co tinued from Inthe Lich's Tomb


In the morning,you break camp and examine the captives. The horse finally woke up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:45, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

He gathers all his gear and anything that appears to be of value and prepares to travel. He has fixed his bow string.

So what do we do with Pierre?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 2):

"Take him with us of course."

Kirpich also checks everything for items of value, taking what is valuable.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 3):

Pierre is still very badly wounded. Kalvo is still unconscious and has a badky broken leg.

Oren has started stacking the weapins, and has gotten the dead out of their armor. Any pouches are stacked with the weapons.

Danos assists with packing. He looks skeptical about bringing prisoners.

In reply to Danos (msg # 5):

Kirpich will load up chunky with the most valuable items.

If we are to bring them, we can have two of the horses drag two poles each with the wounded suspended between the poles. But it limits what else those horses can carry or do.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 7):

"Perhaps. But they are extra horses, since we were carrying everything without them before."

But we also have more than we had before...  lets try it and quit chattering...time is wasting.

Stringfellow helps look for the materials needed to make the litters to carry the wounded.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 10):

You leave the perimeter of the bone field, and locate a few saplings that may do. Saving the man whose stolen map led you to this place after he hired men to kill you is not the easiest of plans to make. Kalvo is still unconscious, and has been breathing irregularly, with flecks of bloody foam on his lips. He did taje twoarrows to the chest, in addition to bereaking his leg when he fell off his horse.  Pierre is going to be montbs healing, and has been fading in and out of consciousness.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 11):

Kirpich will help positioning the injured, stabilizing their injuries if needed, before watching over them as they depart. Chunky will walk behind them to also keep an eye on them.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 12):

We need a survival roll or first aid to build proper travois for hauling, and both Kalvo and Pierre may need magical healing to have a hope of stability. Both are currently  crippled, so they won't get far on foot.

Danos does his best to immobilize the broken limbs and secure the injured in the makeshift sledge.

13:15, Today: Danos rolled 10 using 3d6.  First Aid 13.

In reply to Danos (msg # 14):

Kirpich calls upon Grom's mercies to heal them a little, before helping with the litter.

[Private to GM: Rolled 12 under, then 4 under Major Healing (Not Cure Serious wounds!) to heal for 4 hp each (for free due to skill). Then 5 under First Aid to help with the litter.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 15):
That srabilizes them, although Kalvo is a long,long way from being right.

(He now has wounded and lame,and is at about HT-1. Any further injury is liable to kill him. Pierre is on the edge of having tbe no legs disad. He has 0 hp)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:12, Tue 30 Jan 2018.

Stringfellow helps with Kalvo, but his dislike for the backstabbing fellow means that it isn't his best first aid. He is a bit rough while helping transfer him to the litter.

[Private to GM: 21:01, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 15 using 3d6.  First Aid - 14.]

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 17):

With the two wounded mem in tow, you lead the heavily laden horses out of the barrens and into the treeline.

Syvanus will scout ahead about 2-300 feet.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 19):

Kirpich and chunky will keep watchful eyes on the prisoners.

Danos will follow from the rear, using his telescopic vision to scan the flanks.

Unless the others want him closer to help with the prisoners and horses, Stringfellow will scout ahead with Syvanus.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 22):

You get along smoothly for a fewhours, and Danos spots some movement in the distant underbrush.

Danos quietly informs those near of the movement. He draws an arrow and attempts to get a better look at what the movement might be while keeping the slow sledges moving.

09:31, Today: Danos rolled 6 using 3d6.  Perception 14.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Fri 02 Feb 2018.

In reply to Danos (msg # 24):

Kirpich summons a stone missile...but continues along nonchalantly.

[Private to GM: Rolled 14 under skill to cast...natural 6!]

In reply to Danos (msg # 24):

You can just make out the shape of a horse grazing... as you aproach,you recognize that it is the necromancer's dead horse, and that it is grazing on it's fallen rider, Stavros.

Danos signals to the scouts ahead to stop.

With arrow nocked, he approaches the horse, and if things look clear he checks Stavros. If he is indeed dead, Danos will loot him.

In reply to Danos (msg # 27):

Stavros appears dead,but is moving while his entrails are being eaten by the undead horse.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Fri 09 Feb 2018.

