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[DnD 4E] May We Die in the Forest (Game Thread)

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Posts

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    Taath stops scouting ahead and waits for the group to catch up to him. "No sign of your stupid village," he grumbles, fatigue and hunger souring his mood. "I say we make camp here before the sun sets and I start tripping over Bixby and Jason in the dark." He smirks as he slings his quarterstaff across his shoulders and hangs his arms over it. The pose makes him look like some bizarre elven scarecrow.

  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    "If you tripped over walking near me in the dark, it probably wouldn't be an accident" Bixby says, repaying Taath with a smirk of his own. "But I agree with him. It's starting to get dark. We should probably look at settling down for the night." Bixby then turns to look at the rest of the group, eyes wide open as he fakes a worried look on his face. "Plus, we don't want to get lost in the dark and have the Eyrewood Witch find us!"

  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    Jason had already started looking for wood with which to make a fire, since it seemed the concensus was to stop for the night.
    Bixby wrote:
    "Plus, we don't want to get lost in the dark and have the Eyrewood Witch find us!"

    Looking up from his gathering, Jason's face bursts into an even more gigantic grin. "A witch?! Now that would be AMAZING!" He brandishes a twig like a wand, making little zapping noises between his teeth at Bixby, then gets a thoughtful look on his face. "Do you suppose that Eyrewood witches turn people into toads or flies or something like that? Might be interesting to see the world from that perspective."

    With a shrug, the pudgy child turns back to his work, quickly producing a large stack of tinder.

    Illianthar on
  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "If the Eyrewood witches are any relation of mine they only bother those that won't get off their lawn. Inialos looms up behind Bixby, "Zzzap!" Shaking his head as Bixby rolls with laughter, Inialos settles down near the stack of tinder and lights it with a tap of his staff.

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    "I hear she turns you into a tree, actually," Taath says in a hushed tone to Jason, deliberately set to maximize fright in the young human. "It starts with your legs, turning them into roots so you can't run away. Then, she plucks your eyes right out of your skull before the transformation makes it that far. Ingredients for her potions, you see. The pain leaves you screaming right up to the end. If you look around carefully, you might recognize some of her victims; the trees are easier to see as their former human forms as the sun sets." He chuckles a bit as he turns away.

    Leaving the others to do the real work, Taath devotes his time to looking and listening for any signs of trouble.

    I'll use passive Perception of 14 for that.

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Perception (Taath): Your campsite, nestled between a large boulder and an old tree, is fairly defensible, though nothing you see indicates that defense will be necessary tonight. The typical sounds of evening in the forest trickle in as the sun sets, and soon the woods are alive with the sounds of insects chirping and birds singing. All good signs, as they would be absent if any predators were nearby.

    With wood gathered, a fire started, and food prepared, the big decision for the night is at hand. Who will take first watch?

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "I'll take first watch. Who will I be waking?" Inialos states this as if it has already been decided. As for who he wakes...he would prefer the two hardier boys to take the rough middle shifts.

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    "You can wake me for second watch, Inialos! I don't even know if I'll be able to sleep anyway, I'm so excited! Who wants third watch?"

  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    Bixby is already half asleep during the conversation on watch schedule. With a groggy look on his face he half sits up, let's out a loud yawn and then says "I'll go last", before slumping back down onto the ground and promptly falling asleep.

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    "We are doing four watches, then? I will take third, I suppose. Maybe fourth, too," Taath says, mumbling the last part. The elf doesn't think much of Bixby's ability to keep the group safe, mainly because he's never thought much of Bixby, period. Truth be told, he's uncomfortable trusting any of them, but the need and desire to sleep easily wins out.

