Text - The Legacy of Men

"That's when the great dragon rose up out of the fiery mountain and swooped down upon the army.  Only the bravery of the Returned King kept the soldiers from scattering in fear.  As the dragon swooped over the monster horde flooding out of the Black Gate, fire vomited out of its mouth toward the lines of men..."

"Did it burn them all up?" The small girl's voice barely rose above the coarse wind off the plain.

"No!" The old man's voice boomed, but he quickly smiled to allay the terror in the childrens' eyes. He scratched the matted beard and smacked his parched lips, then leaned in toward his audience of tiny ones. "Right before the fire reached the Returned King, great birds from the Misty Mountains dove from out of nowhere, the sun at their backs.  All three of them attacked the dragon, knocking away from the army of men."

"How big were da gweat birds?" The little boy's eyes had grown wide as the birds entered the story.

"Why, I tell you, they were so big they could carry off a house if they had a hankerin' for such a thing.  T'were big enough that it took only three to fight off the great dragon, Smeld."

Another, somewhat older child crossed his arms and raised a skeptical eye. "Did the monsters defeat the Returned King?"

The old man leaned back against the post the held up a ramshackle porch roof. Movement caused the barrel he sat upon to wobble and threaten to fall into the mud beside the porch. None of it seemed to register with the old story teller. "Do you want me to finish the story or not?"

The children all nodded and snapped their mouths closed as if afraid to utter another word and cut the story short.

Satisfied, the old man wrapped his gnarled hands around an equally gnarled walking staff. He looked up and away, as if to that time long ago, and took a deep breath. "Where was I, now?  Oh yes!  The monsters poured out of the Black Gate and surrounded the army of men.  They outnumbered them a hundred to one.  Monsters with great muscles, trees for clubs, fangs, wings like a bat, wings like a crow, claws, snouts, all manner of beastial features.  They snarled and they taunted and they did all they could to strike fear into the hearts of the men."

Through the wind, the old man heard the approach of booted feet. Without turning about, he knew exactly who approached even before the adults and older children in his audience began to fidget nervously. His voice drew them all back in. "Instead of growing afraid, the Returned King drew his magic sword and charged!  Emboldened by his bravery, the army of men charged too.  The move so confounded the raging horde of monsters that the men slew the first lines of monsters without a loss.  For remember, they were not there to defeat the army, the were there to distract the evil wizard Sarmon while Fred and Sammy, the two little boys, destroyed the One Ring of power.  They were to cast it into the fire of the dragon's mountain."

"C'mon, greybeard.  Magic rings, a mythical king, monsters and dragons?  There are no such things." This man had challenged him before at this same point in the story. It was a preset question to allow the story to veer to the old man's most favorite topic.

The storyteller narrowed his eyes. He leaned toward the 'heckler' and jabbed a bony finger at him. "No magic.  Why, not four nights ago seven stars fell from the heavens."  He swung back around to encompass the rest of his crowd in dramatic fashion. "But I tell you, they weren't stars t'all.  Legend tells that the gods of Valor came first, the mighty stars come down to Earth.  They set up a kingdom across the sea with beautiful elves to serve them while they shaped the rest of the world to their whim.  Then lesser stars, Magi, powerful beings in their own right, followed.  I tell you, these seven stars are Magi like..."

"That will be enough of that, old man." The captain of the duke's guard kicked the barrel out from the old man dumping him into a puddle of mud an inch deep. "These people have honest work to do for Duke Brackard.  Your idle fantasies are making them lazy."

The old man rolled into a sitting position in the mud and spluttered. "Idle tales!  Why, every word is true!  Why, I.."

A rasp of metal on leather silenced the old storyteller. The captain lowered the point of his sword to the old man's throat. "One more word, and you won't speak again, beggar.  The rest of you!" He turned to face the already dissipating crowd. "The Duke has called for a Conscription.  Those under 60 years and over 12, male or female, are to line up in the village square.  Failure to present yourself for the Conscription means automatic drafting into the labor camps.  C'mon!  There's honor and glory to be had."

'''Kade Rystalmane (talk) 13:38, April 26, 2019 (UTC)GMKade Rystalmane (talk) 13:38, April 26, 2019 (UTC)

You are in or near the crowd listening, whether you are from this town or just passing through. Your background should inform how you came to be here and whether you have to participate in the Conscription.

The village is  Nost. It has maybe 300 men, women, and children. They are peasants under the rule of  Duke Brackard, and farm his land. Duke Brackard is smart enough to keep his peasants healthy, but he rules with an iron hand. Brackard's peasants eat well and have the shelter they need, but this is so they produce better. Their spirits were largely broken until the stars came. It is likely this Conscription is an attempt to subdue them once more, to show them Brackard is still their master.

If there is further information you would like to know, or think your character may know, PM me either in your replies or via the PM system. I will be checking character sheets as they are posted to see if I need to PM you any additional, pertinent information.''' This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Sun 13 July 2014. player, 4 posts Human Scholar Sun 13 Jul 2014 at 22:32 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The crowd quickly clears after the confrontation between the story teller and the guard. The sense of urgency in the guard's tone didn't have the effect on Toben that is had on the rest of the townsfolk. Having only arrived in town that morning, he didn't know the meaning behind the conscriptions or the labor camps. Rather than follow the rest of the crowd, Toben's focus was primarily on the old story teller. His interest was piqued at the mention of the stars that fell a few nights ago. Feeling a slight twinge of pity for the old man sitting in the mud, Toben walks over to him and extends his hand.
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"Quite an interesting story you had going there...", Toben leans in to help the old man out of the mud. "Need a hand?" This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Mon 14 July 2014. Mon 14 Jul 2014 at 00:02 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Thank you, young man."  The old storyteller takes the offered hand and attempts to stand. He winces a bit as he put pressure on his left foot. "Seems I've twisted an ankle.  These old bones don't take the punishment they used to."  He offers a wan grin and looks longingly at the barrel lying on its side out in the road. player, 5 posts Human Scholar Mon 14 Jul 2014 at 07:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben smiles at the old man as he pulls him from the mud. He leans over to grab hold of the cleanest side of the barrel, and a few rolled up pieces of parchment fall from his travel pack to the ground. "Why was that guard giving you such a hard time? It seemed like a harmless enough story..."
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He stands the barrel upright and turns to face the old man again. "Sorry... my name is Toben., I'm a ..." He cuts himself short when he notices his designs lying on the ground. Quickly, he snatches them up in an attempt to save them from a muddy grave.

In frustrations, he wipes away as much mud as he can, "As you can see, I am a little new to this town and haven't quite gotten settled." This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Mon 14 July 2014. player, 3 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Mon 14 Jul 2014 at 11:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano watched silently as most of the crowd shuffled off towards the village square. A small number of those who were too young or too old began to make their way home. square faces of the people looked sober and tired. Ano had been in the village of Nost for two days now, and it seemed to him that there was not much to these peoples lives, work to live was their way of life. He got the feeling that this duke Brackard had call for conscription was some how tied to the fact that seven stars had fallen from the sky's a few days ago.
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As Ano followed the crowd at a distance he noticed a younger man helping the old story tell out of the mud. Seeing how the young man was not moving towards the village square meant he was most likely not from this place. Ano followed the crowd of villagers all the way to the square but did not line up in the conscription line, he just wanted to see why the duke wanted to recruit an army. player, 1 post Human Fighter Mon 14 Jul 2014 at 21:59 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A big man, perhaps one of the biggest you've ever seen; a dark man with a face that could be looking out of a cave; a man heavily muscled with a massive upper body; a man wearing a leather apron who has small ovalish scars on his upper forearms; this man is striding toward the conscription line. He looks neither to the right nor the left. On a belt over he apron hang a hand mandrel and a straight peen hammer.
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The two passing through hear a local mutter Here comes the freak of nature. This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Mon 14 July 2014. player, 1 post Tue 15 Jul 2014 at 12:32 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas lurked on the edge of the crowd. He was still young enough to love a good tale, though old enough not to put a lot of confidence in its veracity. As was his wont, he observed all that transpired with keen eye, and as the stranger helped the old man back to his feet, he deftly slipped a piece of bread (one of only two he currently owned) into the old man's belongings.
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Phineas was intrigued by the conscription. He would be there for certain! But since he lived outside the law already  -- and, having been raised on the streets, was a bit uncertain about his age as well (though he would claim a blustery 15 years if anyone asked) -- decided he would be watching carefully from a nearby rooftop, eyes peeled as always. This message was last edited by the GM at 13:59, Tue 15 July 2014. Tue 15 Jul 2014 at 13:59 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Thank you, my boy.  I go by many names.  Old Fool, That Old Man, Storyteller, and so on.  My mother named me Eles. "  He plops down on the barrel and wipes his forehead. "The Captain doesn't like my stories because he says it gives folks false hope, undermines the Duke's authority.  Bah.  Maybe he's right.  I just tell as I heard 'em from my Pawpaw.  Dragons and elves and magic.  Fairy tales.  You'd best get to that conscription, or out of town since you aren't from here.  Else they'll toss you in prison or put you in a labour camp for draft dodging.  I'm...I'm just gonna rest here a moment.   He puts a hand on his back which makes cracking noises as he stretches. GM, 19 posts Tue 15 Jul 2014 at 14:14 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In the midst of town around a sturdy well, the town has gathered. Many look resigned, but a few, especially the young women, look fearful.
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One by one the captain points out men and women in the line. Every third man, the hardiest and most likely able to hold a weapon are directed to stand in a group among well armed soldiers. Few women are chosen, but they are the prettiest and are directed to another area well back from the townsfolk. A couple of those chosen wail and try to move back to their families. Soldiers beat those who try to intervene. One young woman with dark olive skin and midnight hair marches over to the waiting soldiers, her head held high. The soldiers leer, but keep from touching her. Perhaps it is something in her confident grin that gives them pause.

Klale is one of those chosen. The guards begin looking around the edges of the square for any they may have missed. player, 6 posts Human Scholar Tue 15 Jul 2014 at 15:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben smiles at the old man's response. "I wasn't talking about that story... I was referring to the stars. You seem to have a theory about why they are here." His expression turns from a smile to something far more serious, "I too am looking for answers."
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He glances toward the middle of town to notice a crowd gathering around the well. "Perhaps later you can tell me more about the stars." He nods to the old man, straightens the few possessions he has, and heads towards the well.

Already he can see multiple groups forming amidst the townsfolk and guards. Although deceptively strong for his size, he felt confident he wouldn't be placed in the same group as the large dark skinned man. A feeling of uneasiness came over him as he saw more fear and panic than pride to serve from those chosen.

It wasn't too late, he could still turn around and walk away. No one had noticed him yet, and it would be easy to slip away and move on to another town. His gut told him to leave, and so he did... or at least tried. Just as he turned to walk away, a voice rings out "You there..." This message was last edited by the player at 08:50, Wed 16 July 2014. GM, 20 posts Tue 15 Jul 2014 at 18:40 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The guard moves swiftly over to Toben. The effort obviously winds the guard, though he tries to hide his lack of breath. " Not thinking of fleeing the Conscriptiin, boy?  Get over there. "  He attempts to shove hard enough to make Toben stumble, but Toben weighs more than the guard estimated. Instead, the guard looks rather pathetic.
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To cover his weakness,he turns back to the buildings at the edge of the square looking for someone else, likely someone smaller, to bully into the Conscription ranks. This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:41, Tue 15 July 2014. player, 6 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 00:05 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As Ano looked out at the crowd from the small side street he was standing in, he saw the guards sorting through the villagers who stood in the conscription line. The groups all had people who were similar to one another in some way, so they must be creating groups for specific tasks. It occurred to Ano that if the guards were putting together people to investigate the fallen stars, it might be safer to search for them as part of a group then on his own.
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A moment later Ano heard a confrontation between a guard and the man he had seen helping the old story teller out of the mud earlier. when it did not seem to go the guards and he turned to leave Ano stepped out in front of him, hood down and hands out. He looked the guard in the eyes and waited for him to take him to the conscription line. He felt no urge to speak as he knew the guard was looking for an easy target. GM, 21 posts Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 08:38 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eyes wide at the arrival of the hooded young man from out of nowhere, the guard's ire was brought up short. He stammered a moment then grinned. " A volunteer, eh?  Well, join the others. "  Mollified by the young man's compliance, the guard did not shove him very hard at all. Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 08:52 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" With no more choices to be made, the captain stepped forward to address those gathered. " Duke Brachard has called upon you to defend the realm.  It has come to the Duke's knowledge that Duke Thelion has obtained a weapon of great power.  With it, he will dominate all the nearby duchies and declare himself a king.  Thelion must be brought down and the weapon removed from his possession before he can bring it to bear.  Duke Brackard, Duke Melifore,  and Lord High Warden Smyte have chosen to band together and attack Thelion's city of New Grandor.   We leave in two days.  Should any others of sound mind and body wish to volunteer, you will not be turned away."
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Dejected at yet another pointless skirmish between the petty dukes, the townsfolk disperse. Those conscripted are led away toward the Duke's castle.

