The morning of the 18th of Bloomingtide brings a welcome cool northwesterly breeze after several days of oppressively hot weather that ushered in summer in central Ferelden. Four souls approach the North Fork, a split in the well-worn path a little more than a day north of Lothering.

The west side will begin to track westward several miles on, linking to a string of villages before eventually meeting the old imperial highway now called the North Road on the shores of Lake Calenhad. The east side continues its generally northerly direction for several days, passing through Bewick before several eastward branches take travelers to the many villages that dot the fertile landscape.

For the quartet that now looks upon it, however, their destination is much closer to the divergence of the two paths.

Fost, the veteran mercenary, has been in Lothering for some months giving occasional service to Arl Eamon of Redcliffe. An acclaimed “arl’s man,” he quickly found respect from the locals in his new home, and they have turned to him to help resolve the odd dispute or outside trouble.

Erin, born and raised on a farm on the northeastern side of the village, has parlayed her natural affinity for soldiering into a reliable job on the village watch. Since the arrival of Fost and the scout Wendoll, she has come into greater renown after helping scatter a group of bandits who were plaguing the road south to Ostagar.

Wendoll, for his part, is an elf from Edgehall, the son of a hero of the rebellion. He served in the guard of the Teyrn of Highever before taking his skills as a guide and scout on the road, helping travelers cross sometimes dangerous territory. He’s been in Lothering for the better part of a year, and has formed a close acquaintance with the two popular warriors, which has afforded him a slight buffer against any local prejudices.

Tyrus, the relative newcomer of the group, is a Tevinter mage adventurer who traveled to Ferelden in search of a “grand treasure.” His expedition stalled about a month ago, and he’s been stuck in Lothering since. The guide he was to hire, Wendoll, introduced him to Fost and Erin, and he has slowly gained acceptance into their confidence.

Reverend Mother Ilannea entreated them to locate Ser Andra, who has not returned from investigating a possible apostate sighting near the North Fork nearly a week ago. They all know Andra (Erin best of all), one of a pair of templars who has served Lothering chantry for more than a decade (Erin believes she’s “forty-ish”); she’s known as a stern, but kind woman who delights in children and often laments that she will have none of her own. She and her fellow templar Ser Ragnall heavily scrutinized Tyrus upon his arrival, but apparently deemed him “acceptable,” as long as he kept his magic to himself during his visit. (The pair has also checked in on him regularly during his stay.)

The initial report was given by a dwarf merchant named Brogan, who has since continued on his travels down to Ostagar. Brogan reportedly stayed the night at farmer Dainen’s house - Dainen often entertains guests on their way to or from Lothering; his place is about a day’s travel from the village, so it’s perfectly situated as a wayside.

The farmer told them what he told Ser Andra: The dwarf had arrived two days before her visit, reeking of his people’s spirits. In his inebriated state, Brogan said he encountered a “harrowing” sight along the road, at an eerie copse of trees just north of the fork. He described it as some thin, hooded figure seeming to be draining the blood from a female form - the long shadows of the afternoon obscured any further detail, he said - which seemed to sizzle when it hit the ground. He heard “the shrieks of demons” from just past the scene, and believed the figure to be summoning horrors from beyond “your Fade.”

He also felt a strange stalking presence nearby, and, fearing the “blood mage” would turn on him, hightailed it as quickly as his legs could carry him. Brogan admitted to dipping heavily into his reserves afterwards to calm his nerves.

The rest of the templar’s visit was just small talk before she retreated to her room for devotions and sleep; the next morning, he said, she told him she would investigate the site of the encounter and the surrounding area, then, perhaps visit some of the farms to the southwest and southeast if she found nothing there. That was the last he saw of her.

Dainen added that, prior to the party’s arrival, he assumed that the dwarf had dipped heavily into his reserves long before he saw what he saw, and that the truth was clouded by intoxication; he said he told this to Ser Andra, and she hoped that was the case. The farmer thought no more of it ‘til the quartet's arrival, and admitted his concern for the templar’s well-being.

Back to the moment, the four heroes gaze at the twin tines of the fork, and the signpost at their meeting that marks the nearest destinations along each. Beyond, low grasses fill the area between the paths for a few dozen yards or so, where the land begins to dip down and give way to an area of rising brush, thickets and trees.

Almost simultaneously, they each notice something on the ground at the base of the signpost…

OOC: I paused here to allow you folks a little extemporaneous RP. But, you're also welcome to get straight to business.

Of course, Tyrus has read up upon Ferelden customs and traditions but this mostly open distrust to magic still surprised him. Trying to keep everything legal he remembers the first day he went to the chantry trying to ask about magic but was met with hostility and a barrage of questions that lasted longer than expected. From that day on Tyrus became cautious and distrustful himself of the Chantry.
Still, even more surprised was he when he arrived in Lothering. He had to stay a little longer here and once again, he went to the chantry... better to lose a day than to be sent to their circle of mages... Once more he was surprised to experience someone more reasonable. He still found them to be distrustful but he could live with daily check-ins.
It took him a while to find a guide yet before they could leave Ser Andra suddenly disappeared. One of the Templars that just loved to visit him. As a sign of goodwill and to show the Fereldens that magic is a tool just like any other he volunteered to look for her with his guide and Wendoll's friends.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Sat 30 July 2022.

The whole thing was rather dreadful, bandits and wild beasts causing trouble was one thing but blood mages demons and other spooky things from the fade were on a league of their own, one few expected to ever cross paths with, let alone wanted to. Erin was twice as worried for Andra after hearing the tale about the copse of trees and summoning of impossible creatures. She was rather fond of the Templar and she didn't even want to contemplate the possibility that something terrible and irreversible had happened to her.

Likely for the better, such thoughts kept her mind too occupied to hound and pester Tyrus to what amounted to a barrage of stupid questions about magic and those who practiced it. Curiosity was such a strong force that her own natural and Chantry ingrained wariness of mages could do little to contain it, particularly when presented with a living and sanctioned sample of the thing. Then again, this reprieve was at best temporary and somewhere in his future, the mage would have to suffer her.

Fost's mother had turned to the Faith and became devout to the Chantry when Fost had still been a toddler. Exceedingly so, which is why Fost - in order to get the attention and care of his mother - tried his best to be as devout as she was.
Today he cannot really tell if he is truly a devout believer or not.

As such he still felt a bit awkward when dealing with any members of the Chantry. And he had also never truly understood the relations between that ominous Circle of Mages, the Chantry and the Templars. Clearly there was no representative of the former group in Lothering which seemed to indicate that the latter were part of the Ferelden faith and religion.

Fost still resented authority in the form of institutions, it was a fault in his personality that had caused trouble time and again. He preferred personal relations and connections and he had respected Arl Redcliffe because of that one's personality and charisma and not because of his birth.

The same attitude seemed to work for him in Lothering. He had come to get to know and like its people in the last couple of weeks and even though he often claimed to only care for the coin in exchange of mercenary service it was simple truth that he dud care for the people. Only catching him at admitting as much would prove a worthy task for the most charming person. He considered it a weakness to, well, have a weak spot for someone. It did not fit with his past life, which was not one of leisurely indulgance. Then again, it was not as if he was a middle-aged, disillusioned veteran. Far from it. It might be a rare occurence but it did happen every now and then: truly heartfelt laughter. Like that of a young adult that he still was. Much to his annoyance even worse were those moments of awkward blushes and blurted babbling. Which seemed to catch him at the most unopportune moments and caused no end to frustration. So very much at odds with his confidence in all matters of physical and martial prowess. Not that he liked to show off. But he was quite aware of what he was capable of. And of what not.
And this matter of the templar's disappearance, unlike the fairly simple chasing away of bandits, was casting a deep frown on his brow, one of concern.

While one could debate the theological merits as to whether the elf’s ever present companion had a soul, no self-respecting Ferelden would ever argue that their Mabari are anything but Maker sent. Wendoll had brought Arnie with him to Lothering, and the dog could easily be credited with some of the goodwill the folks of the village paid the scout despite his ancestral heritage.

For his part, though, his needs were simple. Food, sleep, and a desire to serve his master. Arnie sits on his haunches and sniffs the air, picking up on something sickly sweet ahead. He looks up at his master, waiting to catch his eye, then turns his head forward again as an indication that “something is there.”

“Good boy. I see it, too,” Wendoll says, prompting Arnie to happily sweep his tail along the ground.

The group closes in on the items, finding a closed sack and a scrip leaning against the base of the signpost. A faint sweet odor of spoiled fruit hangs in the air here.

Tyrus looks up and down the roads this crossroad, making sure that no one else is on the road or nearby should anything happen. His eyes meet the strange sack and his feet bring him closer, only his nose stops him from opening it. "Well, what do we have here?" Kneeling down he reaches for the sack to open it. "Why would anyone leave this here?"

As Tyrus begins to manipulate the sack, the sickly sweet odor the group noticed on arrival intensifies. It doesn’t take much of a glance within to notice the molding bread and two rotting persimmons are probably a week or so old. His motions topple the scrip on its side, and he sees the corner of a cloth peeking out from under the flap.

OOC: I performed a secret Cunning (Natural Lore) test for Tyrus. He succeeded and scored stunt points, which will give him access to the Natural Lore focus for the remainder of the scene.

Recoiling from the smell as it intentifies he pinches his nose. "UGH, it's probably been here for a week." Before he could stand up again his eyes spy a piece of cloth. "Oh, what's..." He reaches for the piece of cloth to pull it out.

Special: Natural Lore focus, crossroad


Awesome! I'll write this down or else it's going to slip my mind.

"Yugh, just who leaves this just like that? If you are going to abandon food at least throw it away so that vermin can consume it." The way things were left there, Erin could only conclude someone forgot it rather than it falling off some cart. She was fond fo the Mabari but unless this was Andra's trash, the good dog had totally missed the 'target'.

"Hmph. It's as if someone expected to come back for it. Maybe they were interrupted?" Wendoll offers as Tyrus gently pulls the cloth from the scrip. Unfolding it, he finds a Chantry prayer cloth with Templar heraldry on it.

Erin notices the scrip looks like one she's seen Ser Andra carry before.

Standing up again he holds up the piece of cloth. "This seems to indicate Ser Andra as the culprit. Or someone else is traveling with a Templar's prayer cloth."
Without moving he looks around "Anyone good at tracking?"



Action: Perception 12 Searching immediate area for footprints/broken twigs...


Special: Natural Lore focus, crossroad

Tyrus Morven rolled 12 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 4.  Perception.

Fost mused.
"You mean like leaving your backpack to make ready for fighting? Why place it so carefully?"

Fost nodded at the offered idea of looking for tracks.

---

rolled 16 using 3d6+2 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 4, 4.  PER

Stunt Points.
Since this was a PER (Search) roll, I choose Object of your Attention to gain +1 ony any further Tests.
I also choose That Makes Me Wonder to make a simultaneous PER (Tracking) to actually follow any tracks that I may have found, assuming that the +1 applies to this very roll.
rolled 10 using 3d6+3 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 1, 1.  PER (Tracking) @+1
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

"It is definitely hers." Erin casually glanced around as if expecting her to be just standing nearby. "Maybe she left it here, so that it wouldn't weight her down while going into the wild, expecting to retrieve it later." Given how it was all rotten, it certainly didn't look like a good sign for Andra. Still, despite her worries, she had to hope that the Templar was reasonably well somewhere in the wild, just waiting to be found.

Tyrus nods as he pockets the prayer cloth, When they find Ser Andra she might be glad to see it again. "Likely, now we just have to try and follow her."

Thankfully, the skies have been free of rain for the past couple of weeks, so little off-trail was disturbed; Fost easily discovers evidence of mailed footfalls; clusters of broken grass blades moving in the general direction of the low slope. In the distance, he notices that the a couple of the taller thickets look strangely asymmetrical - pushed or cut through, maybe?

OOC: Yes, I’ll allow the bonus to apply to the test. Sadly, though, the rules of the stunt don’t allow for the stunt points generated in your latest success to be used.

Fost pointed at the taller thickets.
"Over there. Let's have a look, shall we?"
Foat walked down the slope. There was no need to make ready for combat, all this had happened days ago. He still was musing on why Andra had left her bag up here, though.

Tyrus nods, though he's less relaxed than Fost seems to be and instead keeps his eyes and ears open as he walks behind Fost.

Tyrus Morven rolled 11 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 3, 2.  Perception.

As the group nears the thickets, they notice a path has been cut (pushed?) through them into the grove beyond. A quick examination of the broken branches reveals that whoever passed through here did some time ago; days, likely.

It's at that point the group starts to feel like something is...off. Tyrus identifies it first, but the others soon realize what's missing.

"It's quiet," Wendoll says, and he's right. The air has gone still when there was a breeze before, and birds that were singing moments ago have gone silent. Even the sunlight seems "grayer" where they stand. And ahead, light should be penetrating the relatively lightly populated grove of trees, even if it's only a flash here or there through the leaves; instead, its singularly dark and foreboding.

The elf adds, "If she went in there a week ago..."

Tyrus sniffs the air, something seems off. He frowns as he looks around "I don't like it."
He stays close to his companions "Do you see anything?"

Awesome: I'm checking the area for magic with a 15
Tyrus Morven rolled 15 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 1.  Magic Spirit.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 11 Aug 2022.

OOC: Yes, you can. Make a Magic (Spirit) test vs. a hidden TN.

Tyrus attunes his mind to the ebb and flow of arcane energy around him.

If it were night this would well qualify for 'spooky'.", the burly warrior muttered.
Then he took his spear in hand and unfastened his shield.
"If something... nasty... happened here days ago and this... atmosphere... is still so... oppressive...", he muttered mire to himself, clearly struggling for words to apply to his concerned feelings.

Arnie briefly emits a low whine, and Wendoll adds, "What he said," although the others aren't sure if he's agreeing with Fost, the dog, or both. Either way, he slips his hefty fighting stick into a secure spot along his backpack and draws out his bow. Arnie, for his part, takes a more readied stance.

Tyrus closes his eyes for a moment. As if listening to music he sawys a little before opening his eyes. "The Veil is thin, I can hear its call." He stops for a moment and continues with a lower voice "Have any of you ever faced against a demon?"

Let's say we continue until we find something.

I'll try and keep my eyes open.. 9

Tyrus Morven rolled 9 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 1, 4.  perception (seeing).

Fost shook his head at Tyrus' question.
"Not that I know. And I guess I could tell."

"If you say the veil is thin... could it be that Andra was... transported away somehow through the veil? You know, some kind of gate?"

"I should hope not!" The place was eerie enough as it was to start imagining monsters from the fade laying in wait to punish their bravery and curiosity. Moreover, how could one be sure? Weren't these demons able to take over people? They could be anyone if one really stopped to think about it, but Erin liked to think that she would be able to tell the difference. Tightly gripping her glaive and turning another paler shade, she advanced. "Let's get this over with."

Tyrus shrugs his shoulders as his knuckles turn white, tightening the grasp around his staff. "It would be the first time for me to hear something like that. Demons need a shape... a body in our world to exist. Only our minds can enter the Fate, our bodies are left behind when we dream. Though its possible that a demon could have crossed into this world and found a corpse as a host. This kind of posessions do not end well." Just as he finishes his gaze is turned towards the ground, half expecting to see a skeletal or demonic hand grasping for them.

I guess we move on cautiously.

The group enters one-by-one; the first thing they notice as they get past the thickets is that the ground has become damp and almost spongy, like a moorland. The next is that the trees themselves seem to be…wilting, is the best word for it…with some sort of moss or mold forming at the base of the trunks. The air is also quite oppressive within, as the explorers feel greater pressure on their chests as they breathe and an oily wetness seems to cling in their nostrils.

Worst, though, is the feeling that the branches and leaves of the trees are reaching down toward them, as if actively trying to block out all outside light. The result is a dim, graying of both leaf and bark to the eye. Even the colors of each other’s clothing and skin appear dulled.

After what seems like an eternity passes, the pathway opens up to a ring of trees about 10 yards in diameter, their limbs interlocking menacingly. In the center is a large hollowed out tree trunk, its bark darkened by an oily film that seems to cover much of it, with tendrils of sickly gray-green moss reaching up from the ground. The group can tell the right side of the trunk appears to be fully open.


OOC: I rolled secret Perception tests for everyone.

Tyrus extends his arm, indicating to the others that they should stop. He silently points towards something metallic sticking ever so slightly out of the left side of the trunk, about a foot or so off the ground. Tyrus readies himself for a possible attack.

"Could this belong to the templar?", whispered Fost, admittedly a bit anxious given the atmosphere.
"Don't tell me she went in there?!", he said incredously.

Tyrus nods silently before indicating with his free hand and head that Fost or Erin might want to take a look at it.

I shall remain behind you and support you from the distance.

Fost nodded to Erin, then went forward to nudge the metallic item with his spear tip, trying to pry it loose.

---

rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 3, 2.  DEX.

Wendoll notches an arrow in his bow as Fost moves forward.

As he nudges the object with his spear tip, he realizes it’s the tip of a sword’s blade - a longsword, he’d wager - that has pierced the rotting bark from the other side. He could probably push it out from this end with some effort, but it would be easier to pull out from the other side.

At that moment, he hears a brief gurgling sound rise up from the other side of the trunk wall…

"What the...", Fost muttered in surprise then jumped back at the gurgling sound.
"Something is in there!", he hissed in startled anger.

Hearing the gurgling sound Tyrus throws all caution in the wind and approaches the source of the sound. "Is this... Ser Andra?" he says to himself as he approaches.

If it is Ser Andra then I'll heal her at once.

I got 4 Dragon die points. I'll use Skillfull casting twice to reduce the MP cost by 2

05:12, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 8 using 3d6 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 2, 1.  Healing.

05:09, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+4 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 4, 1.  Healing.

Humming to herself a hushed tune, Erin nodded and moved along to the hollow tree with newfound courage. Gurgles were nothing to be scared about, specially next to the rest of the twisted assault to the senses and normalcy of the place. Without even thinking, she walked around to check the possible source of it.

Erin and Tyrus move forward quickly, the former more blissfully than the latter, and round the trunk to its opening. The first thing that catches their eyes is the stout form of Ser Andra, seated and pressed up against the inner wall of the trunk, the hilt of a poorly maintained longsword protruding from her abdomen. A combination of dried and fresh blood stains her tabard around and below the weapon that impaled her, having pooled at some point on her legs. Her chin and neck are similarly stained, and a frothy mixture of blood and saliva wets the corners of her mouth.

Her sword and shield lay just beyond where her hands rest limply on the earth, and this is when they see a scattering of what appears to be human bones strewn about the area, including under their feet.

The pair are startled when she draws in a gasping breath and opens her eyes; despite the pain she must be feeling, especially when breathing in like that, she meets them with a determined gaze. In her trademark husky voice, which cracks through the effort of speaking, she says, “The dead litter this place…,” after which she appears to pass out, her breathing gurgled and ragged.

OOC: Fost and Wendoll also hear this.

You each get one turn. What are you doing?

Map for Group 0 has been updated.

