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07:06, 3rd May 2024 (GMT+0)

Ghostwalk Rescue.

Posted by The Patchwork GodFor group 0
The Patchwork God
GM, 448 posts
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #1

Ghostwalk Rescue

The sky is clear and blue as you travel south. It's pretty warm, and no wind to cool you down. Still, it's a nice walk to Ole Crick's, the inn at the frontier of the Province of the White Sword.

Ole Crick's stood at the border of Death Forest for almost as long as the province existed. As you step inside, you see there's plenty of room for the merchant caravans regularly crossing the forest. A Horseshoe-shaped bar takes almost half of the place, with plenty of stools, though most are empty. Same for the four large tables, and half of the four booths.

Though your mind is on getting a room and some food, you can't help noticing a large balding man sitting in the booth closest to the entrance. You're not sure what it is, but there's just... something weird with the way he moves. Almost like he's trying to hide something...
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 285 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 0
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 02:54
  • msg #2

Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid gave the man - and the inn - a good once over.

quote:
20:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,6.  Discern realities.

Hoo yeah - that's how to start a quest :)

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is not what it appears to be?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
The Patchwork God
GM, 451 posts
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 13:36
  • msg #3

Ghostwalk Rescue

Looking around, you can tell there's no merchant moving through tonight, so only a few woodcutters are here to relax from their day of hard work.

Except for the large man.

He looks large enough to be a woodcutter, but you can tell he's not. He's just too clean. By pretending to drop your pouch, you manage to get a glance under the man's table to see what he's fiddling with.

It's small, bone-like. A large teeth, maybe? Whatever it is, he has a handful of them, and he keeps rubbing them as he mutters to himself.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 288 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 0
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 15:52
  • msg #4

Ghostwalk Rescue

Is anything here evil?
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 158 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 21:06
  • msg #5

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy followed Gorrid into the establishment, but was not nearly as focused on the other patrons as the paladin was. At least not yet. He stumbled dramatically over to the bar and signaled for service, his unseen servant carrying additional supplies as it trailed behind him. "Can we get some drinks for some dry throats, and beds for weary feet?" It was clear that he was not as bad off as he pretended to be, but he was definitely tired of being on the road for the day.

He sat on a barstool and rested his back against the counter, finally taking notice of the other patrons. Notably the big balding man. He was definitely suspicious of the guy, but it looked like Gorrid was already investigating. Maybe? The paladin was being very subtle about it if he was. Regardless, Spriggy stayed back for the time being.


Conjuring a new servant before leaving headquarters:
15:56, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 13 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,5.  Casting Unseen Servant before leaving.
The Patchwork God
GM, 452 posts
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 03:19
  • msg #6

Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid doesn't sense anyone evil... but the teeth the large man is playing with have a nasty aura to them.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 289 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 0
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 05:02
  • msg #7

Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid ordered a couple of ales, then walked over to the man's table.  He set one in front of the balding man.  "Mind if I join you?"

Without waiting for an answer, he took a seat and spoke quietly, though loudly enough that his nearby teammates could hear.  "Those teeth you're holding - they look a bit tainted and you look a bit concerned.  Care to share your story?  My friends and I might be able to help..."

quote:
23:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,2.  Charisma roll.

Don't know if a roll was required here, but if it was, then XP earned - no real way to recover from that one...
The Patchwork God
GM, 453 posts
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 19:39
  • msg #8

Ghostwalk Rescue

The man jumps, hiding away the objects. He looks about to shout at you, until he looks at your armor. He glances around the room briefly, before whispering "not here... I'll... You'll see tonight." With that, he heads upstairs, presumably to one of the rooms.


The maid nods to Spriggy. "For two coins each, we'll get you feed and sheltered! We got plenty of spare room tonight!"
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 290 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 0
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 20:10
  • msg #9

Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid finished his drink and offered the untouched one to whichever of his friends wanted it.  "The man who was sitting with me - has he been here long?  Also, why so much room at this time of the season?"

When Spriggy or someone had finished negotiating the bill and the group had found a table, Sir Gorrid shared what he had seen.

"It might be best if we paid a visit to the man before tonight.  I fear I may have scared the man, so perhaps it might be best is someone else took the lead?"
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 161 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Mon 26 Jul 2021
at 19:56
  • msg #10

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy paid his share of the coins for the night's stay, then settled down in a chair next to Gorrid. After the paladin explained the situation, Spriggy nodded. "Yeah, I should probably go have a chat with him. I'm sure I can craft a conversation that could lead to some answers. We don't want any foul surprises cropping up on us after all. I just need to know what room he is in..." He looked to the employee Gorrid had asked about the man already, hoping they would be willing to share a room number too. He went over to ask them the room number in a non-suspicious way.


Removed 2 coins for my share of the lodgings. Do I need a roll to learn the man's room number? I guess I could also just go door to door if needed.
Kharla
player, 231 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 00:34
  • msg #11

Ghostwalk Rescue

"Well that took longer than it should have," Kharla announces to everyone and no one as she finally entered Ole Crick's and spied where her companions had seated themselves.  "So what've they got that's hot?"

Hearing that rooms are 2 coins Kharla fishes a pair from her pouch and buys herself a night's stay as well.

Assuming Sir Gorrid and Spriggy share the tale of the odd fellow the thief's eyes narrow, "Describe him, would you?  And just how rattled was he when he left?  Think he's climbing out a window as we speak?"

It's possible that she remembered doing exactly the same thing at one time or another in her past.

Possibly...
The Patchwork God
GM, 454 posts
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 02:14
  • msg #12

Ghostwalk Rescue

The barmaid, between serving you drinks and preparing you some food, answers Gorrid's questions. "The big man? I don't really know him... He just pass here every once in a while for a meal, but he never says much. He didn't look so nervous usually either. And I don't remember him taking a room either...

As for why things are slow... well, most of our business comes from passing merchants. And since none of the went through today, we're left with just the few woodsman in need of a drink."

The man in question looked a lot like a big farmer, and not someone used to be sneaky. He did seem to have a small book stuffed in a too small pouch, that seemed out of place on the man.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 291 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 02:19
  • msg #13

Ghostwalk Rescue

"Sounded like he had business here tonight, so doubt he's gone far...  Watching the exits isn't a bad idea though.  I'll take the front - shout if you need a hand."

The paladin finished his mug in an impressive time for a man who was, in principle, holy, then headed back out the door.

quote:
20:17, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Discern realities - town.

And the XP keeps coming...

2 coins deducted
The Patchwork God
GM, 455 posts
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 15:12
  • msg #14

Ghostwalk Rescue

Walking outside, you see no way the man could leave the place without going out the main room. Except maybe by jumping from the window. The one he's looking out of. He glances at you as you walk below him, but he seems deeply focused on the forest south of the tavern. Whatever he's waiting for, it doesn't seem he's seen it yet.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 292 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 15:44
  • msg #15

Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid popped back into the tavern to share with Spriggy what room the man was in, then returned out to resume his watch.  If the man did jump, he wouldn't get far.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 162 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 19:57
  • msg #16

Ghostwalk Rescue

Now that Spriggy knew where to look, he headed upstairs to knock on the appropriate door. "Hello?" he called out.
Kharla
player, 233 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 01:55
  • msg #17

Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla sat alone as her companions dispersed, determined to watch the stairs should the fellow exit this way (after apparently making it past Spriggy).  Drinking and relaxing after the long day of travel was simply a happy bonus for her diligence.

It was.

Seriously this is hard work, keeping watch like this.

Well it's harder than it looks!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Wed 28 July 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 456 posts
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 15:22
  • msg #18

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy knocks at the door, asking to be let in for a talk. But despite your calls, there's no answers from the room. If Gorrid hadn't told you the man was there, you would have thought you had the wrong room.

Outside, Gorrid see the man glance at the door, but he just shakes his head, looking back toward the forest as the sun starts to set.



In the main room, the barmaid lingers around the group's table, before talking to Istvan and Kharla. "So... do you think that guy could be trouble? I mean, he never did anything before..."
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 163 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 29 Jul 2021
at 03:03
  • msg #19

Ghostwalk Rescue

When it became clear the guy wasn't going to answer, the bard sighed. It looked like he would need to put on a little act to get things moving.

After taking a moment to compose his thoughts and strategy, Spriggy knocked on the door more forcefully than before. "C'mon man, I know you're in there. What's yer name? I really need to talk to ya. I was thinking of doing some songs and stories downstairs this evening, and my friend mentioned that you were already planning something for tonight. I don't want to do anything that will hamper your performance. Oh! Maybe we could even collaborate! Now we definitely need to talk." He rapped on the guy's door some more, more excitedly than before.


This seems like a Charisma roll, either to convince him to come to the door out of curiosity or annoyance.

22:01, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,1.  Charisma roll?
The Patchwork God
GM, 457 posts
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 15:23
  • msg #20

Ghostwalk Rescue

Listening closely, the only answer you hear is "...They're coming..."

Gorrid sees the man open the window, still staring at the forest. As you follow his gaze, you notice shapes moving along the tree line... Skeletons, making their way toward the inn.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 293 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 16:21
  • msg #21

Ghostwalk Rescue

"SKELETONS ATTACKING FROM THE FOREST!"

The paladin glanced up at the man.  "Are you able to stop them?"  Even as he spoke, he was scanning the tree-line trying to get a handle on the approach host and to figure out how best to manage the threat.

quote:
10:19, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,3.  Discern realities.

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who's really in control here?
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 164 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 21:33
  • msg #22

Ghostwalk Rescue

If Spriggy didn't know that the man wasn't actually an entertainer of some sort (probably), he would have asked if it was his performing troupe that was coming. But as it was, he knew that "they're coming" meant something much more important.

And with Gorrid's yell, Spriggy began rushing back toward the entrance. "Crap, crap, crap," he yelled as he rushed down the steps. Things definitely were not going as well as he would have liked...
Istvan Vanoson
player, 251 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 21:58
  • msg #23

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy Glompgut:
If Spriggy didn't know that the man wasn't actually an entertainer of some sort (probably), he would have asked if it was his performing troupe that was coming. But as it was, he knew that "they're coming" meant something much more important.

And with Gorrid's yell, Spriggy began rushing back toward the entrance. "Crap, crap, crap," he yelled as he rushed down the steps. Things definitely were not going as well as he would have liked...


Istvan, hearing both shouting and Spriggy's rapidly-running footsteps, makes haste to follow Spriggy to wherever Spriggy is headed...
Kharla
player, 234 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 31 Jul 2021
at 01:12
  • msg #24

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The thief's mouth had opened, intending to reassure the barmaid, but Sir Gorrid's alarm called and she leapt to her feet instead, "I'm going to guess the answer is yes.  Bright, bright big trouble."

As Spriggy rapidly descends Kharla realizes he has neither book nor scales and quickly confirms he did not speak with the man.  "I'll get the book and scales! And answers too or he'll regret it!  Which room is he in?"

She motions for any others in the inn to ascend to the 2nd story and barricade the stairs as she sprints up them herself.  If the fellow's door is locked she whips out her picks and sets to work.

20:09, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,6.  Pick Locks.
The Patchwork God
GM, 458 posts
Sat 31 Jul 2021
at 13:41
  • msg #25

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid notices that the skeletons are splitting up, moving to surround the inn, with one group heading for the paladin. It's pretty clear they're controlled, probably by the shady figure still lurking behind the trees. And with a dozen undead moving toward the inn, you think retreating into the solid inn would be the safest idea.

In the tavern, Kharla pops open the door just in time to see the man open the window, and throw something outside.

Meanwhile, Istvan and Spriggy go around the corner of the tavern, and spot four skeletons heading toward them.

Gorrid in on the side of the inn opposite to the main entrance. There's a back door near him, but it's closed. All windows on the ground floor are high and too small to enter easily.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 252 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Sat 31 Jul 2021
at 14:50
  • msg #26

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Meanwhile, Istvan and Spriggy go around the corner of the tavern, and spot four skeletons heading toward them.


Istvan calls upon the power of Noric:

(09:49, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,5.  Turn Skeletons..

 Nailed it...!

On a 10+, you also momentarily daze intelligent undead and cause mindless undead to flee. Aggression breaks the effects and they are able to act as normal.)

The turning was very effective!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Sat 31 July 2021.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 294 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 31 Jul 2021
at 18:53
  • msg #27

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The inn might have been safest, but going after the being controlling the undead was going to be more effective.  The paladin unsheathed his sword, holding it up into the fading light of the sun.  "Sword, shield and light"  The sunlight hit the sword and it gleamed more brightly, reflecting off the blade onto his shield and armor.  Then he started to walk, then run towards the oncoming skeletons - and the shadow in the trees beyond.

quote:
12:45, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,4.  Cast bless on me.
12:45, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,6.  Cast magic weapon on my sword.


I'm assuming I can get both of those off before the skeletons have a chance to close unless they're moving exceptionally quickly?

My intention is to cut down whichever skeleton is most directly in my way and keep moving towards the shadowy source.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 165 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 1 Aug 2021
at 02:59
  • msg #28

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Seeing Isvan's faith physically repelling the skeletons gave Spriggy hope. Not that he thought they wouldn't be able to handle a couple of walking bone-dolls anyway. "Brings back memories, eh?" Spriggy commented to Istvan, referencing their previous run-in with skeletons. "If you go these under control, I'll see if there are any others causing more havoc. Here. Let me know if you need anything." Spriggy touched two fingers to his temple, muttered some arcane words, then touched Istvan's temple with the same fingers, creating a psychic connection.

But perhaps he rushed his spell a little too much. Especially since he hadn't had much practice with it yet. When he hurried off to go find other skeletons, he could feel the thought-strings tugging back in some fashion.


Casting Telepathy on Istvan:
21:56, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,1.  Cast Telepathy on Istvan.
Failure. But +1 XP!
The Patchwork God
GM, 459 posts
Sun 1 Aug 2021
at 15:38
  • msg #29

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The skeletons shy away from Istvan. As Spriggy tries to cast, he's distracted by another chant, coming from the forest. Someone else is casting nearby!

Gorrid feels the strength of the Ghostwalk flow over him. But from above, you notice small objects fall in the grass in front of you. As you watch, skeletal dogs dig themselves out of the ground, turning to face... the skeletons!?

The four hounds move toward the original undeads... until a dark chant comes from the forest, causing the dogs to stop, and turn back toward Gorrid. "What? NO! Not him, the skeletons! The SKELETONS!" The desperate cries from above seem to have no effect on the new creatures.
Kharla
player, 235 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sun 1 Aug 2021
at 17:54
  • msg #30

Ghostwalk Rescue

"What have you done?" she demands.

The redhead crosses the room in an instant, grabs the big man by his shirt and holds her rapier point under his chin, "Talk! Who's in the woods and what do they want?"

Her glance through the window shows Sir Gorrid in dire straits, confronted by multiple skeletons!

This a Parley maybe?

12:53, Today: Kharla rolled 5 using 2d6+1 ((1,3)).
- eh if so then XP...GM confirm?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 295 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sun 1 Aug 2021
at 19:22
  • msg #31

Ghostwalk Rescue

The knight didn't slow when the dogs appeared or when they turned.  His blade lashed out at whatever was directly in his path and he kept running - straight towards the sound of the chanting.

quote:
13:20, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,2.  Hack & slash.
13:20, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using d10+d4+1 with rolls of 3,4.


Hopefully that's enough to at least knock it out of the way...
The Patchwork God
GM, 460 posts
Mon 2 Aug 2021
at 14:49
  • msg #32

Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid smashes the skeleton in his way, but the hound skeletons are nipping at your heels. The moment you stop to take a swing, they'll be all over you.

As Kharla grabs the man, he just shakes his head. "They're supposed to help... they're supposed to stop the Dark elves..." He looks at the hounds, as though he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

You can keep the XP.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 296 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 2
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Mon 2 Aug 2021
at 15:26
  • msg #33

Ghostwalk Rescue

To clarify, I've cleared the skeleton between me and the woods and I have a free line to the source of the chanting, but once I get there, I should expect to be attacked?  How long until I get there?  Any rolls needed before I get there?
Kharla
player, 236 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 11:49
  • msg #34

Ghostwalk Rescue

"Dark Elves?" the shock of the name hit Kharla like a hammer and then the absurdity the man's actions followed in its wake, "You're trying to fight Dark Elves with undead?  Seriously?"

She cursed loudly and pulled off her bow, knocked an arrow, and let fly at the hounds harassing Sir Gorrid, "Do what you can to banish those hounds, we'll deal with the Dark Elf.  And when we're done, you'll tell us everything."

06:47, Today: Kharla rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,3.  Volley.
• You have to take what you can get: -1d6 damage

06:48, Today: Kharla rolled 3 using d8-d6 with rolls of 4,1.  Damage.
- 3 damage to a hound skeleton
The Patchwork God
GM, 463 posts
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 14:14
  • msg #35

Ghostwalk Rescue

He gives Kharla a confused look, before opening his book, searching for something. Meanwhile, your target stumbles as the arrow shatters one of it's legs.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 298 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 14:38
  • msg #36

Ghostwalk Rescue

Outrunning the skeletons wasn't too much of a challenge, but outrunning the hounds was harder.  Before he'd gone too far, a pair of them had raced to put themselves between the charging paladin and the figure he could now start to make out, crouched in the shadows of the forest.

He took a large swing with his sword to clear his path again, but he didn't account for the third hound leaping at his back...

quote:
08:34, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,1.  Hack & slash.

XP marked
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 167 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 20:22
  • msg #37

Ghostwalk Rescue

"Oh, that's not good," Spriggy thought to Istvan. He then realized his spell had failed and repeated himself aloud. "That's not good. I hear spellcasting coming from the other side of the inn!"

The elf was already sprinting to get a view of that direction. He let loose a magical missile at the most threatening enemy he could see.


Casting Magic missile. Probably at a skeleton chasing Gorrid, unless I happen to be able to spot the caster doing the chanting.

15:20, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,4.  Cast Magic Missile.
The spell works, but... "You draw unwelcome attention or put yourself in a spot. The GM will tell you how."

Damage:
15:21, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d4 with rolls of 4,1.  Damage.
The Patchwork God
GM, 464 posts
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 01:43
  • msg #38

Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid waves at the first two canine, only to suddenly feel his legs get pulled from under him by the third. You roll on your back as the hounds circle you, ready to go for your throat. Thankfully, a magical blast apart one of them. But you still have to deal with two foes while on your back.

Spriggy gets in sight of Gorrid as skeletal beast take him to the ground. You manage to blast one, but you hear another spell being cast. From the forest, you see a skull bathed in dark energy, flying straight at you.

Gorrid, you'll have a -1 to Hack and Slash while on the ground, but getting up will require a Defy Danger as the hounds are trying to keep you down.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 299 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 02:54
  • msg #39

Ghostwalk Rescue

Being on the ground was never a good thing.  On the positive side, bones weren't that heavy and Sir Gorrid had a remarkable amount of muscle mass for a man of his age.  He used his sword and shield to force the hounds to the side and struggled back to his feet.

<orange>
quote:
20:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,3.  Defy danger - strength.

Spriggy Glompgut
player, 168 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 04:50
  • msg #40

Ghostwalk Rescue

"What the-" Spriggy began, but he didn't even have time to finish the thought. Purely on instinct, the bard cartwheeled to the side to avoid being struck by the skull spell approaching him. Unfortunately Spriggy had never been very nimble for an elf, but it seemed hopeful that he still managed to avoid the worst of whatever curse or hex had been tossed his way.


23:42, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,4.  Defy Danger + Dex: evade spell.

Bardic Knowledge question: "What was that?" (What was the spell that was aimed at him?)
Kharla
player, 237 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 13:01
  • msg #41

Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla draws another shaft, concerned as she sees the hounds pull the knight to the ground.  But before she can fire again a bolt of black catches her eye as a dark skull flies towards the bard.  Spying the source she lets a bolt of her own fly towards the caster.

07:59, Today: Kharla rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,3.  Volley.
• You have to take several shots, reducing your ammo by one

08:00, Today: Kharla rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage.
- ha! wasted ammo for that
Istvan Vanoson
player, 253 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 13:43
  • msg #42

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue


Istvan, still Turning, walks toward his friends//toward where all the trouble is coming from. He hopes to be a small sphere/zone/area of undead-free-ness in a turbulent situation...
The Patchwork God
GM, 465 posts
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 14:31
  • msg #43

Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid manages to push back the beasts, but sees one of them, the one damaged by Kharla, step into the remains of it's fallen comrade. It's broken leg makes it stumble, but it soon recovers, with it's damaged bone replaced by those of it's friend.

Spriggy recognize the thing is a Skull Spirit, a necromantic creation often used for assassination. You manage to dodge it, but you stumble in the direction of another group of skeleton, one of whom takes a swipe at you, scratching your armor. He only dealt 1 damage.

Kharla starts peppering the forest with arrows, getting a satisfying cry of pain, though not one of dying.

Istvan manages to keep the skeletons away from himself, but the skull seems like a more dangerous threat. You may stop it from getting close to you, but it won't flee like the skeletons.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 254 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 16:47
  • msg #44

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Spriggy recognize the thing is a Skull Spirit, a necromantic creation often used for assassination. You manage to dodge it, but you stumble in the direction of another group of skeleton, one of whom takes a swipe at you, scratching your armor.