Brackard is a hard man, but Melifore is cruel and Smyte downright evil. It is rumored that his appetites are brutal and bloody. It is possible that the young women and girls selected are to be offered to him as part of a payment for his participation. This message was lightly edited by the GM at 08:53, Wed 16 July 2014. player, 7 posts Human Scholar Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 09:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A little reluctant, Toben joins the ranks of the other 'volunteers' and follows the group toward Duke Brackard's castle. Given that he still has not yet found a place to stay, he scans the town for a place that could provide him shelter for the next couple days.
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[Private to GM: I've got a some minor skill in Knowledge:local and Knowledge: nobility/royalty - is there anything new I would know about these dukes outside of what you posted?] This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Wed 16 July 2014. player, 3 posts Human Fighter Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 14:41 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The big man frowns and then shrugs before going with the others. He stays on the outside so he can match others' pace without bothering them with his long strides. player, 7 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 17:23 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano joined up with the conscription line and kept pace easily. Unlike many of the villagers he walked with his head high and a confident stride. He made his way towards the duke's castle wondering if he would get a chance to talk to the duke or at least someone who had more information about the stars. He did not want to wait two days to be on their way,  but if there was the slightest chance that the weapon duke Thelion had found was a star then it was his duty to check it out. It was not long until he fell into step with the large dark skinned man he had seen earlier,  he gave the man a small nod as they marched side by side. This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 16 July 2014. player, 4 posts Human Fighter Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 18:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The big man walks along, glancing a few times at the half-volunteer. You're not a simple wanderer, stranger. If you're a spy, better not. The Duke is tough but more-or-less fair. You fight well and live, your life may get a bit easier. player, 2 posts Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 19:25 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In reply to Ano (msg # 17):
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After watching the conscription from his rooftop vantage, Phineas said to himself "Well, this is an adventure and no mistake!"

After a moment's thought, he shimmied down from the rooftop and, as the line passed an intersection, deftly inserted himself to the column of "volunteers". "I'm curious to see where this all leads," he thought to himself, "and if I don't like where it's headed, there's no way that oaf of an overseer could catch me. Besides, I'll get three hots and a cot!"

He contemplated the fallen stars as he marched, wondering whether they represented anything significant, or were just another one of the things that the rich concerned themselves with that didn't put food in your mouth or coins in your pocket. player, 8 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 19:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano waited a long time before responding to his walking companion, thinking carefully about his words. "I am no spy.  I am here with a specific purpose.  What of you, why do you choose to fight?  he studied the large man trying to size him up anduunderstand why he was here. player, 5 posts Human Fighter Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 20:06 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Choose? I was conscripted. I live and work here. I'll have something to say when we reach the Duke's castle. I advise you to keep your purpose to yourself, at least for some time. You look sturdy enough that I'd like you around should it come to fighting. player, 8 posts Human Scholar Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 20:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The conscription march was alive with chatter, but above it all one conversation caught his attention.
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"Fight well and live?", he muttered under his breath. He started to wonder if shouldn't have just kept walking the opposite direction. Toben never considered himself a fighting man. Sure, he could handle a weapon... he had made dozens of them, but he'd never actually used one against another person.

"So, you think we'll see much action out there?", trying to control the waver in his voice. player, 9 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 22:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Amo looked at the big man with his head cocked to one side and said "every man makes a choice, and it is admirable that you chose life over a meaningless death." The big man seemed to him to be strong and offers good morals, which was enough for Ano to feel comfortable around him,  but he did not know him well enough to divulge his mission concerning the fallen stars. They walked for another long while in silence before Ano added one last though "Ano" he said pointing at his chest. Then walked silently to the castle. This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:04, Wed 16 July 2014. player, 6 posts Human Fighter Wed 16 Jul 2014 at 22:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" You? Probably. Just so you know, the Duke probably will station ppeople behind the battle line to whack or kill those who try to run away. Me? I'll probably be busy, but not the way you'll be. We'll see.
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Klale.

[Private to Eru: Klale is thinking about "deserting" and heading to the "nearest" "star." He's talking with Ano because Ano seems a likely ally. Klale wouldn't be surprised if Ano is also star-searching. Klale will suggest he have a wagon with, in effect, what needed to set up a field smithy. He also suspects that the Duke might be falling for a con. One or both the Duke's "allies" may turn o the Duke. Klale will be upset if the women are to be enslaved. What he can do about it is another matter.] player, 10 posts Human Scholar Thu 17 Jul 2014 at 09:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben slowly navigates toward the two with the more interesting conversation going. He extends a surprisingly calloused hand to the big guy, "Name's Toben... nice to meet you. What is it you think they'll have you doing for this conscription?"
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He jingles the smithing tools on his belt, "Me, I figure they'll have me at the forge... most likely" GM, 23 posts Thu 17 Jul 2014 at 15:16 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The castle grounds teem with men, wagons, horses, and gear. It seems the Duke wastes no time preparing for war. Green recruits are assigned to a sergeant. You are given sleeping gear, a weapon of your choosing out of the basic martial or simple weapon classes, and some basic instructions on camp etiquette. Desertion earns a death mark on your head. Fighting within the ranks earns lashes, cumulative with each infraction. Theft ends with a lost finger to a lost hand depending on what was stolen.
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The army marches in two days for Duke Thelion's castle. During those two days you will be fed two meals and can purchase a third. You will also train with your sergeant and those in your cohort. Training will also continue on the march, which is to be for one week. Women are available for washing clothes, cooking, and taking care of other menial tasks so that soldiers can focus on the fight ahead. It is rumored that officers may use the women for other "duties" once the march starts, but officially they are not allowed to within the Duke's walls.

The sergeant shows you to your sleeping area. The weather has been dry of late and the barracks are crowded. You can set up a tent if you feel the need, though it doesn't look necessary. One tent will fit four large or five regular size men.

Once settled, the sergeant looks you over, then spits on the ground in disgust. It's likely that its mostly an act as he seemed rather surprised and impressed with the Conscription, especially with the likes of Klale in the group. "Any questions, bow fodder?" player, 3 posts Thu 17 Jul 2014 at 17:09 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In reply to Eru (msg # 26):
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"Yes sir!" piped Phineas, who had surreptitiously rubbed some charcoal on his face to create an ersatz 5 o'clock shadow. "Thank you for your fine and eloquent explanation of the rules, sir! Your wit is matched only by your charm!"

"You have, if you'll forgive me, however, left out an important detail: what is this weapon we're here to prevent Duke Thelion from using? And why does our good lord believe Thelion would use the weapon against our own fair kingdom? And how are we meant to prevent him from doing so? Certainly we all love our own dear Duke as much as the next man," (the man standing next to Phineas barely conceals a smirk at this), "but we need to know more if we are to serve him as well as we'd like." This message was last edited by the player at 10:07, Fri 18 July 2014. player, 11 posts Human Scholar Fri 18 Jul 2014 at 09:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben tries his best to stifle a chuckle, and instead comes against as an awkward smirk. He cringes at the thought of what is about to come next. Having lived under a strict roof, he knows some sort of reprimand is coming.
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Unsure as to whether or not the boy was being sincere or sarcastic, Toben decided to interject. "I think what this young... err, man was trying to say was; Is there any sort of briefing to bring everyone up to speed on what we are dealing with? SIR!"

After a double-take, Toben nudges the boy to get his attention. He whipers, "Your beard is smudged...", hoping the guards don't take noticed. This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 09:32, Fri 18 July 2014. player, 11 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Fri 18 Jul 2014 at 11:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano collected the dimensions bedding they wre offering and chose a small simple dagger from the store of arms they had collected. The dagger would not do him much good in a fight, but he would need to shave at least. He picked a flat spot and layers out his bed roll on the ground. He was used to sleeping outside in the elements and two meals as part of monastary life. After setting up he stood in line with his fellow conscripties in front of the man who was to be their sergeant, and listens to the others probe him for information, feeling more like a soilder then he really liked. Fri 18 Jul 2014 at 13:28 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eyes narrowed in suspicion at the mouthy youth, the sergeant gets right up in Toben's face instead. "I know a number of your are a bit dimwitted since you weren't listenin' durin' the c'nscription.  The Captain definitely said that the weapon ain't been brought ta bear just yet.  Our job is to make sure 'e don't get that chance.  What that weapon is ain't none of your business.  Do as you're told and you have a slim to sliver chance o' survivin' this here righteous cause.  If you can't get a hold on that brain-mouth thing," he glances over at Phinneas, "then your slim is gone and sliver is following him.  Understand boy?"
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"Any intelligent questions relatin' to where you are sleepin', what you are eatin', where you need to pee, or related to learnin' ta be a soldier in the Duke's army?" player, 12 posts Human Scholar Fri 18 Jul 2014 at 14:08 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Resisting the urge to wipe the spittle from his face, Toben blinks to clear his vision. "Now that you mention it, SIR, where do we pick up our training assignments? SIR!"
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Toben tried to reduce the amount of insincerity in his voice, but then again, he has always had a knack for talking himself into trouble. player, 7 posts Human Fighter Fri 18 Jul 2014 at 20:49 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In the two days before muster, Klale works to catch up on orders. He also suggests to somebody in authority that, since he is a proficient blacksmith, it might be a good idea idea for him to be furnished a wagon to transport his equipment. There will be things to fix and perhaps things to craft.
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During the muster and training, he keeps his eyes and ears open and his mouth shut. When the stranger youth is discovering what the Sergeant is like—rather mild actually—Klale looks straight ahead. When the man with the blacksmith tools tries to help, Klale's eyes shift to the scene. GM, 25 posts Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 08:43 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A field smith is a valuable thing and Klale is soon tested, then given what he asks. Toben, Ano, and a couple of others are assigned to him as guards or assistants. Phineas seems often overlooked and tends to attach himself wherever his whim takes him.
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Soon the army crawls out. It is not large as far as legends go, a few thousand strong at most. The sprawling hills and sparse trees provide excellent cover for an ambush, though none has come so far. The cover is thick enough that parts of the army might could get lost... player, 12 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 12:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano spends the two days before the march simply. Waking up early every morning he follows a strict routie of 500 push ups and then practises the four door routine, the spiritual and practical application of his years of studying the martial arts. He followed orders when given, and stayed out of trouble. When the marching orders were given he found he was to march along with the smith Klale as one of the guards for him and the army's equipment.
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When the army marched out Ano stays close to the men in his group and keeping his sharp eyes and keen sciences trained on the woods for anyone lurking about. Each morning he continues with his training routine with out fail. player, 13 posts Human Scholar Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 13:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After the initial scene at the conscription orientation, Toben received his orders and was sent to be tested along side of Klale. He did well for his age, but clearly only a few years into his apprenticeship back home, Klale proved to be more advanced in their trade. Toben watched carefully to learn where he could, and occasionally would scribble notes in his journal when we saw an opportunity for improvement or modification.
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The two days preceding their departure, Toben did his best to keep his head down and nose clean. However, he kept a watchful eye on the mischievous youth who had a knack for rattling authoritative cages.

His normal routine at sunrise and sunset typically had his nose buried in his notes, and sketching various designs. He normally kept to himself during these times, and would quickly obscure his work at the occasional passer-by.

Once the group's expedition got underway, he packed up his gear and newly acquired crossbow. His knowledge of the local area was decent, but he was quickly getting outside his comfort zone and decided to kept a short distance between himself and the others. This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Sun 20 July 2014. player, 8 posts Human Fighter Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 14:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale instructed Ano in forge setup and in how to work the bellows. He discussed the work with Toben, with Ano free to listen in. You look dextrous, Toben. I'll mostly do the rough, and you do the details with me. How are you both with animals? We'll be farriering, checking hooves and shoeing them.
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As they go, Klale finds out whether either can drive a team. If not, he commences teaching.

When he observes Ano's routine, he asks if he may join in...though I can't match you. (It's possible that Klale is stronger in terms of handling heavy weights But Ano is better at applying his strength...except that Klale knows how hard to strike with hammers.) player, 14 posts Human Scholar Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 14:41 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods in agreement with Klale knowing that brute force was not his strong suit. "You got it boss. Devil's in the details, after all... ", he glanced back to take stock of the corral, "I've shod my fair share of shoes. As long as they aren't spooked or anything, tending to the horses shouldn't be a problem." player, 4 posts Sun 20 Jul 2014 at 19:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 37):
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Phineas was greatly enjoying his time as a soldier so far. Two free meals a day! (Though not at all the equal of what he was able to "emancipate" from some of the finer establishments back in town, the food was ample and regular.) Baiting the brass was fun as well, though he was careful never to push it so far that he couldn't make them look foolish if they took issue with him.

As the company marched, Phineas decided that the smiths and the monk who seemed to be forging a friendship would make excellent company. He fell in beside them one quiet afternoon.

"Hello, gents! I couldn't help but notice that you seem to be making the most out of our 'volunteer' status as well! Though I suspect that more than one of you didn't really have to be a part of this little escapade. Why on earth would you choose to participate in this march if you didn't have to?"

"Me, I'm in it for the adventure! And the camaraderie of fine fellows like you! And obviously for the fine cuisine! (I'd call it Crap on a Cracker, but that seems a trifle unfair to crap, don't you think?)"

"In any case, I'm Phineas Highwood, king of the streets! Who might I have the pleasure of addressing?" He sticks his hand out in a friendly gesture, making a show of nonchalance while carefully sizing up his newly-chosen compatriots. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sun 20 July 2014. player, 15 posts Human Scholar Mon 21 Jul 2014 at 07:55 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben smiled at the exuberant youth. "I almost didn't recognize you without your stubble, your highness...", he extends his hand, "name's Toben."
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"I can't say that I am here for the food, although 'Crap on a cracker' does remind me of home", he chuckles. "I don't think the alternative of staying behind would have been any better though."

Toben was used to the heat of a forge, but there you could at least walk away. There was no escaping this heat... "Luckily the tree cover will keep most of the sun off our backs. I would stay close to the group though. It would be all too easy to get lost out there.", he says nodding towards the tree-line.

