[DnD] The Fantastical Contraption - Pt. 4 - Heart of Darkness

Aegof · January 2011

I gave him through 10, if that helps.

Frustrated with the goblin's persistence, Daus lashes out again. Finally, the psychic damage is too much and the hobgoblin collapses, dead though physically unharmed.

Standard- Nightmare Eruption vs Archer 1's Will: 1d20+9 23 hit
1d8+6+1 13 psychic damage, killing Archer 1

Vista, Orsik & Swanky

Bugbear Warrior 3: HP 17/76 AC 18 Fort 17 Ref 15 Will 14

Farangu · January 2011

Yea, if you make the lists up to level 10 then we won't have to worry about it for a while.

susan · January 2011

"YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTACKED THE CHILDREN."

Vista slides to the left, hefting her sword and swinging it viciously at knee-height. Her blow connects, chopping through the last remaining Bugbear's legs with a single blow and collapsing it do the ground to die of shock and bloodloss [20 vs AC, 23 Damage].

*smokes a cigarette* Three scalps, that felt good.

MaxFrost · January 2011

"How is the gentlemen who took is in doing? Is he okay?" Orsik looks around the room while he's patching himself up.

Farangu · January 2011

A reminder, since this is Orsik's first fight with us: I don't assume you roll Perception for body looting.

Auldwyl groggily rises to his feet a minute or so after the last bugbear is slain. After clearing his head, he surveys the carnage, and sighs.

“Unless you’re planning to stick around to take on the group that comes looking for this one, you ain’t done us no favors.” Auldwyl pulls aside the curtain to the bedroom, showing the crates stacked there. He opens one, revealing a brace of black-fletched arrows. Another crate contains longswords, and a third is packed with steel helmets. “The Hand is running weapons north,” the old man says quietly. “This town's a stop-off point, last town short of the wilds. We give their smugglers free run of the town, the Hand leaves us alone.”

He is about to continue, until you hear more noises coming from outside. You open the door, and see the vast majority of the villagers standing there. Most of them seem smart enough to recognize the dead cultists on the ground. Half of the crowd seems more scared than ever, while the other half seem like the idea that fighting back against the cult is something in the realm of possibility.

Which path the village will take doesn't seem like a choice they can make right now.

One of you - make a Perception or Streetwise check now. A small bonus will be added to account for you standing up against the cultists.

Smoove Operator · January 2011

"Ya, well you didn't do US any favors by checking out for the entire fight." Swanky says as he picks through the bodies, apparently oblivious to the commotion outside.

I would make the streetwise/perception check, but it just doesn't seem very Swanky to be dealing with villagers when there may be loot afoot.

Perception for looting the bodies, 22, Swanky ignores the villagers.

Also, wishlist incoming, I'm combing through the books right now.

Farangu · January 2011

"I'm so sorry for BEING UNCONSCIOUS. Jackass."

Swanky:

Spoiler:

Smoove Operator · January 2011

"Thanks for the heartfelt apology, you are forgiven for having a skull made of goose down." replies Swanky matter-of-factly. "Hey Daus! One of the uglies is holding magic stuff and I need you to come check it out."

Steelhawk · January 2011

Skarr wanders over, snatching his 5 gold before Swanky can "conveniently" forget to tell his family that they scored some loot.

This is a thing, too, Max.

Smoove Operator · January 2011

Only sometimes does Swanky take a finder's fee...or a service charge...or business expenses....or per diem...or a medical allowance...or a charitable gift (which you can all write off, thank you very much!)

Aegof · January 2011

A bit distracted, and honestly not trusting Swanky's ability to tell the difference between something magical and something strangely designed, Daus glances at what his brother has found.

Arcana: 1d20+12 14
haha

Farangu · January 2011

Daus:

Spoiler:

MaxFrost · January 2011

"People! They are simply Goblinkind! If you don't defend yourselves, they will simply continue to pillage and steal what is not theirs!"

Orsik looks up and down the row of people there, wondering why with all that gear, they don't attempt to take a stand for themselves.

Perception: 1d20+8 25

And a quick Arcana roll for kicks.
Arcana: 1d20+11 16
heh, just as bad.

Farangu · January 2011

Orsik:

Spoiler:

At the edge of the crowd, a young woman steps forward.
“Name’s Shandra. Hobgoblins killed my pa when they first came. Said it was a warning. I followed them, meant to take revenge but I couldn’t keep up. But I saw where they went. I can make you a map for finding their Black March.”