Istvan manages to keep the skeletons away from himself, but the skull seems like a more dangerous threat. You may stop it from getting close to you, but it won't flee like the skeletons.


Istvan walks toward Spriggy, hoping to help protect him, at least somewhat, with his Zone Of Undead-Be-Gone.

At least if he has Spriggy's back, nothing else can attack him from that direction, Istvan figures. (He also trusts Spriggy to see and understand how Istvan is trying to help.)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 169 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 20:14
  • msg #45

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"You still good with the skeletons?" Spriggy asked Istvan, standing back to back with the cleric. "If you can keep them back, I'll try and take care of that Skull Spirit before it goes after someone else. It's a necromantic assassin of sorts."

And with that, Spriggy loosed yet another arcane blast at the flying skull. "Ungoloth moriarcan meroosh fosh!" His magic flew true, but not with as much oomph as he might have hoped.


Casting Magic Missile at Skull:
15:12, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Cast Magic Missile at skull.

Damage:
15:13, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d4 with rolls of 2,1.  Damage.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 300 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 4 Aug 2021
at 21:27
  • msg #46

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid used his sword to slice through the head of one of the hounds and continued to try to move towards the necromancer.

quote:
15:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,6.  Hack & slash.
15:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using d10+d4+1 with rolls of 10,3.


Definitely enough to disintegrate one head - and maybe more than one :)

Kharla
player, 238 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 02:11
  • msg #47

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"You're pretty new to this 'summon the undead' thing, aren't you?" the redhead asked the man while she sent another arrow in the direction of the shadowy figure just inside the treeline.

21:10, Today: Kharla rolled 13 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,6.  Volley.

21:10, Today: Kharla rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage.
- better!

She had the distance now and the height of the 2nd story helped.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Thu 05 Aug 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 466 posts
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 03:14
  • msg #48

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Istvan manages to hold back the skeletons, giving Spriggy a chance to fire at the skull. But rather than break apart, the skull starts to laugh. A horrible, horrible laugh that wakes a primal fear into your souls...
Unless you two feel like running away, you'll need to Defy Danger to stand your ground!

Gorrid manages to bust the hound blocking his path, and close in on the necromancer. The elf tries to muster another spell, only to be distracted by Kharla's arrow.

The large man shakes his head. "I just... I was hoping I could defeat a necromancer... learn how to better control the dead wolves. I thought that could turn the table on the dark elves... using their own tactic against them..."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 301 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 03:54
  • msg #49

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin rushed at the magic user with his shield, then brought the pommel of his sword down hard on the back of the creature's head.

"Nighty night..."

quote:
21:49, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,6.  Hack & slash (stun).
21:50, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using d10+d4+1 with rolls of 8,4.


I'm sure nothing bad will come of taking this particular prisoner... ;)
Istvan Vanoson
player, 255 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 14:13
  • msg #50

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Istvan manages to hold back the skeletons, giving Spriggy a chance to fire at the skull. But rather than break apart, the skull starts to laugh. A horrible, horrible laugh that wakes a primal fear into your souls...
Unless you two feel like running away, you'll need to Defy Danger to stand your ground!



Istvan, with all his wisdom, tries to focus on his bond with Noric, god of darkness, god of freedom, freedom from fear...

(09:00, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Using wisdom to fight fear.

FAIL. Istvan gets 1 xp.)

NOPE. Istvan runs for it, back toward safety-- or just wherever that evil skull isn't.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 171 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 20:18
  • msg #51

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Perhaps it was Spriggy's confidence in Istvan, or perhaps it was because he knew it wasn't real, but the skull's fear washed off of Spriggy like water off a duck's back. He still felt it. Deep in his bones. But he managed to muster enough resolve to ignore it.

When he noticed Istvan wasn't holding quite as strong, the bard's resolve only doubled. He shook a fist at the skull and belted out a defiant chorus.

"The bells have chimed, the bargain struck,
The strikes and blows will test our luck,
Your foul magic taints our souls,
But you're the one who's end now shows!"

"Begone!" And with that, Spriggy unleashed another salvo of arcane magic at the skull, letting his resolve fuel its power. Perhaps even recklessly so.


Defying Fear with wisdom.
14:59, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 12 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,6.  Defying Danger with Wis.
Sweet!

Using Arcane Arts on Istvan so that "their mind is shaken clear of one enchantment."
15:05, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,3.  Arcane Art - snap Istvan out of enchantment.
Double sweet!

I figured since all the other rolls were 10+ then I might as well cast a Magic Missile too.
15:13, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,5.  Cast Magic Missile at skull.
Due to the narrative, I feel like the appropriate drawback here is "The spell disturbs the fabric of reality as it is cast—take -1 ongoing to cast a spell until the next time you Prepare Spells."

Damage:
15:14, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d4 with rolls of 4,4.  Damage.
Triple sweet!!
Kharla
player, 239 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 00:52
  • msg #52

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"What the....did he....no.....Gods preserve us....no....surely n....no.....nooooooo...." Kharla appears transfixed staring out the window towards the distant treeline, her confused stammering matching the look of horror on her face.

Slowly she lowers her head and sighs loudly, "Yes......yes he diiiiiiiiid...."

After a moment she looks up, frowns at the fellow with his book, catches sight of Spriggy valiantly facing off against the floating skull in an awe-inspiring moment of pure bard-bad-assary....but can only muster a small nod to acknowledge the impressive heroics before firing off an arrow in a half-hearted attempt to assist.  Something just seems to have completely deflated Kharla's mood.

19:48, Today: Kharla rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,4.  Volley.

19:48, Today: Kharla rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage.
- go girl.  now whether it actually hurts a spirit or not....

This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Fri 06 Aug 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 467 posts
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 03:01
  • msg #53

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf falls from Gorrid's blow. As you turn to face the hounds again, you're surprised to see they've stopped. They stand there, until a shout from the inn makes them turn around, and charge toward one of the group of skeletons circling the inn.

Istvan runs back to the front of the inn... only to find a group of skeleton coming from the other side. Thankfully, Spriggy's chant calms you down enough that you can think clearly.

Spriggy sends his magical attack at the skull, causing it to explode. That's one menace down, now to deal with the skeletons...

Kharla sees the floating skull explode, and you turns your attention to the other skeletons below. At the same time, you hear the large man shout at the hounds, making them turn to attack the skeletons as well.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 304 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 03:53
  • msg #54

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid checked to make sure the summoner was well and truly out, then glanced back at the inn, somewhat dismayed that the skeletons were still up.  He'd sort of been hoping that disabling their summoner would also disable the force that animated them.  He sighed, then strapped his shield to his back, grabbed a large hunk of the dark elf's hair in his left hand and started lugging it toward where the battle was being fought.  He didn't know if the elf had allies in the forest who would retrieve the unconscious body and didn't want to find out.
Kharla
player, 241 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 04:32
  • msg #55

Ghostwalk Rescue

"Good work," Kharla complements the fellow halfheartedly on regaining control of his hounds, "It likely helped that the dark elf was...captured." The final word leaves a poor taste in her mouth causing her to grimace.

"Have you a name?" she asks as she draws a bead upon one of the attacking skeletons and releases another arrow.

23:28, Today: Kharla rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,4.  Volley
- take what you can get: -d6 damage

23:29, Today: Kharla rolled 4 using d8-d6 with rolls of 6,2.  Damage
Istvan Vanoson
player, 256 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 13:51
  • msg #56

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Istvan runs back to the front of the inn... only to find a group of skeleton coming from the other side. Thankfully, Spriggy's chant calms you down enough that you can think clearly.


The music Istvan heard broke through the fear... He whispered to Noric once again for help...

(08:49, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,1.  Turning again..

✴ On a 7+, so long as you continue to pray and brandish your holy symbol, no undead may come within reach of you.)

It wasn't as strong as before, but it was enough to keep him safe. Istvan started slowly and carefully heading back the way he'd come...
The Patchwork God
GM, 468 posts
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 15:23
  • msg #57

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Istvan holds back the skeletons, and you soon see them being attacked by skeletal hounds. They have the surprise, but it's three against four, and the skeletons seem tougher...

Gorrid confirms the necromancer is knocked out, and you turn back to the inn just in time to see Kharla's arrow take down another skeleton, leaving just two bashing against the back door. Off to the side, you see Spriggy near the corner of the inn, with another four skeleton shambling back toward the him.

The large man looks at Kharla, surprised. "I... I'm Hadrian..." he answers, looking down at the skeletons. "Is that how it always is in the Wasteland?"


Information on the Wasteland has been added to the World of Arete thread.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 305 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 16:20
  • msg #58

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid continued to drag the dark elf toward the inn - and the skeletons.  But he figured it'd save time - and reduce the pressure on his companions - if the skeletons were to meet him part-way.

He shouted while waiving his sword overhead.  "Hey you stupid bags of bones!  Tasty human right here!"

quote:
10:18, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,2.  Defy danger - CHA? - attract skeletons.

If I can use wisdom instead of CHA, that's an 11.  Otherwise I stumble or flinch.  (I'm assuming there's a decent distance between the skeletons and I and I can't attack any of them yet in melee.)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 172 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 16:53
  • msg #59

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy shook his hands as the pack of normal skeletons approached. That last magical missile had left his fingers tingling. "Alright, I think it is time to switch up tactics a bit." As he squared up with the approaching threat, Spriggy reached deep inside himself, seeking the new magic he had been etching into his very soul. It was magic he didn't really cast, but more so activated. He focused on the form of Kharla's horse and the changes began.

The bard's arm and leg bones elongated to ridiculous proportions and he lurched forward onto all fours. His torso became more barrel-like, and his nose pushed out into an enormous snout. His ears shifted skyward and his hair erupted into a long flowing mane. A swooshy tail erupted from his posterior and his hands and feet solidified into hooves.

He had become a horse. And with a neigh of warning, he charged toward the group of skeletons, intent on trampling them into the ground.


Let's try out this shapeshifter move!
11:49, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,6.  Shapeshifter - to horse
2 Hold.

Not sure if I need another roll, or if I can just run them over. What are my horse moves?
Kharla
player, 242 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 23:33
  • msg #60

Ghostwalk Rescue

"The Wasteland?" the redhead's brow furrows, "Only Thovis and those who followed him know.  Here on Arete we are without such knowledge."

A skeleton steps back from the hound that assaults it and the thief sends and arrow at it's yellowed head....but the shaft merely glances off the edge, it's impact hardly noticeable.

18:30, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,6.  Volley.
- yes, what hit, it's gonna be incredi....

18:31, Today: Kharla rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage.
- doh!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Fri 06 Aug 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 469 posts
Sat 7 Aug 2021
at 17:05
  • msg #61

Ghostwalk Rescue

At Gorrid's shout, all six remaining skeletons turn toward the paladin, and move to attack him, ignoring Kharla's arrow.

Spriggy, your moves are:
Move Swiftly (you're already faster than humans, but you can go even faster if needed)
Carry a Friend (you'll be giving a free 'Aid' to your rider's Hack and Slash)
Kick Someone (you can Hack and Slash as normal, but that will let you get rid of a foe right away)

Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 307 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 7 Aug 2021
at 17:55
  • msg #62

Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid dropped the elf and returned his shield to his arm as he waited for the targets to close, then swept his sword out in a wide arc, obliterating the rib cage on one and keeping the others at bay.

quote:
11:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,6.  Hack & slash.
11:52, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using d10+d4+1 with rolls of 7,3.


Presume the dog skeletons are still trying to fight the 6?

EDIT: fixed markup
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sun 08 Aug 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 470 posts
Sun 8 Aug 2021
at 15:42
  • msg #63

Ghostwalk Rescue

The dogs are fighting another group, on the other side of the inn. They're not in sight at the moment.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 308 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 3
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sun 8 Aug 2021
at 16:00
  • msg #64

Ghostwalk Rescue

Ok.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 174 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 11:16
  • msg #65

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy maneuvered his newfound bulk to deal with the skeletons horse-style. It worked, but the bard still discovered that he was not automatically a skilled combatant just because his new form happened to be more robust than his natural form. Talent on the battlefield still played an important part.


Using one Hold in order to Kick Someone, targeting the nearest skeleton. One Hold remaining.
07:07, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 4,5.  Hack and slash skeletons (kick someone).

Where am I in relation to Gorrid, Istvan, and the inn?
Kharla
player, 244 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 23:04
  • msg #66

Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla was so focused on firing arrows at the skeletons below that she never noticed Sir Gorrid's challenge to the walking bones.  As she drew shaft after shaft, focusing only on the area below.....suddenly the skeletons weren't there and charging the paladin instead.  It took the redhead a moment to reorient herself.

18:01, Today: Kharla rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Volley.
- miss but.....XP
The Patchwork God
GM, 472 posts
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 23:19
  • msg #67

Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy hears the satisfying crack of bones as his hooves come down on the creature below him. One of the other bony menace claws at his flanks, but the other two go on to chase Gorrid.

Spriggy is near enough to Istvan and Gorrid that he could run to either of them before any skeletons get close to them. Istvan is at the corner of the inn, while Gorrid is in an open area between the forest and the inn. The skeleton deals 4 points of damage. Consider your armor to be the same as usual when you're in horse form.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 310 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 23:25
  • msg #68

Ghostwalk Rescue

Didn't realize I still had that much time.  If so, I'll throw in a 'defend'
quote:
17:23, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,3.  Defend myself.


Hmm.  Apparently defending yourself isn't wise...  XP marked
Istvan Vanoson
player, 257 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 23:27
  • msg #69

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Istvan is at the corner of the inn, while Gorrid is in an open area between the forest and the inn.


Istvan, still turning (again), heads toward the nearest team member he can see dealing with the undead...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Mon 09 Aug 2021.
Kharla
player, 245 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 01:54
  • msg #70

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead regarded Hadrian with concern, glancing back to the rooms door...and the banging sound echoing therein.

"Don't suppose that's peddlers wanting to show their wares, do you?" she asked asked facetiously, "INSISTANT peddlers?"

She mouthed a quiet curse before shouting out the window to Sir Gorrid, "Oy!  There's not another Dark Elf hereabouts, is there?  More company calling here at the inn!"

"Bar the door once I'm gone with whatever you can manage your houds," she directed Hadrian, "If they make it to here slide out the window and jump on that horse.  My companions will see to your safety as best they are able but get them whatever it is that the enemy is after."

With that she headed downstairs to make a stand; hoping to find that the barmaid had done as she'd asked and gotten everyone to the upper level and blocked the stairwell.

There was little time to spare but Kharla looked for a favorable spot to make her initial counter-attack against any intruders.

20:53, Today: Kharla rolled 7 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 5,1.  Discern Realities.
• What here is useful or valuable to me?
The Patchwork God
GM, 473 posts
Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 11:49
  • msg #71

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As Gorrid raises his shield to greet the skeletons, Istvan races toward the paladin, distracting the farther undead. The six skeletons split their attention, two going toward each of you outside.

Kharla steps out into the corridor, and sees the rest of the patrons seems ready for a fight. Two lumberjacks are kneeling behind a table at the base of the stairs, wood axe at the ready, while the barmaid and her cook stand behind them with old, sturdy spears. They don't look like soldiers, but you can tell it's not their first fight.

As take a few steps down the stairs, you find you have a great line of sight over most of the main room. Looking behind you, you see Hadrian following you, a club in his hands. "I can't run... I can't hide. I came here to fight them..." Despite his protest, you can see he's shaking.

The door cracks, as a single skeleton tries to force it's way through.
Kharla
player, 246 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 01:05
  • msg #72

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead façade lightens as a familiar grin draws from cheek to cheek.  With nod she laughs, "Well then we will all stand together.  And woe to any bag of bones foolish enough to approach."

Stepping up to the barmaid she winks, "Well done on the barricade.   I daresay it looks as if you've done this before."

When the skeleton's head is visible through the door Kharla cracks it with an arrow but it's not as solid of a strike as she'd hoped.

19:48, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,6.  Volley.

19:48, Today: Kharla rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Wed 11 Aug 2021.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 175 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 03:04
  • msg #73

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Seeing the skeletons going to different targets, Spriggy decided to try and clear out those near him with another powerful kick. That way he would be safe to start slinging spells again when his transformation wore off. His aim still left a lot to be desired though...

Even as his hooves missed, he could feel them changing back into shoes and hands.


Using the kicking move again.
22:58, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 2 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 2,1.  Hack and slash skeletons (kick someone).
+XP!

Spriggy's Hold is gone, so he reverts to his natural form.

Edit: 2 damage was taken by me after armor was factored in.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Wed 11 Aug 2021.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 311 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 04:07
  • msg #74

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid growled and charged the two skeletons still approaching him.  Time to end this!

Damage was already rolled for my first attack
The Patchwork God
GM, 474 posts
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 12:50
  • msg #75

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The barmaid returns Kharla's grin, though not quite as confidently. "It's the danger of living so close to the border... But it's always good to have professionals helping!"

The skeleton stumbles from the impact of your arrows, before reaching the base of the stairs and clawing at the barricade. Before it can do much damage, the spears and axe take it appart, leaving only jagged bone spliters behind.

Looking at the door, you see a second skeleton make it's way inside. Well, half of one. It's spine has been severed, and only it's upper torso and arm crawl toward you, as menacingly as it can.


Gorrid meets the skeletons head-on, bashing through one with his shield and causing the other to stumble back.

For his part, Spriggy crushes another foe, jumping away from the other assailant.

OOC: Spriggy, using a form's move doesn't require a roll. If you use your kick, the skeleton is just dead. I count the first attack you did as a standard Hack & Slash, and this one as you first Kick. So you have one horse move left.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 312 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 13:52
  • msg #76

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid wheeled on his remaining skeleton, smashing yet another skull, then continued on toward his two friends.

quote:
07:50, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,3.  Hack & slash
07:50, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using d10+d4+1 with rolls of 4,3.

Spriggy Glompgut
player, 176 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 14:04
  • msg #77

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy struggled to hold onto his form as he rushed over to crush another skeleton before he fully reverted to his elven form. With one last buck, his magic was released and he found himself quickly clamoring back up onto two legs once more amongst the pile of bones of a pulverized skeleton. "Take that, you boney blight."


In that case, I will remove the XP and use the last hold to take out another skeleton with another kick.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:06, Wed 11 Aug 2021.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 258 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Wed 11 Aug 2021
at 14:22
  • msg #78

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue


Istvan follows Sir Gorrid wherever he goes, so that no undead can maneuver behind him.

And also so he can start bashing skulls (legs? would legs be better?) if Sir Gorrid gets in any real trouble...
The Patchwork God
GM, 475 posts
Thu 12 Aug 2021
at 22:07
  • msg #79

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy's hoof crushes the other skeleton, while Gorrid destroys another. Only two skeletons remain, that Istvan holds in place long enough for the others to get rid of them.

Inside the inn, Hadrian and the others easily dispatch the crippled undead. Checking around the area, you see all the skeletons are done for, including Hadrian's hounds. The patrons return to the bar to de-stress over some hard alcohol, while you're left with the two necromancer.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 313 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Thu 12 Aug 2021
at 22:36
  • msg #80

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The knight went back and retrieved the elf, unceremoniously dragging his unconscious body over the ground.  Then he went through the creature's pockets and person carefully, removing anything that could be dangerous, before ripping off pieces of the elf's clothing to blindfold, gag and tightly constrain both hands and fingers.

quote:
16:34, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,1.  Discern realities.

I didn't include my +1 from the blessing because I wasn't sure if it'd still be in effect once the immediate obvious threats were taken down.  If it remains until I've done a through assessment that the threat is truly resolved, that'd push it to a 7.  Also, I haven't used my original discern modifier, so that could theoretically help.  Otherwise, I could use an aid...

My highest priority question was "what here is useful or valuable to me?"

EDIT: Fixed formatting
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Thu 12 Aug 2021.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 177 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Thu 12 Aug 2021
at 22:42
  • msg #81

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As the group regathered, Spriggy knelt next to the unconscious necromancer and began helping Gorrid sift through his pockets, looking for any type of clues or magical items. At the same time he looked to Hadrian. "Care to explain yourself yet? What exactly happened here? Why did you know danger was on the way? And why didn't you warn anyone?" His tone wasn't exactly accusatory, but it wasn't exactly not either.


18:40, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,1.  Aid Gorrid.
The Patchwork God
GM, 476 posts
Fri 13 Aug 2021
at 20:19
  • msg #82

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf has a 12 coins on him, as well as a skull-tipped wand. Not magical, but he probably used it to help his magic, and could be sold for 8 coins to a spellcaster.

As you search the elf, Hadrian digs through the remains of the canine undeads, picking up the skulls one after the other, only toss them back to the ground shaking his head dejectedly.

He sits down, sighting. "Yeah... you deserve an explanation..." He glances at the skulls again, before shaking his head. "I have a farm, not too far from here. Sometimes... I cross the river to get some wood on the edge of the forest. I never went far but...

Last month, I went a bit deeper, trying to find some dry wood. Instead... I found a some sort of old camp hidden in a recess. It had a bag of wolf teeth, and this journal..." He pulls out the journal Kharla noticed earlier.

"It was... it was hard to understand, but I managed to figure out what it said. How the teeth could be used to summon undead that I could command. I... I though I could use this... turn the powers of the dark elves back on them, to help the Ghostwalk. But... I needed to know more before that could work.