"So, what's your story", he says looking at Phineas, "you from around here?" player, 9 posts Human Fighter Mon 21 Jul 2014 at 13:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" No streets around here. Nor any adventure...better hope it doesn't come on us sudden-like. Name's Klale. player, 13 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Mon 21 Jul 2014 at 21:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano nodded to Klale allowing him to follow along with him in his morning routine happy to have a little bit of company although he would not slow his movements or repeat any steps as it would not help his practice. Although he felt the importance of explaining to Klale why he was doing this every morning. As he moved through his routine he explained "This is called the Four Door Flow, we practice to open the four doors within ourselves.  They are the four door fist, the four door body, the four door mind, and the four door soul.  This is but the briefest of overview of the belief of the Four Door Brotherhood"  The moments of the flow alternate between fast and slow movements, while keeping ones limbs and body tight, almost to the point of straining, and holding various poses for a long while.
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After his morning routine Ano would diligently split his time between guard duty and helping Klale and Toben in the forges. He found something very spiritual about working the bellows to feed the fire. It was solid training for the four door fist and body. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Tue 22 July 2014. player, 10 posts Human Fighter Mon 21 Jul 2014 at 22:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" listen and try...pufff, puff, pant, pant...whew...drink of water...rest...try...etc.
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Achy muscles but sound sleep, rapidly entered into. player, 5 posts Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 08:32 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In reply to Klale Tsolo (msg # 40):
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Well, it's a pleasure, gentlemen! You've doubtless heard my story, or ones like it, a thousand times; I'm sure I've got parents, though I've never met them, and I've no idea who they are. My roof is the sky, and I've grown up in the burg we've just left behind. I know my way around, and have learned to thrive wherever in that town I end up, but I'm meant for bigger and better things.

I've never gotten into a scrape, or at least not one I haven't been able to get out of. I can hear what people don't want me to and open what the powers would rather be shut. I've rarely had two coppers to rub together, but have never missed the lack. And now that I'm on the road with you fine folk, I'm pleased to see where fortune guides me! player, 11 posts Human Fighter Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 09:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale looks the braggart over...maybe not a braggart if he can back it up. He grunts. I'm just a conscript, but I'd like to stay alive, so I want us to do well. If what you say is so, you could be a scout. Talk to a Sergeant but expect to be tested. GM, 26 posts Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 15:06 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Three nights pass as the army grudges toward Duke Theiron's land. The wagon bearing the field forge trundles along at a pace set by the four - horse team. You are the last to leave in the morning, the last to arrive long after the sun has set, and last to eat and get to sleep each night. This night is no different. Dying campfires crackle. Crickets chirrup. A light fog blankets the camp, lulling all into a dangerous complacency.
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As the last eyes close, a mangled scream tears through the peace. It came from the officers area of the camp, drawing a curious crowd. Sergeants bark orders to return to bed rolls to no avail. In the midst of the camp, the captain that recruited you writhed on the ground, wearing only his boots and holding his crotch with both hands. Blood poured between them. He cries in agony, spouting obscenities and curses at some woman.

An army medic arrives and drops to his knees. After an examination made difficult by the captain who refused to move his hands, the medic sits back on his haunches and shakes his head. Apparently, whomever did this knew what they were doing when they...unmanned him, or were extremely lucky. They severed a major artery.

The captain's cursing lost energy first. Then his screams of pain turned to wimpers. Finally those faded and he merely shook. That too ended and he lay still.

The Duke ordered the captain buried on the roadside. A search for the woman responsible was suggested, but rejected. She had fled into the wilds and was either skilled enough to elude a search for too long to be worth it, or nature would serve justice to her.

Sergeants returned the camp to order and restless sleep attended most.

In the morning, the trudging began anew.

[Private to Klale Tsolo: '''In the morning, Aashera is nowhere in the camp. She is more than skilled enough to survive in the wild indefinitely. '''] player, 12 posts Human Fighter Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 15:59 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As the force trudges its way, Klale (after discussion) has a roster of rest in the wagon. However jostled, the trio manage to have enough sleep. When it comes time to eat, Klale points out that there's more of him to feed (so seconds or lad up the plate(s) / bowl(s), please) and that, because he's dong extra work, he should have a ration for a snack.
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At night, he camps on the edge of the group. player, 16 posts Human Scholar Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 16:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben didn't get much restful sleep that night. Not with the disturbing image of that captain fresh in his mind. The thought of being emasculated in that manner made him cringe and invaded his dreams.
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As the group gathers the morning after and take their morning rations, Toben decides to address the pink elephant in the room. "So... did anyone happen to spot whoever attacked the captain?" He glances over at Phineas, "Living on the streets, you've got to be pretty alert. You notice anything?"

Preoccupied with the previous evenings events, Toben doesn't even register Klale's declaration of extra rations much less notice him take more than his share. Once the party packs up and moves on, Toben offers a suggestion. "You know, we ought to set up some sort of evening watch. Just between us. Last thing we need is to get attacked, or have this equipment go missing."

[Private to Eru; Klale Tsolo: I know that is probably what you meant by 'roster of rest', but given that Toben is a little out of sorts due to the disturbing attack, he is suggesting something he believes to not have been discussed yet.] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Tue 22 July 2014. player, 13 posts Human Fighter Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 18:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" OOC: I meant snoozing in the wagon while one of us is driving.
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If there's some hesitation about the extra rations, Klale says I sure hope all of us are well-equipped. Wouldn't want anything to break during a fight.

It seems the "Street King" has attached himself to the trio. After a while, Klale asks, can you learn to take care of horses?

Klale looks blank when Toben asks about the woman who did the clean-out job. Interestingly perhaps, nobody seems to know. When the four are alone, Klale says None of us know anything about the woman, particularly if a woman happens to come by in the middle of the night for some food, which any of us will give her. player, 17 posts Human Scholar Tue 22 Jul 2014 at 18:46 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben shrugs, "Strange the other sergeants didn't see to give much thought in finding out what happened. I realize this is a war party of sorts, but the lack of compassion for a fallen companion is a bit distressing."
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He thinks longingly back to his own upbringing, "Had my home town had that same mentality, I would never have made it to the age of 5."

[Private to GM: During the next day or so, Toben will pay closer attention to the other females in the caravan to see if they are talking about the recent events. Perhaps someone mentions a description or a name...] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Tue 22 July 2014. GM, 27 posts Wed 23 Jul 2014 at 10:15 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The women  are terrified. Whatever happened, the other men using the camp women that way are taking it out on those who remain, likely to cow any further thoughts of boldness.
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One young girl, bruises on her face and a cracked lip, spits out a name. " Aashera." player, 6 posts Wed 23 Jul 2014 at 13:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In reply to Eru (msg # 50):
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Phineas, being accustomed to far fewer calories than his current rations provide, is happy to share some of his food with Klale. In response to his question, Phineas says "I've never seen the point of a horse. They seem like smelly, rather nasty beasts to me, and it would certainly be tough to sneak up on someone with such a mass of animal-flesh in tow!"

The matter of the fallen captain seizes his attention. While it's obvious to him that anyone might want to be rid of a corrupt and vulgar man like that, he didn't strike Phineas as worse than any of the others of his ilk in the company. The viciousness of the method used to dispatch him make Phineas suspect that there's something more than the man's repulsiveness at play here. He resolves to keep his ears open, particularly around the women, while pretending to be wholly engrossed is sharpening the elegant dagger he picked out of company stores -- the first non-improvised weapon he has owned. He also decides to quietly reconnoiter around the camp while the company sleeps to see if he can find out anything about this "Aashera" character. player, 14 posts Human Fighter Wed 23 Jul 2014 at 15:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale regards Phineas with a thoughtful scowl. You could be useful and thanks for the grub. Listen, kid, whatever went before...now is different. If you draw the wrong kind of attention to yourself...you'd better learn to take care of the horses. player, 18 posts Human Scholar Wed 23 Jul 2014 at 19:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'm sure we all have the potential to be useful here. None of us would have been chosen for conscription if we weren't.", Toben says cooly. "We just need to make sure we put that potential into practice...", he said eyeing Phineas, "we've all got our place here." player, 14 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 23 Jul 2014 at 22:27 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano spent many of his days quietly, tending to his duties and helping with the watch duty that him and his comrades had set up for themselves. He was disturbed by the events that had transpired the previous evening, with the murder of a sergeant and the disappearance of the murderer. He knew of the mistreatment of the many women in the camp, and tried to stay away from them as much as possible. He could say no way of helping them in any way that would do any good. player, 19 posts Human Scholar Thu 24 Jul 2014 at 07:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben focuses on his continued apprenticeship with Klale and tending to the horses. During marching breaks and stops for camp, he continues to clumsily investigate the mysterious 'Aashera' character.
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[Private to GM: Toben has some pretty rudimentary Diplomacy and Gather Info skills. When he can he talks with the women in the camp (and those who work closely with them) to see if they know anything about Aashera] GM, 28 posts Thu 24 Jul 2014 at 14:57 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The army arrives at Duke Therion's lands a few days after the captain's death. Each of the two other dukes arrive with their armies within an hour. Therion's castle is shut tight and only a few guards patrol the walls.
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On the far side of the hills out of sight of the castle, work begins on seige weapons. The other armies do the same. Driven like a demon of legend is behind them, the captains push for rapid work. A majority of the army is tasked with the labor. The official story is that they need to break in to the castle before Therion can make his weapon operarional.

One group, a bit further back in the trees receives the majority of the labor and material. Whatever they are building is huge.

Night approaches as your wagon rolls into the encampment. A bowl of food is brought to you along with orders to find a spot far out of bow range and set up the forge. player, 15 posts Human Fighter Thu 24 Jul 2014 at 17:56 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale complies finding a spot well back near water and trees, and with a ridge so the forge is not in the line of sight from the top of the castle walls. Soon a forge is set up under the shade of a big tree. The livestock is cared for and staked where both water and grass are available. Klale reports that the forge is ready.
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To the other three, he says Versatility and readiness is valuable for those in our position, so have what you need organized and at hand should a move on short notice be desirable. Phineas, perhaps there is small game to supplement our rations. How about you wander away from gatherings to find out...and, who knows, you may have observations we'd like to hear.

[Private to Eru: Is there coal in the vicinity?] player, 20 posts Human Scholar Thu 24 Jul 2014 at 19:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben assists with the setup and prep of the forge. Toben and Klale make short of it ,and finally a huge smile comes over his face. "Now comes the fun part, eh Klale", he says as if licking his chops in preparation for a huge meal, "I've got some ideas here that may really surprise the opposition."
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He carefully unrolls the parchments he had been scribbling on for the past few days, lays out his tools like a surgeon, and gets to work. As the two begin to hammer out various bits and bobs for the siege engines, Toben carefully collects all the left over slag and metal bits and dumps into a large create. "We'll need those for later"

[Private to GM: Taking a 20 on siege craft = 25] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Fri 25 July 2014. player, 7 posts Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 07:09 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Roger that, Klale!" Phineas gives the blacksmith a ridiculously broad, conspiratorial wink and, as evening falls, slips off into the woods with his dagger secreted away in a boot, ostensibly hoping to find some birds or lizards to supplement their fare. He keeps his eyes and ears wide open as he moves soundlessly near the camp that's getting the majority of the supplies to see if he can glean any further information on their enemy, the deceased captain, or what's being constructed at that most favored camp. player, 16 posts Human Fighter Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 12:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale, after Phineas leaves, says to his companions Who or what is rogerthat? He shrugs his shoulders. Hope Phineas doesn't get himself in trouble. I suggested he stay away from gatherings, but he may be like a flame-loving moth.
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Before they get started, he says to Toben. Okay. Your designs; you're in charge while we work on them. Ano, while you're keeping the fires going right and using the bellows, please keep your eyes peeled. Anybody comes, we have a bit of notice. player, 21 posts Human Scholar Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 19:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Roger that!", Toben says grinning. "I may need a couple specialized parts from the forge, but nothing you can't handle."
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He quickly wipes the sweat from his brow. "By the way, did the officers tell you how long we've got before we start the assault?" player, 17 posts Human Fighter Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 19:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale looks at Toben Ah, no. Fair enough; I don't tell them my plans either. GM, 29 posts Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 23:00 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Through the night the armies work. Well into the morning, the first of the siege weapons stand complete, including one trebuchet. The trebuchet was a machine lost to man during the fourth age. Knowledge of their construction had only recently resurfaced. The tale of how is likely something only the old storytellers knew anything about, or speculated on.
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Work continues on more engines, but the first are brought to bear and the attack begins. Boulders slam into the walls, a few at first, but as the siege continues and more engines are brought to bear, they are punished.

On the third day of the siege, not a single one of Therion's men are seen upon the walls. It's as if the armies attack an abandoned castle. Only the periodic sound of engines releasing and stone crashing into stone is heard. Some have commented on the lack of a response. Others have noted that Duke Therion has received no reinforcements from other dukes traditionally aligned with him.

A breach is made, followed by a second and a third. One for each attacking army on each of three sides of the castle. The engines grow silent. Men are lined up to march, though not those with skills to build the engines, sap the walls, or whose main strength is in supporting the effort rather than fighting. A horn blows the order to march. They walk at first, then the charge is sounded with much ground to cover between them and the walls... player, 18 posts Human Fighter Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 23:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"
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DRAFT...makes assumptions

Klale is held back along with the blacksmith support team. They view the efforts from a height. Interestingly, they sit on the wagon with the team in place (horses? oxen?) Klae mutters From whichever way or ways disaster comes, we go the way of escape...if there is one. player, 22 posts Human Scholar Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 00:27 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben glances up everything now and then from his work on the siege engines. From their vantage point, it's hard to gauge exactly what's going on. Toben shrugs, "I don't mind having a good escape plan in place, but from the looks of things... I don't know, appears to be a sound victory. 'Course, there's no telling what they are walking in to down there."
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Given that the speed of the engines have slowed, Toben takes a quick break to take stock of the horses and make sure they are rested... just in case. player, 15 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 09:11 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After the long hours of work put in to forging the siege engines the groups work had been completed and they watched as the walls of the castle was pounded for days. The mass destruction was something to behold, and to be feared. Ano could only hope that his part in all this was for the right reasons. He hoped his part in this would not have caused death and destruction and have nothing to do with one of the fallen stars.
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As they sat and watched they could only guess what was going on behind the walls. Ano was filled with worry and turned to his companions "I worry that if they find this weapon, it will be in no better hands then it is now". <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Sat 26 July 2014. player, 23 posts Human Scholar Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 09:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben was definitely in agreement. The siege of the castle was a spectacular scene, but Ano's words sunk in pretty deep. "You may be right Ano, I know very little about any of these dukes. I can't be sure who is just here...", he pauses thoughtfully for a moment, "we'll have to let their following actions point us in the right direction."
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Toben watches silently, stroking the silky fur of his pet ferret, as the lines of men charge into Therion's castle. Just then, a ridiculous thought stuck him. "Hey, you remember what that old story teller said? What if those weren't stars that fell? What if this weapon they are after isn't an object of doom like they said, but a person?"

