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[D&D 4E PbP] Kingmaker Act 1: The Stolen Land (IC Thread)
TiamatZ
Ghost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
Ghost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
Kingmaker Act 1: The Stolen Land, a Dungeons & Dragons (4E) adventure for six first level characters
This is a PbP game.
I, TiamatZ, will be your DM. Sheets are on myth-weavers (or Orokos). Dice rolls are on Invisible Castle (or once again Orokos). For now, this is an IC thread. Post OOC discussions/comments/questions/etc in the OOC thread to avoid clutter and confusion.
I expect each of you to post at least once a day (except maybe on weekends [Saturdays and Sundays]) when you're able (though if it is your turn, by all means post during the weekend; I’ll just post the updated map by Sunday/Monday or so). If you'll be away for an extended period of time, let me know so that I (or yourself, or others) can make arrangements to keep the game moving while you're gone (or postpone it if the majority of the party is unavailable). I'm a level-headed person, and I won't kick you out for missing posts here and there. That being said, if you flake consistently you'll be removed from the party.
For combat, I will provide the HP, AC and other defences (as well as any special bonuses monsters receive e.g. +2 AC when standing next to each other) of the enemies present and you shall roll attack rolls. If you hit, roll damage and work that into your post. I also colour coded the monsters (makes it easier to work with, since most of you are newbies to the PbP format) by their border; red are minions, green are normal monsters, yellow are elites and purple are solos. So if you pop a daily on a red bordered monster you are going to feel really silly because it shouldn't last more than a single hit. Everyone will post their IC actions, with the rolls and results in SPOILER tags.
I will use TalonRazor’s idea (from the Legend of Novus PbP game; WOW! Hard to believe I’ve been using this format since 2009!). You must declare what you are doing in ORANGE text. The rolls must be in RED BOLD text and linked to the IC (or Orokos) roll. At the bottom of the post, still in spoiler tags, they shall post who is up next, in brackets and size 3 font that is GREEN, and who is on deck.
Here is an example template:
"Johnny Law swings his mighty fist, smacking the honest citizen in the face."
For immediate interrupts or reactions, remember to post them with any criteria to follow in orange as well. If one of your powers has an immediate interrupt ability, state that power as well as when to use it e.g. when a monster strikes me, I want to use power X (where X is the power with immediate interrupt, such as a Wizard’s Shield utility power, or the Fighter’s No Opening Utility power).
Also link to OOC thread: here
The primary goal here is for us all to have fun. Though I’m not new to PbP DMing, I can still make the odd mistake from time to time. Not to mention that the majority of you are all (probably) new to PbP games, so we’re all noobs here. If you're not having fun for some reason, please let me know. Alright, now that that's all out of the way, let's go roll some dice and kill some monsters!
“Enter the Stolen Lands, a wilderness claimed by nobles, bandits, and beasts alike. Into this territory the fractious country of Brevoy sends its emissaries, tasking them with subduing the lawless folk and deadly creatures that have made it a realm of savagery and shame. Beyond the last rugged frontier stretches the home of voracious monsters, capricious fey, wily natives, and bandits who bow to the rule of a merciless lord none dare defy. Can the heroes survive the Stolen Lands, bring their dangers to heel, and lay the foundations of a new kingdom? Or will they just be one more fateful band, lost forever to the ravenous wilds?“
Contents:
Prologue: Six a company makes...
Chapter 1: Trouble at Oleg's...
Talonrazor as Arifyn Tok, Changeling Fey Warlock - A helpful and friendly man, Arifyn Tok is someone who still holds on to their sheltered beliefs and principles even after being exposed to the realistic cruelties of the world. He is a representative of law, order and the justice that civilization brings by being an officer of a royal law enforcement agency responsible for policing magic user. As a Lesser Judicial of the King’s Arcane Justice, Tok is sworn to his non-partisan duty to the Crown. Dressed in the signature red leather armor of the King’s Justice, Arifyn wears a brown leather hooded robe over it. As a Changling Warlock, Arifyn usually adopts the guise of a traveling human to get closer to his targets.
doomybear as Dhyrn the Indolent, Gnoll Rogue - Superstitious and sneaky, the Gnoll Dhyrn the Indolent carved himself a life in taking what he could from others, first as a raider for a dysfunctional tribe and then as a prisoner in a limestone quarry. When the dim-witted inmate was tricked into murdering a connected trader, he escaped and made his way south. The Swordlords caught him, and instead of wasting his talent at the gallows, they sent him into the Stolen Lands.
