I've updated the New Traits section to include Fellowship Focuses. In addition, each PC will start out with 1 Hero Point.

So far, we’ve had a number of interested RTJs, which is great. Among the proposed PCs are Rohirrim, hobbits, dwarves, an alchemist, and a merchant-scholar, among other ideas.

It’s always good to have fighters, and having a good stealthy character and a character familiar with lore will be helpful. Magical healing won’t usually be available outside of visiting someone like Elrond, so more mundane forms of healing like First-Aid, Physician, and Esoteric Medicine will be important. At least one character skilled at Fast-Talk or Diplomacy would be helpful, too.

One interested person asked why the PCs are adventuring together, a very good question. Once we have some PCs more fleshed out, I’d like you all to think of connections to each other. One motive might be to band together to protect your homes from Orcs and worse threats. Another might be to band together for adventure, profit, or to seek a place for yourself in the Wilderlands.

One person had a question about expected skill levels. In games I play, I’m often guilty of creating characters with no skill over 12 except maybe Winemaking or something.

There are a number of different perspectives on Attributes and Skills, and I generally follow the guidelines on Basic - Characters p. 172. Average people have attributes ranging from 9-11, with skill levels ranging from 8-13. Skills used in a job are typically at level 12-13.

Skill-14 is considered expert level, and often these skills are not improved on further by ordinary folk. Master skill levels are at 20 to 25.

Skill level 10 means success 50% of the time, skill-12 gives a 74% success rate, and skill-15 gives a 95% success rate.
The average NPC will have 10 in the 4 main attributes, with a +/- 2 range for each attribute. Merchant guards probably have skill-12 in their primary weapon; run-of-the-mill bandits might range from 10-12. Experienced merchants are probably at skill-14. Veteran Rohirrim may have skill-15 or 16 at Spear and Riding. An Elven master swordsman is probably at 23 or 24, representing an Elven lifetime of training, with additional training in different Techniques. Elrond probably has a similar Physician skill level.

The expectation here is that your PCs are beginning level heroes. They may have some experience under their belts, but they probably don’t have more than 8 skill points invested in any one skill. However, they are heroes, and heroes are often made of sterner stuff than them average person, so I expect to see attributes ranging from 10-15.

I suggest that your PC has at least one skill at 14-15, whatever their primary skill is (maybe 4-8 points invested here). Secondary skills should be at around 12-13 (2-4 points), and tertiary skills are maybe at 11-12 (1 pt each).

I'm turning off the Players Wanted flag now that we've had a number of interesting applicants. I'm still working behind the scenes with most of you.

Once I've okayed your character concept, make sure you give me a character name, and I'll add you so that you can add your character sheet.

Once you have your character sheet, you can pick out a portrait (if you prefer). More importantly, I'd like you to write up a character description.

Things are coming along well. A few of you have already submitted character sheets, and most are in variously stages of the planning process. Let me know what I can do to facilitate the process.

Hopefully we can finalize everything over the weekend and begin the game proper early next week. We’ll be starting out in the town of Dale, so you can think about what has brought your character to the area.

Note that you can (but are not required) to take Sense of Duty (Adventuring companions) as a Disadvantage that does not contribute to the -50 Disads limit. Companionship and camaraderie are important themes in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and this SoD is a natural fit for these kinds of games.

A new trait that is available to you is a Fellowship Focus. Each character may take one. It’s not required, but it’s a mechanic from The One Ring that I wanted to try in this game. It’s worth 0 points because it has some benefits and drawbacks, but I hope you’ll consider taking it, if not now, then after our first adventure.

A mechanic I’ve borrowed from another GM is Hero Points, a one-time use of the Luck advantage, and the Fellowship Focus can tie in to Hero Points. (This is in lieu of the Hope mechanic from TOR which I decided not to incorporate in this game).

Lastly, please read up on the Shadow. The Shadow is a real threat in this game, and Shadow Points have some similarities to Corruption checks in GURPS: Horror.

Hello everyone. Glad to be here.

I should be able to finalize Grams sheet and description over the weekend.

Hullo Gram, It's myself, Jody of East by-and-by, and a fine day it is, tho'd be finer if we were starting today.

I know it's not incredibly realistic, but don't worry about the weight of your coins. Do be realistic - Scrooge McDuck-sized bags of gold are going to weigh you down.

Before you set out on wilderness journeys, make sure you bring food, water, and a light source.

So far, one PC is pretty much done. 3 have given me their first draft of their sheets, and they're looking good. 3 more are in various planning stages.

Right now, I'm looking at starting by Wednesday, but we may start earlier if all the characters are ready to go.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 8):

Yeah need to sort out a beast of burden and food, then good to go! Dwarf from the Iron Hills here...
This message was last updated by the player at 08:19, Sun 08 Sept 2019.

In reply to Mock Ironside (msg # 9):

Subject to GM approval, have some suggestions for those kitting out, other than armour and weapons!

I have some small beast(s) of burden and a 6 gal waterproof barrels (LT34 for containers) one for water, plus one for carry food, but ran out of cash for extra food and Group Basics and a tent. How many of us do we have?

Group Basics:        $50, 20 lbs
2 Man Tent           $80, 12 lbs (2 close friends)
4 Man Tent          $150, 30 lbs (4, close friends!)
Legionnaires tent   $225, 45 lbs (6 to 8 comfortably), DR 1 (LT32)

I also have a fletchers kit and a cut-down smithies kit (LT30). Suggest everyone get a it like below, and perhaps one other person get a beast of burden for the tent and group basics.

Mock's Suggested Basic Survival Package for each person

Backpack, Small        $60     3 lbs
Personal Basics         $5     1 lb
Blanket                $20     4
First Aid Kit          $50     2 lbs
Wineskin               $10     8.25 lbs (Full)
Travelers Rations x10  $20     5 lbs
Rope 3/8" x 50 yds     $25     7.5 lbs
Oilx5 Pint             $10     5 lbs
Sealed Oil Lamp        $10     1 lbs  Or pick one from below!

Total Package         $210     36.75 lbs

A beast of burden will ease the problems of carrying things: Small Mule for $1000 is a good place to start.

Options for light (penalties from Magic: P110)

Torches, 1 hr, $3, 1 lb, -3 Light penalty
Pitch Torch, 2 hr, $7 1 lb, -3 Light penalty (LT33)
Sealed Oil Lamp, $20, 2 lbs, 24 hrs/pint -4 light penalty
Lantern, 24 hrs/pint, $20, 2 lbs, -4 Light Penalty (From Basic, but LT suggests these were covered Lamps)
Tallow Candle,  12 hrs, $5, 1 lbs, -5 Light Penalty, Smoky, Smelly!
Beeswax Candle,  12 hrs, $9, 1 lbs, -5 Light Penalty, Not Smoky or Smelly!
Small Sealed Oil Lamp, 8 hrs/ 1/3 pint, $10, 1 lb, -4 Light penalty (GURPS Underground), Can be strapped to helmet.

Helmet Lamp. Shuttered, hands-free lantern that throws a five-yard beam. Attaches to all popular helmet patterns. Burns for 12 hours on 1 pint of oil. $100, 2 lbs. Light Penalty -3, in beam??
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Sun 08 Sept 2019.

Unfortunately as starting wealth is only $1k, a mule is out of my price range. So don't worry about it if your Move is higher than 3, because I'm at Medium encumbrance and that's how fast we're going to be moving.

Jody weighs about the same as your suggested kit, lol.

& I think it all depends on where we start.  Once we meet up, we can chip in on a mule if we decide.

I love planning for journeys, and you'll need to do so in this game (though I'll keep it that part brief - it's too easy to get bogged down in minutiae).

Keep The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in mind as examples, or if you have experience hiking or in the military, consider what you know about long distance journeys. Pack only what you need. Every ounce counts. I think a total kit for a modern soldier is from 60 to 120 pounds, or maybe 1/3 of their body weight, and for a hiker less (maybe 1/5 of body weight), but you guys will have armor as well that weighs you down.

The dwarves in The Hobbit used ponies at various stages of their journey, and the company in The Lord of the Rings used a pony (Bill) until they got to Moria. Both groups also used boats at one point during their journey. It would be good to pool your money to purchase a mule or pony to carry some of your possessions, but think about what you'll need to do should the way prove too difficult for mounts.

I’m also not requiring you start with mounts, since they are expensive. Prepare to walk.

Skills like Fishing, Tracking, Traps, and Survival can be useful in replenishing supplies, as can extra coin for being rations along the way, but there won’t always be settlements where you can buy food. You can choose to travel along rivers from time to time. The water will often be safe to drink, or you can boil it at camp at night.

We're looking good on character sheets. Fine-tune yours, and let me know if you have any questions!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:35, Sun 08 Sept 2019.

A few of you are still tinkering with your sheets, and that’s fine, but I’ll go ahead and start the first adventure later this afternoon.

My life’s been upside down lately, but I have a window to finish up this evening.

Let her rip!

Hello all.  Excited to be here.

Navarre is a Ranger from the north (Dúnedain heritage).

Regarding the earlier group comments I did not have enough for an animal and I have about $100 to contribute to one.

I could buy one.  Let’s make sure we have a good group story, eh? Plenty of good posting?

I'm game Jody. Let's set a good foundation.

Here here.  When I play a game like this with a rich story and setting I like to get into meaty posts.

Speaking of, nice one Gram!

I agree, Navarre! Very nice post, Gram.

I added a few items to the equipment list. Notably, healing salves and healing herbs are available at the hospital in Lake-town, and it may be a good idea to stock up on some if you have leftover money.

Some of the race-specific items don’t have costs, and I’d appreciate suggestions on how to price them.

Thanks guys. I appreciate it.

Much of that equipment seems almost so rare as so be set apart from a normal price list.

The Dwarven Brandy I would say perhaps $30 for a small "flask sized" bottle sold to fellow Khazad?

True. I was thinking of lembas. I should just reskin the DF Elven Rations (which I guess is inspired by lembas).

Elven rope, though, would seem to be extremely expensive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:53, Wed 11 Sept 2019.

Sorrry to cut it kinda short - pinched for time.  More in 2 hrs?

My apologies again for any delay. I've been juggling a sick kid the past few days, but I should be back on track. I need to finish out equipment, always my least favorite part of character creation. Thus, I thought it opportune to have Gwydian (pronounced like Gideon, or /ɡɪdiən/ phoenetically) not in full dress at the moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Thu 12 Sept 2019.

At the risk of sounding like a numbers twink, just to coordinate some balance and coordination issues... I'm curious about movement, armor, weapons (things that will quickly be obvious if not already).

I recall someone already established the 3 Move rate. With packs and gear, that seems pretty inevitable. Presumably, in (planned) combat, we can ditch the packs and perhaps get back to 4 or 5, depending on armor and weaponry. I'm leaning towards a 2 range weapon (Bastard Sword?). In my past GURPS experiences, long-range weapons are difficult (due to range penalties), but one might get in a thrown weapon here and there. Also, light penalties can be problematic. We should coordinate lanterns or other light sources (lest everyone but the Dwarf have to a hold a torch).

Absent possibly the Dwarf, I assume armor will be chain or leather, with the occasional shield. Getting hit is going to hurt, so we'll have to try to be tactical/careful.

I should have some cash to contribute to a community travel fund (assuming you can talk my character out of it).

Gwydian is structured as a young knight/nobleman of sorts, closer to a Fighter than anything else in the traditional role-playing sense.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Thu 12 Sept 2019.

I love the character interaction so far. Some very nice posting, guys!

Note that everyone starts with 1 Hero Point. I borrowed this mechanic from Ceredyn's excellent Keep on the Borderlands game, and from time to time, your characters will receive Hero Points for critical successes (remind me if I forget) or excellent posts. Hero Points act as 1-use versions of the Luck advantage.

I've borrowed a mechanic from The One Ring RPG called a Fellowship focus. This advantage has positive and negative effects (and I also want to encourage but not force PCs to take it), so I've set it as 0 pts.

Each PC may have one Fellowship focus, and the focus doesn't have to be mutual. Think Sam and Frodo, Merry and Pippin, or Legolas and Gimli. One of my first games I played on RPOL, Sons of the Broken, had a pair of thieves that usually looked out for each other (although I admit my memory is a bit hazy as to their exact relationship), but their friendship would be what I would think of as a Fellowship focus. They protected each other and watched each other's back. Or think of Porthos, Athos, and Aramis in The Three Musketeers (and D'Artagnan, once he joined the group). (Those four would probably qualify for 4 Fellowship focuses, but that's rather more than I want to tackle at the outset).