For some reason not clearly definable Fost had indeed thought of undead creatures when he heard that gurgle. Most likely inspired by a too vivid imagination about the story they had been told of the intoxicated dwarf's escapades.
Hearing the voice, recognizing it even, startled him. How long could one possibly voluntarily stay in this place for so long? Especially since that voice seemed to be one of a grieveously wounded person.
Regardless, Fost did hear the mentioning of the dead and so he glanced about, checking for any potential threat while his companions seemingly tended to the person inside the tree trunk. He gripped his spear and shield harder...

Tyrus's eyes open wide in surprise, his own imagination couldn't couldn't have conjured up the picture he sees in front of him. Still he's determine to show this Templar that magic is a tool, not an unstable alchemical concoction. He looks at Erin with determination. "I'll need you to remove the sword as I cast my healing spell." He rushes forward as he channels his energy.


I assume I can't draw the sword out and heal at the same time... I'll need your help Erin. IF you want to save her. Tyrus simply has to succeed.

Action: Healing 8 HP, 4 Dragon points using Skillfull casting twice to reduce the cost by 2


I got 4 Dragon die points. I'll use Skillfull casting twice to reduce the MP cost by 2

05:12, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 8 using 3d6 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 2, 1.  Healing.

05:09, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+4 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 4, 1.  Healing.

For a moment, Erin was in shock believing the good Templar dead, they were too late to be of any help. Then she moved, she spoke, she was very much alive if only barely. "Oh Maker! Hang in there Andra!" Erin was about to brutishly do just as much but the instructions coming from Tyrus stayed her hand and refined what would otherwise be a rushed gut driven reaction. With a foot on the firm wood and both hands on the sword, she carefully pulled it it free the moment she understood the foreigner to be working his magics.

---

17:06, Today: Erin rolled 15 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 4.  Pulling sword, foot on wood (TN 13).

Wendoll keeps watch, unsure of what might come about, but seeing Fost tighten his grip on his own weapon and keeping his weapon fully at the ready, just in case. Arnie notices the tension in the others, and stands on all fours, sniffing the air vigilantly.

Erin's controlled strength draws the impaling blade out of the tree and Ser Andra in one quick motion, and the templar slumps forward and falls away from the warrior's steadying boot. It seems to the young watchman that Andra immediately begins to breathe easier. The blade in her hand is old, very old, and shows signs of disuse and environmental pitting, and she realizes how easily the blade could've come apart on her at any point during that pull.

As she considers her fortune, the mage slips in beside her and casts his spell. Healing energy pours forth from his hands and weaves its way in and around the templar's wounds. The main belly wound begins to close, but Tyrus notices that something seems to be inhibiting his magic, as if something else is working to sustain the woman. The veil is thin here; maybe her suffering drew out a spirit of compassion?

Suddenly, the air starts to swirl around the hollow and within the trunk, whipping up fallen leaves and debris. The gust is chilly - as in winter-levels of chilly - and distant ethereal shrieks and cackles echo about. The noise grows louder, and words can be picked out of the gibberish.

“She’s ours! She’s ours!” Four skeletons rise up out of the ground, spears in hand, repeating the phrase through shrieks and cackles.

OOC: Roll Initiative, folks!

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

Skel 1 0 Uninjured
Skel 2 0 Uninjured
Skel 3 0 Uninjured
Skel 4 0 Uninjured

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Thu 25 Aug 2022.

Standing up and turning around, Tyrus' eyes open wide as the dead rise from the ground all around him. His head jerks back towards Ser Andra before turning again towards this new threat. "Undead! Demons!" He calls out as he channels his magical energies and releases them between a couple of these bone man.

Action: Mind Blast hitting as many skeletons as possible (without harming any of my allies)
STR  (Might) VS Spellpower 16, 2 yard radius. Targets are knocked prone and can't take actions.

Tyrus Morven rolled 9 using 3d6+1 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 3, 2.  initiative.

Tyrus Morven rolled 15 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 1.  Mind Blast.

Fost gasped briefly then flung his spear at the creature that had just risen from the ground. His arm reached over his shoulder to draw the large blade. The momentum carried him towards the opening.

---

Major: Attack, thrown spear at either #3 or #4 depending on Initiative and situation, Total Damage 17
Minor: Ready

Stunts: Lethal Blow (5), Skirmish (1)

rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,3.  Lethal Blow.
rolled 9 using 1d6+7.  Throwing Spear Damage.
Mistake here, Throwing Spear is 1d6+3+STR, so that's actually 10 damage
rolled 22 using 3d6+7 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 6, 3.  Throwing Spear attack, short range

This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Sat 27 Aug 2022.

Erin didn't have much time to bask in her happiness as the foul things emerged. Thankfully the foreigner had immediately answered the important question, were these 'undead' monstrosities possessed by the ghosts of some former bandits or was it fade beasts that inhabited them? Erin wasn't sure how one killed corpses or demons for that matter but nobody she knew enjoyed a good thrashing. Dropping the sword, she picked back her glaive and swung it at the closest of them.

---

Initiative
10:32, Today: Erin rolled 12 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 1, 3.
Drop Rusty sword.
Ready my glaive.
Melee attack skeleton 1
10:48, Today: Erin rolled 9 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 1, 2.  Attack on Skelleton 1 Glaive.
10:50, Today: Erin rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,3.  Damage (just in case).

Round 1
Though prepared to attack immediately, the elf hesitates for a brief moment, startled by the rising of the dead from the ground. As one skeleton, its bony fingers gripping its two-handed spear, takes a step into the trunk hollow, Wendoll recovers his senses and looses an arrow at it.

(Prepared Ranged Attack at Skel 2: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 17 using 3d6+6 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 3.  Longbow +6 Prepared Attack.

Using 1 SP to rapid reload, and 2SP for mighty blow (+1d6 damage)

Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 12 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 3,2.  Longbow Damage + Mighty Blow.)

Though he scores a solid hit, Wendoll isn’t able to bring the skeleton down and it lunges forward at Tyrus. (Skel 2 takes 12 damage.)

(Move + Attack Tyrus: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 2, rolled 20 using 3d6+3 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 5, 6.  Two-handed Spear +3 Attack

2SP for Mighty Blow (+1d6 damage), 2SP for Knock Prone, and 2SP for Skirmish (moving Tyrus out of the way and placing itself adjacent to Ser Andra).

Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 2, rolled 5 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,1.  Two-Handed Spear Damage + Mighty Blow 1d6.)

Amazingly enough, the spear point only clips a bit of flesh, catching mostly clothing. (Tyrus takes 5 damage, is knocked prone, and is moved behind the skeleton as it approaches Ser Andra.)

Seeing the arrow whiz past it, the second skeleton on the right side rushes Wendoll.

(Skel 3 is Charging.

Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 3, rolled 12 using 3d6+4 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System (({3}, 3, 2)).)

The adroit rogue is able to sidestep the charging attack.

OOC: Pausing here for a moment. Fost, given the circumstances, will your attack be against Skel 3 or Skel 4?

Erin, do you still want to attack Skel 1, since Skel 2 is now directly threatening Ser Andra?

Tyrus, how are you directing your Mind Blast at this point? To get 1 & 2 together, you put Erin and Andra at risk. You can change your spell, as needed, and use the same Magic roll.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 36/41 - Prone
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

Skel 1 0 Uninjured
Skel 2 -12 Heavy
Skel 3 0 Uninjured
Skel 4 0 Uninjured

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Recognizing the mabari will protect his master, Fost focuses on the isolated skeleton before him. His mighty throw strikes the horror in the breastbone and continues through the spine and into a tree beyond. The upper bones of the creature effectively explode, scattering every which way, leaving only its hip bone attached to a pair of wobbly legs that quickly collapse into a disorganized pile. (17 damage to Skel 4)

As Erin’s attention is pulled toward the immediate threat to Ser Andra, the skeleton next to her attempts to plunge its spear into her midsection. Thankfully, Erin sees the attack in time and turns her hips slightly, and the spearpoint slips by her with no effect.

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 1, rolled 9 using 3d6 with the AGE System (({1}, 3, 5)).

Arnie doesn’t take kindly to anyone rushing his master like that, demon-fueled corpse or no. Closing ranks with the elf, the mabari snaps at the skeleton with its powerful jaws.

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 12 using 3d6+5 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System (({2}, 3, 2)).

Stunt: Knock Prone (2 SP)

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 4 using 1d6+1 ((3)).

 Thanks to its focus on Wendoll, Arnie bites down on a leg bone and thrashes his head back and forth to pull the creature to the ground. (Skel 3 takes 4 damage and is knocked prone.)

The elf takes advantage of Arnie’s attack, stows his bow and draws out his quarterstaff, which he brings down in a smashing arc against his supine foe.

Ready, Attack

Today: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 17 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System (({2}, 6, 4)).

Today: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 5 using 1d6+2 ((3)).

Bone splinters and flies in several directions, but the skeleton is still in fighting shape. (Skel 3 takes 5 damage)

Having to dodge the attack of the other skeleton adjusts her own strike against her target, sending the blade of her glaive between the skeleton and Ser Andra.

The mage regains his footing and levels his staff at the offending creature, blasting it with arcane energy. The skeleton explodes in a burst of bone and dry marrow. (Skel 2 takes 10 damage)

Round 2

Further enraged (if such a thing is even possible), the skeleton stands back up and continues pressing the attack against the archer.

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 3, rolled 18 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System (({4}, 6, 5)).

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 3, rolled 10 using 2d6+3 ((4,3)).

This time, though, the creature’s attack strikes true, finding a gap in Wendoll’s armor. (Wendoll takes 6 damage)

OOC: Fost is up. Everyone, though, can post their Round 2 actions. Skel 1 remains focused on Erin, and Skel 3 remains focused on Wendoll.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 36/41
Wendoll 34/40
Arnie 25/25

Skel 1 0 Uninjured
Skel 2 -22 Destroyed
Skel 3 -9 Heavy
Skel 4 -17 Destroyed

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Tyrus continues his assault, this time focusing on the skeleton next to Erin. Swinging his staff in one fluid motion, a ball of arcane energy races towards the demonic creature.


Tyrus Morven rolled 8 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 4.  dam.

07:47, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 4, 3.  Arcane lance atk.

With a grim satisfaction Fost watched the demise of the skeleton before he moved to the prone abysmal creature to plunge his blade at its ugly head. He hoped those inside the tree were able to thwart the assault bust a little bit longer...

---

Minor: Move
Major: Attack #3
rolled 12 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
rolled 18 using 3d6+7 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 2, 4.  Bastard Sword attack

With the Templar safe from any immediate harm, Erin could now focus on the skeleton that had tried to skewer her. She swung her glaive about, upwards from where she left it in her last attack.

---

11:46, Today: Erin rolled 11 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 2, 6.  Attack on Skelleton 1 Glaive.
11:47, Today: Erin rolled 14 ((5,6)) using 2d6+3.  Damage (just in case).

The heavy blade pierces the creature’s skull, causing it to crumble in on itself, and the rest of its bones suddenly lose their cohesion and fall into a vaguely human-like outline on the ground. (Skel 3 takes 12 damage.)

Focused on the foe in front of him, the skeleton took great aim and thrust its spear at Erin. She attempts to turn the attack away with a subtle movement of the haft of her own weapon, but she fails to connect and the spear strikes her solidly.

OOC: Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 1, rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System (({4}, 2, 3)).

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Skel 1, rolled 13 using 2d6+3 ((5,5)).

She feels it pierce her side, and it feels ice cold, full of dread and despair. (Erin takes 9 damage.)

The dog sniffs warily at the disassembled skeleton, then, satisfied that it poses no more threat, waits for his master’s orders.

Nodding to Fost in appreciation of the warrior’s decisive blow, Wendoll swaps his staff for his bow and moves toward the opening, where Tyrus is standing. Arnie follows at his heel.

Taking advantage of the mage’s threat to the creature, Erin draws her polearm upward and catches the skeleton in several places. (Skel 1 takes 14 damage.)

Tyrus follows up the warrior’s strike with another blast from the tip of his staff, which rips through whatever demonic force that is holding the bones together and sends them clattering against the inner trunk wall behind it. (Skel 1 takes 8 damage.)

As the last skeleton falls, the group scarcely has time to catch their breath when eerie laughter fades in from the right. One creepy, high-pitched voice cries out, “You can-not have her!” Followed by an equally creepy echo repeating the phrase, as two partially decomposed corpses, bits of flesh sloughing off and falling to the grove floor, emerge from the trees.

OOC: Okay, let’s begin Round 3. New map is up.

Health
Erin 51/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 36/41
Wendoll 34/40
Arnie 25/25

Devouring Corpse 1 0 Healthy
Devouring Corpse 2 0 Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Tyrus' victory smile freezes on his face as suddenly there seem to be even more opponents. How many more are waiting in the bushes? How many cuts can he bear before this bright student falls to the rusted blade of these demons. Holding the wound with one hand he stands tall and his staff in another, before Erin and the wounded Ser Andra, he speaks "Begone foul demons. She's not yours to possess. Back into the Fade where you came from!" Moving his bloodied hand to his staff he lifts it up into the air before spinning it around and pointing at one of the corpses, engulfing it in a thin layer of frost which seems to threaten to freeze it solid.



Action: Winter's Grasp: Devouring corpse 2. 5 penetrative damage. It has to make a successful (STAMINA) vs. 14 spellpower test or at the end of its next turn it receives 1d6 penetrating damage and -2 to speed; Turns remaining: 4



20:47, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  penetrating damage.

20:45, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 2, 6.  Frost
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Wed 07 Sept 2022.

"They keep coming! Take Andra away from here, carry her if you must!, Fost growled loudly before closing in on the new foe and slashing at it with a powerful swing. He turned the momentum to his advantage for another swing...

---

Mimor: Move
Major: Attack DC2
rolled 12 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
rolled 17 using 3d6+7 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 3, 4.  Bastard Sword attack

Stunt: Lightning Attack (3)
rolled 14 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
rolled 14 using 3d6+7 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 3, 1.  Bastard Sword attack, Lightning Attack
Generates no additional SP

The stinging burning pain left behind by the spear made Erin flinch with every movement. Still, the urgency of the task made everything else take a backseat to rescuing Andra. Hooking and using her glaive for leverage, she began to pull on and drag her away at a painfully slow pace it seemed to her at the time.

---

Dragging her at a 5 movement pace, 11/2 rounding down.

Fost rounds the trunk and slams his blade into the unholy creature, followed by a savage return that sends bits of cloth and grayish flesh flying. But, it doesn’t bleed; it just looks like he’s taking off slices of clay from an-unfinished sculpture. (DC2 takes 26 damage.)

With Fost on the nearest creature, Arnie instinctively intercepts the other.

OOC: Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 19 using 3d6+4 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System (({6}, 6, 3)).

Skirmish 2yds (1SP), Knock Prone (2SP), Lightning Attack (3SP)

Damage: Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 5 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 4.  Bite Damage 1d6+1

2nd Attack, Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 13 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System (({3}, 4, 1)).

2nd Damage: Today: Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 7 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 6.  Bite Damage 1d6+1.

Champing down forcefully on the corpse’s leg, the dog pulls the creature to the ground and drags it around to its left before releasing and biting again. (DC 1 takes 12 damage.)

Wendoll notches an arrow and fires at the corpse engaged with Fost.

OOC: Today: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 14 using 3d6+6 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System (({2}, 3, 3)).

Rapid Reload (1SP), Skirmish (1SP)

Today: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 13 using 1d6+7 ((6)).

The shot pierces an opening created by the warrior, and exits the other side. The creature seems to lose all sense of direction and motivation, and then collapses in a heap where it stands. (DC2 takes 13 damage. DC2 is destroyed.)

The elf moves around behind Tyrus to help form a wall between the remaining creature and Erin. That creature rights itself and lashes out at the mabari.

OOC: Today: Evil GM, for the NPC DC1, rolled 18 using 3d6+5 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System (({6}, 6, 1)).

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC DC1, rolled 9 using 1d6+5 ((4)).

Skirmish (1SP), Drain Life (5SP)

Today: Evil GM, for the NPC DC1, rolled 24 using 6d6 ((6,2,5,4,2,5)).

It strikes the animal hard and slips past it to stand between Tyrus and Wendoll. The creature then emits a wailing, demonic scream, and everyone feels like every hair on their body is being yanked away at the same time. Simultaneously, the creature appears to have regathered its original strength. (Erin takes 6 damage. Ser Andra takes 2 damage. Tyrus takes 5 damage. Arnie takes 13 (9 + 4) damage. Wendoll takes 2 damage. Fost takes 5 damage. All damage is penetrating (ignores armor). DC1 heals 24 Health.)

Erin fights through the pain to hook the haft of her glaive under Ser Andra’s arms and starts to carefully drag her to safety. The movement causes Andra to groan, but it doesn’t look like any wounds have opened up.

A blast of frost pours forth from Tyrus’ hand and staff and engulfs the corpse, which stiffens and shrieks in pain. (DC1 takes 5 damage.)

OOC: With the destruction of DC2, we’re now in Round 4. Actions?

Health
Erin 45/60
Fost 57/62
Tyrus 31/41
Wendoll 32/40
Arnie 12/25

Ser Andra +8/-2 Near Death (reflecting she gained 8 Health from Tyrus' healing, then later took damage; you don't know how close she is to death)

Devouring Corpse 1 -5 Light - Winter’s Grasp, CON (Stamina) vs. SP14 at beginning of next 4 turns
Devouring Corpse 2 -39 Destroyed

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

With a roar of anger more than pain and yet with some fear meddled in, Fost moved around Wendoll to cut futher chunks off the unholy creature. So enraged was the burly warrior that he quickly recovered his balance to deal another powerful blow to their foe which was thus pushed into the tree trunk.

---

Minor: Move
Major: Attack

rolled 18 using 3d6+7 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 3, 4.  Bastard Sword attack
rolled 16 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.

Lightning Attack (3)
rolled 21 using 3d6+7 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 5, 4.  Bastard Sword attack, Lightning Attack
rolled 15 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
Does not generate further SP

Skirmish (1), move foe 2 yards away from the melee

The creature shrieks again, unleashing impotent fury at the warrior as it hangs suspended on the heavy blade. A moment later, though, the corpse is once again lifeless and slumps over. It then seems to slough off the blade, falling away into a blackish ichor that pours into the ground and disappears.

As if a fog has lifted, sunlight begins to filter through the canopy, and color begins to pop out around them. The browns are more robust, shades of green flutter gently in the slight breeze that carries with it the familiar scents of summer. Even the twitter of birds can be heard.

In the center of tree trunk, a vaguely humanoid form hovers a few inches above the ground; semi-transparent and translucent, it has a slightly iridescent sheen to its "body."

"The dead will rest, now, for a while," it says in an ethereal voice. "I had hoped that someone would miss Andra, and I'm glad you came looking for her."

OOC: We're out of combat rounds. Fost's fury was enough to finish it.

Tyrus barely had time to cover his ear with his free hand before Fost already killed the last one of those things. He runs towards Ser Andra and once more summons his magical abilities to heal her. These demons are tougher than he thought and remembered.
Suddenly this ghost like creature appears, it doesn't seem to be hostile and instead talks to them. He looks at Erin and down upon Ser Andra before standing up again and bowing slightly to the creature. "Who, are you?" He asks in a quiet, almost cautious voice.