NerfThatMan as Gareth Hammerarm, Human Bravura Warlord - No more than a fairly competent mercenary, Gareth Hammerarm is the typical soldier of fortune- brash, bold, but not always willing to stick his neck out if the price is wrong. His recent (somewhat accidental) rescue of a minor nobleman's son and the boy's consequent tall tales of the soldier have catapulted him to fame among the powerful families of Brevoy, and Gareth might be the only one who realizes how overblown most of the praise he's receiving is. He also considers himself fluent in Dwarven. No dwarf would agree.
SaberOverEasy as Matthew Whitmarsh, Human Wizard - The former proprietor of Marsh and Son may have been pushed out of business, but that doesn't mean he's given up. Working his connections and trading the last of his money for a spot on the expedition squad, Matthew Whitmarsh has high hopes for the Stolen Lands. Between his business sense and secret arcane abilities, he might just be able to realize them.
Kilnaga as Nemo Newtan, Halfling Paladin of Avandra - Born with Avandra's Kiss, Nemo was raised knowing that he was special. He received the best training his family could afford in the fields of martial combat, medicine, and religion. Nemo left the life of a fisherman behind when he set out from the River Kingdom of Mivon in search of adventure. He arrived in Restov as the groups venturing into the Stolen Lands were being formed and believed the stroke of luck in the timing of such a grand adventure was no mere coincidence.
Gatsby as Smith, Warforged Shielding Swordmage - Purchased more than three decades ago, and "raised" in the city of Restov, Smith operated as the custodian and metalsmith for Roderick "one-thumb" Byzantine; duelling master in charge of The Heavy Gauntlet, one of the many schools scattered across the city. Eventually Smith became Byzantine's ward, progressing from mere manual labourer to sparring partner, then later teacher at the academy. Once The Heavy Gauntlet closed the automaton was still taken care of, brought up like a surrogate son to Byzantine and after passing away he even granted Smith his freedom as an individual. The Warforged has now decided to venture out and has already made a name for himself recently, protecting merchants and craftsmen from Lake Reykal who have promised to detail his exploits and chivalry to those at Silverhall and beyond.
None... yet!
Orokos/MythWeavers Campaign name:
Quest List:
Additional Notes:
This section is to keep track of any PC related feats or powers that would aid other players (e.g. Gareth’s Bravura Warlord Feats) or even healing related powers (i.e. a Cleric’s Healing Word).
Treasure List:
- 900 Gold Pieces
-4 Healing Potions
[/Spoiler]
The Specifics
This is a PbP game.
I, TiamatZ, will be your DM. Sheets are on myth-weavers (or Orokos). Dice rolls are on Invisible Castle (or once again Orokos). For now, this is an IC thread. Post OOC discussions/comments/questions/etc in the OOC thread to avoid clutter and confusion.
I expect each of you to post at least once a day (except maybe on weekends [Saturdays and Sundays]) when you're able (though if it is your turn, by all means post during the weekend; I’ll just post the updated map by Sunday/Monday or so). If you'll be away for an extended period of time, let me know so that I (or yourself, or others) can make arrangements to keep the game moving while you're gone (or postpone it if the majority of the party is unavailable). I'm a level-headed person, and I won't kick you out for missing posts here and there. That being said, if you flake consistently you'll be removed from the party.
For combat, I will provide the HP, AC and other defences (as well as any special bonuses monsters receive e.g. +2 AC when standing next to each other) of the enemies present and you shall roll attack rolls. If you hit, roll damage and work that into your post. I also colour coded the monsters (makes it easier to work with, since most of you are newbies to the PbP format) by their border; red are minions, green are normal monsters, yellow are elites and purple are solos. So if you pop a daily on a red bordered monster you are going to feel really silly because it shouldn't last more than a single hit. Everyone will post their IC actions, with the rolls and results in SPOILER tags.