I thought I had my chance when I saw him in town." He nods to your prisoner. "With what I've learned, I knew he was a necromancer. I could feel it. But... who would believe me if I told them? If I told anyone, they'd think I was his accomplice. So... I followed him. When I saw he was hiding near hear, I guessed he was planning to attack the inn. So... I took a room, and waited...

I was hoping I could stop him, and maybe... maybe find something on him that would help me understand the undead better, so I could be more useful..."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 314 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 01:11
  • msg #83

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

I'm confused.  Is our prisoner a dark elf or a human?  Are dark elves allowed to roam human settlements?
The Patchwork God
GM, 477 posts
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #84

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Unlike D&D, Dark elves and Light elves are not visibly different... most of the time. A lot of Dark Elves proudly show their allegiance with tattoos, but those that don't can sneak around easily enough. Still, it's rare enough that most people don't assume any elf they meet are secretly evil.
Kharla
player, 247 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 02:52
  • msg #85

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

I'm moving 3 kids to college.  1 down, 2 more to go before Tuesday.  Fortunately the drives get progressively shorter with each.

Posting may be slow

Kharla shrugged, "A reckless but it worked out.  Of course, those here at the inn may not be pleased that they weren't warned.  You might want to step carefully around them.

In the meantime, I expect Sir Gorrid will pound some answers from our captive.  This might help," she holds up a vial that her companions recall contains Goldenroot, which was used on the goblins to earn their trust.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 178 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 15:03
  • msg #86

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As far as Spriggy could tell, the man's story sounded entirely plausible. He was willing to give Hadrian the benefit of the doubt. At least for now.

To Kharla, he replied, "I like the way you think. Let's do this the easy way. As for the inn, I suggest we donate this elf's cash to their reconstruction fund. At the very least they will need a new door. Let's keep the wand for now. There is a chance it could come in handy later. At least for disguise purposes." He flicked the points of his own elvish ears for emphasis. He figured if events unfolded a certain way here, he might have to disguise himself as a dark elf.

To Hadrian, he pointed to the book and wolf's teeth. "Can I take a look at those? Spells and magicks are a bit of a specialty of mine..."


If possible, I would like to use my Bardic Lore on Hadrian's items. I'll ask, "How can the wolf teeth be used more reliably than Hadrian's attempt?"
The Patchwork God
GM, 478 posts
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 18:24
  • msg #87

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As Spriggy examines the teeth, he quickly understands why Hadrian looks down. Whatever magic was in them got drained in the battle, rendering them useless.

The book is more interesting. Most of the book is written in Elvish, and details a decade long research into the field of non-humanoid undead. Most of it is theoretical, but there are various notes on how to optimize animal reanimation.

What makes things more interesting are the two different sets of extra notes written in the margins, in between paragraphs, around drawings, and everywhere else it will fit. The first set is rather neat, and focuses on translating the original notes into the common tongue, with varying degree of accuracy. The second set seems to be from someone of limited literacy, trying to decipher the other set of notes.

Overall, this could be used to teach necromancy to someone, but it could also easily create a 'free' undead that would attack anyone alive, starting with the aspiring reanimator.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 315 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 14 Aug 2021
at 19:35
  • msg #88

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid was a bit discomfited by both the book and the wand, so he uttered a quick prayer before examining them.  He took a look at the elf and its gear too.

Is anything here evil?  Also, is the elf male or female?
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 179 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 14:01
  • msg #89

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy examined the book closely, turning it this way and that as the various notes took trips around corners when the space to write ran out. He scoffed several times, shook his head disapprovingly, then eventually slammed the book shut between his fingers. With a scolding tone, he said to Hadrian, "You're lucky those wolves didn't eat your face off, you know that? What were you thinking, messing with magic you couldn't fully comprehend? Necromancy is dangerous. Especially when the translation you are working off of isn't entirely accurate to the source material. I am assuming this second set of notes is yours?"

Spriggy shook his head disapprovingly again. "I think for the sake of everyone's safety, we better hang on to this book. Perhaps the mages back at the guild can use it to develop some better anti-undead techniques. Then maybe at least some good can still be extracted from it..." He offered the book to Gorrid or Istvan, the two "holiest" members of their group.
The Patchwork God
GM, 479 posts
Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 15:29
  • msg #90

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid senses only the male elf is evil here.

At Spriggy's comment, Hadrian looks surprised. "It was... wrong? I though..." He shakes his head. "Yeah, those are mine. I wrote down what I could understand, so I could reread it faster. Not that it matters... all I could do was make those teeth turn into hounds."
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 180 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 07:35
  • msg #91

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Well, consider yourself lucky." Spriggy said to Hadrian.

He then looked around at the inn, then the unconscious elf, then to his fellow party members. "I suppose our next step is an interrogation of sorts?"
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 316 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 14:57
  • msg #92

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"He's going to be out for a bit longer and I have something I need to do in the room first.  I'll be back in a half hour or so, then we can wake him up and have a chat."

Sir Gorrid made his way to the upper floor, though not before helping to lug a couple of tables and benches back to where they belonged.  The innkeeper was already fixing the door that had been damaged by the skeleton.

Once the door was closed, he disrobed and repeated his ritual ablutions, cleansing himself of the sweat that inevitably resulted from running and fighting in armor, then repeated his vows.  Hopefully this elf would have some insight into the nature of the temple and just what they were getting themselves into.  He could still feel the faint tug in his gut towards the center of the forest - where the woman he'd sworn to help was still waiting.

When he was done, he borrowed a bucket from the stables and filled it with cold water, then made his way over to where the dark elf remained lying on the ground.  He turned to look at their Kharla.  "Is it best to administer that stuff before or after we wake him up?  I'm not sure we should untie him, so I think the extent of your 'friendship' is that you want to help him get away, while the rest of us want to kill him.  Do you think that would work?"
The Patchwork God
GM, 480 posts
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 19:01
  • msg #93

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The poison can be applied before he wakes up, but it will only make him trust one person. Who do you pick to be his 'trusted ally'?
Kharla
player, 248 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 21:43
  • msg #94

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy is clearly the most honest and friendly of our bunch.

No offense Sir Gorrid and Istvan
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 181 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 23:07
  • msg #95

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sure, Spriggy can be the "friend."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 317 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 17 Aug 2021
at 23:56
  • msg #96

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid is content to sit nearby and sharpen and oil his sword. :)
The Patchwork God
GM, 481 posts
Wed 18 Aug 2021
at 01:45
  • msg #97

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf grunts and sputters, until he finally opens his eyes and focuses on Spriggy. He looks surprised, not expecting to see an elf, but his gaze turns suspicious once he notices the rest of the party. He whispers, low enough that only Spriggy hears him clearly, [Language unknown: "Ing cepr ai intersart... hawatemoec ndinat, iemiic."]
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 182 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Wed 18 Aug 2021
at 18:27
  • msg #98

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy was slightly surprised by the sound of elvish. He hoped his own wasn't too rusty. He hadn't had much practice with it over the years, but it was still his native language. He was young when he was adopted by his human parents, bit not so young that he hadn't yet learned his native tongue.

The bard took on a slightly conspiratorial demeanor as he replied to the prisoner. [Language unknown: "Nipaac dermenthu k. Lath we roteckhe ratioueve, his ort for t ortessard noive me ousha lltrle. O, us someenons noekie eauverthi ngosoufoit. Enutwe iouverticent ng whngho eenineove ateectain ive saet-itpa, en acndce tha."]

He looked at his friends with masked condescension, then continued. [Language unknown: "Is utitma t riwedint one ou eraichintvorersrea ave unwele m ineteeis son erales'hiseve. Eauencnti ischma, wimain din ar fi werandherour ncarwhevme pe ettrpa wi oulho e. Ted preandwit Ac verughtha not, rutel n ine wilughiou seilei nond anypreate trnd re san ck k nceectund a tonoilad? Nise ion ter chulei pl? U as linshesom ek yin andiv plmetr icheaufor a es."]
The Patchwork God
GM, 482 posts
Thu 19 Aug 2021
at 01:58
  • msg #99

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The prisoner sighs. [Language unknown: "O shethuent lemi niol linencund. Es ilofio sonughvenall wilverain ec sastte ce ai ousna fiutnipe erswasnte, o ure wil ilonit iouomeble."] He nods toward Istvan and Gorrid. [Language unknown: "O ai utaciv isek limi, Ar ndutic ith evseil ourerecom i riadof evnopepa il n thaectwhi. At te wipre staha al hathisiou iepoel, les ssnene nteoundin ous llurpaee hasee Ilmiei."]
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 318 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Thu 19 Aug 2021
at 02:47
  • msg #100

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin continued to listen passively, giving no indication of what he did or didn't understand, ensuring the edge on his blade was as fine as that he'd demanded of his cadets when he was still in the service.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 183 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Thu 19 Aug 2021
at 17:36
  • msg #101

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy nodded sagely. [Language unknown: "Is ereestrathas aiente lativeeau. Omes ivevec en n nceichfor whiatieen o utunplre'ossa tathie din urthal e ntie po nthoai ta eion poma-esonil allredureour moin."] The bard put a finger to his chin thoughtfully, then continued.

[Language unknown: "Ntimo weast und? Er preundave ing thu ce unss sonun mo dinkorven orthatwit, tiolil. T ess ichson'eveant veroulnde omnire erhickwila anpaos, Ad eenantillted prosa asfintos blete nt thu mousec. K vir iltra unus le re whetercon onsti ess ofca chalei. Tieeun ll k ovees mieeho nt hoilnoti ingvorera adtr-oueeta eenthaine ureat proichnot encstibleame. Ic il mo tin, encaveere?"] Spriggy then waited to hear what the elf's master's plans were, and wether or not it would be worth 'betraying' and 'sacrificing' his fellow party members for.
The Patchwork God
GM, 483 posts
Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 02:03
  • msg #102

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf opens his mouth, hesitates, then looks down in embarrassment. [Language unknown: "Ure... artr ofca micaom. I wasforman ie allwi ardersoun Prostieaukor te derametra th. Era ort whetioons, wh te ca us all ortainilland on k adleul se thantiear mi hari ous found. I entundtio being son, n eraortort prev ion t day e n ng enio setta n ol ic. Ekre ch itcani dies oulingson m mo pein est ourticund peio..."]

He glances at the rest of the group. [Language unknown: "N ellenderto meck evarof, beec ekriwh iouhisoer loarou an teressencnce but foei ronot. No wh theeng larel isriatli vorlareau thiouners reahouhou ilriac of staortsom. Ulwh prerivec hi alut k nt kor thu om venvorine sheareionver."]
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 184 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 17:09
  • msg #103

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

[Language unknown: "Lent usanit,"] Spriggy replied. He looked thoughtful for a moment, then continued. [Language unknown: "T alfor ic he hisvenvor Setmen'bleund reahatenc ec e rutri ichic hoestr esoumo lipa voroerwitman? Ac estvorvir ic taacismo, ameartcom seme naver vor t virrombut ri ansiic po en ur trape trabutest no. Whpl'itpola i Ce astsetter essin il prcapa la ee n o korestrut si niolfo lat romnceprotra witingard sirom."]

He looked back at his friends, then added one more note. [Language unknown: "Ce yinearset Ar iveantstr th eau n proonsera e alltiover mo evutosng.t Nible andromichthoect ent ismahe miadto? Ieheno ckpo icaentand ateshenti p tho hisfi thontelin iveounand out. Ev whethuvirshe. Urtowi ovestiore si hathri plethoca Di has plnc."]
The Patchwork God
GM, 484 posts
Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 17:50
  • msg #104

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

He nods. [Language unknown: "M strndevorinteve ll. Ne not na siridi... Ndch, Ect dinratill ain oerinethiall..."]
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 186 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Tue 24 Aug 2021
at 03:36
  • msg #105

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy nodded to the elf, then made a show of making sure the prisoner was still tightly bound before standing up himself. He turned and faced his friends. "Can we take a step outside the room? I would like to share what I have learned, privately. So that we can discuss our next move."

He led the others around the corner so that at least himself would be out of view (but not really out of earshot). When the prisoner could not see him, he quietly cast his Telepathy spell, touching Kharla as his target. He hoped she would be able to discretely share the actual information from his interrogation even as he spewed total nonsense out loud for the prisoner to hear.

Out loud: "So yeah, our guy can't speak the common tongue, so secrecy isn't too important here. Regardless though, this guy is totally innocent. Turns out he is being blackmailed by an evil ogre-necromancer named Charlotte, who has a vendetta against a local patron, Drake, who frequents this inn. Apparently they fought over this beautiful mare name Lydia in the past? I don't know. But the ogre hasn't forgotten, but hasn't been able to get close to this settlement for years. So she set up our prisoner in there with a magic skull-wand that would let him control undead minions. If he didn't comply, the ice-lichen curse she bestowed upon him would cause his blood to freeze solid, killing him." The bard continued spinning a ridiculous tale of innocence, weaving in familiar names to the party so that they could be certain it was a total fabrication without tipping off the prisoner. At the same time, he spoke telepathic information to Kharla.

Telepathically: "He can understand the common tongue, so be careful what you say. Maybe write this stuff down for the others? Out of sight," he suggested to Kharla. "He is also definitely not innocent. But I told him you guys would believe almost anything I told you so feel free to play along. He thinks I plan to help him escape, even if it means a night or two in jail. He works for someone called master Teriright (probably not an ogre) and was sent here to collect "materials." I assume that meant bodies. He isn't sure what the materials were for exactly, but this Teriright guy has apparently been obsessing over an old scroll he found a long time ago. Our guy doesn't know much of anything about it. He doesn't work closely with master Teriright, apparently. I tried convincing him to let me lead you guys there, to Teriright's tower, to be used as the material they were seeking here. He said you guys were too dangerous. He also mentioned that the tower has defenses against living beings other than himself. So if we seek it out, we will need to be cautious about those defenses."


Attempting to cast Telepathy again. Targeting Kharla.
22:10, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,5.  Cast Telepathy on Kharla.
I will forget the spell.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Tue 24 Aug 2021.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 320 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 24 Aug 2021
at 04:09
  • msg #106

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

It took Gorrid only a couple of minutes to realize what was going on as he watched the bard staring at their thief as he spewed out his nonsense.  Presumably the 'real' story would be shared at some point.  For now, only thing to do was to play along.

"So this elf was being forced?  Why didn't he ask for help?  Where is this Ogre?  Get us to lead him there and we'll make short work of him.  Otherwise, some other poor soul will surely suffer the same fate and we won't be around to intervene!"
The Patchwork God
GM, 485 posts
Wed 25 Aug 2021
at 01:48
  • msg #107

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla writes down a short version of Spriggy's telepathic message, getting everyone in the group up to speed. Although mention of a necromancer is troublesome, it's not that unusual... especially in the Death Forest. And the tower that your prisoner mentioned doesn't resemble the dark temple Gorrid saw in his vision.
Kharla
player, 249 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 25 Aug 2021
at 02:40
  • msg #108

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"The poor guy," the redhead intoned in a compassionate voice, "We should help him."  Standing outside of the prisoner's view the elf missed her eye roll followed by her finger drawn across her throat in a slashing motion.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 322 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 25 Aug 2021
at 03:10
  • msg #109

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid shook his head.  He flipped the paper over and wrote - with remarkably neat penmanship.  Need to know where tower is.  More info on defenses would be good too.

He had no compunction about cutting the elf's throat.  But a dead body wasn't nearly as useful as a live one.  True, some priests could get decent information out of a dead one too, but that was risky business - especially with a soul that already played with the dark arts.  Who knew what the elf's soul might be bound to - and might come along for the ride if that soul was summoned...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 190 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Fri 27 Aug 2021
at 02:36
  • msg #110

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

After a bit more story fabrication, Spriggy eventually returned to the prisoner to try and extract some more information. But now that he had a telepathic link with Kharla, he could mentally translate what was being said in Elvish.

"See? Told you they were stupid. They bought every word of that story. I'll lead them off to try and find the supposed ogre that blackmailed you, so we won't be anywhere near this area when you get out of jail in a few days or weeks from now. But I was thinking, it sounds like that master Teriright guy you mentioned would be interesting to work for. What is he like? Are you the only one helping him out right now?"

Spriggy tossed his head side to side undecidingly for a moment, as if debating whether or not to continue, then decided to share his thoughts. "Since we are friends, I'll level with you. I am definitely going to try and seek out Teriright and see if he needs any help. I know you said it's dangerous though, so I was wondering if you could be a pal and help me navigate his defenses instead of just trying to convince me not to go at all. I'll ditch the human first, of course, but I was hoping you could point me in the right direction, and help me navigate his defenses as best you can. At least until I can get close enough to offer my services. Think you could help a buddy out?"


Trying to learn the following:
Location of Teriright's tower.
Defenses of Teriright's tower.
Teriright's other allies.
General info about Teriright himself.
The Patchwork God
GM, 487 posts
Fri 27 Aug 2021
at 15:00
  • msg #111

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf shakes his head. "It's not so simple... the Tower of Grief ensnares the mind of any who draws near, twisting their path until they're convinced they've explored the area, and give up their search. Only Master Teriright knows how to counter the effect, and he only does so for his apprentices... and he only keeps a single apprentice at the time, to deal with any task the reanimated can't handle. I doubt he'll want new help for the next few decades..."

He goes on to describe the tower as being pretty deep in the western part of Death Forest, and how Teriright, an elf old enough to remember the war between Nuat and the Dwarves, seems quite content staying as isolated as possible these days.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 326 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 27 Aug 2021
at 16:00
  • msg #112

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Does Gorrid have a sense of where the tugging from the temple is with respect to the described location of the tower?
The Patchwork God
GM, 488 posts
Fri 27 Aug 2021
at 16:04
  • msg #113

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The temple is to the east, and probably closer than the tower.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 191 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Sat 28 Aug 2021
at 05:05
  • msg #114

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Still in elvish, "Hmm. Well, if I manage to get past the mind-ensnarement, then perhaps Master Teriright will be impressed enough that he'll find use for my skills. And if I fail, oh well."

Spriggy then clasped his hands loudly and stood up. He stretched his back a little, then said, "Regardless, if the tower is in the west, I will lead my humans on their 'ogre hunt' eastward for now. That way they'll be away from your area when you get released. Do you happen to know of any hazards in the east I should be wary of? Or maybe some points of interest?" He figured the prisoner might be able to offer the party some clues as to what might await them.

Telepathically, Spriggy asked Kharla if anyone else had anything they wanted asked of the prisoner before he finished things up with his 'friend.'


Trying to see if the prisoner knows anything pertinent about the temple to the east, or other nearby hazards.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 327 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 28 Aug 2021
at 05:26
  • msg #115

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid nodded that he was satisfied.  They'd probably gotten as much useful information as they could out of the elf.  If they didn't have a more pressing mission, the man might have been useful to force to lead the way, but even then, he'd be as like to lead the group into traps as not.  Given the other more pressing matters, the evil-doer had likely outlived his usefulness.
The Patchwork God
GM, 489 posts
Sat 28 Aug 2021
at 13:21
  • msg #116

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"To the east? Not really, other than beasts..." The elf thinks for a bit. "Although... there was an undead messenger that managed to reach my master's tower a while back. They were asking for help on a project, but master Teriright said he didn't have time to waste on that. I think they said they had a base to the east of here, but I don't really know where. The only way to contact them was through their messenger."
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 192 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Sun 29 Aug 2021
at 02:30
  • msg #117

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Undead messenger? Something cool, I hope." Spriggy showed mild indifference to its 'coolness' when he learned it was just an undead bat. Then he asked about the beasts. "When you say beasts, do you mean the typical woodland creature type of beasts? Like bears and wild hogs? Or do you mean beast beasts? Because I would love to know ahead of time if I am about to walk into manticore territory or something like that. It won't stop me, mind you, but it is still nice to have a heads up."
The Patchwork God
GM, 491 posts
Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 19:22
  • msg #118

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf shrugs. "Maybe? Monsters runs all around the forest, and I never bothered to worry about them."
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 193 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 10:01
  • msg #119

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy nodded to the elf. "Good to know. I think that should about do it then. I will lead my team away from here, probably first thing in the morning. Maybe sooner. Thanks for all your help. What did you say your name was again?"

Once he got his answer, the bard turned to head back to the others. "Alright. I think I have all the info we will need to track down and defeat that ogre you guys! My new pal was really helpful."

Telepathically, he said, "I think I got all I am going to get out of him. Someone else's turn." The bard's cheerful demeanor turned glum almost the instant he was out of sight of the prisoner. The ruse had come easily to Spriggy, and the prisoner was certainly evil, but the prisoner still thought Spriggy his friend and was now going to be punished for his helpfulness. It... was not fun to betray a friend, even if the friendship was entirely poison-induced.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 329 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 13:21
  • msg #120

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid put his hand on the bard's shoulder, his eyes saying that he understood.

He turned to look at Karla.  "You, me, or leave it to the village?"
The Patchwork God
GM, 492 posts
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 14:04
  • msg #121

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf is called Meescha, and you're not really at a village, just a big tavern. Think of it like a medieval truck stop.
Kharla
player, 252 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 16:12
  • msg #122

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I favor the voice of the people," Kharla shrugged, "It was they who were endangered, let them decide his fate."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 330 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 17:17
  • msg #123

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid nodded agreement.  He went around the side of the building to where the inn-keeper was working on mending the door.