Action: Healing Ser Andra again for 11 HP

Do I know what this hovering, semi-transparent thing is? ... probably not..

Tyrus Morven rolled 9 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 1, 2.  cunning.


09:48, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 11 using 3d6 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 3, 4.  Health.

09:48, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 16 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 2, 4.  Healing.

Fost whirled around at the strange voice and seeing an apparition he hesitated,  wondering what good his mundane blade would do against such a kind of opponent.
It took a moment to let go of the adrenaline and actually realize what this one had said and assessing whether it was yet another foe to combat and maybe something of an ally.
By the time, he had come around, Tyrus had already engaged in a different sort of encounter: conversation.

---

rolled 16 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 6, 3.  PER (Empathy).
Trying to evaluate this apparition's stance/attitude, i.e. friendly/benevolent or hostile

"I am known by many epithets. Charity. Love. Comforter. Compassion," it says. That last title sticks with Tyrus; he recalls learning about spirits of compassion, who sometimes draw near to those in pain. With the veil thin in this place, it makes sense that this spirit would want to lend itself to Ser Andra in her struggle.

Fost gets a sense that it's completely benevolent. The fact that the flora quickly regained its normal color after the encounter, and that this creature seems to have no negative effect on its environment, lends to its credibility as an entity with peaceful intent.

"If you can get Andra away from here now, do. The spirits that crossed the veil are dispersed, but the violence here will draw others soon," it adds.

Tyrus bows for earnest: "Thank you oh spirit of compassion. We shall take her away from this place." He turns to Erin and Fost "Quick, lets not linger any longer. Could you two help Ser Andra?" He turns back to the spirit "Before I leave... How can the veil that parts our world and your be fixed or strengthend?"

Startled by the apparition's words Fost wondered whether he had ever heard of anything like that in his mother's devoted religious sermons or stories, myths even. She had been compassion incarnate, or so he had often thought. But she had not able able to change the fauna like this... ghost-like creature. Was this creature sent by Fate or by the Maker himself?
Still wondering Fost heard the warning, he quickly sheathed his sword, slung the shield on his back and then helped Erin to support Andra. Grumbling at the awkwardness, he nodded to Erin to step back and then lifted the templar up in his strong arms and carried her away, grunting at the weight.

---

rolled 15 using 3d6+1 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 2, 6.  CUN.
Woot! 6 SPs might represent a true revelation :D

rolled 16 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 3, 6.  STR
The dice love me these days

Erin stood frozen in place awestruck. She didn't know what was going on but given the sudden change in the environment and and what it looked like in contrast with the previous horrors, she could only come to one conclusion. This was the Maker made manifest, or the closest thing to it. Naturally coming to be in aid of one of his own like the good Templar.

Snapping back to her senses when Fost came over, taking over transportation duties. Erin tagged along Fost but couldn't help herself and stare back all the while, convinced that she was witnessing some strange kind of divine miracle.

It seems to nod in response to Tyrus' thanks. "I do not know; the Veil is just the Veil." It's last words echo in the hollow for a few moments as it fades out of view. Wendoll, having not moved through the entire conversation, notices something with the trunk circle and steps out of view for a moment, returning with Ser Andra's sword and shield in hand. With a short whistle, he calls Arnie to his side.

Fost is able to carry the Templar out into the open meadow between the paths, Erin and the others following closely behind. The gloom and ichor that permeated the whole area, including the entrance, is gone, replaced with the sights and sounds one would expect on a summer's morning. Fost lays the woman on her back and Tyrus is finally able to cast that healing spell.

Ser Andra's eyes flutter open, and she immediately runs her hands over her torso before seemingly becoming aware of the five faces looking over her.

"Fost? Erin?" she questions. Her eyes then fall on Tyrus, narrowing quickly. "You... What are -?"

She appears to recall her situation, and then nods to herself as she props herself up on her elbows. "You were able to find me? Stop those demons?" she asks.

Fost looked gravely at the templar, seeing the wounds on her for the first time. Wounds that closed quickly at the magical words of Tyrus.
"Brogan the dwarf had supposedly seen a horrorendous scene but was too afraid to act. Luckily he told Dainen, though, who had a good recollection of the dwarf's ramblings. We found your backpack and Wendoll, with the help of Arnie here, was able to follow your tracks."

"Stop the demons?"
"I am having doubts. Yes, we did fight, and kill I believe, several creatures from the Fade. But did we kill all? If I understood Tyrus correctly, this seems to be a site where demons can pass through. We have no idea how to close that passage."
"Perhaps something that occured here in the past makes it viable for unholy creatures to pass the barrier? I mean, those were corpses, right? And those were spirits, needing bodies of sorts, no? A graveyard nearby? A forgotten battle site? I have ni idea."
Fost shrugged. This was way beyond his meagre knowledge or expertise. He looked from Andra to Tyrus and back again, then shrugged once more.

"What about you, though? How did you get trapped by them and how come they did not kill you but... feasted... on you?"

---

rolled 12 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 2, 3.  CUN (History).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Thu 15 Sept 2022.

Tyrus wipes sweat off his forehear and nods at the Templar: "It's good to see you too. I hope you're feeling a little better?" He stands up and looks back towards the place where they found her "Your Chantry might want to do something here. The Veil is thin, its easier for demons to cross over into our world."

"Thank the maker you are alive! Actually I think He had no small part in today's rescue." Erin exclaimed looking at the mage by the end. "We rescued you, there was this strange light and voice and then I thought I glimpsed something... Surely it was some kind of blessing or miracle taking place." The absolute ignorance that spawned her zeal was very much tangible. "The, greasy(?) dread that dampened this place was banished by it also."

The previous fright of the unnatural that the place and experience had put on her had now given way to the excitement of having Andra alive and that small divine manifestation (as far as she was concerned) they had witnessed. It was so much so that Erin didn't seem to acknowledge her own wounds for the time being.

"Sweet girl, the Maker indeed sent a messenger to help me," Andra says in response to Erin's gushing. "I could feel its presence nearby. It did its best to dull my pain, even as the demon corpses took delight in playing games with its efforts. I felt like I died at least a dozen times during my torture, but it reassured me that someone would come for me."

Fost doesn't recall any major battles taking place near this crossroads; however, given that Orlais did occupy and rule Ferelden for some time, who knows what individual atrocities may have occurred here? "I know of nothing famous that would account for that, good warrior," the templar admits. She pauses briefly before adding, "Given the thinness of the Veil here, an apostate using blood magic, as Brogan attested, would certainly attract the attention of demons on the other side. He was summoning something, maybe? It certainly wouldn't be difficult for a demon to cross over, especially when such dangerous magics are involved."

"Dainen told us that the dwarf relayed witnessing a bloodletting, and hearing demonic shrieks after," Wendoll states.

The templar's brow furrows. "Did you find a body? A woman's body? I didn't, nor did I find any trace of blood around the outside of the grove."

OOC: You folks certainly didn't find a woman's body in plain sight as you approached the thickets.

Tyrus shakes his head "There was no woman we've seen. Though we didn't exactly explore the immediate area as we were preoccupied trying to save you." Looking around his gaze falls upon his new companions "While I'd like to take some time to look around here, I feel like we should return with Ser Andra. My magic can mend wounds but it does little for the spirit. For this she'll have to talk to her Maker." He adds the last part with a smile.

Fost looked back to the hollowed tree.
"So we are not finished."
"If we do not check right now we may face more foes again. Right now it looks like we may have some time without being attacked right away."
"Even so. You are right. Andra needs to recover properly. We need to return later."

---

Take Breather, recover 5+CON+Level Health, 62/62

"I am so glad we came here in time." Grasping her own wounds she continued. "But perhaps now with the more pressing issue behind us, it is best that we should go back, get some rest and then see what may be done about this... Haunted patch in the woods. I feel that if we rush back in, I may not come back and none would be any wiser of what we found there."

After sitting down for a bit however, Erin regained her composure and walked her previous aversions back. "Actually this isn't as bad as it looks." She gesture to her wounds. "Maybe if we are quick, we can get in there and see about finding that woman before more of those things try to gnaw at us again."

---

Taking a breather too, 5+5CON+4lvl=14 So I am at 59/60 HP

OOC: Since we're all taking a breather... :)

Wendoll gets back 10 Health (40/40). Arnie, since he doesn't have any levels, gets back only 5 Health (17/25). Ser Andra will get some back, as well.

Tyrus can get back 9 Health if he also takes a breather.

"I suppose a quick search wouldn't hurt," Wendoll adds.

Ser Andra, looking much more alert (thanks to the wonders of healing magic), attempts to sit up fully. She groans with the effort, and it's clear her injury still bothers her, even if she attempts to hide it. "After several days, a body would be obvious," she counters. "The stench of death ever present. If you hadn't noticed a body before, then this woman likely survived the ordeal; she may have even been a willing participant."

Tyrus nods and starts to look around the area. Hoping to find footprints, lost items or anything that could tell them what happened here or where they went.

"To be fair, we hadn't noticed the other bodies before the demons possessed them. There's always something new to learn if one keeps an open mind." He stops searching for a moment and looks up toward the sky "At least that's what my old master used to tell us."



Do we use exploration stunts? I just rolled a bomb of a roll
I'd probably use "speedy search" and "The object of attention"

Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 16 using 3d6+1 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 3, 6.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 22 Sept 2022.

Fost nodded agreement at Tyrus remark about noticing any of the six bodies that had risen when the evil spirits had taken control of them.
"To be honest, I was rather preoccupied and thus did not really consider any smell of dead bodies. And we sure did not really check the area. Unless that woman was beset by the evil spirits in the same spot as you, Andra, we would not have noticed."
"Alright, so we agree to have a look."
"Let's do it."
He readied shield and spear, then muttered with chagrin and a healthy heap of annoyance.
"Forgot to retrieve my spear anyway."
Fost went back to the clearing to do just that, keeping cautious and alert.

---

14:21, Today: Fost rolled 11 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 3, 4.  PER.

The search is quick, but thorough. Off to the left of the entrance, concealed by taller grasses, they find a rock that looks like it may have been a finely-cut table at one point, but is now weathered to the point that it resembles a giant skipping stone.

As Tyrus approaches it, the air around him suddenly goes cold, prickling up the hairs on his arms. Something happened here, even if there's nothing physical to suggest it. He also discovers a tiny scrap of dew-soaked pearl-white silk - no bigger than the nail of his pinky - in a small recess on the slab.

Fost finds no evidence of a woman anywhere within the copse as he retrieves his spear. The remains of the two final corpses appear to have been male in their living days. He returns to the open meadow to find Tyrus peering at something off to the side.

"Is this some kind of altar for sacrifices?", Fost said wonderingly.
He then shakes his head as Tyrus points at the white silk piece.
"This raises weird pictures of virgins murdered for strange rituals in my mind.", he muttered, then shrugged apologetically.
"Don't even know where I have ever heard of such non-sense."
He was perplexed. In what kind of dark and smelly mercenary tavern had he heard of such deluded stories?

Approaching the stone slap Tyrus was about to kneel down when a sudden sensation overwhelms him and he staggers backwards. "There's.. something." He points out and lets Fost pick up the white silk cloth. He steps away to breath a little and tries to remember everything he's read about such rituals and specially the use of blood magic.


Tyrus Morven rolled 11 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 1, 3.  cunning.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Sat 24 Sept 2022.

"If it were something other than rocks in the woods I would advice to burn it, lest it's taint infect us all. But perhaps it could be buried? Not by us now of course." Erin found the site rather macabre and dreaded the thought of whoever made use of it to return for another go or even it attracting other maleficar to it's very present influence. "It should not remain like this, that's for sure."

"Seriously. If we recall the story told by the dwarf it does suggest some sort of ritual, right? And since we have not found any trace of that one we either have some other spirit appearing and performing it or some blood mage. Either way, the true threat is not removed and this remains a dangerous spot. This tiny piece of cloth, except for it being silk which might be a helpful clue to the victim, does not really help. Or rather, it sure does not tell me something to go by."
Fost was lost and frustration was hovering at the edge of his consciousness.

OOC: An answer to Tyrus' Cunning test.

The templar runs her hand through her hair thoughtfully, and replies to Fost, "The thinness of the Veil here probably predates our alleged apostate's activities of that night. The demons on the other side were likely drawn by the magic. But, what did he cast? What sort of malevolence would attract their attention in numbers?

"Perhaps our resident mage could take a gander?" she says, turning her gaze to Tyrus in his contemplation.

Seeing as nobody was doing so, Erin carelessly picked up the cloth. Perhaps someone could recognize it or maybe they could track it's owner at some point with the hound or who know what else... "I suppose this scrap is going to be all we will get for now."

Tyrus steps up, still feeling a little queasy he approaches Erin and her cloth, silently he opens his hand, waiting for her to drop it in his palm. “Perhaps blood magic. My… an acquaintance back in Tevinter used blood magic to summon demons. The best used the blood of slaves.” He looks at the cloth a little closer.


Tyrus Morven rolled 17 using 3d6+1 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 6, 4.  Perception?

4 SP: Resources at Hand I'm choosing tracking (I count as having focus in that skill until a certain amount of time or the venue changes.). In case we want to investigate


This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Wed 28 Sept 2022.

The scrap easily passes from Erin's hand to Tyrus' palm, and appears in every way to be just a bit of silk; the color is a light yellow and slightly dingy, as if it were a (not new) well-worn garment.

After further examination, Tyrus also finds the tiniest spot of dark brown discoloration. He's seen blood stains on clothes before, and this would definitely qualify as that.

Fost watched as Tyrus looked at the piece of silk.
He waited.
Then blurted.
"Alright, so it is proof of a bloodmage, yes?"
"I suppose we need to learn who was the victim, or willing sacrifice. I mean, she, if it were a she and I sure have not seen many males wesaing white silk, right. So, umm, we did not find any body, so she is still alive, yes? So check on local hamlets about simeone woth a ripped or damaged white silk dress."
"Am I making sense?"
Clearly he was losing patience.

Tyrus shakes his head and puts the piece of cloth in his bag. He walks a couple of steps away from the altar and looks back at his companions “Let’s get out of here. See Andra should see a healer just to be safe.”

Let’s get back to Lothering. We might get a reward and can plan our next step.

"Yes, the woman in question likely survived, and I would say she was more willing than victim," Ser Andra says to Fost as she is helped to her feet and the group begin to move toward the signpost and the pathway south. "And hamlets and homesteads around the area would be a good start; even if the apostate left the area, they would have to stop somewhere for food and a safe place to sleep."

She asks the group to stop to retrieve her scrip and sack from where she left them at the signpost. The templar frowns and sighs about the "waste of good persimmons" as she dumps the contents off to the side and folds up the sack for later cleaning. With her scrip (and prayer cloth, thanks to Tyrus) back in her possession, they make for Dainen's farm.

While still a little shaken from battling demons that have crossed over, Tyrus walks near Ser Andra with a smile. "I'm just glad that we all made it out alive and that we found you. You might not have noticed but I did charge right into the stump to save you." He looks at her with a sparkle of amusement in his eyes. "While my magic was able to heal the more serious wounds you'll still have to recover from the ordeal mentally."

The templar leans in with a gentle smile. "I see what you're trying to do, young man," she says. "I can appreciate the usefulness of magic wielded by good people, you know, while still remaining vigilant against its dangers.

"Some of the gentlest and most pious people I have ever known were touched with your gift. Many have lived good lives devoted to the Circle and the Maker, but some of them have still been taken by their connection to the Fade," Ser Andra adds. "One friend of mine became trapped in her dreams, never to wake again. Another had a mishap during a summoning, and a rage demon entered him. Toughest fight of my life, and the worst thing I've ever had to do."

The group reaches Dainen’s by midday, and the old farmer is overjoyed to see Andra safe and sound. He produces a hardy dinner for everyone, and one of his boys picks up his viol to lift hearts and heels. The horrors of the morning are forgotten for a while.

Ser Andra settles into a comfortable spot and falls fast asleep at some point during the revelry. Dainen promises to take good care of her, and send word back to the Chantry. As his boys put together some food for the party to take with them on the road, the farmer also asks if there’s anything else the group wishes to relay.

With Andra safe and sound and the events being shared with the interested paries back home Erin turned to the Templar and her peers. "Once they come to escort her to town and further look into things, this matter will be off our hands but seeing as that may still take some time and considering maleficar may still be lurking about in one of these farms - with accomplices in them too. Shouldn't we pay at least a cursory visit to the surrounding farmsteads? Least they slip away or maker forbid, repeat their dreadful deeds."

Tyrus, still munching on some cold meat shrugs his shoulders before looking as if someone just boxed him behind his ear and quickly corrects his posture and clears his throat: "Well, Ser Andra." He says turning his head towards her for a second. "Can relay all we have seen and discovered. I'd advice to whoever you send back to the Chantry they better tell them about the location. They probably won't listen to me but I'd send someone to keep an eye out for further trouble."
Taking a big gulp of water he stands up: "I'd say we go to one of the houses nearest to the crossroads. Someone might have seen something." He turns to Dainen "Unless you might have noticed one of your neighbors acting strangely?"

Standing up, Tyrus grabs one last morsel of food. "Well, we better be off then." He slightly bows his head towards Dainen "We thank you for your hospitality. I'm glad we were able to help you and the Chantry." Looking at his new companions he takes his first steps towards the door. "Shall we?"

"You mean, like checking out the nearby farmsteads? Sure, I'm all for it."

Dainen notes the location of some nearby farmsteads. Garreth, Lornan, and Thelric, the three sons of Old Jonathan, work their family plot almost due west; he adds that he’s able to get “there and back again” in an afternoon. The next stop west is about another day’s travel beyond that, where a group of four farms are nestled under a still-standing span of the old Imperial Highway, just north of the shores of Headwaters Lake. Dainen says the folks who live there are “reclusive” and certainly don’t travel east for supplies. He can’t recall meeting anyone from there in his lifetime, although he’s pretty sure those farms have been occupied for as long as he can remember. He suggests that one or the other of Old Jonathan’s sons may know more.

To the north, the closest places are the waysides along the two main roads off the fork. Dainen says they’re both “just waysides,” as far as he can tell; he thinks they get supplies from some of the nearby bannorns north of them.

To the east are farmsteads that Erin would know as well as he, as they're her family's neighbors and neighbors-of-neighbors. They’re all “locals,” and he’s never heard of any of those families producing a Fade-gifted child.

OOC: So, what direction to you folks want to check first? You have the west. The west fork of the road north. The east fork of the road north. And the east (which is an area familiar to Erin, as are the families who live there). In fact, Fost likely knows those families in passing, as well (at least who they are).

Headwaters Lake is the southeastern portion of Lake Calenhad (which looks like a separate lake on the map), which serves as the source of the Drakon River (that flows all the way to Denerim).