I will use TalonRazor’s idea (from the Legend of Novus PbP game; WOW! Hard to believe I’ve been using this format since 2009!). You must declare what you are doing in ORANGE text. The rolls must be in RED BOLD text and linked to the IC (or Orokos) roll. At the bottom of the post, still in spoiler tags, they shall post who is up next, in brackets and size 3 font that is GREEN, and who is on deck.
Here is an example template:
"Johnny Law swings his mighty fist, smacking the honest citizen in the face."
Standard Action: Basic Melee Attack against Citizen #1 (A10)
Move Action: Stand there
Attack Roll [1d20+4 = 16+4 = 20] Damage Roll [1d20+10 = 1+10 = 11]
[Up Next: Bobby Joe][On Deck: Chuck Norris] (or red for enemies)
Move Action: Stand there
Attack Roll [1d20+4 = 16+4 = 20] Damage Roll [1d20+10 = 1+10 = 11]
[Up Next: Bobby Joe][On Deck: Chuck Norris] (or red for enemies)
For immediate interrupts or reactions, remember to post them with any criteria to follow in orange as well. If one of your powers has an immediate interrupt ability, state that power as well as when to use it e.g. when a monster strikes me, I want to use power X (where X is the power with immediate interrupt, such as a Wizard’s Shield utility power, or the Fighter’s No Opening Utility power).
Also link to OOC thread: here
The primary goal here is for us all to have fun. Though I’m not new to PbP DMing, I can still make the odd mistake from time to time. Not to mention that the majority of you are all (probably) new to PbP games, so we’re all noobs here. If you're not having fun for some reason, please let me know. Alright, now that that's all out of the way, let's go roll some dice and kill some monsters!
Act 1: The Stolen Land
“Enter the Stolen Lands, a wilderness claimed by nobles, bandits, and beasts alike. Into this territory the fractious country of Brevoy sends its emissaries, tasking them with subduing the lawless folk and deadly creatures that have made it a realm of savagery and shame. Beyond the last rugged frontier stretches the home of voracious monsters, capricious fey, wily natives, and bandits who bow to the rule of a merciless lord none dare defy. Can the heroes survive the Stolen Lands, bring their dangers to heel, and lay the foundations of a new kingdom? Or will they just be one more fateful band, lost forever to the ravenous wilds?“
Contents:
Prologue: Six a company makes...
Chapter 1: Trouble at Oleg's...
The Cast (AKA the party):
Current Party :
Talonrazor as Arifyn Tok, Changeling Fey Warlock - A helpful and friendly man, Arifyn Tok is someone who still holds on to their sheltered beliefs and principles even after being exposed to the realistic cruelties of the world. He is a representative of law, order and the justice that civilization brings by being an officer of a royal law enforcement agency responsible for policing magic user. As a Lesser Judicial of the King’s Arcane Justice, Tok is sworn to his non-partisan duty to the Crown. Dressed in the signature red leather armor of the King’s Justice, Arifyn wears a brown leather hooded robe over it. As a Changling Warlock, Arifyn usually adopts the guise of a traveling human to get closer to his targets. doomybear as Dhyrn the Indolent, Gnoll Rogue - Superstitious and sneaky, the Gnoll Dhyrn the Indolent carved himself a life in taking what he could from others, first as a raider for a dysfunctional tribe and then as a prisoner in a limestone quarry. When the dim-witted inmate was tricked into murdering a connected trader, he escaped and made his way south. The Swordlords caught him, and instead of wasting his talent at the gallows, they sent him into the Stolen Lands. NerfThatMan as Gareth Hammerarm, Human Bravura Warlord - No more than a fairly competent mercenary, Gareth Hammerarm is the typical soldier of fortune- brash, bold, but not always willing to stick his neck out if the price is wrong. His recent (somewhat accidental) rescue of a minor nobleman's son and the boy's consequent tall tales of the soldier have catapulted him to fame among the powerful families of Brevoy, and Gareth might be the only one who realizes how overblown most of the praise he's receiving is. He also considers himself fluent in Dwarven. No dwarf would agree. SaberOverEasy as Matthew Whitmarsh, Human Wizard - The former proprietor of Marsh and Son may have been pushed out of business, but that doesn't mean he's given