"We have what information we can usefully glean from the necromancer who summoned those skeletons.  He's the apprentice of someone more powerful deep in the forest.  We'll try to deal with the master once we're finished our primary task.  However, for now, we need to figure out what to do with the one we have in custody.  Do you wish to administer justice here, hold him for justice to be administered later, or would you prefer that we handle the execution ourselves?  I'm afraid we don't have the capacity to take him with us."
The Patchwork God
GM, 493 posts
Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 18:54
  • msg #124

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The barmaid nods. "I'll ask the woodsmen to drag him to the nearest jail. The guards will probably want to interrogate him too. I'll tell them to make sure he's blindfolded on the way, so he doesn't cause any trouble."

Not long after that, you watch the burly men drag away your prisoner, and you turn in for the night.


The next morning, you say your goodbyes to the inn, and set out into the forest.

OOC: Time for your Dangerous Journey! Pick your role, and make your roll. Who's the Trailblazer, who's the Scout, and who's the Quartermaster?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 331 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 19:36
  • msg #125

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

With a bit more food in his belly served up by the innkeeper's wife after all the excitement, Sir Gorrid took advantage of what was likely to be his last bed in a while.  The next morning he rose before everyone else and completed his morning ritual and was packed and ready as the sun started to creep over the trees.  He could feel a tugging in his chest, set there since he'd vowed his quest, and he wanted to be underway as soon as he could.

Since, in theory, I'm the one who knows where we're supposed to be going, I'll do Trailblazer.

quote:
13:35, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,2.  Trailblazer.


So, as long as expected.  (How long was that? :>)
Kharla
player, 253 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 2 Sep 2021
at 00:06
  • msg #126

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Well rested and eager, Kharla is first in the saddle before asking Sir Gorrid to confirm the direction.

19:05, Today: Kharla rolled 14 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,6.  Scout (+1 for knowledge of Forrest).
- BOOM!  not that a result over 10 really adds anything....but STILL!
The Patchwork God
GM, 494 posts
Fri 3 Sep 2021
at 15:31
  • msg #127

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

You've been traveling for five days now, and didn't encounter anything more dangerous than a really big beetle that Spriggy convinced to leave.

But now, Kharla has spotted a real threat. Ahead of you, through the trees, you watch a house-sized decaying spider, moving through the forest. A collection of moving cocoons hang from it's body, while a dark cloaked figure sits on top of it, apparently directing it's movement. At time, you catch glimpse of the guards surrounding the thing: seven zombies, lead by a dark elf.

The group failed to spot you, but they seems to be going the same way you are.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 333 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Fri 3 Sep 2021
at 16:28
  • msg #128

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Believe we still need a roll from Istvan round food?

To clarify, is the dark elf in addition to or the same as the dark-cloaked figure sitting on top of the undead giant spider?

Sir Gorrid began praying quietly, preparing himself for battle and surveying the scene.

quote:
10:19, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,3.  Cast bless on self.
10:19, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,3.  Cast magic weapon on my sword.
10:23, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,5.  Discern realities.


Will forget the magic weapon spell.
Questions:
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who's really in control here?

If I don't have time to get all of those off, they're listed in the order that I'll attempt them.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 196 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 16/18, Armor 2
Sat 4 Sep 2021
at 02:28
  • msg #129

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

At the sight of the monsters before them, Spriggy crouched low. He did not want to be spotted. He had heard of the spider creature before, or at least creatures like it, and did not want to be the object of its attention. Not even if he was in the new giant beetle shape he had procured a few days prior. No good could come of it.

"What is the plan?" Spriggy whispered as he saw Gorrid beginning to cast his spells.


Keeping my spell selection the same as before. Spouting lore on the big spider-thing.
21:22, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,1.  Spout Lore - spider creature.
"The GM will only tell you something interesting - it’s on you to make it useful."
The Patchwork God
GM, 496 posts
Sat 4 Sep 2021
at 18:14
  • msg #130

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy did hear a bit about undead spiders like this one, though mostly about how their spinneret could remain functional easily enough (unlike their poison glands). There's been debate for a while as to whether it would be acceptable to farm undead spiders to produce cheap spidersilk, but the Weaver's guild is opposing such ideas on monetary ethical grounds.

Looking at the disposition of the group, Gorrid deduce that of the two elves, the one on top is in charge of the group. They don't seem to have much luggage, outside of the cocoons under the spider. By their movement, you think they're holding living beings, possibly people.

With how tall that spider is, attacking the elf on top with melee weapons is almost impossible. And those mandibles look pretty scary...
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 335 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sat 4 Sep 2021
at 19:00
  • msg #131

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The knight spoke quietly.  "If I can take out the legs on one side, it'll be hard for the spider to do much.  If Istvan has any useful prayers, this would be a good time.  I may be able to help one other.  For everyone else, perhaps ranged attacks on the elf up top, then focus on the second elf.  When the legs on one side are gone, I can hopefully reach the spider's head and take it out.  The zombies will be less dangerous when those directing them are out of commission..."
Kharla
player, 254 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 4 Sep 2021
at 21:17
  • msg #132

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Surprise is our best chance," Kharla pursed her lips in thought and she nocked an arrow, "We must strike sure and swift."

Kharla will target the elf atop the spider but it's unlikely she'll kill him
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 198 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 03:08
  • msg #133

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Seeing Kharla pull out her bow, Spriggy figured he could help with the spider-rider as well. "I'll aim my magic at the rider too, and try to hit them at the same time as your arrow. Then, if Gorrid manages to take out the legs on one side, I'll charge the spider in my new beetle-form and try to flip it. Don't want those prisoners to get squashed beneath its belly. Oh, and I don't think we need to worry about the spider's poison, but beware of its webbing. Istvan, will you be able to help keep the other undead from swarming us?" Spriggy readied his spell and unleashed it when the time was right. To do it properly though meant that Spriggy had to step out into the open just a bit as he released his magic.


Casting Magic Missile at the spider-rider, timing it to hit at the same time as Kharla's arrow.
22:05, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,4.  Cast Magic Missile at spider-rider.
I will "You draw unwelcome attention or put yourself in a spot. The GM will tell you how."

Damage
22:06, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,2.  Damage.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 337 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 03:29
  • msg #134

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As he heard the sound of Spriggy's spell going off, Sir Gorrid launched himself forward, running right between a pair of the zombies.  "Time to die again, beast!"

He ran beneath the spider starting from the rear moving towards the front, just inside the legs.  With his sword over his head, he hacked through each leg as he ran, then moved to cut into the head as the best rolled to its side.

quote:
21:25, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,3.  Hack & slash Spider.
21:26, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 17 using d10+3d4+1 with rolls of 9,4,2,1.  Damage.

Invoking Exterminatus on the spider.

Let me know if you need a 'defy danger' roll as well.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 12:13, Sun 05 Sept 2021.
Kharla
player, 257 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 13:30
  • msg #135

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead moved to the side and crouched behind a fallen log.  As her companions made their move upon the undead and their leaders she took careful aim...just as one of the largest centipedes she had ever seen crawled up her leg.  Kharla didn't even recall releasing the arrow nor what direction it flew.  Truth be told, it was only after the arthropod was crushed under her boot did she recall there was an ambush in progress.

08:19, Today: Kharla rolled 4 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,1.  Volley.
- um, wow...yeah that's...esh! But did you see the SIZE of that thing and it's XP?
Istvan Vanoson
player, 266 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 14:30
  • msg #136

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue




(09:28, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,2.  Volley vs spider-rider.

Istvan loses 1 ammo.

09:29, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 2 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 1.  dam against spider-rider.)


Istvan flings a few lead balls at the spider-rider. He finally hits... but not as hard as he might've hoped.
The Patchwork God
GM, 498 posts
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 14:57
  • msg #137

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid charges into the fray, lashing out at the spider's legs, cutting through the dry cartilage and causing it to fall to it's side. The elf riding on it keeps his balance, but just barely. Unfortunately, that leaves him right in the middle of the zombies, who swarm on him.

Kharla, Istvan, and Spriggy unleashes their attacks at the rider, making him scream in pain. With a snarl, he waves his hands, shouting "come, guards!" Looking up, you see half-a-dozen elves dressed in black dropping from the trees toward you.

Gorrid needs to roll Defy Danger to defend from the zombies.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 339 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 4
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 16:33
  • msg #138

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The knight tried to power through the zombies, but they moved faster than he had expected and he quickly found himself becoming overwhelmed.

quote:
10:29, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,1.  Defy danger - Str.


Not much can save that roll...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 199 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Mon 6 Sep 2021
at 03:41
  • msg #139

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Oh no. Where did they come from!" Spriggy yelled. He was already sprinting forward as the newly-revealed elves descended from the trees. He wanted to try and flip that spider if he could before they touched the ground. He didn't want those captives to get squashed!

As he ran, the bard called upon the newest spirit he had etched upon his soul. The Man-sized Rhino Beetle they had encountered earlier in their journey through the forest.

His torso began to balloon and bulk up. A hard carapace forming on his outsides. As his weight increased, the bard fell forward onto his arms and legs. So many legs. He had two more limbs than only a moment before. Six more if you counted the clumsy wings on his back as well. Spriggy's face stretched and bulged as an enormous horn emerged, and his eyes became rounder and compound. His quick sprint as an elf had become a powerful charge as a huge beetle.


Attempting to shapeshift into the Man-sized Rhino Beetle so that he can try to flip the unbalance spider.
22:35, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,3.  Shapeshifter - to Man-sized Rhino Beetle.
I get 2 Hold. GM, what are my moves? If one could be used to flip the spider, I will use it ASAP. If not, I guess I will need to make a roll of some type.
Kharla
player, 258 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Mon 6 Sep 2021
at 19:03
  • msg #140

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla grits her teeth as the elf's entourage make their appearance.   She rained several shafts at the rider, hoping to make that his last command but the bulk of the undead spider covered him and only a glancing shot managed to touch.

14:01, Today: Kharla rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,5.  Volley.
• You have to take several shots, reducing your ammo by one

14:02, Today: Kharla rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage.
-grrrr
Istvan Vanoson
player, 267 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Mon 6 Sep 2021
at 19:09
  • msg #141

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Istvan wasn't sure what to do-- too many targets!

He decided to try to help with the zombies bothering Sir Gorrid by attempting to turn the undead...

(14:05, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,6.  turn undead?

https://www.almanac.com/sites/...er.jpg?itok=FAN0fj-u )




Aw, yeah, that's the stuff...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Mon 06 Sept 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 500 posts
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 03:22
  • msg #142

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As the zombies claws at Gorrid's armor, Spriggy climbs over them to try an flip the giant spider. You're not confident you can lift something so big though... Still, you adjust your multiple legs, and slip your horn beneath it...

As arrows fly over the melee, Istvan calls on the power of his god, scaring away the zombies surrounding Gorrid and Spriggy. But even as you focuse to keep them away, the dark elves surrounds you and Kharla...

OOC: The zombies do only 2 damage to Gorrid.

The beetles moves are:
Charge a foe
Toss a foe away
Thick armor

You can use your Toss move to flip the giant spider over. It's big, and has extra weight under it... but a human size beetle could probably lift multiple elephants.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 340 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 03:49
  • msg #143

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Looks like that was 2 before armor?

Thankful for his armor, the paladin batted the undead away and, seeing what the versatile bard was about to attempt, positioned himself to take advantage of the rolled creature so he could try to sever the mammoth beast's head from its undead torso.  Head-severing seemed to work best with undead when there was no holy water at hand, and this foul creature would need a pond's worth...

quote:
21:44, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,1.  Hack & slash Spider.
21:44, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 18 using d10+3d4+1 with rolls of 9,4,3,1.  Damage.


Hurray for bless...


His blade was almost deflected from the tough carapace, but somehow his sword found a gap and cut deep, spewing black ichor everywhere.  The fact that those nasty mandibles would be facing upward away from him was a bonus, though the zombies continued to batter at him, trying to get through his metal plating.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 200 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 04:34
  • msg #144

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The bard did indeed attempt to roll the great spider. Using his momentum, his newfound strength, and the spider's own precarious balance, Spriggy just barely managed to accomplish his task and rolled the spider onto Gorrid's awaiting blade. "Hrrrughhh!" he grunted.

Now to pick a new target. Unfortunately, there were so many to choose from...


Using my Toss move. One Hold remaining. Going to wait to see what happens in the next few seconds before making my next move though.
The Patchwork God
GM, 501 posts
Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 19:49
  • msg #145

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The head rolls aside, as the spider stops moving. The chief necromancer, however, is still quite lively, and replies with a bolt of dark energy against the paladin.

Looking around him, Spriggy sees the zombies are still held at bay by Istvan, but the other dark elves are closing in on him and Kharla, despite her best efforts to shoot them back.

OOC: Gorrid takes 5 damage from the magical blast, before armor.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 341 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 20:20
  • msg #146

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Did Spriggy successfully roll the spider?  Where is the necromancer now, with respect to me?
The Patchwork God
GM, 502 posts
Fri 10 Sep 2021
at 02:00
  • msg #147

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The spider is on it's back, with the pile of cocoon laying on it's abdomen. The necromancer is on the opposite side of the spider from Gorrid, watching him through the space between the spider's head and body.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 201 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 10 Sep 2021
at 15:11
  • msg #148

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Seeing the dark elves closing in, Spriggy rushed to interpose his sizeable bulk between them and his friends. He trusted his beetle-armor to buy Kharla and Istvan a bit more time.


Using my Thick Armor move to act as a living barrier for Kharla and Istvan vs the dark elves. But that will use up the last of Spriggy's Hold, so he will now be reverting back to his natural form.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 343 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 10 Sep 2021
at 15:31
  • msg #149

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Looks like you're next!"  Sir Gorrid pointed his sword at the spell-caster, charged through the gap, and swung hard with the flat of his blade, focusing more on knocking the man down than doing damage

quote:
09:28, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,5.  Hack & slash necromancer.
09:28, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using d10+3d4+1 with rolls of 2,2,1,3.  Damage.

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Fri 10 Sept 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 503 posts
Sat 11 Sep 2021
at 17:07
  • msg #150

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf stumbles back, seeking out something to protect him from the paladin, but to no avail. With a solid blow, Gorrid knocks out the necromancer.

With the elf unconscious, the zombies dispersed from Istvan's power... and all but one of the dark elves who ambushed you vanish into thin air. The last remaining foe, the same one that was walking with the zombies, charges at Istvan with his spear, only for it to bounce on Spriggy's armored chitin.

OOC: The zombies have fleed, the spider is dead (again), the lead necromancer is out. Only one dark elf remains. What do you do?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 344 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sat 11 Sep 2021
at 18:17
  • msg #151

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin knelt down to verify that the necromancer was indeed out cold and not faking it, then stood and headed toward the elf.

"In the name of Gianam and all that is good, I command you to lay down your weapons.  Perhaps you might live to see another sunrise..."

quote:
12:16, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,5.  I am the law.

On a 7+, they choose to: Do what you say; Back away cautiously, then flee; or Attack you
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 202 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 11 Sep 2021
at 20:02
  • msg #152

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Even as the spear glanced off of his armored hide and the bard's form began to melt back into his elven form, he drew his rapier throwing dagger and pointed it at the last dark elf's neck. His buckler was ready to deflect any further spear thrusts against himself or his allies too. "It would be in your best interest to comply."


If the elf chooses the Attack option, I will attempt to use the Defend move.
15:01, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,1.  Defend: self + party.

Let's hope it isn't needed... Let me know if I should add XP!

Edit: I forgot I left my rapier back at headquarters.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Sun 12 Sept 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 504 posts
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 15:46
  • msg #153

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Seeing Spriggy turn back to a more reasonable size reassures the dark elf for a moment, but that confidence is gone the moment he hears Gorrid's challenge. Realizing he's completely outnumbered, he does the only reasonable thing. He runs away.

OOC: You can take a Volley at him before he escapes, if you want. Otherwise, you're left with the remains of the fight. And the Defend check wasn't needed.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 345 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 16:27
  • msg #154

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid gave chase.  "Shoot him if you can.  We don't want him to warn others"

quote:
10:27, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Defy danger - Dex.

Istvan Vanoson
player, 271 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 17:00
  • msg #155

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid of Torr:
Sir Gorrid gave chase.  "Shoot him if you can.  We don't want him to warn others"

quote:
10:27, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,6.  Defy danger - Dex.



This makes sense to Istvan, so he breaks out his sling and quickly gives it a shot...

(11:59, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 6 using 2d6+1 ((2,3)). Nope. 1 xp... unless someone somehow does Aid...?)

Spriggy Glompgut
player, 203 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 18:29
  • msg #156

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"My thoughts exactly," Spriggy replied to Gorrid as he returned his blade to its place. "You should have listened. We warned you!" And with that, Spriggy unleashed a bolt of magic at the elf. Perhaps a bit recklessly.


Casting Magic Missile at the fleeing elf.
13:22, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,4.  Magic Missile at fleeing elf.
I will put myself in danger.

13:23, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d4 with rolls of 3,2.  Damage.
Kharla
player, 259 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 02:15
  • msg #157

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead followed the fleeing elf in a fairly bored manner, glad that the enemy had chosen to flee instead of pressing the fight.  Her own shaft glanced off a tree branch rachet than striking her target, she shrugged and put the bow away.

18:08, Today: Kharla rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,6.  Volley.
- will choose to subtract d6 from damage

18:10, Today: Kharla rolled -4 using d8-d6 ((2,6)).
- doh!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Mon 13 Sept 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 505 posts
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 14:56
  • msg #158

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf manages to escape your attacks, though not without a satisfying shout of pain as Spriggy's spell hits him. You're left with the decapitated corpse of the spider, as well as it's cargo.

Aside from the cocoons, you find a bag of elven food.

OOC: There's four Elven Bread rations, each with 7 use, and with a weight of 1.

How do you want to deal with the 15 cocoons?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 346 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 16:14
  • msg #159

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid stalked back from his failed pursuit.  "We may be dealing with reinforcements, so best to leave soon."

He walked over to one of the cocoons and carefully opened what he presumed, based on the wiggling, would be the 'head' end of one of them.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 204 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 02:25
  • msg #160

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Right. We can't stick around for long." Spriggy passed out the elven bread to his friends, keeping one portion for himself. You could never have too many rations when traveling the wilderness. "But what are we going to do with our prisoner? Our most recent prisoner?" There was a hint of... exasperation?, in Spriggy's voice. He had had a feeling for a while now that Gorrid's habit for prisoner-taking could end up coming back to bite them eventually. And if this recent prisoner ended up slowing them down enough, perhaps that bite would be coming sooner rather than later.

Even so, Spriggy did his due diligence searching their prisoner for anything magical in nature while Gorrid investigated the cocoons. Or any other clues, for that matter.


FYI, OOC I do not mind the prisoner-taking. It is purely an IC irk. ;-)

I have claimed one Elven Bread for myself. I am also checking the prisoner for magical items. I suppose since he is also looking for other clues, I will also Discern Realities on the prisoner's body.

21:23, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,1.  Discern Realities - prisoner.
And that's an XP! Is Spriggy about to get shanked? :-P In case it helps inform your counter-move, GM, the question I would have asked was, "What here is useful or valuable to me?"
The Patchwork God
GM, 506 posts
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 15:00
  • msg #161

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Opening the cocoon, you see they contain a group of farmers and river sailors, who seems weak and confused.

The necromancer didn't carry much. Apparently, their kidnapping didn't include looting. He does have a book with him though, written in elvish. As you read through it, you see it's a mix of spellbook and personal journal.

The last entry describes how they finally managed to gather enough sacrifices for the ritual. And a description of how they injected them with a slow acting venom that will keep them pacified, and kill them in about two days...


I think that qualifies as something valuable, as well as a way to shank you!
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 206 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 20:13
  • msg #162

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"According to this spellbook-journal, they are dosed with a slow-acting poison that will kill them in two days. Probably less than that by now." There was concern plastered plainly on Spriggy's face. "I have four Antitoxins on me, but that won't be nearly enough to save all 15 of these people. Istvan or Kharla, do you know how to cure poisons like this? Or maybe know how to stretch an Antitoxin?" He knew Istvan might have some knowledge about healing, and he knew Kharla had some knowledge of at least one type of poison.

The bard also looked back through the book just in case there happened to be an antidote spell or something among its pages.


I will use my Bardic Lore: Spells and Magicks to ask, "what spells are in the spellbook."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 347 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 20:24
  • msg #163

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Did this guy have any more of the toxin on him?  If he does, we could provide him with a good incentive to share the antidote..."

The paladin strongly frowned on the use of poisons, but he suspected that Gianam might forgive its use on the poisoner himself to help save his victims.  He headed over to the unconscious man to check to make sure Spriggy hadn't missed anything.  He checked out the spider as well, just in case there might be something useful.

quote:
14:21, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,1.  Discern realities.


I'm assuming we're considered done combat, so my 'bless' can't bump that to a 10.  Don't know if my un-used +1 from prior discern could or whether anyone wants to aid?

Questions (in order of importance):
- What here is useful or valuable to me?
- What here is not what it appears to be?
- What should I be on the lookout for?