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "Alright then, Jay can share Bixby's shift is he feels so inclined. You all get some sleep, I'll wake you if anything comes creeping." Inialos heads the argument off and circles the fire slowly. The tap tap tap of his staff on the soft ground is rhythmic. He wonders what sort of things might come creeping, and hopes the one harmful spell he knows is enough to scare them off.
    Spoiler:

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Perception (Anialos): The first thing you see during your shift is a pair of lights blinking in the trees. The lights dance and sway in the air, bobbing and weaving through the foliage as they approach your camp. They're almost hypnotic, the way they twirl and twist with a listless grace. Arcana (Anialos): As your attention is consumed by the lights, you suddenly remember what they are: Wisps. Magic lights, born of the forest, mysterious in their purpose, and dangerous to the unwary. You've heard a dozen stories of children being captivated by Wisps, drawn from their beds when they should have been sleeping, brought into the forest, and never seen again.

    Staring at them now, you wonder if those stories might not have been true. Where do they come from? Where do they go? Perhaps if you followed them, you might find out...

    Give me two saving throws if you don't wish to follow them.

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    Enchanted by the lights and terribly curious, Inialos starts to follow them, pausing a bit when he gets to the edge of the camp.
    Spoiler:

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    The wisps seem to realize that they've caught your attention, and soon you find yourself strolling along with them, enraptured by their effortless dance. As you near the edge of camp, the sound of a branch snapping nearby breaks your attention. You look to see a lone deer skipping away into the darkness, and when you look back, the wisps are gone.

    Returning to the center of camp, you're disturbed to find your fire almost out, and you realize that you must have been watching the wisps for several hours. Your shift is over, and it's time to wake Jason.

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "Jason, wake up. Your shift is up. Careful of wisps, distracting little bastards." Inialos gently shakes Jason and explains what he saw as a means of warning. Having done so he puts some more wood on the fire and settles in to sleep.

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    The young boy groans slightly and rolls over at first, not wanting to wake up. A few more prods from Inialos has Jason awake and rubbing his eyes. He perks up considerably at the description of the wisps, then nods his head solemnly at the other boy's warnings.

    "I'll be ever vigilant for the good of the Lookouts!" he proclaims, standing up proudly. He then moves over near the fire and begins to look around for any signs of movement near the camp.
    Spoiler:

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Perception (Jason): Your vigil over the camp passes by without much interest. The only signs of movement you see are those of the wind through the trees, and even that is infrequent. The crackling of the fire is a welcome companion during your shift, as there is little else to hear but the chirping of insects and your own thoughts.

    It's now time to wake Taath for his shift.

  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    Rising from his post with a yawn and a stretch of his arms, Jason wanders over to the sleeping elf, placing a hand on his shoulder lightly, careful not to startle him too much when waking him.

    "Time for your shift. Inialos said to watch out for flashing wisps of some kind, but there was nothing remotely interesting while I was up..."

    The disappointment in Jason's voice is clearly evident as he makes his way back to where his pack and equipment lay. Within a few moments the boy is snoring lightly, completely asleep.

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    Taath wakes easily. He acknowledges Jason with a brief nod, then walks over toward the center of camp. Confident in his elven senses, he spends little time actively searching for danger and instead amuses himself by practicing flashy combat moves with his staff.

    Passive Perception: 14

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Passive Perception (Taath): At this hour, there is little for you to notice during your watch. The forest is still and quiet, the sky is dark and full of stars, and your companions are asleep. Being a creature of the Eyrewood yourself, there's little cause for concern. You and your staff pass the time with ease, and before you know it, it's time to wake Bixby and Jay.

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    Taath sighs as his shift comes to a close. Turning, he walks quietly over to Bixby, kneels next to him, and suddenly covers his mouth with his hand. "Witches!" he whispers harshly as Bixby startles awake. "Make no sound, lest they hear you!" He pauses for a long moment, keeping Bixby's mouth covered as he pretends to scan the forest for threats.