up. Working his connections and trading the last of his money for a spot on the expedition squad, Matthew Whitmarsh has high hopes for the Stolen Lands. Between his business sense and secret arcane abilities, he might just be able to realize them. Kilnaga as Nemo Newtan, Halfling Paladin of Avandra - Born with Avandra's Kiss, Nemo was raised knowing that he was special. He received the best training his family could afford in the fields of martial combat, medicine, and religion. Nemo left the life of a fisherman behind when he set out from the River Kingdom of Mivon in search of adventure. He arrived in Restov as the groups venturing into the Stolen Lands were being formed and believed the stroke of luck in the timing of such a grand adventure was no mere coincidence. Gatsby as Smith, Warforged Shielding Swordmage - Purchased more than three decades ago, and "raised" in the city of Restov, Smith operated as the custodian and metalsmith for Roderick "one-thumb" Byzantine; duelling master in charge of The Heavy Gauntlet, one of the many schools scattered across the city. Eventually Smith became Byzantine's ward, progressing from mere manual labourer to sparring partner, then later teacher at the academy. Once The Heavy Gauntlet closed the automaton was still taken care of, brought up like a surrogate son to Byzantine and after passing away he even granted Smith his freedom as an individual. The Warforged has now decided to venture out and has already made a name for himself recently, protecting merchants and craftsmen from Lake Reykal who have promised to detail his exploits and chivalry to those at Silverhall and beyond.
Fallen in Battle :
None... yet!
Orokos/MythWeavers Campaign name:
PA Kingmaker
Whenever you use a site like Orokos or Invisible Castle for your rolls (attack rolls/ skill rolls etc.), use this as the campaign name.
Whenever you use a site like Orokos or Invisible Castle for your rolls (attack rolls/ skill rolls etc.), use this as the campaign name.
Quest List:
Current Quests:
Completed Quests:
None Yet!
Completed Quests:
None Yet!
Additional Notes:
This section is to keep track of any PC related feats or powers that would aid other players (e.g. Gareth’s Bravura Warlord Feats) or even healing related powers (i.e. a Cleric’s Healing Word).
Gareth's Combat Leader: Gareth and any allies within 10 squares gain a +2 bonus to initiative rolls.
Gareth’s Bravura Presence: When an ally who can see Gareth spends an action point to take an extra action and uses the action to make an attack, the ally can choose to take advantage of Bravura Presence before the attack roll. If the ally chooses and the attack hits, the ally can make a basic attack (with a +1 bonus to the attack roll) or take a move action (with a +1 bonus to speed) after the attack as a free action. If the attack misses, the ally grants combat advantage to ALL enemies until the end of his or her next turn. Improved Bravura has been taken into account.
Gareth's Lend Might: When an ally makes an attack granted by one of Gareth’s warlord powers that ally gains a +1 bonus to the attack roll.
Gareth’s Bravura Presence: When an ally who can see Gareth spends an action point to take an extra action and uses the action to make an attack, the ally can choose to take advantage of Bravura Presence before the attack roll. If the ally chooses and the attack hits, the ally can make a basic attack (with a +1 bonus to the attack roll) or take a move action (with a +1 bonus to speed) after the attack as a free action. If the attack misses, the ally grants combat advantage to ALL enemies until the end of his or her next turn. Improved Bravura has been taken into account.
Gareth's Lend Might: When an ally makes an attack granted by one of Gareth’s warlord powers that ally gains a +1 bonus to the attack roll.
Treasure List:
- 900 Gold Pieces
-4 Healing Potions
[/Spoiler]
TiamatZ on
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Six days ago, in the early summer, you met with the Lord Mayor of Restov himself, Iospeh Sellemius. After nearly three days of intense interviews, countless eyewitness accounts and test of character, six adventurers were chosen and have boldly taken up one of the four charters granted by the Swordlords of Restov. Their task given: To explore and map the area of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt, and to rid the area of bandit activity.
