For all your OOC needs.

Welcome to our initial five players. Feel free to introduce yourselves.
Over the next few days I'll be incorporating the lore pieces you all submitted, and getting your char. sheets ready. Also, your char have been travelling together for at least a little over a month, if not more if they might know eachother from before taking the job, so remember that.
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:43, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

Hello  there!

For brevity, I'll just repost the brief description of Adeline I RTJ'd with. I think it about covers the basics, so anything else you want to know, just holler!

Adeline is fairly typical for a half-orc; tall, robust and powerfully athletic. Her outfit and equipment all display the hardy and well maintained appearance expected of someone that spends a lot of time on the road, with none of the frills and colour that come from unnecessary expenditure. Thick woollens and canvas dominate her dress, heavy with waterproof lanolin; a short tunic, hose, and arming jacket comprise her casual wear, over which she frequently wears heavy brigandine armour, including arm and leg guards and an open-faced helm. She carries a large iron-rimmed shield and at her waist she carries a vicious looking falchion, whip and manacles; betraying her profession to the insightful observer as a thief-taker and bounty-hunter. Her attitude matches her appearance; all practicality and no nonsense. Blunt as a hammer when it comes to anything resembling society, she has no time for wastrels and fakers and certainly no sympathy for those that are her quarry; any plea for mercy or clemency fall on deaf ears.

Greetings everyone.

I'll be playing the classic, dashing knight in shining armor.

Super tank-y.

Looking forward to this!

Hi Leon! I foresee much banter between our characters in the "grizzled low-born mercenary vs. idealistic young knight" vein. Given that we've been adventuring together for a while, do you want to make that a friendly kind of "soft" banter (I call you "boy", you call me "old lady" kind of thing) or are you up for something more antagonistic where our criticisms carry a little more barb to them (e.g. if I criticise you for your idealism, I really mean it, or likewise you truly object to my morally grey activities or suggestions, not believing the pragmatism behind them)?

I'm inclined toward the former, which isn't to say those weightier jibes won't come out, but they're made either in jest or with an understanding that they're not made with intent to cut deep.

On the subject of party roles, Adeline is a tracker and also takes a front-line in combat (but less tanky than Leon, I imagine).

Hiyya!  Since we've been together for a little while, what kind of things would we know about each other or how do you behave in general?

Erdan is a somewhat enigmatic companion and you can only guess the origin of his abilities (his class).

At first glance, he's a typical wood elf with leather armor and well trained with sword and bow.  Spending more time with him, you've suspected that he has a hint of fey in him.  When sunlight shines on him, he gains a subtle halo.  When he's heavy in an intense conversation, his brown eyes sometimes lighten to amber briefly.

He does use magic, and you have witnessed him mostly utilizing illusions.

He can be charming and is usually quite friendly.  He's often shown that he has a sharp tongue that honeyed words slide off of.  He haggles well, has negotiated his way of out tense situations and seems to make more friends than enemies.  On the flip side, he has an aversion to cruelty and bullies and will quickly take on darker tones when dealing with it.

You may have also caught him talking to himself at night when others are sleeping and he's outside of his 4-hour elvish meditation.

As far as his background goes, he's shared that he's from a small village called Meliamne where he apprenticed as a carpenter.  At some point in our travels, he's proven this by fixing a broken wagon wheel for a family of distressed travelers we happened upon one day.  He says he left home to see the world and meet others who strive to make it better.

He also likes to tell stories, especially when he's drunk, about an elven barony that was told to him as a child.  It often involves tense politics between high elves & wood elves that leads to civil war and then ends tragically with the land and its people becoming corrupted.

Greetings, everyone!

I will be running Tegan, who is a Half-Elf. I have posted his backstory (see the "Cast" thread), for anyone who is interested in taking a look.

I look forward to writing and gaming with everyone. :)

From her accent and mannerisms more than by admission, you'll have discovered that Adeline was born in Darkwall, or at least grew up there and she has the look of someone raised rough on the less salubrious side of life. Other than that, she's pretty terse about who she is and what's she's done to make ends meet, but you get the impression that some of those things were not...nice. You'll know she's a competent scout and tracker and tends towards physical solutions to problems over social or intellectual ones. She's canny though, perhaps even a little paranoid, with a wary eye for detail and she's a shrewd judge of character. Something in the way she looks at people, even her companions (and particularly Elves), is almost predatory; always sizing them up as if expecting the worst.

Oh boy...  Sounds like Adeline and Erdan likely have an uncomfortable relationship, between him being somewhat mysterious while she seems to be suspicious of elves.  He may see her behavior as borderline being a bully and/or mean and that wouldn't sit well with him.

Do you want to come up with some sort of saving grace between us?  Could Erdan have done something that inspires her to at least consider him an ally until proven otherwise (even if she's still weary of his intentions)?

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 8):

and

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 9):

While not wanting to be a meddlesome busybody, Tegan would attempt to be a peacemaker should it appear to him to be necessary (or helpful).

His experience as a sergeant in command of a squad in the Watch would have given him some experience in calming things down when two (or more) members of his group (who should be working towards a common goal) did not see eye to eye.

Of course, once it became known that Tegan is an ex-Stormcrow, Adeline might have even less use for him than she does for Elves. Plus, he is a Half-Elf. :)

Leon personality is...well...Steve Rogers.

