The thick shadowy woods and the dampness it collects provides a filter from the smoke of the village's remains. Your breath collects in misty orbs when you exhale to vanish into the faint breeze. The trail is maintained enough for a horse and rider to pass through without ducking branches. The soil is soft and cool beneath your feat. White mushrooms grow from fallen logs slowly merging with the moss floor. The birds call high above and frogs croak in response, with the occasional rapid thumping of a hungry woodpecker.

[Please state your marching order]

Brodd falls in line behind Einhard, leading his mule.

With somewhat of an idea on the direction they should travel, Gorn takes the reins of his horse and begins the slow walk, cautiously following the path of least resistance. "Like the old days, huh." as he looks back over his shoulder, a slight nod coming from his horse. With his eyes watching the path closely, every so often he would stop and retrieve something from the ground, study it, then move on.

NOTE: Cross post from last scene.

11:17, Today: Gorn rolled 20 using 1d100 ((20)). Tracking Roll (20%)

In reply to Gorn (msg # 3):

Lots of boots, more than your party. Also civilian shoes and some bare feet, including at least one child.

Two sets of prints are larger than a human, and barefoot. That pair of prints are ground deep into the soil where they pushed a fallen tree off the trail.

Further up, a horse (and one assumes a rider) joined the march and escorted them northward.

Manaku waits whole party to pass him before he takes his position as the rear guard. His red elven eyes dart place to place taking in the scenery around them.

"Ah, there's nothing as soothing as sounds and smells of untouched forest..."

"I need some room to swing my axe.  So I'll go to the front of the pack."

OOC:  Front or 2nd row for me is my preferred.  I don't have any real missile weapons, other than my hand axes.

Kalandra comes back to where the party is on the trail.

She says, "The canopy ahead is too thick to make out much, but I did find a creek bed. Several footprints in the much all lead across it, deeper into the woods."

Then she just falls in besides whomever is leading.


[OOC: So she is 3rd in order, behind the axe-swinger. *grin*]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

Passing on the details of what he has found, he nods with the information from Kalandra appreciating her walking with him as they move on farther down the trail. When they arrive at the creek bed, "Is this where you were describing?" as he stops to examine the tracks.

Einhard draws his sword and readies his shield, taking his place next to Durek.

Or slightly behind him depending on the width of the trail.

Amalrik falls into the second row. Letting the distance and scouts lead the way. He stays on the left side ... eyes roving, nose sensing the land instead of dreary dungeon halls.

Jarvak stays back and will take the rear guard position.

Looking back at the woods behind them and any trees or sky above them he keeps watch on anything that could ambush them from behind.

Alietra took up a mid-position with the group.     She strung her short bow as she walked, wanting to be ready in case they were met with hostility.    Which she was also striving to keep an eye out for.

[Einhard, roll a d6 please]

11:03, Today: Einhard rolled 4 using 1d6.

As nights starts to fall, Einhard and others can make out the occasional blink of a campfire between the tree trunks.

Kalandra points at herself, Alietra and the direction of the campfire then holds her hands out, palm-up, to either side and shrugs.

Einhard dismounts his horse and joins the group,

In a whisper...

"Might I suggest that Kalandra and some of the other sneakier ones go forward and observe the situation,

while the rest of us wait close by...if you run into trouble hoop and holler and get away fast.

If it is the slavers and we can sneak attack them, send us word.

This should be strictly volunteer, understand?

This is also only my suggestion, let others speak so that their ideas can be heard."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

She thought Kalandra was asking if she wanted to go scout this out with her, approaching singly from opposite sides.    Seemed like a decent plan...she nodded, hoping she hadn't misunderstood completely.  Beginning to walk, she glanced over when Einhard spoke.

She didn't remember him being so...democratic.  But that wasn't a bad thing.   She nodded, pointed in the direction of the distant fire, and continued walking out that way, with an eye toward maintaining cover, and avoid stepping on dry leaves or sticks.     Or falling in pits.     Or hitting her head on a branch.   Yea, the occupational hazards were various and without end...

Placing his axe head on the ground and resting his chin on the handle; "Makes sense to me to send the quieter folks forward to scout it out."