He snorts in disbelief at his own suggestion, "I know... it sounds kinda crazy when I say it out-loud." GM, 30 posts Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 10:48 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As the army reached the halfway point from where they began their charge, the walls of the castle begin to change. Dozens of round portals opened up, each easily large enough for a man to stick his head in. From out of those portals, metal cylinders emerged. These cylinders protruded the length of a man's leg and opened at the end with a hole large enough for a child's head to fit.
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Unsure of what the cylinders meant, the charge slowed somewhat, but the sergeants behind bellowed about the breach and spurred the men forward toward the walls. player, 24 posts Human Scholar Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 13:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" [Private to GM: 13:49, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Siegecraft: Identify the castle defenses.]
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Toben squints as best as he can to see what's going on. Seconds turn into minutes, and the army was nearly upon the castle wall without making sense of the castles reaction.

No more than 100 yards from the castle, it finally hits him. His eyes widen in disbelief, his mouth falls open, but no words come out. Not even a sound. player, 19 posts Human Fighter Sat 26 Jul 2014 at 15:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Those must be weapons, shooting something. The tubes...whatever it is will go straight for a while. Any who drop flat will survive, I hope. Fools! It was too easy. That means a trap. GM, 31 posts Sun 27 Jul 2014 at 14:26 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" A flash and a white puff of smoke from each cylinder are followed by thunder from a hundred storms. The thunder is next followed by hundreds of explosions and then only the wails of pain of the dying.
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When the engine crews and army support dare raise their heads above the hills behind which they hide, they are met with a scene beyond legend. There are no more armies, only thousands dead and dying. A number of soldiers missed the initial volley from the cylinders. Some lucky few even managed to avoid the secondary explosions from those projectiles after they hit the ground. These few sad souls wandered the field in a daze, looking for those they might save...or serve by offering a quick death in place of a sure but slow and agonizing one.

The bodies lie everywhere on the battlefield. None are less than fifty feet from the walls. Great craters wider than the height of two tall men are scattered about as well, the aftermath of the exploaions. The bodies - if such they can be called, now - near these craters are little more than shredded meat and bits of bloodied bone and metal or leather.

Armed men under the banner of Therion come from the breach and the gates. There are not nearly enough to comprise an army but more than enough to defeat an unlikely rally by the survivors. These armed men escort a larger group of non-combatants who begin to move among the bodies closest to the walls. The armed men do not attack. They seem only there to protect the larger group. player, 20 posts Human Fighter Sun 27 Jul 2014 at 18:41 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale looks around for a Sergeant or officer, one who seems to have retained her/his wits. He says to his "crew" I'm thinking of two choices, leave and look where those star-whatevers might have landed or head back to my home, there to put our defenses in order. We take off after the stars, we either work our way or we're sort of, well, out of the law where we go. player, 25 posts Human Scholar Sun 27 Jul 2014 at 19:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If there were any officers left, I'd be surprised if they stuck around. It looks like we might be on our own."
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Toben fixes his gaze back towards the castle. He wanted to go down there and get a closer look at those weapons, but it wasn't like he could just go down there and knock on their door. Not after three days worth of siege anyway. He pays more attention to the ones that are unarmored and look less like combatants than the others. "What do you think they're doing down there? Some sort of clean up crew?"

He turns back to the rest of the group, "Hey guys haven't seen Phin, have you?"

[Private to GM: Spot check to try and see what the guys outside the castle are doing. Rolled a 14] player, 21 posts Human Fighter Sun 27 Jul 2014 at 22:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" (Klale was looking for people who were away from the action and close to him.)
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Slitting throats or something somehow worse, I reckon.

[Klale wonders where the women servants and such are.] player, 8 posts Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 07:03 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas is abruptly back among the party, though none noticed his approach. He is ashen-faced and, for the first time since meeting the rest of the company, without words. GM, 32 posts Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 07:18 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" It is too hard to tell from this distance what the non-combatants are doing to the bodies.
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The remainder of the Duke's camp: the women, the support, the reserves, and a handful of officers is starting to stir. The Duke orders the camp to pack quickly and begin a retreat back home.

One officer, a grizzled old man who seems less dazed than the others, comes over to pass those orders to your group. "Leave the engines.  Pack up your wagon and gather what escort you deem necessary for the forge, then get moving back home.  We aren't waiting for you. "  He sees the look on Phineas' face and softens his gruffness. " Any questions? <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 07:21, Mon 28 July 2014.  player, 26 posts Human Scholar Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 09:37 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I for one, am in favor of investigating those stars.", Toben says. "While I am not keen on heading back to Nost, the only lead I can think of still resides there. That old storyteller seemed to know something."
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Toben collects his things, and helps pack the wagons up. "If we do head back there, I plan to lay low. If thats possible.", he glances back at the bloodstained field, "There doesn't seem to be much longevity to following this army around."

Toben looks to his group for other opinions. "You guys have any other ideas?" player, 18 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 12:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano stood silently for a long time watching the aftermath of the weapons that had just been brought to bear. Many lay dead or dying, the army was broken and scrabbling. Such a weapon was surely a terrible thing, but was its use wrong he thought to himself, they were trying to protect there home after all. As Phineas returned to the group they were being given orders to pack up and return the way they came, but Ano could not go back he had a duty to fulfill.
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After the sergeant left he turned to the others and said "I am with Toben, we should try and find the fallen stars.  I have been sent to find them and keep them from those who would do evil.  I think we should leave this army and find a near by village,  someone must have seen where the stars came down and who might have found them". player, 23 posts Human Fighter Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 18:11 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" If we do that, we'll have to fall behind the way we have been and veer away at dusk. After that, we'll be traitors to the Duke and probably dubious persons to everybody else. Also, we can expect others to head toward where the stars seemed to fall. player, 9 posts Mon 28 Jul 2014 at 21:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I, for one, am done with this filthy army business. What kind of a man hides behind walls and slaughters a thousand souls without even having the decency to look them in the eye? It's a coward's way to fight. No more Dukes or Dukes' armies for me." Phineas turns his head and spits on the ground.
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"If you seek the stars, I will go along with you. I'm curious what they really are, and have no other business at the moment. Besides, given that the storyteller's mention of them riled the Duke's captain, it's possible that they might help us to be rid of these cowardly despots and their craven wars. They're quick to spill the blood of others while they hide in safety; I want nothing more to do with them." player, 29 posts Human Scholar Tue 29 Jul 2014 at 19:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben finishes meticulously organizing the wagon and starts to harness up one of the horses to it. He slips his traveling cloak back on and flips up the hood. He begins to steer to horse towards the rougher terrain. Looking back over his shoulder he calls, "Phin? Phin... Phineas!!", he snaps his fingers in front of his nose. "Snap out of it buddy, we need to get moving."
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He places his hand on his shoulder in an attempt to direct him forward, "I assume you know this area well enough... you think you could help guide us through the rough patches?"

He takes one last look at the castle and its marvelous weapons, and then plods on towards a broken and fading trail, "I'm taking the less beaten path. Running into the Duke's army doesn't exactly sit well with me." player, 24 posts Human Fighter Tue 29 Jul 2014 at 20:39 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" We fall behind the Duke's forces then, as we have during the journey here. When they're out of sight, then...keep your eyes open for a likely side road or good trail...and may any interested deities favor us. GM, 37 posts Tue 29 Jul 2014 at 21:13 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Just as before, the Duke's army marches ahead. There is little call for organization and much hurry. The survivors spread thin and the forge wagon lags behind within a few hours.
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Finding a suitable side road requires more patience. None of the four of you are well versed in living in the wilds, though Ano has traveled the farthest and might have some rudimentary experience. The best you spot is a well used deer trail running along a creek just after the wagon crosses an ancient stonewrought bridge.

The sun will set in a couple of hours. You maybe have two more days of travel at this pace before cutting across won't do much good. player, 30 posts Human Scholar Tue 29 Jul 2014 at 22:07 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Seeing the sun draw closer to the horizon, Toben recommends they pull back from the river a bit to avoid nightlife and setup camp within the next hour. "You guys want to set up some sort of watch for the night?" player, 25 posts Human Fighter Tue 29 Jul 2014 at 22:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" unless advised against it, Klale takes the wagon along the deer trail (assumiing it's wide enough). Good he agrees. The horses will need time to graze, and we'd better set a watch. I think it's okay to have a fire until night falls. After that, no...except for embers. Have fuel close by, though, in case we need to build it up in a hurry. player, 11 posts Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 07:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "I'll take first watch", volunteers Phineas. "I won't be able to sleep for a while anyway, and I'll be able to be quieter than you big fellows anyway." The other bemusedly note that the lad has recovered enough of himself to start up his bluster once more.
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When night falls, he slips off into the woods, alternating between spans high in trees and periods of time cat-footing around the camp, but never going too far from his compatriots. player, 31 posts Human Scholar Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 08:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods in agreement with Klale and Phineas. "I'll take up second watch." player, 21 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 09:51 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano travelled with the group silently for a long time, thinking on what they had witnessed. He sat in the back of the wagon, keeping an eye on the equipment and making sure it stays secure. When they stop for the night they all set up camp and Ano took some time to look around trying to find something that they could eat. Ano agreed to take third watch, releaving Toben when it was time. During his watch Ano stays near the camp keeping an eye and ear out for anything out of place. GM, 38 posts Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 11:57 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" In the morning, a pair of rabbits is found on the wagon, skinned and spitted. It isn't enough for three men and a growing boy, but it makes for a good supplement and an excellent break from the monotony of army rations.
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'''GM: None of those on watch saw or heard anything but the occasional howl of a wolf, hoot of an owl, or varmint scuttling about in the underbrush. ''' player, 26 posts Human Fighter Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 11:59 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Fourth watch is mine then Klale agrees. We have food, but I'm wondering...any of know something about fishing? Could be breakfast in the creek. --- Who funished the rabbits? I didn't. player, 33 posts Human Scholar Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 13:12 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "My last attempt at fishing ended in me almost losing a finger, unfortunately.", Toben says with a chuckle. "The rabbits didn't come from me either. Perhaps Ano or Phin caught them." player, 34 posts Human Scholar Wed 30 Jul 2014 at 20:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Suspicious of the rabbits appearance, since no one had claimed responsibility for them, Toben consults an expert. The furry little critter that can often be found following him darts out from his pack.
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Toben whispers something in his ear, and he scurries over to the rabbits. Awaiting a reaction from his weasel-like pet, he turns to the group and smiles awkwardly.

[Private to GM: Whether the ferret can actually understand me right now or now, Toben whispers to him "Does anything smell funny with those rabbits?", in an off chance to see if they have been tampered with.]

The creature approaches cautiously, sniffs, and eventually takes a few nibbles at one of the rabbits. Toben observes for a couple minutes, then promptly retrieves the pet. It quickly darts up his and back into his pack. "Animals can sometimes have an uncanny ability at knowing when something isn't quite right. Ferb here seems to think it's safe... that works for me."

Once cooked, Toben tears off a piece of meat and eats it with his breakfast rations. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Thu 31 July 2014. player, 27 posts Human Fighter Thu 31 Jul 2014 at 00:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Not caring for raw rabbit, Klale prepares to roast put the rabbit in a pot of water.
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Before that, however, he calls out. Thank you. If you wish to travel with us, you're welcome to. If you're who I'm guessing you are, you're doubly welcome. GM, 44 posts Thu 31 Jul 2014 at 15:45 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale's invitation is met with chirruping birds and the chattering of other fauna. The rest of the day is uneventful but for a brief moment where the wagon wheel got stuck in a gopher hole.
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That night the watch is again set. In the morning there is a small pile of fruit and six large fish on the wagon, fileted but uncooked. player, 25 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 01:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Despite all of their watches she Ano woke up in the early hours of dawn to train he found that food had once again been left for them. Who ever their mystery follower was, they certainly meant them no harm. After his daily routine Ano  helped the others cook the food that had been left and then helped pack up camp. While he worked he thought  that the person helping the must be exceptional at woldermess survival,  but he could not imagine they lived easily.
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[Private to Eru: When the group is ready to leave for the day Ano would like to discreetly leave his blanket behind where it is easy to find, as a thank you to their mysterious benefactor. ] player, 38 posts Human Scholar Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 07:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben awoke to the pleasant smell of a well cooked breakfast. He graciously took his portion and ate it with his travel rations, sharing half his fish with his furry friend. "There ya go Ferb", he says patting him on the head.
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Once done with his meal he slips off his traveling cloak and helps the group pack up the wagon. While packing, he nabs a couple choice items from the supplies and bundles them up within the cloak. He ties it off neatly and attaches a note to it, "I hope none of you mind, I figured a little care package for our mysterious benefactor was the least we could do for all the food he/she has provided."

Before leaving the camp, he places the bundle by the campfire and begins to stamp out the embers. He stops for a moment, looks to the surrounding woods, and intentionally leaves the remaining embers burning. If the person out there was as cautious as they were, he/she would promptly stamp the remaining embers out and notice the care package.