Skill challenge passed!

This town, while small and rural, does have a few supplies for sale. Does anyone need anything, or shall I continue?

Smoove Operator · January 2011

I havent been keeping up, but Swanky probably needs shuriken. I'll just take them out of the hobgoblin supplies, if there are any.

Aegof · January 2011

I don't think I ever had Daus pass out the golds from the stinky old books, so let's pretend he did and everyone got their 32 gp ages ago.

Also I made a Perception: 1d20+3 6 to take another look at those prizes but nope. I'm ready to move on, I guess.

Farangu · January 2011

You examine the corpses of your assailants one last time before you leave. Tight, well-maintained leather armor on each, covered by a loose black tunic, painted with the Hand of Bane on it. Each of them also wore a small pendant, with what looked to be a hole inside that used to hold something...Curious.

You bear this in mind as you set out. The arid frontier turns into hilled forestland before too long, making survival out here a tad easier on you. This is still more marching than many of you have done for some time, however, and according to the map that the villager gave you, you still have another three days' worth of march ahead of you.

Luck occasionally sees fit to throw the hardiest adventurer a bone, however. As dusk approaches, you stumble upon an ancient ruin shrouded by stunted spruce—a shrine or temple reduced to a foundation pit and half a dozen pillars among the trees. With the light fast fading, you begin the procedure of setting up camp, all the while contemplating all that you have seen and heard thus far.

Smoove Operator · January 2011

Having suggested, been the sole participant in, and subsequently become bored of "I, Spy", singing showtunes, and asking Skarr "are we there yet?", Swanky was happy to set up camp. Satisfied that his small corner of the campsite was complete, Swanky moseyed over to where Daus was busily setting up his stuff.

"Hey Daus, I know that you know more about this stuff than most, so I have a quick question. You know my new sword with the little black rock from that old temple thing in it? Well, it has this habit of talking to me. I call him Guapo and he seems nice enough. How worried about this should I be? Like on a scale of 1 to 10?"

Aegof · January 2011

Daus paused.

"I was pretty sure you were making that up. For attention." He paused again. "What's it been saying? This is an important part of the grade."

Arcana: 1d20+12 19
Trends in talking swords and the purposes thereof?

Smoove Operator · January 2011

"He doesn't say a ton. He says his name is Mort, but I disagree. What does a rock know about naming itself? I can't have a sidekick named Mort! Swanky and Mort? No way. Could you imagine an official decree decrying the nefarious antics of Swanky and Mort? No, now Swanky and Guapo, thats got ZING! That's dynamic! Apparently he can hear me all the time, even now..." Swanky's sighs as he realizes what he has said. He whispers to Daus, "Which means I'll probably have to apologize later for saying that Mort is a terrible name." Resuming his normal tone, Swanky continues, "Anyhoo, he can't talk to you. Or anyone else. Basically just me. They say halflings are lucky, and I'm inclined to believe them. Shifty folk like you must be lucky too. Think about it, you know someone who has a talking sword! Thats incredible, Daus!"

Aegof · February 2011

"Yes. Incredible." Daus rubs a temple. "I suppose Dad doesn't know about... Guapo. Look, I'm not immediately willing to trust a piece of meteorite found in a temple profaned by devil-worshipers, no matter how friendly it might be. This is the same building Korin disappeared from, remember. Pay attention to what he says and when he says it, and let me know if you catch yourself acting strange or he says anything suspicious. Talking weapons are tricky. Treat him like an eight for now."

Smoove Operator · February 2011

"Oh, wait." Swanky tilts his head to the side as if listening, then nods his head in approval. "Guapo likes you Daus, he says your smart. Also he confirmed my suspicions, Swanky and Guapo ARE going to do great things. Like there was ever any doubt!"

Farangu · February 2011

No more RP, huh? Well then. Advancement will come whenever power gets restored and I'm not posting from a phone. Stupid blizzard.

Steelhawk · February 2011

Any mention of Swanky's talking sword just smacks of more of his brand of attention seeking. Let him have his fun, he earned it.

Skarr is snoring. Loudly.

Sorry, I've been really busy lately...

Farangu · February 2011

Just as you all begin to settle for the night, a cry rings out. A crashing of branches precedes a male human, with the sun of Pelor on his cloak, blond hair ragged, lurching into the firelight. As he stumbles towards you, you see a prominent scar on his left cheek.