Kalandra started sneaking around the opposite way that Alietra was approaching the partially obscured flames.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

[Waiting to see if any of the other stealthy PC's offer to join in the mission]

nobody else has anything or is Einhard just that good?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

"Let's quietly move forward so that we may be of quick assistance."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:05, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

Listening to the plan, Gorn stays back..."More is not merrier when checking out what is over there. It just increases the chances of being exposed." as he moves to keep his mount quiet as the others scout out the situation ahead of them.

"Should we attack, my honor requires I attack the most dangerous opponent, secondary should be any spellcasters and we should also ensure that the prisoners aren't harmed."

sound too bossy?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

Amalrik just shakes his head. Nice to know targeting priorities, thank you Einhard. However,Patience Sir Einhard. Let the sneaky ones have a look/see and report back what they find. If we are outnumbered, they will have done us a great service to better prepare. Surprise will aid us greatly. Now we wait, the hardest part of a fight. he says quietly.

Amalrik looks about, trying to  find an approach path or direction for everyone. If he spots such a route, he will point it out. Otherwise, he quietly draws his sword for use.

"Let's consider very carefully what we wish to bite off... I still have a few roads I've not been down."

Regdoc and Chomper stayed behind while those on the reconnaissance team made their way forward.

Harald was torn. Wishing to go forth and be among the action, but heeding the warning, he decided to stay behind as well.

"If it becomes apparent what the situation is... tricky... I could attempt to lead some of our captors away, but I must do so before combat ensues..."

Alientra and Kalandra pull up their hoods and step off the trail, creeping slowly parallel to it as they inch closer to the campfire.


]

Kalandra was already cursing herself for this plan. I hate trying to sneak in the forest, she thought.

Leohart stays behind with the group, occasionally looking behind the group in the direction from which they've come, his hand resting on his wand just inside the folds of his robes.

Creston creeps forward part way, but not far enough to risk being noticed. He conceals himself, waits and watches for signs that the scouts are in trouble, an arrow nocked and ready.

Manaku follows Creston's example, hiding himself on the opposite side of the trail, an arrow nocked and ready.

Having seen what there was to see, Alietra began to make her way back, to inform the group.    She did her level best to concentrate, and to be as stealthy as possible on her return.

Careful now, careful now...nothing worse than getting caught right *after* you've successfully scouted...

Making my way back. 

Kalandra thought, Surprise would definitely aid against such numbers,. She tried to get back to the main group without ruining it.

Durek continues to wait resting on his axe.

Dwarghar eats some raisins and hard bread.

Giving them a wide distance, Jarvak tried to slowly sneak behind Kalandra.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Mon 17 Feb 2020.

Brodd stayed back with the other, muzzeling his mule to keep her quiet so she wouldn't give them away, feeding her some raisins he'd gathered from the boat before it was rebottled.

Upon her return, Alietra described to anyone who was awake, sober, and listening what she had seen-

"There's ten humans in the campsite, armed and armored. One of them was tending a pot over the fire, propped up by spears. Others were sharpening their swords. Half of them have bows and quivers as well. Their shields were lined up to keep their hands free while they did some chores, or something. Their shields are of the same manufacture, but the shield faces are blacked out. Also, five horses are tethered to a tree. One of the men, wearing chainmail, was tending to those."   

*Edited from the GM's pm.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Mon 17 Feb 2020.

"This isn't good. What do you suggest? Einhard?"

Einhard reflects on the information provided...

"This raises several questions...

Obviously, they are veterans, no signs of captives or magic users?

Why the blacked out shields...who are they?

Do we attack or trail to learn more ?

Thoughts?"

"Meeting others would be bad, there would be too many for us, but, we would never know their plans if we just attack them. What if they discover us following them by checking their back trail?"

Alietra confirmed the absence of apparent captives or any obvious mages.

"But, we should wait and get Kalandra's report too."

Brodd nods at the advice.

Amalrik nods agreement. But 2 scouts with 2 different stories may be difficult to sew together. How far are the shields and spears from the bulk of the soldiers ?? Any chance of rushing to them first and removing them from use ?? Or getting our archers close enough to get a volley off before we charge them ??

"Agreed"

Uhm how do you know these aren’t just you know people like us? Maybe they found the village and are following the trail of villagers, or maybe just going away. Did they say something black hearted and cruel about torturing defenseless villagers?

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 48):

"We will err on the side of caution, we are outnumbered and must be careful.

We are still waiting for Kalandra to report."



not really, there's 15 people on the roster

Continuing to lean on his axe, listening to the way ahead.  He starts fidgeting with boredom and pulls out his wine flask and takes a drink.

