back. This game has been going over over a year,and with the original players..well mostly. Only one has fallen to attrition. Not bad folks, not bad at all.

 I hope we can rp this out to the end.

In reply to Valthur Ironhelm (msg # 90):

That's funny stuff. Though probably not as amusing to you at the time. I do remember you being a good sport about it and roleplaying your unconsciousness pretty well.

:)

Yeah. I am waiting for Aldara's question(s), since she is the only party member the hobgoblin is friendly toward (and likely to answer questions from) at the moment.

Hopefully she will ask a list of questions so we don't unnecessarily drag out the interrogation of a lone hobgoblin and have this turn into "that game where you watched a one-minute conversation for two months" :)

 Ok, we have out answers, now we go out and ambush bad guys.  Follow me!


Yeah,well, it was worth a shot. :P
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

I will be away for the long Labor Day Weekend - back Tuesday.

Have fun, you all!

Looks like our new mascot is a real go-getter!

So, do we set up another ambush, or have a go at the ruined keep?

Myself, I'm voting for cutting these curs off before they can do anything to the people they're planning on raiding.  We could sow misinformation or dissension, too.  Let the charmed hobgoblin go to deliver some sort of false message, and hope it works?  Something to get them to waste resources might be a good idea.

Aldara, keep posting in character.  Other players can jump in when they see the opportunity.  Don't wait on us.

 Marklin is good with whatever, as long as they are doing something. But as a player, I think we need to set another ambush, in the hopes we grab an officer type. Grunts are of limited value,as evidenced by our prisoner.

In reply to Marklin (msg # 100):

Hopefully, this suggestion will be heeded, the leadership is incompetent enough to believe Aldara's B.S. "vision"...and we can give the people of River-town a little more time.
If any of you say "yeah, and pigs can fly", you might be in for a surprise when Aldara decides to learn fly and we chance upon a farm with pigs.

I am always one to appreciate a good deception op. It is worthy of the attempt. But we still need to decide what to do next, as the party. Sound off peeps,we are burning daylight. :)

Will the effect of the charm last long enough to have the desired . . . effect?

In reply to Sarah (msg # 103):

Since Bullrush probably has an average intelligence at best...hopefully.  I'm highly doubtful it'll work, but, well.

Does Marklin still have time to undo the Hobgoblin, or has that ship sailed, Herr GM?

The hobgoblin is marching along the road now, at a pretty good clip. You could attempt to run him down if you wish.

Since waking up, how many of their group do they suppose the hobgoblin actually saw?

Dwarf, woman friend, little girl.
Passed by the loud fighter on the way out.
Not sure if he saw Eoni looking for tracks.  Jorr didn't see her so she may have been trying to figure out if the deer tracks in the bushes could have been made by those large fire dogs.
Sounds like he didn't see Jorr and I'm not sure where Gaston and his crew are.

The hobgoblin likely saw every party member. He has been pretty observant throughout.

 I think we are starting to drift, plotwise. Let us all agree to set up another ambush, unless Jorr saw something that we can't handle. if that is the case, we retire to his cabin,then go from there.

works for me. Have we rested yet? Does Aldara have a sleep spell at her disposal?

Just want to make sure I understand the party's intent. Did you want to:

1. Retreat to Jorr's Cabin
2. Retreat to Drellin's Ferry
3. Advance to Vraath Keep
4. Remain at the Hunter's Lodge
5. Set-up an ambush elsewhere
6. Something else altogether

???

 I say head for the Keep.I doubt they would expect that. If I where the Party's Fuhrer, that would be our course of action.

Stash the excess gear and head to the keep on back trails.

I'm all for the keep.

To the keep!

Do we have a map of the Keep, Herr GM?

In reply to Marklin (msg # 116):

The party found a map in the Tomb of the Insatiable Savant showing the general location of Vraath Keep, about 10 miles northeast of Drellin's Ferry, just off the Old North Road. Even without the map, one would not have difficulty locating the keep, as it is visible from the road. The important thing about the map is that it hints at a vault containing a great treasure.

In reply to Marklin (msg # 116):

The party found a map in the Tomb of the Insatiable Savant showing the general location of Vraath Keep, about 10 miles northeast of Drellin's Ferry, just off the Old North Road. Even without the map, one would not have difficulty locating the keep, as it is visible from the road. The important thing about the map is that it hints at a vault containing a great treasure.

Holy Hobgoblins, Batman!

Three arrows in the back for 1,1,4 damage brought Marklin within inches of death!

1 HIT POINT!

POW!!  Never gripe about the dice roller again.  It clearly favors you.

 Less babble, more healing. ;)

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 118):

Yeah. The dice roller is truly random, despite what players might think.

Marklin should have been dead on that hillside when those three arrows hit him.

***

I believe Healing Potions are 1d8 in Basic D&D
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:38, Tue 12 Sept 2017.

 But if he died, think of how depressed you all would be.

Are those potions healing or extra healing? 1-8?

I'd be okay. I assure you. :)

***

I don't try to kill characters, but if it happens, well, that's just an occupational hazard and sort of expected. :)

In reply to Marklin (msg # 122):

I believe they are just normal healing potions, 1-8, unless you know otherwise.

According to Labyrinth Lords:

Healing Potions 1d6+1
Extra Healing 3d6+3

 I think the three potions where potions of healing

We are in deep do do

It's going to be all right.  Valthur hasn't had a chance to post yet today.

I had one potion of healing and took it.
Still have 2 of those 1d4 acorns, as well.

Is there any chance they won't find us if we stay hunkered down?

Regarding posting rate, I usually can't post until later at night, and hopefully that won't slow things down too much. If it helps, I promise to not hold any grudges if the DM needs to NPC me from time to time to keep the game moving. In fact, I would prefer that to making everyone else wait for me to post.