Is the horse demonic? Or is it a normal horse that has somehow got the taste for intestine?

 His attention drawn by Dans' movement, Syvanus stops Stringfellow, watch from here and cover me, I should be back quickly so we may move on.

He then backtracks slightly to see what Danos is looking at. The sight is unsettling to say the least.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 30):

Kirpich will ask Chunky to watch the prisoners and alert them if they try anything. He will head back also, stone missile ready.

In reply to Danos (msg # 29):

This is the horse the necromancer was riding... it seems to have been dead for weeks.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 32):

Upon seeing it eating a human, Kirpich, will aim carefully before throwing his stone missile at it, attempting to identify what sort it is at the same time.

[Private to GM: Acc: 2, skill 12, rolled 14, so just made it, though SM would make it even better. 9 cr damage. Rolled 6 under IQ to ID the undead type for the horse.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 33):

The stone sinks into the horses side with a disgusting squelch.

Given that its victim is reanimating, it looks like a plague zombie.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 34):

Is it within range of a turn Zombie spell?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 35):

That spell does take a chunk of time to cast... but slightly out of range.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 36):

In that case Kirpich will move towards them until they are just in range before presenting the holy symbol on his shield.

[Private to GM: Move action, then Turn Zombie, radius 2, to catch both critters. Rolled 6 under skill. Minimum damage, of course! 5 seconds total...]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 37):

The rest of the group can approach before it takes effect, but you are chanting away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Thu 15 Feb 2018.

Syvanus mumbles and moves a little, then gets close, at about a hex away ... he opens his mouth and breathes out.




[Private to GM: 14:23, Today: Syvanus rolled 9 using 3d6.  Breathe Fire. Skill is 12 and I screwed up and should have specified 4D6 when I rolled it... 14:25, Today: Syvanus rolled 14 using 4d6.  Fire Damage.]

Stringfellow moves a bit closer, but stays further out than their own horses, keeping the perimeter secure. Pulling his bow, he prepares to give aid with arrows.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 39):

The undead horse bursts into flame, and eerily just stands there burning as it eats the entrails of the undead bandit.  It pauses, its mane ablaze, and gore dripping from its muzzle, and its eye rolls lazily toward Syvanus and glares at him balefully.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 41):

"What manner of evil is this?" Kirpich remarks with astonishment as he gets close to finishing his chant.

[Private to GM: Rolled IQ to try to know what is going on...]

Doesn't seem to mind fire much... must be demonic!

"Well now I definately wouldn't want to try riding it, talk about a hot seat.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 44):

"What's to figure out? Dead things feel no pain. None of the things we just fought ever recoiled from being struck, although a few lost their balance. Let's just end them both. before it walks off and starts a brush fire."

Syvanus draws the Runed Broadsword, holding his bow in his left and makes a determined all out attack striking at the Horses head.





[Private to GM:   11:55, Today: Syvanus rolled 4 using 3d6-4.  All out attack - determined. THAT Hits!
11:57, Today: Syvanus rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Swing to Head.]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 46):

Syvanus cleaves through its head, and its brains spill out.  The body remains standing and burning gor a moment, and then falls over on its side.

Stavros starts to get up, his entrails spilling into his lap.

Syvanus in horror swings at Stavros's head too ... and misses ...



[Private to GM:  18:58, Today: Syvanus rolled 13 using 3d6.  All out attack - determined.  Needed a 12 or less unless you grant me a "from behind/can't dodge add" Damage is 1D6+4 swinging fwiw ]

Danos looses his arrow at Stravos.

Miss by 1 unless there's something I missed.
09:18, Today: Danos rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bow 18 - 7 skull.

In reply to Danos (msg # 49):

The dead man lurches forward, the unevenness of his movement, and the snaring of his feet in his dragging intestines, causes him to waver in position, and Danos' arrow slips through his hair, and Syvanus blade cuts through its sleeve.

Syvanus gets his mouth shut and grimaces... He tries to predict Stavros's staggering and strikes again and again Stavros stagers oddly ...
  He is dodging...