"Maybe we should try to talk to them? They could be following the captured villagers too. Blackened shields are worrying, though. It could mean they want to hide who they're loyal to, or that they're renegades." The elf offers in hushed voice.

"I hope our scout didn't get caught..."

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 46):

Alietra will answer any questions like that as much she can, but it will need more input from the GM.   

If you surprised them you might have a round of advantage before they got their equipment ready.

Leohart watches Durek pull on his wineskin jealously, mindful of his own empty wineskin and scant rations. He sits quietly, awaiting the return of the remaining scout.

The night grows longer, and Kalandra has yet to return.

CLANG CLANG CLANG

The sound of swords beating against shields in unison breaks the peaceful sounds of the night forest.

CLANG CLANG CLANG

Another pause of the same length.

CLANG CLANG CLANG...CLANG

Sir Einhard furrows his brow.

"They must be soldiers...or were...I know that signal from the battlefield...they wish to meet us at dawn!

"They captured Kalandra."

Are the sounds approaching us ?? If so, we need to set an ambush right now !!

Right, well she’s obviously a brilliant scout. What is it about her that told them there was a guy here that could speak shield banging? Unless of course she just told them. Is there a signal of banging swords that says “Piss off, I’m not interested” or maybe “Kiss my Manticore”

"Unicorn horn?" Brodd says with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Wed 19 Feb 2020.

You couldn't tell if they were getting closer. But your culture probably has similar battlefield codes.

"Historically speaking, according to many of the great ballads I've heard, the attacking side should have a three-to-one advantage, the wisdom being that those who are on defense are often prepared. I'd counsel against a head-to-head confrontation. We're certainly in no hurry. Let's wait them out and make them fight on our terms. Which terms will unclear and fluid."

"I'm happy to act as the messenger to negotiate those terms. I've been told there's a bit of magic in my voice. Once I've distracted some or all of them, the rest of you might spring an attack, having the element of surprise..."

"Tell them with your shield-speak, Amalrik, that we wish to parley... who knows, perhaps we're on the same side anyway?"

Amalrik has no shield Dear Harald. However, he has a good idea where he find one ... or two.

"I don't know what ballads you've been singing," Creston says, "but in the ballads of my people, one Guardian usually attacks a squad or more."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Sun 23 Feb 2020.

MANTICORE!!!! DIE!!!!

Dwarghar's shouts to the east distract the passive listeners from Harald's melody.

And if the ones he was trying to fascinate didn't hear that, the thundering roar from the same direction would certainly have turned everyone's heads.

His bow already notched with an arrow, Gorn moves along the edge of the woods to get an eye on the Manticore. If it comes into range he will take at least one shot at it.

Today: Gorn rolled 17,5 using 1d20+1,1d6 ((16,5)). Missile Attack vs Manticore and Damage Roll.

Brodd goes behind a tree. "Secure the boat so it doesn't get broken! Take cover!"

Gorn spots an unmistakable flash of crimson wing through the thick brush, and even through the dense foliage his arrow his finds its mark.

[Dwarghar, continue your RP here.]

"Catch the gnome!" shouts Clark as a horseman tries to scoop up Pock by his collar.

Pock effortlessly dodges him, running under the horse's legs to the other side. The horseman spits a curse and kicks his steed to make a break south towards the site of the destroyed village.

Leohart readies his wand, and when the manticore is within range, looses a bolt of arcane energy toward the wondrous beast.

Dwarghar, filled with rage and hatred, his eyes wet with tears screams again and swings his sword wildly at the Manticore.

14:38, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Attack
Uh oh.

"OUT OF MY WAY!!"

17:44, Today: DM rolled 6,1 using d20,d4.  Manticore Swat (Thaco 13). - [roll=1582584242.83441.314787]

A massive paw swats the dwarf against the trunk of a tree.

[1 more point of damage]

"DISGUSTING DWARF! I FEAST ON MAN FLESH!"

It rampages through the brush, cracking trees in its wake as Leohart steadies his wand.

[Leohart, roll a D6 to see if you can get a bead on him before he pounces!]

”Leohart! Quick! Play dead! It’s your only chance!”

 After the bolt looses toward the manticore, Leohart drops to the ground.

Hearing Pock's yelled warning, Amalrik also 'Plays Dead.' Sometimes valor means staying alive just a few moments more. If the beat runs by him, he may try for a rear attack ...