Also:
What happened with the zombies?  Did they wander off?  Collapse?  Did we just slaughter them all when we weren't paying attention? :>
Are the captives capable of walking?  Can we herd them somewhere else?
The Patchwork God
GM, 507 posts
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 15:29
  • msg #164

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The spells seems mostly focused on animating various forms of undeads. Some of them are more experimental, and rather... disturbing. Such has ways to torture a person by stopping the blood flow to one of their limbs, then reanimating the limb while the person is still alive. Thankfully, it seems the necromancer hasn't achieved much success so far.

Looking around for the zombies, it seems they fled further south. It will take them a few weeks before they reach any civilized land. Odds are, they'll stumble on some beast or bandit camp long before that, and end up as fertilizer for the forest.

The prisoners, however, are in a bad shape. They can be made to stumble about a bit, but they act like uncoordinated drunks. None of them have much on them, though one of them has some illegal hallucinogenic mushrooms on him.

Other than that, there doesn't seem to be anything else too useful in the necromancer's baggage.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 348 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 18:10
  • msg #165

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"It's going to be hard to move with these folks in their current situation, so are best move is to see if we can 'convince' our friend here to share the antidote.  I'm guessing we're about a day away from the temple, so hopefully we've got at least that much time before our escapee can bring back trouble.  Spriggy, you had good success before...  I can keep watch."

If someone wants to spout lore for an alternative solution, that's fine too...
Istvan Vanoson
player, 273 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 20:32
  • msg #166

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy Glompgut:
"According to this spellbook-journal, they are dosed with a slow-acting poison that will kill them in two days. Probably less than that by now." There was concern plastered plainly on Spriggy's face. "I have four Antitoxins on me, but that won't be nearly enough to save all 15 of these people. Istvan or Kharla, do you know how to cure poisons like this? Or maybe know how to stretch an Antitoxin?"


"I don't, sorry," Istvan muttered quietly so that his words wouldn't carry much past Spriggy's ears. "Very sorry..."
Kharla
player, 260 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 01:32
  • msg #167

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The thief frowned considering the victims, "As I understand it, antidotes to poisons, if an antidote is even possible, are often based upon similar mixtures as the poison itself.   If this book contains the recipe for this particular drought perhaps we can puzzle out the key ingredient to be countered."

20:09, Today: Kharla rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,5.  Spout Lore about Poison.
- sooo close
The Patchwork God
GM, 509 posts
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 15:50
  • msg #168

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

It's difficult to sort out what poisons are what, though Spriggy's book on rare fishes and the necromancer's journal help a lot. By the symptoms you see, you deduce that it's a form of poison extracted by various fishes, especially some rare blow fishes.

Their poison don't usually take more than 24 hours to kill, but apparently they've found a way to control how quickly the poison enters the victim's blood, controlling it's deadliness. This thankfully lets you use a somewhat simple-to-make anti-poison, based on grounded charcoal.

All it will take, is time to burn enough wood for all the kidnapped victims.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 210 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 17:06
  • msg #169

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

After Kharla managed to figure out how to counteract the poison, Spriggy breathed a sigh of relief. These people at least had a chance now.

"So I assume we are going to try and save these people, correct? The one person in Gorrid's dream does not override the importance of these 15. And besides, it sounds like we just disrupted the amount of sacrifices that were needed for whatever was going on here."

Spriggy clasped his hands together dramatically. "So my suggestion for what we do next is this. Kharla can work on her antidote while the rest of us secure the area. Our enemies will likely return. Additionally, I think we should still use two or three of my Antitoxins to revive a few villagers who look like they might be able to assist Kharla with the charcoal." He looked to his companions to see if they had any alternative ideas.
Kharla
player, 261 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 19:53
  • msg #170

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"You had me at charcoal," the redhead rejoins the group with an armload of dry twigs and branches.  You're not entirely sure when she left.

She happily sets to work building a fire with a gleam in her eye.  All too soon she jumps up and skips off for more wood, clearly intent of a sizable fire for maximum charcoal production.

Probably.

Not just for the joy of seeing things burn...right?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 350 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 02:21
  • msg #171

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I presume that rescuing these prisoners will slow down whatever they're trying to do at the temple."

He looked over at Spriggy and Kharla.  "Some of the actions that might be necessary in dealing with our prisoner are ones it would be best for me to not partake in.  I'll watch over our charges and keep an eye out for anyone approaching."
The Patchwork God
GM, 510 posts
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 16:11
  • msg #172

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

After a bit of work, you get a few of the bulkier victims to sit in a position that lets them look out for incoming threats, with Kharla keeping an eye out as well while she grabs more dry wood for the fire. She also gets a few tips from one of the captured woodsmans on how to make charcoal, telling you to dig a meter deep hole and to make your fire in it, to make sure it doesn't just make ashes.

You wait nervously during the night, with every sound of animals making you jump, and every shadows looking like stealthy dark elves. Yet the sun rises, revealing that the night passed without trouble.

As Kharla starts administering the medicine to the kidnapped victims, you wake the necromancer to deal with him.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 214 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 02:11
  • msg #173

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy was glad that the night had passed without incident, and happy that the cure was beginning to be administered. And it was now time to question their latest prisoner as well. Normally he would have volunteered to do the talking, but right now he was too busy listening to the voices of the forest critters, listening for any early warnings of approaching threats. Still, he did cast his telepathy spell on whoever they had elected to do the talking. That way he could still "hear" what was going on and potentially offer up suggestions for questions.

Unfortunately his distractions from all of the animal voices seemed to be interfering with his mental connection...


Casting Telepathy on whoever is going to be doing the talking.
21:08, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,1.  Casting Telepathy.

Aaaaand that's an XP. I have enough to level up again the next time we rest!
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 353 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 02:43
  • msg #174

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid, noticing the bard's distraction, moved his finger to actually touch Kharla.  "Aren't you supposed to do this?"  He realized a moment later, that interfering with a spell-caster during the casting of a spell might not necessarily have been the wisest of choices
quote:
20:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,3.  Aid Spriggy.


No XP for you!
However
On a 7–9, they still get a modifier, but you also expose yourself to danger, retribution, or cost.
The Patchwork God
GM, 511 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 14:20
  • msg #175

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Surprisingly, Gorrid's intervention helps clear Spriggy's mind, allowing him to finish the spell. But Gorrid gets a strange look on his face...

He hears voices... lots of voices. Everywhere. Screaming in the distance. Taking a moment to figure out what's being said, he makes out...

"Ron, I'm leaving."
"Wot? No wait lemme smash! What has my life come to? Becky thought my tail was big. Becky used to Lemme Smash but Becky is smashing Ben. Ben is a hoe."
"Heck?"

...and so on. It's... distracting, to say the least.

Consider yourself Stunned until you reach the temple.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 354 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 16:21
  • msg #176

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Never, EVER, interrupt a friendly spell-caster...  His only hope was that his newfound ?power? would help alert him if there were elves nearby.  Gods hope this wasn't permanent!
The Patchwork God
GM, 512 posts
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 17:23
  • msg #177

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla gives the prisoner a dose of her poison, and starts interrogating him. As Spriggy uses his spell to listen in, Kharla tells you the guy is convinced she's fallen for his delicate elven beauty, and is clearly hoping to seduce her to make his escape.

As a short break down of what she finds out:
 - The temple is close, about half-a-day away. It's not quite in the direction the other dark elf fled to, but he could have taken a detour to hide where the temple is.
 - They used up all their other prisoners, hence the need to capture more.
 - He was sent on this hunt with their entire undead reserve, so their only guards left are dark elves soldiers and sorcerers.
 - He's not speaking about what they're doing there. At all. All he says, is that it requires plenty of sacrifices.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 356 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 02:07
  • msg #178

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Once Kharla had extracted what information she could and he was certain that there were no further questions, Sir Gorrid walked over.  He laid his hand on the thief's shoulder and nodded his thanks.  "I can finish things if you like."

He stuck a dirty cloth in the elf's mouth to avoid any possibility of last-minute spell casting, then used his left hand to pull the man upright by his hair.  "Gianam is a God of Justice.  For what you have done, justice would be to tie you to a tree beside an ant hill and slit open your belly.  Or perhaps to leave you to the mercies of those you captured, both for what you've done to them and to those you doubtless killed to capture them.  However, I do not wish to bring further darkness to their souls, nor do I have the time to punish you for your misdeeds.  So, while I cannot provide you Gianam's Justice, I can at least give you his Sword."

At that, the paladin drew his bladeand stabbed it forward through the dark elf's chest.  He let go of the hair and allowed the body to slump to the ground.  He cleaned his blade carefully on the elf's cloak, then re-sheathed it.

"I'm going to see if I can find a place these folks'll be safe when we continue."

He headed into the forest, opposite to the way the one elf had run and perpendicular to their path to the temple.  If a party came to look for the rescued prisoners, they'd expect them to flee, not move elsewhere into the forest.  His ideal site would be a cavern, but anything that would keep the villagers safe on at least a few sides would have to do.

quote:
20:04, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,3.  Discern realities.

What here is useful to me?  (Looking for a safe-ish place to leave the former prisoners)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 218 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 02:31
  • msg #179

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy winced when Gorrid ended the enemy elf. It was never a pleasant thing to execute someone, but it truly would have been too dangerous to leave him alive. But now that the deed was done, Spriggy tried to focus his thoughts on what still needed to be done.

"Kharla, is it alright if I retain our telepathic connection? It may prove hand for conveying information quietly. I did not prepare my Invisibility spell today, unfortunately, so we will need to sneak up on the temple the old-fashioned way." He looked over to Istvan. "Unless you have invisibility magic?" Spriggy knew the cleric had managed to accomplish that trick in the past.


Is it safe to assume we made some extra charcoal in case there are other poisoned prisoners at the temple?
The Patchwork God
GM, 514 posts
Sat 25 Sep 2021
at 17:05
  • msg #180

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

It takes a bit of searching around, but Gorrid does find a decent enough cave to hide the prisoners in. There were some worrisome claw marks on the walls, but a hunter insist that they're old mark, and nothing has lived there for a long time.

OOC: You do have extra charcoal, but the necromancer seemed to say there were no prisoners left at their temple.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 219 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 19:30
  • msg #181

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

While he awaited Kharla and/or Istvan's replies, Spriggy helped relocate the villagers to the hidden cave. He also made sure to bring some extra charcoal, even though they probably wouldn't need it. After all, better to be safe than sorry.
Kharla
player, 264 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 20:14
  • msg #182

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla remained lost in thought, assisting with the prisoners while they were made as comfortable as possible given the situation.  But as it became clear the time to depart neared she asked her companions,

"There are necromancers here, bent upon evil.  While we seek Sir Gorrid's lady they will continue their fell deeds.  Is there nothing we can do to disrupt or delay their work.  Is she we seek worth the lives of those who may be taken?"

Kharla's big on freedom, feels like she would hate the idea of walking away from a group bent on depriving others of theirs.  Plus just seemed like a good opportunity to stir the pot :)

Her player is still good with the previous plan to rescue the lady 1st and come back to deal with these necromancers
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 358 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sun 26 Sep 2021
at 22:32
  • msg #183

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Once their rescued charges were as safe as feasible, Sir Gorrid conferred with his companions.  "They'll be expecting us, they know the terrain and there will quite possibly be traps.  They'll also have magic on their side.  Any preferences for how we make our approach?"
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 222 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 02:15
  • msg #184

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I am hoping that saving the woman in Gorrid's dream will also be related to thwarting the necromancers," Spriggy replied to Kharla. "At least some of them. As for how we make our approach..." Spriggy shrugged. "I suppose Gorrid leads the way, since he know the exact direction. Kharla checks for traps, I keep an eye out for magicks, Istvan keeps an eye out for enemies?" The bard was no expert strategist, but he thought his own plan sounded reasonable enough.
The Patchwork God
GM, 517 posts
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 16:59
  • msg #185

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Following Gorrid's guidance, you head toward the mysterious temple...

Someone give me a Discern Reality roll, no need to list your questions. Kharla doesn't need to roll for traps, I'll explain why in my next post.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 275 posts
Cleric, XP: 3, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 17:38
  • msg #186

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Following Gorrid's guidance, you head toward the mysterious temple...

Someone give me a Discern Reality roll, no need to list your questions. Kharla doesn't need to roll for traps, I'll explain why in my next post.



( 12:38, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 5 using 2d6+2 ((1,2)).  UGH.

XP for Istvan, I guess...)
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 361 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 19:01
  • msg #187

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

quote:
13:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,5.  Discern realities.

Don't know if you want more than one.  If not, then ignore.  (Though sad to waste a beautiful 10... ;>)
The Patchwork God
GM, 519 posts
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 02:29
  • msg #188

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Moving carefully through the underbrush, you watch carefully for signs of traps or ambush. All you find are footprints that seem the right size for an elf... that lead to a bloodstain, and a large paw print.

About an hour later, you finally find the temple, almost completely hidden by the trees and moss. From afar, you can just make out a bit of movement inside the door. As far as you can tell, there's only one entrance.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 362 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 5
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #189

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid prays quietly, seeking the blessing of Gianam in this final step of his quest, then took a good look around.  Finally, he invoked his magic to try to strengthen the steel of his sword.

quote:
20:38, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Cast bless on me.
20:39, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.  Discern realities.
20:41, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,2.  Cast magic weapon on my sword.


Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, I suppose...
What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?

And more general context questions:  I'm assuming from your description that we've walked around and confirmed only one 'visible' entrance?  Roughly how big is the building?  The doorway?  What does the approach to the door look like - how much is without any cover?  Only one story above ground?  Any features other than "covered in green"?  Any sign of windows?  Any possibility of climbing a tree to get on top?
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 223 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 06:49
  • msg #190

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The rest of the trip to the temple had been mercifully uneventful. He was glad that whatever had left that huge paw print must have filled up on the enemy elf that had escaped. If the guy hadn't gotten away, that horrific scene could have been any one of their group instead. Spriggy shuddered at the thought.

Now that they could see the temple with their own eyes though, something about it seemed familiar. Of course temples were a common element in a lot of stories, but this one stood out in his mind. The bard shared what he could recall quietly with the group.


I would like to use my elf racial move: "When you enter an important location (your call) you can ask the GM for one fact from the history of that location."
The Patchwork God
GM, 520 posts
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 14:33
  • msg #191

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy recognize the architecture of ancient elves, likely dating back to the war that gave rise to the Dark Elves. The above ground structure is small but imposing, and likely leading down to an underground dungeon.

Examining it from the outside shows what few openings there are, outside of the main door, are small light wells plunging into the depths. You do find another entrance though: two well hidden trapdoors covered in plants, but still clearly in use. As the main door seems too small for the giant spider you met, you assume it came in and out by those secret entrance.

Looking down bellow the trapdoors, you see they fall about thirty feet straight down, into a room with a single visible exit, blocked by a large portcullis.

As for the main entrance, it seems to have two dark elf guards hiding in the shadows. They don't seem to have seen you, thanks to the rather thick leafage on the forest floor, and you could probably try sneaking close enough to jump them... if you're careful.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 363 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 6
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 22:34
  • msg #192

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Normally I'd argue for going through the back door, but raising that portcullis is going to be noisy - assuming we can find a way to open it at all.  Does anyone have invisibility to put on Kharla?  We can try shooting the two guards and, if necessary, Kharla can drop whoever's still standing.  Any other spells anyone wants to get off before we attack?"

You didn't list a consequence for my failed spell, so I presume it'll manifest later and I've marked XP
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 224 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 05:51
  • msg #193

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I already have my telepathy spell connecting me with Kharla, so I think that is all I can really do right now. I could create some beneficial magical music, but probably best to hold off on that while we are trying to remain unnoticed. I think I will also remain in this form for now so that I can cast my magical missiles from a safe distance." Spriggy was starting to feel that twinge of excitement and worry that came right before battle. Hopefully they could slip in without alerting the entire hive's-worth of passages below.
Kharla
player, 267 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 16:47
  • msg #194

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I'll get closer," Kharla grits her teeth to contain her excitement, "I'll let Spriggy know when I'm in position."

With a smile and a wink the thief disappears into the foliage.

assuming this is a Defy Danger roll
11:47, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,5.  Move Silently into ambush position, Defy Danger with Dex.
- Danger avoided
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 364 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 6
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 17:32
  • msg #195

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Feeling the dark energy of the place seeping away the magic he'd tried to instill in his weapon, the paladin tried once more, this time moving outside the 'boundaries' of the temple grounds to minimize the drain.  Then he moved closer, using his knowledge of the limited line of sight the guards had from inside the entryway as well as the noises of the forest to help cover his approach.

quote:
11:24, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,3.  Cast magic weapon on my sword.
11:29, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,1.  Defy danger - Wis.

Using my +1 from my previous Discern to turn that 6 into a 7.  I'll forget the spell.
If I need to use Dex rather than Wis, that's a failed defy danger.  Provided I can stick with Wis, then I stumble, hesitate, or flinch: the GM will offer me a worse outcome, hard bargain, or ugly choice.

Yay! :>
The Patchwork God
GM, 523 posts
Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 23:40
  • msg #196

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

While Kharla makes it quite close to the door, Gorrid stumbles on a stone while still some distance away. You hear the guards stands up scanning the forest for anyone hiding. It doesn't seem like they've spotted Gorrid, but they seem to be looking very closely in the direction Istvan and Spriggy are hidden. They even seem to be pointing in their direction...

Spriggy and Istvan haven't been spotted yet, but they will unless someone draws their attention! What do you do?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 365 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 1 Oct 2021
at 02:06
  • msg #197

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid stooped to pick up a small rock and tossed it into the tree branches at a point equidistant between Spriggy and Istvan's location and his own.

quote:
20:05, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,2.  Volley - stone.

Those dice are *cold* :(

XP marked
Kharla
player, 268 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 13:29
  • msg #198

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

{ "A well timed distraction!" } Kharla beams her thanks to Spriggy as she slides up behind the guard furthest from the direction of the commotion.  Her hand covers his mouth as her blade slides between ribs as she tries to lower him quietly to the ground.


08:25, Today: Kharla rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,6.  Backstab+Cheap Shot.
• You deal your damage+2d6
• You create an advantage, +1 forward to you or an ally acting on it

08:28, Today: Kharla rolled 11 using d8+d6+d6 with rolls of 3,3,5.  Backstab damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:33, Sat 02 Oct 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 524 posts
Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 16:23
  • msg #199

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The guards stare intently at Spriggy and Istvan... until they see an arm poke out of a bush to throw a rock. Glancing at each other, they step out of the temple toward Gorrid, ready to stab through his bush with their spears.

Never one to waste a completely exposed back, Kharla steps in and runs one of them through with her blade. With a muffled "Arrrggghhh...", the dying elf distracts his cohort, who turns to look at the dashing rogue.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 367 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 17:12
  • msg #200

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

That hadn't quite been the plan, but oh well...

The paladin stepped out of the bushes.  "You're next" he said dispassionately before plunging his sword into the dark elf's side.


quote:
11:08, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,5.  Hack & slash guard.
11:09, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 5,3,4.  Damage.

That's a bit better :)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 226 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 3 Oct 2021
at 13:50
  • msg #201

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy was about to let Kharla know that the distraction was not his doing, but the fight had already started before he could do so. Spriggy raised his hands in preparation to cast a spell, but then Gorrid ran forward with his blade to finish off the second guard. Probably.

"Looks like you and I were just the reserve forces this time around," he commented to Istvan. The bard then headed toward the others, keeping an eye out for additional threats, ready to blast any that he saw.


Is it safe to assume both guards have fallen? And there were only those two that we could see? If not, I will blast any visibly conscious guard with Magic Missile.
The Patchwork God
GM, 525 posts
Sun 3 Oct 2021
at 15:49
  • msg #202

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The second guard joins his friend in the afterlife, leaving you free to descend into the temple itself.

Kharla leads the way into the thin decended tunnel, keeping just enough light to check for traps along the way. Thankfully, there aren't any, but you pause as you hear low voices ahead, where the tunnel reaches a chamber.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 368 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sun 3 Oct 2021
at 16:18
  • msg #203

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid looked at Kharla and grinned as he whispered "You want to do some more sneaking?  I won't follow this time until you tell me to..."
Kharla
player, 270 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Mon 4 Oct 2021
at 03:48
  • msg #204

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I'll be back," Kharla smiles in a deep, Arnold Schwarzenegger voice (not that Kharla has any idea who that is).  Carefree she skips off into the darkness....perhaps a bit too carefree?

19:50, Today: Kharla rolled 7 using 2d6+2 ((1,4)).
- On a 7–9, you stumble, hesitate, or flinch:
The Patchwork God
GM, 526 posts
Mon 4 Oct 2021
at 17:12
  • msg #205

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

[Language unknown: "Tiame ore OUN TINONSICH DI?"
"Ce hat n."]

Kharla reaches the room's entrance, carefully staying in the shadows. But before she can even wonder what they're saying, she sees one of the four guards in the room throw a dagger right at her...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 227 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 01:21
  • msg #206

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"A bit of bickering going on over there?" Spriggy asked over his mental link with Kharla. Of course he couldn't see what the situation actually was from his location, but it certainly sounded like some in-fighting was going on based on what the elves were saying.
Kharla
player, 271 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 01:41
  • msg #207

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead stifles a yip of surprise as she twists to avoid the flying blade.

{ "Oi! I wasn't sure if the jig was up or not!  So they don' know I'm here, right? " } she thought to her companion over the telepathic link.