    Finally, it becomes too much for the elf and Taath starts to chuckle. "You should have seen your eyes! 'Oooh, oooh!'" the elf mocks, putting on an exaggerated look of fright. Standing straight, he gives the halfling a sharp poke in the gut with his staff and says, "Go wake Jay; it's you guys' shift." Feeling quite satisfied, Taath moves back to his previous spot and sits down, reclining against a tree. He pulls out a piece of candy, frowning at the small number remaining, and watches the fire as he chews.

    mattakaslash on
  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    A very grumpy Bixby stands up and stretches his limbs after being rudely awoken from his slumber. He shoots a quick evil glare towards Taath before turning away and deciding to ignore him for the rest of his shift. He moves over to Jay and gently shakes his shoulder, advising him that it’s their turn to keep watch. He then leaves Jay to get up and starts to circle the perimeter of the camp, keeping to around 15ft of the camp at all times. After being frightened awake he is now quite alert and receptive, so he manages to keep his eyes on the forest at all times. This was good for two reasons, one being that it was safer for the camp, and two being that he didn’t have to look at Taath.
    Spoiler:

  • soxboxsoxbox Registered User regular
    Jay rouses to the sounds of Taath giggling himself to sleep and shakes his head in exasperation. While Bixby takes care of the perimeter, Jay takes care of other tasks around the camp, including following Duran's advice to dampen the fire to try and make sure they're not too visible. He's not quite sure whether he's helping or hindering, however, as he knocks a wet log into the pit and causes a flare of sparks and smoke to erupt.

    Nature - hide the fire: 1d20 5

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Nature (Jay): Your attempts at damping the fire don't do much more than cause a lot of smoke to billow up into the air.

    Perception (Bixby): Your patrol around the perimeter of the camp reveals several sets of tracks that never reach closer than about 10 feet from the camp. You don't see any creatures around to claim them, but they're definitely fresh.

  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    The tracks Bixby spots around the campsite perplex him, he hadn't seen anything like them before. Using the distraction of the smoke cloud from the fire, Bixby gets down on one knee and decides to investigate the tracks further without drawing attention to himself. After all, there was no use panicking and informing the group about these tracks only to have Taath mock him for getting excited over the footprints of a deer.
    Spoiler:

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Nature (Bixby): The tracks were left by some kind of footed creature. Probably more than one. Wolves? Bears? Cats? The only thing you're sure of is that the creature or creatures aren't hoofed or birds.

  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    Seeing Jay bumbling around with the fire and Ini and Jason asleep, Bixby turns to Taath. With a quiet sigh, he approaches the Elf.

    "Hey, Taath. I didn't want to bother you but I think I need your help. Some animals have been snooping around the camp tonight. Can you look at these tracks and see if it's something we should avoid?"

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    Taath smirks. "Yeah, I'll look." He stands and walks over to the tracks. "These," he says, pointing with his staff to some footprints next to the animal tracks, "are yours. You knew that much, right? As for these...." The elf pauses to consider.

    Nature: 1d20+9 19

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Nature (Taath): You see two different sets of animal tracks, both belonging to wolves. The tracks are a few hours hold by your estimation. There is no sign that the wolves are still around, that you can see. Since dawn is quickly approaching, it's possible that the wolves have moved on.

    It's just about time for you to move on as well, unless there's something the five of you wish to do here at camp before packing up and continuing toward the village.

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    Inialos yawns as Taath and Bixby rustle about the edge of the camp. Paying them little mind he gathers his things and jostles Jason gently. "Time we got moving. I don't think the woods particularly care for us being here."

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    Jason rubs his eyes and looks up at Inialos standing over him, his eyes still closing and opening almost involuntarily. "Just five more minutes, mom...." he says, then drifts off to sleep again. A moment later he opens his eyes again, this time actually seeing the young man before him. Startled somewhat, he begrudingly rises from his sleeping roll, rubbing his back and moaning slightly. "I never knew the ground was so....uncomfortable..."

    Folding his roll carefully and placing it back in his pack, Jason perks up considerably as he learns about the close encounter with the wolves and he skips over to look at the tracks. Chomping on a bit of beef jerky, he comments, "Man, to think that I could have seen them when I was awake! That would have been awesome!"

    Turning to the rest of the group with his trademark grin he completes his thought, jumping up and down slightly with excitement as he realizes where they are headed."On to the village?"