...just let me make my final, death post myself so I can wax poetically as Valthur joins his forefathers in the afterlife... actually, I may need TWO posts for the lengthy verse I plan to submit as Valthur bids farewell!

In reply to Valthur Ironhelm (msg # 129):

Sure, it is possible you could hide in the woods and avoid detection.

As far as your posting rate/times go, I have no issue with the fact you are only able to post at certain times. The expectation for this game is to log-in and post every 1-2 days, which you always have met. You have always posted at pretty much the same time of day, so I know when to expect you to log-in and post and adjust my posts accordingly.

As far as I am concerned, your post rate is fine :)

I take it the intent is for the party to lay low at the grotto overnight and hope the hobgoblins don't find them?

If not that, what do you guys intend to do?

We start our own signal fire in an attempt to win the signal fire competition. We will show those Hobgoblins how to make a proper fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

Great idea! We'll show those guys who's boss!

Currently, there's an expectation that the enemy is going to track them.  If they hang out a few hours in ambush at the top of the hill and no one else comes to the party, they'll need to reevaluate.

Probably don't want to stay the night.

Signal fire face off...  Eoni shakes her head in defeat.

Approximately how far are we from the keep? And from our former position, if there is much difference between the two?

The party has traveled perhaps two miles from Vraath's Keep. Nobody has heard the wolves or whistles in some time. Walking to the top of the hill, the party can still see the smoke signals rising from Vraath's Keep in the distance.

Maybe 3 miles from your first ambush location, 4 miles from the lodge and 7 or so miles from Jorr's cabin...at least as the crow flies.

In reply to DM Pawn (msg # 136):

Gonna use this rest to swap out charm person for sleep.

So, now we've got sleep and a phantasmal force.  I was considering darkness, but sleeping hobgoblins are easier to contend with than conscious ones.

 The perfect Avatar for Marklin. He is wear ing mail,and as ugly as sin. But what do you want with a 7 Charisma?

 I vote yes, to both plans.Whatever gets us into action. Sue me, patience has never been one of my strong points.:)

Previously in msg #31...



So Marklin could drink that if he's looking for some further healing.

Oh,ok, How many points would that give?

Standard healing potion, same as the one he'd already drank.

Also, you should keep track when you roll higher than what the GM actually adds back to your hit points and point it out...

I do keep track, or try too. Thanks for the info. I was hoping to get the ball rolling this evening, but I guess the GM has a life. lol. I need to shop for a life,one of these days.

Yeah. I was out of pocket for a large chunk of yesterday sitting on the other side of the DM screen playing some 5th edition D&D Adventurers' League with my kids. Good times!

Good for you. You led your kids to the dark side of rping.:)

I had never done organized play until about a year ago when I started doing Adventurers' League. There are things about it I am not a fan of, particularly the lack of continuity between adventures, but it is a great, hassle-free way to get your face-to-face gaming in without having to deconflict busy adult schedules. It's also easy to run on the DM side of the screen, because the adventures are already written and ready to play.

My kids have done both campaign-style and organized play. Right now I think they prefer organized play because it gives them a chance to interact with new players/characters every game. They also still don't really have any friends yet, so that's a big factor. If they had friends to game with like we did in HI, I think it would be a different situation.

Marklin would have told Kane about the breach in the Keep's wall, and how to get to it.

I'm coming from the north, so I'm not sure I can get to it without crossing the road. I'm doing everything I can at the moment to stay off the road.

Is the signal smoke still coming from the keep?

In reply to Kane Taerix (msg # 149):

No smoke signals coming from the keep.

Not to beat a dead fire, but is there that lone line of smoke, perhaps a cooking fire, rising from somewhere within the keep?

No smoke visible

Sorry, everyone - I'm ill and not thinking straight. I'll post tomorrow, hopefully.

The gatehouse is part of the keep and not separate. Basically imagine a 90x70 foot stone structure with two partially ruined square towers at the center of the east wall. This is the gatehouse. There is also an intact circular tower rising from the keep's southwest corner. There is also a sizable breach in the keep's south wall, near its middle point.

Due to numerous cracks, small breaches, etc. in the keep's walls, there is no shortage of hand and footholds to attempt to scale the wall at any point. It would not be an overly difficult task, assuming one isn't being harassed while climbing.

Well that makes my suggestion sound downright stupid, doesn't it?  :)

I think the GM might be waiting on a few more votes concerning the proposed plan.

Give him something to work with even if it's just a nod, a shake, or a snort in character.

It's always a little confusing when folks log in but don't post.

Did they just butt log in?

Are they composing the best post ever and they're about to submit it?

Are they good with what's going on?

Are they waiting on someone else to post so that they can react with a one liner they've been saving up?

I'm always afraid that the GM is waiting on players and the players that haven't posted are waiting on the GM.  It's a staring contest where no one realizes the others are staring at them.

Drop an OOC and let us know what you're thinking.

Busy now, plan on posting soon!

Waiting on a Valthur so that I can make a joke about his reply.

Didn't want to slow things down by posting so keep going.

Barfing up bad burrito's.  Go on without me, glurp, I'll catch up.  Blahhhhhrg.

Didn't want anyone to metagame so I've been posting privately with the GM about my meetings with the hobgoblin leader to betray everyone.  He knows where I'm at so don't worry about my login and no posts.  I've been posting a lot!

Taerix is ready to go in swinging. Just let me know what the plan is, and I'm in.

My thoughts regarding a plan:

So the 2 guards are patrolling the walls and we've seen a wolf rider come out of the gatehouse (east wall).

Valthur and Marklin were attacked by archer from both towers on the gatehouse when they approached.