Now Kharla was certain she was still hidden in shadow; unless these Elves had incredible vision (and she hadn't heard of Elves being able to see in the dark any better than others) it seemed likely that this one had heard her creeping quietly down the hallway.   Well.....she'd intended to creep quietly, maybe she had, maybe she hadn't, point was with luck they'd no idea she wasn't a rat or other creature if they were aware of her at all.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 228 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 02:28
  • msg #208

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

{"Huh? Why? What happened? All I heard them say was, "Will you STOP DOING THAT?" Then the other one said, "Ah bite me." Are you okay Kharla?"}] Spriggy was beginning to worry about the rogue's safety.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 369 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 02:38
  • msg #209

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid's hand rested easily on the pommel of is sword, his face watching the bard's carefully as he listened to the unfamiliar words, trying to pick up what he could from tone and from Spriggy's responses, given that he couldn't understand the words.  The rest of the team could tell that his body was ready to tear down the hallway after the thief if it should turn out he was needed...
The Patchwork God
GM, 527 posts
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 03:57
  • msg #210

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid jumps in surprise as a dagger falls on the ground next to him, followed by an angry discussion among the elves.


Kharla holds her breath, laying down on the floor, as one of the guards walks toward the tunnel...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:45, Tue 05 Oct 2021.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 229 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 06:33
  • msg #211

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy mentally translated what was being said to Kharla and asked the thief, {"What is the situation? What should we be doing?"} The elf would quietly relay her guidance to the rest of the group so that they could all coordinate and work as a team.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 279 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 13:53
  • msg #212

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Istvan just stands still and silent, ready to burst into action if needed, his hand ready on his mace...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Tue 05 Oct 2021.
Kharla
player, 272 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 00:56
  • msg #213

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The thief mentally answers Spriggy, "{  "Doing?  Oh nothing special.  It's all good.
 Really good.   How are you?"

"Say on a completely unrelated note, when this guard comes for his dagger why don't you ask Sir Gorrid to skewer him.  Then we can rush his three comrades in the room there."

"Tell Gorrid no prisoners, please!" }

If the light is dim enough that Kharla thinks the guard will not notice her, she'll remain motionless and let the fellow pass.  Otherwise she'll backup and prepare to ambush him when he get close.
The Patchwork God
GM, 528 posts
Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 02:02
  • msg #214

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Considering how tight the tunnel is, there's no real chance the elf could pass Kharla without seeing her. And seeing how close you are, you'll need to Defy Danger to set your ambush.
Kharla
player, 273 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 02:38
  • msg #215

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The guard was relaxed, not expecting trouble...but Kharla realized there was little chance he would miss her presence.  Her only chance would be confusion and surprise.  She crouched, drew her cloak around her, tight and as small as possible.  She would be seen but not immediately recognized.  A lump.  Of what?

One step closer...and she would be on him before his recognition could become warning.

21:26, Today: Kharla rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,3.  Defy Danger, strike before the guard recognizes the danger
- success

21:33, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Backstab+Cheap Shot
• You deal your damage+2d6
• You create an advantage, +1 forward to you or an ally acting on it

21:34, Today: Kharla rolled 14 using d8+d6+d6 with rolls of 7,5,2.  Damage
- nice when the die roller is hot
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 231 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 19:37
  • msg #216

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

{"I'll let him know,"} Spriggy replied to Kharla. Then, to Gorrid, he whispered, "Kharla wants you to take out the guy coming down the hall. Then we'll rush the other three in the room down there. She says no prisoners are necessary."

The bard held his buckler up defensively and held his other hand ready to cast magic over Gorrid's shoulder. But after a few moments he began to wonder if their incoming target had gotten lost...
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 371 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 22:06
  • msg #217

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid moved the dagger a little further so it would be nicely out in the open, right beside a small niche he could secret himself within and motioned the others to go back outside the entrance, then waited for his quarry.
The Patchwork God
GM, 529 posts
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 16:02
  • msg #218

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla manages to back out into the darker parts of the tunnel, and ambushes the guard as he comes close to her. Gorrid is just close enough to see them fight, with the guard falling to the ground with little noise. With the immediate threat gone, you share a quick description of the room.

From what you've seen, the room is octagonal, lit by torches in each corners, and with two other exist, in the left and right-most walls. The three guards are sitting or walking around the room. The room has a few items of comfort, like benches and food bowls, but nothing of real note.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 375 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 17:09
  • msg #219

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Do we rush them, or wait for one of them to come investigate their companion's absence and then tackle the other two?"  The paladin was ok with either, though he suspected that the first option might work better.  The guards were more likely to be alert in the second case.</green>
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 233 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 19:35
  • msg #220

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Istvan, are you still able to turn invisible? Because I was thinking you (or someone) could go in invisibly and block the left exit. Then Gorrid attacks whoever is closest to the entrance and the other two of us can attack whoever darts for the right exit at range." The bard held up one of his rarely used throwing knives, indicating he could let someone borrow one or two if needed. Of course he would use magic for his own ranged attack.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 280 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 19:38
  • msg #221

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy Glompgut:
"Istvan, are you still able to turn invisible? Because I was thinking you (or someone) could go in invisibly and block the left exit. Then Gorrid attacks whoever is closest to the entrance and the other two of us can attack whoever darts for the right exit at range."


"I... probably can...? Maybe...? I'll try it if you want... Or would it be better for me to make one of you invisible? The odds of me doing it successfully are the same..."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 376 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 20:26
  • msg #222

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I'm willing, though I'm not the quietist.  If I'm invisible, maybe someone else can start throwing this dagger against the wall.  Just enough noise to cover up any I might make, and perhaps enough for one of them to come investigate.  Then the three of you can jump whoever comes to this entrance, I can jump whoever's nearest the exit and between the four of us, we can take out the third?"
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 234 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 7 Oct 2021
at 20:32
  • msg #223

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Sounds like a plan," Spriggy agreed. He prepared to cast his magic when the time came.


Here is a Magic Missile roll for when it is needed:
15:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,3.  Cast Magic Missile.
I will draw unwelcome attention or put myself in a spot. The GM will tell me how.

15:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 3 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,2.  Damage.
Kharla
player, 275 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 8 Oct 2021
at 00:03
  • msg #224

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The thief smiled and suggested, "What if Sir Gorrid holds up the dead guard in the dim light of the tunnel while invisible?  He need not say anything, perhaps motion to the others, make rude gestures, whatever.  Draw them close and then we attack?"

Kharla generated a +1 going forward for anyone to use but seems like it should relate to the attack on the guard.  What if we use his body to help ambush the others?

Yes?  No?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 377 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 8 Oct 2021
at 03:17
  • msg #225

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid shrugged.  "Worth a shot I suppose.  Let's see how the invisibility goes first?"
Istvan Vanoson
player, 281 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Fri 8 Oct 2021
at 16:06
  • msg #226

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid of Torr:
Sir Gorrid shrugged.  "Worth a shot I suppose.  Let's see how the invisibility goes first?"


(
11:05, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 7 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 4,2.  Let's make Sir Gorrid invisible? Please Noric?

7. Istvan chooses to forget his Invisibility prayerspell.
)

Yay, Sir Noric is invisible now!

"You're invisible now," Istvan whispers to Sir Gorrid, in case he wasn't sure.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 378 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 8 Oct 2021
at 17:05
  • msg #227

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid put down what he could of his gear and stripped off anything the elf was wearing that was 'heavy' and not essential to having the guard still look normal.  For good measure he dug around in his gear and found a few sticks and rope he could use to help keep the soldier in more or less the right posture without having its head loll to the side.  Finally he gave some instructions to Kharla.  "Can you throw the guards knife back out into the room - ideally close to the group.  If you wanna hit someone 'by accident', that's ok too."  Finally he hoisted the elf up and prepared to move him into the light, make a rude gesture, then return back into the dark where he could drop the body and then make his way - hopefully quietly into the room to deal with whoever remained while his companions dealt with whoever responded to the taunt.

quote:
10:54, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,4.  Defy Danger - Str - lift dead elf.
10:55, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,6.  Defy danger - Wis - fool other elves.
10:55, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,4.  Defy danger - Dex - get into the room.


Used one adventuring gear.

Went with defy danger wisdom for the second roll on the grounds that I need to tie the body properly and move into the light enough to be seen and make a gesture that they'll respond to, but not enough that they see the ropes helping to hold the figure in the right position.

So hopefully that means that dead elf is now back in the dark with his gear, Istvan, Kharla and Spriggy are prepared to ambush whoever comes charging into the darkness.  Sir Gorrid will move into the room and position himself near the other two and take out whoever tries to go for help when there's a commotion in our tunnel.

Seems like Noric has smiled on the whole exercise :>
Kharla
player, 276 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 8 Oct 2021
at 23:37
  • msg #228

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

There's a twinkle in her eye as the red head took the deceased guard's dagger and crept forward behind Sir Gorrid and his grisly puppet.  When all were in place she sent the weapon spinning towards one of the trio still in the room, intending to land it close enough to startle, threaten and hopefully fan the tensions she'd witnessed earlier.

hmmm, Volley i guess but goal isn't damage so much and surprise/piss off her target.

18:33, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,6.  Volley with throwing dagger, try hit near one of the guards.
- ooh, that should be pretty close

A superb toss, the blade embeds itself in front of the fellow she'd seen arguing with the new marionette.   Any closer and it would have drawn blood, clearly a reckless disregard for safety.
The Patchwork God
GM, 530 posts
Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 01:36
  • msg #229

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The elf looks angry, shouting [Language unknown: "Aibeck n! Fockla an ad er aretsa mist'sentnc outin re tha ecprivbe walo alsasi!"] while gesturing toward your puppet. But after taking a second look, the three elves gather in the center of the room, head tilted as they look at their dead friend. [Language unknown: "Iedi... est plwhul?"]

OOC: Your deception worked well enough for you to get close enough to rush them. They have a chance to avoid your attack, so you have to roll, but Kharla can still backstab.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 379 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 01:54
  • msg #230

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

That hadn't quite been the plan, but we'll work with it:

The paladin tossed the body and leapt at the one nearest an exit, drawing his sword as he moved.  The clatter of the body - and the confusion of the guards was enough to allow his blade to cut deeply into the neck of his target as he suddenly materialized amid the two of the.  That in turn was enough to create its own distraction, giving his teammates a chance to make their own attacks.

quote:
19:48, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,2.  Hack & slash.
19:48, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 1d10+1 with rolls of 10.  damage.

I expose myself to damage, if there's anyone left standing by the time my teammates are done :)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 236 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 05:27
  • msg #231

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"No your friend isn't alright," Spriggy said to the elves as he stepped into sight and unleashed his magic. "And you are about to be 'not alright' too." He aimed for the enemy furthest from the doorway.


See above for rolls. 3 damage dealt and exposing myself to danger.
The Patchwork God
GM, 531 posts
Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 03:26
  • msg #232

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid quickly takes down his opponent, before turning around to block the other one's spear.
Spriggy's spell injures the third foe, who snarls and reply by throwing a small black ball. It hits the ceiling, causing a bright flash of light that dazzles Spriggy.

OOC: The Dark Elf fails to do enough damage to get past Gorrid's armor. With the best of 2d8. With 2 of armor piercing.

Spriggy has a big spot in his vision, and will need to Defy Danger to attack again.
Kharla
player, 277 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 03:33
  • msg #233

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The flash illuminates the redhead picking herself up from the floor, apparently having tripped over the body of the guard Sir Gorrid had cast aside when he charged.  She flicks a dagger from her belt towards one of the opponents but whether due to the dazzle of the brightness or the impact of her fall it flies well wide and clatters in the distance.

22:29, Today: Kharla rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Volley with throwing dagger
- miss but XP
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 380 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 14:14
  • msg #234

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin turned to the spear-wielding guard.  "I was told 'no prisoners', so your turn to die"  His sword slid easily into the guard's neck.
quote:
08:10, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,6.  Hack & slash.
08:11, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 5,3,3.  Damage.

Invoking Exterminatus.  Seems like I don't really want him to get a second chance to stab...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 237 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 19:25
  • msg #235

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Gah!" Spriggy exclaimed as his vision was obscured. It would be difficult to aim while temporarily blinded. Difficult, but not impossible. His mind began making a multitude of calculations in a mere instant.

Spriggy still knew the general direction of the enemy. After all, the bard had not been turned around. And the room wasn't that big. He used his sharp ears to listen for where Gorrid was battling the other elf and ruled out that quadrant of the room. He knew the enemy elf would likely be between Gorrid and the wall on its opposite side as Gorrid. That gave Spriggy a narrower area to aim in. Spriggy also knew the elf was bound by gravity, and so a lower shot would be more likely to hit since it would be easier for the enemy to crouch down than jump up to avoid the missile Spriggy blasted his way.

Using the power of probability, Spriggy made his best guess for where the enemy would be and where allies would not be, then let loose his magic.


Rolls are reverse order (posting from phone).

14:10, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 4 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,3.  Damage.

14:10, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Cast Magic Missile, same target.

14:10, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,1.  Defy Danger with Int - quick thinking.
The Patchwork God
GM, 532 posts
Thu 14 Oct 2021
at 16:35
  • msg #236

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The spells hits it's mark, causing the elf to stumble as he ducks Kharla's blade. While the last of his companions is slain by Gorrid, he makes his way out the right exit, calling out into the room beyond.

You a moment to look out both exits. The one on the left has a disturbing purple glow, coming from some sort of circle in the center of a small hexagonal room. The right exit, where the elf is fleeing, leads to a much larger room, apparently lit by a large blue-white crystal floating in the center.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 381 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Thu 14 Oct 2021
at 17:19
  • msg #237

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid follows close behind, but pauses at the entrance to the room to get a sense of what he was about to run into.

quote:
11:17, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,6.  Discern realities.


What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who's really in control here?
The Patchwork God
GM, 533 posts
Fri 15 Oct 2021
at 14:52
  • msg #238

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

A quick glance around the room reveals six exits to the room, including where you are. The center is lower than the rest, and covered in dried blood. Through the blood, a pale purple glow surrounds the central crystal.

Around the room, in addition to the injured guard, are five more dark elves, dressed like the necromancer you faced earlier. One of them, likely their leader, leads them in an incantation, focused on the passage where you stand.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 382 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 23/22
Fri 15 Oct 2021
at 15:20
  • msg #239

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Mages targeting the corridor!"

Deciding the corridor is probably not a good place to be standing, the paladin rushed in.  He gestured at the leader as he did so.  "Although there's going to be one less soon!"  Then he did his best end to stick something sharp, pointy and generally non-conducive to continued incantation through the chest of the 'leader'.

quote:
09:09, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,6.  Hack & slash leader.
09:10, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 12 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 8,1,2.  Damage.


If I can't get close enough to the leader to run a sword through him, then I'll whip a dagger at him instead.  That subtracts 3 from my roll, making it an 8.  I could use my +1 from the discern, but I'd still need another +1 to make it a 10.  So if necessary, I'll expose myself to risk (seems appropriate charging into a room full of necromancers and a glowing crystal).  Dagger would also reduce damage by 1.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 282 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Fri 15 Oct 2021
at 17:34
  • msg #240

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid of Torr:
"Mages targeting the corridor!"


Wow, that's bad. Istvan gleans the following pieces of information:

1. Don't be in the corridor.

2. There are multiple mages, so it's time to act fast and violently.

Istvan decides the time has come for (violent) action. He runs in and attempts to mace a mage.

(12:31, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((2,4)).

12:32, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  damage.

12:32, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  more damage.

Thanks to Magic Weapon, Istvan does 5 points of damage.

Istvan will want to attack the mage who looks like he's in charge/most dangerous/actively in the middle of casting, but if that guy is too far and/or if Sir Gorrid or anyone else is too much in the way, Istvan will settle for just the nearest mage.)
Kharla
player, 279 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 03:18
  • msg #241

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I love a good chase!" Kharla cackles like a maniac as she charges after the fleeing guard and her companions.  While Istavan charges the leader, the redhead takes a more...opportunistic...approach and leaps at the closest dark elf crying, "Concentrate!  Don't flinch!"

Wouldn't want to disrupt that spell or anything.

22:17, Today: Kharla rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,3.  Hack and Slash with Rapier, +1 Piercing.
✴ On a 7–9, you deal your damage to the enemy and the enemy makes an attack against you.

22:18, Today: Kharla rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Damage +1 Piercing.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 239 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 06:57
  • msg #242

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Don't leave me out of the fun!" Spriggy said with more gusto than he actually felt. He rubbed the glare from his eyes even as he targeted a mage at the far side of the new room with his magic.

It wasn't until after he struck that the bard finally got a proper look at the room. In his expert opinion, the place seemed magical... Darkly so. He considered what he could glean from what he was seeing.


Spell time again! I would also like to use my Bardic Lore on the ritual room. I will ask: "What specific magical effect are these mages trying to ultimately evoke using this crystal?" If the spell they are casting at us is separate from the crystal, I will also ask, "how can we counteract the spell they are casting at us?"

01:42, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Cast Magic Missile.

01:43, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d4 with rolls of 2,3.  Damage.

The Patchwork God
GM, 535 posts
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 18:41
  • msg #243

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The leader is far enough into the room that none of you can reach him. Still, Gorrid's dagger does an excellent job at injuring him, disrupting his spellcasting. At the same time, Kharla runs down the fleeing guard, while Spriggy and Istvan assault whatever mages where in sight, injuring two of them.

Your flurry of attack is met with a shower of magical blasts, hitting most of your group.

Spriggy's magical knowledge is enough for him to recognize the spell a Magic Missile spell, and he manages to disrupt his target's casting, sparing him from the attack. The crystal though... that's another thing entirely. It seems to be a Elven variation on Nuatian soul crystals, and a powerful one too. Such crystals are often used to power magical items, with larger crystal being needed for more powerful enchantment.

OOC: Gorrid takes 8 damage, Kharla takes 7, and Istvan takes 5. Remember, your armor still applies against spells.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 283 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 18:55
  • msg #244

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
The leader is far enough into the room that none of you can reach him. Still, Gorrid's dagger does an excellent job at injuring him, disrupting his spellcasting. At the same time, Kharla runs down the fleeing guard, while Spriggy and Istvan assault whatever mages where in sight, injuring two of them.

Your flurry of attack is met with a shower of magical blasts, hitting most of your group.

Spriggy's magical knowledge is enough for him to recognize the spell a Magic Missile spell, and he manages to disrupt his target's casting, sparing him from the attack. The crystal though... that's another thing entirely. It seems to be a Elven variation on Nuatian soul crystals, and a powerful one too. Such crystals are often used to power magical items, with larger crystal being needed for more powerful enchantment.

OOC: Gorrid takes 8 damage, Kharla takes 7, and Istvan takes 5. Remember, your armor still applies against spells.


Istvan attacks again.

(Istvan hits the elf he injured again IF that elf tries to fight back.

IF that elf he injured runs away, Istvan targets whatever elf is nearest to, or approaching, the crystal.

13:53, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 9 using 2d6+1 ((6,2)).
13:53, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.

13:53, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.

Istvan hits for 5 dam. )
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 383 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 18:57
  • msg #245

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid barreled through the room, knocking aside any mages who got in his way as he headed towards the injured leader, delivering a second devastating attack.

quote:
12:50, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,2.  Defy danger - Str (if needed).
12:48, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 3,4.  Hack & slash leader.
12:49, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 11 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 4,4,2.  Damage.

Threw in a defy danger if needed to get through any mages between myself and my target.  If it's still too far to use a sword, I'll throw a dagger again, dropping my success to 7 and my damage by 1.  Hopefully that's enough to drop this fellow.  (And also enough to attract the attention of most of the remaining offense...)
Kharla
player, 280 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sun 17 Oct 2021
at 18:55
  • msg #246

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla recognized the mystic harm inflicted upon her was a serious threat; another such strike might be more than she could handle.  Yet here were her companions in the thick of it and she would never abandon them.

Besides, the looks of surprise and rage upon these dark elves faces were absolutely priceless!

It was probably not the right time to be distracted by that though...

13:54, Today: Kharla rolled 4 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,1.  Hack and Slash with Rapier, +1 Piercing.
- miss badly but XP
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 240 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 01:44
  • msg #247

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

With some of his companions looking pretty rough from the magical onslaught, Spriggy decided to switch from harming to healing. Kharla looked like she might be the worst off at the moment, so he started with her. He channeled his bardic magic into an impromptu, fast-paced song.

"When the spells are flying, and your hide is frying,
Don't start dying, or we'll all start crying.
Keep on trying, and we'll all be vying,
for the eventual lying, of these mages dying!"


Using Arcane Art to try and heal Kharla 1d8.

20:42, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,3.  Arcane Art - Heal Kharla.

20:43, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Damage Healed.

Kharla heals 5 damage.
The Patchwork God
GM, 536 posts
Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 14:21
  • msg #248

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Istvan's foe stumbles from the second blow, crying out as he attempts to cast another spell.

Spriggy's song brings new vigor to Kharla, but her excitement delays her enough for the nearest necromancer to complete his spell. To your horror, the dead guard latches onto her leg, dead eyes looking up at her as it climbs to it's feet.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 384 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 14:46
  • msg #249

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin turned and stuck his blade into the next living wizard.  No point trying to kill dead things until you'd taken down the ones who could re-animate them.

quote:
08:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,5.  Hack & slash.
08:40, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 1,2,4.  Damage.