Dangerous lands of ancient magic, lost colonies, wilderness and mystical Fey, these lands have always been referred to as 'Stolen' by the people of Brevoy. Now, the Swordlords of Restov seek to secure their southern borders in preparation for a potential war with their northern neighbor Issia. For the Rogarvian line has disappeared, and not all of Brevoy recognizes the right of the Surtova's to rule in their stead. In a brilliant tactical and political move, the Swordlords have granted the rights to explore and potentially claim these lands to trusted and capable individuals, who will surely prove strong allies in the coming conflict, and at the very least deter bandit activity.
In truth, these lands have never truly been claimed by civilization. The last attempt to colonize these lands was made by Taldor, and the expedition failed drastically; the harsh wilderness and feral animals driving out the colonists; who whisper that other, darker powers kept the Stolen Lands from them.
The group of strangers, bonded together either by by their mission and their charter (or through more dubious means), are currently heading east-by-southeast along the last major road this far south in Rostland. As they travel, talking amongst themselves and admiring the contrast between the civilized lands and the Stolen Lands they can see on the horizon, they think back to their meeting with the Lord Mayor of Restov, and his final words over a fine dinner to the group. “As agents of the Swordlord's of Restov, you are to head directly along the south road towards a small trading post, run by a man known as Oleg. His outpost will provide you with a somewhat safe haven to begin your explorations, as well as offering you any information that might deem crucial in your task ahead.” The Lord Mayor informs.
The Lord Mayor had looked at you all as you left his mansion (well, some with concerns on his face, as was the case with the ‘former’ Gnoll prisoner, Dhyrn), and just as he made his farewell, he cautions. “It is your honour and your privilege to serve Rostland, and indeed Brevoy, in this stead. But make no mistake. These Stolen Lands are a grim and dangerous place. Some of you may lose your lives there. Some of you may lose yourselves. However, fortune favours the bold, and what treasures and wealth the bandits might have hoarded over the years? It would be quite a sight! I look forward to your progress reports. Go now, secure the wilds, and send me back a good map now and then. May the Two Dragons protect and guard you."
Five days later...
The sun has shone brightly for the past few days, barring the odd rainstorm. The light winds push the leaves across the branches and hollowed tree stumps, creating a slight crescendo of sounds most might deemed interesting or refreshing. Indeed, other than seeing the last Brevic patrol two days ago, the forest teemed with other life, as you noticed a herd of deer grazing a day ago. The party is about a day’s march away from Oleg's, and (fortunate weather holding) should arrive by end of the day.
_______________________
OOC:
@doomybear: It is assumed you have been given free reign with your character, but remember... the Swordlords are watching...
Let’s get this party started :P
Edit: In case anyone HAS questions to ask the Lord Mayor, consider posting it as a flashback (use Italics and quotations if you’d like)
The last member of his company was particularly worrying. He'd scrupulously avoided the attention of the the King's Justice for the last few years. He gave Nemo a pat on the back "For luck!" as he strode over to Arifyn.
"Arifyn! What a lovely day. What brings you to the Stolen Lands? Are the swordlords now seeking out more arcance criminals?"
Green eyes scanned over the Gnoll, as whatever mutterings inside the metal, stone, and wood skull of Smith tried to suss out his feelings on a prisoner such as him being included. Once again, like Arifyn he'd done nothing since meeting the rest to earn any negative remarks, however he'd heard a lot about Dhyrn's kind. In the end reluctance won over any other prevalent feelings, yet even that was a strong enough reaction for the newly freed Smith.
Continuing to internalise and compartmentalise this still-brewing individuality, Smith continued his march ahead without making any real conversation. Greetings and pleasantries were one thing, "chatting" was another. It'd be a long but educational day ahead for the Warforged.