Plus there is a tower on the SW corner of the keep.

So what if we climb the wall on the northwest corner? That way we'd be far from the well-armed guardhouse and still somewhat out of sight from the SW tower.

If there is a breach on the south wall, does that mean the guards go all the way around back and forth? If so, that would give us plenty of time to climb up if we timed it right (depending on where we wanted to climb).

I might be missing something, but after Marklin's last encounter with the guardhouse, I wouldn't want to come in from that direction again!

GM, is it possible to approach unseen from the northwest?

It seems that so far, our only two approach options have been from the south and the footpath so I've assumed physical barrier's to other approaches.

Any approach is possible, but the only easy approach is from the footpath. The others all require scrambling up a wooded, rocky hill. For those in armor, it might be a noisy, difficult affair.

So based on in character contributions, it looks like we're making the south wall climb by coming up through the woods with a hydra distraction somewhere.

Ranged folks are ready to shoot the expected two guards on the wall and hope for the best while anyone that wants can charge the wall and get climbing.

GM can bring us up to our next decision point which I suppose will be the woods approach and the commencement of distraction and wall shooting.

Or of being spotted...

Sarah expressed her views IC a long time ago.  This is not an accusation or a complaint that her views were dismissed, forgotten, or overlooked; to the contrary, this was/is entirely expected and appropriate.  But, consistent with her persona, she has not repeated them, nor will she.

(Although, she may become vehement or engage in passive resistance if something is extremely contrary to her liking.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

 Does this mean that once the 30 or so feet are traversed, there is cover (even if it is just leaning against a wall?)

Is there a map of what we can see?

Right. The wall is 30 feet away. If you can get to there, you could either stand against the wall, in which case the only way they would see you would be to look directly down (15 foot wall) or if they hear you huffing and puffing, etc. from the exertion.

Alternatively, you could enter the breach and slip inside the keep once you reach the wall.

In reply to Marklin (msg # 164):

I can probably whip up a quick map later tonight after I get home from work and the kids are asleep, but it's not really a complicated map.

Basically imagine a 90x70 rectangular keep. Breached wall on its south side. Circular tower at its southwest corner. Two gatehouse towers at its east end. Sitting atop a wooded hill, the last 30 feet or so mostly cleared of brush and trees and rocky.

Thanks,GM. Nice map.

Thumbs up on the map. That's a great help.
So how about we rush to the wall, lean up against it for cover, then peak through the breach to see what we have in there?

Jorr and friends can hang back and provide cover if we need it. Sooner of later we'll need to take care of that guard doing rounds on the wall, too. Climb up behind him after he turns around and heads the other way (west toward the SW tower)?

Taerix will fire when Valthur and Marklin do, and not before.

Not feeling great right now - will post tomorrow.

Ok, I am slightly confused. Do we intend to scale the wall.or go through the breach/ When we drop that sentry, odds are,all hell is going to break loose.

I like to just accept what folks post in character.  It gives us all a chance to role play mistakes and oversights.

Just post what your character is doing and we'll see what happens.

FYI Marklin is up to 13 HP out of 14

OK. folks. Go get em!

Camera zooms in to see the sweat dripping from Marklin's brow as he let's loose his arrow.  An overly large mosquito buzzes in the dwarf's ear making his bolt go wide with a curse.  The halfling's small stone bounces from the sentry's helmet with a clear "ding".  The Sister of Avandra, recognizing her error in their misfortune, renews her prayers for aid in their quest.

Camera zooms back to see them all intent on their tasks.

Hunkered down behind them, but still looming in size and unbeknownst to all but the sorceress, a massive five headed winged hydra does it's best to hide in the bushes, awaiting it's cue.

... and nearby, a little girl sits next to a big rock, cavalierly chewing gum like nothing out of the ordinary is taking place.

GM, If you'd like to automate your dice roller for the NPC's, you could create some dice links in a hidden thread or on one of their character sheets.

Ranged Volley!
Ranged Damage!
Ranged Damage w/Bless!

dice=1d20+1,1d20+3,1d20+2,1d20+2 text="Ranged Volley!" memo="NPC Volley, Gaston, Lenny, Anders, Jorr"

Just add square brackets around the whole thing to make it a dice link and season to taste.  Then you don't have to remember what Dexterity bonuses go where each time.

And just to be fair, Hobgoblins, wolves, and trolls can have links, too.

Yes, players can make these for their own character sheets as well.

RPoL does actually have syntax for the details in their FAQs if you look hard enough in their General RPoL Information | RuBB Code Tips & Tricks.

I think I should wait for a DM post confirming that people make it to me before responding to inquiries.

I'm not rushing the DM; I'm just explaining my non-responsiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Fri 29 Sept 2017.

Marklin wants to stand on top of the wall,and shout BANZAI!. :)

How far did Eoni get in climbing the wall while the others were shooting at the North sentry?

Also not sure who Marklin is firing at because I don't think we have any targets in sight.

At the moment the NPC's have been directed to two differing courses of action.
Feel free to have a Charisma contest between Eoni and Marklin to determine whom they decide they should follow.

I was under the impression we could see the second sentry

msg #123


msg #127


msg #128


That's where I was confused about how many hobgoblin sentries were left standing atop the north wall after Valthur and Taerix took one out.

There are no enemies in sight. Taerix and Valthur shot and killed the sentry after the alarm had already been raised.

The NPCs have not advanced on the wall yet, per my post.

Eoni: make a STR check to climb the wall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:28, Sat 30 Sept 2017.

 My misunderstanding I guess

This wall is slippery!

Eoni Daflin rolled 14 using 1d20.  Strength Check (8).