When your Fellowship focus is injured in an adventure, your PC gains one temporary Shadow point (max 1 per adventure). If your focus survives the adventure without getting injured, your PC gains 1 Hero Point. Also, if you use a Hero Point to directly aid your Fellowship focus (for example, a Block to protect them in combat, or a Lockpicking roll to break them out of prison, or a Fast-talk to help them get past a suspicious guard), you will immediately get the Hero Point back (you can use this once per adventure).

As most/all of you are strangers to each other, it's understandable that you wouldn't have a Fellowship focus at this time, but later if you want to add it, just let me know.

I haven't used this before in a game, so I'd appreciate feedback on the Fellowship focus trait, either in OOC or via PM.

I concur about the travel rate. In my experience when characters are weighed down by wilderness gear + weapons + armor encumbrance becomes medium at best.

Thanks for the reminder about Fellowship Focus boss. Question, when it says that a player gains a point of Shadow if their focus becomes injured, what qualifies as an 'injury'? Serious and life threatening, moderate or worse, or anything?

Are you using the same limit for Hero Points as in a maximum of three?

Regarding equipment keep in mind this is merely my opinion. I think the price should be reflective of supply and demand, and our wages should also be factored in. In other words if you want healing potions to be plentiful, then allow us access to high wages and keep the price of the potions low. My feelings about the Tolkien universe is that things like healing potions are not that common. Of course this is GURPS, so if you want lots of Juicy combat it doesn't make a lot of sense to stick to the Token universe faithfully. All that said I would make healing potions somewhere between 100 and 200.

I have the same kind of feeling about rope of elvenkind. You say that it glows in the dark, it's super strong, it aids in climbing and there was one more benefit I can't remember. You said that it was given only to Elf-friends. If we're staying true to that I would imagine this rope is quite rare on the open market because I see it being given infrequently and the possessors giving it up less frequently.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Thu 12 Sept 2019.

I'll second Navarre, although I suspect I'm "preaching to the choir".

"Less is More" seems to fit Tolkiens writing when it comes to material possessions.

Most items of note seemed to have significant stories to tell of their own. Especially in a system like GURPS where equipment is often just as important as skills and attributes, items that become significant to our fellowship (at least in my opinion) should probably be hard earned.

All well said.  Keep your head down and tough it out.

Thanks for you guys’ feedback. I’ll adjust the healing salves and herbs to follow the book, then. GURPS combat can be brutal (which I know most, if not all, of you are well aware). If you get injured, I strongly suggest that you pull out of that fighting. I lost a PC in Keep because I charged back into battle after getting walloped by a troll (and said troll later ate my guy!)

Good point about the severity of injuries, Navarre. Light wounds of 1-2 HP shouldn’t be included. Let’s say major wounds (greater than 1/2 HP or a crippling wound).

I’m not limiting Hero Points, at least for the time being. If I change my mind, it won’t be retroactive.

And just to be clear Hero Points are earned, they cannot be purchased?

Boss, would our characters recognize the name Gloin?

So it sounds like you're letting me make up the orc story as long as I color inside the lines, which is pretty cool boss. The way I imagine it is yes kind of a war party. They set out from the east to generally make trouble and bring back any treasures or news from the west for their superiors while raping and pillaging along the way.  Knowing that he is limited to guerrilla tactics Navarre would have attempted to recruit help from the local towns and villages along the Running River. I see the locals only traveling a max of about a day or two from their own home before turning back. When they acquire a juicy piece of treasure or information about the west I see orc loners or a pair breaking off and returning home. Between this and Navarres guerrilla tactics I see the original group dwindling in size as he approached Laketown.

I'm not saying I know it all but I've been doing gurps a long time. And I played with Ceredyn for about 20 years who was very heavy into combat. My number one piece of advice for surviving a low magic game such as this, is invest in a minimum of a 12 HT. Fit and Rapid Healing are wonderful as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

For the record, im just trying to use the Silver Flagon as a mechanic to get people together and talking. Jody happily buys a drink for them, and if Jody *actually* performs, then maybe real talk of joint plans can take place following his songs? Otherwise, I would be roped out of the plan-making.  Sound ok?

We're all here for the same reason, a GURPS adventure game.  I have no intention of leaving anyone out.

On a +4 to an Area Knowledge (Erebor) or +0 to Area Knowledge (Wilderlands), you know that Glóin is one of the dwarves that roused Smaug the dragon. Success by 2 or more tells you that he’s here in Lake-town as a representative of the new King under the Mountain.

Yes, Hero Points can only be earned. If you want to purchase them, I’d suggest saving up for Luck instead.

Navarre asked me this, but yes, I do have an outline of a campaign for you guys that may take you to Mirkwood, eastern Eriador, further north, and perhaps even down to Rohan, but if you do choose to go off the rails, I have other things for you to do (though they won’t be as cool and awesome and amazing as the campaign I have planned out (= ).

Woo! Rohan! *waves little green and white flag*

That’ll be a loooong way off, if we ever get there, but yeah, it’a one potential adventure area for you guys.

Oh, on adding things to the world - I’m more than happy for you to add in background and details as long as it doesn’t provide some kind of advantage that you haven’t paid for (but hey, if it explains why raft elves always buy you a drink in the Elven quarter, and you’ve paid the CPs for that, then great!) As well, I like Jody’s naming of the tavern. (If it does give an advantage, you can buy that with 1 CP as per the Campaigns book,  but I prefer to talk about that over PMs first.)

Again, if it’s flavor, makes the world more interesting, and doesn’t conflict with what exists already, I’m happy for you to be creative.

Lol, not one of which is applicable to the dwarf...I imagined him puffing and panting a lot lie in LOTR...that is why he has a crossbow and heavy armour!

I also wonder about the ability to use a Hero point to either get rid of temporary shadow point, or turn a permanent one into a temporary one...

No, Hero Points can’t be used to get rid of Shadow Points. =)

The One Ring has another mechanic called Hope Points which seem to be covered by Will and FP, so I decided not to include yet another new mechanic. In TOR, Shadow Points stand at 0 at the start of an adventure, and Hope is at max, and once Shadow Points rise to the same level as Hope, the PC experiences a short bout of Shadow sickness. Instead, we’re going to use Will (and not lose Will during the adventure).

The dwarves are speaking Westron, not Khuzdul.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 40):

Yeah, I caught that, and I only speak Dalish, Westron and the Dwarven secret languages. But he would still be interested if he can overhear them, because they are clearly Dwarves. Can he tell why they loo at him strangely?

There could be any number of reasons for looking at him. I lived in Hong Kong for a while, and there are quite a few non-Chinese living there, but if I saw another white person, they’d usually catch my attention.

Or maybe Mock is a dead ringer for a vicious Dwarf pirate terrorizing the Sea of Rhun, and they’re off to have you arrested and clapped in irons! =)

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 42):

Lol, unlikely. Dwarves on boats? Too damn unstable!

Love HK.  Visited a lot from 84-92 when I was living in Tokyo. V sad to see what’s happening.

It was actually my intention to have Gwydian be at the Silver Flagon, listening in, but I guess I got ahead of myself.

No worries, Gwydian. It’s perfectly fine to trail along after the group if they’ve caught your attention.

Yeah, Jody, my heart’s breaking for what’s happening now. I stayed long enough that I’m an HK permanent resident now, and I have in-laws and friends still there, so I have a strong personal connection to Hong Kong.

Where did you live in Japan? It’s such a beautiful country, and I think sometimes about trying to move there and work for a while. I’ve visited a few different places there, but there’s such geographic diversity and beauty in Japan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

All Tokyo.  Traveled all over, but lived in MotoAzabu.

In response to some stuff Gwydian said earlier...

Its all good.  While I love the RP side I'm a numbers twink too.

Navarre is wearing leather (DR2) but he has a lot of gear.  I think he's at Medium with a backpack. My char sheet does show basic outdoor stuff including a First Aid kit.  I do not however have a light source or rope.  I think I was assuming others would have those.

Yes, in GURPS ranged weapons are hard mostly because the distance penalty gets steep very fast.  I think a distance of just 10 yards carries a -4.  That just about negates most Aiming bonuses for this TL.

I do have some cash left over which I am happy to use to fund group stuff whatever that may be.

Forgive my ignorance, whats going on in HK?

I always encourage people to take one melee weapon, one ranged weapon, and one unarmed weapon. It's not uncommon to be pinned down in one spot and only able to use ranged weapons, and not having ranged weapons in that situation can be serious. The range penalties are killer, though.

Hong Kong is being wracked by protests. It began with a Hong Kong guy who went to Taiwan with his girlfriend, killed her, and came back to Hong Kong. HK doesn't have an extradition treaty with Taiwan, so every time there's a situation like this, the authorities have to apply through lengthy legal channels. He's being held in HK right now on separate charges of using his dead girlfriend's credit or debit cards when he came back.

The chief executive of HK (head government leader, reports directly to Beijing) proposed an extradition treaty with Taiwan and included China for good measure. Democracy activists in HK saw it as one more way the HK government is gradually strengthening ties with the mainland (earlier proposed national education classes in schools and other measures have been defeated in the past, but other things like a high speed rail connection and a bridge to Macau and Zhuhai, both physical symbols that Hong Kong is tied to China), have gone through.

People started demonstrating in June, I think. At one point 2 million (out of a 7.something million population) hit the streets to protest, at least according to event organizers. It's gotten violent, too - protesters are throwing bricks at police, protesters locked down the HK airport for a couple of days by not letting passengers leave, police are ripping clothes off of protesters, one reporter had her eye badly damaged by bean bag rounds, police have been shooting tear gas into metro stations, and allegedly white-shirted triad members were given free reign to attack people in one district for about 45 minutes while the police were conveniently absent.

Some people have feared that we're headed for another Tienanmen Square. I think that's still on the table but unlikely. China cares about his global image, and they'll only send the military in if the protests are continuing and it's their last option.

The protesters have a series of demands: withdraw the bill, stop calling the earlier  more peaceful protests riots, release the people arrested during the protests, set up an investigation into police brutality, and give Hong Kongers universal voting rights. The CE finally came out and said the bill would be withdrawn after repeating several times that the bill was dead, but protesters are still going.

Part of the protests are fueled by anti-Communist party sentiment. Opponents of the protests say the protesters don't love their country and/or are being controlled by foreign and other corrupting/evil forces.

For one version of events, you can browse http://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong, although that subreddit is strongly pro-protests. So is http://www.reddit.com/r/China. The BBC has had more neutral coverage. For more of a pro-China perspective, you can look at http://www.reddit.com/r/Sina or http://www.reddit.com/r/Hong_Kong. The South China Morning Post has a slight pro-China bent, but it's been relatively objective: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong.

Tl;dr - Massive protests in Hong Kong against the government, future very uncertain.

It seems like we still have a few players working behind the scenes?

Yes, two, a Mirkwood elven archer and a Woodsman. As most of you were mostly ready, I decided to go ahead and start. If the other two finish soon, I'll look for a place to slot them in.

Ya, I've been a bit pokey in responding because I dont want to get too far ahead.  But I'll be posting soon.

Tent and group basics, which can both go on my mule, would be great. Rest on rations a good idea...and make sure you have your own gear from the list I posted earlier.

HK is both sad, but good. The fact that they can protest, and that the military have not already moved in, is indeed encouraging, though what is happening behind the scenes scares me and makes me glad I am far from there. But down under is never really that far from China.

I have a little under $100 left.  I'd be happy to donate to a tent and group basics.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 54):

Do you have a light source? A wineskin and Rations?

Sealed Oil Lamp, $20, 2 lbs, 24 hrs/pint -4 light penalty
Lantern, 24 hrs/pint, $20, 2 lbs, -4 Light Penalty (From Basic, but LT suggests these were covered Lamps)
Small Sealed Oil Lamp, 8 hrs/ 1/3 pint, $10, 1 lb, -4 Light penalty (GURPS Underground), Can be strapped to helmet.

Helment lamps are $100, so expensive.

Other than that, Group basics are $50, or $100 for expensive group basics that weight just 34 lbs, so I would suggest that. If someone can afford the Legionnaires Tent for $225, then we should be right. An expensive Legionnaires tent, $450 would weigh just 30 lbs instead of 45, but that would be too expensive, I imagine.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Sat 14 Sept 2019.

My non combat gear is pretty sparse. I do have a water skin and three days of travelers rations. The highlight of my backpack is a first aid kit.

For now I'm happy to go without my own personal light source as long as we have several among the group.

I agree that group basics and a large tent would be nice. I'm happy to donate the bulk of the remainder of my cash towards that end.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 56):

Ok. I would not count on others light sources, and these are cheap. Better you spend $10 on one, $50 on the group basics and contribute $40 to the tent than going without, unless you have Night vision 8 or 9...