An idealistic, almost naive, empathetic young man who only wants to help others. Just, a genuinely good guy. While he has enough martial pragmatism in him to not balk at using tactics and strategies like ambushes and what not, there is not an ounce of guile or deception in him when speaking to him. He is highly ethical, and very much would raise hell over any moral issue he might have with the group. Like if they were torturing a bandit for information or something. He is also highly religious, but not to the point of zealotry (hence why he isn't a Paladin). he is also a big believer in noblesse oblige. In that, he thinks his rank makes him a servant of the common people, rather than their master. Especially since he isn't currently on his family lands. In his downtime, the man also enjoys a good bottle of wine, a game of cards, and sharing stories of glory and heroism from the past.



Oh no, Leon is FAR to polite to insult a lady, even in jest. Idealism vs pragmatism could be fun however.

Heh, yeah. Adeline definitely comes across as a bit of a bully, but there's no meanness in her once folk realise that her attitide is born of the practicality/pragmatism of dealing with criminals, brigands and other ne'er-do-wells.

As for coming up with something that smooths relations between her and any other PC's, that's something I'm very much game for. There's two options, to my mind; we can either come up with some event that transpired to breed trust, or we can play out the tension until such an event comes up in play. Either way is something I'm happy to accomodate.

@Erdan, if you prefer to have relations settled already then Adeline will certainly be appreciative of your practical skills as a carpenter and if you're in any way woods-cunning, she'd also recognise your competence in that field or similar. Failing that, there's a possibility that we know each other from before our most recent stint as a group. Adeline has travelled all across the Baronies in pursuit of her quarries, so there's every possibility she's bumped into you somewhere or somehow.

Hi there. Such a lot to read already!  I think everyone feels the same - glad to be accepted to the game =)

A little about Sasrya...
Sasrya belongs to the Fleck people (think Roma mixed with Native Americans). The more conservative people dislike the Fleck - their nomadic ways make them strange, their worship only of a trickster protector, all the more reason to distrust them. When they come into town, missing sheep are blamed on them. Chasing of the Fleck is a pastime for some backward communities.

Sasrya looks like a Fleck - she dresses like one of their women, in lots of coloured fabric. This doesn't seem to help her much. And she is always looking over her shoulder, as though pursued by someone... or something.

In reply to Sasyra (msg # 13):

Welcome Sasyra! I look forward to writing and gaming with you.

I'm not familiar with the Fleck, so I look forward to getting to know Sasyra and her people. :)

@Adeline

He's very practically skilled.  He's a competent carpenter, is a skilled survivalist and knows how to handle animals.

Perhaps they met while she was on a job and Erdan was also searching for the same person because they had wronged someone relatively defenseless (stole from them or something).  Maybe they had gotten the drop on her by setting a trap she got caught in.  When he found her, he helped her get free and they worked together to finish out the job.

@Tegan

Erdan would likely back off quickly when Tegan intervenes respectfully.  He might also respect Tegan's natural and compassionate leadership, deferring to him when decisions need to be made (so long as he doesn't have a reason to strongly disagree).

Also, realizing he's a half-elf, Erdan probably clings to a friendship with him as a reminder of home and likely talks to Tegan as if he understood Elven view points; much to Tegan's dismay or confusion if I had to guess since he considers himself more human than elf.

We may butt heads when it comes to the matter of lawful behavior.  Erdan isn't above breaking the rules if he feels like it gets in the way of his goals.  He comes from a small community that shared an understanding of what is right and wrong and clearly doesn't agree with authorities outside of a conflict having any right to intervene (without invitation) and determining what justice looks like.

@Sasyra

The Fleck sound like Erdan's kind of people.  He's a fan of the underdog and very much bucks against prejudice.  He probably ran into them before and have spent time with them on the road, enjoying their culture.  Thus far, he probably feels closer to you than the others as a kind of kindred (free) spirits.

He would've asked her if she was on the run from someone after an especially noticeable paranoid moment she may have had.  Would she have shared with him why she seems to always be looking over her shoulder?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

@Leon

I just realized I missed your posts.  I could see our characters getting along well.  He'd very much enjoy the wine, cards and storytelling with you, but would likely lose at the card games on a regular basis.  Leon's kindness and benevolence would endear him to Erdan for sure.

Admittedly, he doesn't understand the concept of nobility & privilege.  He doesn't feel like the family you were born in would give you more authority over another or make you better in some way.  He firmly believes that people are defined by their actions and not their station.  Of course, it sounds like Leon has likely proven his actions make for a good person.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

Kudos to Erdan (OOC) for his attention to detail [well . . . except for that one, teensy little detail about Leon's post :)] and organizational chops for working out the interplay between Erdan (IC) and everyone else in the party. :)

Just getting peoples lore worked over and integrated, but should have that done by tomorrow or sat. at the latest. Aiming to get started by sunday.

@Erdan: Leon would be more than happy to make friends with someone who enjoys a bottle and a friendly game around a campfire, so I am sure they would make fast friends.

Leon would also be more than happy to engage in philosophical discussion over the merits and flaws of the feudal system.