My vote is to stay tight against the outside of the wall on the west side of the breach (away from the front gate) and move west along the wall to draw them out. Lenny and friends can fire arrows at whomever comes out to chase us. If anyone can actually get on the wall, that might be helpful, too.

[Private to GM: Not to nitpick, but seeing as I might need every last hp available in the near future, I think I have a 20 hp max, now, not 18. Got a whopping 2 extra HP when I advanced to level 3 (die roller Aug 7).

Here's the admittedly quite forgettable roll:
22:06, Mon 07 Aug: Valthur Ironhelm rolled 2 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 1.  3rd level hit points. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 185):

Eoni is having difficulty climbing the wall and has made no real progress thus far. She is still searching for good foot and handholds. Of course, you may try again now that we are in initiative order :)

A successful check will allow you to climb to the top of the 15 foot wall and pull yourself over the parapet.

Does it look any easier to climb the wall at the breach?

In reply to Kane Taerix (msg # 188):

About the same difficulty anywhere.

This message was deleted by the player at 13:15, Mon 02 Oct 2017.

There is a building on the opposite side of the wall from the SW tower.  Is the wall taller than that building?   And what are their relative heights?

In other words, could one either (1) jump from the wall to the roof of the building or (2) run along the wall to the building, and climb up on the roof?

Also, to clarify: is Aldara running on the wall, or has she leapt to the ground on this side of the wall?

And generally, how tall is this wall?

In reply to Sarah (msg # 191):

The exterior walls are 15 feet high, with an interior walkway about 10 feet from the ground. The roofs of the adjoining buildings are about level with the top of the exterior walls, i.e., ~15 feet high, though both are partially collapsed in spots (especially the one on the southeast side of the keep).

Yes. One could easily use the interior walkway to get onto either roof, though an angry-looking manticore is currently crouched on top of the southeast building's roof.

My initial assumption was Aldara, Eoni and Sarah scaled up the wall on the right side of the breach, though Eoni's last in-character post indicated she ran for the southwest tower. This would have required about a 10 foot jump across the breached wall, not impossible. Or, it could have been you guys (at least Eoni) envisioned climbing up the wall on the left side, rather than the right.

Aldara will have to answer your question about what she is doing at the moment. Also, I was assuming the hydra illusion might come into play soon, but am waiting for her to post in-character.

Additionally, I think Eoni indicated she cast a bless earlier and had to cast another one since time had elapsed since the first casting. I am fine going with she never cast the first bless and still has a remaining spell. Unless she just liked the idea of casting a bless while walking 3 miles to a ruined keep. I can go either way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:15, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

She cast the earlier Bless before they started the hike so the first expired by the time they reached the keep.  They could have been attacked during that time so it was a precautionary measure.

Yes, Eoni had been thinking of coming up on the tower side and I wasn't sure if the breach was a hole in the wall with an intact walkway or entirely collapsed which it seems to be.

She's fine with jumping the breech in this case as that seems to be what has happened.  I don't like to retcon, it doesn't need to be perfect, just an entertaining adventure.  Jumping sounds much more dramatic.

Thanks.  I wasn't quite sure which roof had a manticore on it.  (And I just realized how funny that sentence is.)



Ditto

It's not a big deal. If you want to be on the left side of the breach, go for it. There's something equally nasty on that side as well, so you won't miss out on any of the fun regardless of which side you choose.

;)

All right, Eoni will have climbed up the left side of the breech.  She's still too close to that roof lion and going to run at the tower.

Still here. Just waiting (nervously) to see what happens next!

Is there a door or opening into the tower from the walkway level that Eoni is running toward?

I thought that Sarah never climbed up on the wall and was merely peaking above; hence, she merely dropped down and is at ground level.

If you had her on top of the wall initially (i.e., pre-manticore) then leave here there.

Yes. Kind of. I responded in the game thread.

That's fine. She could have just been peeking over and subsequently dropped back down to the ground...in which case, the only thing she currently sees is the manticore circling overhead and the direwolf chomping at Marklin at the breach.

Looks like we just need Aldara on the wall to either stay and throw a dagger at something or run after Eoni.

I'll be out of town with questionable access this weekend.
Back Sunday night.
NPC me as needed until then.

Waiting on a post from Aldara...

Aldara's logging in but not posting is kind of a mixed signal that she's still checking on the game but either doesn't have time to post anything or feels there's nothing for her to post.

In either case, I think we need to keep things moving and NPC her until she can post again.

Next couple of days are going to be busy for me, concert tonight in Asheville, NC, and then we have some big wigs coming to visit my work this week and that means long days followed by evening social obligations.

All this to say, very little free time and you're not likely to see any game-moving posts from me until at least Thursday...so I am fine waiting for Aldara to log in and post.

Fine by me. That will give me more time to work on my Pulitzer Prize worthy final post after I am torn to pieces by these foul wolves.

I was thinking maybe a song, but I can't find a word that rhymes with dwarf.

All I got's Dorf and Worf. Remember Tim Conway as Dorf?

I do!
Valthur has never golfed, but something tells me he'd be about as good as Dorf.

Morph

Good one!

My first thought was corpse but that's more synonymous than a rhyme.

Not to be nitpicking, but everyone is under the inspiration of a Blessing of Avandra.

Just a reminder to use your +1 to hit and damage.  This includes the NPCs, please.

Thank you for the reminder!
...and the blessing in the first place!

Puts an open contract for fifty big ones, on the RPOL dice roller.

Per in-game post 154, I seem to be on top of the wall again . . . ?

[Private to DM Pawn: Sarah's belief is that if she's on the ground while others are on the wall, she's less of a target for the manticore.  That's why she would not have pulled herself up on the wall upon initially peeking over and seeing it.]