[Private to GM: The note reads: "Thanks for watching over us. Consider the equipment a gift." The cloak is bundled to give the appearance of having stuff inside, but there is in fact nothing in it.] <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 08:37, Fri 01 Aug 2014. player, 29 posts Human Fighter Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 15:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale eats heartily after doing what he can to follow Ano's exercises and drinking deep of the creek water. He observes what Toben is doing and says Fair enough. He then helps make as sure as possible that the embers will remain harmless. If necessary, he'll help put a berm around them. Then it's follow the track, hoping to trend toward the stars. He advises taking breaks so the horses may drink, graze, and rest. We may need them to be in their very best condition. Anyway, we're vagabonds without them. GM, 45 posts Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 20:17 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Travel that day is easy going and much ground is covered. An open prairie is little obstacle to the wagon.  Nost  is close enough that it should be reached tomorrow by sundown.
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A couple of hours before sunset, the prairie gives way to a small forest. The trees are old and there is much space between them. Twigs and fallen leaves provide a hard enough surface that the horses have no trouble with the wagon.

As the light fades and thoughts of camp come up in conversation, the group comes upon a man hobbling through the trees toward  Nost. He wears bandages and walks with a crutch. At his side is a sword that he does not wear well. Leather armor, an amalgam of different pieces from different makers, envelopes him. His right arm ends in a bloody, rag covered stump.

When he sees the wagon, he hobbles to the side of the road to either hide or just get out of the way.

'''Kade Rystalmane (talk) 13:38, April 26, 2019 (UTC)

GM: As a matter of course, I always take 10 on standard skill checks like Listen and Spot when events like this come up. It does not mean something is a miss, only that your character is passively using these skills. If something is encountered and you wish to roll or invoke one of the house rules/feats, please state that in a PM in your response to the new event.''' player, 30 posts Human Fighter Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 22:14 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale says Take crossbow just in case. He pulls up the team. Sir, travelers should aid each other. We have food and drink, and watchful eyes. player, 39 posts Human Scholar Fri 1 Aug 2014 at 22:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods, "Got it ready right here."
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Noticing the old mans haggard appearance, he quickly scans the wagon. "He looks pretty bad off... who's got the best skill with one of these?", Toben says as he holds up a healers kit. player, 26 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 07:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As the group comes up on the wounded man they pulled the wagon to a halt. The man looked to be in bad shape, very possibly dueto the sslaughter that had taken place a few days ago. As Toben offerd up a medical kit, Ano took note that he seemed to come very well prepared. Ano took the medical kit from Toben saying "We are going to have to stop here for the night id I am to do him any good." As he hopped down from the wagon he approached the wounded man slowly giving him a small bow and said "With your permission".
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[Private to Eru: If the wounded man allows I will perform a heal check and start treating him immediately. I'm guessing it will take some time. Should I just take ten, if so it should be 10 +3 (for skill) + 2 (for healers kit)  for a total of 15.] Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 10:22 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Oh, thank you, kind sir.  I really appreciate it." The soldier hobbles over to Ano and the back of the wagon to receive the offered aid.
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[Private to Ano: '''As you begin to examine him, something doesn't seem right. Up close, his wounds do not look very severe. That wrapped stump at the end of his arm seems to long to account for the loss of a hand.'''] player, 40 posts Human Scholar Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 10:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Unsure of where this soldiers allegiance lies, Toben decides not to reveal his true name. "Well met, soldier. I'm Benot. Looks likes you've been through quite an ordeal. How did you end up in this grisly state?"
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[Private to GM: Toben prepares for a sense motive roll. 10:52, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 12 using 1d20+1. Sense motive on the injured soldier.] GM, 46 posts Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 11:32 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The man is shaking, ostensibly from pain as Ano examines him. He looks around fearful at the three of you. Phineas is nowhere to be seen.
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[Private to Toben Ironsprings: He is difficult to read, especially with Ano examining him and getting in the way.] player, 31 posts Human Fighter Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 13:14 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale looks for a good place to pull over and camp. We need to find a spot with some rooom, water if possible. Stranger are you have the ague? player, 27 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 13:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano checks over the mans minor wounds first making sure non of them are too serious, and checked his leg for range of mobility before moving to his ribs. He listened quietly to Toben as he was asking the man questions. The man seemed to have been through quite a lot. He looked to the soldier and said "looks like you have a broken rib, I'm going to have to remove your sword belt to get a better look".
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[Private to Eru: Ano knows the man is alright he just wants to try to disarm him quietly. I want to ready an action, if he tries anything suspicious or if he gets hostile when I remove his bandages Ano will hit him with his stunning blow, but dealing non lethal damage] player, 41 posts Human Scholar Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 14:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The soldier clearly appears traumatized, and not very responsive to his queries. "Perhaps he needs a little recovery time before he gains all of his senses. Is there anything I can help you with, Ano?"
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[Private to GM: Toben will try to assist the healing Ano is doing, but will back down if it just gets in the way. Also, the soldier doesn't look familiar in any way, does he? Someone from the initial assault maybe?] GM, 47 posts Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 19:47 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" When Ano asks to remove the man's swordbelt, he immediately grows less frail in his actions. The bandage at the end of his hand rips and a small punch dagger emerges from it. He tries to swipe at Ano, but misses miserably.
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Six other men step from the trees wielding soldier weapons. Their armor is ill fitting and mostly leather. A couple still wear the patch of Duke Melifore on their sleeves.

GM: Roll initiatives or take 10 if you like if you intend to respond in violence. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 19:49, Sat 02 Aug 2014. player, 32 posts Human Fighter Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 20:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale reaches back to pick up his bastard sword in one hand and large hammer in the other. His muscles flex. We're a blacksmith team. Be smart. Some of you are apt to die if you press us. If we talk, we might find each other useful.
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Will take a 10 as appropriate. [Klale has normal Charisma, but he is big, grim, and has a long reach.] Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 23:25 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" One of the soldiers wearing a patch takes a step forward to converse. He eyes Klale, then looks to Ano and Toben. "We just want yer horses and food, blacksmith.  We're happy to leave you yer lives.  Seein' how there's seven o' us and only three o' you, perhaps yer willin' to agree with that arrangement?"
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One of the men has a bow trained on Klale. The others are armed with a hodgepodge of weapons including a couple of farm implements doubling as weapons of war [scythe, sledge]. player, 42 posts Human Scholar Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 23:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Surprisingly fast on his feet, Toben whips the crossbow off his back and brings it to bear. "You ought to listen to the big guy... a man of the forge isn't easily subdued."
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He nods out along the tree line, "Besides, how do you know there aren't more of us out there. You think we wouldn't have scouts nearby?"

23:26, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Initiative. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 23:45, Sat 02 Aug 2014. Sat 2 Aug 2014 at 23:47 Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The man glances out among the trees, then back to Toben. "Yer bluffin'.  We been followin' you for miles.  T'ain't nothin' out there but squirrels." Whether he believes himself or not, its enough that he is calling what he thinks is a bluff. "Now, yer gonna hand over them horses and supplies real nice like, or this ain't gonna end well for the three o' you." player, 43 posts Human Scholar Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 00:24 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Hoping he had bought himself enough time, and praying their mysterious benefactor and Phineas were skulking out in the woods Toben gave once last attempt to instill doubt in their attackers.
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"Tsk tsk, I wouldn't expect a couple tired, beaten soldiers and a group of farm hands to spot our scouts. Trouble is, you may have spent too much time keeping your eyes on the ground, or spying on us to have missed those in the trees." He trains his crossbow on the lead man, "You may want to reconsider, before it's too late to walk away."

[Private to GM: A bit of bluffing and a serious leap of faith. 00:23, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 18 using 1d20+1. Bluff.] player, 33 posts Human Fighter Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 02:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale has braced the foot nearest the bandits, and relaxed the other leg. Now he shovs off the foot and ducks a the shoulder nearest them. His away arm goes oer the dide, and he drops his hammer. Then it's over the side to the ground and picking up the hammer. Kill them! He cries.
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Klale hopes the arrow flies above him. player, 28 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 07:25 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano saw the man's hand comming at him and quickly pivoted his body so the dagger slid by him. As Toben tried to reason with the bandits and buy them some time Ano's eyes did not leave the man in front of him. He was sure they could find a peaceful solution to their demands, they were close enough to Nost that they didn't really need the wagon or food anymore, but before he could speak Klale had drawn weapons and began his attack.
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Ano sighed for he preferred to avoid violence if he could. Since it did not seem like an option now  so he slid quietly into his stance for the four door flow.

08:24, Today: Ano rolled 21 using 1d20+2. initiative player, 13 posts Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 08:01 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas, who dropped from the back of the wagon and melted into the woods when he caught sight of another person on the trail, pulls his dagger from his boot and moves around to be in striking range of the soldier who has drawn a bead on Klale with a bow, figuring the big blacksmith is probably more than capable of dealing with anyone who closes to melee range with him. He prepares to Sneak Attack the bowman as soon as violence erupts, hoping he can land his blow before the bowman gets off his shot.
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07:48, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 20 using 1d20+7 for initiative. player, 46 posts Human Scholar Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 08:52 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Out of order. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 12:31, Sun 03 Aug 2014. This message was deleted by the player at 13:27, Sun 03 Aug 2014. GM, 49 posts Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 12:24 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"
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*     *   ***         **  * ***    *  * * *** *** * *   * * *  * * * * * *   *     *      *              * *          * S      *P          *  **     ***    * T                            C -  -.  h h         S AS |   | -  -  h h         K S

* * ** ** * ** * S**  *** * * ** * * **  * ** * * * * * * * * * ** ** ** *** ** __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 * *         *        *       *  S *        *      *    **         *     *

 *Name                 Init   AC/DR     HP/HP    Notes                                                    *  Toben                  22    12/--      6/ 6 Ano                    21    15/--     11/11 Phineas                20    13/--      6/ 6

Soldier (C)            17    ??/?? ??/?? Soldier (S)            16    ??/?? ??/?? Soldier (S)            16    ??/?? ??/?? Soldier (S)            16    ??/?? ??/?? Soldier (S)            17    ??/?? ??/?? Soldier (S)            15    ??/?? ??/??

Klale                  11    11/--     14/14

Soldier (S)             8    ??/?? ??/??

<p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 47 posts Human Scholar Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 12:25 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben's nerves had just about reached their limit, and was doing his best to keep from looking twitchy. Klale's sudden movement and battle cry made him jump every so slightly, but it was enough to trigger the crossbow.
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Plink

The bolt was airborne, and whizzing toward the soldier making the demands. It was like slow motion, and all Toben could do was watch as it left the barrel of the crossbow.

08:42, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Ranged attack vs. the lead soldier. 13:31, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 6 using 1d8. Crossbow damage. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 13:33, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 35 posts Human Fighter Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 14:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Rather than go by Ano, Klale starts going around the horses, sword in right hand and hammer in left. player, 31 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 15:35 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As the fight breaks out and things start to go south he looked at the soldier in front of him and acted quickly. Moving though the four door flow, but much faster. He slid in close to his target, his right hand  shooting out with two fingers extended aiming for the pressure point in the shoulder that would bind up his body.
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16:27, Today: Ano rolled 9 using 1d20+3. attack roll. Ano attempts a stunning fist attack but a 9 misses I'm sure. I don't know if a miss expenses my one use or not Ano designates the soldier in front of him for his dodge bonus. So he gets +1 to AC against that one soldier. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 13 posts Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 19:35 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: The Legacy of Men{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" When Klale begins to move and Toben fires, Phineas' instincts take over. He steps from behind the tree where he hid and deftly slides his dagger into the bowman's waist, just under his ill-fitting armor. The angle is good. At least a kidney and possibly a lung are pierced.
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20:02, Today: Phineas Highwood, rolled 18 using 1d20. Attack. 20:03, Today: Phineas Highwood, rolled 10 using 2d6. Damage + Sneak Attack Damage.

<p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 19:35, Sun 03 Aug 2014. GM, 52 posts Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 19:35 Profile | Info | Rolls Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The bowman (C), completely surprised by Phineas' attack, releases the arrow which goes wide. He tries to whirl around, but the blood gushes from him and he passes out.
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Ano's attempt misses [Private to Ano: and uses up a Stunning Fist for 1 hour].

Toben's shot catches the erstwhile leader of the group (L) in the shoulder and spins him a quarter of the way around. He howls, but turns back around and keeps coming.

Three of the soldiers (S) attempt to swarm Klale. Out of nowhere, an arrow slams into one of them from Klale's right (from the "south" portion of the map). The arrow protrudes from the man's knee and he goes down, unable to walk. The other two swing their weapons, clearly not well trained. One completely misses, despite Klale's size. The other only manages a glancing blow (1 dmg - Klale).

The soldier (S) before Ano attacks, but can't hit the elusive young man. Another (S) steps out of the trees heading for the back of the wagon. Ano will have one last chance to fight or flee before this second attacker engages.

None of the men seem to realize what has happened to their bowman or why the soldier near Klale fell down. The heat of battle moves them forward.

*     *   ***         **  * ***    *  * * *** *** * *   * * *  * * * * * *   *     *      *              * *          *        *P          *  **     ***    * T            L               C -  -.  h h          AS |   |               S -  -  h h         KS S * * ** ** * ** *  **  *** * * ** * * **  * ** * * * * * * * * * ** ** ** *** ** __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 * *         *        *       *  S *        *      *    **         *     *

 *Name                 Init   AC/DR     HP/HP    Notes                                                    *  Toben                  22    12/--      6/ 6 Ano                    21    15/--     11/11 Phineas                20    13/--      6/ 6

Soldier (C)            17   -10/?? ??/??        Swooning Leader  (L)            16    -6/?? ??/??        Moving toward Toben Soldier (S)            16    ??/?? ??/??        Attacking Ano Soldier (S)            16    ??/?? ??/??        Attacking Klale Soldier (S)            17    ??/?? ??/??        Attacking Klale Soldier (S)            15    -4/?? ??/??        Pinned

Klale                  11    11/--     13/14

Soldier (S)             8    ??/?? ??/??        Moving toward Ano

Please make your attack and damage rolls. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 22:21, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 36 posts Human Fighter Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 20:37 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 1{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" As he can Klale attacks. The bastard sword descends upon the right-hand bandit. The hammer describes and arc, probably in front of the left-hand soldier.
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18:34, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 1d8. Damage 2. + 4 = 12

18:33, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 5 using 1d10. Damage 1. + 4 = 9

18:25, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 7 using 1d20. Atttack 2 w/ DDR. + 2 = 9

18:25, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 10 using 1d20. ToHit 1 w/ DDR. + 4 = 14 <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 22:22, Sun 03 Aug 2014. GM, 53 posts Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 22:22 Profile | Info | Rolls Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale slashes one man across the chest. He goes down in a spray of blood (9 dmg). The blacksmith's hammer fails to connect with the second.
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Toben, Ano, and Phineas...you have initiative. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 49 posts Human Scholar Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 22:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Aw, crap", Toben mutters under his breath. This fight was really happening, and he had to come up with a plan. With the old mouthy soldier bearing down, his first priority was to deal with him.
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Seeing the powerful blows dealt by Klale, Toben takes a step back to put the horses between him and the southern tree line and give him some cover. He quickly pulls the lever on the crossbow back and reloads another bolt. "Ano, you doing alright back there?", he shouts out of the corner of his mouth.