Some of his companions kept distant from other members of the group, some kept silent; but Nemo felt they all had a lot more in common than they any of the others suspected. They all chose to be here, that was key. Nemo hurried to move alongside the gigantic Gnoll, having to double Dhyrn's lazy, loping pace to keep time with him. Upon reaching the Gnoll's side, he reconsidered his next action for a moment. The Gnoll stood at nearly twice Nemo's height, and up this close cut an even more imposing figure than he had from a few paces back. The diminutive paladin made a silent gulp to help steel himself and muster the courage to talk to the giant. "Lovely day for a stroll through the forest, isn't it? There's nothing quite like the warmth of the sun against the back of your neck."
- Terence McKenna
The sight of the deer stopped him for a second and he quickly opened the thick, heavily used leather-bound book. Grabbing his charcoal, he tried to sketch as fast as he could while moving. The group wouldn't stop to study the nature, as Arifyn knew they wouldn't. He didn't want to fall behind either but these sighting were spectacular. He had never been this far south. Cursing softly, he wished he had time to study the natural world more. Not being able to identify the deer and it's type frustrated him. Being a Lesser Judicial of the King's Justice, and the Arcane Justice at that, was demanding on a fellow. Research, cases, practice and more cases kept him entirely occupied. Being assigned to this expedition though, he actually would have time to study his precious nature. Maybe he could--
The man spoke to him and snapped him out of his contemplative thoughts. Arifyn smiled broadly and snapped the book shut, dropping it to the satchel that hung around his shoulder. He hadn't had a chance to talk too closely to the group and relished the opportunity to chat. Yes, what a fine adventure this would be.
"Ah, err- What was that my dear fellow? Swordlords? Oh, right! No, my fine friend! The Chief Arcane Justice personally asked me to consider being assigned to this expedition. The Royal Magical Service wanted a representative of order and civilization to go along. Who better than a Judicial of the King's Arcane Justice? No, no, there isn't any official sponsorship nor am I tasked with a certain nefarious ne'er do well, haha! Hark, I am not even really here to police the wilds! Although if we happen to come across some evil character who seeks oppression and misery then by Bahamaut we will show him true justice, the likes this wilderness hasn't seen! No, my dear fellow. I am ensure that the good people of these lands are treated kindly, that whatever new establishment arises from this chaos will be good and true. A clean slate is a rare thing and we get to build upon! Makes you excited, doesn't it? Aren't you a former bussiness owner? You get to forge anew out here! What marvels! But tell me, have you ever been this far south? I wonder if the things they are say are true, the monsters and the like. Mind you! I wouldn't mind seeing a few of these fantastical monsters. I happen to like a bit of amateur collecting and lorecrafting myself. I would love to get a chance to study such a thing! Perhaps even an arcane wonder or two. Have you heard...."
Arifyn stuck his thumbs against the strap of rucksacks and continued on chatting with a cheery disposition and a broad smile. Yes, a fine adventure indeed. What a wonderful day all of this was. Just, tops.
Dhyrn was carrying a locked chest in his arms and wore an extremely stuffed backpack. In one hand was a waterskin repurposed to hold ale, and he had already emptied two during their walk. The halfling came up to the gnoll, and Dhyrn instinctively pulled his chest closer and watched Nemo. It had taken extensive coaching to teach the gnoll that Nemo was not, in fact, a child but was instead a halfing, and that Smith was not, in fact, an expensive toy and was a person in his own right.
Dhyrn answered Nemo, "The warmth of the sun on my front! Nobody wants to carry me, though," he laughed and then pouted, "We're not doing anything. Where are the bandits? The trading post? I'm bored."
- Terence McKenna
- Terence McKenna
Dhyrn snickered as he accused the halfling of battle-virginity. The gnoll vaguely remembered that the Swordlords were trying to teach him something about how most people are not violent sociopaths, and he softened up a bit, "But you have killed before, right? What do you do?"
He punctuated the question with small air stab and then took a drink from his aleskin.
- Terence McKenna
That decision made, Gareth began to tunelessly sing a dwarven marching hymn, until he couldn't remember the words, at which point he began to whistle with a lack of any direction or musical ability.
- Terence McKenna
Seeing where the Gnoll was pointing, he answers whatever unanswered questions the mischievous rogue has.
"Biological needs are curiosities to me," Smith says, jaw plate slightly twitching yet not fully opening as he speaks in his deep baritone. "Genitalia would provide nothing more than bemusement rather than utility."