Thanks for the heads-up. Looking forward to getting the campaign under way. :)

Sasyra wouldn't have been all that outgoing, at least initially and certainly wouldn't have complained of being the underdog (It's just the way of the world, in her eyes - it's normal). Having spent time with her people, you'd know how unusual it would be for a girl to be unescorted beyond their traveling caravans. Asking about her pursuer would probably be met with stony silence - though for whose benefit you might not be able to tell.

EDIT: I know it sounds slike I'm going for the 'mysterious secret keeper' thing but I think the secrets might be more fun to come out in play is all. I'm not all that clear on how long we've all known one another and all that jazz too. I'd love for to have the woodelf and the belly-dancer to have a kinship though!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

Unless you decide with another player, or players, that you’ve know eachother before signing on as caravan guards, you been together for a little over a month. How much socializing during that time is up to you, though I’d prefer if everyone were somewhat friendly :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

@ Erdan: Yeah, I'm happy for there to have been a chance encounter on a previous job where you did me a solid like that. Perhaps that was even fairly recent history (i.e. the last 6 months to a year) and we've been travelling and working together since? Depending on what you had in mind for your immediate past, of course! Her suspicion of Elven folk would easily be waylaid on an individual basis under such circumstances and Erdan's affidavit of Adelines character based on the longevity of their relationship could have helped to smooth her prickly nature with the others.

@ Tegan: Though Adeline grew up on the south side of the law, she's very much someone who uses her shady past and experience to help her uphold it (after a fashion) now. As a bounty hunter, she's hardly an upstanding citizen, but she will have worked with the 'Crows before and I suspect may have a decent standing with them (GM willing) due to being a known thief-taker that operates outside of the city and their jurisdiction. Your having the rank of a Sergeant of the Watch is something she can respect, regardless of your Elven blood (which she will likely have picked up on quicker than most), so she'd be willing to listen to and appreciate his council and/or orders. There's also a possibility of Adeline or Tegan recognising the other from a time she handed in a bounty or even when she was growing up in the city (depending on the timelines of our respective ages).

@ Sasyra: Of all the player characters in the group, I suspect Adeline is probably least friendly with/appreciative of Sasyra, unless she's demonstrated some practical or "useful" skill beyond her social graces. Adeline wouldn't be at all phased by Sasyra's heritage, perhaps having even had good relations with Fleck folk in the past, but would be condescending of her utility and lack of physical strength (making the assumption that you haven't exactly invested in an 18 Strength score!) and would be derisive of her impractical (if beautiful!) dress sense. I'm just wondering if there's some common ground to be found between our characters but I'd need to know a little more about Sasyra to finish that thought.

edit: The Dice Roller is trying to kill me already.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 23):



Oof! Double deuces . . . that *is* tough.

Thanks for the information about Adeline's reaction(s) to Tegan. That is quite helpful. :)

HP is one that, given the choice, I'll always take the average on. Ability Scores can be fun to roll and even with a poor array you can mitigate your weaknesses with "aces in places" and good build, but when you roll low HP, particularly with high HD type, you just...have a deficiency you can't really get away from. *Shrug* It is what it is.

I was asked for some clarificarion on the baronies, their size and power, so I figured I'd post it here as well just in case others had the same questions. The Baronies are not meant to be kingdoms. They are realms/principalities/protectorates etc. on the edge of the world that might some day grow into more, but hasn't as of yet. Some are held together by tradition, shared heritage, or even just the force of personality of its leader. So while some are bigger than others of course, just keep that in mind.

I hear you. I also always take the average, given the choice.

PS. But, as you have observed, "C'est la vie" (Elven for "It is what it is"). :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

Sasrya can shoot pretty good. She has a shortbow and hits more often than she misses. And she can cook! Admittedly, she isn't impressed with her own concoctions (not enough spices!) but at least it's edible fare. That said, raw physical strength and pragmatism are not qualities she values either. Her less-than-impressive Strength (8!) and (definitely unfair) impression of Adeline's parentage might mean we have a coolness between us. I hesitate to say rivalry or dislike, yet. Maybe that will come in play? If it does, you may find yourself pranked on more than one occasion. Sorry >.<

@Sasyra

I have no qualms with "mysterious secret keeper".  Erdan is a bit mysterious himself.

I think knowing that it's more common in her culture to be escorted, he's likely taken on that role and will stay with her when the party splits off for any reason in a city/town.

@Adeline

Yeah, I think that works.  Maybe we're the first of the group and accumulated the others along the way.

I still need to add the lore from one more person, which I hope to do tommorrow, as well as do a final review of char. sheets.

Also, great job so far on forging common backgrounds, I'm really looking forward to this.

Given that the party has been working together for a month or so, I think that Tegan would have been doing a little "organizing". As an ex-Watch squad leader, it would not sit well with him to just have the caravan guards (himself included) just wander about, willy-nilly. :)

So . . .

Erdan, to me (and Tegan), Wood Elf yells "scout!" (at least in this situation). Fairly early on in the month, Tegan would have approached Erdan to see if he would consent to scouting for the party (and the caravan, I suppose). How Erdan chooses to do this (e.g., how much distance he would like to have between himself and the main body of the caravan, and how he chooses to range out beyond the caravan (ahead, behind, or on the flanks -- or some combination thereof) would be his (IC) call, I think.