Speaking of which, GM is a Rugged version of

Small Sealed Oil Lamp, 8 hrs/ 1/3 pint, $10, 1 lb, -4 Light penalty (GURPS Underground), Can be strapped to helmet.

made of brass instead of ceramic, having the following stats, acceptable?

Small Rugged Sealed Oil Lamp, 8 hrs/ 1/3 pint, $20, 1.2 lb, -4 Light penalty (GURPS Underground), Can be strapped to helmet.

or

Small Expensive Rugged Sealed Oil Lamp, 8 hrs/ 1/3 pint, $30, 0.8 lb, -4 Light penalty (GURPS Underground), Can be strapped to helmet.

Both modifications from Low Tech.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Sat 14 Sept 2019.

WOOT!!  100 posts!

Ok, I'll take a look at the numbers when I get home and add some light, then the group can have the rest.

Once we meet, find out where we’re going and what not (feel free to move that along or not, as far as I’m concerned), Gwydian will chip in at least a fair share towards the group provisions.

Skill of course, plays a big part in this too. Interesting to note, after 70 yards (-9 penalty) the increase in range is significant for each increase in penalty. Mock actually has a 50/50 chance at hitting an orc at 200 yards and doing an average of 10 points impaling damage with his crossbow. Better if he braces it...but hell, if braced and determined, he could target the vitals at 150 yards and still have a 50/50 chance! Of course he will take 9 seconds to winch the thing back and cock it again, but as a sniper weapon, it is pretty good. Even still, with orcs with move 7 he will get one more shot before those pesky orcs meet his axe...

Do most folk have a bow, or sling for Hobbits?

I've heartily enjoyed you guys' posting so far. Have a drink on me, gents!

I have a bow but I am only fair with it.

Sorry to hear about the strife in HK.

Gram does not carry one, no. But the axe on his belt looks balanced for throwing.

Thibault doesn't carry a ranged weapon. The one-eye sort of makes it pointless. He's not much of a fighter in any case.

OOC I'll just come out and say that Thibault won't be interested in hunting orcs for the sake of hunting orcs.

That's not to tell the rest of you what to do, of course, and I have no problem splitting the not-yet-a-party, and if you've need of a sage in your hunt Thibault would be happy to take your coin, but "follow those orcs!" is not motivation enough on its own.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Sat 14 Sept 2019.

In reply to Thibault (msg # 65):

How about 'Find the missing Dwarf messengers' ?

Right.  If rescuing lost souls doesnt interest Thibault, how about a paycheck?  Rumor has it Gloin is wealthy and he's offering a fat reward.

Gloin's goodwill is even more attractive than coin - Thibault needs a patron, and an audience with Bard, and Gloin can maybe make that easier.

Of course, that's the other side of it; Thibault is a sage, not a warrior, tracker, woodsman, or scout. Why would Gloin hire a teacher and scholar for this task? He's honestly not much an asset unless you need someone who knows things.

(This isn't to say that he's helpless or defenseless, just that he's not the go-to guy here. You might as well hire a tavern wench or fishmonger.)
This message was last updated by the player at 02:07, Sun 15 Sept 2019.

Gwydian is on board but doesn’t really feel the need to join the dialogue - any more than necessary to get the game going.

Thibault, the group has currently stopped along Bridge Street, probably no more than 40 yards from the cafe where you are sitting.

Jody has a sling, and is game for about anything. But I ?think he’s still on the way to the bar to sing.

Okay, let me see if I have this straight.

Thibault is still at his original cafe.

Mock, Navarre, and Gram stopped to talk to the Dwarves and are discussing whether they should look for Glóin or the messengers, and Gwydian is close by, trailing the others.

Jody is heading to another bar to sing.

Please correct me if I’m mistaken. Not even 150 posts in and we’re already split into 3 groups. I have only myself to blame.

Just to reiterate this, I’m basing the main adventure on a group of adventures published for another system. You’re free to do your own thing, but I do have an adventure in mind should you choose to accept it.

Point taken, getting involved.

Is offered to buy drinks at the Silver Flagon just so we were all in the same place...

Sorry.  A paycheck trumps a free drink anyday.  You're welcome to join us Jody.

Thanks for working to help get all of the PCs in the same spot, Jody.

All good.  So then I can either fast- forward to Jody finishing his set & hearing about this job & joining that way or maybe some one could tell Jody about it now, or I can drop the pretense and just go to Gloin’s.

Thoughts, Loremaster?

Perhaps the group will be willing to go by the Silver Flagon afterwards? A Hobbit can be a handy fellow to have around.

Of course, we could use a place to strategize and to have a solid meal before we head out.

Basically, I'm remaining quiet to streamline the process of getting the assignment. Gwydian's not intending to be rude, and is perhaps breaking character a bit to keep it rolling along. After we're "hired" or whatever, I'm happy to skip or streamline introductions and we can discuss in character (and/or out) strategy, supplies, etc. I've held back some initial funds in anticipation of beginning some adventure and planning accordingly. Obviously, it's helpful if everyone bends a bit to find their own reasons to get along and go along - as is the nature of groups in gaming.

Did the best I could with the intros, using only character understanding of who and what everyone is.

You did a great job Thibault.

And that sounds like a great idea boss.  If we get the job we can meet at the Silver Flagon to discuss, eat and look out for more hands.

Good point, Navarre. That could be the place for our other two PCs to meet the main group if they get to the point where they’re ready to join.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 83):

Yep, that works for a Dwarf, too, who probably will need a place to stay the night before departing the next day. Assuming he can get some cash to stay the night...

Maybe we can get an advance.

He's got the coin for sure.  But can anyone convince him?  ;)

Yup, at 1/14th of Smaug’s horde, Glóin is worth about 1/20 of Bill Gates. =)

I'd say Merchant is the go-to skill for contract negotiations, though if nobody has anything better than Diplomacy I could use that again.

THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOU JODY

Woulda been nice to grab the bard with all the social skills and $100’s of bucks lying around instead of ditching him then. -_-

Come see me at the Silver Flagon when you’re done.  That was where we could have all met and planned.

For sure, we'll swing by after for a heap of discussions.  For what its worth we didn't ditch Jody.  You could have come along.

He made a character choice that was suboptimal from a group cohesion perspective but made sense for the character. I support your choice, Jody, I was mostly just whining.

In reply to Thibault (msg # 91):

Not much diplomacy here...dwarves are not known for it!

In reply to Thibault (msg # 91):

Eh, I was hoping to get everyone off the street and into a place where we could be joined easily by latecomers and get a lead on where we could all go. I thought that offering a free drink could provide a character reason for everyone getting together. I was wrong, the ‘lead’ happened on the crowded street, a block or so behind Jody.  These things happen.  But you can’t push on a string so...I’ll wait till you all finish.  All good, im not going anywhere.  Worst things happen, Im sure we can contrive to meet up again.

You never know... someone might suggest such a thing.

As a spoiler, it's Gwydian intention to just have overhead the dialogue and ask to join in when they leave Gloin's place. Initial meet-ups take some suspension of character constraints just to get the game going. I hope everyone will extend the utmost suspension of disbelief to keep that much simple. Games here die often with ever getting out of the gate.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Wed 18 Sept 2019.

Oh, I assumed you followed us in, because Thibault noticed and introduced you despite not knowing your name.

I assumed the same.

And I'm 100% on board to suspend a little reality to make sure all the PCs find their way in.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 96):

Looking through the roles...

Despite Perception of just 12 and Observation of 11, Mock has 13 Riding and Combat Reflexes. And armour, for those things he misses otherwise. As such, probably best as Guard or Lookout Man. Except underground where his underground survival skills could be VERY useful, as could his Night Vision.

He could also be useful maintaining equipment...

I'll pipe in soon, in character. This weekend, let's try to flush out any travel expense supplies/needs, etc.; scouting roles, etc. out of character so we can move forward next week. I'm still tweaking EQ, but I'll aim to stay light. Gwydian is adequately trained in combat (swords, knives, etc.) but not a hardened veteran. I created him with the hope that the game lasts a while and that point awards are regular so that he can add skills like Survival, Observation, etc. as he learns them along the way. Today, Gwydian's skills (due to his youth) are fairly limited, but he is capable. Of note, for the matter at hand:

He has rudimentary knowledge of Boating, First Aid, Fishing, and Hiking. He can ride well enough and can handle himself in combat situations, being naturally gifted and somewhat trained as a young gentlemen. What he lacks in technique, he makes up for with enthusiasm and youthful vigor.

Maybe I can entice people to go to the silver flagon to plan from there? I think you’ll find Jody useful. ;)

Yup, thats the plan Jody.  As soon as we're done here we're heading for the Silver Flagon.

PS, Navarre would do well as Guide, Scout or Huntsman.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 101):

What about Guards and those who fix things in the Fellowship thread?

If necessary, we’ll play those parts by ear. I’ll ask for rolls from each of you before the journey, and should you encounter hazards, we may play some of those out.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 103):

Ok. Of those roles Mock is probably best suited to a Look-out man.

Navarre has all 4 of the suggested attributes for a Guide.  I'll volunteer for that.

I've got all of Guide except Navigation, though I do have Cartography and a map.

Otherwise I don't have the skills to forage, so Look Out is what's left. I do have a decent Per.

In reply to Thibault (msg # 106):

You spot them and I will deal with them! What a team!

I could do well as a Huntsman Thibault if you want to take Guide.

I don't have any Navigation unfortunately.

In reply to Thibault (msg # 109):

Is there time to change that if it is important? After all, sages like to know everything...how could they not know where they are going?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Sat 21 Sept 2019.

Im good with direction.

Gram is decent with Navigation and Area Knowledge, and he has some Survival. He also has some Thrown Weapon (Spear)

Also ready to move on.

In reply to Gram (msg # 112):

Just a heads up. I expect I will have somewhat reduced activity between the 25 Sep and 08 Oct, and then much reduced activity, probably none at all, from the 10th Oct until the 9th Dec. Sorry for any inconvenience that may cause. Please feel free to NPC my characters in that time if they hold up any threads (But please don't kill them!)

Jody, are you good with anything besides direction regarding the fellowship roles?  I dont want to carve up the roles without Jody.

Boss, any word on the other 2 PCs?

Hey, guys, I’ll update later today. It’s been a pretty busy weekend. Friday night was a drive-in movie & fireworks. Saturday we had a barbecue for my son’s swim team, and after that, I took my mother-in-law shopping, and then we had dinner that night with my wife’s family. I’ve been staying up late at night studying, too, so I’ve been a little tired.

We have one more PC who will join you at the tavern. The elf PC looks like they won’t be joining us.

So far I have Navarre for the guide and Mock and Thibault for the look-out roles.

If you take plenty of supplies, a huntsman isn't necessarily needed, but an effective huntsman can help make sure you have enough to eat along the way otherwise.

Gram will nominate himself for Scout.

While his perception is not remarkable, and he is no Naturalist, he has a fast horse and can range ahead and around easily enough. And ideally if he finds any trouble, he can retreat to warn the others in good time.

Jody has a staff sling, and some map-making skills and a great sense of direction.  He’s a hobbit, which means he likes to eat and smoke, maybe a lot, but he can’t carry very much. A pack mule is smart if we’re going into the wild.

I am going to post on the assumption that we are going by foot all the way since Gram nor Mock will leave their animals behind, which removes boating from our choices.  Navarre has about 3 days of food on him currently, so he'll need more which means I wont have much coin to donate to group funds.

Jody is happier not walking, and has coin to contribute or purchase a mule or pony or cart or combination thereof.

A cart probably won’t be a good choice if you’re planning to go through the marshes. A pony would be more appropriate.

As you’re planning for the journey, you can make Area Knowledge and Navigation rolls to help choose the best path. Before the journey, I’ll have the guide make rolls as well to see if you’re able to shave days off the travel time or not.

BTW: Gwydian has gear, it's just in his room. He's been in town a bit and certainly didn't expect any trouble when he set out this morning.

I like your dedication to realism. Could we trouble you for a description however? So it would be easier to react to him IC?

Better? =p

When we say 'boats' I am imagining small crafts holding 2-4 people.  Is it possible to hire a large raft, so we can float us & our 2 animals to the Old Forest Road?

The boats available are round-bottomed skiffs that generally have room for two, four, or eight oarsmen and a coxswain who steers. These boats generally aren’t built for transporting horses, though some boats in Lake-town are built for animal transportation and would have pens or stables on board.

On the boats that are normally available, the animals would probably have to be restrained, and if the boat capsizes, the animals could drown.

Here’s a picture of the kind of boat that’s available:

Some very nice roleplaying, guys. I’m enjoying the interactions between the characters.