I think the problem is that Sarah's too stealthy and the GM keeps losing track of her.

I knew Sarah had dropped down off the wall. I just forgot to edit the OOC notes.

Please keep in mind that Valthur, Taerix and Marklin are currently fighting on one side of the breach and the hobgoblins are on the other side. The breach is maybe 10 feet wide, so realistically only two can fight abreast. Since Taerix is a halfling, I am allowing him to squeeze into the confined space.

The mercenaries are some distance back, down the hill, so squeezing a shot through their allies (Valthur, Taerix and Marklin) to target hobgoblins on the other side is not that feasible. If there were enemies on the wall, they would be ideally located to target such enemies...or in the air...but there currently are none now that the manticore has fled.

Marklin made that comment because he told them to come up to the breach,and they ignored him.

Nothing to see here.  Just looting the desk for the donations to the church.

[Private to GM: Just a reminder of Eoni's last direction to the bowman just minutes ago but seeming like weeks:

quote:

"Gaston," she continued, turning toward the man, "the four of you be ready to cover us from here.  Once we reach the top of the wall, we'll signal for you to follow."

It's up to their interpretation since it doesn't seem like anyone "credible" is trying to direct them.

I just feel it's metagaming to point out what's already been stated in character to the other players.  I don't mind, however, reminding the DM that NPC's are people too.

I think this encounter is fabulous and hope that a few of us survive our folly.  That manticore scared the crap out of me.]

So can we draw them out into the open by backing up? Might be worth a try.

What? And force me to have to climb back over the wall again? Seriously, it shouldn't be a factor. It's just making me chuckle.

Each round is 10 seconds and 60 rounds in a turn to make 10 minutes/turn.

Valthur, if you can fit your tactical proposal and previous post into 10 seconds, I don't think anyone would cry foul if you posted it in character this round.

Folks can also generally move with their attack either before or after.

Copied from Labyrinth Lord:

Combat movement occurs when characters meet foes or more immediate challenges. In these cases characters move at 1/3 their movement per round, usually 40 feet, unless heavily encumbered. Rounds are ten seconds of game time each, so there are 60 rounds in a turn. Finally, the third kind of speed is running speed. Running speed is the full character speed, 120 feet, and it is traveled in one round.

*At the Labyrinth Lord's discretion, a character wearing armor in addition to carrying weight of a given
category will move at the speed listed for the next slowest category.

A character may move his encounter movement and attack the same round, but any further distance takes his entire action for the round.

Additional movement types are discussed below.

A fighting retreat allows a character to move backwards at 1/2 normal encounter movement. However, there must be a clear path for this movement.

A full retreat occurs when a character moves backwards at a faster rate than 1/2 of encounter movement. The character making the movement forfeits his attack this round, and his opponent attacks with a +2 to hit. In addition, if the retreating character is carrying a shield, it does not apply to the character's armor class during the retreat.

Any attacks made on characters from behind ignore the influence of the attacked character's shield, if any.

If he does that, I might not climb down the wall.  My climbing up might occur simultaneously, but seeing that I might lie on top of the wall (in preparation for my next exciting maneuver).

Looks like we are waiting on a post from Aldara. I will give her until tomorrow before posting on her behalf.

On a side note, I will be out of town attending school for about a month beginning this coming Sunday. My hotel will have internet access so I shouldn't have any issues there, but my free time in the evenings might be occupied with coursework, etc. I don't really know how involved this school will be, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Just wanted to let everyone know in advance.

Thanks!

Shane

Is this a "fun" course, I hope?

I intend to have a good time for what that's worth.

The course is meant to teach Chief Master Sergeants how to bridge operational to strategic-level concepts and prepare them to lead more complex organizations while leading, inspiring, and mentoring the next generation of Airmen.

The course syllabus is real high level stuff. Basically equipping senior enlisted leaders to sit down in a room of generals talking shop and not have their minds explode or be lost in the conversation.

That sounds frighteningly complicated to one who has nothing to do with that field.  I, for one, would be completely at sea.

Like, did you see that?  I used a nautical term; how embarrassing!!!

Waiting for a post from Aldara. I will post on her behalf tomorrow night if I don't see one before then.

The longer you wait, the longer Valthur survives, so I'm all about patience right now!!!

Character death has no shelf-life. It's like a Twinkie.

mmmmmmmmm, Twinkie.

Can I switch from sword to sling this round and still get a shot off?

sure

Soooo, the Hobgoblin archer has taken to it's heels.Yes? I was just curious,as in the ooc section you have it still lobbing arrow at those in the breech.

Accept the description over the OOC as it was just cut and paste from the previous post.

I'm just happy with the quick turn around post.

right
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Fri 27 Oct 2017.

The strength check to climb the wall was to roll under your strength so I think Valthur was successful.  I don't think you use the modifier when making an ability check directly.

I suspect that only four may face off with the minotaur on the wall, two from each side.  Though I suppose we're all on the same side at the moment...

Ranged might increase that number.

Hoping that Valthur will post before Eoni.

Post coming up...

22:49, Today: Valthur Ironhelm rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Axe vs. Minotaur.

...well, that was hardly worth waiting for.

Marklin is still trying to put down the last enemy archer.

Not saying that he will, but if Valthur jumps off the wall in retreat, does that lousy minotaur get a free swing at him?

Right now I'm thinking the best thing is to get out of here. If the minotaur follows us off the wall, we may have enough combined firepower to drop him (thanks to multiple ranged attacks), but in melee, I don't think we stand a change... at least Valthur doesn't.

P.S. Is it cheating to discuss combat plans in OOC? Maybe that's not in the spirit of the game since we don't really have time to huddle up and plan our next round of combat.