  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    "They don't care for you being here," Taath confirms to Inialos. "Couple of wolves," he says to Bixby, "probably stopping by to see if you were worth eating in the middle of the night. Guess you weren't." Standing, the elf gathers his things and his bearings. Once everyone is ready, he begins moving toward the village again, resuming his scouting.

  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    "Actually I think it was the smell of your feet that scared them away" Bixby replies with a short chuckle. "Let's get out of here, and noone stand downwind from Taath!". Bixby grabs his gear, already packed up due to taking the last shift, and slings it over his shoulder, ready to carry on the adventure for the day.

    moleface on
  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "Off we go then." Inialos strides off towards the old village as the others fall into the marching order they had taken the day before. Talking loud enough for the boys ahead and behind to hear Inialos wonders aloud,"I wonder what we'll find in this old village. Give you a dozen to one it won't be friendly."

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Abandoned Village
    The Second Day of Your Trial

    You arrive at the outskirts of the village shortly before noon. Cresting a small ridge, you find yourselves looking down on the dilapidated remnants of a small village. Most of the village consists of small homes nestled among the trees, though a large common area dominates the clearing a few hundred feet in front of you. This was likely the village center, similar to the one in Armond.

    Among the buildings still standing around the village center you see the ruins of a small town hall, a smithy, and what was probably at one time an indoor market. Unlike in Armond, most of these buildings are made of wood.

    As far as you can tell from where you are, the village is completely empty.

  • AnialosAnialos RPG MPD patient #1 Registered User regular
    "Hmm, looks safe enough. Can't be too careful though. Taath, you mind taking a look?" Inialos prompts the most adventurous member of the group to give the village a good once over as he reaches out for any arcane leavings that anything may have left here.
    Spoiler:

    Dichotomy wrote: »
    I play a lot of video games but I wouldn't call myself a "gamer" because "gamer" has become a pretty fucking disgusting label

    like "skinhead" or "republican"
  • mattakaslashmattakaslash Registered User
    "Looks clear from here," says Taath, shrugging. "Anything dangerous isn't going to be out where it can be seen at this time of day anyway."

    Perception: 1d20+4 10

  • IlliantharIllianthar Registered User regular
    Jason bounds up to the edge of the village with the others, overjoyed at how incredibly fortunate they are to have found this place, and eager to explore. He barely contains his excitement as Taath looks around, and upon hearing that everything is clear he quickly rushes into the village without waiting for any of the other boys. He runs straight to the smithy, poking his head inside to see if anything interesting might have been left when the village was abandoned.

    Perception: 1d20+2 22!

    Illianthar on
  • molefacemoleface Registered User regular
    Following behind Jason, Bixby jumps down and makes a beeline right for the old market in the hopes of finding something shiney and valuable that was left behind. Finders keepers!

    Perception: 1d20 19

  • DenadaDenada Registered User regular
    Arcana (Inialos): You don't detect any significant magical energies in the area.

    Perception (Taath): The village does indeed look clear. If there are any predators around, they haven't been here lately, based on the lack of tracks that you can see.

    Perception (Jason): The smithy, or what's left of it, consists of an outdoor area that used to be covered by an awning, a large open-air room, and two smaller rooms on the right side of the main room. The outdoor portion of the smithy is home to the typical equipment you would see in a place like this. A pair of anvils, a trough, a small furnace, and the broken remnants of two racks that would likely have held weapons or tools. Inside, you find a much larger furnace and more smithing equipment, along with a large stack of iron bars and several boxes full of coal. The area appears to have been fairly well picked over, being devoid of any tools or finished products. Even the bedroom is largely empty, only home to a broken bed frame and an empty dresser. The door to the other room is locked with a heavy iron padlock.

    Perception (Bixby): Gaining easy entrance to the market building through a large hole in one of the walls, you find yourself inside the remains of a general store. Barrels and crates are stacked in various configurations around the area, all of them covered in thick cobwebs. The store opens to a large hallway that served as the market's common area. The cobwebs extend into that area as well, covering most of the floor and walls in a dense sheet of grayish-white. You don't see any sign of life around, though you do see a spear jutting from the floor about fifteen feet away, toward the front of the store.

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