So I believe we're now dealing with:
- 2 injured, 1 dead, 1 reanimated, 1 untouched?  (That's assuming that 8 isn't enough to kill my target.  My recommendation is to try to drop)
Istvan Vanoson
player, 287 posts
Cleric, XP: 5, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 17:29
  • msg #250

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
Istvan's foe stumbles from the second blow, crying out as he attempts to cast another spell.


Istvan doesn't like this caster guy... Stumbling is not the same as retreating/running away. Better take him down before he successfully finishes a spell.

(12:28, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,2.  try to finish off caster.

Istvan gets 1 new xp.)

Well, that didn't work. "Guys! Save Sir Gorrid! Don't let the head wizard get 'im!" Istvan shouts urgently...
Kharla
player, 282 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 19:30
  • msg #251

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Ack! Get it off!  Get it off!" the thief cries as she twists away from the risen guard and dodges around one of the necromancers.

"Did you do that?" she asks without really expecting a response.  Her swipe with her blade is wide, not even tearing the fellow's robe.

14:28, Today: Kharla rolled 4 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,1.  Hack and Slash with Rapier.
- well, as I said before, it's nice when the die roller is hot, have to enjoy it while it lasts because all too soon......this

But XP
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 241 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 19 Oct 2021
at 06:36
  • msg #252

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Hey! Leave the dead dead!" Spriggy scolded as he blasted another missile, trying to make one of their enemies dead too. He aimed for whoever looked most like they could really use a bit of disruptive magic to the face.


Casting another missile. At whichever target looks like the biggest threat.
01:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,5.  Cast Magic Missile

01:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 4 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,3.  Damage.
The Patchwork God
GM, 538 posts
Tue 19 Oct 2021
at 15:06
  • msg #253

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue




The zombie bites into Kharla's leg, spoiling her advance on the necromancer and drawing blood. OOC: with 4 points of damage.

Spriggy tries to help Kharla, but his spell does little to stop the zombie.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 387 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Tue 19 Oct 2021
at 15:27
  • msg #254

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid advanced on the mage he'd previously stabbed.  "Your turn now, elf..."  On hearing Istvan's warning, the knight glanced back at the downed leader who still seemed unmoving.  "What're you talking about Istvan?  He's still down..."

Unfortunately, the distraction meant his blade didn't connect as cleanly as he might have wished.

quote:
09:24, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 14 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,5.  Hack & slash.
09:24, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 2,1,2.  Damage.

Kharla
player, 283 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 19 Oct 2021
at 20:15
  • msg #255

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Rude!" the redhead yelps as the zombie's jaws crush leather and skin.  She hacks and whacks at the creature with her rapier and manages to gain some room.


13:54, Today: Kharla rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,6.  Hack and Slash with Rapier.
✴ On a 10+, you deal your damage to the enemy and avoid their attack. At your option, you may choose to do +1d6 damage but expose yourself to the enemy’s attack.
- huh, I forgot about the +1d6 option....eh will skip for now

15:10, Today: Kharla rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  Damage +1 Piercing
- 4 damage, w/Piercing

Just remembered she has 1 armor too so she's only at 11 / 15 hp....for the moment
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 242 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 20 Oct 2021
at 07:31
  • msg #256

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Alright, now you get the horn," Spriggy said to the zombie in frustration. He did not want to see his friend eaten alive, and so he focused on the form of a man-sized beetle.

His slim body bulked up instantly and he fell forward onto six legs. A powerful horn erupted from the bard's face and he was already leveraging it for a powerful zombie-toss even as the last bits of his transformation were taking place. {"Hope this helps,"} he said to Kharla over their shared telepathy.


Shapeshifting into the man-sized rhino beetle.
02:24, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 6,3.  Shapeshifter - to Man-sized Rhino Beetle.
Hold 3.

If the moves are the same as last time, I will use 1 Hold to "Toss a Foe Away" on the zombie trying to chomp Kharla, since it seemed like it was the biggest threat for his previous Magic Missile.
The Patchwork God
GM, 540 posts
Wed 20 Oct 2021
at 14:50
  • msg #257

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla's blow loosen the grasp enough that she can free herself, just in time for Spriggy to toss the creature away. It breaks apart at it hits the far wall of the room.

OOC: Keeping the same moves for the Beetle.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 388 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Wed 20 Oct 2021
at 18:37
  • msg #258

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Having a good sense that some sort of mind manipulation was going on, Sir Gorrid decided to put an end to it the most efficient way he knew how.  He charged forward and embedded his sword in the chest of the mumbling wizard.

quote:
12:27, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,1.  Hack & slash - yet again..
12:28, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 13 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 8,2,2.  Damage.

Will expose myself to damage on that one...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 244 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 21 Oct 2021
at 17:52
  • msg #259

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Alright, who's next?" Spriggy tried to say. But all that actually came out were angry beetle grunts. Eh. It still conveyed the same sentiment. The bug-bard turned to fix his focus on a new target, then charged!


Using another Hold to "Charge a foe." Targeting the closest and/or most obvious threat. 1 Hold remaining.
Kharla
player, 286 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 00:39
  • msg #260

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Let's not have any more zombies, shall we?" Kharla asks no one in particular as a throwing dagger seems to appear in her hand before being casually tossed towards the nearest necromancer.

19:33, Today: Kharla rolled 12 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Volley
- clear shot, deal damage which is....

19:35, Today: Kharla rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Damage
- bumpkis.  a papercut might hurt more

It flies straight as an arrow...and entangled itself in the dark elf's hood.  The redhead isn't even certain if she sees blood as her blade dangles from the villian's robe.

"Oi!  Give that back!" she demands.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Fri 22 Oct 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 542 posts
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 02:38
  • msg #261

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Before Kharla can chase down her dagger, Spriggy helpfully charges the mage, crushing him against the wall.

Gorrid cuts down another mage, only to feel a blow from behind, as the last visible dark elf tries a desperate magic missile.

OOC: That only does 4 damage on Gorrid.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 389 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 03:47
  • msg #262

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid turned and grinned  through the opening in his helm.

"I bet you were hoping that would hurt me...  I promise, this will hurt a lot more!"

He swung his longsword at the elf's head, twisting it at the last second to connect with the flat of the blade.  There were fell magics at work here, and it could be they'd need some information on how to disable them, or determine where this group had come from.  Justice could be patient when it needed to be.

He watched as the man crumpled to the floor.  It would probably be a while before he'd be up to responding to any questions though...

quote:
21:43, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 15 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,6.  Hack & slash - stun.
21:43, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 16 using d10+2d4+1 with rolls of 9,4,2.  Damage.

Pretty sure that'll drop him :>
The Patchwork God
GM, 543 posts
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 15:55
  • msg #263

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The final sorcerer collapses, leaving you free to explore the area.

Despite the numbers of exits to the room, you find little in them. Two of them lead to bedrooms, one for the guards and one for the mages. Another leads to the large trapdoor you found outside, while the others leads to a series of empty cages.

Overall, there are two room that seem interesting: the one with the large crystal, and the one left of where you fought the guards. Looking inside it, you see it has a glowing magical circle inside, white an evil looking scythe floating in it.

As far as loot goes, you find 140 coins, an enchanted golden chain the leader wore as a necklace, and an impressive-looking Elven leg brace worn by one of the casters (worth 120 coins).
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 391 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 16:25
  • msg #264

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid focused on his 'connection' to the woman who had first summoned him, trying to discern where she was.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 291 posts
Cleric, XP: 6, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 19:11
  • msg #265

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
The final sorcerer collapses, leaving you free to explore the area.

Despite the numbers of exits to the room, you find little in them. Two of them lead to bedrooms, one for the guards and one for the mages. Another leads to the large trapdoor you found outside, while the others leads to a series of empty cages.

Overall, there are two room that seem interesting: the one with the large crystal, and the one left of where you fought the guards. Looking inside it, you see it has a glowing magical circle inside, white an evil looking scythe floating in it.

As far as loot goes, you find 140 coins, an enchanted golden chain the leader wore as a necklace, and an impressive-looking Elven leg brace worn by one of the casters (worth 120 coins).


"Guys? I thought Sir Gorrid was down. Was I hit in the head and didn't realize it? Or... magic? ...Hit in the head by magic...?"
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 393 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 22:31
  • msg #266

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin laughed.  "I may be hold, but I'm a long way from down!"
Kharla
player, 287 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 13:22
  • msg #267

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"And you're certain this is the location of you dream girl?" Kharla asks Sir Gorrid as she turns round eyeing the room and its doorways to...little.

Her gaze lingers on the crystal, "And that the source IS a girl?"

With an eye for hidden secrets the thief begins to case the room.

08:20, Today: Kharla rolled 10 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 3,6.  Discern Realities
• What should I be on the lookout for?
• What here is useful or valuable to me?
• What here is not what it appears to be?
Istvan Vanoson
player, 292 posts
Cleric, XP: 6, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 14:25
  • msg #268

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid of Torr:
The paladin laughed.  "I may be hold, but I'm a long way from down!"


Istvan blinks, taking a minute to parse this. Nothing quite makes sense to him anymore. He's glad that everything seems all right for the moment, but... wha?

Maybe channeling divine power will help? "Anyone need healing? Uh, more than me, I mean...?"





(Note: I eventually figured out the typo, but the real confusion I felt briefly just inspired me to continue Istvan's having difficulty getting a grip on reality a bit longer.)
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 246 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 15:16
  • msg #269

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy stomped over to each body while still in beetle form to make sure they really were no longer threats. Especially the zombie. When he was satisfied, he reverted back to his elven form. "You were ensorcelled, Istvan? If I had known, I may have been able to do something about it. Sorry. At least we are all still alive after that skirmish though. I myself seem to have emerged unscathed."

Now that Spriggy had hands again, he helped to rifle through all the pockets of the dead for clues. Who knew when reinforcements might show up. When they found the enchanted chain, the bard examined it closely to figure out its purpose. He also examined the scythe they found with similar careful scrutiny.

He shared what he discovered with the group, along with what he already had recalled about the enchantment crystal.


Using my Bardic Lore twice here. Chain necklace: "What does it do?" Evil floating scythe: "What is its purpose?"
Istvan Vanoson
player, 293 posts
Cleric, XP: 6, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 15:34
  • msg #270

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy Glompgut:
Spriggy stomped over to each body while still in beetle form to make sure they really were no longer threats. Especially the zombie. When he was satisfied, he reverted back to his elven form. "You were ensorcelled, Istvan?"


"I... think so...?"

Spriggy Glompgut:
"If I had known, I may have been able to do something about it. Sorry.


"Hey, I only just found out myself."

Spriggy Glompgut:
"At least we are all still alive after that skirmish though. I myself seem to have emerged unscathed."


"Yeah. Unless we lost and you're actually an evil elf mage, and I just think you're Spriggy, and actually my friends are all dead. But that's probably not the case, huh." Istvan smiles weakly. (Very weakly.)
The Patchwork God
GM, 545 posts
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 16:54
  • msg #271

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Looking at the necklace, Spriggy figures it's enchanted with a form of mind-control. Nothing too bad, it just makes it so the wearer cannot feel fear... at all.

The scythe, however, is a beautifully crafted weapon. If you're in the 'not as dead as it should be' esthetics. It's clearly prepared to be enchanted, but has no magic on it at the moment. The circle surrounding it is merely there to prevent the passage of spirits, into or out of the circle.

Despite your digging, the dark elves carried very little texts with them. Just a few poetry journals, or letters from family. Nothing explaining what they were working on, or how they reached this place. You do find one thing that's out of place: an urn, marked with the White Sword, normally used to hold ashes.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 394 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 17:02
  • msg #272

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid moved up to the crystal and examined it closely, then prayed - seeking guidance as to what he should do.

quote:
11:00, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Discern realities.
11:01, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 8 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 4,2.  Cast Guidance.

That's a failure unless my Bless is still in effect (I assumed it expired when we confirmed the last combatant was down) or someone aids me...
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 247 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 23 Oct 2021
at 20:39
  • msg #273

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Hmm. Logic would suggest that they were in the process of powering up this crystal in preparation to enchant the scythe. But to what end? And what is with that urn? Hmm." The bard pondered for a moment, then began helping Gorrid to look for any further clues after first referencing one of his books. He helped to point out why the urn might be present in hopes to jog some sort of additional religious insights into the matter from Gorrid.


Spouting Lore on the urn, using a book. Specifically, I am trying to Spout why the urn might be useful for this sort of ritual.

15:36, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,3.  Spout Lore, with book - urn's use.

15:37, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 6 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 3,1.  Aid Gorrid.
Looks like I get some XP too!

Also, I say we start a treasure pile to collect on the way back out. We can put the coins, leg brace, and fancy scythe in the pile. Maybe the crystal too, if we don't need to destroy it instead.
The Patchwork God
GM, 546 posts
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 18:00
  • msg #274

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

You're not surprised to find that it's a very old funerary urn of the Ghostwalk. What is surprising is the name engraved on the urn's lip. Irene Seraph. One of the closest companions of Gianam. Somehow, these guys got their hands on the remains of a hero from before the Ghostwalk was born.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 395 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 7
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 18:45
  • msg #275

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

PM
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 248 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Mon 25 Oct 2021
at 12:27
  • msg #276

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Irene Seraph?" Spriggy quickly exchanged the book he was holding for a different one that his unseen servant was carrying. He began searching through it's pages, hastily. He definitely knew the name and the weight it carried, but what he did not know was why they would want Irene's remains here. He hoped to gain some clues from her story.

His desire for answers caused him to momentarily forget they were in the middle of an enemy stronghold...


Spouting Lore on Irene Seraph. Using another book from my Bag of Books.
07:21, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,1.  Spout Lore, with book - Irene Seraph.
And that's another XP!
The Patchwork God
GM, 547 posts
Mon 25 Oct 2021
at 17:10
  • msg #277

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy's book describe Seraph as a twelve foot-tall giant that crushed unbelievers with an immense club. It also describes most of the companions of the Ghostwalk as power-crazed maniacs causing nothing but pain and destruction... maybe using propaganda text of the Nuatian Califate isn't the best for of reference you could use.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 396 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Mon 25 Oct 2021
at 19:31
  • msg #278

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid shrugged.  The figure was a friend of Gianam's, and Gianam was 'the sword'.  The figure within the crystal didn't look like they could wait until his unconscious wizard woke up.  He cleaned his blade carefully on body of one of the dead elves, then stood in front of the gem and brought his sword down squarely on the top of the crystal.

quote:
13:30, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 5 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 1,2.  Defy Danger - Str - open crystal.


Seriously?
Kharla
player, 288 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 02:13
  • msg #279

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The redhead watched as her companions attempted to decipher the dark elves' intent.  It seemed likely that Irene's spirit was the lady he sought, perhaps they had arrived in time and prevented whatever ill design had been intended...

They had prevented it, hadn't they?

"Have we any idea what the spell was their leader cast just as we attacked?" she asked the group, glancing to Istvan and Spriggy whom she expected might know more of magic.

Then to the priest she queried, "And what of the remains of Irene, Istvan?  Have they been corrupted in any way?"

Sir Gorrid should know if the call he felt was still there...but if it were not was that good or bad?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Tue 26 Oct 2021.
Istvan Vanoson
player, 294 posts
Cleric, XP: 6, Level: 3
HP: 13/16 || Armor: 2
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 13:49
  • msg #280

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla:
Then to the priest she queried, "And what of the remains of Irene, Istvan?  Have they been corrupted in any way?"


This gave Istvan a sudden idea. "I don't know about that... but if her spirit is trapped in any way... I should be able to free her right now by touching the thing that's trapping her... But... what exactly should I be touching? Her remains? The crystal? And would that even be a good idea in the first place...?"

Istvan looks around carefully, trying to get a clue...

(08:48, Today: Istvan Vanoson rolled 13 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,6.  Discern something useful please...!


NOICE

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What here is not what it appears to be?)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Tue 26 Oct 2021.
The Patchwork God
GM, 548 posts
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 14:40
  • msg #281

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Looking at the crystal, Istvan deduces that the simplest way to release a spirit trapped in them is just to break the crystal. There is the question of where the spirit will go after it's free, but Gorrid moves before Istvan can bring up that point.

Gorrid smashes the crystal with ease. A single blow is enough to create a network of cracks that spread around the crystal, soon causing glowing shards to fall off as it falls to pieces. In a few moments, the entire mass falls on the bloody floor, it's glow fading...
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 398 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 14:44
  • msg #282

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

And appearing in Gorrid's eyes. "Thank you for your aid, paladin. I do not like to contemplate what those demon spawns had planned for me." The voice comes from the paladin's mouth, but it's clearly a woman's voice.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 399 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 14:59
  • msg #283

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin dropped to his knees and bowed his head.  He wasn't sure what the protocol was for addressing the deceased companion of one's god, let alone one that was somehow 'inside' you, however he figured he needed to do *something*.

"It was my honor my lady.  We will do our best to determine their plans and ensure they are permanently foiled."

He hesitated briefly.  "Is there something I must do to help your spirit rest, or is there other aid we can provide?"

His mind was full of questions, including the that of whether the being within him could sense those questions.  He forced himself to stillness, silently reciting again and again the mantra of his order.
Kharla
player, 289 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 17:53
  • msg #284

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla's eyes light up as it becomes clear Sir Gorrid had succeeded in freeing Irene's spirit.  She bit her lip...but only for a moment before blurring out a stream of questions, "Wastherealightwhenyoudied?Didyougointoit?WhatwasGianamreallylike?IsGianamawareofhisfollowers?DoeshethinkSirGorridshouldstoptakingeveryoneprisoner?Hedoesdoesn'the?You'renottrappedintheurn,areyou?DidyoulearnanysecretstodefeatingDarkElvesbesideskillingthem?"

She held her breath to see if Irene might respond.   Seriously this was an opportunity for knowledge.  She was pretty sure Gianam was going to back her up on the whole "fewer prisoners" approach.

Speaking of....she eyed the crumpled elf menacingly
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Tue 26 Oct 2021.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 250 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 21:41
  • msg #285

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy had been flipping through his book in confusion, wondering how he had managed to mix a book of wild tales in with his reference tomes. He was about to throw it to the side in disgust when the crystal breaking had snapped his attention back to the present. Then he actually dropped the book in surprise when Gorrid spoke with the voice of a woman.

Spriggy found himself in a rare moment of speechlessness as he awaited the answers to Gorrid and Kharla's questions. They seemed to believe the spirit was not harmful, but Spriggy continued to observe the situation with a skeptical eye.


I am trying to Discern Realities on Gorrid's possessed state:
16:39, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 5 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,2.  Spout Lore - Gorrid's possession.
Well, another XP...

The question I would have asked was "Who is really in control here."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 401 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Wed 27 Oct 2021
at 01:33
  • msg #286

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The blue glow 'blinks' at Kharla's stream of questions. "I... um... I'm not..." Gorrid shakes his head. "I'm fairly sure the plan of these dark elves are ruined. However... they used my ashes to bind me to this crystal. I'm afraid I can't stay on Arete without being anchored to someone. I apologize for borrowing your body, paladin, but I would be unable to continue my quest otherwise."

After a pause, Gorrid turns to Kharla. "I'm sorry, what was that about Gianam and dark elves?"
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 402 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Wed 27 Oct 2021
at 02:21
  • msg #287

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid found his loss of verbal control more than a little disconcerting.  Being occupied by a woman, even more so.

He opted to wait quietly to allow the others to ask their questions and his 'visitor' to provide her responses before he interjected any more of his own.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 251 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 27 Oct 2021
at 21:59
  • msg #288

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"What exactly is your mission?" Spriggy asked curiously. "We may be able to assist you. Additionally, do you think it might work to bind you to an object? That fancy scythe in the other room perhaps? It seems set up for something of that nature. Then perhaps you could assist us as an additional team member, rather than as a sort of... He searched for the correct words, but none sounded particularly pleasant. "... spiritual parasite."


If I can, I would like to use my Bardic Lore ability on "bonded souls." My question would be, "How can we bind the soul (willingly) to something other than a living person." She was already bound to the crystal, so it seems reasonable she could be bound to something else too. I thought the scythe sounded flavorful, (especially if Gorrid wanted to wield it), and it is already within some kind of spirit barrier, right? Maybe Spriggy could even add his Telepathy spell into the mix to allow an inanimate object to effectively communicate? Just throwing out ideas.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 403 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 02:04
  • msg #289

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I was sent to investigate some... disturbance, I suppose you could say. When Thovis, Zholkahn, and Gianam were granted divine status, they were able to sense things beyond what normal beings like us can. Gianam could not well explain such sentation, but he asked me to investigate the farthest realms of Arete. So far, I believe those disturbance may come be related to the Ancients, though I've yet to find much about them."
The Patchwork God
GM, 549 posts
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 02:11
  • msg #290

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The scythe, on close inspection, seems dedicated to entrapping a soul to use it as a source of power. A good way to imprison a soul, not so much to store them.

Overall, binding a soul in a safe manner would require a magical ritual (as in, the Ritual move of a wizard). The best person to help with that would be Mortimer, back at the guild.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 404 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 02:14
  • msg #291

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The paladin noted that his visitor had not responded to the second part of the question - the part about the possibility of her occupying something other than himself.