So here’s what we need: a decision on whether to go through the marshes or by the river (or some other way, I suppose - I’m open to other ideas) and the route you intend to take.

If you check the map, there aren’t any villages directly south of Esgaroth, so make sure you purchase supplies before you set out. It’s possible that you will encounter parties of Men or Elves (or Goblins), but being able to trade for more food is not certain.

OOC: I don't care which path. The river seems safer, but I get the point of following Dwarves' path. Still, time is of the essence. In a perfect world, I'd take the river downstream (for safety and speed) and then try to determine whether the Dwarves are farther along or whether I need to take the road back towards Laketown.

In the interest of time, I slightly prefer a quick OOC vote rather than a long discussion in character, especially as planning has to take place. I'm anxious to get set out on the main event.

IC: Gwydian doesn't have the wilderness or tracking skills to have a strong opinion, and being new to a group to which he's just attached himself uninvited, it seems rather presumptious for him to throw weight around.

Sorry.  I cant remember and I am pressed for time (dont have time to research it).  Do we know the route the pair of dwarves took and roughly where they were last seen?  They went south by the Running River and then west along the Old Forest Road into Mirkwood?  And the ravens told Gloin that the pair never made it as far as 'X'?  Where was 'X' again?

I agree with Gwydian.  I don't mind Rping the discussion on how to travel but I dont want to get bogged down in it for a long time.  I vote for taking the animals.  While its slower having Gram on a horse for scouting and Mock's animal as a beast of burden are nice pros.

The river rolls right along the landbound path to Mirkwood, and it's most likely we'll find them in Mirkwood, so I vote for the river.

This is oocly based on my Area Knowledge roll results and map.

We may need to hire a boatman but that'd be cheaper than the extra rations we need to pack for a longer journey that'd be filled with more encounters monsters.

Balin and Óin left nine days ago. Glóin had a disturbing dream a few days after they left and asked the ravens to search for them to make sure they were okay. The ravens searched for them but haven’t spotted them at all.

The path the Dwarves took was on foot, following the river.

Bar fight?!

lol. Jody’s your man in a bar fight.   If you’re fighting 5th graders.

In reply to Jody (msg # 133):

Dwarves will always want to go by foot...they do not like boats!

Sure, but even the densest dwarf knows the difference between nipple-deep in mud and biting flies and lazing peaceably on a boat.  This isn’t going around Cape Horn in August, it’s drifting downriver on a barge.  We can spend another week squeaking about boats v walking, but until we leave the bar and take action we got nothing.  If all the boat-men say the dwarves walked, then fine, we can take a boat to where they were last seen and walk from there.  Make sense?

If not, let’s take a quick vote. Copy/paste so the GM doesn’t have to tally.

Jody: boat

Taking a lazy pleasure cruise down a gentle river sipping mai tais:
Jody
Thibault

Dredging through the swamp of sadness while fighting malaria and losing Artax:
Mock

It sounds like the normal boats that are available are 8 man boats with oars.  We have 7 PCs and 2 large equines.  It sounds like taking an 8 man boat is going to overload the boat, which I would imagine that means we need someone with a very strong Boating skill to keep us from tipping over.  And if we do tip, I would guess it comes down to an Animal Handling: Equine roll to calm the animals and keep them from drowning.  I have that skill but I wouldn't want to rely on it to keep drowning animals from dying.

If I am understanding this right, before we vote, we should determine if we're willing to take this risk and does anyone have a strong Boating skill?

Is one of the animal transports (with pens) available and can we afford it?

I was just going to suggest hiring a boatman. Cheaper than hiring twice as much food for us and feed for the mounts.

The boat itself is free to use thanks to Gloin's letter.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Wed 25 Sept 2019.

Not to beat a dead horse (yes, pun intended) I dont think Gram or Mock are going to agree to leave their animals behind, so I think we need the kind of boat that has animal pens to have a higher degree of safety.  Boss, is this kind of boat free to us?

A boat for transporting larger animals is going to be rare. Most of the ones available will be for smaller animals - fowl, pigs, sheep, etc.

Tell you what - one of you make a roll to find a boat like this. You can use Scrounging, Merchant, or another suitable skill. On a success, you can locate a boat big enough to transport a horse and a mule, and 9 people (coxswain and 8 rowers). On a failure, no animal transport boats are available. You may try a second time at a -4 to the roll, modified with a +1 per every $50 you’re willing to offer in addition to Glóin’s letter.

This is still a dangerous means of transportation. The ancient Greeks had boats like this, and William the Conquerer used similar boats to transport horses across the English Channel, but a number of horses died from their boats capsizing. The horse casualties were even worse in the Civil War when they were lowered by slings from ships and were made to swim behind rowboats.

Jody can’t make this roll.

If danger was an issue we wouldn't be dragging the mounts into a malaria and monster laden marsh, and we definitely wouldn't be bringing them to Mirkwood.

Since I'm from Lake can I make an Area Knowledge roll at IQ to find a boat?

No need on a roll for where to look. Most of you passed Market Square and the quay where goods were being unloaded. This would be the best place to look for a boat like this.

Yeah but does Area Knowledge (Lake) give me specific knowledge of anybody who has that kind of boat? This is my home town, do I know anybody with what we need?

Actually, yes. Go for it, Thibault. Roll a -2 for Area Knowledge (Wilderland), -1 for Area Knowledge (Long Lake), or a straight roll for Area Knowledge (Lake-town/Esgaroth).
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Wed 25 Sept 2019.

I’ll also add that it’s possible to stable your animals in Lake-town if you want to take a boat but don’t want to risk a possible accident with your animal. I have a feeling Gram will not want this option, but Mock may.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 146):

Mock will figure they will need the mounts to follow the Dwarves, since the Dwarves were on foot. Hence, he will not want to leave them.

You gotta know the animals are gonna get eaten in the wild, no matter the delivery method. ;)

In reply to Jody (msg # 148):

They have not yet, and neither have the hobbits! Yet.

You’re a lot meatier...

In reply to Jody (msg # 150):

So are mounts. Which would you prefer to be eaten...mount or hobbit? :)

Mounts then Dwarves. Hobbits last.

Hobbits as an after-dinner mint.

So thanks to Thibault we know where such a large craft is, and the letter from Gloin allows us to get it for free? All we need is a coxswain (I would LOVE to know the origin of that word) with a high skill.  Boss, do we need to roll for that?

I would assume neither Gram nor Mock are going without their animals.  So its either on this barge style boat or by foot.  I guess Gram and Mock need to decide if they are willing to risk their animals drowning.  If I were taking a horse/mule I would want an above average skill in Animal Handling: Equine and Swimming, and know if anyone else in the group had similar.  I am better than average at both but not great.

Speaking of swimming, in case the boat tips, how many of us have at least 1 pt in Swimming?  I do.

Gram and his horse can both swim, and funny enough the guy from Rohan is pretty good with horses.

Anyone who's ever played with Ceredyn well knows the importance of swimming. Navarre's right - Swimming is a very important skill, and really, it ought to be in Kromm's list of useful skills, although for certain genres like mech warfare or courtroom drama, it wouldn't really be that useful.

Recruiting a sailor will be simple enough. I'll need an IQ, Boating, or Seamanship roll from someone with a -1 modifier for Lake-town's size (a bit over 1,000 residents). You can either offer $25 per day (no modifier) or a share in the reward (+2 to roll). If you choose to offer $30 per day, you'll get a +1 to the roll, $37, a +2, and $50, a +3. -2 to the roll if you want the sailor to fight for you as well.

I can swim. And the letter gets us the use of the boat for free. We can see how much its owner will charge to operate it for us - unfortunately I lack the Merchant skill.

I quite literally almost had a character die from drowning.  Finally made a default Swimming roll when I was at 1 fatigue.

I think we should look for a coxswain and offer $37 per day (for +2 to the roll) and not a share, and not expect them to fight.  I'd be happy to roll, I have an above average IQ but I imagine Thibault is smarter.  Plus the dice roller doesn't like me after I slept with its mom.

Jody can swim.

My Merchant default is only an 8, so...

I thought the Loremaster was saying someone can roll vs IQ, Boating, or Seamanship to recruit a sailor.

Yes, and if you’re offering $37, the roll will be an IQ +2 roll.

With a -1 modifier for Lake-town's size, for a net of +1 to IQ.

Right. Thanks, Navarre.

I can chip in too. How much do you want? $13 to make it $50?

Well we can see if the boat owner is willing to make sure we don't wreck his boat if we pay for his services.

I have 3 days of food.  I'll need to buy more and likely when I do I'll be broke.  I was hoping the letter from Gloin and a nice Diplomacy roll from us would explain that we're on a high paying job, and as such he'll be paid when the job is done, not day by day.  Maybe some now, and the rest when we get back?

We can RP it, but I have coin.

Passed the IQ+2 roll to find a boatman at the $37/day price.

Sweet.  Kodran is practically broke.  If the group cannot pay the boatman day by day, or work a deal to pay part now and part when we return I suggest someone ask Gloin for an advance.  I would assume the boatmans fee comes off the top of our pay before shares are calculated.

I'd say that falls under operating expenses. To keep it simple and fair, anybody who donates to pay those expenses (food, supplies, wages) gets paid out of the net. The rest is profit, split evenly among us after the journey ends.

Random thoughts on this:

If none of us have the Merchant skill (and nobody has volunteered that they do) I'd suggest hiring a broker to handle turning non-monetary treasure into cash we can distribute equally. If we're lucky, the broker will just take, say, a 10% cut as their fee, and we won't have to pay them out of pocket. (That fee would also fall under operating expenses).

Of course, *useful* treasure can be used as soon as its found, but if you want to keep it after the adventure, it comes out of your share. And if it's value is far higher than the rest of what we recover, you might have to wait awhile for the rest of us to "catch up" before you get anything else. :D

We could also do something tricky like give the adventuring company itself a share - this becomes the treasury, and we draw our operating costs (food, lodging, travel) out of it. That's an extra level of bookkeeping but it *feels* professional. Like the group exists as an entity instead of being a collection of random goobers.

Thibault, I like the idea of considering our band on a professional level and setting up the adventuring company to have its own share, where our expenses get paid out of the companies share.

I have a decent skill in Merchant so I could negotiate with the boatman.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 173):

Spent everything on gear and mount. Cannot swim, especially in armour. Dwarves don't like water, so it seemed a wrong skill to take, but can handle the animal. Any airbags to help him float? Watertight barrels will serve as such for the mule...

Equines can swim; the motion of "doggy paddling" is basically the same as trotting, so it's their natural mode of moving and they don't need to be trained for it.

However if the water is super rough, the weather is bad, or they're tangled up/weighed down they can drown. If you could get an airtight barrel under them before they went into the water somehow it'd mess their paddling up a bit, so the mule would be better off without it.

You can even ride a horse while it swims (or just hold on to its mane) - that isn't enough weight to trouble them, and you'd be floating a bit yourself.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Thu 26 Sept 2019.

Here’s a rough price guide for lodging. (I personally find the Basic Set’s recommendation of 20% of Cost of Living for one night insanely expensive, but perhaps that’s just me.)

Prices for lodging:
$10 will get you a spot on the floor in a large communal sleeping area.
$20 will get you a bed + your own linen in a dormitory style communal area.
$30 is for a small private room. Add $15 for each additional bed + linen.
There are a few luxury suites in town at $100+.

Meals range from $5 for some bread, soup, and a cup of beer to $15 for steak, fresh vegetables, and a glass of wine.

Stables can be had for $2 for the basics, more if you want a clean place with a stablehand to keep an eye on your animal. You wouldn’t really want to sleep there, but feel free to roll Fast-Talk, Intimidation, or Diplomacy to try.

The idea of having a treasury for your company is a brilliant idea.

20% COL for 1 night?  Wow, that is insanely expensive.

Navarre will take the $10 spot on the floor and the $5 meal.  I'll edit my cash.

Yeah, it’s more fitting TL7. For medieval fantasy, it’s crazy expensive.

I’m using a Rolemaster book And a 10-Foot Pole for approximate prices.

There's an old 3e Pyramid that has the following prices:

Lodging               cost/night    Notes
Monastery             variable*     Obliged to make a donation
alehouse               $2*          Pallet on floor near fire
Inn – cheap            $1           3 people per bed
Inn – fair             $2           2 people per bed
Inn – good             $5           separate bedding
Inn – fine             $10          separate room (small)
Inn – suite            $30          1 large room & 1 smaller room

* includes breakfast – usually pint of ale with some bread and stew.