Adeline and Leon, Tegan would have approached each of you that he sees the three of you  (including him) serving as the "line of battle", in the event of trouble. Well, that would be the default formation, any way -- different circumstances might call for something different. And granted, three people isn't much of a line of battle, but we gotta work with what we got (or, as Adeline has observed in a different context, "It is what it is"). :)

Whilst on the march, I see the three of us serving as flankers (one of each side of the caravan), and one walking at the head of the caravan.

Sasyra, Tegan would see you as the "mobile reserve", ready to support the others and pitch in to meet potential threats, as needed. Whilst on the march, perhaps you could ride (or walk) with the main body of the caravan, and serve as the liaison and go-between linking the caravan-master, the wagon-drivers, and the party. Given the Flecks' familiarity with wagon and caravan travel, you might also be able to give counsel and advice to the caravan-master.

Meh, I'm just kinda stream-of-consciousness writing, here whilst we have some time before the campaign gets under way.  Given the fact that we (and the caravan) have been on the road for a month or more, it seems like this sort of thing would have been discussed IC (probably sooner rather than later).

How does this sound to everyone?

I'd think it depends on how many NPC guards there are, if any.

Skirmish formations would change depending on sheer numbers.

If it is just five, we would use different tactics and formations than if there were thirty of us.

In reply to Tegan (msg # 31):

Sasyra would be happy with her role, I think. Walking and talking to people are two of the things she does best. But she'd have her bow at hand as a visible reminder of her role (probably more for herself than anyone else).  She's no bard or Charisma-based character, though I did make Charisma her 2nd highest stat. She shouldn't have an issue talking with the people on the caravan and getting to know them.

Good point, Leon. My comments, above, were based upon the thought that the PCs were *the* guards for the caravan. As in "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" (and sisters, in this instance). :)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:31, Fri 06 Jan 2023.

To be fair, yelling would probably be counterproductive in the role.

Erdan should be a decent scout.  The distance would be determined by terrain and weather.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

There are five other guards in the caravan. They’re part of a mercenary company out of Darkwall and they keep mostly to themselves. Not unfriendly or hostile in any way, just more used to working together than with anyone outside their usual group.

@Sasyra : I'm happy to play our relationship as a cool one. As you say, not an out-and-out rivalry; we wouldn't tolerate a month or more travelling together that way outside of neccessity, but definitely far from the best of friends based on our respective ideologies. :)

@Tegan : Adeline would be happy to fill the role Tegan assigns her, assuming Erdan is actually a better scout then her (I suspect he is, but it'd be worth knowing who's actually better once everyone has finished up their character sheets). If we're about equal, there's no reason they couldn't split the scouting between them, depending on circumstances, or even have some modus operandi of scouting/traveling together that they've worked out from their time together; no point in changing a system that works, kind of thing. If Erdan and Adeline have been adventuring together for a while, we'd know who's best for what situations. e.g. it'd be common knowledge that Adeline is more than just a competent forager and hunter (I don't really like bringing game stats into these kind of discussions, but for reference I've taken the Outlander background and am debating whether to take Expertise in Survival and Perception instead of Investigation and Insight; I'm open to advice/suggestion on that topic!) and would likely appreciate being able to operate somewhat independently of the caravan itself to do so; she's hardly the foremost conversationalist in the group and probably rubs both caravaneer and party members the wrong way even at the best of times!

edit: I've reasoned out my low HP now. I figure she's just reckless. If HP represents fighting ability as much as actual resilience, then she can take a hit and recovers well (short rest healing with a d10), but she just takes more hits/risks, opening herself to attack as she engages.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:57, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

@Adeline


I think, regardless of stats, we should make Adeline the scout.  It makes sense for her personality and background.  Erdan is social and makes friends easily. He'd likely endear the caravanner to the team.  He, also wouldn't argue acting as a scout, so he'd likely give her breaks at the very least.

As far as your business decision, and if you're asking for advice, I think Survival and Perception would be her arena.  To me, it says she can track down anyone who are smart enough to hide off the beaten path.  Investigation & Insight tells me she would dive into the cities and crowds.  Insight, especially, makes me think she cares if people are lying.  I see her being more like "If you're lying, I will be back for you too." rather than given them the side eye and callin' them out on shady behavior (she probably expects it LOL).

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 38):

Heh, yeah, she probably assumes everyone is guilty of something, regardless of whether they're lying or not :D I think I will go for Survival & Perception after all. Maybe downgrade her brigandine (scale) armour to a chain shirt; I lose a point of AC but also lose the stealth penalty. I can always upgrade her armour to one of the "premium" medium armours (breastplate or half-plate) later on, game allowing. Might invest in a bow rather than the darts I had planned too and go full hunter of beasts and men.

DM,

For flavor-text purposes and general knowledge, how big is the caravan that the PCs are guarding, and what season is it [more specifically, what is the weather like (other than rainy, per your notes in the "Wanted -- Players" thread) . . . that is to say, is it a cold rain (perhaps mixed with some sleet), or a warm-ish summer rain? :)]?

Thanks.

8 wagons and a cart. We'll be starting in late autumn, so pretty cold rain with a sprinkling of sleet..