He focused his thoughts  My lady, you will find me an unworthy vessel, but if it is your will and Gianam's, then I will serve as long as these old limbs can wield sword and shield and my eyes shine with His light.

Aloud, he said "Was this mission before your...", he glanced awkwardly at the urn, "untimely demise?  Or had you somehow returned to this world prior to being entwined in the work of this evil cabal?"
Kharla
player, 291 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 02:38
  • msg #292

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Not having gotten the response she'd hoped for from Irene/Gorrid (technically they were part of the same organization and you don't criticize you fellows in front of outsiders, it's just unprofessional, Irene would probably school Gorrid later) the rogue bent to securing the dark elf to prevent any surprises should he happen to awaken.  In battle she would not stay her blade but with their foe unconscious and helpless she could do little else.

She told herself she wasn't helping with taking prisoners but...ew...she felt used.

1 use of Adventuring Gear for rope to bind the dark elf
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 405 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 17:11
  • msg #293

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Gorrid shake his head briefly, as though his guest forgot where she was. "No, I was given this task a few years ago. I could move freely when my ashes were in the temple, but someone managed to steal them, and hand them over to the elves. I do not believe they are related to my quest, though. The dark elves are far too enamored with their own importance bow down to a divinity.

Again, I am sorry I must impose on you, but until a skilled priest or wizard is able to prepare another focus for me, I cannot safely leave. If something can be arranged though, I will do my best to repay you to the best of my abilities."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 406 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 17:41
  • msg #294

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

It felt *extremely* odd to wait for a pause in the conversation to use his own voice, but if that is what his God willed, so be it.

"While journeying to this place to rescue you, we learned of a concealed tower where a necromancer resides.  Apparently they have discovered a new book of power.  Do you feel we have time to deal with that before embarking on the continuation of your own task?  If not, we should alert someone as to the issue.  We will also need further supplies.  Finally, I would learn what we can of this plot of these dark elves so we can be confident it is well and truly foiled..."
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 252 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 04:51
  • msg #295

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Yes. We should definitely address that threat of the other necromancer before heading back. But I do believe our guild's wizard should be able to help with the soul issue once we return. Are we bringing our prisoner all the way back with us?" He looked around with unease. He did not like the thought of dragging the caster all that way. "I suppose at the very least we should ensure this place has no additional secret areas we need to explore. You wouldn't happen to have any knowledge of that, would you Irene?"
Kharla
player, 292 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 13:11
  • msg #296

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I found nothing during my search," Kharla shrugs in answer to Spriggy's wonder of secret exits and rooms and such before regarding their prisoner once more, "We cannot trust to take him with us to confront more of his ilk but I admit I am sickened by executions.  Dying bound and helpless is wrong to me, much better to fall on one's feet and fighting."

"Unless...unless this one knows of these others and may have some information to share.  Perhaps how to bypass the wards against the living?"

She was ever a lover of freedom, never wanting for any to be bonds against their will (or by local municipality laws against trespassing, pilfering or trade in such items).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:12, Fri 29 Oct 2021.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 407 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 13:35
  • msg #297

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"We need to understand what they were trying to accomplish and from whence they came.  It may be that these are the first but will not be the last.

Justice is justice.  An execution allows for the possibility of atonement.  If death delayed can serve the living, it is best to help those we can.

However, I agree that taking him with us when we have so many other mouths to feed is unnecessary.  Let us waken him now and learn what we may."

He stood from his kneeling position and looked around at Kharla and Spriggy.  "I would value your assistance again, if you are willing.  It is...easier than other ways.  Also, I do not speak the Elvish tongue - unless you do Lady Irene?"

My objectives:
- understand what they were trying to do
- understand if more will follow after them
- understand what the heck that scythe is
- understand how they got the urn, especially if there's a traitor within the temple
- understand if there are other groups we can reasonably deal with - whether now or later
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 408 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 15:50
  • msg #298

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I know enough to understand what he says."
The Patchwork God
GM, 550 posts
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 16:30
  • msg #299

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

After waking up your prisoner, you eventually get him to answer your questions.

They were a small squad sent to craft a new weapon for one of their leaders. They hoped using Lady Seraph's soul would help in fighting the Ghostwalk.

They didn't plans for reinforcement, and were expecting to leave in a few days once their ritual was completed.

The scythe is the weapon they were trying to enchant.

The urn was stolen by a very skilled thief. A dwarf called Dagnal Wickaxe. He left a while ago, and the dark elf has no idea where or how to find him.

He doesn't know of any other plan in the area. Seraph points out that even if there were other dark elves squads in the area, they would not know of each other to insure secrecy if one of them got captured.

As far as he's aware, the other necromancer is an independent agent. He doesn't know how to find him.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 409 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Fri 29 Oct 2021
at 17:19
  • msg #300

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Is there anything dangerous or special about the weapon now?
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 253 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sat 30 Oct 2021
at 02:25
  • msg #301

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy noted the details of their interrogation, especially the name Dagnal Wickaxe. He also took some time to copy pieces of the magic from the crystal and scythe rooms into his spellbook. The pieces he could understand well enough to perhaps draw inspiration from in the future. For non-evil purposes, of course. Then, since he didn't want to just leave it here, Spriggy grabbed the prepared-for-enchantment scythe so that they could bring it back for the guild wizard to look at. Perhaps it would help the wizard to prepare a vessel for their spirit-pal.

As he grabbed for the scythe, Spriggy was thinking about how he was very glad that the animal spirits within him did not have the same level of influence over his body as Irene had over Gorrid's body.


Sir Gorrid of Torr:
Is there anything dangerous or special about the weapon now?

I don't think so, but let's find out. I'll attempt to grab the scythe and put it in with our loot.
The Patchwork God
GM, 551 posts
Sat 30 Oct 2021
at 17:58
  • msg #302

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

As Spriggy pulls the scythe out of the magical circle, you notice the dark elf flinch. Much in the same way that an artist would flinch when seeing a piece he's worked on for a long time being damaged by careless hands. Most likely, the circle was keeping the scythe 'pure' to ease the entrapment of Seraph's spirit. But now, it's only a very well made (if somewhat creepy looking) weapon.

OOC: Worth 60 coins if sold at the shop.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 255 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 00:15
  • msg #303

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy let out a sigh of relief as he removed the scythe and nothing bad happened. He had no reason to believe it would, but he was still a novice when it came to ritual magics such as this, so he had still been nervous. But judging by the dark elf's flinch, moving the scythe had been the correct choice.

He swung the weapon around slowly a couple of times out of curiosity, then placed it with the rest of their "loot." "Should we go collect the villagers from the cave and then head back toward the inn?" he suggested. He would let Gorrid take care of the prisoner's final moments.


We should now have:
Scythe worth 60 coin
Elven leg brace worth 120 coin
140 coin
Gold chain necklace of fear negation
Kharla
player, 293 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 14:28
  • msg #304

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla's face contorted in a quizzical look and then relaxed as enlightenment dawned, "Oh right, I'd forgotten about them.  Yes let's leave this place."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 413 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 14:37
  • msg #305

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid lugged the elven sorcerer out of the complex.  He didn't want to spill any further blood in that evil room.  Once outside, he dragged the man into a pleasant looking glade.  He didn't know Elvish, so he relied on his visitor to translate for him.

"Your people was born to relish and enjoy life and beauty.  I am sorry that you lost your way.  When your spirit returns to the hallowed halls, think on what you have done and how you might have done better."

He cut cleanly, then knelt and prayed for the man's soul before removing the blood from his blade and re-sheathing it.  He returned into the temple and retrieved the urn, then joined his companions.

"Let's get back to the villagers.  If we move quickly, we should make it before dark."

How heavy is the urn?
The Patchwork God
GM, 552 posts
Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 16:57
  • msg #306

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

OOC: The urn is light enough to not hinder you.

With the elf dead, you quickly make your way back to the farmers you've liberated. They're glad to see you again, as they're seen some trolls moving between the trees. Thankfully, the trolls didn't spot them, but they're quite eager to return home.

The trip is rather peaceful, and you soon return to the main road, then to Old Crick's. The farmers eagerly pay for your stay and drinks (many of them come often enough to have a tab here), before returning home the next morning. You do the same, reaching the Pheonix's Nest the next day.


"So you're haunted by the spirit of one of the original members of the Ghostwalk?" Mortimer asks.

"That should be worth a few brownie points with the church." Della says with a grin.

Clarence Battler, the guild's priest and healer, pauses his prayer to look at them. "Would you show a bit of respect!?" He turns back to Gorrid. "My apologies, my lady. I'm almost done..." He finishes his spell, causing a shimmering form to appear between Gorrid and him.

"Thank you. It will be easier to speak this way." The spirit turns to Della. "And thank you for your offer of assistance, lady Quake."

Della offers her a toast. "My pleasure. But are you sure you wouldn't prefer to return to your church? I'm sure they'd jump all over each other to help you."

Irene shakes her head. "I'm sure they would like to help, but they have their own duties. Not only that, but their presence may be aggravating to any cultist I encounter. If I am able to accompany the members of your guild during their travels, I will have more occasions to discovers clues on the Ancient Ones."

OOC: You've had time to fully rest, gained 3 xp (plus any bonds you feel is complete), and can level up now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:03, Mon 01 Nov 2021.
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 414 posts
Lvl 3 Paladin, XP: 9
Armor 4, HP 18/23
Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 17:36
  • msg #307

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid bowed slightly to the floating lady.  To a certain extent it was a relief to no longer have her as part of him, but it was discomforting to see her translucent form floating before him.  "Am I to understand that it is your will to accompany us, but not to direct our travels?  If that is the case, it would be my preference that we return to the forest to deal with the necromancer whose minion we encountered on our last trip."

He looked first to the ghost, then to his companions to see their reaction.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 258 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 12:52
  • msg #308

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Yes, I think that would be smart. We can't just leave a hidden necromancer to his own whims. Especially when he has already attempted to harvest villagers." He looked toward their guild leaders. "Unless you have a more immediate and dire need for our skills. In which case, I would strongly encourage you to send another capable group of guild members to go deal with that necromancer as soon as possible."

Spriggy was doing his best to seem cool and collected at the moment. Although on the inside he was both ecstatic a bit concerned that he was standing next to the literal ghost of THE Irene. One of the original members of the Ghostwalk!
Kharla
player, 295 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 13:12
  • msg #309

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Let's not forget his ward against the living," Kharla cautions, "To defeat it and reach his stronghold will require knowledge we do not currently try possess."

It seems like a breaking and entering kind of thing, would her Spout Lore apply to describe some great thief who might know how to defeat the wards?
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 416 posts
Lvl 4 Paladin, XP: 1
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 13:28
  • msg #310

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I think Gianam will be able to assist us with that."

One of my boons from a quest is an unwavering sense of direction to a location of my choice
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 260 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 13:34
  • msg #311

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"We also know that the other necromancers sent the hidden necromancer a message via an undead bat. And we happen to have an undead ally at the moment..." He gestured at the nearby ghost. "Still, Kharla, even if we can find the place, I am certain you will be essential for getting us past the protections that are in place with our heads still intact. I am sure the place is warded against us finding it, as well as warded against us reaching it."
Sir Gorrid of Torr
player, 417 posts
Lvl 4 Paladin, XP: 1
Armor 4, HP 23/23
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 13:38
  • msg #312

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Stocking up on some holy water might not be a bad idea either..."
Istvan Vanoson
player, 298 posts
Cleric, XP: 9, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 13:49
  • msg #313

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Sir Gorrid of Torr:
"Stocking up on some holy water might not be a bad idea either..."


Istvan shrugs. "Makes sense to me..."
The Patchwork God
GM, 554 posts
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 16:42
  • msg #314

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"As much as I wish to repay you, it would be better if I could travel with any member of your guild. That would allow me to follow any leads I discover, so long as one of your companions heads close to it."

"Hmm... I could manage that, I believe." Mortimer pulls out his guild medallion. "All of us have a medallion like this, each sharing the same enchantment. One that is linked to it's owner's spirit. I think I could link you to that enchantment, effectively binding you to all of the Pheonix Blades' medallion at the same time. You'll be able to travel with anyone from our guild that way."

"Wait... what would happen if the medallion's owner dies?" Clarence asks. "The medallion looses it's power when that happens, so what would happen to Lady Seraph if that happened?"

"She would probably be forced back to the Wasteland, and not be able to return."

Seraph just nods. "Something any adventurer must face. When can you complete the ritual?"

Mortimer thinks for a moment. "It would probably take a week."

Irene turns to Gorrid. "Can your hunt of the necromancer wait that long, paladin?"

OOC: As best as Kharla can suppose, it must be some form of area confusion. She heard of such effects used in very high security bank vaults, where a small maze would be built with that effect to keep thieves away from it. There's a few ways around it, but the most efficient is to have someone immune guiding the rest of the group. So Seraph probably could lead you through it.
Kharla
player, 296 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Tue 2 Nov 2021
at 16:47
  • msg #315

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"It must wait, I think, the redhead grimaces, "as I belive only with your aid will we be able to traverse the enchantment and reach the necromancer's lair."

She shrugs to her companions, in her mind there was little option.

To Mortimer and those assembled she asks, "There are greater number of Dark Elves about than I had anticipated.   We've managed well enough against them so far but now we will go to face one of greater strength, it seems.  Is there any boon or charm in the guild which might help against their ill might?"

She considered the wealth from the group's adventures to date and what could be spent on such protections.

What's the guild got in stocks?  Hopefully they're familiar with opposing necromancers
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Tue 02 Nov 2021.
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 261 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 08:50
  • msg #316

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Good question, Kharla. I was wondering the same thing. Perhaps we could even trade the anti-fear chain for something more relevant to our current mission?" He looked to the guild leaders to see if such an exchange might be possible. He had no intention of wearing a necklace that removed his fear entirely. A small amount of fear was necessary for survival, in his opinion.
The Patchwork God
GM, 556 posts
Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 17:06
  • msg #317

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The barman, Garth Jerico, speaks up. "I wouldn't say 'relevant', but we got a few trinkets other teams left behind." He ducks behind the bar and shuffles about for a moment.

When he comes back up, he puts two wood statuettes, a ring with an engraved eye, and an umbrella on the counter. "Right now, we got two Penguin Tokens, a Circlet of Seeing, and a Poppin Parachute. One will break your fall, if you open it in time, the other will let you pop-out your eye to see around. And the last one..." He tosses one of the statuettes on the floor, where it creates a cloud of smoke, and leaves behind an 80 lbs penguin. "It'll last a minute. Unless something hits it."

The penguin looks back at your group. "Honk."
Istvan Vanoson
player, 299 posts
Cleric, XP: 9, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 13:41
  • msg #318

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

The Patchwork God:
The barman, Garth Jerico, speaks up. "I wouldn't say 'relevant', but we got a few trinkets other teams left behind." He ducks behind the bar and shuffles about for a moment.

When he comes back up, he puts two wood statuettes, a ring with an engraved eye, and an umbrella on the counter. "Right now, we got two Penguin Tokens, a Circlet of Seeing, and a Poppin Parachute. One will break your fall, if you open it in time, the other will let you pop-out your eye to see around. And the last one..." He tosses one of the statuettes on the floor, where it creates a cloud of smoke, and leaves behind an 80 lbs penguin. "It'll last a minute. Unless something hits it."

The penguin looks back at your group. "Honk."


Istvan is delighted: "--I want at least one penguin if not both penguins and the umbrella please!"

Noric was technically kind of god of birds, because Sky and Freedom. Flightless birds officially would be extremely low on Noric's list, but who cares? Istvan just sensed that an instant 80-pound bird could have all kinds of uses! And as god of the sky and Freedom, "don't take damage when falling through the air" sort of had Noric written all over it.

"Are the Penguin tokens re-usable? I mean can I pick the wooden tokens up after the penguin disappears and then do it again?"
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 262 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 14:06
  • msg #319

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Oh! It speaks!" Spriggy said in surprise. He hadn't expected it to be a "real" animal. He began honking back at it. "Honk. Honk honk. Honk-onk. Honkedy honk honk honk."

Then, to the group he said, "Yeah, the penguins and umbrella seem like good choices. I think I would be too squeamish to pop out my eye though... Is it ok if we bring the penguins and umbrella along? I am fine with leaving the anti-fear chain here too."
Istvan Vanoson
player, 300 posts
Cleric, XP: 9, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 14:41
  • msg #320

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy Glompgut:
"Oh! It speaks!" Spriggy said in surprise. He hadn't expected it to be a "real" animal. He began honking back at it. "Honk. Honk honk. Honk-onk. Honkedy honk honk honk."


"Ask if it knows anything about Noric. ...Also ask if it was magically teleported here from somewhere else, or if it's just a magical being. Maybe it's something from the elemental plane of water, and this is just its mortal guise...?"

Spriggy Glompgut:
Then, to the group he said, "Yeah, the penguins and umbrella seem like good choices. I think I would be too squeamish to pop out my eye though..."


"I definitely agree!" No eye-popping for Spriggy nor Istvan: confirmed.

Spriggy Glompgut:
"Is it ok if we bring the penguins and umbrella along?"


"We must!"

Spriggy Glompgut
player, 263 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 14:55
  • msg #321

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy translated Istvan's questions to the penguin.
Kharla
player, 298 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 16:25
  • msg #322

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"I...I am actually interested in the chain," Kharla admits, "Fear seems like a focus Dark Elves might try to employ.  Having extra protection from magical influence could prove useful."

To date there appeared to have been little the redhead was actually afraid of, often charging in where others would naturally have paused in consideration.  While wearing such an item she might be considered...relentless
The Patchwork God
GM, 557 posts
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 17:33
  • msg #323

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

[Language unknown: "K, et! N ntiro oveicaerslat ut olble wiusit popr mamen we cahimahe iou, naich ch ek ekacch os les liisur nteblerat k es! Iohoecli, stpl ate mo di ave di ughthales m ver us ndeng, nosa riwit es ardoervorort a llut neit sias nell u artlatsom ivewhiion thiec ineentort!

Belece? Wiatur ng, but mitiic ckwiwa li wasun evesannce illeratho wiloutsan whestiingest, yin i nte wawhe ha ughesswitill on latiouhisintess? Stiard'ardrat, fiect matith Ere u fi si reev liof ardit eestla Hain terntetic setsanshe es m ntiock eshiwa be ourain'ortnte!"]

The bird waves it's short wings as it honks and warks, before exploding into a cloud of dust, leaving the figurine behind. "It'll be ready to be used again in a day. Just be careful, these bird have a good memory. Last group to used them looked like they tangled with an entire murder of crows."
Istvan Vanoson
player, 301 posts
Cleric, XP: 9, Level: 3
HP: 16/16 || Armor: 2
Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 17:41
  • msg #324

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Kharla:
"I...I am actually interested in the chain," Kharla admits, "Fear seems like a focus Dark Elves might try to employ.  Having extra protection from magical influence could prove useful."


"They'll mess with your head if they get the chance, all right..." Istvan affirmed...


The Patchwork God:
The bird waves it's short wings as it honks and warks, before exploding into a cloud of dust, leaving the figurine behind. "It'll be ready to be used again in a day. Just be careful, these bird have a good memory. Last group to used them looked like they tangled with an entire murder of crows."


"Ah, once-a-day usage. Fine, got it... But... so... are they real birds? Teleported in from somewhere? I wouldn't want to risk one getting killed...!"
Spriggy Glompgut
player, 265 posts
Light Elf Bard
HP 18/18, Armor 2
Fri 5 Nov 2021
at 09:15
  • msg #325

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

Spriggy went wide-eyed when the penguin responded to his questions. Not because the answers were so shocking, but because he had not expected so much attitude to be condensed into the little 80 lb bird.

After it disappeared again, he reported, "It sounds like this same bird gets summoned every time. At least by this token. It lives in an ice flow, but once made a deal with an angel to avoid being eaten by an orca. It sounds like it has been summoned repeatedly in the past to be "the bait," and has a huge chip on his shoulder because of it. Understandably so. Maybe we should buy him some treats?" Spriggy shrugged. He looked forward to meeting the sassy little bird again.

"Oh, and he has no idea who Noric is, Istvan. He asked, and I quote: "Who's that, some other nutcase who goes around teasing hungry monsters, only to toss them some waterfowl as distraction?" On the plus side, he might let me bond my soul to his to gain his shape! Not really sure if he was being serious or sarcastic about that one though..."
Kharla
player, 299 posts
Human Thief, HP:15/15
Armor: 1
Fri 5 Nov 2021
at 12:47
  • msg #326

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Be careful," Kharla smiles to Spriggy, "you bind yourself too tightly and you may end up getting summoned by a token too."

With a cheerful grin she admits, "The penguin is fantastic, I hope the other is equally as interesting.  And I agree with Istvan, we should be as careful with them as we are with one another.   We'll take it as a challenge to come up with interesting reasons to summon them other than as distractions."

She pursed her lips in thought, pondering alternative uses for an insta-penguin.
The Patchwork God
GM, 558 posts
Fri 5 Nov 2021
at 16:15
  • msg #327

Re: Ghostwalk Rescue

"Just be sure to bring back something to help others when you return."

With that, Mortimer discusses his ritual with Spriggy and Gorrid, while you plan ahead for you next quest.

OOC: To be continued in Ring of Death.
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