Meals*           cost     Notes
Meal, cheap      $1       stew
Meal, good       $2       fresh bread (coarse), salted meat & stew
Meal, fine       $5       fresh bread (fine), roasted meat & stew, dessert
Meal, v.fine     $20      multiple courses, varied cuisine

* all meals included a thick “trencher” of stale bread to act as a plate

Drink (1 gallon)   weight    cost     alcohol*    Notes
Ale, cheap         8 lbs     $3       4 drinks    spoils after 2 days
Ale, good          8 lbs     $4       6 drinks    spoils after 3 days
Ale, fine          8 lbs     $6       8 drinks    spoils after 3 days
Beer               8 lbs     $4       6 drinks    available after 15th C.
Wine, cheap        8 lbs     $2       4 drinks    very sour
Wine, good         8 lbs     $5       8 drinks
Wine, fine         8 lbs     $10      12 drinks
Cider              8 lbs     $4       6 drinks
Mead               8 lbs     $8       8 drinks
Spirits            7.5 lbs   $500    64 drinks    1 drink (1/4 pint) costs $8

*Alcohol – the number of “drinks” per gallon (see pp.B439-440).
E.g. 1 gallon of fine ale contains 8 drinks.

Another article gives the cost for stabling a horse (including stableboy) to $5/day for most, triple for trained warhorses because you need a trained groom to handle a stallion.

FYI,  Gwydian is staying in a good inn and will offer to arrange for extra bedding for anyone who doesn’t have a room.

Navarre will take a spot on the floor of your room if that's ok Gwydian,  then the group can have my $10 towards the boatman.

Everyone take care of any last-minute preparations you need to make. We’ll set out on the first leg of the trip this weekend. I’ll contact you via PM for rolls I need you to make.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 182):

Moc will probably share the stable with his mule for his excess wealth...lol

Sorry for the wait, guys. I misunderstood how much chauffeuring was going to be required of me this weekend. I’ll have a new post for you tomorrow.

One more day of delay. I had a movie to watch and a paper to write yesterday. I’ll have time this afternoon after class and a doctor’s visit.

No worries boss.  Thanks for the update.

So let me make sure I understand.  We spent the day crossing the lake by our barge-like boat.  Now the lake dumps downward via a waterfall and the water continues south in the form of the Running River.  We loaded our boat onto a cart and will need to take us, the animals and the cart down the Stair of Girion, but advisably not in the dark.  So we'd be smart to make that trek in the morning (down the stairs).  And then the journey continues on by boat for another 3 days along the Running River?

Close. The cart will transport the boat only. You and your animals will need to go on foot. And yes, the travel down the Running River to the Old Forest Road will take another three days by boat.

Sorry for the short post.  My life blew up a bit this week. I should get back on track shortly.

Sorry to hear that, Gwydian. I hope things get better for you.

Just to clarify, Thibault, the lodgings here are probably either making camp, bedding down near one or the fires, or possibly bunking with one of the porters in their hut. Fortunately, the weather is nice right now.

I’ll be rolling vs a weather table, but here in the spring in Wilderland, the weather will generally be comfortable.

In that case I've got a tent and blanket of my own so...

Stay strong, Gwydian.

On another subject, which party role should I serve?

Probably the Brute Squad. =)

You can act as another lookout if you want.

Also, everyone, when you give me your rolls via PM, you can copy and paste the rolls from the dice roller. Both degree of success and critical success and failures are important.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 193):

Ah, Ok. Will do in future. So just 2 over or under and criticals noted is not enough?

Mock, if you want to indicate 2 over or 3 under and note critical failures and successes, that's okay, but if copying and pasting is easier, that's fine, too.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 195):

Cool thanks.

In reply to Mock Ironside (msg # 196):

What about pack animal goods?

What kind of pack animal goods?

Gram and Mock, did you purchase food for your animals? They can graze in the morning and evening, but you'll need feed for them during the day.

I had intended to around the time they were talking about oats for the stock, but did not see feed listed.

Which source are we using for that?

I’ll borrow what Raddek’s been using in his game - $1 and 1 lb per meal of animal feed.

If you want to go realistic, ~2 lbs of food per day per 100 lbs of mount weight is accurate. The more work the horse is doing, the more grain to hay ratio it needs. (Hay is very nutrient inefficient).

Source: http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html/?id=4776 (free article)

Of course planning for how long you're going to be making the horse work (i.e. carrying a rider and gear) per day might be too much logistical bookkeeping.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Oh, outstanding. Thanks, Thibault.

I would like to abstract this somewhat. For medium work for a 900-lb horse, feed would be $5 and 20 lbs per day.

During this journey, a 900-lb horse would eat 18 lbs of hay, which would cost $1.

You can graze in the morning and evening, so no feed would be needed.

Any suggestions on a way to abstract this?

Okay, let's say a horse needs 4 meals per day, and they tend to graze for 8 hours a day. They need large quantities of roughage because hay and grass is energy inefficient. Give them a feed bag and they can eat while walking.

In terms of feed, this is a hay oat mix that weighs 2 lbs per 100 lbs of horse. Normally we'd consider the horse's encumbrance and the terrain but that's a lot of work so who cares. For a 900 lb horse that's 18 lbs of feed, 4.5 lbs per meal.

So: standard 900 lb horse needs 4 meals a day, each meal weighing 4.5 lbs.

Since a horse's "stand around and graze all day" behavior lasts 8-12 hours and we're dividing it into 4 meals (let's say 8 because that's easier to divide), 2 hours of grazing = 1 meal. However this assumes they're in pasture where grass is plentiful and they don't have to walk far to find it! Grazing in other terrain ranges from impossible to inefficient.

If you say that there are sufficient grasses in the swamp, maybe only double the time each grazing meal takes to 4 hours... but this assumes the horses are given the freedom to find the kind of grass they need, as the skies are growing dark, and are left to it for 4 hours after a long day's march or in the morning before packing up (or both) to substitute for one carried meal.

Summary:

Horses need 4 meals
1 meal = .5 lbs per horse of feed = 2 hours grazing in pasture = 4 hours grazing in less ideal circumstances

(We could also say it's 3 meals, each 6 lbs or 3-6 hours of grazing)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Brilliant, Thibault. Thank you for your analysis.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 204):

Interesting but I can't help notice the circular logic. You have started with



as the basis for a calculation that a horse needs to spend that time eating per day. If we start with the assumption that the animal needs to spend 12 hours eating we will end up with the same conclusion. To be more accurate we should consider where an animal needs to spend 12 hours eating just to survive.

In the wild, that would suggest that an animal that had to spend an hour or two per day running from predators would slowly starve if it also had to spend 12 hours eating, a situation that would make wild horses untenable, and would also make animals living in deserts untenable, but there are many examples running around in the Australian desert, and many others, that would suggest otherwise.

Rather, I would suggest that an animal has to spend 12 hours per day eating only in the most unfavorable environments to survive. (ie 4 hours per meal) Halve that for poor quality terrain, such as swamp of forest (ie 2 hours per meal), and half again for ideal pastures (1 hour/meal). This sits much better with my experience on farms...

You can go down the rabbit hole with a lot of topics in GURPS, but the Equestrian one, man...it's deep! That and "horse people" tend to be very passionate about the topic in my experience.

I love the crunch, but I'm all in favor of simplifying this particular logistic. We could get into caloric expenditure, quality of feed, what combination feed/ wild grazing does to the Equine digestive tract.

And in particular games, I might even nerd out on that kind of stuff.

But in the spirit of trying to maintain the Tolkien "feel", I'm all for leaving it as is.

Yeah, I don’t want to get too bogged down in the details, either. The last thing I want the game to become is a bookkeeping simulator, as enticing as that might sound.

Not for nothing, but those kinds of details & me are a bad combo.  You be you, though!

See also the phrase "rode hard and put away wet." We don't want to get super realistic with horses, because they're finicky, fragile, and keeping them alive is a full time task. Fantasy fiction horses are far more useful.

Since the company is split, the guide, Navarre, can make the decision of whether to approach the Elves or ignore them and  continue on down the river.

The plan is that Navarre and Jody go to meet the elves and the rest of us stay behind, right?

From my point of view anyone is welcome to come. I personally invited Jody because he was the only one to say that he wanted to meet the elves face to face.

I have diplomacy skill.  Im about to walk into a concert but I will post tonight

aie.  So my- and Jody's- natural inclination is to come clean.  Especially, thinks Jody & I that if the Elves have seen them, and either locked them up or hindered them, then they've gleaned, guessed or suspect that we, in the company of dwarves, are seeking them.  My thought is that being cagey won't help, so unless someone really cares otherwise, Jody's spilling what he knows and trusting to openness and honesty, though naturally, Jody expects and I know that elves do like their secrets.  We've probably already irked them by forcing their hand into this meeting.

But have a little faith in your pint-sized diplomat! :0

pfft.  NO meta gaming from me.  Jody doesn't know that Bilbo stole away with the elves' prize - though one wonders if they wanted the dragon back in the mountain?

For the record, since play by post is clunky, feel free to exclude me (post that you intend to go alone, etc.) or include me.  I was waiting on a question from the GM before posting and we crossed wires somewhere. I'm all good. I'd rather things move along than get hung up over such details.

For what it’s worth, I really value players who take initiative. If you go too far out of bounds, I’ll bring you back, but examples of coloring outside the lines that are welcome are Navarre’s pursuit of orcs and Jody’s and Thibault’s cafes.

And if I fail to respond, always feel free to send me a PM nudge or/and a Private Line in a post.

I see votes and discussions of leaving, but nothing concrete. Let me know if you’re planning to continue or hang out here a bit longer.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 218):

Mock is already in the boat, ready to go, and not showing signs of getting out...

In that case Navarre will tell Wyar that we are moving to the dwarven camp.  Navarre will guide Wyar to the location.

I thought that my message #152 was telling Wyarvto
Keep going until the running river met the rotting river?

Hi everyone.

I've started a game of my own.  It's about the WWII Russian pilots called 'The Night Witches' and it's in the players wanted section.

Because you're all such good writers, I asked the GM if I could post this here & they said yes.  I won't belabor it, but I'd be flattered if you took a look at the game, and thrilled to have you as players.

cheers

Oooo, WWII.  I'm currently listening to WWII documentaries in the car and while I would love to play I'm already over extended on my gaming.  Thanks for the invite Jody and good luck!

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 223):

thank you.  when you're not over extended, come take a look.  two neat things about Night Witches - - 1) It's very fatal, providing lots of opportunities for getting in - or out - of the game.  2) It has an In Game end date of May 6th, 1945.  And since the Game Start is Feb 8th 1942, there just isn't that much time.

It'll be some time before I'm not over extended, but I will come take a look for sure.  Are you following the timeline of history, or are you going off script for big picture stuff?  I cant remember when Russia began pushing the Nazi's out but was it winter of 1943-44?

Historical.  The 588th started dropping bombs in early 42.

Here's the link for the game: link to another game

Thank you!

Secret will roll or open?

Ahhh ok.  I was watching something yesterday and I see that Germany invaded Russia around June of '41.  Whats really scary about Nazi'ism is that they didn't just want to eradicate the Jews.  Nazi core belief said that they descended from ancient super people.  They believed that Germans were quite literally superior to everyone else.  They wanted to cleanse the planet of inferiors.  Jews were part of that.  So were the handicapped and anyone who was sick.  Weirdly gays were not.  Ernst Rohm, an early power house in the Nazi party was openly gay and Hitler didn't care.

Fun fact: Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa (named after a twelfth certain Holy Roman Emperor) on June 22, the same day Napoleon launched his invasion of Russia (and also my ex-wife's birthday, a bad omen).

Lmao.  That's hilarious.

Let me know what else you want to do, if you want to search the campsite further or press on. You have probably 30 minutes left of daylight.

I feel like I’m straining at the bit, which must seem weird for those of you who have gamed with me before. I’m happy as long as you guys are engaged, but I do want to keep moving in the game. My average posting is generally 2-3 posts per week, but I guess I’ve had too much free time on my hands recently.

Are you guys okay with my doing rolls for things like Perception or Corruption checks if you haven’t posted in a couple of days? I don’t want to take liberties with your characters.

Of course, please feel free.

Yup.  In the name of keeping things moving, please do.

Anytime.  Please do.

In reply to Gram (msg # 235):

As I will have very limited access next 2 months, please feel free to roll or even NPC me as needed to keep things moving.

100% do whatever’s needed to keep rolling.

Sorry about the delay.  I could sworn I posted mid-week.  I usually read updates daily.

I appreciate you guys breaking up your actions round by round. That's very helpful to me as I prepare my combat posts.