And the Dwarf gathers himself up and shouts with such ferocity that those who know him do not recognize what they see or hear. This is the laggard who let others be in his way and fought only for the silver he could keep in his bosom. He is a wild slavering hairy ball of hate now and he yellYOU WILL NOT CHOOSE YOUR FIGHT TODAY DUNG HUMPING STUPID SPAWN OF SEWAGE!

I AM DWARGHAR STONEBLOOD! You killed my family, prepare to DIE!

He swings again


21:10, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 11 using 1d20.  Intimidate?
17:46, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 6,3 using D20+1,d8+1.  Sword

Hp: 14 .
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

The monster snarls at Dwarghar and prepares to end his campaign of revenge, that is until a magic missile slams into him. Giving the dwarf a disdainful look, the beast charges into the clearing.

The wizard and the barbarian follow the gnome's advice, taking discretion as the better part of valor.

Pock seems to gesture and mutter to himself as the shape of a troll shimmers into being over where Leo lay.

The bandits have had more than enough, and scatter in all directions away from the monsters.

The manticore stops in its tracks, skidding a flurry of moss beneath its paws as it stares at the thin and rubbery menace. There's a momentary look of surprise and perhaps fear on the manticore's face before it falls into a rage again.

"YOU STEAL MY KILL!"

Einhard lowers his visor and sets his horse into a gallop.

Lowering his lance/spear he charges the beast.



12:18, Today: Einhard rolled 14 using 1d20+1+1.  mounted attack.
12:20, Today: Einhard rolled 7 using 1d6+1+1.  damage.

Brodd stays behind the tree for now, knowing he had NOTHING for the manticore and troll!!

[Einhard missed by one point, but...deduct 1 XP per house rules and we come up with this...]

The knight leans low on his steed and rides headlong towards the beast. The steed leaps over the barbarian as the lance pierces the monster's neck and shatters, leaving several feet of wood lodged in it as splinters fly everywhere!

[Long weapons set in charge or set to receive a charge do double damage. 14 points. Weapon sacrificed. Who's next?]

The lute music sputtered to a sour chord when the thrice-cursed Manticore returned. The bard was more than perturbed to have lost his following, and meant to take it out on the interrupting beast! Holding his lute in a much more aggressive manner, he boldly struck a chord mixing raw and powerful notes in a way meant to twist reality!

When Pock brought forth the Troll, Harald smiled, "Perfect..."

The spell he wove took Pock's Troll as an example, of which Harald created his own illusion. He strummed a series of bold notes, the new Troll stepped from the trees carrying an impossibly massive stone, high over its head, then snarled in the gurgling language of the ugly creatures, and hurled it at the Manticore!


Casting Phantasmal Force (Illusory Attack) - Manticore must Save vs Spells or take damage! (1d6 to 3d6 conflicting rules)

https://oldschoolessentials.ne...php/Phantasmal_Force
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

HARALD: [I've never interpreted that you could use Phantasmal Force to take over someone else's illusion, only create your own. If you want to redo it so that another troll steps out from the thick woods carrying said boulder, I'd say go with it.]

Addendum: Wait, Bards cast Druidic magic, at least Neutral ones in this game?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

Regdoc was just feeling too old for this kind of nonsense. He fished for his sling, but by the time he'd gotten it readied and swinging, he had lost track of the Manticore, sending the stone whizzing off target!

Sling Attack: Regdoc rolled 3 using 1d20-1 to hit AC-Pfffft...

"NO!," he said to Chomper who was about to bound into the fray. "You stay here and wait, that's all I need right now is to carry your carcass back to the river!"

Chomper will hang back and defend this round...

From where he lies on the ground, Leohart maintains a grip on his wand, watching the battle. Concentrating on the manticore, if the beast is still in range and he's able to get a clear shot, he lets loose another arcane bolt.

Manaku takes his bow and nocks one of his few remaining arrows. Instead of shooting he quietly backpedals away from the clearing aiming to hide among surrounding foliage and wait to see how Pock's clever play of illusion will work out.

Amalrik mutters thanks to any listening God that Einhart didn't run over him ... Or land on him for that matter.

This is the fight of Dwarghar’s life and he will stop for nothing.
He runs back at the Manticore fearing the Trolls only partly for death can only reunite him with his family. He shoves the sword into the beast with all his might.