He raises his crossbow and fires another bolt at the man closing on him.

5ft step to half cover behind horses. 22:55, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Ranged attack vs. the lead soldier. 22:56, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 6 using 1d8. crossbow damage.

<p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 23:03, Sun 03 Aug 2014. player, 32 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 23:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano leaned back far enough so that the soldier's dagger just missed him and then fell back into his stance. He was going to have to act quickly or eles the second man would be on him soon. He aimed two quick jabs at the man's head but the soldier was faster then he had expected for someone who looked so wounded. He could feel the panic rising and quickly suppressed it. "I could use some assistance" he called to Toben.
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Ano uses flurry of blows, and can't hit anything. 00:11, Today: Ano rolled 9 using 1d20+1. 2nd attack roll on soldier. 00:10, Today: Ano rolled 8 using 1d20+1. 1st attack roll on soldier. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Mon 04 Aug 2014. player, 37 posts Human Fighter Sun 3 Aug 2014 at 23:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale backhands with the hammer and waves his sword; neither finds his opponent.
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21:56, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 4 using 1d20. To Hit: Sword.

21:56, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d20. To Hit: Hammer. player, 14 posts Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 07:21 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Seeing Klale beset on all sides, Phineas quickly decided that his work with the archer was done. Kicking the archer's bow away, he began to sprint as quickly and quietly as he could toward the soldiers engaged with Klale, intending to take one by surprise, strike, and then retreat before the soldier could return a buffet (Spring Attack).
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07:18, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 20 using 1d20. Move silently. 07:19, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 13 using 1d20. attack. 07:20, Today: Phineas Highwood rolled 3 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,2. damage + sneak attack damage. GM, 54 posts Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 19:00 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben's second shot catches the leader in the thigh. He goes down, but does not look dead.
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Phineas is able to surprise the soldier Klale had wounded. His damage is not much, but significant enough when coupled with Klale's to bring him down.

Though Ano and Klale both miss, an arrow takes the second man approaching Ano in the leg and he stumbles. This causes the "injured" man in front of him to hesitate and look around. So does the soldier flanking Klale. Both register that they are the last two standing without a significant wound to any of their victims. They immediately drop their weapons and raise their hands in the air.

"Give.  We give up.  Please don't kill us!" This from the man who tried to stab Ano, who was only trying to help.

A woman with olive colored skin and hair so dark brown it is black steps from the trees. She wears well made leathers. She has a well made short bow with one arrow knocked but not drawn aimed at one of the two uninjured soldiers. player, 38 posts Human Fighter Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 19:08 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Thank you, Ma'am.
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On your bellies, all of you. Lace your hands behind your heads. ... Ano, what happened back there? player, 50 posts Human Scholar Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 20:37 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Once the attackers surrender their weapons, Toben does notice the two soldiers potentially bleeding out, but he spends his immediate actions securing the ones that pose the biggest threat.
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He circles around to the back of the wagon. "Ano, keep an eye on this one while I fetch some rope. We need to bind these fools before they bring more harm upon themselves."

Toben fetches a few bundles of rope as quickly as he can, and tosses them out to Phineas and the lady arhcer. "I assume the pair of you good at tying knots?" player, 33 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 20:55 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano collects the weapons from the man in front of him and throws them far up onto the wagon. He takes a few steps back ready to defend himself against the man in front of him. The man that had been approaching him had taken a arrow to the knee and was not going to be moving any time soon. Ano nodded to Toben, then responded to Klale quietly "We were ambushed." player, 40 posts Human Fighter Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 22:48 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Your man pulled a knife on you when you were trying to help him, and this one with the patch is the ringleader. Both deserve death more surely than the others. But I guess, Ano, you prefer mercy. Very well, then. But I think it best to tie those who can walk around the neck and waist so they're harnessed. They can carry those who can't walk. You, man of treachery, can walk. Phineas, I judge you the lightest. Take the team. The rest of us can walk. All weapons, everything of metal of the prisoners goes in the wagon.
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Lady, I beg you join us. We saw the stars fall and journey in hopes of going where they rest.

Before I forget, you prisoners: Have you a lair near by? You tell us and whatever's there may aid your case. Otherwise, who knows who will appropriate your cached goods.

Any arguments or suggestions or questions? <p title="Message information.">This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:56, Mon 04 Aug 2014. player, 51 posts Human Scholar Mon 4 Aug 2014 at 23:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Once the less wounded soldiers are tied up, Toben goes to check on the ones that seemed to take the most damage and tries to assess whether their wounds are fatal. "I'm not sure if some of these guys are going to make it, Klale."
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He walks over to the one that appeared to be their leader last and kicks his weapon away. "If I were you, I would listen to the big guy this time. Why did you attack us? Were you sent by the duke, or were you acting on your own?" player, 34 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 02:03 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aftercare the bandits were tied up Ano relaxed slightly. As his companions interrogate the beaten men, Ano walks over to talk with them. "It is almost dark now. what do you intend to do with these men.  We can not make it back to Nost tonight, we will have to make camp and set a guard. "  After that he spent some time tending to the severely wounded. Despite all they had done Ano could not sleep while they lay there dying slowly.
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Ano takes 10 on a heal check to keep anyone from dying. but not willing to go to great extremes to save lives. player, 41 posts Human Fighter Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 02:39 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" If need be, Klale will hep cauterize the wounds. As for the prisoners, hogtying seems a good idea. No food for them, but they do get water is his proposal. As for relieving themselves...too bad is his advice. player, 15 posts Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 06:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits - Combat Round 2{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas approaches the mysterious woman:
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Well met, my lady, and thank for your help. As you can see, your arrival was very timely indeed! I'm afraid we have little to offer in gratitude, however, other than our names which, if it is you who has been providing us succor and silent company, you probably already know. But courtesy dictates we introduce ourselves nonetheless! The quiet gentlemen over there who moves like a striking snake is Ano. The strapping buck flinging around a hammer as if it weighs naught is Klale. And the good fellow with the sword and the stoat is Toben.

Phineas bows low while looking up pointedly at the newcomer, clearly waiting for her to reply in kind. <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Tue 05 Aug 2014. GM, 57 posts Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 08:25 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The bandits are silent and scared as they are tied up. With merciful hands tending them, none are lost to death. The leader has lost all his bravado. "We ain't got no camp.  We was heading back from the battle at Duke Therion's and realized we ain't got nowheres to head back to.  Melifore is dead and his lands will be taken by whichever duke is strong enough to hold them if not some upstart, self-proclaimed duke from the common folk." He licks dry lips. "We ain't none of us any good at hunting and saw your wagon so's we decided to," he hesitates to admit his crime, but deflates and finishes lamely. "...to take yours."
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He looks around at the group. When his eyes fall on the innocent seeming Phineas, he shudders. "You ain't gonna kill us, are you?"

'''Kade Rystalmane (talk) 13:38, April 26, 2019 (UTC)

Loot: 1 simple short bow 30 arrows 1 punch dagger 7 daggers, 1 balanced well enough for throwing 3 short swords 2 scythes 1 farm implement that looks like it was hastily hammered to emulate a glaive 4 suits of piecemeal leather armor 15 coppers 14 water skins, 5 filled with an almost undrinkable alcoholic beverage.''' Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 08:36 Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The olive-skinned woman smirks at Klale's words. She wears a short sword and long knife at her waist. Her short bow is well made, crafted by a practiced hand. The quiver on her back is thick leather and dyed to blend with the woodlands. Her athletic body is well suited to the practical studded leather she wears for armor. Her dark hair has been tied into a simple tail behind her head.
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Once the bandits are tied up she pats Phineas on the head and returns to the trees. A moment later she emerges with a precisely tied pack of belongings. These she tosses onto the wagon. "Klale, I'm two years younger than you.  We grew up together.  What's with the ma'am business?" Her voice has a very faint accent to it, something no doubt from her mother's heritage in the far north east.

"You boys are sweet taking care of little old me and all, but I am better prepared to be out here than the lot of you.  Since I am going to be coming with you to find these -- well, I will let you think they are stars for a bit longer -- I will teach you how to hunt and fish for yourselves." She winks at Phineas. "This one is sneaky.  I think I will teach him first."

"Oh, an my name is Aashera Elend.  I am from Nost." player, 42 posts Human Fighter Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 12:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Lady, Ma'am, take your pick, Aashera Elend. Some things it's best to establish early. How'd you come by all your stuff? And I guess you know a place to stop since you're from around here. player, 52 posts Human Scholar Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 15:09 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" While the two long lost buddies catch up, Toben addresses the rogue soldiers. "Your death won't be by my hands. Besides, if we wanted you dead, we wouldn't bother tying you up."
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"Melifore is dead, you say?", he pauses for dramatic effect. "What do you know of the other dukes? Did they survive the assault?" player, 16 posts Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 15:11 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Looking at the soldier, Phineas answers "Why, do you think you need killing? If you're not threatening me, I, for one, feel no need to threaten you. I can't speak for him though…" throwing a mock-worried look at Klale.
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Phineas looks vaguely annoyed at being patted on the head, and visibly stands a bit taller, apparently making an effort to avoid that sort of thing in the future. "I'm at your service, my lady Aashera, and will be glad to learn whatever you wish to teach me." He makes a visible effort not to waggle his eyebrows suggestively as he says this, and almost succeeds. NPC, 1 post Human Ranger Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 18:16 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera bristles at the title, informal as it is. "True royalty died out in the middle of the last age."
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She looks at the tied up men. "Leave them.  Give them water if you must.  They're either smart enough to get out of those bonds by morning and will live...or they aren't."

Then Aashera turns back to Klale. "I can show you the answers to your questions," she nods toward the captives, "but they are not welcome." Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 18:21 Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Yeah, Melifore is dead.  He charged the walls when our breach was made.  One o' them weapons took 'e's head clean off." He wets his lips. "The Lord High Warden, he's alive they say.  I heard tell he got hurt bad when one o' them things exploded near him, but he got up and walked away from it anyhow.  As it was told me, there's somethin' unnatural about the Lord High Warden.  Something nobody wants to talk about no how."
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When the first soldier pauses for lack of answers, another speaks up. "We ain't heard nothin' about Duke Brackard." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the GM at 18:21, Tue 05 Aug 2014. player, 36 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 21:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano collected up some of the water skins and left them in a pile near the tied up bandits. With a Lon loom at the man who had originally tried to kill him and dropped one of the daggers near the water. They may not be good men but no one deserves to be left helpless in the woods.
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He gave a soft bow to Aashera when he was introduced, and found himself wondering how much information she really knew. He walked over to where Aashera and Klale were talking "we best be on our way soon, do either of you know where we can find the old story teller once we are back in Nost." player, 45 posts Human Fighter Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 22:31 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale goes GRRRMMM but that's all. He starts the team up. NPC, 2 posts Human Ranger Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:27 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "If you are going to Nost, then I will say good-bye.  The "old storyteller", as you call him, isn't there.  Only trouble." player, 46 posts Human Fighter Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:30 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Then where...and you were going to show us something. player, 54 posts Human Scholar Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:34 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "The story teller was the only reason for me to return to Nost.", Toben says. "If he isn't there, then I have no need to go there."
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"You implied before that you don't believe what fell from the sky were stars...", he turns his focus towards Aashera, "What do you think they are then?" NPC, 3 posts Human Ranger Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:38 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera rolls her eyes then heads into the trees. The trail she takes is one the wagon and horses can follow. player, 47 posts Human Fighter Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale turns the team to follow, and the wagon rolls along.
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Not apropos, but came to mind:

Rollin', rollin', rollin'. Rollin', rollin', rollin'. Rollin', rollin', rollin'. Rollin', rollin', rollin'. Rawhide! Hah! Hah!

Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', Though the streams are swollen, Keep them dogies rollin', rawhide. Through rain and wind and weather, Hell bent for leather, Wishin' my gal was by my side. All the things I'm missin', Good vittles, love, and kissin', Are waiting at the end of my ride.

Move 'em out, head 'em up, Head 'em up, move 'em on. Move 'em out, head 'em up: Rawhide. Cut 'em out, ride 'em in, Ride 'em in, cut 'em out, Cut 'em out, ride 'em in: Rawhide! Hah! Hah!

Movin', movin', movin', Though they're disapprovin', Keep them dogies movin', rawhide. Don't try to understand 'em, Just rope an' throw an' brand 'em. Soon we'll be living high and wide. My heart's calculatin', My true love will be waitin': Waitin' at the end of my ride.

Move 'em out, head 'em up, Head 'em up, move 'em on. Move 'em out, head 'em up: Rawhide. Cut 'em out, ride 'em in, Ride 'em in, cut 'em out, Cut 'em out, ride 'em in: Rawhide!