In reply to GM (msg # 41):

Thanks. Sounds miserable (the weather, that is). :)

PS. Although . . . maybe that means that all the bandits and monsters are sitting  around a nice, toasty-warm fire, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate -- instead of going out into the nasty weather to harass passing caravans. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

Yeah... that's it... hot chocolate... :)

On a more serious note I will be pushing the start of the game to Monday. Apologies on the delay, but it cannot be helped. While I am working on the last lore, which will be finished tomorrow, I want to be able to give the starting post(s) my full attention.

In reply to GM (msg # 44):

Thanks for the heads-up.

Sounds good, Boss!

Monday start works well for me. For reference, I'm a chef, so as a rule my weekend (Fri-Sun GMT) is usually going to be my quietest posting days. I'll try to have my char sheet completed by then.

I wait with bated breath!

Yes, you could hear faint music and people talking.

Haha awesome. I had a horrible feeling as I was writing my post that the whole Inn was a trap!

Still could be... Says the guy who uses illusion magic.

I wonder if it makes more sense that Sayra and Erdan were hired to be part of the caravan crew rather than guards.  Erdan seems well suited for it and Sasyra comes from the nomadic life.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:00, Mon 09 Jan 2023.

It might have, but this time guards were all that Mervin was looking for. :)

I'll be able to post in the morning.

Great first posts, everyone -- including you, DM. Thanks for all the fun reads. :)

Just a clarification @Tegan and GM; aren't we headed *out* of Darkwall and arrived at Oakfield? Presumably the round trip takes us back to Darkwall, but given we've been on the road a month or so, we've the same journey back, yes? Or have I misinterpreted something along the way?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Wed 11 Jan 2023.

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 56):

I had the impression that the caravan was now headed back to Darkwall, traveling a different route than we had on the outgoing leg of the journey.

But, I could have that all wrong! :)

The caravan has been doing a round trip, and you’re currently on your way back, a few days out from returning to darkwall.

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for clearing that up.

edit: I've updated my last IC post to reflect the fact we're not as far from Darkwall as I thought! Only a minor change.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

FYI - Erdan's question was in response to Adeline's suggestive comment.  I edited my post to make it more obvious.

Just to clarify; while Adeline might not appreciate the songs, I certainly do! Well written guys!

Don't thank me, thank 80's hair metal bands.

Is that...is that Man'o'War? I thought it felt familiar! :D

It is!

They have just...so many songs about glory and battle. The hard part was choosing one without Odin stuff in it.

Heh. I keep threatening my wife I'll dress like them on a night out and she keeps threatening that she'll cut my hair and leave me if I do! Love a bit of Man'o'War.

If things had turned out a little differently and Leon had been been born a Dwarf, just substitute Clanggedin Silvebeard or Moradin for Odin, and Ba-da-Boom, Ba-da-Bing, you're good to go! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Fri 13 Jan 2023.

Wont be near my computer today, So I’ll get an update out tomorrow.

In reply to GM (msg # 67):

Understood. Thanks for the heads-up, and enjoy your weekend. :)

Gonna hold off posting today to give more people time to respond. Just a reminder, the post rate for the game was set to around once a day.

No worries. It just seems like the NPC is only talking to Tegan when I read the update. I wasn't sure if you were trying to spotlight one character which is why I haven't posted. Apologies

I certainly don't mean for Tegan to hog center stage. It occurred to me that given his charisma and on-the-job leadership training from the Watch, he would not be bashful about speaking to NPCs.

Due to that and an OOC desire not to see things drag, in game, I have had him speak up.

But by no means did I intend for him to pre-empt anyone else's participation.

I wasn't saying you were, Tegan. =D  And please don't read my message as like some sort of passive-aggressive comment. Keep the action moving on!  I want to explore the mines lol!

I have the RPoL app on my phone that's supposed to notify me when there's a new post but I don't think it works every time.

There's an RPoL app? I've been using this website for years (decades?). Who knew? :D

Yeah, sorry for my own radio silence; I had a busy week working way too many hours! I was happy for Tegan's conversation to play out a bit; I prefer not to interject "Hi I'm present" one-liners if I don't have something substantive to interject.

Yes, there's an app.  It's supposed to send you a notification when there's a new post to a game you're in, but it doesn't seem to work all the time.  I've been checking the boards regularly again and am noticing a lot being missed.

Sorry for my lack of posting before.

No problem, it just given the nature of the games on rpol, it takes very little for a game to stall out and fall apart.

On that note, I may be away from my computer tomorrow, so might not be able to post, but I'm not sure yet. I'll try to get something posted up before that happens, but just bear it in mind.

Did Gwen respond to this question from Tegan?

"Is there someone in charge over at the mine? Some one whom we should talk to, to let them know what we will be doing, and  that we are acting on your behalf?"

Thanks.


If not, no worries -- I'm sure that we can make do. :)

Ah apologies, missed that. Yes there is a foreman named Korenth. A older human man, supposedly the oldest miner still working in Oakfield. He and Halric go back a ways, with both of them having worked together before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:27, Fri 20 Jan 2023.

In reply to GM (msg # 78):

Okay, cool. Thanks.

I take it she did not take up Leon's offer of an escort home?

She did not.

Leon, her husband has not be confirmed dead yet.  Down, horn dog. XD
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Fri 20 Jan 2023.