22:19, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  Damage .
22:19, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Attack

Does Attacking from behind help? Will sacrifice whatever to make it true hit.

I am Dwarghar Stoneblood, you killed my family, you too must die!
This message was last edited by the player at 09:38, Wed 26 Feb 2020.

08:36, Today: DM rolled 17 using 1d20.  manticore save vs. spells (14).

The manticore flinches as the "troll" raises the boulder over its head to hurl at him, then blinks as he feels no impact. [I would have taken the middle road for 2d6...]

"T R I C K E R Y ! ! !"

[Leohart & Dawrgar: I'm delaying your attacks until everyone else announces their intentions this round. It will take Dwarghar a round to run back to the clearing in any event.]

Brodd steps from behind his tree and swings his cudgel!

08:45, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 12 using 1d20.  to hit.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 88):

The cleric's attack fails to connect.

As the manticore chuckles smugly at having seen through the illusion, he stares at the assembled.

"RUN LITTLE RABBITS! WE'LL HAVE SO MUCH FUN HUNTING Y---"

The crack of Dwarghar's sword slicing through the monster's hind leg follows with the sound of spilling blood. The beast tips over and curls in on itself, twitching as its eyes glaze over.

The dwarf raises his sword high, his eyes wide and wild in triumph of sweet revenge!

Brodd swings at the prone Manticore again, and misses on the twitch!

Still filled with adrenaline Dwarghar stares unbelieving at the Manticore he had expected to die here and to have moved on from this world but the Manticore was dead and he still alone.

The Knight is here on his horse a shattered lance in his hand and the Manticore is dead.

Others are here, those he travelled with, his pulse in his ears is still a roar of battle but his awareness is slowly expanding and he is not yet crushing under the loss of his family but still triumphant for the revenge.

And so Dwarghar looks up the the Trolls.

Come on an, faight!

He shouts raising his sword.

Einhard surveys the battle scene...

"Is there any wounded?"

Amalrik stands up and moves to strike the beast from the rear ...

20:50, Today: Amalrik rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Amalrik - to Hit.  20:50, Today: Amalrik rolled 3 using 1d10+2.  Amalrik - Damage.

If he hits, it only removes a patch of fur ...

One of the archers emerges from the woods, carrying Alietra in his arms.

"This one's still alive, but barely."

Brodd goes to Alietra and casts cure light wounds on her. He examines her wounds too.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

Pock makes a wiping motion in the air with his fingers, and the troll he created vanishes.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 96):

[roll D6+1]

Deep lacerations and probable broken bones. It's a miracle she held on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:47, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

08:51, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  hit points.

Brodd begins binding her wounds with bandages to close the cuts and sets the bones to knit up and heal.

The archer passes the thief to Brother Brodd as he invokes the healing rites. He sits down on a log by the smoldering remains of the campfire with a haunted look in his eyes.

"Clark and his horsemen all fled and left the rest of us to die. The beast was picking us off one by one. I'm the only one left..."

Manaku reappears behind the threes shouldering his bow. He walks past the dead monster and looks at the raging dwarf.

"It is dead. You killed it. Congratulations. Killing it, rather than driving it away, seems to be important to you, Dwarghar Stoneblood."

It is not a question, but the elf stares Dwarghar curiously until the archer carrying Alietra arrives.


"What is your name, friend? Can you tell where the villagers went?"

Dwarghar puts his sword down  as the troll disappears he looks at Pock with realization and a smile and over the wizard in the mud with his wand and the other magic fellow they just met.
Aye He says to the elf. It killed my wife and little girl. Drove me into the mountain with them. I’ve been nothing but a coward until now.
 Then looks at the Manticore and tears begin to well up in his eyes and fall easily.

He pats Sir Einhard’s horse and says. Thank you Sir Knight, your lance .... thank you. And those trolls - we did it.
When the archer comes and Brother Brodd starts working on Alietra Dwarghar comes over and fusses a bit.

I’m sorry , I forgot about  ... He watches helpless for a moment but all seems to be going well so Dwarghar backs off and says a prayer maybe a first prayer in years. Kneeling near the fallen Manticore he prays to the Smith and Traveling gods and bids farewell to his wife and daughter weeping as he prays in his own language for the first time since he joined the group at the first Manticore fight.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

Moving into the clearing, Gorn surveys the scene before him. Walking over to the others, "We should set out guards so we are not surprised. Now would be a good time for Clark and his guys to attempt an attack."