Also, thanks for putting your dice rolls in private lines. However, I do like to separate posts into IC and OOC sections. There's an example in the Character Advancement, Posting, and House Rules thread: link to a message in this game

Also, thanks for getting those combat posts in so quickly! Combat is often where my games can get bogged down, so I appreciate you guys posting so fast during combat. =)

Also, it takes me forever to make maps. A good map adds so much to the combat, I know, and if we have a large tactical battle, I'll try to get a map up, but making maps tends to bog me down. I'm always impressed by the GMs that make maps look so easy and professional.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Tue 22 Oct 2019.

I agree, maps can take alot of time but add so much to a game like this.

I'm fine with description, and knowing that the GM is ok with adapting my move or asking for clarification.

I was going to send this as a PM to the boss but I thought this might be better served here.  I've been gaming a long time and one thing I've learned is that groups tend to do better when there is a nominated leader, especially in this format.  For instance, yesterday in real time I suggested we camp for the night and resume the search tomorrow (game time).  We don't have a declared leader so we're at the mercy of democratic vote.  In this format discussion can take days, sometimes weeks.  While I'm all for it with big stuff that could be life threatening I'm generally not a big fan of it on small stuff.  Again, if this was table top I'm all for democratic debate because it can be resolved in minutes.

I'm not asking to be leader.  I just don't want to get near the end of this mission and look back to see we spent 50% or more of our time talking about mundane planning.  I guess if I had a suggestion I would say in game it doesn't feel right just to make someone leader.  We're all new to one another.  But what about a figure head?  A kind of OOC leader?  Someone who can say to the GM, this is what we're doing but he doesn't boss the group around in game?  This is in the spirit of keeping the game moving at a brisk pace, action followed up relatively quickly by more action.

I'm certainly okay with that, Navarre, and the company is welcome to nominate someone to serve in that role if you guys so desire. I definitely don't want every mundane decision to bog down into a parliamentarian vote. I didn't state this when you guys were deciding on who took on which role, but as there's only 1 guide specified for the group (who happens to be Navarre), it would be good for the guide to take a leadership role.

That said, I wouldn't like to see one person making all the decisions and leaving everyone else to just go along with it or chafe and resent the leader. What I'd like from each of you is specific actions (e.g. search further, set up camp for the night, hold this position). One of my weaknesses as a GM sometimes is to give too much autonomy to the players to the point where it's unclear what actions they need to take next. I highly value proactivity.

(I'm also working on a paper right now, which is why I didn't post an update last night.)

Well, as a person, I kinda like the democratic thing, and I kinda bristle at appointed - rather than earned - leaders.  As a character, Jody might suit - he's not threatening, he does have diplomacy, he's easy going, and he likes to talk, if people want to go that route.

Gotcha.  Good to know you were busy and weren't waiting on us to declare some action as a group.  And I completely agree.  I dont want to leave anyone out.  I dont want a dictatorship or anything close.




I dont mean to sound like I want to fast forward through this mission in a few days and to do that a leader will make all the decisions.  I like the democratic thing too.  But it can grind a game to a snails pace in this format, and thats what I am trying to steer us from.  As an example I played in a game where my group talked in OOC for a month of real time of how to take on a room full of baddies in a dungeon.  The group tossed around lots of ideas for about 30 real days.  During those 30 days the story did not move.  When we finally decided to do something we went to the room to kill them armed with our plan, and found the room empty.  The enemy had fled.  And all that planning wasted time.  Its this kind of thing that I think a leader is this format is most useful, and that a democratic group can get bogged down in endless debate.  Or near endless.

I thought I responded to this, but apparently I didn’t. If I did and just can’f find it, forgive me. =)

Having a leader isn’t a bad idea, and it has precedence in our source material. In The Hobbit, Gandalf, Thorin, and Bilbo all after as party leaders at various times, Gandalf through his counseling, Thorin by right of being king, and Bilbo through his own initiative. In The Lord of the Rings, first Gandalf and then Aragorn served as party leader, but neither was heavy handed in their approach. Aragorn assumes the mantle of leadership when Gandalf fell fighting the Balrog, and Denethor was surprised that his son Boromir wasn’t the leader after Gandalf was killed. (I saw a book recently about leadership lessons from LotR - I really ought to read that one. It might be good background prep for this game.)

Star Trek, at least the older series (I haven’t watched much past Season 2 of Voyager, modeled leadership well in away team missions, but Starfleet is supposed to be a military organization, I suppose. The X-Men in the comics also seem to model good leadership with field team leaders.

I definitely don’t want you guys to spend a month deciding on a brilliant plan to take out a group of enemies just to see the enemies have taken the opportunity to flee, and if there’s dithering, I’ll nudge you guys into action. Like I said in a previous post, I highly value proactive players, so if you see waffling, I encourage you to step up and help lead.

I’m indifferent.  Leaders are often helpful.  Most games on rpol.net die the slow death of a thousand cuts.  Being aware of that and acting accordingly is helpful.

Sounds good boss.  If you nudge us when we need nudging I think that'll be enough.

Okay, you’re going to follow the dwarves on foot? What would you like Wyar to do? Are you going to take your animals with you through the marshes? Gram can ride his horse.

You say you’re going slower. How much slower? In the marshes on foot, you can cover 10 miles per day at normal hiking speed.

I thought there was a river?  If Wyar can come, then we store stuff on the boat, and walk or ride.  If he can’t then he goes home and we walk.  Someone should write a note to the honcho and tell him about the brooch.  Maybe one of the pc’s turned npc (wasn't there someone?) should take the brooch back.

The boat's a large one, with room for six rowers and the steersman, Wyar. Two people won't be enough to row upstream.

I see that I wasn't clear in my previously IC post. The choices are to try to track them via land or continue by river and hope to pick up their trail again.

If you travel by land, you'll need to leave the boat behind. Wyar can stay with the boat until you return if you wish. Remember, he was hired to crew the skiff.

I am under the impression that tracking has turned into a dead end - so the boat is the only sensible option.  Did I miss something?

I'm a bit confused as well.  I get the options to track on land or by water, but don't we have an assumed path they took?  Do the clues suggest that the dwarves went off their scheduled path?  If not I vote we stay on the course they were supposed to travel at a partially slowed rate to gain bonuses to rolls.

The assumed path is along the river; can Wyar and some folks keep on the river, headed south, along or near the part of the party that's on the bank?  If not...what am I not understanding about the Running River's journey through the Long Marsh?

For the most part. It’s going to be very difficult to track on land unless you go agonizingly slow.

You can go on foot along the river and hope to pick up their tracks. If this is the option, how much slower will you go (1/2 speed, 1/4 speed, or slower?)

You can continue along by boat. This is faster than land, but you can also choose to go slower if you want to see if you can pick up clues.

Jody has indicated a third way - trackers on foot, at least 3 on the boat to steer (Wyar) and at least two rowers. This is also viable.

Navarre, since you’re the guide, let me what your recommendation is. If you’re not sure, you can roll an IQ-based tracking roll.

Two advantages of having the boat nearby - a place to store stuff; and a place to put PC's when they're essentially NPC's because of travel or IRL or what ever.

So, one advantage: to store stuff or people.

I'm going to post IC too.

I’ve subtracted 2 more meals for last night and this morning.

Keep an eye on your food, everyone. Each missed meal is a cumulative -1 FP that can only be recovered with a day or rest and 3 full meals.

Sorry but don't have time for a full post.  My recommendation is to go with Jody's idea.  3 on the boat carrying people, supplies and potentially animals and the rest of us on foot on land trying to regain the trail.  I would recommend half speed for now.  How much bonus does that give us?

At half-speed, you're taking twice as long, and that gives you a +1 to rolls, bringing the difficulty down to -5. Hard, but not impossible, but it would be better if you had a master tracker with you. Quarter-speed would give you a +2, 1/8th speed a +3, etc. You're slowing down, searching very carefully, paying attention to every little detail you can.

Note that if the Dwarves are in trouble, taking too long could mean that you reach them too late.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 261):

I'm with Navarre.  Half speed is enough where we _might_ get their trail, but we're not taking too TOO long.  Since we can't reach them unless we find them, we have to look, not just hammer about the wilds.

Agreed, half speed sounds fair.

Thibault is most likely gone.

People aren’t eating because gurps is hard - food is important, and not enough is called starving. It’s a few days back to town; we need to think about *fishing* or heading back to re-supply.  I have 11 days food; I will share.  But if it’s three days back, then 11 days is four people.

So half the group only brought 3-4 days worth of food?

Seems like it.

Yes, food is a problem, and it’s eventually going to affect the group’s ability to fight.

How many days back to civilization?

Boss, are people literally out of food?  As in like half the group.  I can ask IC if you want.

Yes, several PCs are now out of food.

We're only allowed 1 Huntsman per TOR rules?

Jody's question was, how many days back to Laketown?

No, you're allowed as many huntsmen as you wish. The only restriction on jobs is the guide, of which 1 is allowed.

This is Day 4. 1 day was spent traversing the lake. On the third day, you spotted the Elf scouting party.

So since it’s upstream, is it one day or two back to laketown?

You guys traveled downstream. It's 8 days upstream back to Lake-town.

FYI, not to complain but rather to say publicly in case others have similar confusion:

I appreciate this game (really! Really!), but most players and games don’t manage food at this level so despite some warnings players still may have not entirely gotten the message.  For context, I’ve played literally hundreds of games over 30 years, and I don’t recall any tracking food this precisely.  In a game world that did, the characters would react accordingly.  Players neglect things like going to the bathroom in character not because they think it doesn’t happen- just most people ignore it for simplicity.  It would seem odd (but realistic) to assign penalties for it, but hey... the GM deserves to run things as he sees fit, and I know how hard that job is. So... no complaints here- just hopefully some insight for all.

Also, having been on rpol.net for 20+ years, I can tell you that in the best of games, players come and go; things stall frightfully frequently.  Most games fail entirely in less than a month.  It’s very frustrating.  Many DMs adapt a streamlined way of keeping things moving- be it a leader, neglecting details, rolling for players, or whatever.  Perfect can be the enemy of the good.  I’ll try to adapt either way - as I know how tough if it is to run a game. (I did for 2-3 years.)

Also, I was under the impression that Gwydian had 14 days of food.  Being a rational “character” per above, he may want to skip a meal here or there to conserve if we’re off track. As a player who doesn’t live in Middle Earth, I don’t have a good handle on what is reasonable and what isn’t. I saved $ and repeatedly suggested throwing show rations onto one of the animals, or group supplies, but no one seemed interested.  I presume we could (and the characters would) attempt to buy food from people along the way (at the river stair, the elves, etc.) before absent-mindedly starving.

As a player, I understand we were warned, and if I didn’t take it seriously enough, then I’m happy to accept the consequences and write it off to Gwydian’s inexperience.  It also didn’t help that I rolled an 18 on Fishing right out of the gate and lost my pole!  Shit happens sometimes.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Sat 02 Nov 2019.

Plus... half speed plus boat sounds great.  Neither Gwydian (the character) or me (the player) have much of a sense of tracking Dwarves through unfamiliar terrain so he’s open to any sane suggestion.

8 days.  I was afraid of that.

Ok - let’s figure this OCC - I don’t want the game to fall on this issue.

Realistically, unless the elves show up with a crate of lembaš bread, we have to go home.

Could we speed-RP a journey upriver for food and back to here?

Or can Jody be ‘revealed’ to have purchased a large supply of food that’s on the boat?

40 days?  I must have missed that.  Even then, the issue is whether a 40 day trip is from Lisbon to Rome; where along the way every few days one passes a village or town or whether it’s from St. Louis to Seattle in 1800.

Lessons can be learned sometimes with a cost.

For food, I'm solely going off what's on your character sheet. If you declared OOC or IC that you were buying food, please give me the link or the post #, and I'll rectify your food situation.

In hindsight, I should have stressed the need for adequate food supplies much more. I know, many games don't track food too closely, and it's not a part of the game that I really enjoy. However, the group is traveling through the wilderness with no villages or farmsteads where you might be able to purchase food, so planning for the journey is essential.

(Just a side note - I met this morning with a career coach to go over a couple of personal inventories I did for a course I'm taking. For my interests, I score highest in scientific [so analysis, exploration, investigation] and literary [reading, writing, editing]. Scientific is 99% and literary is 97%. My lowest is numerical [accounting, investing, working with numbers and data] - 17%. I'm much more inclined to enjoy well-written games that feature exploration and investigation than I am in games that deal with making sure we have enough food, etc.]

