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[DnD 4e PbP] The Serpent Swallows its Tail (IC)
Posts
How did Captain Harrowleaf react to the news of the Ogre King?
Did we get paid?
Did the shopkeeper want the dagger back?
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
#2 Gotta return to get paid.
#3 No, but the Wizard said he would reward you for the Dagger+skull totem.
_____________________________________________
Assuming the party informed Toman of the quest...
"Well lets at least get these troublesome totems of terror back the wizard in Loudwater."
"Besides - between the three of us I don't think we have enough food left to feed a adar babi bach"
With that Toman sets off in the direction he believes to be Loudwater.
I assume Mint will show up soon enough...
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
Hedging his bets, he continued, "Better go after him, to make sure he doesn't get his fool-self killed." With that he took off after Toman at a brisk power-walk.
_____________________________________________
Captain Harrowgate has never heard of the Ogre King, however he does seem concerned when you describe it. Especially when you detail how it turned translucent and drifted through the ceiling. According to him, that doesn't sound like any Ogre that he's ever heard of. He leads you to a large stone building in the center of town and asks that you wait outside. After a few minutes he comes back carrying three bowling-ball sized sacks. "Payment as promised for all of your adventuring crew, with a small bonus for your lost allies. "I wish that I could do more, but Loudwater is not a wealthy city." (100 gold for each of you).
He has, however, heard of GreySkull Citadel. GreySkull Citadel was a keep located in the High Gap of the Greypeak mountains to the east. The Gap and the Citadel once marked the only known pass to access the Black Road, the dangerous and only-known trade route through Anauroch, the Great Desert. Since the Spellplague, it has been abandoned as trade with the lands to the east was not needed, and the cities of Najara have had their hands full battling the horrors of wild Najara.
He, and the Magisters of Loudwater, would appreciate if you could investigate this seeming-threat in the Ogre King, and the recoming of Maglubiyet. They would of course find a way to repay you.
He suggests the wizard you spoke to before may be able to assist you more, and suggests that if you meet him tomorrow, he may have another member who could join your adventuring group in this endeavor.
Otherwise he waits until the rest of the party is ready to move on.
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
"My first act as trustee is to set aside administrative fees, which in this case include, but are not limited to Trustee's fees in the amount of the 100 gold you first offered me. Other administrative fees are negligable in the present case. I then magnanimously transfer the balance of the corpus to Rolan and Toman as official and honorary parties to the original contract, in the amount of 100 gold apeice. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow Captain, to meet this new person, who was, unfortunately, not a proper party to the contract."
_____________________________________________
“Your abilities match your ambition, it seems. By Mystara’s lost spell, it’s been too long since adventurers explored the secrets in this area. You may keep the totems. I merely wanted to see if you could retrieve them.
Anyhow – listen well – The so-called Ogre King was no mere Ogre. It was a beast called an Oni, an ogre like beast with mystical powers. This particular Oni being a very ancient one. Those silly goblins have been worshipping him for thousands of years as some sort of Demigod. They never realized that he was using them as fodder for his explorations. It sounds like through some unknown ritual, they have found a way to return him. Probably using these Totems that you now hold. Perhaps this Oni held more power than anyone knows.
I hear that you are to be traveling east towards Greypeak Citadel. That path takes you directly past ruined Llorhk. There was a fellow Wizard of my order who resided there before its fall. Xane he was called, and no-one has heard from him in quite some time. I would appreciate greatly if you would investigate his residence on your way and send word of what you find. In particular, if any of his studies were left behind I would be willing to pay you for their contents. I would be willing to give your wizard a ritual scroll that would allow him to let me know your discovery from Llorhk. What say you?”
"See that man? He is an ordained magistrate of Amaunator, and as such a trustworthy soul, I am sure you would agree. You may remember the recent goblin attack at this very market, and I am sure you can see that such attacks are a terrible plight on fine merchants of this city, such as yourself. Well, we have defeated those goblins and I hope you won't think me too bold if I might ask to take some of your apples. Its a small price to pay for our services and you can't deny it would be for a good cause if it is endorsed by a magistrate. And of course I wouldn't dream of demanding anything if you are of the mind to refuse, though we spoke to the Captain Harrowgate as well and I don't suppose he would be to happy to hear of such activity. At any rate, If you insist that I take a few ripe apples as a small token of your thanks to us, I would never refuse it."
Bluff (Con) the Apple Merchant: 1d20+9 28
Toman wanders in as the wizard finishes examining the totem, seeming much more at ease inside a building, away from the eyes of the citizens and out of the bright sun. He listens carefully, tossing an apple to both Rolan and Amos, and offering another to Curuvar. As the wizard finishes speaking the young warlock uses his dagger to help himself to a slice of cheese. "Sounds good, it will be nice to get on the road again and we can look for your missing mage of lost Llorhk. What type of research was this Xane into? And how do you propose we transport such items to you should any be found unattended?"