(Rollin', rollin', rollin'.) (Rollin', rollin', rollin'.) Hah! (Rollin', rollin', rollin'.) Hah! (Rollin', rollin', rollin'.) Rawhide. Hah! Rawhide!

Wikipedia:

"Rawhide" is a Western song written by Ned Washington (lyrics) and composed by Dimitri Tiomkin in 1958. It was originally recorded by Frankie Laine. The song was used as the theme to Rawhide, the western television series that ran on CBS from 1959 to 1966.

The song is about the job of a drover on a cattle drive. player, 55 posts Human Scholar Tue 5 Aug 2014 at 23:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Excellent, a very interesting theory...", he sort of tosses his hands in the air out of frustration, "It's always so enlightening sharing ideas, don't you think?", Toben says to no one in particular.
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He mutters to himself as he finishes loading the bandits gear up in the wagon, and then directs the horses down the trail Aashera points out.

Thinking that perhaps the blow Klale suffered during the fight rendered him insane, Toben decides to keep his silence for the moment and continue moving forward. player, 37 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 01:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano had never considered to look for the old storyteller any where else,  it must have been fate to guide the to the one person who might have some answers for them. He helped Toben load the wagon and as they prepared to leave he placed a hand on his shoulder and said "i think the answers we seek will be before us soon.  Father Hollard use to tell me 'questions seek the busy mind, but answers seek the still heart'." With that Ano hopped up onto the back of the wagon and kept his ears trained, listening for anyone who might be following, despite the strange song from Klale. NPC, 4 posts Human Ranger Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 06:04 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Any questions are ignored and she seems impatient, muttering once about men never listening or some such. Then she is silent, almost as a ghost moving through the forest.
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Just after sunset, when it is really too dark to travel, the trees break and reveal a quaint little wood cottage. Light from a fireplace or candles flickers in the windows. Moonlight shows smoke wafting from a well-built chimney.

Aashera walks out of the trees toward the cottage without hesitation. Halfway there, she turns to the group. "You want your answers?  Come on in." player, 56 posts Human Scholar Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 08:25 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Meliforian Bandits{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The walk through the trees did a good job finally calming Toben's nerves from the skirmish earlier. After being 'on the road' for so long, the cottage was a welcomed sight.
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"Thank you for the hospitality. I apologize if I came off a little impatient earlier. I've never been in a fight like that before... I guess I just needed to get out of there.", Toben says as he nods to Aashera.

He hitches the horses close by the cottage, and follows his companions into the house (assuming the others go inside). player, 38 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 09:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After the long ride through the woods Ano felt refreshed and centred for the first time since the fight. When they arrived at the cabin Ano hopped down from the wagon, leaving his bag and his dagger behind, as he gave the woods one last quick scan for life before following the others inside. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:38, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 17 posts Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 14:22 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas joined the others, dagger up his sleeve, lagging a bit behind so that he would have time to respond if one of them got thumped on the head by some shadowy malefactor as they entered. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:38, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 48 posts Human Fighter Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 14:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Before going inside, Klale makes sure—possibly with help—that the horses are watered and fed or are staked where they can get grass. (The stakes will be moved later.) <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:38, Fri 08 Aug 2014. GM, 58 posts Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 16:02 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Horses seen to, Aashera leads you into a five room cabin filled with smoke. She drops her gear and rushes through the haze to a cooking/dining area to the right where the old storyteller,  Eles, is cooking something well done. He mutters and complains about the middle not being done yet, but lets Aashera take over.
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The rest of the house is well furnished and cozy. Beyond the cooking area, there is an ample living area complete with fireplace to the left. A couch for two, a comfortable rocking chair with cushions, and a hard, smooth table with two chairs fill the room. Maps of the local duchies and of strange, possibly fantastic lands cover the walls. Some of them have slightly singed edges. Three closed doors lead back to other rooms unknown. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 49 posts Human Fighter Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 16:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Oh Klale mutters. Appreciate your hosting he says aloud. He takes a cushion, sets it on the floor out of the way, and lies flat on his back with his head pillowed and arms along the floor. His eyes close. <p title="Message information.">This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 57 posts Human Scholar Wed 6 Aug 2014 at 19:15 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben walks into the cottage to a pleasant surprise. A smile comes over his face, "Good to see you again, Eles."
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He slips off his travel pack and places in the living area near the fireplace. "How is that ankle treating you?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 39 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP11/11 Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 02:56 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano enters the cabin with the others, the smell of frying meat filling his nose. When he entered the main room he looked about silently,  taking a peek at the maps spread put on the table. <p title="Message information.">This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 1 post Human Bard Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 06:28 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles comes into the den leaving Aashera to sort out the fire. "Thanks for asking, my boy.  I still have a bit of a limp, but its much better." He does not appear to walk with any noticeable limp at all.
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"Please, make yourselves at home.  This is a family cabin, one built many generations ago and then repaired and brought back into use by my grandfather.  It's a cozy little get away.  One that the Duke and his men don't know of."

Eles takes a seat in the rocking chair. He pulls out a whittling knife and begins working on what looks like some kind of wind instrument that is nearly complete. "Aashera told me about the battle.  I'm glad to see you boys made it out of there all right.  Brackard was a fool to attack Therion.  Dagnir is a good man.  A genius, too.  If he weren't so cautious of outsiders, I would have taken my family to live under his protection a long time ago.  His distrust is rightly placed, though.  Too many free-loaders and spies would try to overwhelm his duchy if he let anyone in." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 58 posts Human Scholar Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 07:10 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben takes a seat near Eles. "Oh, you should have seen it... the castle was very impressive, and those defenses... AMAZING", he says with a childish glee, "... uh, despite all the lives lost.", he says as a solemn after-thought.
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"Here, check it out." Toben unrolls a few designs he had been scribbling on during the trip back. The cylinders were expertly drawn, given that they are just... cylinders. Everything else was just theory and speculation "I've been trying to sketch it out, but I can't quite figure out the mechanics behind them just yet." Toben spends a few minutes explaining what happened at the wall.

After a moment, his attention is drawn to the maps on the wall. "Those maps look very detailed too, did you make them?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:39, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 19 posts Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 08:00 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Relieved to see that there was no danger lurking in the cabin, Phineas quickly makes himself at home on the floor, sniffing appreciatively at the aromas wafting from the cooking area, while covertly glancing around to see if there might be any more to this place than the party noticed at first glance.
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It's a pleasure to see you again, Mister Eles! Thank you for your hospitality -- a more rare gift than we might hope in these bleak times. Your tales back in the city were fascinating, and I'm glad we may have opportunity to hear more, and to learn more of what's behind them! I gather you and our erstwhile guide are related in some way? he queried, glancing in at Aashera. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 2 posts Human Bard Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 11:04 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles looks with pride at the maps. "I made some of them, yes.  The older ones come from prior generations of Elends or their friends back in the mists of time.  Some I've had to copy as age began to wither the parchment.  Those with...ahem, wear at the edges are ones I made during my own adventures during my youth." He gestures to one map on the wall. "That one there with the mountains on the north, west, and east and that big mountain in the middle -- Mordûn I think its called -- that's from the Third Age.  Actually went down there when I first started wandering about.  Beautiful place.  Quiet, too.  Nobody out there.  Least not when I was there."
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He stands up and wanders over to a map displayed prominently above the fireplace in a wooden frame. "Now this one...this one I am most proud of.  My best mapwork.  Made this thirty five years ago.  My son, Ander went with me into the East.  He met Aashera's mother there.  Drug her back to this goblin's warren.  Beautiful girl, Moena is.  Aashera takes after her, though I see some of Ander in her, too.  Less now after his..." The old man trails off muttering and sits back down in the rocking chair staring into the fire. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 5 posts Human Ranger Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 11:06 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera enters from the dining area, which is now less smoky. "I managed to save dinner...again.  Grandpa, are you going to tell them about the stars?  That is what they said they are looking for." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 3 posts Human Bard Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 11:08 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles starts out of his reverie and glares up at Aashera. "I was doing just fine.  Since your granny died, I had to learn to cook.  Not a man's place in the kitchen. I-" <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 6 posts Human Ranger Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 11:11 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Don't start, Grandpa. Keep your backwater notions about a woman's place to yourself. You never could cook and only the fact that Granny could kept you alive all those years. If mother ever kicks you from our table, you would starve in a day, you old bag of bones. Are you going to tell them about the stars or leave me to do that, too? <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 4 posts Human Bard Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 11:19 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Leave off, child!  Yes, yes, I'll tell them about the stars if that's what they're itchin' to hear about." He looks at the dining area and licks his lips. "Over dinner, though.  I might starve to death otherwise.  You've been gone for three days."
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The old man rises out of his chair. "You boys hungry?  Come.  There's plenty of seats in the dinning room." True to his word, there is a large table with ten chairs set within an ample cooking area. A hand pump draws water into one side of a double basin for washing. An old rectangular pipe stove is wide enough for at least four good-sized pots on it.

Aashera sits at a table closest to a hallway leading out a back door. Without complaint, or even noting it, Elend takes out wooden dishes and sets the table, which is already filled with different meats: pheasant, fish, and some unknown mammal. There are steamed vegetables and a large bowl of fresh fruit as well.

"I have some tea, water, cow's milk that might be a bit separated by now, and some local brew.  The last hasn't much kick to it, but it tastes surprisingly well...kind of a nutty flavor to it." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:40, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 61 posts Human Scholar Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 17:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben takes a seat at the table, pours himself some tea, and waits patiently for everyone else to be seated. Occasionally, while everyone else is milling about, one might see a little black nose pop out from a loose sleeve. It sniffs at the air a few times, and quickly disappears.
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"Everything looks great", Toben says ignoring several charred bits of food. "The pair of you really do quite well for yourselves out here. I like the quiet too... it's great for thinking."

"Aaserha, were you a part of the conscription too? I don't think I remember seeing you..." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:41, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 7 posts Human Ranger Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 19:40 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera looks at Toben. "I was there in Nost.  I remember you.  Toben, right?.  I did not make it all the way to Therion's duchy.  I...uh, left camp early and headed out on my own." She frowns, angry for some reason at the memory. <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the player at 08:41, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 42 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Thu 7 Aug 2014 at 20:43 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano studied the maps silently with the others for a time, it was not until he looked at the lands like this that he really felt how far away he was from the monestary and everything he had once known. The cabin was warm and friendly and far nicer than anything Ano was used to living in. It seemed strange to him that so much was built for comfort, the monastery had been mostly bare with only enough furniture for functionality.
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When it was time to sit and eat Ano washed his hands and took a seat. He ate moderately, not wanting to over fill himself. Most of the meats he saw were strange to his diet so he ate mostly the fruits and vegetables along with some fish. He did indulge in the milk, he had not had milk since he left home and found it a great comfortm <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:41, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 20 posts Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 08:13 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas joined the others at the table, helping himself to some of the brew. "Hey, you've got mammal! I love mammal!" he says, digging into the meats and veggies, eating such a quantity and with such enthusiasm that he soon draws amused smiles from the others at the table.
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Finally realizing that there really were no more crannies in his belly left to fill, he sat back and groaned out "Not to insult your hospitality by comparing it to army food, but that was the finest meal I've eaten for a month! Thank you awfully for your hospitality. If these are the victuals of a swain, I might eventually be convinced that the city isn't the only place worth living after all!"

"Now," he said, clearly making an effort of will to focus his attention through the effects of the brew and the immense amount of food his belly was now making a valiant effort to digest, "While my friends are too shy or courteous to broach the subject themselves, what can you tell us about these 'stars', sir?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:41, Fri 08 Aug 2014. player, 62 posts Human Scholar Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 08:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Ah yes...", Toben winces, "I do recall that."
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Toben ate his meal at a leisurely pace. It was the first decent meal since leaving his home. Every so often he would slip scraps of his meal up his sleeve.

"So, if I have been following along correctly, Klale, Aashera, Eles, and Phineas are all from Nost. Where do you hail from Ano?". Toben finally appears to relax a little bit for the first time in weeks. "With all that has transpired the past week or so, none of us have really been acquainted very well." <p title="Message information.">This message was last updated by the GM at 08:41, Fri 08 Aug 2014. NPC, 5 posts Human Bard Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 08:47 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles returns to the table and fixes himself a plate. He glances at Aashera then leans back and rubs his chin in thought. "A friend of mine -- a scholar like you, Toben -- observed the stars fall that night.  He calculated their trajectories the best he could.  Using my maps, he thinks he knows where at least four of them are."
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He pauses long enough to take a drink and clear his throat. "You remember the map I showed you of Mordûn?  One of them fell there.  That's the first one I'd like to seek out." He sits forward and takes a bite, letting his revelation sink in. player, 50 posts Human Fighter Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 10:41 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale's body assesses the relative importance of sleep and sustenance, his head turns turn toward the table. His shoulders flex as he opens his eyes. He rises, approaches the table, and says Nice spread. Everybody eaten well? ... Good. Klale sits and reaches out his hands...and stops. Excuse me. Where's some water? ... Hands and face washed, he sits again and begins demonstrating "gusto" and "bottomless pit." Though his mouth is usually full, ears and eyes are open. player, 63 posts Human Scholar Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 17:29 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Mordûn huh?" Toben's head bobbles back and forth between the data and the maps as he analyzes everything. "How far would you say Mordûn is from here? It would appear that some of th-"
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Something on one of the maps caught his attention and stopped him mid-sentence. "This one here...", he pokes at the map. "If the trajectory is correct, then this is the one that flew right over Ordmore."