[Private to GM: 18:15, Today: Syvanus rolled 15 using 3d6.  All out attack - determined. -4 for determined and +3 for head shot... actually that comes in at 14 and his Broadsword skill is 15 (defaults from Shortsword). I think he may have hit the ghoul.
18:21, Today: Syvanus rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  Damage.]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 51):

Turn undead complete yet? Can he reduce radius to one?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 52):

Your spell takes effect, just as Syvanus cleaves through Stavros' head.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 53):

Kirpich surveys the undead spectacle, observing if anything keeps moving or burning...

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 54):

The partially headless Stavros noticeably decays before falling over.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 55):

"Lets get away from here, those corpse look like they might carry disease..."

Agreed... can you cleanse my sword?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 57):

Kirpich utters a few words, invoking his holy symbol.

"I would still recommend cleaning it in the campfire."

[Private to GM: Rolled 9 unders skill, 10 under if including the +1 from the holy symbol (I think there is a +1, since it is worth $1000)]

Syvanus goes and places the blade in the flame, turning it several times before wiping it on the grass and sheathing it.

Stringfellow is still paying attention to their surroundings while in his head he is working out a few lines about and undead, flesh-eating horse and rider that terrorized the countryside until a brave band of heroes pursued and ended it during a massive battle.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 60):

"Ok, we done here? I am not keen to search that body, to be sure. Unless someone wants to risk it, lets be on our way."

He glances in Orens direction, pausing for a minute, and then begins to depart, waiting just long enough to allow a search if someone wants to.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 61):

Oren shrugs "Armor has a value, but not with plague on it. He had no coin, save maybe a few coppers from Kalvo. I think we are good."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:12, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

In reply to Oren (msg # 62):

"So we are good to return. Lets do so..."

Syvanus heads back to the front to scout ahead ... he'll fill String fellow in on what happened.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 64):

"That leaves only the skinchanger unaccounted for. He was sore wounded, so we might not see him again."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 65):

"Or he might try to replace a member of our party. Best we remain in groups of at least 3 at all times from now on.

Danos returns to his place in the marching order, unless the agreement is to change that formation.

OOC: by skinchanger, I thought we were dealing with some kind of lycanthrope, not a doppelganger capable of looking like other people? Not sure how these creatures work in this world.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Thu 01 Mar 2018.

In reply to Danos (msg # 67):

"I don't think he can do that, he has only been that
 angsty, skinny blond with the sword, or the lion, I have
 never seen him do anything else."

We'll be alert regardless.

Syvanus stars scouting ahead, making sure the other follow before going to far.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 69):

You get a day past the undead travesty and start looking to camp.

Syvanus scouts for a suitable camping spot.




[Private to GM: 15:10, Today: Syvanus rolled 13 using 3d6.  Scouting for a camp site. Just made it]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 71):

Kirpich will create food, before resting to recover his strength.

[Private to GM: Rolled 9 under skill, should be create food, not fire thanks to autocorrect.]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 71):

You find a reasonably comfortable site, but it isn't terribly secure or particularly close to water. On a plus, you aren't on a game trail, so less likely to be found by predators.

I'll take the last watch.

I can take first.

In reply to Danos (msg # 75):

"Happy to take second watch."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 76):

The night passes uneventfully. Marlena is glad to have finally gotten dry.

During his watch, Stringfellow softly plays some lullabies to help the others rest.

"Shall we press on? I'm eager to get back to Northport."

In reply to Danos (msg # 79):

"Absolutely."

Kirpich is feeling better after a good nights rest too.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 80):

You start making your way back towards Aral.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 81):

Is there anything we should post before something else happens? Scouts scouting, main body in a group, I presume, and catching any food we see. Other than that, Kirpich can create food and take the first watch to recover his energy each night. Anyone else have anything to add?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 82):

I will need six sets of survival rolls and three for food creation for the next three days, and I will advise you of encounters.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

From each of us I presume?



[Private to GM:
12:56, Today: Syvanus rolled 12 using 3d6.  Survival 6.
12:56, Today: Syvanus rolled 10 using 3d6.  Survival 5.
12:56, Today: Syvanus rolled 9 using 3d6.  Survival 4.
12:55, Today: Syvanus rolled 11 using 3d6.  Survival 3.
12:55, Today: Syvanus rolled 11 using 3d6.  Survival 2.
12:55, Today: Syvanus rolled 9 using 3d6.  Survival 1. Skill = 14]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Wed 14 Mar 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

We eat like kings!