- Terence McKenna
The forest was quiet. Neither insect nor beast seemed to stir, causing a sense of unease in the air. As they passed the last bend of the forest path, however, it soon became apparent: a plume of smoke is seen flowing towards the sky in the distance. The heroes hurried along, and soon came upon a most peculiar sight.
A tipped wagon laid on the side of the dirt road. Its contents (barrels, small chests and bags containing vegetables and other fresh produce) were strewn across the side of the road, with some even laying further within the forest. A fire is finishing off a stray and broken wooden chest; the source of the plume of smoke earlier. A haggard, old man wearing a black, furred hat and simple robes was busy pulling on one of the wheels futilely, trying to get the wagon back on to the road.
The man sighs and stands back for a moment, straightening his back, before looking eastwards toward the heroes' general direction and spots them.
"I...I say! Care to help a poor man with this here wagon? I need to deliver this here goods to Restov, and fast! Please, by Avandra, I beg of you!" the man shouted, while waving his hands towards the heroes.
_________________________________________________
OOC:
Here's the map of the area (Spoiler for large):
You are considered coming from the east side of the map, as Restov (and the rest of Brevoy) was in that general direction.
Abandoning his shorter companion, Dhyrn picked up his pace a bit and tried get a bit ahead of the rest of the party as they would approach the trader. His first thought was to simply kill the man and get comfy in the wagon while others pulled him the rest of the way to Oleg's. Well, he knew that the latter bit of that scenario was completely unlikely, and he realized that the Swordlords would not appreciate having a potential trader looted. The gnoll imagined an itch at the brand on his back.
Dhyrn spoke and volunteered, "Sure, sure, I will help!"
With his short sword, he carefully etched a triangular 'D' into his personal chest and set it gently down next to the wagon. "Hm," he contemplated and spoke, shooing the older man toward the rest of the party, "Tell the iron man what happened."
The gnoll would approach the fallen goods and look for the essentials: alcohol, meat, and money. He thought he might be able to get away with some judicious re-appropriation of only a few goods.
- Terence McKenna
"Stand aside, old man, let the bonafide hero help ya!", He shouts as he pushes past the old man, more concerned with bravado than actual compassion.
"Come on Gareth, put your back into it, you stupid git...", he mutters, hoping to impress his companions.
Strength check1d20+5=24
The man pauses for a moment when Arifyn questioned him, gathering his thoughts. "What happened? Well, a herd of elk burst through the forest here, scared my oxen they did. Next thing I knew, my oxen went mad, and made me crash here on the side of the road. Been here for two days now, with no bloody luck to get this blasted thing lifted."
Sighing, the old man asks Arifyn, "So, where you lot off to? The Greenbelt? Heard its a dangerous place, what with being in the Stolen Lands and what not."
The man looks back at the wagon, spotting Gareth lifting the wagon alone. "He's a tough one, isn't he?" the man smirks, while looking back to Arifyn, pointing to Gareth. "Though even with his mighty strength, he might need some help. Why don't you all help him out? This here old man's too tired to continue..."
Dhyrn, Nemo, Smith:
For a wagon this large, a beast of burden like an oxen or two seem to be missing. You can't see any nearby.
Gareth:
You were almost able to lift the wagon back onto the road... provided someone could offer to support you and push the other side of the wagon.
OOC: No need to re roll the check again; we'll assume your stabilizing it till someone comes along to help out.
Dhyrn:
As you watched the wagon Gareth heaves back into place, you noticed something odd about it. For one, it has a number of cuts and slashes on its sides, made only when a heavy and weapon (like an axe or a sword) is slammed into the woodwork. Secondly, the wagon itself creaked and squeaked faintly, caused mostly when a wagon has been left to stand unattended in the ravages of nature for weeks (such as the woodwork soaking in the rain during a storm, or the wood drying due to the sun's rays for example).
Passive Perception: 18 (Passed)
You also smell blood nearby. You can smell faint traces of it on the man if you stand close enough. You can also spot minute traces of dried blood on the man's robe.