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 82):

But we've accepted the quest to slay him!  He's as good as dead!
Right?

Errrmm . . . I'm pretty sure that's not what we're supposed to do, if we find him. :)

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 82):

"Excuse me, I am a gentleman. I would never take advantage of a lady, married of not. It seemed merely polite to escort the distressed person back home, given the foul weather and time of night."

To be fair, the woman didn't state what condition she preferred him to be in.


"Right, right... I forgot your chaste inclination.  As you were, sir."

That's a fair point. We'll let Erdan tell Gwen that we found her husband, and killed him for her. :)

I do be a charmer!

I completely forgot that elves don't sleep...

In my defense, this is my first elf character.  Elves can pass out from drinking too much, right?

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 89):

Passed out -- that's the ticket! :D

I don't run Elves, either -- at least not the full-blooded variety. It slipped my mind, as well.

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 89):

Yes, Elves can be rendered unconscious. Poison can cause unconsciousness. Alcohol is delicious poison. So yes. Blackout drunkness can befall an Elf.

Still here, just gonna give you guys more time to wake up and figure out how you're gonna go about this. By that I mean are you heading straight there, are you talking to the foreman, something else entirely?
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:39, Mon 23 Jan 2023.

In reply to GM (msg # 92):

I (OOC) was under the impression that the foreman would be out at the mine, and that we could talk to him there (Tegan probably would, even if no one else is so inclined). Is that not the case?

Thanks.

Yes, it is likely the case. I'm just looking for confirmation on where you're going and what you're doing.

In reply to GM (msg # 94):

I was under the impression that everyone (OOC) was probably ready to move out to the mine.

Unless there is to be an encounter along the way, what do you think about fading to black and having the party arrive there, with perhaps a little flavor-text to describe the weather and the conditions along the way?

Thanks.

To the pit of doom, say i!

Fair enough.

Thumbs up.

Sorry I've not posted in a couple of days; been working back-to-back shifts due to staff shortages (it's fun being a chef! 14hr days for the win!). I'll catch up tonight and get a post in soon. Don't wait on me; one of the advantages of playing a terse, stand-offish character is being able to be in the background for a lot of the social stuff!

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 99):

Yikes! It's a bummer when RL gets in the way of our hobbies! :)

Ok, I was asked if you guys know where the abbey is exactly, and no you don’t. Gwen mentioned it was relatively close to the mine, but no one thought to ask beyond that. For the sake of moving us along, you guys know that the abbey is a bit further east of where you are now. As far as you know, there are no roads or paths leading there from where you are now, but you could find your way quicker than going back to Oakfield and taking the road, if someone with some wilderness savy tried to guide you there. However there is ofc always risks involved with going off road. :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:57, Wed 25 Jan 2023.

I believe that's Adeline's queue.

@Sasyra add a Persuasion roll to your post.

Thanks!

As a future note, do you want me to assume the roll, or wait for you to decide which skill I should be using? At the gaming table, I'd be waiting for the GM to tell me to make a roll but RPOL can be a little different, I know.

Good question. Let’s say that generally if you guys feel that your posts require a roll, do it. If its not applicable I’ll disregard it, or roll the appropriate skill and add it in.

Thank you.

Btw, way to subvert expectations right at the get-go. I was expecting to go down the bloomin mine!

I'm ready to hop aboard the Plot Bus to the Abbey when everyone else is!

Fair enough, as soon as you're ready, I'm gonna need one of you to roll a Survival check. I'll add the request to the last post.

God help us all... I'll do it, but be warned that the dice gods have not been good to me lately.

Maybe I've redeemed myself somehow.

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 110):

Good work! I'm sure that Erdan (IC) will have us there in a trice, with no nasty surprises along the way! :)

Oof. Catching up after just a few days out of the loop is hard; knowing just how to fill in the time lost is not a skill I've mastered, I fear!

Things have settled down a little at work, so my post rate should get back on track now.

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 112):

No worries. Glad to hear that your RL work situation has settled down a bit, and to have Adeline back with us, IC.

Well . . . she was with us all the time, but you know what I mean. :)

I'm waiting for the GM to tell me if I can use Mark of the Wild in this mist and I don't want to continue to spam-post over others who haven't gotten a chance yet.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Fri 27 Jan 2023.

You could if you stay at the forest edge, but the clearing itself is too ‘not natural’.

So just to be clear, who's going where? There are seemingly three buildings, the biggest seemingly main building, the smaller ornate one, and the smallest one on the hill.

In reply to GM (msg # 116):

It seems to me that this is still under discussion, IC. Tegan will vote *not* to split the party, and to send out a scout, as originally planned. Sure, there is some risk to that, but there is a reason that a "point man" or woman is usually sent out ahead of the rest of the squad.

I have indicated Tegan's preferences here, but I can express them IC if desired.

And as noted, this is only Tegan's vote -- which counts no more than anyone else's. :)

I’d welcome taking the discussion IC, gives your char a chance to get a feel for eachother.

In reply to GM (msg # 118):

Understood. I'll get around to it, but I owe some posts in some other games first.

If anyone wants to jump in ahead of Tegan, go for it! :)

Just for clarification, how far apart are these ruins/buildings? That might help inform whether we split up or not.

Fifty to thity yard from each other, seemingly arranged in a semicircle.