If so, I'll just post.

Not to be picky, but is this the dead hobgoblin archer shooting at Marklin that the bowman dropped in msg#196?

Or did the one that fled take up a new position to fire at him?

Yeah. I think so. I will edit the previous post and restore Marklin's hp. Sorry. Posted after a long day.

FYI: I am purposely waiting for Valthur to post.

Congratulations to Marklin, Sarah, Taerix and Valthur! You have each earned enough XP to level up!

Please adjust your character sheets accordingly and let me know when you have rolled HP, etc. so I can adjust my tracker.

Thanks!

p.s. Aldara is really close to leveling up as well!

Got it.

Busy, busy day following a busy weekend.  Will take care of this tonight (if I'm awake that long).

Valthur is updated.
3 measly HP, but improved to hit and saving throws still make 4th level THE BOMB!!!

Wheee!!!

11:31, Today: Sarah rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Hit points.

And my saving throws improved . . .

And I discovered that I did not change my THAC0, so it should be 18 . . .

And I am slightly better at thief stuff.

Character sheet now adjusted to reflect all this wondrousness. :)

For the purposes of the loot list, the existing list of hobgoblin armor and gear is currently cached near the lean-to they stayed at.  I don't expect them to pick this up on the way back a it's too heavy, maybe just the bows if they pass by.  They can come back later or send someone for the rest if there's time.

I think they'll be able to carry away from Vraath Keep, 5 long bows and just as many longswords.  Along with bunches of arrows.

They'll need these to arm the townsfolk for the impending assault that Eoni predicts.

Could folks update their Cast descriptions with what they're wearing and carrying?

It's hard to tell who's wearing clanky armor and carrying the battering ram.

Valthur's is updated and just to save you the trouble of looking at it, he wears chain mail and carries an assortment of weapons at his side.

...but he's still very stealthy (at least in his own mind) - just ask him and he'll tell you.

Done. :)

I graduate from school tomorrow morning and then I'm driving back home. I am also going to take the next week off from work during the Thanksgiving holiday and hitting the road again to drive up to my in-laws' house. Fair warning...they live out in the country and have an extremely crappy internet connection at their house. All this to say, my ability to post over the next week might be limited. I will try to post this weekend before we hit the road, but wanted to let you guys know what's going on.

Thanks for your patience this past month!

Shane

Congratulations,  and thank you.  Games aren't possible without DMs willing to create a world for us players.

My congratulations, too, and my own Thanksgiving holiday posting will be intermittent at best.

First and foremost, congrats on graduation!

Second and a distant secondmost, are we playing with encumbrance? If so, Valthur is carrying 75 lbs and will fall into the next slower category with an additional 5 lbs. How much does 350 gold pieces weigh (35 pounds?)? If we want to go by the book, we might need to split it up.

For starters, though, Valthur will throw the whole sack over his shoulder (not wanting to share it with the hirelings) and plod along clumsily. Up to you whether you want to make him split it up.

As expected, internet connection at my in-law's was pretty much non-existent. There was supposedly one spot in the house that you could sometimes get connection, but I never really messed with it.

At any rate, I am getting settled at home again after being away for the last 6 weeks and expect to post tomorrow night at the latest.

Thanks for your continued patience!

Shane

Valthur: I don't really mess with encumbrance. It doesn't add anything to the game in my opinion. I more eyeball it than anything else. All this to say, I wouldn't worry about a measly 5 pounds. ;)

In that case, Valthur's throwing a sack of gold over his shoulder like santa claus... and if any of you want any you're going to have to ask nice!!!

As it turned out, I did not meet my goal of getting a substantive post up by Tuesday night :(

Truth is I have kind of been in a daze since getting home. Not really sure what's going on, but my motivation at work and home has been very low and all I have wanted to do is sleep and lounge around and be lazy. Hasn't been just me either. The whole house really. Definitely a funk of sorts here at the Pawn household. :\

Let us know if you need us to motivate you.  Valthur has been secretly practicing an interpretive dance routine that involves a strategic fig leaf.  He's still working on it so it's quite disturbing.  It's not that he needs a bigger fig leaf. he just needs to stop dropping it.

Taerix thinks we need to start a game of dwarf-tossing... wait, never mind.

Like all great artists, Valthur is just misunderstood!

Congratulations to Aldara! She has now earned enough XP for 4th level!

Please update your character sheet accordingly. Thanks!

Love Valthur's mathmatical argument.

He would've loved to see the defeated look on Eoni's face after he delivered that irrefutable intellectual jab, however he missed his opportunity.

I haven't disappeared in real life.  But given what Sarah has run off to do, I don't think she's back for the present conversation.

Wounded folks, don't forget your overnight rest.

Overnight recuperation

Don't forget to add your Con bonus!

I went ahead and returned everyone to maximum hit points for ease of bookkeeping. Happy Holidays!

;)

Hooray for Drellin's Ferry cooking!

It's about a day and a half's walk back to the town, if you're tied to the idea of only walking during the day. It's possible to make the trip in a day, if you walk at night?

Make camp or push through the night?

We're at a disadvantage at night.  Eoni votes for a camp where they can keep an eye on anything passing by on the trail.

Fear not.  I posted more actions, but made them private to the GM because I didn't know how much could be accomplished before something wicked this way comes.

So, reconciling the description of the action with the statement that the PCs are up, I conclude that the only PCs who are up are me, Eoni, and Valthur?

That was also my interpretation that only those three may act in this PC round.  I suspect that the sleepers won't have any action this round.

Just let me know if I get to do anything this round or not.

The rest of the party will wake up as the owlbears are tearing through the camp.

Uhm, I was waiting to find this out before acting in round 1, and seemed to have missed my chance to do so?