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
Holding both totems he sighs, "at least I can take these back to their proper owner. Would either of you like to come with me? I know a nice little town that should be able to point us in the right direction to clean up, and refresh ourselves. Toman I'd appreciate another magic user, and if you can put up with Amos's insufferable prattling perhaps I could too".
Letting out a small chuckle he starts to walk towards the exit
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
"Xane was doing some alchemical studies of an area of the eastern High Forest known as the Dire Wood. Any studies that you may find should be small and portable. Vials of Soil, bark from trees, vegetation, and the like. These you can place into this specially created case. The largest items that you would be likely to encounter would be a research manual or Tome. You would be able to identify this from any regular tome by its distinct writing style. It will be written from right to left, and not in any legible language to anyone but our order. Anything else that you fine will be considered yours for the taking."
He pulls out a leather bound square case and hands it to Rolan, opening the case reveals many well-padded slots for the storage of research vials.
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
Alchemy Case
Weight: 20 lb
Description: This sturdy leather valise includes well-packed glassware, a burner, a mortar and pestle, and dozens of jars of common alchemical reagents. You need an alchemy case, or access to an alchemical workshop, to use alchemist powers.
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
No mortar/pestle, no burner.
Also, he told you up above that you could keep all the totems, he just wanted to see if you were all talk, or if your group could actually retrieve them.
-- obviously, the "worthy" members of the group returned
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
Elvish:
ACTIONS
'Toman also surreptitiously slides a bottle of wine into his rucksack.'
-- Opposed Check: Against the passive Perception of each creature present.
Thievery to Steal a Wine Bottle: 1d20+7 16
I am not sure if there are modifiers - (distracted, etc)
Unless there is a modifier, then Rolan notices, Amos does not (barely) and I am unsure about Curuvar
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
"Yes, we will bring the light of Amaunator to the former residence of the Xane fellow. Before we settle this accord formally, would you be capable of transferring the enchantment of this skull totem to the weapon issued me by my order? It simply will not do for a magistrate of Amaunator to be debased by carrying a goblin fetish into battle." Amos pauses for a moment before summing up and putting his hand out towards Curuvar, "You will receive our considerably investigatory skill, and any of Xane's study material for a fair price. In exchange, we will get to keep anything else we find at Xane's residence, plus an enchantment transferal. And an upfront fee of 75 gold apiece."
_____________________________________________
Leaning back to Toman, Rolan whispers "Unless you plan to share that wine. I suggest you put it back"
Leaning back against the wall Rolan reflects on what all has happened that day, and looks forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
Regardless of the room situation, Toman will meet with Rolan in private and (after procuring a wineskin) give over half the contents of the bottle. If time permits he will visit some local shops during the day, but if not he will purchase some items tomorrow instead, replenishing supplies, buying some small items of gear, etc.
Toman slips out of the tavern during the night, and heads into the city. Moving quickly and silently through the night streets, the Warlock is too preoccupied with avoiding the areas of illumination to notice if any of his allies follow.
Stealth to Sneak out of the Tavern: 1d20+9 16
Night Activities:
Intimidate vs priest/caretaker: 1d20+9 22
Elvish:
Toman then carefully returns to his bed and spends an uneasy, restless night haunted by memories of events gone past.
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
Since Rolan and Toman decide to share a room, give me private move silently/listen checks in PM.
The next morning you awake and head down to the private taproom to find Curuvar already waiting for you. The table is again stocked to the hilt with various meats, eggs, juices, milk, and fruits. Many delicacies that one does not often find in a common inn. Already seated at the table with him is Captain Harrowleaf, and a female tiefling. (Mint, describe yourself)
AC 22 | Fort 15 | Ref 14 | Will 15
Insight: 18 | Perception: 13
Condition:
Marked Foes: None /COLOR]
As you sit down, each of your plates has a pouch sitting atop it. Amos' plate has a slightly smaller pouch than everyone else and in his chair rests the newly enchanted morning star.
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
Elvish:
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
He then speaks in common so that everyone can join, "Well then friends, let us toast your success. I'm sure you'll want to be on the road before the day is too far upon us and the painting honoring your fallen comrades will hang in the Magistrates' Hall before you return." before raising a glass in the air to all of you.
Elvish;
Diplomacy: 1d20+4 22
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
With that Amos raises his glass with the others.