Toben looks up at Eles. "Right?" A spark of anger and frustration starts to glimmer in Toben's eyes. player, 51 posts Human Fighter Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 18:45 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale samples the unknown mammal flesh, perhaps with a sprinkling of salt, and his mouth informs him that it tastes like...and the he should/shouldn't have more, and should /shouldn't ask what it is. NPC, 6 posts Human Bard Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 18:55 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" The old man shook his head. "You don't want to go after that one.  Not right now at any rate.  The ones in the uncivilized parts of the world, out in the west, will be the easiest.  Only wolves and bears to vie with there." player, 64 posts Human Scholar Fri 8 Aug 2014 at 19:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben rocks back in his chair, clearly disappointed. "What do you suppose is out that way? I think that whatever that 'star' was, disturbed something within the mountain... I've got a bit of an itch to find out what happened."
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He sighs, but eventually gives in to the old mans wisdom. "Ok, all in good time I guess. What do you know about the area that first one fell? Mordûn, I am not familiar with it." NPC, 7 posts Human Bard Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 07:38 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "You aren't listening, boy.  As I said before, its a quiet, pretty place.  Grass fields, flowers, a few birds and beasts that mostly leave you alone.  There's a big, solitary mountain in the middle of it.  There's also a mountain range that rings it on the north, west, and south.  That's about it." player, 65 posts Human Scholar Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 07:53 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Sorry, all this information, it's a bit much to take in. This is the furthest I have been from Iron Springs... well, ever.", Toben says, starting to look like a kid in a candy shop.
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"Sounds simple enough though. How many days travel do you think it is? Anything we should avoid on the way over there?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Sat 09 Aug 2014. player, 44 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 09:12 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" While they were eating Ano gave a the others a short look deciding that he could trust them enough. "I come from a small monastery,  its about a month walk to the north east.  Not many people know about it." he points to a spot on one of the maps indicating where the monastery was located.
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He looked at Eles "do you have any idea what these stars might be?  And what do you want with them.  I feel obligated to tell you that i come from the four door brotherhood, the great fathers of our order saw a vision of the stars and sent me to find them and deem if they are a danger to humanity.  That is my duty, that is why im here." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 09:47, Sat 09 Aug 2014. player, 21 posts Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 12:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas looks at Ano with surprise. "Well, there are depths to you, sir! Layers! A questing knight errant in monk's garb. Fascinating!"
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"I'm mostly along for the entertainment value, though I must confess I've taken something of a liking to these big lugs who saw me through the horrors behind us," his expression momentarily darkening at the memory. "In any case, I plan to go where they go for the foreseeable, and to lend my skills and wiles to what adventures may come." player, 52 posts Human Fighter Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 13:40 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale stops feeding long enough to say Opportunity also. His eyes shift to Phineas. Good. NPC, 8 posts Human Ranger Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 19:51 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera looks up at Ano. "A month to the north east?  That's almost to the coast. Lots of forest up that way.  Deep, thick growth." NPC, 8 posts Human Bard Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 20:19 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "A danger, you say?  That they might be.  Or at least what they could portend." The old man shakes his head and closes his eyes.
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After a rather awkward length he opens them again and begins to look each of you in the eye as he speaks. "What was once legend has passed now well beyond myth and only a few remember anything of the telling.  What we know is likely distorted through the lens of time.  I can only relate to you what was passed to me from my father and grandmother or collected through my travels in my youth."

"In the beginning there was only the Creator.  Outside of time the Creator saw within His mind countless other, lesser beings whom He loved, beings that did not exist yet.  So the Creator began to sing.  By His song He made time and filled it with space.  In that space He placed the stars.  Then the stars began to sing with the Creator and through them, He fashioned a world for all the lesser creations He already loved.  When the world was finished, the Creator made the lesser beings, including man."

"However, one of the stars was jealous and grew dark.  During the fashioning of the world, it began to sing its own melody, a dark melody full of minor chords and discordant triads and refrains.  It corrupted the world somewhat, though it could not overcome the power of the Creator and all the other stars in symphony.  It was only enough that the potential for evil now existed.  A potential that some men and others would grasp and use."

Eles took a deep breath. "Finished with Creation, the Creator sent down some of the stars to watch over the world.  They, in turn, added things as was their pleasure, even creating some of their own races, which the Creator blessed and gave true life.  For a time, there was peace.  But the dark star had come down to the world on his own and in secret."

"Then, as more of the lesser beings grew corrupt through the dark star's work, great wars broke out among the mortal races.  The Creator sent more stars, a special group of five to specifically counter the work of the dark star's greatest lieutenant.  The lieutenant was defeated once in the 2nd age and again at the end of the 3rd age.  The world was mostly men by then as the other mortal races dwindled or fled to hidden places far from this land."

"Of the five stars, we know only a little.  The lieutenant of the dark star had corrupted the greatest of the five special stars, the white star.  That star grew dim and was killed by his own servant.  One, the grey star, was given an honored place among the most powerful of the mortal races.  He left with them as they abandoned this land to men.   Two blue stars had come out east, even beyond our lands to the far east.  Not much else is known about them, save that one's name was Mohrinehtar."

Eles then stands and walks to the doorway between the kitchen and the room with the maps. He then turns back toward the table. "You asked me what I think these stars are, I think these are beings, creatures like those of old sent from the Creator.  Something is coming, something powerful.  And its going to stir up the power of the dark star to such an extent that the Creator had to send not five, but seven new stars to help us.  But we have to find them, because they can be corrupted like the white star was.  We have to find them first and heed their council, help them against whatever they have been sent here to fight." player, 54 posts Human Fighter Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 20:36 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Klale chuckles. We're that important? .... Well, my father would not take up a worm, not even to fish. "Klale," he would say, "Klale, every worm enriches the soil. In a way, we live on worms." NPC, 9 posts Human Bard Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 20:58 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles chuckles. "That sounds exactly like something he would say, Klale." player, 66 posts Human Scholar Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 23:28 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben absorbed as much of the information as he could. "So, of the five stars there was a white one, a grey one, and two blue ones. What was the fifth?"
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"Also, if these stars are in fact beings. How will we recognize them from anyone else?" <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sat 09 Aug 2014. NPC, 10 posts Human Bard Sat 9 Aug 2014 at 23:59 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" " I searched for a while, but I never found out anything more about the fifth star.  I don't know what they look like.   Bright glowing things?" player, 55 posts Human Fighter Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 00:02 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Either or both of you coming with us? Klale, who is slowing down, asks his hosts. NPC, 11 posts Human Bard Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 06:32 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles and Aashera look at each other. Eles smiles back at Klale. "We are traveling to Mordune.  We would welcome your company." player, 22 posts Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 06:52 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "To be frank, sir, your story of falling star-people sounds like bollocks; pardon both my language and lack of tact. People are people, stars are stars -- I've never seen anything to make me believe that one can become the other, or that anything can be both. However, Nost is all I've ever known, and while I still maintain that the city is an incomparable place to live off the fat of society, I'm beginning to suspect that the rest of the world might have charms of its own, and I'm ready to see some more of it with you all." NPC, 12 posts Human Bard Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 08:31 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "You hold on to that skepticism, boy.  It's healthy." Dinner finishes as the group contemplates what has been said. "Shall we adjourn to the living room?  There are maps there and we can discuss." player, 67 posts Human Scholar Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 08:54 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben smiles at Phineas. "I love your honesty, kid. I have to admit that I am a bit skeptical as well, but like you, I have only known the town on Iron Springs. The world is a big place, and it's history is shrouded by all sorts of mysteries. If we are to unravel them, at least we will do it as a team."
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Toben follows Eles to the living room to get a more detailed look at the maps. He looks over to Eles. "I'm happy to hear you'll both be coming with us, I think we'll need someone as well travelled as you to help us on our way." Toben gives Eles a slight nudge, "Besides, I like your stories... that'll be a welcome thing for what looks to be a long journey."

OOC: Is the map labeled with locations? I see Mordune on the wiki map, but I can't make out any others. Does it have any sort of scale to determine distance between points?

He begins to scan over the large map hanging on the wall. "You made this one? I have to say... its very impressive." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Sun 10 Aug 2014. player, 45 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 08:57 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano regards Aashera and nods slightly, "it was a long journey". As Eles began to tell them the history of the last few ages, Ano took it all in, learning as much as he could. Phineas was right it seemed implausible, the world had not seen anything of this sort for ages, the only mention of these things were lost in the deepest legends and myths.
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After dinner Ano moved to the next room with the rest to look at the maps, he took the time to show them on the map where exactly he came from. He was mostly quiet, thinking on all the things Eles had said.

[Private to Eru: I just wanted to clarify the map, I feel a bit mixed up. I see where Mordune is. where in relation to it is Nost and the other dutchies. ] player, 56 posts Human Fighter Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 14:19 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano, just to make sure, is your monastery on the way to where a star might have landed? NPC, 9 posts Human Ranger Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 21:04 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Aashera enters after Toben. "Impressive if you are talking about all the cook-fire burns, the sword slash that took off the lower left corner, and that tear on the right that still smells slightly of perfume.  He never did explain that one." <p title="Message information.">This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Sun 10 Aug 2014. NPC, 13 posts Human Bard Sun 10 Aug 2014 at 21:07 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "Ignore her." Eles clears the table in the room and spreads the large map lovingly across it, laid flat. "Here are the duchies, just north and east of that little blob of forest and lake that looks like a turtle.  Mordune is south west of the turtle forest." player, 69 posts Human Scholar Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 09:35 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "So... based on what Aashera said, if it's a month travel to where Ano is from, then it looks like maybe 3 or so weeks to get to Mordune.", Toben sort of cocks his head to one side, "Does that sound about right, Eles?"
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"Are there many settlements or cities along the way? Or should we prepare for wilderness the whole way?" NPC, 14 posts Human Bard Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 10:29 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Eles looks at the map then Aashera. "A month as the girl, or maybe the young monk here travels.  With a fully loaded wagon carrying a mobile forge?  We'd be lucky to make it in two.  It's over a thousand miles to the coast the direction Ano here traveled from.  Mordune is about six hundred at the border.  If we go to the mountain where I think the star fell, its another two hundred." He points to the region beyond the turtle-shaped forest. "It's mostly open territory, though, so that will help some.  Once in Mordune, there are some obstacles to slow us." NPC, 10 posts Human Ranger Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 10:34 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" "There are a few towns along the way.  Villages, really.  Smaller than Nost.  There is one major city, but its out of the way." She points to a gap between the southern black mountains surrounding Mordune and the brown mountains to the east and south. "The city is here.  It hasn't been around for many years, but its grown tremendously in the past few decades.  Trade between the south and the far east, the duchies some, too, has increased over the last fifty years.  The city is a gateway city between those two economies."
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She shakes her head. "It's weeks out of the way and will only slow us down.  There is plenty of game and forage along the way to Mordune.  That city would just be a waste of time." player, 70 posts Human Scholar Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 10:50 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Toben nods at Eles, "Yeah, you're probably right. The wagon and supplies will certainly slow us down, so we'll want to make sure we don't deviate too much."
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"I agree Aashera, we probably don't want to go that far out of the way. At the very least, we should plot out a course to at least stop at some of the more convenient villages... just in case."

Toben shrugs slightly, "We can always make course adjustments if necessary though." player, 57 posts Human Fighter Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 14:20 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Villages, yes. There'll be no blacksmith, or maybe one. He...or she (he added after a glance at Aashera) won't mind. We'll help get any backlog caught up and move on. It'll reassure the locals of our peaceable intentions too. player, 71 posts Human Scholar Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 18:26 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" After lengthy discussions over the route they were going to take and the supplies they were going to pack, Toben starts rolling all his parchment up in preparation for a good nights sleep.
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"Ok, so just to recap for those who weren't paying attention." He taps Phineas on head, who was already starting to nod off. "We'll likely be taking this path to the southwest towards Mordune." He runs his finger across the map starting just shy of Nost in a semi-curved path past the turtle forest and through the uprights of the mountain range surrounding Mordune.

"The most direct route will bypass the larger city, but that shouldn't be a problem since we can hit these smaller villages along the way. We can also resupply there if necessary." Toben taps at few points noted on the map.

"As Eles mentioned, it'll probably be a long couple months on the road so we'll need to pack up whatever we think we'll need in the wagon. Spare weapons, tools, survival gear, rations, and the like. We'll be a pretty big moving target on the road, so we'll need to be prepared for as much as possible." Toben finally takes a deep breath. "Any questions?"

He whispers out of the corner of his mouth to the much more experienced traveler, Eles "Did I miss anything?" NPC, 11 posts Human Ranger Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 19:25 Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" It is Aashera who answers. "Only what we may be up against out there." She scowls at Eles. "The wilds are rarely dangerous.  The random wolf pack or ornery bear.  But now these stars have fallen; messengers from the Creator or Fiends come to steal our souls, whatever they may be.  Others will be hunting them as well.  Some may be willing to join us and share our adventure."
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She looks directly at Phineas to make sure the point is driven home. "Most will likely want to kill us to reduce the competition.  We here have established a small amount of trust amongst ourselves.  Klale, Eles, and I have known each other for a long time.  The rest of you...seem harmless enough.  Beyond that, I wouldn't trust many.  Certainly not those who we meet on the road and appear to be heading in the same direction." player, 58 posts Human Fighter Mon 11 Aug 2014 at 20:25 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Let's hope for more cooperation and less competition...lest evil become too amused.
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Remember that the wagon will only hold so much. And all but one at a time will be walking, maybe with load on back. We may need to be on the lookout for another wagon or cart.

Let's see to the horses. I'm guessing we'll not need to set a watch like they didin the old tales. player, 46 posts Human Monk AC15(FF13, T15) HP22/22 Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 05:33 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Ano listened quietly though the discussion, the others seemed to have a good handle on how to travel with multiple people, something Ano did not have any experience in. The route they had chosen seemed to be the best possible one, but it seemed like it would take a long time to get to Mordune, and it made him feel uncomfortable. They were sure to encounter opposition from others looking for the stars and they would have quite the lead on them. player, 23 posts Tue 12 Aug 2014 at 05:58 PM | rMail | Profile | Info | Rolls Re: Little Cabin in the Woods{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" Phineas, exhausted from the excitement of the past few days and the prospect of further adventure, snored softly in one of the comfortable chairs, curled up like a cat.
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