Looking around he hesitates then suggests, "I can move back down the road towards the river and village. Someone might want to find a position over there and there", pointing a areas about 45 degrees off from the road on either side.

Taking a quick check of his gear, he retrieves his mount and positions himself to keep watch while the others attend to Alietra and any others that were injured.

"My name is Travis, Sir. I'm sure it was the orcs who kidnapped them and took them North, towards Castle Braunstein...or whatever is left of it."

Leohart stands up, brushing grass and soil from his robes, tucking his once-used wand into the inner folds. His face set grimly, mindful of his scant rations and empty wineskin, he stoically checks the dead and any remaining packs for food and water.

"Take what will be needed from the dead, they won't be using it anymore, then we'll cover them with a stone cairn."

Brodd continues to tend to Alietra's wounds. Brodd begins to pray to the gods as he tends her wounds.

12:46, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 7 using 1d6+1. Cure light wounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

His prayer done, tears shed, Dwarghar hears the words and seeks out the dead, looking for a chain shirt, helm and steel shield he can use himself. Perhaps other things.

Eventually the trapper will look over the Manticore once again. He checks to see if the beast has any hide worth taking something that could be made into boots or armor.

Any chance for some armor? Maybe daggers or crossbow, I don’t know just looking.


09:56, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 6 using 1d6.  Manticore hide.

It’s all useless he says checking. He tries checking the spines, sting or claw for something to make a momento from. But finally decides it would be better to paint a picture on a shield if he finds one worth taking.
09:59, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 5 using 1d6.  Make a momento.
Assuming low numbers are good. Like in perception checks.

Blah I rolled to find armor and shield nothing good on armor. Boo boo.

log

10:03, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 2 using 1d6.  Find shield.
10:03, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 6 using 1d6.  Find armor.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

As you skin the beast you notice that many of its quills are missing, and you find one of Manaku's arrowheads embedded in the hide.

Travis points out where his three companions were stationed. You can recover bows, full quivers, swords, daggers, and shields from their bodies.

Ha! Look at that Elf! You helped kill it too!

He hands over the arrowhead

Slowly, Alietra's eyes began to blink as she returned to consciousness.      And then suddenly opened wide:

"Maaaaanticoor -" Then stopped.  "Oh. It's dead?"  She put a hand to her head.

"Well, thanks once again, Brother Brodd. You're a life saver.  Your church gets some coin next time I'm in town, for sure."   

The elf's head drops slightly. "I am sorry for your loss. You got your revenge now. I hope it gives you.. what ever you sought from it." Manaku gives slight nod to Dwarghar and proceeds to search the dead. He fills his quiver and considers taking an extra dagger but leaves it at that.


Still kneeling next to a dead archer, the elf accepts the arrow head and looks at it. "Ah, yes, this seems to be mine... I managed to drive the beast away, albeit momentarily. We're lucky to have your sharp axe among us, Dwarghar. Thank you."

It was this sword, I was feared it might break but it held,
Dwarghar looks closely at his sword now, cleaning it off.

Does it seem special or unusual in any way?

Amalrik retrieves a dagger and a shield. As he heads to a guard position, he pauses by Dwarghar You now have a new path and life to follow.

If Einhart is around Amailrik will ask if he knows anything this castle that was just mentioned.

"Well met Travis. The orcs - they kidnapped them for food, slaves, or for some other purpose? I can't imagine they'd demand ransom... that is not their ways. Any news who is in charge at Castle Braunstein now?"

Aye Says Dwarghar to Amalrik thoughtfully.

I suppose the good Knight will send us all off to this castle, An after this He says indicating the monster with the shattered lance.
I’m willin ta put mai back into his mission.

"Well met Travis and thank you,

Gorn, you and Kalandra post yourselves so we aren't surprised.

Whoever else is available canvas the area and grab what`s useful, food and water
especially.

Be on your toes.

Travis, what are your plans now?"

not sure about the castle question yet
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

Alietra reckoned she was well enough to canvas, and so went off to do that.

Canvasing the area, grabbing what's useful. As well as anything that's just shiny or interesting.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 108):

[DM looks up websites on tanning hides in the wild]

Dwarghar: You've skinned the creature and rubbed the inner layer down with salt. If you had at least 8 weeks, you could string up and tan the hide to make all variety of leather garments. Probably best to sell it to the tanner in the next town and place an order for the leatherworker to pick up on your way back.