_____________________________________________
Captain Harrowleaf educates you a bit on what you're likely to encounter in the lands to the east, "As you may well know, Llorkh lies a modest 5 days east of here. There once was a well maintained dirt path leading all the way to the Grey Pass in the Greypeak mountains. Merchants traveled frequently between Loudwater and Llorkh, and less frequently out to Grey Pass. Llorkh was once a city about the size of Loudwater with a large militia. Quarrels between its rulers, the so called "old lords" weakened it, and it was overrun some time ago. Rumors from few who claimed to survive its fall were of giant snakes and snake-people at the head of some lizardman army. We have sent scouts, and by their word the town is in shambles, and no sign of its destroyers is present. Since its fall, it has been used as a haven for self styled bandit kings of all manner of race. I would give it wide berth, were I you. And if you encounter travelers on the road, no matter how goodly they seem, I would give them careful attention."
Curuvar takes a puff of his pipe and breaks in, "Xane's tower is located slightly north of Llorkh. Though not visible by the road, you will know when to turn by the presence of a queerly shaped rock by its side. I have sketched the rock here for you. Within an hours travel from the road you will see the remains of the tower visible atop a rocky hill."
Captain Harrowleaf begins again "I have requested that Curuvar provide you with two more scrolls that can communicate spoken word back to us here, one to let us know what you find at Greyskull Citadel, and the other should anything else you feel important come up. Do any of you have any more questions for us?"
(Curuvar hands over two more scrolls of sending, bringing your total to 3 -- Mint, there is a pouch with the 75 gold for Enza as well, Curuvar assumes if you're traveling with the group to Greyskull, you will also assist them in exploring the tower)
At the moment, you have your final opportunity to ask any follow up questions, and procure any gear/spend any money that you've accumulated before leaving for Llorkh. Llorkh as I said is a 5-day walk, and the Grey Pass is another 6 days beyond it.
"Enza is fine please. I do not stand on ceremony nor titles. I find that oftentimes the fewest words used with deliberate intent are the most meaningful. I am not trained in the art of bullshit."
She looks away a minute, a brief expression of sadness and regret crossing her face, "While I know that it is ..unusual..for my kind to be in Ilmater's service, please learn to trust my sincerity through my deeds, not..preconceived notions."
AC 22 | Fort 15 | Ref 14 | Will 15
Insight: 18 | Perception: 13
Condition:
Marked Foes: None /COLOR]
Edit:
Rolan, takes the scrolls "I'll be sure to send word as soon as we find anything". After talking a long pull on his drink, "I'd like to pick up a few supplies before we head out. It's always good to restock and be prepared"
What kind of things can we buy here?
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16
Shopping
Ghoul Candle- It functions as a normal candle, except that it provides no illumination for undead creatures.
Item Compartment (vambraces)- cunningly crafted piece of apparel, you can conceal an object on yourself that weighs 1 pound or less. You gain a +2 bonus to Stealth checks against Perception checks to notice the item. (To conceal thieves tools)
Signal Ammunition (5)- These crossbow bolts incorporate sunrod materials that ignite when the ammunition is fired, and are useful for coordinating maneuvers or signaling for help. (no official ruling on how long the light lasts or the radius of illumination it provides - but at about 4 times the cost of a single sunrod {for 5 ammunition}, I'm inclined to think about the same as a sunrod.)
Writing Case- This leather case holds a blank journal, loose sheets of parchment, an ink stone and ink brushes, a blotter, quills, and penknives.
Other than that, no additional purchases (see sheet for full list of existing equip).
I've already moved the Ironscar enchantment on my character sheet to the deathbone rod, but since I do not yet have the feat to capitalize on the deathbone implement, it has no game impact. So for RP purposes it can occur later.
AC 15 | Fort 13 | Ref 15 | Will 16
Insight: 16 | Perception: 19
Condition: Concealment until EoMNT, +2 Bonus to all Def until EoMNT
Darkspiral Aura: 0
Cursed: Drake, Boss
I agree with the sunrod duration/radius for the cost.
Loudwater General has anything available from the PHB (or phb2, 3 etc) that costs 30gp and under.
The Loudwater Smithy can be commissioned to craft any mundane weapon.
The Loudwater Smithy can be commissioned to craft any mundane armor.
The Loudwater Apothecary carries many types of herbs/spices/alchemy ingredients/beakers/vials/mortar/low level rituals/gimmicky "charms" and protections, etc.
Starra's Knives carries all types of small-bladed weapons, many with names and stories about them (who knows if they're true)
Garwan's Curiosities carries all kinds of curios and bizarre items.
There is a stable, and a temple of all faiths (all non-evil faiths that is)
Edit:
As well as the "charms" and protections
AC: 15 Fort 12, Ref 16, Will 17
Passive Insight: 19 Passive Perception: 16