Editor’s Note: The official Ferelden map seems to have been drawn by someone with no idea of how rivers flow through geography. Given all of the coastal highlands, all rivers formed in the inland section should have flowed northwestward to the eastern mouth of the River Dane, if they left the region at all. (In all honesty, the Bannorn should be a great inland sea.)

The only way to justify the map as it stands is that powerful ancient magics were used to carve out a great channel through the eastern mountains that allows the river to flow unabated through Denerim. It’s also the only way to explain how the confluence with its tributary north of South Reach is formed against the flow of the larger river. (I can’t find two major rivers that meet like this one does. So, there’s probably magic involved here, too, which likely makes for a very turbulent (and not ideally navigable) confluence.)

Sorry; it just bugs me.

Turning to his allies he leans against the door frame "Old Jonathan's sounds like a good place to start. He's not too far away from the crossroad and we can always continue along the west fork of the road,"

First we can go this Old Jonathan who's located west, if there's not much to do or see then we can move just "north to the shores of Headwaters Lake".
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Thu 20 Oct 2022.

"Closest ones first, then we can come around to the others, sounds like a plan. I really hope that we come back empty handed though." Erin wasn't too keep on the idea of having to put anyone she knew in chains for working with some witch.

"Jonathan's sons it is then.", Fost agreed.

Dainen says the group is welcome back should they desire to return from Old Jonathan's today.*

With a refill of their skins and some light fare for the road (just in case), the quartet and their dog head west on a little used trail. The trip is largely quiet, with only the occasional game animal in the distance as they walk along.

After a couple hours, they see a large field ahead, filled with tall green stalks of barley. Beyond the field, the roof of a building can be seen over the lines of crops. The sound of a gruff voice (badly) humming some unknown tune can be heard from somewhere in the field.

* Editor's Note: Remember, he did say that he could get there and back in an afternoon.

With big eyes, Tyrus takes in the surrounding countryside, occasionally shaking his head and sometimes letting his gaze linger longer on something than he probably should. “I’ve been here in Ferelden for a little over a month now, I still have to get used to the general dirt and messiness of this place.” He watches a couple of men loading their wagon in the distance “I guess you have some sort of freedom at least. In Tevinter we’d see a lot more… servants.”

As they’re approaching their destination he falls a little behind them “I’ll let you do the talking. People tend to prefer to talk to their countrymen.”

Fost tried to guess what the song was and joined in on the humming, though only briefly in case he did not recognize properly.
"Ho there! Always good to enjoy song.", he announced themselves loudly to the hummer.

It's nothing Fost has heard in his experience and follows no discernable musical pattern, but, he's still able to join in for a short time when the singer accidentally enters into a reasonable chord procession. A head immediately pops up over the grasses, searching around for the origin of the greeting before it locates the approaching group and is joined by a waving hand.

"Ho, there! A song makes the work go faster. Welcome!" the gruff man says in a friendly tone. As the group nears, they find a short, rotund fellow with tree trunk legs and strong-looking arms. "I'm Lornan Moulterd. You fine folks are a bit far off the main trail."

He pauses to gather in the appearance of the quartet and their dog, his eyes growing wider the longer he looks at them. "Are you hunting for something? You seem a bit well armed to just be coming for a visit from town."

Tyrus can't help but to look at his "walking staff" and smile. He looks at the fields and the surrounding countryside as he lets Fost do the talking.

"Well met, friend Lornan. These are Erin Wynn, Tyrus Morven and Wendoll Ethen.", he said pointing at each of his companions as he mentioned their names. He grinned as he added "And the dog's called Arnie."
"I am Fost."

"I see that you are in good spirit and health and sure hope that applies to your brothers Garreth and Thelric, too."
"Dainen gave us directions to you.", he explained the reason for knowing all the names of the Moulterd family.

"You are are keen observer, Lornan. We do come from Lothering and yes indeed: we are looking for someone. Maybe more than one person. But what we seek at the moment is information."
"Near Dainen's there has been some unsusual activity. Not only unusual but clearly dangerous for the folks nearby. And we have been charged by the Chantry, Reverend Mother Ilannea to be precise, to look into matters."
"Dainen mentioned that it's only you men living here but maybe you have some knowledge about them folks living further west. Those four farms under the old Imperial Highway, just north of the shores of Headwaters Lake. Or mybe you have lately seen some strangers, we think at least one of them might be a woman, dressed in white maybe. Say, did you see any unususl folks lately?"
He grinned again and winked, "I mean, except us of course."

---

rolled 6 using 3d6+2 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 1, 2.  COM (Investigation).
Yikes!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Fri 04 Nov 2022.

"Oh, Dainen sent you!" he says, his countenance immediately friendly and carefree. "Come on up to the house with me; we have some small beer and cheese to share. I'd like to hear more about this investigation of yours."

Lornan turns and continues speaking over his shoulder. "Garreth is away today; he's trading some of our winter grain seed with the four farms to the southwest. Helps keep the crops strong, you know. Thelric is up near the house, patching up the rabbit hutch. Had two little buggers get out this morning; spent a good hour chasing them down."

The house ahead is...odd. It looks like it started out as a nice little two-room structure, but then it was added onto in a haphazard way and now looks like someone carved three or four toy buildings and just tossed them on the ground. Near one of the additions, the group sees a second man weaving a patch into a wood and fiber hutch. He looks up and nods; the man's appearance is quite similar to Lornan's, so much so that one could be forgiven believing the two are twins.

"Thelric, we have guests! This is Fost, and Erin, and Tyrus, and, uh...and Arn- no! Wendoll, that's it. Arnie's their mabari."

The other man gazes at the newcomers with a discerning, if not suspicious, eye. "Well met. Pardon me for not getting up," Thelric says, nodding his head to his work. "Erin...you're the Wynns' girl, the one who abandoned her family for town work?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Wed 16 Nov 2022.

Lornan was now even more agreeable than before, too bad the same couldn't be said of Thelric. Not like such a thing was an oddity in a small community, gossip was, in her experience, as necessary as food for many. "The same!" She beamed. "Though I spend a fair share of my time back home, can't have them feeling too lonely without me."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Wed 16 Nov 2022.

Tyrus remains silent, following the stranger he simply nods at the other one. His eyes wander the scenery and he watches a pair of birds singing in a nearby tree.

Thelric grunts acknowledgement, replying, "Eh, a farmer should stay on the farm."

To Tyrus, the scene is quite peaceful, really. “Pastoral” would be the appropriate word. Not much different from the common farmsteads back in Tevinter, from what he remembers - that is, the ones not owned by the rich and powerful, who use slaves to work their vast tracks of rich farmland. Oh, yes, there are still “family” farms as one moves further away from places like Minrathous, Tevinter lands that look more like the south than the north.

Once inside, Lornan pulls down a few earthenware cups and places them around a small-ish table that’s just barely big enough to fit all five people around it. The only chair with a back is one nearest Fost. The rest of the seats are stools of various construction and age.

“We brew it ourselves in small batches,” he adds as he fills the cups. “Malt, a little barley, add a little honey; when elfroot is plentiful, we dry and add a bit of that, too. We like it fresh, so we don’t wait for fermentation to end. Have a taste.

“Now, these folks you’re asking after - what are they supposed to have done?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Wed 16 Nov 2022.

Tyrus takes the cub in both hands and looks at the “drink” he’s been given. Bringing it to his face he smells and tries it before forcing himself to smile. With a fake smile and a lot of nodding he hopes that the farmer would focus on Fost or Erin or anything else.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Wed 16 Nov 2022.

"Since this is a matter of mysterious magic and ritual Tyrus here can surely explain best.", Fost said, having noted that the mage seemed a bit distracted.
"Right now, however, we really only need to know about those living further west to see if they might match what we know so far, which is pretty little. To see if it might be worth it to go further west rather than search the more immediate area around Dainen's."
"Those living in the four farms under the old Imperial Highway, just north of the shores of Headwaters Lake. You mentioned that you know them, anything you can tell us might be helpful."
"Or maybe you have lately seen some strangers, we think at least one of them might be a woman, dressed in white maybe. Say, did you see any unusual folks lately?", Fost repeated his question earlier, not sure if it would work now.

Placing the drink down Tyrus clears his throat and in a low voice he speaks: "Yes, dark and dangerous magic." Standing up from his place he towers above those remaining seated. "Binding shrieking demons into long dead bones from battles fought ages ago. Trapping defilers of a thousand cities that might appear in a vortex of screams and tears, the sound of which was like suffering undiluted.
Taking shape in the form of loathsome skeletal beast, transforming the very bones of the dead into tools of slaughter and sorrow. Fingers, once beautiful and strong, bend unnaturally into elongated claws for tearing the very flesh of your body." He starts to walk around the small house, waving his hands around. "Teeth turned into razor sharp fangs, tearing on flesh that remains uneaten. Ribcages nearly torn assunder, trying to contain the foul demonic ichor within the lifeless shell." He stops, with his back towards those seated and continues slowly as he turns around "Is this what you'd like to hear? Is your curiosity sated? Do you wish for me to go on or could you be so kind and answer our simple questions."

When he turns, he finds Lornan staring, mouth agape and fear in his eyes. Even Thelric has come to stand in the doorway to watch the mage's performance; his expression is harder to read, but Tyrus thinks he seems...troubled.

"Y-yes. Yes, of course," Lornan finally replies. Clearing his throat, he begins slowly, "The families to the west are reclusive. We rarely, if ever, see them outside their farmsteads, and I can't say I've heard any name for them except the 'Tanners'; but none of are or were tanners, to my knowledge. About a dozen-or-so folks all together, eight cousins, I think, that are our age, at least two or three of their parents are still alive, and one or two kids."

"I've been there," Thelric responds. "Went with Garreth once last year. Strange folks. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the cousins were a bit too close to each other, if you get my meaning. And I think Garreth has grappled with one…or more…of them.

“I wouldn’t put it past them to have a demon-summoning apostate in their mix. I never went back.”

OOC: I kept using Gareth when I meant Thelric. Garreth (correct spelling) is the brother who is away. I fixed all posts where Gareth was mentioned (including one of Erin’s).
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Mon 21 Nov 2022.

Erin for one looked shaken again, the narration accompanied by the very real images from her recent memory. Nothing good olde gossip wouldn't fix though... Nodding repeatedly, she observed. "Sound like hermits and deviants to me." Giving full credit to Thelric's story. "Dabbling in the demonic or not, I suppose it won't hurt too much to pay them a visit. When it comes to this type of business there is no room for being squeamish. If they want to be gruff that's their business and they can even go back to whatever strange stuff they indulge in there, once we ascertain that it is not what we are hunting down."

Tyrus nodded, tight knit families are often either dissapointed with the world or are hiding something from the world. He pricks his ears, listening to a bird outside and nods. "If there's nothing more then we should be on our way." He looks at Lornan intentively "Would you object to us taking a look around here?"

They agreed to go in that diretion.
"How long would it tak to get there, I wonder. I guess we won't reach those farms today?"

At Tyrus' question, Lornan looks to his brother, who shrugs. "You're welcome to walk about as you like."

Wendoll recalls, "Dainen said it's about a full day's travel past this farm. If we go back to stay with him, we probably wouldn't get there 'til well after sundown."

"Aye, it's a trek, for sure," Lornan says.

Thelric adds, "You folks might as well stay here for the night; we have rooms and food aplenty. And since you're determined to head that way, you could make sure our brother finds his way back home as compensation.

He looks to the elf and the warriors, "I don't suppose one of you could give me a hand finishing up the hutch repairs. And Loran here has a few chores to finish in the field that the other of you could help with. Since I expect your mage, here, is useless with practical matters, he can tend to his 'looking around.'"

Fost nodded.
"Thank you for your kind offer. Of course, I will give you a hand... as long as you tell me what to do. Not a farmer myself, you see. Not much farming at all, way west, where I hail from. Never mind repairing a hutch, not much herding either.", Fost stopped in thought, scratched his head while having a somewhat puzzled expression on his face, "Heck, was wielding a sword as long as I can remember.", he finally said a bit wonderingly.

Thelric chuckles. "Heh, as long as you're fingers ain't all mangled, I should be able to find a use for them." He then gestures for Fost to join him outside.

Lornan turns to Erin and Wendoll. "You two wouldn't mind helping me with the last bit of the day's weeding, would you?"

"I'm afraid I'm a bit like Fost - I've only worked with a bow in my hand," Wendoll admits.

"It's okay; you can work side-by-side with me," Lornan replies. "I'll show you what to do. It's not hard, and goes faster with three."

Being left to his own devices, Tyrus leaves the cup with the foul smelling liquid and leaves the tiny house. Using the staff to push away small items or simply walking around them, he takes the time to study the local flora, talking to himself in an unknown language.

Two things I'd like to do, look around for useful herbs and plants in general and I want to keep an eye out on the brothers and my companions.


I forgot to delete the one... Thanks to some quick maths I believe I rolled a 13 for identifying the local flora.

09:41, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 2.  cunning.

09:40, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 12 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 4.  Perception.

Erin snorts at the declared inadequacy of her peers. "Don't you lot worry, a farmhand isn't born but made. As long as you are not afraid of some honest work you will do fine." She nodded to Lornan signaling her readiness, still clearly amused, even looking forward to seeing the others hand at some of the farm work. Erin herself had never disliked the toiling at the farm itself and if she didn't live relatively close to her parent's home, she may have felt a bit nostalgic even.

The others get to work while Tyrus looks around. The area around the house is well cultivated, and little in the way of natural native ground cover can be found. The brothers do seem to keep a box of useful culinary and potent herbs, including elfroot and spindleweed, enough to likely cover their personal needs. At the very least, the men tend their acreage well.

He watches Lornan and Thelric with their assistants; the work seems to be progressing well, and conversation focused mostly on the tasks at hand. Fost is mostly keeping supports steady and Thelric weaves fibers around them and through the gaps in the hutch's sidewalls. Wendoll and Erin are, basically, pulling weeds out of the ground while being careful not to disturb the grasses. Arnie, for his part, is happily sniffing at everything in range as he follows his master through the fields. He can find nothing nefarious going on in either location. The sons of Old Jonathan are just...farmers.

OOC: Is there anything else you want to look for while the work is still going on, Tyrus?

The sun is starting to get low in the sky as Lornan, Erin, and Wendoll return from their chores. The elf looks exhausted from the work to which he is wholly unaccustomed, but Lornan encourages them to meet up with Thelric and Fost - who had just completed their task - to help get the rabbits back into the hutch. What seems to be a half-hour of pure chaos is spent chasing bunnies around the enclosed area on the side of the house, one-by-one placing them back in their usual home. All done, the fivesome clean themselves up a bit in one of the rainwater barrels on the northside of the house and head inside.

Thelric enters a storeroom and returns with a loaf of bread, some cheese, and a round of cured meat, while Lornan sets a flat pan over the hearthfire to heat it up.

OOC: I'll let you folks initiate some interaction, if you desire. (Dinner is the salted meat and flatbread, both heated up on the flat pan, and served with cheese, with the smallbeer to drink.) If not, we'll call it a pleasant evening and will pick up with you folks waking up in the morning.

Tyrus had spend his time wisely looking at the local flora and watching the others using their brawn to help these people. Once more inhales deeply before taking a drink from the liquid presented to him. What did his father use to say? The hunger puts it in and the disgust down. Tyrus keeps with the flatbrad, meat and cheese. "Thank you for your hospitality, your farmland is impressive and I've noticed that you're cultivating some elfroot and spindleweed. Very useful plants indeed."

It seems that there's nothing else in the area, no animal, creature or something of interest. I think Tyrus will simply watch and try and learn a little about farming/construction.

Not gonna do too much here, just a little chit chat.

Fost kept grabbing at his left shoulder and rubbing his upper back during the enjoyable evening. The unaccustomed use of his musculature, especially the continued holding up of beams, had seemingly taken a minor but annoying toll on his trapezius.
Fighting, at its requirements on one's physique, was so very much different from what most people on Ferelden would surely call 'honest work'.
Still, he was confident that there was no lasting damage.
And, admittedly, it had been strangely satisfying to see something being built and contributing to that.
And he slept far better than he would have expected given the dire task ahead of them. Instead of images of demons flickering in his mind and dreams he dreamt of serene pastures and farms...

OOC: For Tyrus, the sounds of nature at the edges of the cultivated land remain, and small birds (and the occasional crow/raven) certainly roost on rooftops and such. But, other than rabbits, no, the men seem to keep no beasts, and Tyrus could find no pens for larger animals (like goats or druffalo). (That's not to say they didn't keep them at some point in the past, but for now, it's clear they get their meats from their rabbits or the village.)

The evening is enjoyable. Thelric seems friendlier at supper and even brings out his viol to play some tunes as the sun goes down. Eventually, folks find their way to bed and lay down for a restful night. None of the morning's terrors infiltrate the heroes' dreams, and they awake refreshed and return to the common room to find bread and cheeses to break their fast, along with more of the small beer in a pitcher. Both brothers are already at the table.

"Mornin'!" Lornan greets them enthusiastically.

Stretching himself he makes his way to the common room… or more like the only room big enough for everyone.
He mumbles “Morn’” Clearly not the happiest about the whole situation. He lets himself fall into the chair and simply looks at the table and the cheese in front of him.

Erin for one was in very high spirits. "Well then! Since Tyrus here didn't seem to find anything dangerous around, we will depart and stop being a bother to you once we finish breakfast. With some luck we can finis in a couple of days and things can go back to normal." She stated, almost beaming on the spot before picking some bread to stuff her chatty mouth with.

Well rested, both physically as mentaly, Fost was eager to be on the road.
He thanked the brothers again for their hospitality and promised to have a look out for the absent brother and to send him on a return journey.

Tyrus sights and follows the others, giving the brothers a single nod and half a wave with his hand. "I can't wait to get back to Lothering." Stretching himself as he's walking towards their destination.

I've the Spirit Magic talent: You can sense the mood of an intelligent creature within 6yards.
Is it noticable when I'm using it? Can I use it without the brothers noticing when I pass them?

OOC: I would say that this is an attunement, meaning that he would treat it like any of his other senses. Like hearing, the only visible tell might be a look of concentration, perhaps a tilt of the head or something similar. In other words, this emotional sense is pretty subtle (not like touching or sniffing). So, unless a person is paying attention to you, it's likely they won't recognize your scrutiny.

As he passes, Tyrus reaches out with his spirit sense.

Fost raised an eye-brow.  Had he missed something there last night? He expected not to see Lothering for quite some time.
The warrior shrugged, assuming he had just missed the point of Tyrus. He had no problem with that, his qualities lay elsewhere than witty comments.

The brothers direct the party to a thin path that leads southwest-ish. Follow that, they say, and you’ll reach the Tanner farmsteads before sunset.

The trek starts out quietly, save for the sounds of the wilderness around them. The group catches sight of the occasional curious predator or prey animal in the distance on the largely deforested plain, but they’re generally left alone by the local fauna.

At midday, they stop on the crest of a low hill to sup and rest for a bit. The day has become unseasonably warm, meaning Erin is starting to feel slightly uncomfortable in her heavy leathers and Fost is starting to get downright hot.