MaxFrost · February 2011

"Well, that was easy."

Smoove Operator · February 2011

Trying to find a quiet spot behind a tree to observe the newcomer and make sure he has the jump on any dangers that may be following, Swanky trips over Skarr, narrowly avoids falling into the fire, kicks over a few errant pots and pans and lands squarely on a stray cat that happens to be sleeping nearby.

Spoiler:

"Pleased to uh, make your acquaintance..." Swanky mumbled as he removed a pot from his head.

Farangu · February 2011

"Help...me..."

The man looks about ready to collapse.

MaxFrost · February 2011

Orsik runs over, arcane power at the ready, as well as his years of healing skills learned on the battlefield. He pulls the man over his shoulder and brings him over to the fire, and begins administering first aid to the poor paladin.

Heal: 1d20+9 18

Farangu · February 2011

Orsik hefts the slumping man over his shoulder. However, he gets about 5 paces before the cracking of brush announces another campfire guest. You all turn to see a tall human male, clad in scale armor with a resplendent cloak of Pelor around him. His blond hair shines in the fire light, which also illuminates a scar on his left cheek.

"STOP!" He cries out to you. The man that Orsik is carrying starts to leer at the newcomer, and lashes out with a hidden short sword at Orsik before fleeing into the darkness.

Assailant makes a lunge at Orsik, Hits for 11.

Smoove Operator · February 2011

"Doppleganger? What if they both are? What if theres more? What if there's an entire gang? AHHHHH! Doppleganger gangbangers!" shouts Swanky as he launches himself at the newest Pelor clad human to step into the clearing. The halfling pulls himself up the human's cape and grabs him around the neck, trying desperately to keep the much larger man in a headlock.

Spoiler:

susan · February 2011

Vista leaps to her feet, sword in hand. To the newcomer, she says, "Your actions and circumstances require immediate explanation. Failure to comply will result in a default stance of outward aggression towards you." Her eyes glow a little bit brighter as she narrows them. "You would not like my default stance of outward aggression."

Steelhawk · February 2011

Skarr howls as he gets up. Not for any normal reason, but being woken up from having pleasant dreams of naked half-orc women by Swanky landing squarely on his manhood tends to disorient a man and he might need to howl.

Finding his axe and little bit more of his dignity Skarr scowls and nods in Vista's direction. "What she said...."

Farangu · February 2011

The new arrival raises his hands. "I was trying to warn your dwarf friend there to stay away from that assailant. Unfortunately, I was just too late. My name is Jaryn. Doubtless you've heard of my target, the Hand of Naraash. That evil cult must be purged from this land. Perhaps I could count on your aid? Assuming, of course, you can convince this little one to get off of me," he says, pointing to Swanky, who is suspended over the ground, trying to force Jaryn into a headlock.

MaxFrost · February 2011

"Eh, I've had worse happen to me," Orsik says as he inspects his wound. He pulls out one of his nifty potions and pours it over the wound, where it magically closes up.

Orsik heals for 13 hp

"Apparently these cultists have no issues dressing up like a disciple of Pelor though. Unusual behavior in my book"

Aegof · February 2011

"Sounds reasonable to me," Daus says. "Pelor's one of the better gods; wearing his sunburst is going to buy trust and respect from many people. Though perhaps not the safest thing to wear here." He turns to the paladin. "Jayrn. We were sent to find you."

Insight: 1d20+10 18
Let's get a sense of his reaction to that.

Steelhawk · February 2011

Skarr will stare balefully at this "paladin". Skarr's not exactly the trusting type. Perhaps a whithering look will cause a nervous sweat or the like.

Intimidate = 15

I should have taken a background or something for Skarr to get a bump to Intimidate. Alas.

Farangu · February 2011

Jaryn finally manages to toss Swanky off of him, then helps the halfling up. Then he smiles.

"You were sent to find me? What an odd coincidence. So was I."

Jaryn then stabs Swanky in the side, and whistles a short burst. Suddenly, more of the trees rustle, and three more Jaryns leap out of the shadows, and into your campsite.

Jaryn - Short Sword vs. Swanky; Hit for 15.

Roll for Initiative!

Steelhawk · February 2011

Initiatve = 11

MaxFrost · February 2011

Initiative: 1d20+3 17

damn, wasted a heal

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[DnD] The Fantastical Contraption - Pt. 4 - Heart of Darkness

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