I've had the opportunity to play in a number of excellent games during my tenure here on RPOL. Probably the most challenging game I played in was Ceredyn's Keep on the Borderlands. I joined up for the Tomb of Horrors expedition, and we probably planned for a week real-time, making sure we had food, supplies, and mules, I think. Once we actually got to the Tomb, a horde of Thri-Keen attacked, and we lost all our animals. Our 9-PC band got separated into two, with the more powerful, experienced PCs in one group, and almost all the newbie PCs (along with one Mongo Deepdelver) in another group. We had very little food and almost no lights, and the situation seemed grim indeed, but somehow, we made it out. The cost was great, though - two PCs were killed, including the Borderlands hero Father Mortyn and newcomer Stig, a gnomish wizard. Another PC was permanently blinded, and two other veteran PCs were supposedly killed by the lich Acererak, although afterwards they were rescued. The tragic thing about Mortyn's death was that he was weighed down by the rations the other PCs didn't want to carry and so was crushed by a giant rolling stone statue.

I'm currently playing in the excellent Road to Perdition, and my PC in that game failed to plan adequately for a long journey and is currently having to mooch the food of a better prepared PC.

Losing the fishing line was a blow, Gwydian, I know. I honestly thought the Troll would be more dangerous than it was, but you guys dispatched it without taking a scratch.

Your group has a few options. Yes, you could return to Lake-town for food and return. This would be 12 days, and if the Dwarves are alive right now, there's no guarantee that they would be when you return.

You could spend some time hunting and fishing for food. Killing a deer or a bear would provide enough food short-term for the people who don't have enough food.

You know Galion has a band of Elves somewhere in the forest, though you haven't seen them since yesterday. They could perhaps be persuaded to share some of their food, though Galion only showed a positive reaction to the Ranger, Navarre.

You could also try the Old Forest Road, if it's passable, to reach the Beornings, but the forest is approximately 200 miles across from east to west. In contrast, Esgaroth is about 70 miles from your current position.

I'm using TOR's travel times here. You can do 20 miles per day on foot, 40 miles per day on horse, 20 miles per day downstream by boat, 5-10 miles per day upstream against the current. The marshes are a Hard difficulty with 2x travel modifiers for foot and horse. Roads and paths through Mirkwood are a Severe penalty with 3x travel modifiers. Without a path, travel through Mirkwood is at a 5x modifier.

You've been traveling down the river and now through the Long Marshes so far.

Again, we can solve this problem with the wave of a pen, or, the disconnect between what you say you like, and what we’re actually doing, can stand:

Jody has ~$400.   He uses it, in the ‘past’, for enough iron rations for 8 people for 40 days, with promises to be repaid in full, + 20%, from loot/reward, in the future.

Yes, it involves a fudge factor, but we could be role playing a game instead of making a game of accounting for starvation.

If this doesn’t work, we head back, buy food, and return, full stop.

Those are my only two options; I will say no more on this topic.

I played with Ceredyn for about 20 years.  He is a masterful writer and GM, but he could be a stickler for some things.  What was on your char sheet, as well as your declared actions were some unbreakable rules for him.  As fate would have it, I was Mortyn of Dundow when that char was killed.  I don't think it was rations that weighed me down.  I was however carrying all the essential dungeon gear that the group refused to carry, things like a crowbar, spikes and hammer, rope, etc.  My resultant Move was 2.  In a terrible way that only happens in a Ceredyn game I didn't have to die there.  As the multi ton trap began rolling at us our mage used Shape Earth to make a hole in the wall for us to duck out of the way of the giant steam roller.  I had written that I was running for that mage made hole.  He wrote a response and stopped the action where I had made it half way.  I assumed he stopped the action because I wouldn't make it, as was his habit.  Thinking I couldnt make the hole at Move 2 I went with plan B, to jump onto the steam roller and ride it to the bottom of the hill.  I failed my DX roll, fell under it and was turned to jelly.  The sad thing is after I died I was talking to him and he said if I had just kept running I would have made it and lived.

About our food I will say it this way.  Boss, you have to decide what kind of game you want to run.  From a story point of view we knew this was a search mission.  We knew the travel could be slow.  We knew the intended path of the dwarves was roughly 45 days.  We knew there would little chance to buy food in the field.  It doesn't make much sense for people to leave Laketown with only 3-5 days worth of food especially when we could have gone to Gloin and asked for an advance for food.

We could absolutely do as Jody suggests and retroactively say he bought a ton or Gloin advanced us the cash for a ton.  If you're not ok with that boss and want to run a 'if its written it happened' kind of game I dont like our prospects of all of us being almost out of food and no fishing pole.  I think I could feed the foodless people for the day and then I'd be out of food.  As much as it pains me to say I think we should turn back to town and resupply.  If we try to forage and fail a new search party will be sent out to find us.  Weak and starving in the wild.

For those of us who lack hunting or fishing skills, would you ‘loan’ us a point or two so that we can purchase these skills?  I think it’s clear that returning to town isn’t an option.

Another option is to temporarily change roles. Navarre and Gram could act as woodsmen, and those with food can share with those who do not. We’d need another guide, though - possibly Thibault, though he doesn’t have Navigation.

I looked back through the IC and OOC threads. I saw talk of buying more supplies, but only Jody and Navarre actually did. You guys had a great idea of creating a company share that you’d use for supplies, but nothing concrete came out of it.

If you want to do something, please make sure you declare you’re actually doing it, and be specific. “I pick up supplies for the journey” is too vague, but honestly, I should ask you for clarity there. “I buy two weeks of rations” is much more clear.

Loaning CPs for missing skills is a good example of out-of-the-Box thinking, but it sets a precedent that I’m not comfortable with.

However, there is an option to spend 2 CPs to add something helpful to the game world that would logically be there. You could use that to add something that might be on the boat, like a spare fishing line or a fishing net. Thibault is AWOL at the present, but he does have spare CPs.

The Gadget advantage would also be solid here to be able to say you have something you haven’t put down on the sheet but would logically have.

The perk “Always makes sure to buy enough food for a trip” would likewise be great.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Sun 03 Nov 2019.

These are things the young and the bold need to learn. Nothing like not eating for a few days to press home the need for these sorts of skills. I say let it ride, and kill off characters if you need to.

In the mean time Gram is about to abandon their search in the name of finding something to kill and eat before he starts to grow light headed.

I'm good either way. We'll live (or not).  My big issue was not having a mount. If Mock or Gram would consent, Gwydian would gladly throw enough rations to feed the whole group for 40 days, but he can't carry that much on himself. That was the rub, personally. I tried to elicit something OOC but no one bit, and since the DM didn't insist, I let it go.

Absent that, my out of character confusion was not realizing that we are literally travelling were there are no outposts, trading posts, villages, or places that one may purchase food from strangers. I thought these were somewhat common paths, even if not highly-travelled ones. Normally, I would expect a profiteering merchant to be selling triple price rations along such roadways!  Hence, I thought a week between such opportunities was reasonable and two weeks of rations seemed more than enough.  I would have even assumed the men at the river stair would have sold some, for the right price.

Don't have time to respond to the ongoing discussion about travel, but for those of us hanging around what are our options?  Break free attempts?  The way its written it sounds like pulling a weapon is not an option.

bite down, maybe?  see if you can draw a knife? Every adventurer carries a dagger, yes?  Jody weighs less than 100 pounds, and doesn't have a ton of strength either...

maybe we won't worry about starving, and we can die right here?

hanging around.  Ha.  Good one.

Good point, Navarre.

You can make a roll vs. Escape (defaults to DX-6) at a -6 modifier. Flexibility gives +3 and Double-Jointed +5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

Very busy day. Should be able to get a good post up tomorrow.

Ok.  I dont have Escape, Flexibility or Double Jointed.  Rolling at a Default skill at -6 puts me into territory of hitting a Crit Failure on a roll of about 13 or higher (which I do frequently).  So I'll pass.  I guess I just Do Nothing and hope I dont die.

This would at least have the virtue of solving our supply problem.

In reply to Gumm (msg # 292):

I'm a solutions man.  It's what I do.

It’s going to be busy for me probably until Friday afternoon. I’ll see if I can sneak an update in tonight, depending on how much reading I get done this afternoon.

There has been a big discussion Jody about our lack of food in OOC so I wont repeat it.  Some of us are out of food.  Navarre would rather pass out his rations and deplete himself than have people try to search and/or fight while missing meals.  We can focus on hunting big game later.  But for now, if there are people living in the sunken city ruins and they aren't friendly, I want to find the dwarves asap if they are inside the ruins.  They could be dinner guests, if you know what I mean.

Yep, I was part of it.  Just moving it to IC.

So yes, a little exploration & then food.

Ahhhhhh.  Lol.  Missed that detail.

Did Gumm lose any HP from the Gallow’s Weed?

No, suffocation does FP damage, not HP.

Probably overdue, but hello all!  Late add to the game and the GM managed to find me an avenue to join that all fit within the theme of the story.  Doesn't seem anybody is overly riled at my appearance, I promise Gilmith will calm down once she realizes what is actually going on.

No worries and all good Gilmith, and welcome!  Lol, when I first read your post I thought it was the GM.  It took me a few to realize it was a new PC.

FYI, regarding food, as a posted privately to the GM, I have a humble request:

Given its importance, and the desire of the group to make a collective accounting, would it be OK to make a thread called "Food Reserves" with the first post being a summary of who has what as of today. Then, we could track it there, more collectively so we all have a sense of awareness.

We could each have one post that we continually update, visibly, so we know where each other are in the process and can share and plan appropriately.

Great idea Gwydian.  The GM put up a thread called Company Stores which I think was in response to our OOC suggestion that an extra share of the loot go to buying party supplies like food, lighting, blankets, tools, etc.

I think it would be good if we posted what gear we have that is considered not owned by the PC and meant for the group.  Alternatively, perhaps the PCs could list gear they are willing are share/loan but still considered owned by the PC.  I'll put up a post.

PS - after clarifying with the GM I am posting my available food.  Navarre is willing to share so that no one misses meals until we all do.  We'll do some forgaging for big game and hopefully that will help.

At the next opportunity (trading post, village, etc.), let's remedy this by buying a crapload of supplies and putting them on Mock or Gram's mount. Gwydian is willing to pay a disproportionate share, as needed, within reason. Last time, I just couldn't illicit a response and let it drop. Next time, expect agreement or an argument!

Did we lose Mock and Gram too?

Mock has a job that has taken him out of internet service for a time.  His posting will be spotty or not at all till he returns home.  Can't remember when that is but it's a few months at most.


Not sure about Gram.  Love your action Jody.  I'm jealous.  Lol.

hahahaha.  I just want to see some good movement here...  & I can only imagine the shock a stern elf have a being pinched on the posterior!

I’m not sure about Gram, either. I PMed him last night, but I haven’t heard from him. I’ll have a post up later tonight.

Aie.  Have them get eaten by swamp monsters.  We can mourn.

I'm tempted to react IC though I don't want to overstep the GM's take on my current stupor...  I imagine Gilmith's reaction would be quite mixed if it did manage to rouse her though...

Apparently the GM’s not reading my posts...

The sequence is a bit unclear, I suppose, but Navarre roused Gilmith and Gwydian. I elected not to re-describe what everyone else was doing, so your posts stand, Jody.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 313):

Mock actually bought a mule and waterproof barrels to carry heaps of supplies, but ran out of money to get the actual supplies. I should be back around 10th to 16th, but for now a critical failure has him...preoccupied, IC.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 313):

?

I am not sure what you mean or where Jody is, or what he’s doing.

From your posts, Jody grabbed Gilmith and then pinched her butt, correct?

I posted tuesday and friday; trying to wake people with yelling.  Like navarre, i tried to give you leeway into who those people were, until i thought of something i thought might be funny, and wrote a post for just gilmith.  Then you wrote that navarre and thibault saved everyone, and then that my actions stood.

Look, it’s nothing. pbp is a complicated medium & this not my first game; id rather play catch-up than have you backtrack.

For what it’s worth, then and now (rereading the post), I thought Jody was only dealing with Gilmith.

Yes, that’s right, you focused on a specific person, Jody. Navarre named specific people as well (Gilmith and Gwydian). I merely went in order of players’ posts.

I could repeat what each person wrote - that Navarre tackled Gilmith and then Gwydian, and then Jody shook Gilmith, and then Jody pinched her rear, but I felt that would be redundant.

Busy day today, guys. I probably won’t be able to manage an update until tomorrow. I have a quiz this afternoon and a paper due before midnight.

FYI, I'm a bit unclear with the visual on "...he suddenly vanishes without warning beneath the cold waters."

I'm thinking that sounds like he stepped in a deep hole - something like a person falling through a lake covered in ice.

Alternatively, it could mean that he teleported (vanished), but then how we would know where he went; or it could mean that he dove deliberately into the water, but there's no mention of that either.

As-is, since the water seemed clear previously, Gwydian is assuming he will be able to see Mock, or a hole, or something - once closer (and also be able to consciously avoid the hole).