In the afternoon, a small grove of trees becomes visible on the south side of the path. As the quintet gets within about a hundred yards or so of the grove, a chill runs down Tyrus’ spine and he involuntarily stiffens up.


The others see some form of activity near the edge of the grove. Multiple forms, low to the ground, moving about in a tight-ish group.

OOC: Fost and Erin, please attempt an Average (TN11)  Constitution (Stamina) test. If you fail the test, Erin will take 1d3 heat exhaustion damage if the Dragon Die is a 1, and Fost will take 1d3 heat exhaustion damage if the Dragon Die is 1-3.

By the way, the good night’s rest you all received allows Tyrus to recover 10 Health, and Arnie to recover 8, bringing both back to full Health.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:09, Wed 14 Dec 2022.

Protection in the form of a metal armour was a good thing indeed when fighting but a completely different story when your foe was the sun burning in the sky.
His discomfort was quickly forgotten when his inattention of their journey was blown away by the uncanny group.

---

rolled 20 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 6.  CON (Stamina)
rolled 10 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 4, 3.  PER

Tyrus stops at the crest of the low hill and staggers backwards. "We should not go down there... something.. something bad has happened. I.." He trails off as he notices the shapes moving. "We should leave this place."

ROBES FOR THE WIN! At least until I get stabbed...

Can I see what these shapes are?

Tyrus Morven rolled 15 using 3d6+1 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 4, 5.  Perception.

Fost can tell it's a cluster of small animals, though he isn't entirely certain what kind of animal they were. Tyrus, however, is more certain that they're nugs, which is uncommon. The hairless rabbit-kin generally stay out of direct sunlight, and prefer caves and subterranean spaces to plains. Only strong lingering Fade energy would draw them out so far into the open.

"Nugs... out in the open." He thinks about it for a moment "I believe they're drawn to a tear in to the fade or some lingering energy." He looks at his companions "We should leave."

FYI as the player I want to go and investigate, Tyrus is less eager though...

It was a good thing that Erin was somewhat used to this type of exertion or she may have fared far worse. She enjoyed the sun and a good trek as much as the next gal if not more but going for a long walk in this heat didn't feel like too sound an idea even for her, were it not for their duties.

Aside from the obvious oddity, at first Erin didn't seem too concerned, if anything she squinted her eyes with curiosity. Yet their recent experience with those hungry corpses and the mage's reaction spooked her.

---

14:37, Today: Erin rolled 11 using 3d6+7 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 2, 1.  CON (Stamina).

Fost stared curiously at his companion.
"Because of nugs? Heck, I remember once tracking a couple of those for a marriage party. To eat them  see? What has you so concerned anout nugs?"
Only then did his surprise pass and Fost actually listened to what Tyrus had said.
"Well, that's what we are here for, no? Chasing some mysterious and nefarious ritualist? Let's investigate."
He picked shield and spear and cautiously approached the agitated nugs.

---

rolled 16 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 6, 1.  DEX (Initiative).

---

This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Thu 22 Dec 2022.

Tyrus simply nods and tightens the grip on his staff, he looks at Wendoll and nods before following Fost into the maw of the void.

Wendoll seems a bit unnerved by Tyrus’ uneasiness, but he steels his resolve and follows Fost. The group slowly approaches the cluster of nugs. The creatures are hopping around and over each other, and to the untrained eye, they seem to just be at play.

Erin and Wendoll, however, realize that the nugs are following some sort of pattern, and are certainly not acting “naturally.” Drawing on his arcane knowledge, Tyrus recalls the pattern from his studies as a young man, and it does nothing to relieve his uneasiness. The nugs appear to be tracing an Ancient Tevene rune for the name Fantasia, the name of a desire demon of ancient legend.

The mage doesn’t have a chance to voice his realization before a noise is heard from just within the woods; Fost immediately believes a bear is nearby.

OOC: I made a roll on everyone’s behalf for the sake of the narrative.

I’ll get a map up soon. The nugs are about 8 yards away from the party, and about 10 yards from the treeline.

Erin & Tyrus, please roll initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Tue 20 Dec 2022.

Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 6, 2.  initiative.

Common sight around these parts or not, whatever those things were doing was entirely unnatural. After their last scrap, Erin wasn't all too keen on the unnatural. "Either we give them a wide berth or put them down..."

---

13:00, Today: Erin rolled 12 using 3d6+2 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 2, 2.  Initiative.

The nugs seem oblivious to the group’s presence on approach, content to repeat their strange pattern; however, they discover that the nugs’ eyes glow a sickly green. Fost remains vigilant, though, for the other expected guest, which lumbers to the edge of the treeline as if on cue. Its eyes glow blueish, as if it’s being affected by similar magic.

The bear’s presence does disturb the nugs, and two immediately bolt in opposite directions.


OOC: 1st Round Actions. Fost goes first.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

Bear -0 Healthy
Nug 1 -0 Healthy
Nug 2 -0 Healthy
Nug 3 -0 Healthy
Nug 4 -0 Healthy
Nug 5 -0 Healthy
Nug 6 -0 Healthy
Nug 7 -0 Healthy - BOLTED
Nug 8 -0 Healthy - BOLTED

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (50-75% Health remaining)
Heavy (10-50% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Tyrus, seeing the bear, steps backwards and starts casting a spell to enhance his allies "I.. something is wrong.. We shouldn't have..." Is all he gets to say before something very different than intended happens.

I failed my TN roll and the Dragon die is a 1. I also failed my self-discipline roll.
DM, it's up to you now.

14:58, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 10 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 1, 2.  Self-Discipline.

14:56, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 10 using 3d6+6 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 1, 2.  Frost Weapons.

Fost had seen bear attacks, had even been part of a ravaging bear hunt. That bear had flung grown men aside like toy soldiers, its claws and bite ripping flesh apart, breaking bones like twigs.
Fost had doubts that the three of them could fight this beast if it were merely mundane. Which it was clearly not. Sickly green and blue glowing eyes and the stammered words of Tyrus finally seemed to sink in.
Cautiously he took a step back, keeping vigilant to throw his spear at the first sign of the bear making for them rather than the nugs.
"Tyrus, any idea what the different light colour signifies?"

---

Minor: Prepare
Major: Ranged Attack
rolled 19 using 3d6+7 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 5, 3.  Throwing Spear attack, short range.
rolled 10 using 1d6+8.  Throwing Spear Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:27, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

The intrusion of the bear and all the unnerving colors sported by the animals only further unsettled Erin. Whatever this was, it was clearly a clash of two unnatural powers and she had no hurry to intervene. Readying her glaive, Erin stood her ground, more than willing to let the animals play out whatever it was they were doing.

---

Minor: Ready the glaive.
Major: Defend

"Look at them, it seems to me like the bear is more interested in the nugs than us."
"Let's cautiously try to retreat a bit further back."

---

rolled 14 using 3d6+4 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 4, 2.  DEX (Stealth)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

Fost readies his spear, and Wendoll follows by stringing his bow and nocking an arrow. Arnie, seeing the preparations around the group, steps forward and growls, ready to protect his master and friends. Erin draws out her polearm and also stands ready to defend.

Tyrus begins to cast a spell, and stammers his incoherent non sequitur in response to Fost’s question. As his voice fades to silence, the others’ attention is drawn to the mage, finding his eyes have rolled up into the back of his head, his arms seemingly in mid somatic tracing. Before anyone can react, Tyrus goes limp and collapses in place, his mouth still agape, and eyes open, but rolled back. He’s breathing, at least.


The remaining nugs turn strangely aggressive. Four rush the bear, of all things, while two take a dislike to the mabari’s presence and attack. Neither of the creatures on the mabari make contact, but Arnie connects against one, driving his teeth deep into its hide. (Nug 3 takes 14 damage) Fost continues to focus on the bear.

One of the quartet of nugs is able to get through the bear’s fur, giving one of its compatriots an opening in the larger creature’s defenses. (Bear takes 1 damage) None of the other nug strikes connect enough to hurt.

In response to the aggressiveness, the bear swats at the one that hurt it. The massive paw mauls the nug, but the creature remains standing. (Nug 2 takes 15 damage)

OOC: Round 2 Actions! Updated Map 0. Be sure to clear your caches. :)

Our first magical mishap! Bastian will take over Wendoll, starting next round, until Tyrus becomes responsive.

Arnie took the Move and Prepare Minor actions for Round 1, attacking anything that attacks him or anyone within reach.

Wendoll took the Ready & Reload Minor actions for Round 1.

Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 19 using 3d6+5 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System.  Bite +5 vs. Nug 3.

Arnie will spend 2 SP on Mighty Blow. +1d6 damage.

Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 14 using 2d6+4 ((5,5)).

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 6, rolled 10 using 3d6 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 5, rolled 4 using 3d6 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 4, rolled 9 using 3d6 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 3, rolled 6 using 3d6 with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 2, rolled 13 using 3d6 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 2, rolled 1 using 1d3.  Bite Damage 1d3.

Nug 2 will spend 3 SP on Pack Tactics, giving Nug 1 another attack on the bear.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 1, rolled 5 using 3d6 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0. Attack from Nug 3 Pack Tactics.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 1, rolled 10 using 3d6 with the AGE System.  Paltry Bite +0. Attack on turn.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 16 using 3d6+8 with the AGE System.  Claws +8.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 15 using 2d6+6.  Claw Damage 2d6+6.


Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41 - prone, unresponsive
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

Bear -1 Light
Nug 1 -0 Healthy
Nug 2 -15 Heavy
Nug 3 -14 Heavy
Nug 4 -0 Healthy
Nug 5 -0 Healthy
Nug 6 -0 Healthy
Nug 7 -0 Healthy - BOLTED
Nug 8 -0 Healthy - BOLTED

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:17, Fri 23 Dec 2022.

Fost gasped in surprise as Tyrus dropped down without any reason that he could have noticed.
He changed his mind then.
"Wendoll keep watching that bear, Erin try to move Tyrus away from here. I follow as quickly as possible."
"Do we agree to retreat?"
He stepped forwrd, however, and pierced the nug attacking Arnie with his spear.

---

Minor: Move
Major: Attack #5
rolled 13 using 1d6+8.  Throwing Spear Damage.
rolled 17 using 3d6+7 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 2, 5.  Throwing Spear attack, melee.

Erin nodded and without a word picked up the mage in an astounding display of might for someone her size. She didn't want to have anything to do with whatever foul and cursed sorcery that was taking place there if she could help it. If the mage had fainted like that, it had to be particularly bad, so Erin carried him away as best she could.

---

Carrying our good magical friend away.
12:30, Today: Erin rolled 14 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 5, 1.  Lets carry that mage TN 9.

Wendoll nods his assent and keeps his arrow notched and at the ready as he keeps pace with Erin's movements.

Attacking with ferocity, Arnie is able to connect with snaps of his jaw against both nugs near him. The mabari’s able to get a bit of one’s scruff and toss it away from him. (Nug 3 takes 6 damage; Nug 5 takes 5 damage)

Tyrus twitches slightly on the ground, but offers no resistance to Erin as she picks him up. Strangely, he seems to instinctively hold on to the warrior as she straightens.


Most of the aggressive nugs appear to suddenly realize what they’re doing and scamper off in every direction. Two remain in their “frenzied” state (for lack of a better term) - one on the bear, and one fighting Arnie. (Nug 4 & Nug 5 remain aggressive; the rest bolt)

Arnie’s nug nips at him, but doesn’t connect, and neither does the bear’s. The bear responds by batting it with a massive paw, followed by a quick bite that breaks the creature’s neck. (Nug 4 takes 24 damage total)

The bear then starts to look about for another nug to chase, and heads off along the treeline, away from the group.

OOC: Round 3. The bear appears to be interested in chasing the nugs, for now. You just have to rid yourself of the critter in front of you.

Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 18 using 3d6+5 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System (({5}, 5, 3)).

Arnie will invoke Dual Strike for 4SP. Arnie will also invoke Skirmish for 1SP and push Nug 3 2 yards toward the bear.

Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 5 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 1.  Bite Damage 1d6+4 vs. Nug 5.

Evil GM, for the NPC Arnie, rolled 6 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 2.  Bite Damage 1d6+4 vs. Nug 3.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 4, rolled 9 using 3d6 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 5, 2.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Nug 5, rolled 10 using 3d6 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 5, 3.  Paltry Bite +0.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 15 using 3d6+8 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 2, 2.  Claw +8.

Bear will invoke Quick Bite for 2SP.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 12 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 5, 1.  Quick Bite +4.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 13 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 5,2.  Claw Damage 2d6+6.

Evil GM, for the NPC Bear, rolled 11 using 1d6+6 with rolls of 5.  Bite Damage 1d6+6.


Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41 - prone, unresponsive
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

Bear -1 Light
Nug 1 -0 Healthy - BOLTED
Nug 2 -15 Heavy - BOLTED
Nug 3 -20 Heavy - BOLTED
Nug 4 -24 DYING
Nug 5 -19 Heavy
Nug 6 -0 Healthy - BOLTED
Nug 7 -0 Healthy - BOLTED
Nug 8 -0 Healthy - BOLTED

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)</orange>


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:20, Tue 17 Jan 2023.

Surprised by the nug's resilience Fost stabbed again at the attacking creature.

---

Minor: Press the Attack
Major: Attack
Stunt (3 2): rolled 1 using 1d6.  Mighty Blow damage
rolled 14 using 1d6+8.  Throwing Spear Damage.
rolled 15 using 3d6+7 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 4, 2.  Throwing Spear attack, melee.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

Not wanting to see the Mage mauled and likely eaten by a bear, Erin continued to carry Tyrus away as instructed. Unnatural or not, a bear was a bear, and they hadn't set out to go hunting wild beasts to begin with.

---

Moving Tyrus further away, do tell me if more than a minute has passed and it requires a roll.

Wendoll notches another arrow, his eyes darting from one opponent to the next he follows Tyrus and Erin, walking backwards before shooting at the Nug.
He whistles, calling Arnie back to him.

17:41, Today: Wendoll Ethen rolled 10 using 1d6+7.  dam.

17:40, Today: Wendoll Ethen rolled 18 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System.  Atk.

Fost kills the nug with a mighty blow, nearly splitting the critter in twain. With that, the immediate threat is passed.

Wendoll, deprived of a target, calls Arnie to heel as he maintains his trained eye on the bear's retreating form and follows Erin back to the path.


As the party carries their fallen comrade away from danger, they hear a rush of air and see the bear get knocked off its feet by some unseen force. It lies there, stunned, as the frightened nugs disappear beyond the gloomy treeline.

Following his companions, Wendoll calls out when the bear suddenly falls over and remains lying there. "What matter of place is this?" He looks at Tyrus "What's is he doing?"

Erin doesn't seem to have an answer as she easily supports the mage's weight at speed.


OOC: Erin is dealing with a computer issue right now, so I rolled a Constitution (Stamina) check for her. She passed with flying colors. He's light as a feather to her, at least for now.

Fost, did you want to weigh in on the bear's misfortune before we continue away from it?

In reply to Evil GM (msg # 153):

Fost looked puzzledly at Wendoll, wondering what Tyrus should have to do with the bear's knock-over.
"Let's retreat and hope the bear does not get i terestwd in us."

The party continues its retreat and finds the path again. The bear does eventually get up before they lose sight of it, but it seems focused on sniffing the air around it, as if it's trying to locate whatever knocked it down. Several minutes after the bear is out of sight, Wendoll is confident it didn't become interested in them.

Erin has finally tired out for carrying an adult for over a quarter-mile, at least. The moment he touches the ground, Tyrus awakes with a start.

OOC: About 7 minutes has passed since Tyrus collapsed.

"Well, I guess all said and done we were lucky there. I thinknit woild have been a hard fight even with Tyrus, but without him..."
"Let's rest a bit so Tyrus can recover fully."
"Well, not fully perhaps, I would not want to remain in the general area and meet that bear again."
Fost still looked warily around, hoping the mage would be fit to walk soon.

Tyrus awakes with a jerk and a scream, flailing wildly around himself "NO! NO! IT WAS THREAN! HE TOOK IT! IT NEVER TOUCHED MY HAND!" It takes him a minute to realize where or when he is at this point of time. Sweat drops roll down his face, framing his wild looking eyes. His breathing calms after a moment before he can scramble up to his feet. Slowly standing up and accepting his staff from Arnie with a quiet thanks. "I'm... sorry what just..." He holds his head as he leans heavily upon his staff "We should not have gone there... what happened?"

Fost shrugged.
"Not much really. The nugs attacked the bear and vice versa and when you were knocked out we decided to retreat."

"And I." Added Erin, catching her breath. Once again her active lifestyle and the work done growing up at the farm had come to her aid, enabling the not so small feat of carrying the mage to safety. The way Tyrus woke up got her on her guard again, by now she didn't put it out of the question to have to contend with a new strange foe out of nowhere. "Everything is wrong in these parts, now even animals are acting strange. Why would a nug attack a bear?"

"It wouldn't. Not any nug that I've seen in my life before this, anyway," Wendoll adds. "You remember their eyes, though, both the bear and the nugs. Could they have been enthralled by magic, somehow? And that was why they acted strangely?"

"And maybe the fact that those eyes were glowing in different colours is important?", Fost said.

Wendoll shrugs at the question, and turns to Tyrus expectantly.


OOC: This post was primarily to pass information to Tyrus that he would know. :)

Tyrus moves slowly, still trying to find his balance as if he'd spend some time under water or in an environment that doesn't follow the laws of nature as they know it. Leaning on his staff he takes a drink from his waterskin. "No... this place.. someone has weakened the veil in this spot. They likely perished to whatever they tried to summon." He holds his free hand against his temple "If you insist on going there again I'll have to stay behind a little. I assume my connection to the fate makes me more of a target for the magic here."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

"I'd rather not pick a fight with a bear if we can avoid it," Wendoll says, looking at the others for confirmation. Arnie's body language seems to indicate he concurs with his master.

OOC: Let me know if you folks want to try to track down the bear or if you want to continue forward.

Fost frowned as he pondered the bear.
"I have to admit that I do not like having this creature around."
"But I don't think we can vanquish it without immense danger to our lives."
"Let's hope it does not rampage beyond this immediate area."
"For now, I suggest we leave and continue to find the owner of that white dress."
Fost turned to Erin to listen to her opinion.

"If the trouble is this veil stuff you mention, maybe it will fix itself once we stop the culprit. Rather not fight a bear if we can help it, though." A bear was as dangerous as it was intimidating, but even then, it was something she understood, something that belonged. Corpses shuffling around, on the other hand... "But if it comes to that, we will have to take our chances. We can't exactly leave a stone unturned."

Tyrus slowly recovers from his ordeal and nods "Let's find this mystery mage and the owner of that white cloth." He waits for the others to lead on, feeling weakened himself and knowing next to nothing about navigating.

The sun is ahead of the party when they crest a low hill that opens up to a riverside pastoral scene. A few hundred yards away, four houses and their outbuildings sit crosswise from each other, a couple dozen yards apart, the ground well used between them. Surrounding them are acres of crops extending in a semicircle, alternating ridges and furrows extending out from the cluster of buildings like spokes on a wheel.