Rolled 6 create food...

[Private to GM: Rolled 9 under, then 2 natural 4s, 16 under, then 8 under, 12 under, 9 under. Will put critical successes into a pack for later, as essential food, if created, does not spoil, right?]

Stringfellow attempts to help locate food, but his city skills in the wild cause him to do things like bumbling through the worst of undergrowth, frightening away nearby wildlife, and slipping while crossing a creek.


[Private to GM: 23:32, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 15 using 3d6.
23:32, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 8 using 3d6.
23:32, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 14 using 3d6.  survival 9.]

Danos's lack of experience as a survivalist is compensated for by his sharp elven eyes.

Survival at default, success by 0

16:21, Today: Danos rolled 9 using 3d6.  Survival (Default Perception -5) = 9.

In reply to Danos (msg # 87):

The next several days go by well for all, except for Stringellow, who laid his blanket down near an ant hill, which left him low on sleep and at a slight penalty to action due to distraction.

Syvanus kills and dresses a deer, which lends some variety to the diet, now including essential food.

Kalvo has barley regained consciousness, and the wound on Pierre has gone septic, leaving him feverish unless there is some intervention. He was able to eat the first day, but hasn't been able to keep anything down. Kalvo was able to drink a little water only once, and his wounds are festering and attracting flies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Fri 16 Mar 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 88):

Kirpich will try to help the sick, and continue to create food.

[Private to GM: 7 under, remove contagion, 7 under, major healing, 10, 14 and 7 under, creating food.]

Danos does his best to help Kirpich by keeping the wounds clean and dressed, but he's not happy about it.

"I still think we should have left you dead in the field back there."

Crit!

18:57, Today: Danos rolled 4 using 3d6.  First Aid 13.

In reply to Danos (msg # 90):

Danos re wraps Kalvo's broken leg so that it should heal without a limp, and expresses puss from his chest, but he still has irregular breathing sounds.

Pierre seems much better, but is still going to have to heal for some time before he can walk.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:26, Fri 16 Mar 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 91):

"Noted Danos. I think we did the right thing, though the gods may rule otherwise looking at his health. Still, that is their call, not ours, to make. Lets keep moving..."

Having a miserable return trip, Stringfellow still attempts to keep the party spirits up by singing and playing songs.

[Private to GM: 15:23, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 9 using 3d6.  Performance 15.]

When they stop to rest he continues the interogation of Kalvo and Pierre, trying to see if he can get any information out of them about anyone else that might know about their mission, the silver, or their group.

[Private to GM:
15:23, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 11 using 3d6.  Interrogation 13.
15:25, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 12 using 3d6.  Intimidation 13.
15:25, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 11 using 3d6.  Detect Lies 12.]

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 93):

The wounded man seems barely coherent, but is beyond the ability to lie, even if he isn't making much sense.

"Kalvo... no... just investor... monks..."

"Monks? Which monks? Speak man, tell me which monks and what did they do?"

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 95):

"Monks paid horses, rations. One rode with us... his horse! No!"

In reply to Pierre (msg # 96):

"Necromancer monks! Where did you find these monks?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 97):

"Monks came Kalvo's house. Don't know..."

In reply to Pierre (msg # 98):

"Well who were they? What abomination did they represent? You must know something about them after traveling with them so long."

"What emblem did they wear?"

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 100):

Pierre draws something in the dust, a cross with a hook for the lower member.

In reply to Pierre (msg # 101):

What would we roll to recognize it? Or would one of us know it?

I believe Syvanus should know it...

Saturnites!



[Private to GM:  12:49, Today: Syvanus rolled 11 using 3d6.  IQ. IQ = 12]

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 103):

"Oh. Tell me more about them."

Can't say as I am blessed with an in depth knowledge of them... seem to believe in some God of Oblivion,  Believe in Human sacrifice and are not seen out in the open. That's about all I know.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 105):

Anyone interested roll theology-2, occultism-3 or IQ-4 to know more... current affairs at -1 might help too.

Stringfellow thinks back about what he may have heard of them in the city.

[Private to GM: 17:26, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 7 using 3d6.  current affairs 14 -1=13.]

Danos can't think of anything related to Saturnites.