FWIW, if I could see that the rest of the party was waking without my help, I would've thrown a dagger at the one attacking Eoni.  If they need my help to wake up, I would spend the round doing that.

I thought you were waking up party members. You can throw an extra dagger in the current round  if you like.

No, waking party members was my priority. If I needed to spend around doing that and that's what I would do.

3000 posts! Great work, everyone. Seems like only yesterday we were celebrating 1000 posts.

I have been able to post from my parents so far, but at the in-laws, all we have is a phone. Please roll for Taerix if you're waiting on me (I think you will). Hope everybody's Christmas season is very merry!

Don't worry Kane, we'll keep you alive until you get back!

I don't want to sway the DM's decision on the applicability of backstab in this particular situation, but how cool would that be if I tripped in front of the owlbear and while cowering in front of it got flattened by the beast as it fell forward (dead) with a dagger in its back?

I'll tell you how cool it would be: VEEEERRRRRRRY cool (because it would mean that nasty owlbear wouldn't get another attack roll)!

Go for it. Write it into the thread.

Too funny - while I was writing the above post OOC, you were describing that exact thing in Chapter 8.

Really enjoying this story line and the fact that we can make our own choices, right or wrong.  Good role play.

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 291):

Glad you're enjoying it. I have wanted to run this storyline for a long time and it's neat to finally get to do so with a good group of players to bounce ideas off of.

I'd like to get a post from Aldara so we have all PCs input about what to do next.

Reminder that we do have a Drellin's Ferry map.

link to a message in this game

And there's also the Game Map from the standard link beside the Cast.

I am a huge fan of The Seven Samurai (or, if you prefer, The Magnificent Seven).

I prefer Pitch Perfect.

A Magnificent Seven version with female leads in a contemporary setting based around character development rather than oppression and violence.

How about a compromise/fusion of the two, i.e., The Three Amigos?

or...

You can challenge the hobgoblin army to a Sing-Off, wherein your perfect pitch, creative harmony and eclectic repertoire will cow the mongrels into submission!

:)

I confidently state that I have never thought of Pitch Perfect in the way I do the others -- Pitch Perfect does not provide the "protecting the innocent and oppressed from seemingly impossible odds" angle that I get out of the others.

And neither Sarah nor I can sing.

As a reminder, it's probably still only mid-morning as the meeting breaks up.

So, the plan is for the party to rest up in town (at a comfortable inn perhaps?) and maybe head back out into the Witchwood in the morning?

Realistically, nobody got great sleep last night and everyone is pretty tired today. You can take a cat nap if you wish and head out later in the afternoon/evening if you wish. Just need to know so I can post accordingly.

Thanks!

I was hoping for 4-6 hours of sleep and then back into the Witchwood by late afternoon.  They don't have time to dither and need to intercept any force as far out as they can in order to give the town the most warning.

Get some sleep, a bath, clothes cleaned, new supplies, and then out the door.

They can stay at the inn they've stayed at before and hope that Sarah returns before they leave.

Are there any healers in town that would be willing to patch Valtur back up to his full self? He'll inquire around and do his best to scrape up the necessary funds if there are.

Going to be attending my first gaming convention this weekend, so I might be out of pocket a bit. Thanks!

I never tried to post to a pbp while convention gaming. Have fun and don't worry about us!  :^)

Ahhhh, the good old days. Three days of gaming at a convention. These days, I am lucky if I can attend one day.

 Have fun GM. :)

Brother Derny at the Shrine of Pelor will attend to the party's healing needs. Everyone will leave town at maximum health.

We had a pretty good time. I got to play a couple of D&D Adventurers League sessions and a few board game demos.  My kids also got to play RPGs with alot of different kids, which was nice for them as they usually play with just me, or with other adults. We won some prizes in the lottery as well, which made my kids really happy.

I also picked up a handmade dice tower for my kids (my only non-food or drink related purchase). We'll see if this solves their issue of dice rolls constantly falling off the table and onto the ground in the middle of the session. :)

Marlin rolled a 1 on hear noise.I am on my phone, no idea on how to post this from phone.

Glad you had fun, DM!

This will undoubtedly sound like a silly question, but: how do we travel?  On foot?  And if so, with or without a pack mule/animal?

Everyone is on foot.

Just as a note, I expect that we've been leaving and returning to town on a ferry.

I think we've all imagined that we walk out of town and along the trail, but I do think there's a ferry involved.  It highlights the importance of the town and this crossing.  I don't expect there are many crossing points for a significant army to move from the Witchwood into the Vale.

Something to keep in mind.

We should probably flag down this knight from Brindol on her way by. Valthur wouldn't be that smart, but that is my secret vote for what we should do.

I think we're ready to see the knight ride off and continue toward the source of the smoke.

In another game I play in, the dungeon-crawlers are called The Adventure Whores. Too insensitive, maybe?

I'm sure it's been obvious along the trail that those in armor and especially Valthur have set the pace slower than what Jorr can make on his own.

Just to be clear, Jorr has offered to escort the party to the extreme eastern edge of the Witchwood, about 20 miles northwest of Brindol. This route would have the party following the Old Forest Road, east-northeast, until it links up with the Rhest Trail, running northwest through southeast. This is about 50 miles of travel through the forest and involves one minor stream crossing (Giantshield Stream).

This is not the only route to Brindol. You could also travel directly south, through lesser used footpaths in the Witchwood, and arrive in the outlying farmlands and cleared lands anywhere east of Drellin's Ferry to the village of Talar. It just depends on what you want to do.

Jorr will refuse to leave the Witchwood though and will only escort you to the edge of the forest.