The “commons” between the houses hosts a large fire pit in the center, and it appears built up for a bonfire. A number of people are working the ridges of crops in various places, and about as many are moving about the commons.

As they got a good view of the houses and fields, Erin furrowed her brow and closed ranks with the rest. "Something is off here." She didn't expect farms to operate the same everywhere, but working the land was hard work and idle hands were rarely justified. "That lass over there." She tried to discreetly gesture to a dancing youth. "She doesn't belong, but maybe is just some outsider."

Fost had not noticed the young woman before Erin pointed her out.
"Wendoll, can you perhaps make a tour around at a distance so we have an idea about numbers of people there? Or would this take too long?"
"The brothers mentioned a dozen."
"Also, maybe you can identify Garreth?"

This message was last edited by the player at 11:53, Mon 20 Feb 2023.

Tyrus looks over where Erin was pointing “Wait, who?” he still doesn’t seem to be noticing any girl, his eyes are drawn to the large fire pit in the center as he slowly raises his hand and points at it. “I don’t remember the Magister having large bonfires except for celebrations… or other special occasions. Is this normal here?”

"I see her, too," Wendoll says, pointing out a feminine figure near the bonfire-in-waiting, wearing some lightly-colored shift or some other light piece of clothing. It takes a bit for Fost and Tyrus to pick her out, but, when they do, she certainly seems out of place in a pastoral setting. "Her dance reminds me of one I used to see performed at the alienage growing up; my father says it was based on a long-forgotten ancient elvhen ritual."

At Fost's request he adds, "Will do," and he and Arnie quietly move off to the right.

"Probably yes, but it still makes no sense to me how she would be wasting her energy dancing there. You know, not helping out with it or working." Erin nodded sagely. "That's why she doesn't belong, no time for celebration yet, doing that while everyone else is hard at work... It is no good." She explained as if the whole reasoning and farm life conventions were self-evident to everyone.

Tyrus turns to Wendoll "Alienage? Wha... Oh. Yeah I've heard of them. That's where you elves live in human cities, right?" He watches the woman dancing for a bit "Perhaps we should introduce ourselves."

Wendoll nods affirmatively as he begins his scouting. He returns a few minutes later and reports, "I counted sixteen; seven men in the fields, seven women and two men in and around the farm houses.

"One of the men was washing tinware...with a staff. The plates and cups and such were all moving by themselves - scrubbing, dipping in barrels of water, drying with a cloth," he adds. "The other man was sitting near the livestock pens on the west side, with a woman on his knee. Neither was working, if you get the gist of my drift.

"I think the amorous fellow is the missing brother."

He gestures around to the fields to his right. "One of the men over here also doesn't look related to the others. Build's completely different; no familial appearance that I could see - I suppose that's the Maker's lookout, but I don't think he's family."

"Witchcraft I reckon!" Erin didn't know much about many things outside her town, but she knew by bitter experience dishes didn't wash themselves. "C-could it be... You are the Mage here Tyrus, but could it be these people are Mages themselves? Or perhaps they have been charmed by one."

Tyrus raises his eyebrow when Wendoll describes the man doing the dishes. "Using magic to do the dishes? What a waste of such potential." He tabs his chin with his finger "It seems we've stumbled upon at least one mage. Perhaps there's more here than meets the eye. Let me see if I can feel a rift in the Fade or something."

Can I sense magic and what kind of magic?

Tyrus Morven rolled 20 using 3d6+4 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 6, 5.  Magic.

Fost tried to get things in order.
"So Garreth's repeated visits here are a matter of a love affair."
Of the physical kind, he thought.
"Sure beats working hard at the farm."
"Callous use of magic. I mean... washing and cleaning up? From what I have heard at the Chantry working magic is a dangerous thing and by golly we have recently seen rather a lot of effects of magic uncontrolled."
"That dancing girl may well be the victim we have been looking for, though she does not appear to be a victim but rather a volunteer."
"That other fellow, not family... he's weird, cannotmplace him in the picture. Could he be a possessed soul and the true foe?"
Fost scratched his temple.
"Any ideas?"

"We could still say hello, but there's a lot of folks who'll be on right top of us if they don't want us around," Wendoll says. "I don't know how many of them are at fighting strength, but I can tell you at least the big guy in the field looks like he can handle a weapon, and I'm not keen on facing a mage who's reckless enough to use it for mundane tasks.

"Then again," he adds, countering his own argument, "do we want to just leave an apostate out here who's willing to take such risks?"

"I could go inquire by myself, then you come after if it looks safe." Even with the magic, Erin was reluctant about thinking every farmer was some kind of bloodthirsty murderer. At the very worst, she imagined herself being chased away. "These people are farmers, I doubt there is some large scheme going on here."

Fost shook his head.
"Well, I believe those farmers are being exploited by the apostate."
"I think taking out the big guy is the best way to start. If we choose to fight."
"Erin, you could indeed check on the brother and tell of his family being concerned about his whereabouts."
Did they want to fight? It seemed no one was willing to do so.

Tyrus places his hand on his chin and rubs it for a moment, letting the information sink in as he tries to spy anything that could help him identify someone of important an among all those people.
“Perhaps two of us should go there and simply tell them that we’re wanderers, I think I’d prefer it to be Erin and myself. If they’re doing something nefarious with magic, I’ll be able to warn her. Wendoll, you’re quick and quiet on foot, you can probably keep an eye out for us without them noticing you. Fost, you can stay with Arnie and charge in should something happen. Though if everything goes well then you two… or three. Still have the chance to act as simple travelers.” he added the last part with a grin which quickly turns upside down “After our encounter with the bear and those bugs I’m not sure any of us should go anywhere alone.” for a second you can see a pang of pain written on his face.

Fost nodded.
"I may not be as good a shot as Wendoll but I can handle the longbow."
"Alright, Wendoll, let's find a good place to cover our friends."

"Then it is settled. You just make sure some witch here doesn't turn us into toads or something. If things get ugly, I can always pick you up and run away like a hare." Erin half jested with the Mage, having done it already, she somehow felt capable of repeating the feat should the need arise. Not that she actually planned to make Tyrus suffer through the indignity of carrying him like that while he was still conscious and capable of run himself.

Wendoll suggests using the crops to the left as a measure of cover to get closer, especially since no one is working those rows at the moment. They get to within about 30 yards of the near edge of the common area and lower themselves amongst the cereal crops, bows strung and nocked, with Arnie nearby, ready to protect his pack.

Erin and Tyrus walk to the common area, catching a glimpse of a pot moving through the air and getting hung on a line attached to a building to the right. The dancing girl is just up ahead near the bonfire stack, and a pair of women are performing work just beyond her - one at the well in the center of the square and the other next to one of the houses.

The she-elf appears to focus on them as she performs several repeated pirouettes, before moving on to other moves and seemingly paying them no mind. They can hear no music to which she is dancing. The woman at the well looks up; even at their distance from her, her countenance is one of suspicion.

OOC: I put up a map (and I replaced the Hinterlands map with a map of Ferelden). Yes, there are more buildings here than what I originally described; this map was better than what I could've drawn, so we'll retcon the earlier narration to say several buildings surround the common square.

The yellow rows on the left represent row & furrow crop fields I described earlier.

The light yellow icons on the map are the women working in the area. The darker yellow icon labeled V is the “victim/volunteer” she-elf. The light green icon labeled G is Garreth. The dark gray icon labeled M is the man cleaning pots using magic.

You folks are the dark orange icons labeled with your first name initial.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Thu 30 Mar 2023.

With their plan set in motion, Erin Casually approached the little square waving at the elf, all for no particular reason other than her being the closest to them. "Excuse me, may I have a moment of your time? Who is the elder here?" Despite it all, Erin was the living embodiment of a sunny disposition in her dealings. And for all the oddness surrounding the place, there was no way of saying that these people weren't as much of a victim of whatever trouble was haunting these parts than any other farmer or traveler. At least not yet...

Tyrus was glad that Erin took charge of the more social side of this situation. He follows her closely and remained silent while keeping his senses open for magic and treachery.
He still manages to nod at the dancing elven maid shortly after Erin addressed her.

The she-elf comes to a stop and regards the newcomers, then draws her lips into a broad, innocent smile that somehow seems shamelessly libertine at the same time.

"You're new," she says playfully. “And you’re a real beauty, too. I’d kill to have such luxurious hair.”

The girl glides up to the pair and looks them up and down. “The only elder we have is an old woman. We call her ‘Gran.’”

OOC: Do not say anarcho syndicalist commune…do not say anarcho syndicalist commune…do not say anarcho syndicalist commune…and do not call her Dennis...

Both Erin and Tyrus find her eyes…odd. They’re mostly light brown, but there seems to be a ring of lavender along the edge that’s starting to bleed into the rest of the iris. The pair also notice the ladies nearby have stopped their work and are watching from where they stand.

“Are you here to join us for our celebration?” she asks. “Tonight, I’m making my lovely Fen mine forever.”

Without waiting for an answer, she spins away, her hands outstretched and eyes looking to the sky.

Tyrus turns to Erin with a puzzled expression as he leans closer. "Keep your eyes peeled." He steps a little closer to the dancing elf "Where would we find Gran?".

I want to sense the mood of the elf as she dances by

Erin was quite confused herself with the whole exchange, but at least they had a name now. She nodded to Tyrus, ready to smack any toad turning mage that may spring from under a rock.

Upon Tyrus’ question she stops her twirling, her body swaying unsteadily for a moment as one does when their balance is off after turning like that. Tilting her head sideways, her countenance goes blank for a moment before she answers, “We’ve already found someone for her. I’ll have to find someone else for you.”

Seeing confusion in his eyes, she mutters flatly, “Oh, you just want to talk to her. She’s with Garreth by the pens.” The she-elf points ahead to a building across the commons.

OOC: She’s pointing to where G & k are. I'll try to get the map updated today.

Fost stayed hidden and observed the scene, ready to spring into action if or when required.

Tyrus nods at Erin and makes his way towards the pens. He stays close to his companion and tries to sense emotions and feeling of anyone nearby. He leans a little closer and whispers "I'm not sure how I feel about this. These people seem.... rather open."

Erin shrugged, just as puzzled as Tyrus, Erin didn't know what to make of these people. They weren't being run out with pitchforks, it wasn't the worst case scenario, yet. "Let's just go meet those two, see if they make any sense of all this. Maybe we can get a good look at that man, they were quite worried back home." She suggested, leading the way to the pen.

As the pair start as directed toward the opposite side of the commons, they come to realize a third woman working next to the home just behind and to their left as she seems to be shifting her focus between them and tending to some linens. The other woman at the well continues to track them as they pass, her face still clouded with suspicion.

Meanwhile, Wendoll has been watching the pot washing mage. When Erin & Tyrus walk the well, he tells Fost, “He’s acting like he conversation behind him wasn’t even happening. No reaction whatsoever.”

At that moment, the she-elf sprints over to the mage. Only then does he turn away from his chore - the dishes and pots still cleaning and hanging themselves - to meet her. Her body language is aggressive and demanding, and it’s plain to see she’s upset about something, as she adamantly points in the direction Erin & Tyrus are walking. He seems to move to reassure her; she shrugs him off at first, but then relents and lets him hold her, and she seems to calm down. The mage seems to gather his awareness about him and starts scanning the area; neither Fost nor Wendoll think he notices them as he looks their way.

Erin & Tyrus encounter another pair of eyes as they come alongside a fenced in area with two rows of large berry bushes. This one is younger, barely husband high, with reddish hair not too dissimilar to Erin’s; her countenance, however, seems troubled.

Finally in view ahead, Garreth and a middle-aged woman (who looks like she’s a good 20 years his senior) are entwined with one another - she sitting on his lap as they embrace, with her head resting blissfully on his broad shoulder - on a simple bench next to an animal pen. A half-dozen goats frolic and bleat and play together within the pen, but something seems off to Erin.


As Garreth, with a satisfied and carefree half smile, notices the approaching newcomers, the troubled woman whispers harshly at them, “Get away! Get away from here!”

Stopping as soon as the woman spoke, Tyrus raises an eye brow. He cocks his head and tries to give her a reassuring smile "Forgive us, we're here to deliver a message to him." He nods towards Garreth.His eyes lock with the old woman's "Though are you who they call 'Gran'?"

OOC: Just for clarity, the troubled woman is the one labeled 'd' on the map. The one with Garreth is labeled 'k'.

The older woman raises her head from Garreth's shoulders and nods. "The young'uns call me Gran, but you can call me Mairet. You had a message for Garreth here?"

"Yes...yes, I'm Garreth," he repeats, though he seems a bit distracted.

The troubled woman to Erin & Tyrus' right seems to want to grab one of them by the sleeve and pull them over, but she stops herself before she stretches out one arm. The conflict seems to be playing itself out on her expression.

"Ginny, stop it!" Mairet chides, using a hand to shoo her away. She smiles apologetically to the others. "Pay her no mind; she's a bit touched by the Maker."

Tyrus smiles at Ginny but takes a step back "Eh, yes. Where was I? Oh yeah." He turns to Garreth "If you don't mind, I'd prefer to talk to you a little in private." He points towards an empty spot, within sight of Mairet, but some 8 yards away. "It's supposed to be for your ears only."

He seems confused, as if he's having trouble following even Tyrus' basic conversation. One can be forgiven for believing he had too much drink in him to communicate properly, but there's no whiff of alcohol anywhere, let alone on his breath. Mairet rises from his lap and says, "Yes, my pet, go talk to them.

"But don't you be trying to give him off to that'un," she warns, pointing at Erin, as she nudges him toward the mage. "He's been promised to me! And tonight it'll be forever!"

Garreth looks back at Mairet a bit bewilderedly, then turns to obediently follow Tyrus. "You...you have a message for me?"

Fost's lines on his forehead deepened as he pondered the unfolding scene.
Clearly the dancing girl was agitated about his friends but so far aggression was held back.
The warrior's grip on his bow tightened.
"If the trouble starts... I don't know... the girl seems to be the leader of those fellows rather than the mage.", he mumbled to Wendoll just to ease his tension.

Tyrus leads the man a couple of steps away, where he had pointed earlier. He turns Garreth around and looks deep into his eyes “Are you okay? You look a little ill. Oh your brothers are looking for you. They say you’ve forgotten something which they want you to have before continuing here.” he keeps his voice low.

I guess he’s under some sort of spell. How would I go about breaking it?

Fost & Wendoll
"That, or she's just good at manipulating men to get her way," Wendoll ponders. He shakes his head. "An elf ordering around humans. Maker take me now; I've seen everything."

After the mage calms the girl down, he starts moving at a comfortable pace toward Erin and Tyrus. She looks at the pots still being cleaned magically, appears to smirk, then returns to admire the bonfire structure.

Tyrus & Erin
"I - I'm fine. Just...," he looks back toward Mairet. "I just have to have her."

The man shakes his head as if to clear it; he definitely appears to be under some sort of influence. To Tyrus, it's as if he's been imbued with lust, like some sort of love philter (which is not easy to craft, let alone acquire), or worse, under the spell of a mage or a demon.

"You said my brothers have something they want me to have?" he asks.

Tyrus looks at Erin for a moment, not sure if she'd understand. He looks at Garreth and smiles "Yes, they said you're supposed to pick it up. I think it was supposed to be a present for someone. Perhaps you'd better go back and pick it up for your... beloved."

The fog returns to his features almost as quickly as he clears it.

"I - I can't. Not today. I - I wouldn't get back...in time," he says, his speech slowed again. "Mairet and I...are to be joined tonight."

Tyrus's eyes once more find Erin's and with a quick nod he motions towards Garreth. "But your brothers want you to be happy. Right now you're happy with Mairet. And I think giving Mairet a nice present would be your best option.

Tyrus Morven rolled 9 using 3d6+4 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 3, 1.  deception.

Can Erin try? I got a freaking +4 to deception but rolled crap.

I got 1 stunt point... can I use Bon Mot to add: "A present for her would be nice."

"That won't do at all, if you are getting married, your family ought to be present. You must tell them and get them acquainted with this Mairet first. What would people say if they saw you by the arm of a woman they have never seen you with before? Why they may even think she is some kind of strumpet, only intent on getting money and lands out of you somehow. And what if you get married and something happened to you? Who would take care of Mairet? She would find no shelter or assistance from your family, who remain unaware of her. If you continue on this course, you will tarnish Mairet's reputation and expose her to great calamity in the future, should misfortune strike. That's not very loving out of you Garreth, certainly not loving well." Erin wagged her finger as she gave the man her stern talking. Why getting married just like that, particularly when relatives lived nearby, was simply as outrageous as it was ill-advised. Not just by the reasons she stated but because she was well aware that family feuds were started for less. "I strongly advise you to reconsider and do things as they ought to be done."

---

Trying a bit of a different approach, since Erin is not one to deceive people.
17:53, Today: Erin rolled 16 using 3d6+2 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 6, 4.  Persuasion.

“Well, yes, my brothers should be here if I’m to be wed,” Garreth replies in a seeming moment of clarity, as he looks back at his paramour. “And I have to make sure Mairet is cared for.”

“Well met, strangers!” calls out a voice from behind. Erin and Tyrus turn to face a male of about 30 years, with a thin, wiry body dressed in non-descript traveler’s clothes and heterochromatic eyes, one ice blue, the other grayish green. He smiles broadly as he approaches.

“It’s a rather busy day here for us, and we’re a bit off the old imperial highway,” he says, the bite of his words not matching his countenance. “So, if you could tell me your business, we can get you on your way as quickly as possible.”

From their hidden position, Wendoll and Fost observe that the mage’s announcement catches the big guy in the field’s attention. He stops his work and turns toward the buildings.

OOC: Tower of Will it is.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Mon 24 Apr 2023.

Taking inspiration from Erin, Tyrus turns to the stranger and takes 30 seconds to look at him. He smiles "Hello there. I hadn't notice you approaching, Do you live here?" He was hoping to buy Erin a little time.

"Then it is settled, best to delay things a couple of days so you can set things straight, a couple of days are nothing next to the lifetime ahead of you two. If you love yourselves and each other, ought to do things as they should, otherwise you are just being selfish and harming her in the long run." Erin insisted again on her point, feeling she had made some gains with the man. And she genuinely believed in what she said, that kind of careless wrong thing may get a pass in big cities, but around these parts was the kind of genuinely harmful thing with the potential to leave a stain one couldn't outlive. "We just so happen to be going in that direction soon, if you want to tag along. We saw a few abnormally ferocious wild animals on the road, and I dread the thought of harm coming to either of you should you try the short journey on your own. There is safety in numbers."

“You’re right, friend,” Garreth tells Erin, his voice becoming steadier with each word. “And Mairet should come with us. To meet Thelric and Lornan.” His brow furrows slightly, but the farm girl-turned-warrior  recognizes that he appears to have fully regained his faculties.

Meanwhile, the mage only reluctantly engages Tyrus, his real interest being what that woman is saying to Garreth.

“Yes, for a few years now. I helped my friend Nolan come home to his father’s family, and I’ve called it home since,” he says. “What - what interest do you have with Garreth?”