22:29, Today: Danos rolled 12 using 3d6.  IQ-4 = 9.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 106):

"Oh, wait, SATURNITES! I remember studying those in the temple..."

[Private to GM: All three rolls would be a target of 12, but rolled a natural 4; critical success!]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 109):

The cult of Saturnos has been causing trouble in Northport lately; an infernal priest and demonologist from Valdassya has been propogating the cult, luring commonfolk by offering unnatural relations with inccubi and succubi. Members of the cult wear dark robes dyed with cuttlefish ink extracted while drowning a cat. They murder folk and raise them as undead, and write evil runes that draw forth vital energy and use it to power the machinations of hell.

Saturnos, or Chronos the devoerer of time is an elder titan aligned with hell, but also somehow served by creatures of the outer darkness like Demons from between the stars and void elementals. It seeks the end of all things, and its operatives work under cover of darkness represented by their blackened robes to bring this about. The resurgance of the Devourerer marks the beginning of the end of all things.


In Northport, a ritual by the cult caused a street collapse and may have opened a gateway to hell... or so you have heard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:31, Mon 02 Apr 2018.

"Those guys are bad news. Were they after the silver or the magic control rod thing?"

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 111):

"Probably both, but I would suggest the rod had priority given its capacity for misuse..."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 112):

Kalvo's wounds seem to be oozing pus,his breathing is very erratic.

In reply to Kalvo Tvasi (msg # 113):

Kirpich will once again attempt to heal Kalvo.

[Private to GM: Rolled 5 under skill, Major healing. Rolled 12 under skill, remove contagion.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 114):

Kalvo falls into a deep sleep, and his color improves significantly.

Danos does what he can to keep Kalvo's wounds clean and dressed while they travel.

09:31, Today: Danos rolled 10 using 3d6.  First Aid.

In reply to Danos (msg # 116):

The next morning, he stirs, and looks around him  clear eyed for the first time since he was shot.

"What.. happened?"
This message was last updated by the player at 14:47, Fri 06 Apr 2018.

You Lost.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 118):

"We healed you and spared your life in return for knowing who was behind your attack, and why."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 119):

"I have been hunting the lost paytrain for twenty years. Did you find it? After the map was stolen, I took help where I could get it."

In reply to Kalvo Tvasi (msg # 120):

"I see. So you were behind the hunt for the pay train. Why did you not join us then?'

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 121):

"Two days before your expedition launched, I was robbed of the map and many other personal possessions. I could only assume your expedition was involved with my map. I gave what money I had left, and a dozen magically marked coins to my countryman Roslovich, and hoped to track him, and you with the aid of some investors I found at the last minute.
We lost half our horses and three men to that huge elemental. Roslovich betrayed us.
The wizard raised one of the horses as a mount. He was a foul one, but he and the other monks had money to fund us."

In reply to Kalvo Tvasi (msg # 122):

"I see. The monks were not interested in the rod that was used to control the huge elemental?"

He asks Syvanus

"Where did we get the map, anyway?"

"Danos and Oly had the map when they hired us."

Danos shrugs.

"Vilgar from the Adventurer's Guild hired us to sabotage Kalvo's arena fighting business since it was in direct competition with Vilgar's operation. We humiliated his fighters driving their prices down, and while we were at it Oly and I snuck into Kalvo's barracks and helped ourselves to some choice items. The map was one of them.

"I don't see what claim Kalvo has on the pay train over us - it's Shevnian pay gold, not someone's inheritance."

In reply to Danos (msg # 125):

"Pretty much every displaced Shevnian thinks of this as their inheritance.  Yes Kalvo, we got it, and had to fight through the undead legions of King Estrevan to win it. The payroll was hidden in his tomb by the thieves, and we went through Hell to get it."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Tue 10 Apr 2018.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 126):

"I see. Well,, it was silver, actually. How did you obtain the map?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 127):

"I don't think that matters. Kalvo could not have made it through to kill the earth mage who enslaved the elemental, nor past the rot worm, the flaming skulls or the lich. No living being was guarding this treasure, and we defeated the dead ones that had an interest."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 128):

"Perhaps  perhaps not. If the map was one of the few things that were rightfully his, though, we should give him something, after accounting for what he has also cost us. We are not common criminals, after all."

Syvanus looks at Kirpich Questioningly All he did was try to rob us after we fought all the battles.