Because this creature spoke and had some human features there's a taboo about eating its flesh. Besides, since its mostly feline the meat probably tastes terrible.

There's about 18 spines left. If you were a kobold you'd greedily snatch them all to use as javelins. Perhaps Amalrik is interested...

You take a closer look at your blade. You're quite certain it was made by and for humans. You can tell by the flowing pattern across both sides of the blade that it's pattern-welded, a time-consuming but very effective technique. The hilt strikes you as a pattern used by the island raiders to the northwest.

Brodd figures the hide should be worth quite a bit, the quills and other organs and feathers from the wings might have value too, but the time to harvest everything would be high. The warriors would not be back, they lost their archers or abandoned them.

Travis drops off three tightly wrapped boxes of rations (iron, 3 weeks worth) beside the campfire remains.

"Where else do I have to go? Clark and his men hired us when we fled the minotaurs. Now he's left us for dead. I'm no adventurer...I was just a castle guard. A guard who ran when he saw the enemy was too strong to fight. It seems...I'm as terrible as a bandit as I am as a guard..."

"But you live to fight another day, don't you? How many Minotaurs are there?"

"It was total chaos when they struck, but there was definitely more than one. Two at least, possibly three."

"Were there others with the minotaurs?"

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 125):

"The minotaurs were already in the castle when we found them. As we tried to corner them and get everyone to safety, we heard that the orcs had broken through the mountain pass to the northwest."

Brodd shakes his head, "not sure we can help with all of that, Einhard? What do you think? I know we'll try, are you willing to go back Travis? Or are you heading for greener pastures?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Dwarghar listens to the others speak. He makes no attempt to butt in.

"We're here for the minotaurs, didn't expect orcs too."

Leohart eyes the rations by the fire. "How shall we divide the foodstuff?" he asks. "I'm willing to carry a portion."

"And which one of them was in charge? Did it look like one of them was a leader? Any distinctive mark on the leader?"

Manaku realizes he may only confuse Travis further by bombarding him with questions, especially since Brodd seems to have far more coherent discussion with him at the moment, so the elf goes silent after these questions.

Manticore spines as javelins ?? Hmmm. Amalrik collects them all. He can clean them as spare time permits.

How well do you know the castle Travis ?? Was there a lady recently brought there ?? Where was she staying when the minotaurs arrived ?? Do yu know any secret ways in and out of that castle ?? Yes, many questions, but Amalrik asks when an opening arises.

Amalrik then looks at Einhard. Finding the lady alive is one thing. Retrieving the seal could be difficult. Would you be willing to sneak in and out of the castle ?? Or do we need to liberate it too ?? Perhaps a time for some planning as we hit the road / trail / whatever.

Amalrik also collects a bow and a quiver. A ranged weapon, finally.

"Travis, you've been a great help.

There is no pressure to stay with us or you can take your leave when ready.

No hard feelings.

It seems the orcs have joined the party.

The Lady Masondain and the Baron's seal are our main concern.

Once everyone is ready shall we continue?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

Bah, no one will think worse of ya lad, but ye May have trouble sleeping with yerself if he never stand up to the fight ya should have died for. Come with us and he may get to draw more than apples with that bow - Ye may survive with a chance at better for yer life than banditry and cowards black shields. 

Travis begins scrubbing the charcoal off his shield with a rag, showing the livery for Braunstein; a stone tower on a gold background.

"My sword and bow are yours, Brother Brodd."

[Travis is now a PC>]

"I know the layout of Castle Braunstein. I worked there for years. The largest minotaur I saw carried a battleaxe of strange design. I'm almost certain it was magical. I suppose he was the leader."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:25, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

"Domonic Ate a Biscuit Amen Bless you brother Travis."

"I shall carry one of the boxes of rations," Leohart says. "They are party rations." He puts one of the boxes in his backpack, to carry for his fellows.

"I'll carry one as well." Manaku nods to Leohart and secures one of the boxes to his backpack.

Rations ?? Well at least they are eaten and the weight is lost. He grabs one food load as well.

"Are we ready?

If so Travis can be our guide."

"Yeah, I'm ready." Durek says, hefting his axe. "Lead on, Travis. We got yer back." The sturdy dwarf adjusts his backpack to be more comfortable for walking about.  It settled onto his shoulders and he nodded his readiness to soldier on.

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