Meanwhile, Fost and Wendoll see the big fellow set aside his farming tool and start slowly down the hill toward the conversation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:17, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

"My thoughts exactly! I am glad you saw sense, this is the best for your future together." She nodded in agreement with herself and the whole thing. "We are ready to accompany you as soon as you are ready. With some luck, maybe your siblings will be coming to your wedding too, once introductions are out of the way."

Fost nudged his companion evrn though he was sure Wendoll had noticed the big fellow, too.
Fost sneaked foward, trying to be able to intercept the man but clearly hoping it would not be required.

---

rolled 21 using 3d6+4 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 6, 5.  DEX (Stealth)

Tyrus smiles at the stranger "Oh, my friend here is a friend and we want to help him to get his brothers for the celebration." He taps his chin "I'm more of a messenger than anything."

Fost & Wendoll
The pair start moving to intercept the big guy, Wendoll hanging back just within a good range for his bow, keeping their profiles low to take advantage of the masking provided by rows of crops.

The warrior recognizes that they have approximately twice the distance to travel than their quarry does, which makes intercepting him before we get in view of Erin & Tyrus a difficult process.

They could cut down to the buildings, using the tree, the lettuce plot, and the buildings to mask their movement from the workmen (while also reducing the distance they have to travel by about a quarter). But, that could expose them to the women in the commons, or, worse, the she-elf; and the last dozen yards or so would be fully out in the open of the big fellow (or with a greater chance of exposure to the apostate and the crazy girl by passing by her plot instead).

Tyrus & Erin
"Yes, yes. Come, let's tell Mairet," Garreth says, gesturing for Erin to follow him.

The apostate's mouth curls down into the slightest of frowns, then he shakes his head negatively. "No, there's not time for that. The ceremony is tonight - the ceremony can only be tonight. The phase of the moon is right; it's the height of Blooming-," he seems to catch himself, then straightens up. "I'm afraid you and your friend have to go. Now. Without Garreth."

Meanwhile, Garreth and Erin round the building to find his love where he left her. It's strange, she's just sitting there, her eyes turned toward a spot on the farmhouse's stone foundation. It's as if she has no purpose, no focus, no, well, being without Garreth present.

"Mairet, wonderful news. I'm going to take you to meet my brothers tonight. They would really want to meet you, and then the four of us can come back here to wed," he says enthusiastically, his voice sparking her back to life. She perks up, but develops a deep frown as he explains what he wants to do.

"No, this is all wrong!" she says, exasperated. "We can't wait! She said it has to be tonight! She said I would get my power when I took my man. Fantasy said I would be able to have power like her!" The last words are shouted, easily heard by anyone nearby. Including Tyrus. Including the apostate, whose eyes grow wide and his face loses its color.

In the distance, Tyrus thinks he sees the she-elf turn her head toward the commotion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:33, Mon 08 May 2023.

Well, probably should not have rolled so soon as now I'm biased :D.

Anyway, would have tried first option.
Not sure what I van do with tjose 6sp.
Also, since Wendoll is a bowmam did not expect him to join Fost.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Thu 04 May 2023.

Tyrus frowns, his grip around his staff tightens as the man asks him and Erin to leave without Garreth. Knowing that it's just him and the man Tyrus smirks at him "It's just us, let's speak freely. I know magic when I see it and I know when someone is mind controlled. I'd say you remind me of Threan, full of himself and all to eager to do something that's beyond his reach. What exactly are you planning tonight? What sort of desire demon has nestled itself in someone's mind?"

I'ld like to prepare myself to get blasted into unconsciousness.

"Nonsense. Weddings happen every day, there is nothing to gain and much to lose for hurrying up things. If you two wish to be happily wed it's best to do things right." Addressing both of them, Erin added. "I don't know who that Fantasy lady is but if she is pressuring you to rush things in this manner, she loves you ill." Somehow in her mind, Erin began to construct strange ideas about lands and inheritances.

Tyrus
“I figured you for a mage,” the man says with more than a little disdain. “Are you Tevinter, or just in for their fashion?

“Let me make this clear; you’ve no idea what you’re dealing with, and you’re about to be in way over your 'well-appointed' head,” he continues, not waiting for an answer. “This is a private affair, and all here are willing. It's of no concern to outsiders. Now go.”

Erin
Mairet eyes the warrior suspiciously. Then curls her lips into a snarl. “I know what yer after. Yer tryin’ t’steal my Garreth from me,” she growls. The woman pulls a small workman’s knife from her belt - it’s not particularly long, nor does it seem particularly sharp from Erin’s point of view; the warrior suspects it probably wouldn’t do much past her leathers, even if it could penetrate.

“Well, ya can’t ‘ave  ‘im. He’s mine - been promised t’me! I’ll cut ya if ya dare to say otherwords!”

Fost
Moving forward with urgency, Fost covers the ground between him and the path being taken by the big fellow in record time, the rows of tall crops shielding him from the view of the other farmers. Wendoll lags behind him about 20 yards or so, an arrow already notched in his bow; Arnie moves beside him, ready to act on his master’s word.

Fost checks the position of his quarry. He’s within charging range, and the big fellow doesn’t appear to notice him.

OOC: Fost is about 2 yards to the right of the trees at the bottom of the gridded portion of the map, putting him 10 yards from the dirt pathway at the bottom right of the grid (which I forgot to extend to the drawn portion of the map, but treat it as running in the green area between the two plots of crops). The big fellow is about 6-8 yards below along the path.

I'm away from my home laptop, so I'll get the map update out later tonight.

Began to wildly gesture with her free hand as she narrated her answer, making no small effort in trying to convey just how ferocious and terrible in her wrath her mother was. "Don't be ridiculous! Do you know what an earful mother would give me if I not only married some man I barely know overnight, but stole him from his wedding on top? I would never hear the end of it. No, thank you! I am good. You couldn't pay me enough to do that. Your future husband may be a good catch but is nothing worth having to face my mother like that. She would be so disappointed in me." Erin then waved Mariet to come over. "Now, cease this silly ruckus pick up some essentials and come with us, we are going to meet your future brothers-in-law."

Fost's whipped around, checking between his companions and the big fellow.
It did look like the situation of his friends started to sour but he was hesitant to act.
As he crouched he placed the javelin on the ground and drew his blade, kept it level to the ground, too.

Erin
Erin’s forceful denial seems to shock Mairet back to her senses. The woman pauses, stares in bewilderment at the blade in her hand, and lets it drop to the ground. “I - I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry,” Mairet says contritely. She looks at Garreth and throws herself into his arms. “I could never make you leave your kin, my love, and I want t’meet them. Please, if you’re t’marry me, take me away from ‘ere.”

Her words seem sincere to Erin. Garreth meets the young warrior’s eyes and nods. “Even if we have to walk all night. Let’s go.”

Without waiting, he begins to lead her past the nearby tree toward the path between crop rows.

Tyrus & Erin
The disturbed woman, “hiding” among her garden greens (she stands a good four feet taller than the crops, yet she crouches slightly as if behind a large bush), pantomimes peeking out and heckles the mage.

“See, 'Fenny,' your lies are exposed! None want you here! They reject Fantasy’s fantasies!” she chides, cackling wildly. She then dances about, mockingly repeating “Fancy fantasies!” over and over, seemingly unaware that she’s crushing the greens beneath her.

The mage starts to really seethe at this point. Behind him, Tyrus confirms the commotion has the she-elf’s attention, but she hasn’t started moving this way. The other women working in the area begin to cautiously move away from her (and out of her sightline).

Fost
The warrior also hears the loud rebuke and child-like chant from the other side of the building. The big guy stops short, clearly disturbed by the outburst, but his gaze shifts quickly to the right as he spies something else out of Fost’s field of view.

“Gran!” he calls out. “You and Garreth are going? At this hour?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Tue 16 May 2023.

Noticing Erin and the couple leaving, Tyrus focuses on the mage. "You know, I thought I've dressed according to local customs. Perhaps I should return to Lothering and see if I can get something more appropriate. I'm sure you have other things to do here." He then takes a couple of steps backwards.

"I knew you'd come around." Erin said approvingly. For the most part, she was unconcerned with the growing ruckus around town, somehow having convinced herself at the present that the sole reason they were there was indeed to fetch the happy couple to introduce the bride to the family. Erin led the way out of town, seemingly anticipating no trouble in their exit. "We should be safe as a group, but still, I must warn you there was some angry bear on the road when we came this way."

Erin is escorting Garreth and Mairet to the path, where, ahead, the big guy is calling the older woman by her nickname. Tyrus, trying to run interference against Fenny, backing away to join his companion in making a getaway.

Past the mage, the she-elf starts moving toward them, a smoldering glare firmly aimed at her lover. He seems to sense it, and, instead of pursuing his counterpart, turns and meets her halfway, where an urgent conversation commences.

Meanwhile, the disturbed woman suddenly stops her dancing and just stares at the ground beneath her feet, as if she has just realized she’s been trampling her greens the entire time.

Fost sees the big guy shift a bit, placing himself directly in Gareth and Mairet’s path as he waits for an answer that doesn’t seem to be forthcoming - at least not yet.

OOC: Okay, we're not in combat, but I'm going to take things round-by-round for a bit. So, please give me a Major and Minor action for your characters (and you can include reasonable amounts of dialog as you desire).

I've updated the maps. Group 0 Map is just an overview of the whole area (I accidentally made it a bit small). Group 1 Map is a closeup of the action, which gives you much greater detail for the principals.

Following Erin and the couple, Tyrus keeps an watchful eye on the mage and the she elf that stopped dancing. Occasionally looking where he's walking he seems to play it safe. "Erin, we should get out of here. There's a desire demon at work here." he whispers.

Action: Defend +2 to defense until the beginning of my next turn.
Minor Action: Watch the mage and the elf.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:41, Fri 09 June 2023.

The situation seemed to be at the brink of an explosion. From what Fost had gathered the whole village seemed sort of enslaved to follow the whims of the she-elf who probably was the desire demon they had seen before as the possessed bear. The mage either just tried to placate it and perhaps even thought he had the situation under control but it seemed like the group's meddling had upset the delicate balance. Either way, it was not right that people were forced to stayand were no longer free of their will.
Fost anticipated a fight to break loseand prepared to charge the big fellow.

---

Minor: Prepare
Major: Charge

Seeing as some of the folks were somehow getting a bit upset, Erin tried to get herself between any rowdy villagers that may be getting funny ideas and the couple. She didn't see no demons, not that she even knew what they looked like, but if the mage said they were behind whatever was going on at this village, then Erin took his word for it. "Don't mind them, you two, let's just be on our way."

---

Minor: Move
Major: Defend

After heeding Tyrus' warning, Erin moves ahead to interpose herself between the couple and the large newcomer. Up close, he's actually ruggedly attractive, with the broad chest and musculature of a longbowman - his strength and fitness are poorly hidden by the simple farmer’s clothes he wears. That unstrung bow and quiver he’s holding in his right hand, though, belie his other talents.

“Who are you?” he asks bluntly when she comes to the fore. He doesn’t move forward, but he certainly isn’t doesn’t appear like he’s going to get out of her way.

Fost sees Erin come into view; the big fella confronts her, but doesn’t make any outwardly aggressive movements. The warrior, though, holds no illusions about the man’s ability to quickly string that bow and create all sorts of trouble for his friends.

Behind Fost, Wendoll is ready to fire on a moment’s notice, Arnie standing guard next to his master.

Tyrus, keeping an eye on the arguing couple, sees her nod her head sharply and “Fenny” briefly go rigid where he stands. His shoulders relax and he turns his head to meet his counterpart’s gaze; at first glance, it’s calm, almost serene, but there’s something behind it. A hunger in the eyes…or is it murder he sees there?

OOC: Fost, if you wish to actually charge, please do so. The big guy doesn't seem to be ready to attack this round.

Otherwise, folks, post your next round actions. (Only Tyrus knows the change in Fenny's demeanor.)

A single drop of sweat rolls down his forehead which Tyrus wipes off with his sleeve. As he does so he moves his staff and starts casting a mind blast spell. "RETURN WHERE YOU CAME FROM DEMON!"


I guess I'll bite and attack.

Action: Mind Blast, 3MP V and M have to make a STR Might save TN16 or be knocked prone and unable to take major actions.
Minor Action: Move 10 yeards east (away from the elf and mage, also away from the big guy)


06:11, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 8 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 2, 1.  initiative.

06:11, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+6 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 3, 2.  Mind Blast.

Had she met him n a road, she would have labeled the man one of two, a brigand or a hunter. "I am Erin! And you are? These are Garreth and Mairet by the way." She added, gesturing towards the couple. "You don't happen to be a hunter, do you? There were quite a few wild animals hounding the road earlier, a pretty angry bear."

---

Major: Defend

At Tyrus' shout Fost bursts forth and attacks the hunter.
With a large swipe at the man's leg his opponent has to drop prone or lose his leg...

---

No charge in the last round, same actions as before, Prepare, Charge.
Thus at Tyrus' Initiative Fost charges and attacks the big fellow

rolled 17 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
rolled 18 using 3d6+8 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 4, 4.  Bastard Sword attack, +1 charge added
Stunt: Knock Prone
rolled 17 using 3d6+4 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 5, 4.  Initiative .

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Thu 22 June 2023.

The big guy blushes a bit at Erin’s attention; he recovers enough to respond, “Well, if there’s a bear, maybe I could escort you. I’m Nolan-” but is startled by the Tenvinter mage’s bellow and forceful casting.

As the power of mind blast streaks toward Fenny and the she-elf, Fost bursts out from his hiding place and charges Nolan. (As he does, he realizes the man is wearing no armor.) The big guy responds by quickly stringing his bow as he desperately tries to spin away from the attack, but Fost’s blade rips at the back of his leg and sends him sprawling. (Nolan takes 17 damage and is knocked Prone.)

Both “Fenny” and the she-elf are both struck by the concussive psychic force and land foot-to-foot in place. (Both the She-elf and Fenny are knocked Prone.)

The sudden start of combat startles the others and they stand in place, dumbfounded.

Round 1
The she-elf clears her head and stands, though she seems a bit wobbly for the moment.

OOC: Mairet and Garreth are non-combatants. I’ll note any damage they take, but they’ll act with the “Other Locals” and will seek to get away from any fighting. I’ll only note another local’s health if they take damage in any way.

Nolan had a Prepared Action to ready his longbow in the case of a fight starting.

Round 1 actions, please. (Full initiative rota is below.) Fost is immediately after the she-elf. Wendoll, who already has an arrow nocked, is moving forward to attack Nolan (but will change to a Prepare Minor Action (shoot an enemy combatant when one presents themselves) if Nolan is taken out before he acts). Arnie is going to run up to help Erin and Fost.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25

(B) Nolan -17, Heavy - PRONE
(M) Fenny -0, Healthy - PRONE
(V) She-elf -0, Healthy
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

While he was anxious about killing a man who had not truly shown himself to be an enemy Fost realized that Nolan presented a distraction to the fight that really counted... against the mage and the she-elf.
With a whipered Sorry under his breath Fost struck out at the prone foe and readied his shield

---

Minor: Ready Shield
Major: Attack Nolan
rolled 9 using 2d6+6.  Bastard Sword Damage.
Sheesh :/
rolled 17 using 3d6+7 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 3, 5.  Bastard Sword attack.
Forgot the bonus for prone foe => 18
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Wed 28 June 2023.

Tyrus allows himself to grin as he watches the mage go down. With his focus on the mage he notices little around him and focuses on the magical reserves within him, ice crystals form between his hands but something is wrong, the magic dissipates. He looks with surprise at his hands.

Tyrus is not doing well.

Tyrus Morven rolled 11 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 1, 2.  Winter's Grasp.

Erin relaxed a little as the big man dropped his menacing and imposing approach, regardless of his actual profession, in Erin's mind, Nolan now was and would forever be some woodland's hunter. With the hunter suddenly pounced and downed by a Fost that seemed to come out of nowhere, things really took a turn for the worst.

The poor man had taken a quick and savage beating, and as far as Erin was concerned, he was out of whatever conflict was engulfing everything. "That's enough!" She shouted in as booming and commanding voice as she could muster, as she dashed to try and stand between Fost and the wounded man on the ground.

---

Going for two minors and the closest I can come up to shielding him from any further incoming damage with the move set I got. I would heal but since he isn't at an immediate risk of dying at this very moment can always do that afterward.
1º Move.
2º Stand firm.

Fost brings his shield around as he follows up his charge with a heavy backswing. The extra movement allows the prone archer to squirm away just enough to avoid most of the force of the blade. (Nolan takes 9 damage)

Wendoll tells Arnie, “Make sure he stays down, boy,” and then moves around the small house, toward where Tyrus has retreated. He brings his bow up when he sees the disturbed woman, but quickly recognizes she’s no threat to anyone at this point.

The apostate picks himself off the ground, clearing the fog from his head.

Arnie growls at the prone huntsman, ready to attack if the man tries anything stupid…like get up.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! I wasn’t looking for a fight!” Nolan protests, his right hand extended to try to stop the onslaught as he uses his left arm to cover his torso wound.

Meanwhile, Tyrus is unable to call upon his connection to the fade. “Fenny” laughs, his eyes ablaze in lavender. “Now you will feel the wrath of blood magic, Tevinter!”

Erin stands over the wounded man, interposing herself between him and her friends. At her sharp rebuke, Arnie immediately sits on his haunches and tilts his head.

The women in the square put more distance between themselves and the action, while the men in the fields begin to come out from the tall grasses to see what’s going on. Garreth pulls Mairet out of the fray, away from everybody (including Tyrus).

Round 2
The she-elf, with a feral glint to her eyes, disappears from Tyrus’ view around the larger building. He thinks he sees her draw a pair of daggers from her belt as she moves.

OOC: The she-elf’s (V) position is relative. You don’t know where she is behind the building. For Wendoll’s turn, he’ll continue to move toward Tyrus and attack if he has a shot. Arnie will attack only if Erin instructs him to do so (and will use the Prepare minor action with that as the trigger).

Maps are updated.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40 - PREPARE (Attack if Fancy or Fenny come within his sight and range)
Arnie 25/25 - PREPARE (Attack if Nolan tries to get up or attack)

(B) Nolan -26, Critical - PRONE
(M) Fenny -0, Healthy
(V) She-elf -0, Healthy
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Wed 12 July 2023.

Fost growled, not believing a single word the prone man said. He had seen him preparing to use that bow and now realized that he was bested.
"Stay down, don't interfere or you will meet the Maker today.", he hissed.

He had no idea what Erin was doing, she seamed not to have realized that Tyrus, their companion, was in trouble, not this archer lying on the ground.

He returned to where he had hidden, picked up his javelin and intended to move around clockwise to reach who ever Tyrus had flung his magic at from behind.

---

Move, Ready Item
South Western corner of the house where the clothes hang to dry, javelin back in hand, shield still ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Fri 07 July 2023.

"You two, stay by the dog." She said to the couple, if there were any dangers coming, the smart critter could handle them first, rather than finding them helpless. "Stay there Nolan, we will about your wounds shortly." And with everyone's lives secured (in her head anyway), Erin was off, running headlong into whatever danger and commotion, allegedly involving demons, was transpiring over by their mage friend.