"We should return his map to him." Stringfellow shrugs with a grin, "It was his after all."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 131):

"Well, really, if someone took the map from you and then went and got the treasure, would you behave differently?"

"Hey, speak for yourself," Danos said, grinning. "I'm happy to go with Stringfellow's plan. The return of the map, and the medical services rendered, should be enough to compensate this assassin who hired demons and mercenaries to hunt us like animals and is now appealing to our sense of decency."

In reply to Danos (msg # 133):

Except we must return it to the guild member who gave it to us, it is his to give, not ours. Correct Oren?

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 134):

"Maps change hands. A ranking guild member presented us with this, and we are under a binding magical contract to return this to him, and to divide our shares according to our original agreement. If any of you choose to do something to this effect upon our return, go for it, but we are bound by our compact."

In reply to Oren (msg # 135):

"The money he fronted me for the expedition is something I do owe him, but that may be where it stops."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 136):

"Oren has a good point. We made a magical agreement, and since you were not on the mission, at least not assisting us, you should take up your claim of ownership through the normal legal channels. Until then, let us fulfill our legal obligations and return to Northport, as per our contract."

With that, he does start to return.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 137):

You get through the next day without incident; both prisoners have lasting injuries that require the Travois. The night passes uneventfully as well,
But come morning, you can hear the tramping of feet...

Syvanus quickly gathers his things and moves to scout the noise.



[Private to GM:  10:56, Today: Syvanus rolled 7 using 3d6.  Observation. by 5
10:56, Today: Syvanus rolled 7 using 3d6.  Stealth. by 9]

Danos sticks with the main group, but readies his bow and an arrow, and scans the horizon in the direction of the noise.

In reply to Danos (msg # 140):

Kirpich listens very carefully for the approaching footsteps, to determine how many, and where from. He calls out to Grom quietly in prayer for assistance, just in case.

[Private to GM: Typical, roll the crit when not needed! Natural 4 for perception, and 7, 13 under skill, to summon earth elemental.]

Stringfellow readies his bow and backs up Syvanus.

The tramping is being caused by nine dog like humanoids marching in formation.
Unlike the previous batches of gnolls you had met, these seem well organized, and are wearing matching (if garishly painted) leather armor and carry spears and bucklers. They seem like they might have been capable of stealth, but wanted you to see them coming.

Their leader barks for a halt just out of bowshot and they beat their shields with their spears twice, then assume a fixed stance with the butts of their spears on the ground.

In reply to Spotted Howler (msg # 143):

"In the name of Grom, how can we help you?" Kirpich calls out.

[Private to GM: Has summoned earth elemental arrived?]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 144):

Their leader calls back "We hunt the skinchanger lion. His scent is strong on you."

The earth elemental will arrive in 25 seconds...

He ran off badly injured, did he not?   Or is he one of us?
 

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 146):

"We hunted him as well, and captured one of his companions. If he is with us, we don't know it. Why don't you check our party, and we will try to identify if he is here, and if so what happened to the person he replaced."

"When last we saw the skin changer he was sorely injured. This man was a companion of his. Feel free to take him and extract what information you can from him, as long as my companions will accept it. I don't see how the skinchanger could replace us, but you may know more about him than us."

Danos is nervous about the Earth elemental...

"Kalvo may have a valid grievance against the guild. We might need to take him with us. Questioning him is reasonable though."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 149):

Two of the heyena legionaires approach and sniff you, one at a time. They linger over Kalvo and the other of his gang. One barks several short words, and their yeader makes a sharp sound, and they fall back into rank.

In reply to Spotted Howler (msg # 150):

"My bouda say only those two wounded ones smell strongly of him we seek. Word of his predations on us reached Northport and we came to finish him."

In reply to Harou (msg # 151):

"We wish you good hunting. We have dealt with many of his companions, and we take these two back to Northport to face justice. If you have charges to add to ours, feel free to travel with us. Otherwise, we wish you luck in your hunting."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 152):

The wounded man calls out from the travois.

"Good luck, but you need silver to finish him. He heals anything else quickly...and he can't stand anything from a peach tree."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Sat 05 May 2018.