Arifyn Tok:
You noticed something odd about the old man. For a man of haggard appearance working to lift the wagon for two days, he seems to have quite a spring to his action. He also seems to be quite distressed, rather than happy, to see Gareth attempting to pull the wagon back onto the road alone. You also noticed that he seems to be inspecting each and every one of you. For what, only he knows...
Inspect the Wagon: 1d20+7 26
You noticed something odd about the old man. For a man of haggard appearance working to lift the wagon for two days, he seems to have quite a spring to his action. He also seems to be quite distressed, rather than happy, to see Gareth attempting to pull the wagon back onto the road alone. You also noticed that he seems to be inspecting each and every one of you. For what, only he knows...
Insight: 18 (Passed)
In addition, you realized a wagon this big can only be manned by at least another person, yet you can only see the old man. Yous spot that none of the barrels or chest carried anything flammable. You also come to the realization that a chest could not simply burn by itself. It must have been set alight on purpose. Something doesn't feel right.
"Unfortunately I was built for general work and stamina, nothing like this."
Strength check: 1d20 + 1 = 15
- Terence McKenna
Dhyrn, not finding anything he wanted, returned to the wagon near his chest and drew a dagger in his right hand. He added, "I smell blood, and there's blood on the guy, too. You can't smell blood unless it's kind of fresh. Hammerguy, I think it would be good if you broke the liar's legs. I'm going keep an eye out in case he has friends."
The gnoll kept his arms lightly crossed and held the dagger by its blade, keeping his eyes on the trees and listening for movement.
Minor Action: Draw Dagger
Perception Check: 1d20+8 = 6 + 8 = 14
Minor Action: Draw Heavy Shield
- Terence McKenna
"Stay behind me!" He yells over his shoulder.
Hah! Arifyn, you scoundrel you! I knew I should have applied to that thespian troupe! What a delightful ruse.
"If'n the magic man don't do for you first, I'll gladly smash yer little eggshell in, you lying sack!"
Minor Action: draw throwing hammer
Action: Roll to aid Arifyn's intimidate check
Intimidate check against old man, aiding Arifyn if it works that way:1d20+5=22
Intimidate Check: (Success)
The old man starts to quiver, and falls to the ground.
"Please...please! No need for that! I was just told to be the bait. We found this here wagon a few weeks ago! Figured some of our boys from Greenbelt hijacked it and left it here! Boss decided to use it as a staging ground for some merchant ambushes! He said I was just to lure some passerby's and lure em to this here wagon. While you were distracted lifting the wagon, the boss and his men would shoot you while he was hidden. Then we'd just loot what was left of ya! That's all! I swear to Avandra that's ALL I KNOW! HONEST!" he says, as his old man accent starts to disappear, revealing himself to be a rather middle aged man.
The man then starts to sob uncontrollably.
Success: Jasper will not fight on the first round, and is also prone!
"Gods damned it all Jasper!" A gruff voice cries out from the dense forest. "You have to be the WORST bandit that I have ever had the displeasure to work with! Your not only a terrible conman, but your such a yellow belly as well! Gods!" Within moments, a large man wielding a longspear jumps out of the forest, and lands a few feet behind Jasper. The man was clean shaven, with a squared jaw and a scar across his right eye. He was wearing a simple leather jerkin.
"Now, you lot! I recommend you surrendering! You are surrounded! There's no way in the Nine Hells you could beat a dozen of us! Now wise up and choose: give up your coin and goods... or your life! Either one doesn't matter for me, but I'm sure it does for the lot of you!" the man grunts, while wielding his weapon menacingly towards the heroes.
This bandit wasn't lying. All around you, you can hear the rustling and crunching of leaves throughout the forest. You spot four dark figures approaching from the north, four more figures moving right behind the ringleader, and three more figures directly south west of the wrecked wagon.
Dhyrn:
With your keen senses, you can spot the majority of them wield crossbows. None of them, however are drawn.
"Well now! What will it be?!" the man directs...
.... or surrender...
OOC:
Map of the battlefield:
Minor Action - Diplomacy check on Jasper:
1d20+9 13
- Terence McKenna