Eoni is trying to convince Jorr to go back to Drellin's Ferry on his own to warn them of the enemy approach.  Her plan was to split Jorr off since he is much faster than the armored in our group.

If Jorr is refusing to take this message back, then Eoni will take the message back on her own and the rest of them can go with Jorr to Witchcross.

Based on encumbrance, Eoni, Aldara, Sarah, and probably Jorr are at least 25% faster than the 3 armored in the party.

We're about a day and a half out at our slowest party member's pace.  Under normal conditions and a standard night's rest in between, that would get her back to Drellin's Ferry 3 hours earlier than the standard party pace.

If she pushed through the night and arrived exhausted, she would arrive even earlier.

I suspect that a Constitution check would be required every hour when pushing further than normal.  A fail would deal nonlethal damage and collapsed exhaustion at 0hp.  A night's rest would clear the exhaustion.

[Private to GM: Eoni would use her Cure Light Wounds to keep her going through the exhaustion.]

This message was deleted by the player at 14:16, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

Congratulations to Eoni! She has now earned enough XP for 5th level. Go ahead and update your character sheet accordingly and let me know when complete so I can update my records. Thanks!

Eoni is now up to 24 HP and character sheet updated.

She may be 5th level but she's feeling really small right now.

Also, as they've had a few days marching and Eoni brought it up, how about a group name having been decided along the way?

Eoni was thinking of "The Trailbreakers".

Any other ideas proposed along the way?

Discovered in the ancient tomb of the Warrior Queen, this collection of writings,  known as the “Darna Letters”, depict a budding romance in the early days of the Elsir War.  Though it is unknown whether she replied to this correspondence, the number of letters and the fact they were found interred with her seems to indicate some fondness for possibly her first love.

Though no records can be found identifying the author, Valthur, anecdotal evidence suggests that he died in the early days of the war on a foolhardy quest to save the Vale.  Many nameless would-be heroes died in the war and battlefields are rife with rumor, but the “Darna Letters” document the journey of one such band of seekers.

Easily eclipsed by her marriage to Floyd Hammerfist, Prince of Hammerfist Holds and Hero of the Hills for his victory at Nimon Gap, these documents are viewed by some scholars as the earliest record of the Warrior Queen’s rise to power.

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 324):

In a few of the letters, Valthur referred to a group of companions that he ostentatiously referred to as "The Trailbreakers."  Little is known of them, however; their identities and fates have been lost to history.  Presumably, they too perished in the Elsir War.

"It'll be a slaughter!!"

"That's the spirit!"

"No!! My slaughter!!"

The party is able to purchase any standard items at standard prices listed in whichever rulebook you have access to, i.e., Moldvay B/X, Mentzer B/E, Rules Cyclopedia or Labyrinth Lord.

Adranna will provide each of your characters a horse or pony with all associated tack, etc. so you don't need to purchase these with your own money.

Floyd Hammerfist?!?!? I hate that guy!

Thank you for the horses, Adranna! Forgive my ignorance regarding the equine arts, but can dwarves ride horses or does Valthur have to settle for a pony?

It looks like everyone will take a horse and a pony for Taerix unless he'd prefer the larger steed.  I expect Valthur will need a leg up every time or a log/stump to help him into the saddle.

We'll pack rations for a week and hope for cooler weather and clear trail markings.

If Taerix took a horse you know he'd only be compensating, so he will take a pony.

This message was deleted by the player at 03:37, Fri 02 Feb 2018.

Marklin's in-character comments about horse riding hit home for me.

In 2005 my wife and vacationed in Glacier National Park, Montana and Waterton International Peace Park, across the border in Canada. I was an avid mountain biker at the time and rode a 30 mile round-trip trail while we were in Canada. Probably spent about 5 hours on the bike that day, lots of climbing, etc. Felt great after the ride and the next morning, no issues.

The next day, my wife wanted to go horseback riding. So we went on a 2-hour trail ride. Casual pace. Nothing crazy. I was so flipping sore after that 2-hour "relaxing" ride. My back was on fire!

Looking back at the pictures of us on the horses, in every picture I am leaning over the horse's head, like I am riding a bike! :) Which is probably why it hurt so bad.

Moral of the story is untrained horseback riding is no walk in the park...even when it is :)

For clarity's sake, the party is no longer in the Witchwood and is now traveling through scattered scrub terrain, about 30 miles southeast of Rhest.

There are a few stunted trees here or there, but the terrain is largely waist to neck high upland scrub.

Just to avoid misleading labels, and it's bothered me for a while now, could we get Sarah's tag changed to something like "Wildcard" or "Undeclared"?

I don't think anyone in the party has ever seen her steal anything and she's been a really good person as far as Eoni's concerned.  And as soon as we see that gnome again, Eoni will remind Sarah to return his club to him.  It was just a misunderstanding after all.

 Gnomes face down in a ditch have no need of magical clubs... Just saying.

I'm trying to come up with a witty comment, but nothing comes to mind . . .

The good news is, unlike video games, none of your characters have labels floating over their heads as they move about the game world.

Sarah's class is Thief and that is why she has the label.

I'm out of town Thursday through Monday, with questionable access. Will try to log in, but feel free to NPC Valthur as needed.

Don't kill the dragon until I get back!

Just want to make sure everyone is tracking that the brush around the roadside blockade has largely been cleared. You can definitely start a brush fire, but it's not likely to burn the palisade down.

The fire is meant to be small and smokey about 750 yards from the wall to try and draw them out.  Everyone else is hiding in the brush nearer the wall.  Horses are 1000 yards back and tied up well off the trail.

This is a 4 walled fort, right (as opposed to just a single wall across the road)? If so, is there any way to go around it and approach from the other side unnoticed? If we were up against the opposite wall would we be out of sight from the tower?