"What about beheading and then burning the seperate parts. Followed by spreading the ashes across moving water?"  Stringfellow asks curiously, thinking of an old poem.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 154):

Pierre shudders. " I think that kind of treatment would do for anybody, even a vampire. This guy is just a part time lion."

In reply to Pierre (msg # 155):

"Good to know. Does anyone have any reason not to continue home now, or can we depart and continue our trip?"

Let's go...

STringfellows nods absently to the idea of heading home while writing down some notes.

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 158):

The bouda drop back into formation, and head off. The rest of the day passes uneventfully.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 159):

And the day after?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 160):

Passes uneventfully.  As the sun sets, you can see the distant smog overlaying the city on the horizon. Signs of patrols are evident.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 161):

Keep watches as usual. Have guild badges ready. Sleep, Northport tomorrow! Yes?

We can hope...

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 163):

Watches?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 164):

Kirpich can take the first.

I'll take third

Danos will take second.

"Then forth it is," Stringfellow grins as he rolls out his bedroll and sings a song to relax everyone after the long day.

In reply to Danos (msg # 167):

Tramping of feet interrupts the second watch. A number of uniformed orcs wearing brigandine and a vaguely familiar device on their shields are approaching.

In reply to Orc soldier (msg # 169):

Assuming Kirpich awakes to the tramping, he will try to identity the symbols on the shield.

Syvanus again rises and arms himself... tired of everyone stumbling upon them... or were they just stumbling upon them?

On watch, Danos quickly wakes the others and readies his bow.

"Hold orcs. We have no quarrel with you, but will defend ourselves if necessary."

In reply to Danos (msg # 172):

"They are wearing the mark of the provisional Shevnian government- these are official troops!"
He turns to the orcs
"Pozdravi patroli!"

Waking up and stretching, Stringfellow looks around and rolls his eyes.

"This is the busiest wilderness I have ever been in. Honestly, I've performed on emptier street corners."

He sits up and makes sure his weapons are within easy reach, before studying the approaching orcs.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 173):

"What business have you here? We hear reports of bandits all about."

In reply to Orc soldier (msg # 175):

"We ran into some of those, fella named Peytor and his associates."

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 176):

"And who are you, a mixed group of armed foreigners and a Shevnian if not bandits?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Tue 22 May 2018.

In reply to Orc soldier (msg # 177):

"I am Kirpich, priest of Grom, and we are all members of the Nprthport Adventurers Guild. We came on a specific task which is of no concern of yours and, having completed said task, we are returning home. Now, how do we know you are who you say you are, and not bandits, because, as you say, they are common here, and could have overcome a Shevnian patrol to take their uniforms."

He holds out his guild badge.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 178):

The leader of the group approaches, wearing a brass badge, and extends a parchment, covered with Shevnian writing.
"As per His Royal Highness, Prince Fortescue, My men and several legions serve as the newly minted Wardens of Highways, and will obtain a plot of land to farm after twenty years of service in addition to regular pay. I have fifteen years left to serve, and do not tolerate acts of banditry by my people.  We came as invaders over two generations ago, and are now on the path to citizenhood.  We take this work very seriously, and question foreign 'Adventurers' as part of our mission.  What was your errantd, and what have you done while here?"

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 179):

"I see. I came to dispatch a lich and his undead minions, and we have indeed done so. A group of bandits, backed by an evil cult, the Saturnites, were sent to stop us, and a wizard with a blasphemous tool that gave him control of elementals both died trying to stop us. Our prisoners and one that escaped are all that remain of the bandits, and the blasphemous rod has been destroyed. So now we return to Northport to report regarding the Saturnites involvement."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:39, Wed 23 May 2018.

"I have some excellent stanzas written about the battle with the lich, the evil creature put up quite a doughty fight. The undead it commanded seemed unending."

Stringfellow brandishes his woodwind before playing a quick little trill on it.

"If ever you are in the city I invite you to come and listen to the final version of the ballad I am composing of the valiant adventure."

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 181):

String, make a performance roll to sway the orcs. currently they are suspiciously neutral.

Stringfellow launches into a short chorus about an adventuring party that has some slight resemblances to the current group, the musical accompaniment is very catchy, in between lines.

[Private to GM: 21:28, Today: Stringfellow Hill rolled 10 using 3d6.  Performance 15.]