Yes, that would be a correct assumption. Gwydian would likely be able to see Mock or a hole. The water here is clear enough to see down to the floor of the pool.

For those of you going below, the room has two exits: the short tunnel that leads back south to the pool and a dark passageway that leads to the north.

In reply to Loremaster (msg # 323):

Mock will ready axe and shield and move up the passageway to the north, to make enough room for others to enter safely in case there is trouble there.

Navarre will ready his sword and shield and follow behind Mock.

Are Thibault, Gram and Gumm staying behind?

I'm having an image from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in reference to the gem that the Dwarves obviously left outside on purpose...

I expect before this is over to be captured alongside the Dwarves and hearing them say, "Of course, we weren't stupid enough to bring the sacred gem of power here..."

lol.

So, Thibault, Gram and Gumm are staying behind?

I think the GM said that just Wyar was staying.  The others were NPC'ed down into the room with us.

Yup.  See that now.

Navarre, are you exploring the next cell in the hallway through Archway 1, or are you moving to Archway 2?

I think I'll go 3-4 cells down further on both sides.  I'm curious but I dont want to get too far away from the main room.

While exploring sheath my sword if needed just long enough to open a door.  If I can nudge doors open with my foot.

You’re not alone.  Jody is alongside Navarre; he can help with doors and see in the dark.

Sounds good Jody.  Jody can open doors then so I can keep both hands where they need to be, sword and shield.

Hey, guys, sorry about being so quiet. I’ve been trying to carve out some time for a post, but I had a presentation and a paper last week, and I’m working on a presentation for Tuesday (about Gary Gygax). Then more papers and a few book reviews to write. I’ll post tomorrow, though.

Can we get a link to the GG presentation? Or share some of it here?

A Gary Gygax presentation?  For work?

How cool.

I once watched a Youtube vid by Adam Koebel.  He has been a permanent GM for I think Switch TV.  He's a full time GM for someone, it might be the gaming site Roll 20.  Anyway, he talked about the history and evolution of D&D.  Gygax didn't invent D&D but like many things in life he improved upon something that already existed.  One of D&Ds forefathers was a game called Chainmail.  Anyway, one of the stories I love is that Gygax took inspiration for monsters from everywhere.  The old MM creature called the Rust Monster, the image for it Gygax borrowed from a toy he found at a garage sale.

I’ve read a number of books and articles on Gygax. I have no idea how I’m going to cover everything in 5 minutes.

He wrote Chainmail, too. ;) Chainmail was a wargame with some optional fantasy rules with hobbits, orcs, dwarves, ents, balrogs, etc. He borrowed heavily from Tolkien, although Gygax really preferred Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories. Gygax was very prolific, but you’re right, Navarre. Dave Arneson was the guy who took Gygax’s rules for armies and adapted them for individual characters, and together Gygax and Arneson created D&D (though Gygax later tried to take all the credit).

Yeah, for monsters, he’s go to the 5 and Dime store, pick out random toys, and turn them into monsters.

It’s a short presentation for a class, but I’m planning on writing an adventure to go along with the presentation. If I do, then maybe I’ll have you guys playtest it down the road. =)

If/when I get rich, I'd love to hire a full-time GM!

Ceredyn, of Keep on the Borderlands fame (and many others), who several of us here know, I used to tell him that if I ever won the lottery I'd pay him to quit his job and GM here full time.  Sadly, I never won.  I wonder if he would had I won.

Very cool boss.

Woot!  A map!  Dont apologize for the crudeness.  Its works wonderfully.  It shows where things are better than words and its easy on you which means not a lot of time.  Thanks boss!

Curse this diceroller! (and the light penalty that I neglected)

That's it. The next one gets it in the head!

For what it's worth, rather than initiative order, giving the play-by-post nature of things on rpol.net, I prefer a little fog of battle chaos. I propose that everyone post their actions, and the monsters will essentially do their moves simultaneously, with some help from the DM. That may not work given the detailed nature of GURPS combat; wherein the difference between 2 steps and 3 may determine whether one can All-Out Attack or not, etc., but it's all in good fun and in keeping things moving.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

Right, Gwydian, exactly. It's very helpful to me if you tell me via PM your general moves for the battle, and I'll sort things out in the round summaries.

My style is that I prefer to write to share what the other PCs can see me doing.  Anything else is for the GM in private.  I like the fog of war as well and prefer that communication about tactics be done through role play.  I dont always succeed but thats my goal anyway, lol.

Is that one health check or one every round (or 2 rounds)?

Just 1, and when you first get 1 yard away from one of the creatures. Make the HT check just once, the first time you come close enough to the creatures.

Safe assumptions I think, given Mock called out to everyone after the creatures were down!

wow, halflings get no respect.

In reply to Jody (msg # 348):

Lol, not true...they are just overlooked!

Hi everyone! new gurps player here, but I have been playing TOR and AIME for a few years now. I'll be making a man of Rohan. looking forward to meeting you all in game!

Nice to meet you Triple!  Looking forward to see what you come up with!

In reply to Gilmith (msg # 351):

Cool, see you soon!

I agree that as a player, exploring sounds fun, but my Character would want to do what we came for and get them out. But he might want to clear the area to do that...

Well met TT, looking forward to playing with you.

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 353):

Thanks!

Should we press on at least a little bit, in order to rescue Triple Threat, too?

I'm still working with our new player on his character idea, and we likely won't bring him in until we finish this adventure, unless a method arises along the way. He is not currently in this area.

ok, good to know, thx.

I’ll post in the morning, guys. I’ve been procrastinating over writing a paper today. It’s coming along slowly, but hopefully I can finish it up tomorrow.

So, will you stay or will you go? Balin and Óin reported at least a dozen Mewlips here, but as Gwydian pointed out, there could be even more.

If the boat returns to Lake-town, at least two more will be needed to row it.

If you decide to take the gift to the Eagles, Balin will insist on going, so if you don't want him to come along (and he's in no condition to travel), one of you will need to make a Diplomacy roll to convince him to return to Lake-town. You can have Thibault do so if you wish.

*Stands and does golf clap

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 360):

Player would want to stay and get gold, but character would want to go and get the dwarves to safety.

By 'get the dwarves to safety' Mock do you mean Mock votes to take them to Lake Town now, as Gumm is suggesting?

In reply to Navarre Kodran (msg # 362):

Yes. If we leave them with the boat, we risk them being killed by an attack on our base. If we take them with us, we risk killing them by taking them into battle in their weakened state.

They’d probably be okay for a while, but really trying to clean this place out would put them at risk.

When you talk about risk assessment its good to separate risk from probability.  Risk is the worst that can happen.  True, they could die if we take them up top and something comes along and eats them.  But what is the probability that it will happen?  If we can hide them I think its low.

Its kind of like this.  If you get in your car and drive to the grocery store whats the worst that can happen?  You could get into a car accident and die.  But whats the probability of it happening?

As a compromise how about this?   The dwarves were safe locked in the room for a week.  They already have 1 ax and some water.  I propose we put them back in there with some food and more weapons.  Do we have any spare weapons?  I can donate a knife and a shield.  Boss, did we find any weapons during our travels?  Such as at their abandoned camp?  I cant remember.

Anyway I suggest we give them food and some weapons and they once again hole up in that room with the door barred.  It kept them safe for a whole week.  We spend a few hours trying to rid this place of the evil Mewlips.  When we are satisfied that its cleared enough we disable the bell, taking it with us if needed and tossing it randomly deep in the swamp.  Then we take the dwarves back to Lake Town.  Objections?

The Dwarves won't react well to being told to go back into the abandoned wine cellar. They want out of this place now, and you'll likely have to physically shove them in (which won't be hard, since they're malnourished and weak right now, but they likely won't appreciate it).

The Dwarves do have their axes, but they won't be able to defend themselves. You guys haven't found any weapons, although you could potentially fashion rude clubs or knives from the bones you have found.

Gilmith would object strenuously to locking the dwarves back up in the cellar.  Even dwarves don't deserve to be shut up in a closet for a week at a time.  She wouldn't argue to sending them topside with Wyatt (after all, we didn't seem to mind him being up there by himself, not sure what extra danger adding two dwarves will add) and taking a look around but if the others are saying that isn't on the table, Gilmith votes we take them back to Lake Town now.

As a side note, I was wrong when I said there were elvish settlements a few days away, turns out they are all significantly farther north.  Seems that it's a wash whether we take them to Lake Town or an elvish settlement, and Gilmith still suggests the former.

There are however, stashes of food and other survival equipment hidden around the forest which Gilmith would be able to locate.  We could head off course for one of those if we are super worried about food (which I agree with Navarre that we shouldn't be).

Navarre would counter that we should look at this situation dispassionately.  The dwarves have been in that room for a week with little to no food and 1 weapon between them (or 1 weapon each).  I'm suggesting that they stay there a little longer armed so that no one else suffers the fate they nearly met.

This place is the equivalent of a quick sand pit hidden in a jungle.  It sounds as though the majority is in favor of leaving the jungle with the quick sand pit in tact.  Navarre's conscience makes it hard for him to do that.  Not impossible, just difficult.

But Navarre doesn't want to alienate himself from people by excessively arguing.  So if the bulk of the group says that we go now Kodran would concede if we can disarm the bell on the way out.  Boss, is it possible to climb the chimney and say wrap some cloth around the ringer so it cant bang against the bell, and then cut the rope holding the bell up?  Is it light enough that we could carry it out and drop it in the swamp somewhere?  Without that damned bell this place wouldn't be so menacing.

The chimney is pretty narrow, but Gilmith and Jody are able to fit inside. I'll need a Climbing roll from whoever is going to make the climb and a DX check to cut the bell and catch it.

There are settlements to the west, including the Woodmen's Hall and Beorn's House, where you could potentially restock as well, but Lake-town is the closest.

I'd be willing to catch the falling bell if someone is willing to climb up and cut the cord.

If we do that I'd like to place something on the floor in case I flub the catch.   Some broken furniture or whatever refuse is laying around.  Just something relatively soft so the bell doesnt make a racket if I miss.

Sure. Perhaps someone has a blanket to catch it? Or someone's empty backpack?

Jody is, in order of preference:

A) willing to climb and cut (climb roll to follow, but only used if we agree on that.)

B) willing to fight mewlips now; but put the dwarves in the boat

C) willing to go back to lake town now

D) willing to fight mewlips with the dwarves

In the spirit of Christmas, I'd like to give you guys Christmas presents. =) Roll a d20 and consult the below chart for your gift.

1. Gain d3 Hero Points

2. Remove d3 Shadow points

3. Find a magic item during an adventure

4. Find a magic weapon during an adventure

5. Gain a 5-point Advantage

6. Gain a 10-point Advantage

7. Gain a 15-point Advantage

8. Gain a level in ST or HT

9. Gain a level in IQ or DX

10. Gain 1 level of your choice of Will, Per, Speed, or Move

11. Gain d3 HP

12. Gain d3 FP

13. Remove 1 disadvantage

14. Gain a new skill (subject to GM approval)

15. Go up d3 levels in an existing skill

17. Gain d10 CP

18. Survive an attack that would normally kill your character

19. Receive unlooked-for help in a time of need

20. Find a cache of hidden gold during an adventure

Magic weapons!

Merry Christmas!

14:28, Today: Gilmith rolled 4 using 1d20 ((4)).

In reply to Gilmith (msg # 374):

Rolled a 7: 15 point advantage! Can I put it towards Weapon Master: Axe worth 20 points when I earn another 5 points?

10:59, Today: Navarre Kodran rolled 12 using 1d20.  Christmas Loot!


11:00, Today: Navarre Kodran rolled 3 using 1d3.  FP.


Thanks boss!

Regarding what to do in play, I the player dont want to stall the game while we debate for a month.  Navarre has a moral code as a protector.  He cant simply walk away now knowing this place could trap more souls and perhaps kill them next time.  But if we disable the bell before we leave he feels that's an adequate compromise.

If Jody will climb the chimney and cut the rope Navarre will attempt to catch it using whatever is available to aid in cushioning its fall.  If the ringer can be wrapped in cloth before the cord is cut, and then a group of us can use a blanket held flat above the ground and held tight, as you see firemen do, then I think that would suffice.  If it all works Navarre will carry the bell with us maybe a mile, a half a mile and drop it in the swamp so its submerged and hidden.

Agreed.

Jody doesn’t like leaving the danger behind, and is Curious as a 10’ dis; he wants to stay.  But if it’s to be heel-digging, then bell and gone.

I rolled the other day for climbing; it was a pass.

Here’s my gift roll:

06:27, Today: Jody rolled 4 using 1d20.  Very Merry.