So which ruined building are you approaching first?

It sounds like we're headed for the "main" building.

The bigger ruin at the moment, unless the consensus changes and we head to the smaller one.

Like Sasyra's gonna change course for consensus... XD

She might not, but I will!  'Thats what my character would do' is weak lol

DM, can I ask where are the faces? Are they at ground level, are they accessible by foot?

You mean the carvings/reliefs? If so, then yes the ones that have been noticed/been pointed out are on the ground floor.

Two Questions:

1. @Sasyra, do you read the whole thing out loud for the rest of us to hear?

2. @GM, is there a roll I can make to get any sort of clues that may solve this riddle (I'm so bad with riddles)?

I think the riddle itself is from the Hobbit - I know th answer. But I haven't had the box yet, so I'm assuming I can only see part of it. hense the 'may I?'  - I'm trying to get her to read the whole thing out.

Also, I'm not gonna blurt the answer out cos it's Player not character knowledge. Is a simple Int roll okay to justify figuring it out?

There is a question, in cases like this, of whether player knowledge can substitute character knowledge. I, too, think I know the answer OOC (and yeah, now you mention it Sasyra, I think it is in The Hobbit!), but there's an argument to be made for the character being an avatar of the player and as such any player knowledge or ideas are fair game for the character. Of course, where this strays into metagaming things like monster knowledge (e.g. trolls and fire) is an area to be mindful of.

Just some thoughts on the subject.

I'll say you can make an int roll to figure it out, but anyone who reads it and figures it out can post IC and that would that would be enough. I won't punish anyone for being bad at riddles, nor for being good at them.

I'm hanging back because you guys said you were going to scout, no?

Well, we were but as we were debating like a bunch of hens, Sasyra was like "FFS, let's go!" and took off.  So the rest of us just followed her.

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 134):

Maybe Sasyra wants to go and find an egg. :)

DM,

How far is the group from the ruin where the noise came from?

Thanks.

Around 40 yards.

DM,

Does the metal slab look as if it might be levered up (opened) with the help of a crowbar if the end of one were slipped into the "slight gap" that you mentioned, or does the slab look to be too big and heavy for that?

Or is this a "Try it and see what happens" situation? :)

Thanks.

It might be, enough leverage and you could do it. Add a str check to any post and we'll see. :)

Is the metal slabbed hinged?
Or is it just a huge block of metal?
Is it flush with the floor or does it sit on top of it?

Sorry I've not posted for a couple days - Its been a bit of a mess at work.

It's just a slab, no hinges. It sits on top of the ground, though slightly askew, hence why you can see something underneath it.

Sorry for the short post. I'll get a better one in after we hear some results; just wanted to get one in before it went too long without!

@Tegan: Doesn't a crowbar offer advantage on Str checks like this...? (Then again, so does someone helping, so perhaps my natutal 15 would count for that?)

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 142):

One or the other should certainly help. Between the two of them, Adeline and Tegan should be able to hurl the slab high up into the air so that it comes to rest atop the nearest tower. Or something like that . . . :)

I'll defer to the DM on how to best address this. :)

How big is the hole in the door?

Big enough for you to squeeze through if needed.

@Sasyra: I must admit to starting to feel a bit mean with regard to our In-character interactions (I'm nice IRL!). I don't want our IC relationship to go too far into the red and I certainly don't want to sour our OOC relationship. Please let me know if I overstep any bounds or you want/need a reprieve from the negativity! So far, I've enjoyed our IC interactions; I hope the feeling is reciprocal.

Oh don't even worry about it. It's fun for me as a player that we're not all holding hands and skipping off merrily into danger. Thanks so much for the OOC check but honestly, if I felt that there was anything going on not-IC, I'd be in your private messages asking how we could fix it.

Tis all good.

Besides, how it is now may not be how it is forever... Maybe Adeline will become a Sasyra fangirl! ;)

I'm a little confused.  Am I right that there's a locked door but a space in a nearby grate that the bars are broken and bent?

It is essentially a portcullis on hinges, with a corner where the bars are bent.

This statue - One hand is holding half of a spear and the other has its hand out, palm up? GM?

Also, is he facing the tunnels or the way we came in?

Yup palm up, and he is indeed facing where you came in.

I was examining the statue too - the hand specifically - looking for segments or moveable parts

I know, there was nothing to be found :)

Unfortunately Leon has stepped away from the game, due to RL. I will be npc'ing him as needed, but will aim to replace him when there's an appropriate moment in the game.

In reply to GM (msg # 154):

Thanks for the heads-up. Good luck finding a worthy replacement. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

In reply to GM (msg # 154):

Always hate losing players as a DM myself. Hopefully all is well with them.

@Tegan



Or were you saying he didn't notice the rest?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

That was my take on it, since Tegan was specifically searching for a blood-trail, and Erdan was (as I understood it) performing the more traditional "tracking".

DM,

Are there any light sources in the tunnel, other than Sasyra's lantern?

Thanks.

I don’t believe so.

Well . . . it seemed like a good idea at the time. :)

What's the layout here? Based off of the description so far, the party is coming up a 10ft wide corridor/tunnel which we presume opens into a larger cavern/room, but we don't have any other dimensions or distances. Most importantly, how far to the creature and what can we see ahead of us RE: openings and other terrain)

Marching order seems to be; Erdan (downed), Adeline, Tegan, Leon, Sasyra

Does a lantern count as a light weapon?