---

Double Move here.

Looking up from his hands his eyes widen when the apostate mentioned bloodmagic. "Blood magic? I thought this was forbidden in Ferelden." he quips but his actions tell a less friendly story, he rushes forward, focusing on the familiar magic of the fade and shapes it into a powerful force pushing down upon the mage. He calls out to his newly found allies "I NEED SOME HELP HERE!"


Minor: move 10 yard forward
Major: Mind Blast STR (MIGHT) vs 16

Tyrus Morven rolled 21 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 5, 6.  Mind Blast.

The warrior issues his warning and moves toward the linens on the lines that are flapping in the breeze. (Fost moves 11 yards and readies his javelin)

Wendoll reaches the cover of a tree, looks around it to find a target, and looses his nocked arrow. The shot deflects off the apostate’s staff just enough to keep from burying itself into his midsection; still, it traces a decent line along one rib. (Fenny takes 8 damage)

Hissing in pain, Fenny moves to cover at the corner of the big house, out of view of the archer (for now). He calls upon his connection to the Fade, swirling magical energy forming around one hand. The apostate then thrusts it forward, the energy taking on a ballista-like shape that streaks through the air at Tyrus.

OOC: Tyrus, roll Dexterity (Acrobatics) vs. TN12. If you succeed, you take 4 damage. If you fail, you take 16 damage.

Arnie puts his head on a swivel, watching for any dangers, while also making sure Nolan stays put. The huntsman, for his part, is content to not test his luck, especially as hurt as he is.

Tyrus moves up and shapes the power arcane to try to knock the apostate down again. Again, the Tevinter’s mastery of magic proves too much to resist and Fenny is stunned. (Fenny is knocked down & loses his major action next turn.)

Arnie responds to Erin’s instructions with a snort of agreement; he turns his head to find Garreth and Mairet. Meanwhile, she moves toward the action, ending up side-by-side with Tyrus.

Round 3
Fost sees the she-elf briefly peek her head around the corner of the big house with the chimney.

Ducking back out of sight, she speaks, her voice taking on an ethereal, raspy quality* that seems to fill the whole area all at once, calling out, “Come to my aid, my lovers…my worshippers! Kill the outsiders!”

* Think the voice of Gozer the Gozerian. - Ed.

Almost immediately, the curious men in the fields straighten up and reply in unison, “Yes, Fantasy. We love and obey.” They then pull out their work knives and begin to move toward the party.

OOC: Round 3 actions, please. Note that the dark gray icons in the bottom will be heading toward the party at the end of the round. They're armed with work knives (treat as Throwing Knives without the ability to throw them (too unbalanced)).

Round 2 Rolls
Wendoll’s attack: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 18 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System (({5}, 4, 3)). Wendoll’s damage: Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 8 using 1d6+7 with rolls of 1.  Longbow Damage 1d6+7.

Fenny’s Magic roll: Evil GM, for the NPC Fenny, rolled 14 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System (({5}, 4, 3)).  (Arcane Bolt) Magic +2 vs TN10.

Arcane Bolt damage on Failed Save:  Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 16 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,6.  Arcane Bolt Failed Save 2d6+5.

Arcane Bolt damage on Successful Save: Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Arcane Bolt Successful Save 1d6.

Fenny Resistance to Mind Blast: Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 10 using 3d6+1 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System (({4}, 4, 1)).

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25 - PREPARE (Attack any enemy within reach.)

(B) Nolan -26, Critical - PRONE
(M) Fenny -8, Moderate - PRONE (no major action Round 3)
(V) Fantasy (she-elf) -0, Healthy
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:07, Thu 13 July 2023.

Tyrus tries his best to duck under the ballista like magic racing towards him, instead of a graceful dodge, he stumbles and nearly falls on his nose which drops him just low enough to evade most of the magical energy. It just burns his back a little.
As he straightens himself and casts "Fenny" down once more he calls out. "Surrender, you're outmatched." Tyrus moves closer to the prone mage and tries once more to summon the magical energies, forming crystals between his hands he shoots a single ball of frost, hitting the prone mage, threatening to engulf him in ice.


Minor: move closer
Major: Winter's Grasp, 3 penetrating damage, CON (Stamina) VS 16 at the start of Fenny's turn or take another 1d6 penetrating damage and a cumulative -2 to speed.


Tyrus Morven rolled 14 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 3, 1.  Winter's Grasp.
14:34, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  pen damage.

The dice gods have blessed me! Somehow I've avoided most of the damage
 Tyrus Morven rolled 15 using 3d6+1 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 6, 4.  acrobatics.

Hearing arcane incantations Fost was about to hurry forward to the house with the chimney when he saw the she-elf and with a startled gasp he changed his direction to move along the tree line instead, hoping to be able to throw his spear at her.

---

Minor: Move, Major: Attack

rolled 11 using 1d6+8.  Throwing Spear Damage.
rolled 18 using 3d6+5 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 5.  Throwing Spear attack, long range.
Note: 20 if within 8 yards

Stunt: skirmish She-Elf 6 yards 'up' (towards M) so she is visible to Wendoll and he hopefully shoots at her
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Thu 13 July 2023.

Erin rushed forward past Tyrus, trying to reach their side of the house, mirroring Fenny. They were too far to put her blade to work and having caught but a glimpse of those magics flying about, she wasn't too keen on being caught in the open.

---

Double move again, I guess.

Despite trying to use the cover of the buildings to her advantage, the now-identified Fantasy is struck hard by the spear and thrown back, out of Fost’s view. (Fantasy had some cover, so it ended up being a 16 result at long range, but still a hit. Fantasy takes 11 damage.)

Wendoll moves up behind a stack of crates, where he has a good line of sight on the apostate, and nocks another arrow.

Fenny stands and moves out of sight of Erin and Tyrus. Wendoll calls out and says he’s just around the corner.

Arnie sees the men starting to approach. With a growl, he trots past Nolan and sets himself in position to attack if any come near him. (Arnie is taking the Prepare action to attack any enemy within reach.)

Nolan resists the urge to reach for his bow, even as he recognizes no one is paying attention to him. But he does call out to the others, “Try not to hurt the farmers; they’ve been spellbound by Fancy.”

Tyrus surges ahead and wraps tendrils of ice and snow around the apostate. Erin, following suit, is upon Fenny. (Fenny takes 3 damage, and will need to make a CON check at the beginning of his next turn.)

The enthralled farmers move down the path, leading with their workman’s knives.

Round 4

Fantasy, seeing the delicious redheaded warrior nearby, laughs lustily as she ducks behind a two-wheeled cart. She then calls out in that raspy voice, “By the sanguine source that courses through this vessel, I claim power over the blood of my enemies!”


OOC: Okay, Round 4 actions, please. Arnie is focusing on the new threat from the fields. Wendoll is going to shoot somebody this round (probably Fantasy).

Fost needs to get through the opening between the two buildings ahead of him to see either of his foes. Erin is in prime position to attack either of them.

Health
Erin 60/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 41/41
Wendoll 40/40
Arnie 25/25 - PREPARE (Attack any enemy within reach.)

(B) Nolan -26, Critical - PRONE
(M) Fenny -3, Light - CON (Stamina) TN16 at the start of Fenny's turn or take another 1d6 penetrating damage and a cumulative -2 to speed.
(V) Fantasy (aka Fancy) -11, Moderate
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy
(1) Farmer 1 -0, Healthy
(2) Farmer 2 -0, Healthy
(3) Farmer 3 -0, Healthy
(4) Farmer 4 -0, Healthy
(5) Farmer 5 -0, Healthy
(6) Farmer 6 -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Fost ran along the house just left of him, hoping to see where the she-elf had gone. Meanwhile he readied his last javelin.

---

Minor: Move, Major/Minor: Ready 2nd javelin

Erin swung at Fenny with her glaive, none of the consideration shown to Nolan present. The only thing she knew about wizards was that they were dangerous, one didn't take chances with their ilk, least becoming a toad was among the list of life goals. Only once they were on the ground and subdued, she would consider giving them quarter.

---

Melee Attack.
Press the Attack.

13:41, Today: Erin rolled 12 using 3d6+2 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 4, 2.  Attack.
13:45, Today: Erin rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,6.  Damage (potential).

Stunt points for knock prone and defensive stance.

Tyrus moves a little closer, following Erin as she attacks Fenny he swings his staff around, a purple ball of magical energy races towards Fenny. "Surrender" He says, more to himself than anyone around.

Minor: Move 2 squares closer
Major: Arcane Lance, Hit 16, 8 damage


22:08, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 8 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 4.  damage.

22:07, Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 16 using 3d6+6 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 1, 3.  Arcane lance atk.

Fost moves with speed and purpose, clearing the two buildings. He sees the apostate engaged with Erin and Fancy/Fantasy hiding behind a two-wheeled cart.

Wendoll comes out from his cover, taking aim just past Erin’s hip, trusting his expertise and letting an arrow fly at the apostate. Erin hears it zip past her as it impales Fenny in the torso; he yelps from the impact, his knees nearly buckling. (Fenny takes 13 damage.)

Fenny feels the freeze deepen in his bones, making his movements stiffer. (Fenny takes 3 damage.)Trying to right himself, the apostate grips the air between him and the warrior as he booms, “I take thy life to restore mine!” However, his magic fizzles, leaving his arm shaking uncontrollably. Seeing his retreat to the rear cut off by Fost, the apostate instead chooses to run toward the bonfire stack. He makes eye contact with his lover, pain evident in his eyes.

Arnie takes a paw forward and growls at the incoming farmers. (Prepare action to attack if any come within bite range.)

Nolan stands up and moves to stand next to the mabari. He also stands ready to defend (unarmed) against the farmers. Arnie appears to approve. (Prepare action to attack if any come within punching range.)

Tyrus steps forward and unleashes a bolt of arcane energy from the crystalline tip of his staff. The energy darts around Erin and circles in to pummel the apostate. (Fenny takes 8 damage and is at 0 Health.)

Fancy screams, “Fenny!” The quality and tone of her voice seem different in that moment, even different from when Erin and Tyrus first met the girl a few minutes before.

Erin, her original target down, moves forward and swipes at the she-elf with her glaive; however, even in her shock, Fancy remains lithe and nimble and slips just under the path of the arcing blade.

The enthralled farmers move forward in near unison, the closest slowing up to ensure his allies are with him to attack together.

Round 5
Fancy scurries around Erin and comes to stand between the redhead, Tyrus, and Wendoll, chanting whimsically, “Listen to your heart-beat. Feel the way your blood flows. Let me hear your screams as it boils in your dreams!”

The chant ends with a thundering crescendo. Searing pain seizes the trio as their vessels and veins feel like they’re fully ablaze for several excruciating seconds. (Erin takes 5 penetrating damage. Tyrus takes 8 penetrating damage. Wendoll takes 8 penetrating damage.)

OOC: Round 5 actions, please.

Tyrus, it’s your choice if your arcane lance killing blow is meant to be lethal or non-lethal.

Erin and Tyrus, you each must succeed on a Constitution (Stamina) test vs. Spellpower 13; failure means you’ll only be able to take a minor action on your next turn.

Notes
I changed my mind on Wendoll’s target, since Fenny could do some damage to Erin if he gets her with something.

Erin, I figured you’d move on to target Fancy if the apostate went down.

Dice Rolls
Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 11 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 1, 4.  Longbow +6 (11 yards), -2 for defender in melee.

Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 13 using 1d6+7 with rolls of 6.  Longbow Damage 1d6+7.

Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 9 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 4, 3.  Constitution (Stamina) +1 vs. TN 16.

Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  1d6 Penetrating Winter's Grasp Cold Damage.

Evil GM, for the NPC Fenwithe, rolled 10 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 1, 2.  Magic +2 vs. TN 12.

Evil GM, for the NPC Fancy, rolled 21 using 3d6+5 (6 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 4, 6.  Magic (Blood Magic) +5 vs TN17.

Evil GM, for the NPC Fancy, rolled 5,8,8 using 1d6+3,1d6+3,1d6+3 with rolls of 2,5,5.  Blood Wound 1d6+3 Penetrating damage to Erin, Tyrus, Wendoll (in order).

Evil GM, on behalf of Wendoll Ethen, rolled 10 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 1, 6.  Constitution (Stamina) vs. SP13.

Health
Erin 55/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 33/41
Wendoll 32/40 - Can only take Minor Action in Round 5
Arnie 25/25 - PREPARE (Attack any farmer within reach.)

(B) Nolan -26, Critical - PREPARE (Attack any farmer within reach.)
(M) Fenny -23, UNCONSCIOUS and PRONE (Tyrus' decisive hit was non-lethal; msg #251)
(V) Fantasy (aka Fancy) -11, Moderate
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy
(1) Farmer 1 -0, Healthy
(2) Farmer 2 -0, Healthy
(3) Farmer 3 -0, Healthy
(4) Farmer 4 -0, Healthy
(5) Farmer 5 -0, Healthy
(6) Farmer 6 -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Mon 31 July 2023.

Unsettled, daunted even, by his companions' screams of pain after the she-elf's incantation, Fost nevertheless closed with the foe and hurled his javelin with force at the she-elf.

---

Minor: Move (up to 10 yards distance to Fancy) / Major: Attack
rolled 19 using 3d6+5 (2 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 6, 6.  Throwing Spear attack, long range.
rolled 14 using 1d6+8.  Throwing Spear Damage.
SP: Knock Prone
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Fri 28 July 2023.

Tyrus has little to no time to rejoice in his little victory, he looks around to evaluate the situation when a wave of familiar pain washes over him. "AAARGH" He nearly kneels but supports himself putting his hands on his legs. "Blood magic. Get her." He tries to warn the others but the pain is too much to bear. He simply moves a little closer, pointing at her "You..."

Tyrus Morven rolled 12 using 3d6 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 4, 2.  Stamina.
So close... yet so far.

I'll deal non-lethal damage with my arcane Lance

Erin was no stranger to pain, in fact, if she cared to argue, she could claim to have felt worse, if not of a magically induced nature. The cursed strangeness of the whole thing only further convinced the redhead about the necessity to put these spell wielding menaces out of commission.  Chasing after Fancy, Erin once more made a mighty swung with her glaive, as if trying to slice her in half.

---

10:33, Today: Erin rolled 17 using 3d6+7 with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 5, 1.  CON (Stamina).
Minor: Move
Major: Attack
20:02, Today: Erin rolled 15 using 3d6+2 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 4, 4. Glaive attack.
Burning the stunt points into lethal blow
20:04, Today: Erin rolled 19 using 4d6+3.  Glaive Damage.
Potential damage: 19

With extra urgency, Fost rushes forward and launches his javelin; it strikes the she-elf solidly in the flank, and she tumbles to the ground, a demonic screech piercing the air. Nearby, Erin sees her eyes flare a sickly and disturbing lavender.  (Fancy takes 14 damage and is knocked prone.)

Momentarily crippled by the searing pain, it takes all of Wendoll’s discipline and concentration to nock an arrow in his bow. He has to end this foul creature - even if she was once an elf.

Arnie and Nolan continue their defensive posture against the oncoming farmers. (Arnie performs the Stand Firm minor action and Prepare minor action. Nolan performs the Guard Up +1 minor action and the Prepare major action.)

Like Wendoll, Tyrus is unable to do anything more than suffer through the pain coursing through his veins. On the other hand, sheer determination allows Erin to keep moving. The she-elf’s eyes change quality again, becoming a soft blue that certainly fits her natural tones better than those angry purples.

“Kill me,” she whimpers in a soft and subservient voice. “I-it’s the only way to stop her…”

With increased ferocity, Erin lunges forward and sweeps out against her foe. For a brief instant, just before her blade makes contact with the she-elf’s flesh, the young warrior thinks she sees the woman tense up instead of trying to evade her (as she did last time). The glaive slices Fancy across the midsection, almost splitting her in twain.

As she falls back a blast of lavender “smoke” billows out of the wound, coalescing briefly into the visage of a shapely, winged female demonic figure, before dissipating into thin air. The she-elf hangs on for a few moments, her ragged breaths gurgling. She angles her head to find the apostate, and tries to reach out to him, but her broken body is unable to comply. She gazes at him with what only could be seen as affection until the life fades from her eyes and she finally lies still.

The farmers continue to rush Arnie and Nolan, then suddenly stumble and fall. They pick themselves up, seemingly bewildered at their changed surroundings. Most simply drop their knives, while one or two replace them on their belts.

OOC: Combat has ended. Actions?

Health
Erin 55/60
Fost 62/62
Tyrus 33/41
Wendoll 32/40
Arnie 25/25

(B) Nolan -26, Critical
(M) Fenny -23, UNCONSCIOUS and PRONE
(V) Fantasy (aka Fancy) -36, DEAD
(k) Mairet -0, Healthy
(G) Garreth -0, Healthy
(1) Farmer 1 -0, Healthy
(2) Farmer 2 -0, Healthy
(3) Farmer 3 -0, Healthy
(4) Farmer 4 -0, Healthy
(5) Farmer 5 -0, Healthy
(6) Farmer 6 -0, Healthy

NPC Health Conditions:
Uninjured (100% Health remaining)
Light (at least 75% Health remaining)
Moderate (at least 50% Health remaining)
Heavy (at least 10% Health remaining)
Critical (less than 10% Health remaining)

Forcing his eyes open, Tyrus tries to focus on the recently cut down she elf as he moves through the pain. "Good job!" He says weakly before casting a spell and keeping his hand over the elf's wounds.


I'm gonna move forward and try to heal the elf. I know that its probably not gonna do anything but Tyrus would.

Today: Tyrus Morven rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 1.  Healing.
Tyrus Morven rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Healing.

Gasping as the wispy figure or shape emerged from the she-elf as she died from Erin's mighty swing Fost drew his sword, not quite believing that this was the end of the fight. But then the shape was blown away by the wind and Fost did relax.

He glanced at his companions, glad that they were not seriously hurt.
"Is it over?", he asked, demanded, of Tyrus who, as far as Foat knew, was likely the only one who knew what was going on.

Then his gaze wandered to the still form of the other mage.
"Dead? Or able to be questioned?"

Which reminded him of the archer being kept in check by Wendoll's trusty four-legged companion.
He rushed for the man called Nolan and saw with relief that the people had thrown off the spell to attack them.

With a gruff voice he said to Nolan.
"There's some explaining required. Join me to talk to the others."
His still drawn sword surely was enough indication that the man should leave his bow right were it was.

Erin's chest heaved as she breathed heavily, not so much from exertion but the whole excitement pumped into her system during such a struggle. Having seen the dead raise their hand against the living not so long ago, she refused to believe it was truly over yet and remained on her guard, ready to slice either of the two into smaller pieces if they tried anything funny. "They won't turn on us again like the ones before, will they?" Until their resident mage confirmed it was over, it would not be.

Tyrus focuses at the spell but manages to answer the various questions: "In my experience this should be it, the demon has lost its host and most, if not all of its power." pearls of sweat roll down his forehead. He nods towards the unconscious mage "Knocked out." He states point blank.