In reply to Stringfellow Hill (msg # 183):

"Tell me more about this busi ess with the lich, and who the hell these wounded men are."

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 184):

"There is really not much more to tell. I heard an undead evil was contained in a
particular tomb, and that a group of adventurers wisely sought a cleric to accompany them to
 kill it. Apparently, there was an evil cult the Saturnites, who were also interested in this
 Tomb, and they sent several agents to stop us, or to take what magic items we might gather
for their own infernal purposes. The giant elemental controlled by a wizard attempted to stop
us first, but we killed the wizard and released the elemental that was in bondage to him,
 later destroying the item used to control it. Later, as we left the tomb, a large group of
bandits led by a necromancer sent by the evil cult attempted to ambush us, but we defeated
them, killing the necromancer and taking the wounded prisoners we captured from that group
back to Northport to face justice.

Now we have been honest to you, as any detect lies will tell, so we ask you to kindly allow
 us peaceful passage. After all, the evil cult could well have killed one off one of your
patrols and replaced them with their own men. As such, we are a little short of trust right
now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Wed 30 May 2018.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 185):

The orc leader exchanges looks with another orc.
"Your story about the elemental checks out. We have been hearing reports of that
 earthen giant for weeks.  Tell me about the location of the undead you fought, and we can
leave it at that.  You, there wake up! Tell me how you came to be traveling with these folk!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:19, Wed 30 May 2018.

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 186):

The wounded man blinks about nervously
"What is happening? Why are there orcs?"

In reply to Pierre (msg # 187):

"Shevnian Patrol. " He will then try to describe the location of the tomb.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 188):

The patrol leader presses Pierre
"Did you go to the place he is describing? And what did you do there?"

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 189):

"Um, yeah. I went there with Kalvo here and Osvaldo, Monorith, Ludmilla,  Grigor,
Stavros and Peytor and the Hood and a bunch of dead Dogmen. We were going to ambush these
guys. That didn't go so good.They helped me after a horse fell on me."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Thu 14 June 2018.

In reply to Pierre (msg # 190):

"That seems to check out. Direct us to the location of this ambush."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Thu 07 June 2018.

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 191):

"Navigation is not my specialty. Best our guide direct you..."

Syvanus shrugs and explains where they have come from as clearly as he can.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 193):

"That sounds like that barren patch that gave Barmgush that feeling"

In reply to Orc soldier (msg # 194):

"Yeah, Lichs give any decent person a bad feeling. But we gave the Lich a bad feeling in response...it should start to improve the area now."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 195):

"And what did the lich have in his possession... some of this older Shevnian style armor can't be all you found!"

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 196):

"The Lich put most of the old armour and equipment on his undead legion, which he
 seemed to use to rob passer bys. It is therefore not surprising he had some loot, but what
concerns me is that now you are starting to sound like bandits evaluating a prospective mark.
 Why is it any of your business what treasures he might or might not have had? We told you our
 business here, and it has been supported by the testimony of other bandits who attacked us
and were captured. Now please let us part peacefully; we do not seek bandits, but they do seem
 to seek us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:53, Thu 14 June 2018.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 197):

"My apologies. I did not mean to suggest that we were seeking to extort you
of your gains. You have done a service in eradicating the lich and the bandits that
accompanied these men. I bid you good night."

In reply to Orc Leader (msg # 198):

"Apology accepted. Excuse our defensiveness... we don't want to encourage more attacks. Godspeed."

Kirpich gets ready to head back to Northport...

Stringfellow is preparing to go back to sleep after the patrol leaves until he notices Kirpich packing up and readying to get on the road again.

He yawns and then gathers his own gear together.

He likewise picks up his gear, ready to move...

Danos keeps an eye on the patrol until they're out of sight, then gathers his equipment.

In reply to Danos (msg # 202):

The next morning, you find yourselves approaching the East gate of the city, having entered the road from the fields (to the southeast, the road enters a forrest. A number of odd adventuring looking types are leading a group of raggedy beggars on a rope to the town guards. A few corpses are scattered about near them.



Post in Stalking Balar befor reentering the city.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:53, Sun 17 June 2018.

Looks like something to avoid... we have had enough meddling in our trip.

In reply to Syvanus (msg # 204):

"Totally agree...seems the gaurd has them under control. But we should be polite..."