You are indeed in a 10 ft wide, 9 ft. tall tunnel,  the creature is at present 40 ft. in front of you. You have not yet been in, or even seen where the tunnel opens up. You can still only see tunnel in front of you, the twisting walls preventing you from seeing further. The marching order is correct.

A lantern would not be light, its an improvised weapon, dealing 1d4 bludgeoning damage, though if used as such it might break, possibly doing fire damage to the wielder and target.

Well, that joke backfired lol

Ah, apologies. Good one :)

I thought it was very punny!

With Erdan being healed, I'd like an init. for him as well. Just post it here and I'll add it in.

18:38, Today: Erdan Amakiir rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Initiative. – 6

Oh boy.  I've done something to piss off the dice gods.

Ha!! I see what you did, there. :)

Indeed, the roller does not like you at the moment.

Question: When you take enough damage to down you, do you just go to 0 or into the negative if it exceeds your max?  Reading the rules it sounds like you just go to 0, but I want to make sure.

Normally in 5e you hit 0 and start taking death saves. You used to hit negative HP in older editions.

You would go to zero, unless of course you take enough damage to incur instant death.

Does that mean the cover provided the beast by my allies has reduced and thus I can throw a stabber at him?

You can, though it would be at disadvantage now that he is on the ground and you’re attacking from range.

13:57, Today: Sasyra rolled 20 3 using 2d20+2 with rolls of 1,17.  Flying dagger. Miss

Btw, Tegan, I used up all 10 of your healing.

In reply to Erdan Amakiir (msg # 178):

Thanks. Duly noted. :)

Hopefully, tying up Mister Bad Nasty will not require some sort of a Check. If it does, we shall certainly fail the die-roll, and we'll need to get back to fighting it.

Bite your tongue, kinsman!

Note to self: pick up a pair of manacles the next time that Tegan (IC) happens by a handy-dandy general store.

Unless, of course, Adeline already has some . . . her being a bounty hunter, and all. :)

It just so happens...

Adeline does have some manacles hanging from her belt. The keys, however, are hanging around her neck tucked inside her armour, so unless you want to wake her first, someone will have to go rummaging...which may or may not incur her wrath!

Are we still in initiative order?  I know it's kind of a meta question - Did we get them all?  I am only asking to see if i need to wait to post is all.

At this moment we are out of combat.

Adeline please give me a Sleight of Hand check, DC 10, to tie the thing up, without waking it. Just add it to your last post.

RPoL RNG strikes again! :D

Is the creature still prone?

Sorry, I forgot to add it jumped back up.

DM,

Since you did not mention it, I assume that there are no additional tunnels (other than the one that the group just exited) providing entry/exit points from the new cavern that are within the party's line of sight at this point (although there may be some beyond the limits of the party's Darkvision).

Do I have that right?

Also, has there been any additional howling/screeching other than that one time just after the flash of light when the party's foe was slain and turned into a pile of ashes?

Thanks.

Correct, you don’t see any other exits at this point, though as I wrote the room is bigger than you can currently see, darkvision or not. You have also not heard anything else beyond the initial howl.

DM,

Does the prone figure appear to be a Human, as opposed to a whatever-it-was that attacked the party earlier?

Thanks.

Yes, from what you see it appears human.

My bad -- I didn't ask enough questions earlier! :)

1. How far is it from where the party is standing to the prone figure?

2. Is hole where the man is lying something along the lines of an alcove in the wall, or is it the mouth of a tunnel?

Thanks.

No problem. Probably should have included it in the IC post anyway.

It’s around 40 ft to the person, and its more like a underground den.  A narrowing, shallow cave, underneath the one you’re in, that comes to a dead end.

Ah, okay I get it -- an underground den (cue the ominous background music)!

Thanks. :)

Sorry for my slow posting - work is caning me at the moment. I'll make every effort to catch up tomorrow

In reply to Sasyra (msg # 196):

Sorry to hear about RL being a bully. Hopefully things will ease up for you soon. :)

No problem. I’ll get a post up later today to move us along.

DM,

Is Tegan close enough to be able to tell whether the man on the floor is bound (as, with a rope)?

Also, is there anywhere within the so-called "den" area where a creature might hide?

Thanks.

Not bound

Aah, sorry for ghosting this passed week; work has been truly a nightmare (I'm just riding the back-end of doing around 50hrs over the last 4 days, not to speak of the one day off I've had in 2 weeks). I will definitely get an IC post in tomorrow.

In reply to Adeline Ashburner (msg # 201):

Man. If you are having to work those kinds of hours, the business where you work needs to hire some more people.

Welcome to hospitality, where 14hr days are normal and 60-70hr weeks are nothing to complain about. I had a "part-time" chef working for me who was pulling 50+hrs a week for a while.

OK guys, its been a week with no posts, for whatever reason, so with that I'm going to close down the game rather than let it linger. It was fun while it lasted, thank you for the time and effort you guys put in, and I look forward to possibly game with any of you in later games.

In reply to GM (msg # 204):

Sorry that it turned out that way. Thanks for DMing for as long as it lasted.